Its been a year like no other but along with the rest of the world, we’re thrilled to see some sort of normalcy this summer, especially in one of our favorite places: Chautauqua!
Its hard to believe we are already have half of Week One behind us and although it looked a little different than most years in Chautauqua’s history, it was delightful to see smiling (and some masked) faces around the grounds. Our Vacation Rental Team welcomed over 40 families to Chautauqua and surrounding areas this week, some of which included Team VP owners that hadn’t been to their property in over a year!
Chautauquans have been enjoying some great events and activities this week including Sailing Lessons,Yoga,several concerts, and much more. This week’s theme is China and the World: Collaboration, Competition, Confrontation?
When reflecting on the 2021 Chautauqua Season, Rachael Wiley-Steffen of ERA Team VP commented, “We are thrilled to be back on the grounds! Thrilled for the programming! And, thrilled for the interaction!”
Our Vacation Rental Department has limited availability this season, so if you’re looking to visit Chautauqua, contact them sooner than later! Call 716.413.0201 or visit www.myteamvp.com.
According to the National Association of Realtors the inventory of homes for sale in our nation is still very low, while the demand of buyers continues to climb. The current housing inventory is sitting at just a 2 month supply, while a typical, “neutral” threshold is a 6 month supply. What does this mean for you if you’re thinking about selling? It means that due to the astonishingly low inventory and increase in competition amongst those looking to purchase, buyers must step up their game when it comes to submitting offers, putting more money in the pockets of home sellers.
In addition to the already high demand of buyers, mortgage interest rates are at an all time low – making it even more affordable and attainable for them to make their purchase dreams come to life. This makes the pool of buyers seeking a home even larger, while market inventory has continued stay low.
Overall, this has lead homes to appreciate, allowing sellers to get top dollar for their property in today’s competitive market. With the increase in competition, its common to see multiple offers, bidding wars and cash deals when possible. Therefore, now more than ever, its crucial to team up with an experienced real estate agent to help navigate this process, whether you’re looking to buy or sell! For more information about ERA Team VP or to connect with an agent, head to www.erateamvp.com.
Remember when you learned how to use the jungle gym rings in grade school? If you wanted to get anywhere, you had to build up enough courage, motion, and strength to let go… and trust you would be able to grab onto the next ring, getting you one move closer to your goal!
Buying and selling a home can be a lot like learning how to get across the jungle gym. You might miss your next ring, but you won’t get better if you don’t try again. You might dangle for a bit, until you have the right help come along and give you a nudge in the right direction. You might, however, get it the first time and ‘nail the landing’!
The Repair Dilemma:
Sellers have never been more fearful to try their luck at the real estate ‘jungle gym’, and here are three major reasons why:
We understand that putting your homes best ‘foot forward’ is to ensure it is looking its absolute best when a potential buyers walk through! Also, people don’t want to put a lot of money into fixing up their home just to turn around and sell it again… Especially knowing what kind-of a market their walking into! Let’s review a couple of different approaches that could be taken.
Sell as is: If you are at peace with selling your home as is, then do it! Fix the basic items (replace lightbulbs, repair screens that may be ripped, tighten hinges on cupboard doors, etc.) and make sure your home looks cared for. Potential buyers will still see the love you have given your home even though you might not want to splurge to have that big deck put on for someone else to enjoy. Also, if you’re looking for a few affordable and fun projects, check out 5 easy ways to upgrade your home.
Pick your investment: While you might not be interested in fixing every little item, you might want to invest in the most important ones. If you have spoken with a real estate agent…, they know what to look for. They will be able to advise you on what will have the biggest impact on your home’s sale price. The greatest agents will have terrific advice that will not break the bank but will get your house ready for the market!
The Market:
In the housing market, the seller and the buyer are, in many cases, the same person – the existing homeowner. To buy a new home, you must sell the home you already own, and then find a home you like better. With the market being as tight as it is in today’s housing market, the risk of selling, if others do not, prevents many existing homeowners from selling. The result? Prices are further bid up by competition for the increasingly short supply.
