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Help! Why are you reading this?

By Matt Goyer August 2, 2007

I’m at the Inman Real Estate Connect 07 conference in San Francisco and in a few hours will be speaking on a panel about blogging. I’m curious to know why do you read this blog? While you think and comment about that I’m thinking about why I write it and to be honest. I’m not sure.

I own and manage Urban Living, a boutique Seattle and Bellevue real estate brokerage. I love lofts, floating homes, new construction, and mid-century moderns, but I will help you buy or sell just about anything!

Get in touch to:

Understand the market
Find your perfect home
Sell your home

Contact:
[email protected]
206-203-6242

38 responses to “Help! Why are you reading this?”

EconE says:

August 2, 2007 at 8:37 pm

Because television sucks.

Besides…where else can we find someone who runs around Seattle like a trained monkey, disseminating juicy tidbits of information on the condo scene that doesn’t come with a bunch of REIC spin.
EconE says:

August 2, 2007 at 12:37 pm

Because television sucks.

Besides…where else can we find someone who runs around Seattle like a trained monkey, disseminating juicy tidbits of information on the condo scene that doesn’t come with a bunch of REIC spin.
A Espiritu says:

August 2, 2007 at 8:38 pm

I read this blog because it gives good insight on a city I love and wish to one day live in. I am actively looking for a new condo purchase that I expect to buy within 12-18 months when I think prices may be more affordable for me. The point of view you state is usually candid, objective, and presented tastefully. I like the comments others make because sometimes it gives even more details than just looking at property pictures on zillow or redfin. Overall, I do think the information is useful and most times entertaining.
A Espiritu says:

August 2, 2007 at 12:38 pm

I read this blog because it gives good insight on a city I love and wish to one day live in. I am actively looking for a new condo purchase that I expect to buy within 12-18 months when I think prices may be more affordable for me. The point of view you state is usually candid, objective, and presented tastefully. I like the comments others make because sometimes it gives even more details than just looking at property pictures on zillow or redfin. Overall, I do think the information is useful and most times entertaining.
DMG says:

August 2, 2007 at 9:01 pm

“disseminating juicy tidbits of information on the condo scene that doesnt come with a bunch of REIC spin”

I second that!
DMG says:

August 2, 2007 at 1:01 pm

“disseminating juicy tidbits of information on the condo scene that doesn’t come with a bunch of REIC spin”

I second that!
Anonymous says:

August 2, 2007 at 9:19 pm

Why do I read your blog??? Because you’re on a panel right now, talking about it.
John K says:

August 2, 2007 at 1:19 pm

Why do I read your blog??? Because you’re on a panel right now, talking about it.
kh says:

August 2, 2007 at 10:16 pm

because you’re passionate about getting the inside scoop!

and it’s a place for consumers to give each other feedback about what’s really going on in the seattle RE world.
kh says:

August 2, 2007 at 2:16 pm

because you’re passionate about getting the inside scoop!

and it’s a place for consumers to give each other feedback about what’s really going on in the seattle RE world.
Dan L says:

August 2, 2007 at 10:45 pm

Because I have nothing better to do. = (

But seriously, I like it because as posted above, it’s a resource for RE info without the hype. It’s what’s really happening in our city – good, bad, or ugly. I like to see what new projects are coming up and hearing what other people think of them, rather than just reading the list of accolades the marketing team wrote for themselves on their website.

I find it very interesting and informative to read about others’ experiences with sales centers, upgrades, move-ins, closing, delays, etc.

In short, this is a forum for sharing the real experience of downtown condo living.
Dan L says:

August 2, 2007 at 2:45 pm

Because I have nothing better to do. = (

But seriously, I like it because as posted above, it’s a resource for RE info without the hype. It’s what’s really happening in our city – good, bad, or ugly. I like to see what new projects are coming up and hearing what other people think of them, rather than just reading the list of accolades the marketing team wrote for themselves on their website.

I find it very interesting and informative to read about others’ experiences with sales centers, upgrades, move-ins, closing, delays, etc.

In short, this is a forum for sharing the real experience of downtown condo living.
CG says:

August 2, 2007 at 11:05 pm

Because Matt Goyer is a 21st Century Pied Piper, smashing the RE cartel to empower us condo dwellers. Hey, I’m in S.F. today and tomorrow too, having made an unexpected corporate trip to tamp down an office brushfire. Maybe I’ll pop over to the Palace Hotel to see you in action. Are you pinch-hitting for the illustrious Glenn Kelman? If so, break a leg!
CG says:

August 2, 2007 at 3:05 pm

Because Matt Goyer is a 21st Century Pied Piper, smashing the RE cartel to empower us condo dwellers. Hey, I’m in S.F. today and tomorrow too, having made an unexpected corporate trip to tamp down an office brushfire. Maybe I’ll pop over to the Palace Hotel to see you in action. Are you pinch-hitting for the illustrious Glenn Kelman? If so, break a leg!
JasonC says:

August 2, 2007 at 11:06 pm

Add me to the list who just likes to read the comments and opinions of actual urban condo dwellers, not the paid marketing spin people who write for the developers and probably live in Issaquah. ;-)
JasonC says:

August 2, 2007 at 3:06 pm

Add me to the list who just likes to read the comments and opinions of actual urban condo dwellers, not the paid marketing spin people who write for the developers and probably live in Issaquah. ;-)
Daniel Brincat says:

August 2, 2007 at 11:30 pm

I just wanted to say that I thought you did a really good job on that panel. I’m intrigued now and see myself coming back to your site and reading whats going on here. Thanks for coming to Inman Connect and sharing your insight.
Daniel Brincat says:

August 2, 2007 at 3:30 pm

I just wanted to say that I thought you did a really good job on that panel. I’m intrigued now and see myself coming back to your site and reading whats going on here. Thanks for coming to Inman Connect and sharing your insight.
mattgoyer says:

August 2, 2007 at 11:34 pm

Thanks for everyone for the kind words and support. If I could ask I’d love more comments on why people like the blog and what they want to see more of? Which posts do you like? Which do you hate? If I were at all organized I’d put together a survey, but I’m not!

CG, bummer you’ve missed both Kelman and I speaking. He might still be here at the Palace but I’m just about to head back to our office a block away for a focus group I’m running.
Matt says:

August 2, 2007 at 3:34 pm

Thanks for everyone for the kind words and support. If I could ask I’d love more comments on why people like the blog and what they want to see more of? Which posts do you like? Which do you hate? If I were at all organized I’d put together a survey, but I’m not!

CG, bummer you’ve missed both Kelman and I speaking. He might still be here at the Palace but I’m just about to head back to our office a block away for a focus group I’m running.
mattgoyer says:

August 2, 2007 at 11:48 pm

Thanks Dan!

I’ve posted some thoughts on the panel here: http://blog.mattgoyer.com/archives/2007/08/02/289
Matt says:

August 2, 2007 at 3:48 pm

Thanks Dan!

I’ve posted some thoughts on the panel here: http://blog.mattgoyer.com/archives/2007/08/02/289
bob says:

August 3, 2007 at 1:37 pm

I track as many downtowner blogs as possible to keep my nose in as many things going on as I can. Thanks!
bob says:

August 3, 2007 at 5:37 am

I track as many downtowner blogs as possible to keep my nose in as many things going on as I can. Thanks!
vc says:

August 3, 2007 at 8:17 pm

I read your blog because it sometimes gives me more information about condo developments (and all of the attendant issues such as gentrification debates, transit, etc).

I least like your content that seems to be self-servicing (the 10+ posts on your condo that’s for sale I found to be over the top and a tad sleazy, to be brutally honest).

To end on a positive note: I love your meticulous organization of posts by condo development. Very, very cool.
vc says:

August 3, 2007 at 12:17 pm

I read your blog because it sometimes gives me more information about condo developments (and all of the attendant issues such as gentrification debates, transit, etc).

I least like your content that seems to be self-servicing (the 10+ posts on your condo that’s for sale I found to be over the top and a tad sleazy, to be brutally honest).

To end on a positive note: I love your meticulous organization of posts by condo development. Very, very cool.
CG says:

August 4, 2007 at 3:38 am

VC: I have a different take on Matt’s open-book policy. The way he exposes his real estate fears and obsessions is both witty and enormously instructive. And also quite courageous. This includes his machinations in trying to sell his unit at the Meritage. By being so transparent, Matt really does speak for so many of us. No way in hell I would do likewise in such a public forum. Plus, Matts public display of angst gives this site its infectious charm and probably means that hell never be able to replicate it in other cities. For me at least, Matt has provided the single most valuable way to sate my own burgeoning desire to become both a real estate magnate and an urban living stalwart. I do worry that once Matt becomes ensconced in Trace Lofts, this site is going to suffer from Matts own impending condo contentment. Hopefully, Traces homeowners association will do real weird stuff (but no weirder than all the other condo associations) that will trigger lots of new hand-wringing by Matt that he can use to further enlighten the rest of us in what it all means as society evolves into the golden age of urban condo living.
CG says:

August 3, 2007 at 7:38 pm

VC: I have a different take on Matt’s open-book policy. The way he exposes his real estate fears and obsessions is both witty and enormously instructive. And also quite courageous. This includes his machinations in trying to sell his unit at the Meritage. By being so transparent, Matt really does speak for so many of us. No way in hell I would do likewise in such a public forum. Plus, Matt’s public display of angst gives this site its infectious charm – and probably means that he’ll never be able to replicate it in other cities. For me at least, Matt has provided the single most valuable way to sate my own burgeoning desire to become both a real estate magnate and an urban living stalwart. I do worry that once Matt becomes ensconced in Trace Lofts, this site is going to suffer from Matt’s own impending condo contentment. Hopefully, Trace’s homeowners association will do real weird stuff (but no weirder than all the other condo associations) that will trigger lots of new hand-wringing by Matt that he can use to further enlighten the rest of us in what it all means as society evolves into the golden age of urban condo living.
seattle67 says:

August 4, 2007 at 7:08 pm

Matt, I like the fact that you lead by example by encouraging regular people to discuss their hopes, concerns, disappointment and joy at real estate development in Seattle. All of the discussions on your site help shine some extra light on an industry that aggressively works to keep its problems private. This site has already exposed issues with a number of firms and properties, all of which give consumers better information to make decisions. I wouldn’t be surprised if the developer of the future will probably be someone who isn’t afraid of sharing their efforts on Urban Living like you haven’t been afraid to share yours.