Sellers also think their home might not be worth as much as what they need in order to buy a home in a market like this. This is the ‘nudge part’ of the jungle gym analogy. The hesitation is understandable, but that is why relying on a great support system, for example, the agents at ERA Team VP Real Estate will give you the nudge in the right direction. With a free CMA [Comparative Market Analysis], these professional and knowledgeable agents can help capture the value of your home, which in this market will likely sell for more than you would expect! For a free valuation of your home, contact one of these qualified agents in your area.
The complexity of the process is overwhelming:
There is no doubt that this process is complex….and at times overwhelming! From the beginning of packing up your house, going through the emotions of excitement and sadness to the elatedness of finding your dream home and looking forward to moving in… it is a lot to process, a lot to do, and a lot to keep organized! The right Real Estate Agent is key to eliminating stress and complexity while providing peace of mind throughout the entire process. Finding an agent who recognizes the value of your home, who communicates well and genuinely cares for your needs is crucial in making an overwhelming process a walk in the park.
Isn’t it finally time to get away? Your local oasis awaits!
We can all agree that it has been a tough year! We have been distanced from our loved ones, our routine lives, and we have lost opportunities to travel to our favorite vacation spots.
Have you ever heard of the term Travitude? No, well we have…, and we’d love to share what it means with you…
Travitude is ‘when you get grumpy and sassy due to of a lack of traveling’. (Don’t check that with Mr. Webster, he may not agree with us). This year, we feel pretty confident that many are suffering from a little bit of Travitude, if you will (insert wink here)! So, if you are “chomping at the bit” to get out and about and make some travel plans, be sure to add the sweet hometown of Ellicottville, NY to your destination calendar! And, book your home away from home today!
Do you
love hiking, biking, and all things outdoors? ✔️
Are
you hoping for a much-needed get-away for you and your significant other? ✔️
Are
you looking to decompress, window shop, and unplug from the everyday? ✔️
Are
you hoping to create the most amazing memories that will make you want to come
back year after year? ✔️💯
If yes, then read on, friends!
Elkdale Country Club
Nestled in the rolling hills of New York’s Southern Tier, Elkdale Country Club offers a challenging 18-hole golf course, beautiful scenery and complete restaurant and lounge facility. The front nine at Elkdale was built in 1927 and is cut through varied terrain and mature trees. The back nine was added in mid-1960’s and is a bit longer with larger greens. The 6132-yard par 70 layout is designed to provide an interesting challenge for players of all skill levels. Our modern tee-to-green watering system insures maximum playability through-out the season. The course includes a challenging 555-yard par 5 followed by a 215-yard par 3. The course men’s rating is 70.2 and the slope rating is 122.[1]
Holiday Valley
Fill your days at the Sky High Adventure Park: 13 courses (largest in NYS and 3rd largest in US), 142 platforms, 170 elements, 43 ziplines, tallest platform is 68 feet & the longest zip line is 350 feet![2] If that doesn’t get your heart racing, I’m not sure what will! If that seems a little too extreme, check out the biking options and journey on one of the several trails via mountain bike or rent an e-bike for the afternoon! Finish your day with a challenging game of golf. The course is a pleasing blend of a mountain and flat terrain.
Rock City Park
A piece of history and a local hidden gem, Rock City Park is the perfect opportunity to take the family for a day of hiking through giant rock formations and trails that descend into crevices. There are spectacular views of the area to enjoy, and events planned all throughout the summer!
Griffis Sculpture Park
450 acres located eight miles outside of Ellicottville, Griffis Sculpture Park is not only a tremendous regional attraction, but holds the distinction of being one of America’s largest and oldest sculpture parks. The park features over 250 large scale sculptures dispersed through miles of hiking trails. Each sculpture was placed with the natural setting in mind, creating a truly unique experience between art and nature.[3]
Holimont
Now if you have heard anything about Holimont, you might think if there is no snow, there is nothing happening there. Let’s talk about biking and trails in this gorgeous area! Access to a fun and flowy, 1 mile trail from the top of our Greer slope to the main chalet area. Recently added is a trail that connects the top of Sunset to the top of Greer. This trail can be found by climbing up the HoliMont multi-purpose trail or from the 30+ miles of single track in the McCarthy Forest. HoliMont has direct access to some of the best trails in Western New York. Whether you like to hike or bike, the single-track trails in McCarthy State Forest has something for everyone. There are over 40 miles of IMBA Epic trails to ride in EVL and surrounding area.
After exploring the area, you are going to be ready to pamper yourself with a fun night out. Vacation calories do not count, right? So, while you are here, make sure you visit one of the 23 eateries or pubs in town. Just to mention a few favorites:
Dina’s Restaurant, rated #1 by TripAdvisor and a fan
favorite in I LOVE NY’s Restaurant Challenge. For a more refined palate, check
out their extensive wine list and pair it to their filet mignon or their
lobster ravioli.
Ellicottville Brewing Company, ranked one of the best bars and brew
pubs in NY State. They also serve a mean menu; tasty dishes range from ‘loaded
brewer tots’ to Persia Salmon and NY Strip Steak.
The Gin Mill, a house favorite of Bills running back
#34, Thurman Thomas. He and his wife say they have, “the best fries around”[4].
Katy’s Café, lighter fare and a morning option for
early risers. Come enjoy the local artwork while sipping on a made to order
espresso, grab a breakfast bagel or sit and enjoy some homemade French toast.
If you get a hankering for something sweet after perusing the town all day,
head back here for ice cream or a milkshake.
Villagios, another favorite of Thurman Thomas,
Bills running back #34! Fine, Italian
cuisine working with local growers, farmers, and businesses. Winner of 2016’s
Taste of Buffalo: Pat Sardina Memorial Award for Best Comfort Food
— Meatball.
The amount of time a home spends on the market before going under contract is an indicator of how competitive the housing market is. Currently, homes are spending an average of 32 days on the market. The longer homes spend on the market, the more control homebuyers have in this ‘game of roulette’.
Here are five easy ways to keep your house out of the seller’s limbo by adding perceived value (and actual value) to your home.
Upgrade your Mailbox
It may seem like a silly thing, or something you might not even notice anymore when you drive into your driveway. But a weathered or outdated mailbox can be an eyesore for the potential homebuyer, especially when wanting to make a great first impression. It is also one of the easiest home improvements you can do!
Paint your Home Inside and Out
Remember the time your kids insisted on bright purple or orange when painting their room? While that’s fitting for your family, a potential homebuyer might not have the same appreciation for those energetic colors, and it could distract them from seeing the true potential a room has to offer. Help buyers envision themselves in your home by painting rooms a neutral color.
In a similar vein, if your house has always been known as the “pink” house on the street even though it was originally red, painting the exterior will also help with potential buyers. Painting the exterior of your home can be pricey, when done by professionals, the process has a very quick turnaround time, and the result will be sure to leave a lasting impression on potential buyers.
Clean, Declutter and Stage your Home
People touring your home like to look not just at the larger rooms, but also poke around in closets or nooks and crannies to make sure their stuff will fit. If your closets are overflowing with the winter jackets, or you have too many pieces of furniture in a room-your home may not be ready to show off the qualities that make it truly unique. Nothing turns potential buyers off more than an unkept and cluttered home.
Fence in your backyard
Sixty-seven percent of U.S. households, or about 85 million families, own a pet, according to the 2019-2020 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association (APPA). Over half of potential buyers coming to tour your home find a fence necessary, and the other 33% find it to be an extra perk, so it is a win-win!
Reinvent Interior Doors
During all these other updates you’re working on, don’t forget to give those creaky, non-lockable doors a little TLC too. You know, the ones that are warped and stick to their frame from temperature changes. It’s amazing what a difference installing new doors in your home can make, and it’s even more amazing when you choose a beautiful doorknob style to complete the look!
ERA Team VP Real Estate is excited to announce the addition of its newest real estate professional, Mollie Stutzman. Stutzman will be working out of the Chautauqua, NY office and looks forward to serving all of Chautauqua and parts of Cattaraugus counties.