And to VC, I’ll say this about Matt’s condo postings. Have you thought about this, by being so upfront about his unit’s flaws and benefits he may even be hurting his unit’s resale. I’d argue that all the public discussion he’s put into his unit probably amounts to the most honest and accurate real estate seller’s disclosure form on the market right now.
seattle67 says:

August 4, 2007 at 11:08 am

Matt, I like the fact that you lead by example by encouraging regular people to discuss their hopes, concerns, disappointment and joy at real estate development in Seattle. All of the discussions on your site help shine some extra light on an industry that aggressively works to keep its problems private. This site has already exposed issues with a number of firms and properties, all of which give consumers better information to make decisions. I wouldn’t be surprised if the developer of the future will probably be someone who isn’t afraid of sharing their efforts on Urban Living like you haven’t been afraid to share yours.

And to VC, I’ll say this about Matt’s condo postings. Have you thought about this, by being so upfront about his unit’s flaws and benefits he may even be hurting his unit’s resale. I’d argue that all the public discussion he’s put into his unit probably amounts to the most honest and accurate real estate seller’s disclosure form on the market right now.
jaap says:

August 5, 2007 at 3:38 am

Seattle is morphing before our eyes (and we ain’t seen nothin’ yet :)

Housing is such a huge part of what’s happening here – it may well be the engine that drives a new urban culture as more and more of us move back downtown.

I read this blog because for better or worse, I’m part of this ‘community’ of new downtown dwellers. As has been mentioned, the open-ness, lively discussion, and just plain excellent information here are amazing and unique.

It would be great to see an expansion of the ‘livn’ part of urbn livn – moving beyond simply a real-estate blog to the whole condo/loft urban lifestyle thing.

Toto, we’re not in the suburbs anymore …
jaap says:

August 4, 2007 at 7:38 pm

Seattle is morphing before our eyes (and we ain’t seen nothin’ yet :)

Housing is such a huge part of what’s happening here – it may well be the engine that drives a new urban culture as more and more of us move back downtown.

I read this blog because for better or worse, I’m part of this ‘community’ of new downtown dwellers. As has been mentioned, the open-ness, lively discussion, and just plain excellent information here are amazing and unique.

It would be great to see an expansion of the ‘livn’ part of urbn livn – moving beyond simply a real-estate blog to the whole condo/loft urban lifestyle thing.

Toto, we’re not in the suburbs anymore …
Seth says:

August 5, 2007 at 4:55 pm

Matt,

Lets just say that this is one of the few blogs around where I can really get a true feel for the condo market in Seattle. Its like the Amazon rating system, no matter what the seller says, the buyer tells all!!!!
By reading this site I feel in touch and informed.

This is a great blog, please keep it up, its one of the few sites I go to on a daily basis.

Thanks,

Seth
Seth says:

August 5, 2007 at 8:55 am

Matt,

Lets just say that this is one of the few blogs around where I can really get a true feel for the condo market in Seattle. Its like the Amazon rating system, no matter what the seller says, the buyer tells all!!!!
By reading this site I feel in touch and informed.

This is a great blog, please keep it up, its one of the few sites I go to on a daily basis.

Thanks,

Seth
mattgoyer says:

August 7, 2007 at 7:32 am

Thanks for the feedback everyone and thanks for participating here. I’m glad you’re all enjoying the blog.

As for blogging about my sales experience… This blog started because I was looking for a condo, it’s only right for me to blog about it’s sale. And yes, I feel like that blogging has done more harm than good. Oh well. It’s for the benefit of the ‘community’. Hopefully the community shares some good stories in return and makes it worthwhile!
Matt says:

August 6, 2007 at 11:32 pm

Thanks for the feedback everyone and thanks for participating here. I’m glad you’re all enjoying the blog.

As for blogging about my sales experience… This blog started because I was looking for a condo, it’s only right for me to blog about it’s sale. And yes, I feel like that blogging has done more harm than good. Oh well. It’s for the benefit of the ‘community’. Hopefully the community shares some good stories in return and makes it worthwhile!
Foster says:

August 8, 2007 at 4:44 am

Keep up the great work, Matt!
Foster says:

August 7, 2007 at 8:44 pm

Keep up the great work, Matt!

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