“Mollie’s strive for success is apparent,” says Bill Soffel, ERA Team VP Broker/Owner. “She has an eye for detail and I’m confident that will contribute to her positive client relationships.”
Mollie is a wife and mother of two and resides in Chautauqua county, so is no stranger to the community. “I really look forward to serving clients and helping them find buy and sell homes, Mollie says. “Real estate is a smart investment and I’m proud to be able to assist people in their investment journey!”
To reach Mollie directly, you can call her at 716-640-9452 or email her at criscraft79@gmail.com.
Fall is officially here and there’s no better place to spend it than right here in Western NY and Northwest PA! Here are a few of our favorite socially-distancing safe spots to visit this Fall.
With a little more added each year, Pumpkinville offers Fall entertainment for all ages at a reasonable price. Known for their famous pumpkin donuts and apple cider, there’s a variety of other yummy treats available as well. There’s also plenty of kids’ games, photo opportunities, , a petting zoo, corn maze, and of course… pumpkins! Pumpkinville is open 7 days a week, 9AM – 7 PM through October 31 and is located at 4844 Sugartown Rd. Great Valley, NY 14741.
Located in Ashville, NY, Whittier Apple Farm offers over 12 varieties of apples for your family to pick this fall. Fresh pressed apple cider is available for purchase as well!
Although Ellicottville’s iconic Fall Festival has been cancelled due to COVID-19 this year, Holiday Valley is still offering weekend chairlift rides through the autumn touched woods this October. Rides are available on weekends only from 12-4PM for 10$ per rider (ages 6 and under are free).
Situated on over 600 acres of gorgeously landscaped lend, the Nature Center is a wonderful way to unwind and enjoy the foliage!
5. Pick out mums at Peaches & Cream in Randolph, NY
Located at 19 Main Street in Randolph, NY, Peaches & Cream offers a variety of fresh goods and locally made syrups, sauces, and jams throughout the summer, but they’re also well known for their beautiful selection of mums in the fall! They’re open 7 days a week through the Fall.
Offering a variety of fun fall themed games and activities, Pumpkintown is open weekends now through October 27, weather permitting. Fresh cider, a corn maze, and pony rides are a few of the items Pumpkintown is most known for!
Beautiful is truly an understatement when it comes to the Skywalk, no matter the season, but our favorite time of year to visit is the Fall. Take the family and enjoy the phenomenal views and foliage from above and be sure to bring the camera!
ERA Team VP is proud to announce the addition of three new real estate professionals to its team. Jesse Harmon, Lynn Case, and Patricia Collier all join the brokerage each with unique backgrounds.
Jesse Harmon joins the team with a background in nursing, yet has always had an interest in real estate. “My two kids and I enjoy spending time outside together. I also spend some of my free time volunteering for various organizations and giving back to the community.” Jesse says. She plans to serve Cattaraugus, Allegany, and Southern Erie Counties and is looking forward to helping friends, family and future clients with all of their home buying and selling needs. Jesse will be working out of ERA Team VP’s Allegany location. To reach Jesse directly, call 716-904-1456 or email jesseharmon02@icloud.com.
Lynn Case, who resides in Jamestown, NY, also joins ERA Team VP as a new agent, however, she has over 20 years of working with the public. Lynn is eager to dive into her real estate career and begin helping those looking to buy or sell a home. “I’m looking forward to serving clients in Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany and parts of Erie county. I have a passion for helping people and look forward to supporting my clients with one of the biggest steps in their lives!” Lynn will be working out of ERA Team VP’s Chautauqua office. To reach her directly, call 716-640-9393 or email lynn.case1@yahoo.com.
Patricia Collier is the third addition to the ERA Team VP Real Estate team. Patricia resides in the Olean area where she has worked as a real estate agent since 2016 and also owns a landscaping company with her husband. She says, “I grew up in a family that loved to buy and restore old homes, so I have a lot of experience in that. I have also worked a Community Outreach Coordinator and had some involvement in marketing while I resided in Maine.” Patricia says, “I intend to serve all over Cattaraugus and Allegany counties and truly enjoy working with military families. I am very familiar with VA loans.” In her free time, Patricia enjoys traveling, knitting, cooking, gardening and spending time with her husband, daughter, and dog, Loki. Patricia will be based in the Allegany, NY office but can be reached directly at 716-696-0259 or patricia.collier20@gmail.com.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Jesse, Lynn and Patricia to our team! Although each of these individuals have different backgrounds and experiences, I’m confident that they all bring a professional, motivated approach to our team,” says Bill Soffel, Broker/Owner of ERA Team VP. “We’re looking forward to providing each of these ladies with the tools and resources they need to succeed in the real estate industry!”
ERA Team VP Real Estate & Vacation Rentals is thrilled to announce the addition of Ellen Fenton to its team in the Ellicottville, NY office. Ellen joins the firm with just over 5 years of real estate background and extensive insurance experience.
“We’re thrilled to have Ellen join our team! We’re confident that the ERA tools and resources will help her grow her business and serve our community very well,” says Bill Soffel, ERA Team VP Broker/President.
“I’m so excited to dive into my real estate career full force,” says Ellen, who also owns a local insurance agency, Ellen Fenton & Company LLC. “I know my extensive insurance background and experience will really facilitate my ability to serve my clients on a real estate level as well. The two go hand in hand.” As part of ERA Team VP, Fenton will have the opportunity to offer home buyers and sellers a wide variety of market-relevant products and services, as well as robust online marketing programs, extensive listing distribution partners, and related services including mortgage, title and home warranty.
Outside of work, Ellen enjoys spending time with her family and grandchildren and has recently taken up sewing. She loves animals, nature, and giving back to the community however she can.
To reach Ellen directly, you can call her at (716) 244-8933 or email her at ellen@ellenfenton.com. For more information about ERA Team VP Real Estate & Vacation rentals and the Ellicottville Real Estate and Vacation Rental Market, visit www.myteamvp.com or call (716) 699-4800.
Although we’ve recently entered Phase 3 of Re-Opening in WNY, many of us are still looking forward to social distancing safe activities in our area. Allegany, NY is the home of St. Bonaventure University and is known for the beautiful Allegheny River that runs through the town. In addition, there are many other hidden gems in the Allegany area that are worth a visit!
Pfieffer Nature Center – Portville, NY
ERA Team VP agent, Amy Henzel, recommends the Pfieffer Nature Center in Portville, just 20 minutes away from Allegany. “My family and I find the Pfieffer Nature Center a perfect way to get active and enjoy all that nature has to offer!” The nature center offers free admission, loads of hiking/biking trails, and a calendar full of unique outdoor programs and activities.
Rock City Park – Olean, NY
Rock City Park in Olean is recommended by ERA Team VP agent, Janna Davis. Rock City Park is filled with hiking trails and one of the largest natural displays of quartz conglomerate in the world. Janna says “If you’re looking for a good hike and beautiful views, you’ll want to check out this hidden gem!”
Allegany State Park – Salamanca, NY
Many ERA Team VP affiliates also suggest Allegany State Park- a 65,000 acre NYS park with over 5 miles of paved bike trails. Allegany State Park offers two developed beach areas, cabin rentals, pavilion areas, several playgrounds, a full service restaurant, and so much more. Wendy O’Neil of ERA Team VP shares, “The State Park has been a community landmark for years. My family and I have so many memories at the Park and we’re so excited to make more this summer!” Jane Grice, Licensed R.E. Salesperson with ERA Team VP, also adds “My family really enjoys packing a picnic and our bikes and heading to the State Park for the day. Simple, fun, and easy to access no matter where you live in WNY or NW PA!”
However that was back in 2004 when the big-bigger-biggest hype had not hit the watch industry, yet! Today everyone is used to large, vastly oversized, watches and, based on the specs the Sequential One is a large watch, even for today s standards. https://www.copywatches.co/ However on the wrist it doesn t behave as an uncomfortable oversized watch and it actually wears very pleasant. The 45 x 45mm have not felt too large, and I think that the very short, downward sloping lugs and light weight (the case is in titanium) help to improve its comfort.
