Real Estate Archives - Page 2 of 3

5 Things NOT to do During the Closing Process

Congratulations! You’ve found the home of your dreams and there’s a light at the end of the tunnel with a closing date just around the corner. Although this is an incredibly exciting time in your life, there are a few things you should keep in mind during the closing process.

We sat down with Emily McVay from Homestead Funding to further understand the home closing process and she provided several key “pitfalls” buyers often forget when waiting for closing day; often costing them their mortgage and ultimately their dream home.

Do not change jobs. According to Emily, “Change in job status will cause your file to be re-underwritten and reconsidered. This may cause a delay with your loan process or possible denial of your loan application.”

Do not use charge cards excessively or make late payments on any accounts. Often times, in order to save the cash reserves buyers have set aside for closing costs, they resort to “living” on their credit cards. “Excessive use of credit cards can have negative effects on your credit rating,” says Emily. “Also, late payments of any type can decrease your credit score, increase your home loan interest rate, delay loan closing, or cause loan denial.”
Do not spend money you have set aside for closing. “Most conventional loans require 2 months of reserve money to be verified in your available financial accounts. Once it has been verified for use at closing, spending these reserve funds may result in loan closing delays or loan denial,” according to Emily.

Do not originate any inquiries into your credit.
Do not make large deposits without checking with your loan originator first. Emily explains, “Abnormal deposits or large deposits…must have money sources verified by Underwriting. Making these deposits could result in loan processing delays or denials.”

For more information about real estate in your area, contact your local ERA Team VP Agent or visit www.erateamvp.com. For more insight about the home buying and financing process, contact Emily McVay at emcvay@homesteadfunding.com or 716-450-7773.

Emily McVay
Licensed Loan Originator (NMLS 1586340)
Homestead Funding Corp. (NMLS 3232)

Three New Real Estate Associates Join ERA Team VP

ERA Team VP is excited to announce the addition of three real estate agents in the Jamestown/Chautauqua office. Erin Reeves, Cindy Sellstrom and Heather Shea-Canaley each join the team with extensive real estate industry background and achievements.

Erin Reeves joins the team with 3 years of real estate background and is a life-long Chautauqua County resident. “I’m so thrilled to be diving back into my real estate business as a part of the ERA Team,” says Reeves. “I look forward to the growth and improvement ahead, and love the family atmosphere!” Erin can be contacted at 716-499-2956 or erinw2384@gmail.com.

Cindy Sellstrom is a long time Chautauqua region realtor with immense insight on the market. Cindy is excited to accelerate her real estate career and continue serving her clients using the industry’s latest tools offered by ERA. She can be reached at 716-485-3498 or soldbycindysellstrom@gmail.com.

Heather Shea-Canaley also joins the brokerage with extensive real estate background and knowledge and is already taking advantage of the ERA Team VP tools, services, and fun culture. She brings many years of experience as a Chautauqua region agent, and is well known in the area. Heather can be reached at 716-708-5000 or soldbyheather716@gmail.com.

“We couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead for ERA Team VP for 2020,” says Bill Soffel, ERA Team VP Broker/Owner, “The addition of these three remarkable agents not only ensure growth for the company, but more importantly, contribute to our vision and core values as a team.” For more information about ERA Team VP Real Estate & Vacation Rentals and it’s affiliates, visit www.myteamvp.com.

Kacyn Cheney Joins ERA Team VP Real Estate & Vacation Rentals

Jamestown, NY — ERA Team VP recently announced the addition of Kacyn Cheney to its team of real estate sales professionals serving consumers in the Chautauqua County area.

Kacyn is the newest real estate agent to join ERA Team VP Real Estate, and she will be working out of ERA Team VP’s Jamestown location, at 23 E. 3^rd St. Kacyn has been a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson for a year, and loves the industry! Kacyn is also a United States Air Force veteran.

“In today’s market, growth is the only option, and attracting top talent is a surefire way to achieve that goal,” said Bill Soffel, Broker/Owner, ERA Team VP Real Estate. “We are thrilled to have a professional of Kacyn’s caliber join our firm.”

“As a newer agent, I feel that I have a fresh, unique perspective on the real estate market and today’s industry,” said Cheney. “My creative outlook, in collaboration with ERA Team VP’s innovative techniques and tools, will allow me to better serve my clients and community. I look forward to the opportunities ahead!”

As part of ERA Team VP Real Estate, Cheney will be able to offer homebuyers and sellers a wide variety of innovative and market-relevant products and services such as the ERA^® Sellers Security^® Plan and the ERA^® Gold Star Property program as well as robust online marketing programs, extensive listings distribution partners, and related services including the American Home Shield Warranty.

For more information about ERA Team VP Real Estate & Vacation Rentals and the Real Estate/Vacation Rental Market in the Southern Tier of Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania, visit www.erateamvp.com or call their main office at 716.413.0200. To contact Kacyn Cheney directly, call (716) 397-4960.

10 Reasons to List Your House During the Holidays

Have you been slowly preparing to list your home for sale, but just not quite sure you’re ready to pull the trigger? Or has it crossed your mind, but you just don’t think “now” is the time? Have you told yourself, “It’s best to wait until Spring to sell”. Well, believe it or not, there’s several advantages to listing your home now, despite the holidays being right around the corner!

People who are looking for home around the holidays are more serious buyers. Who would spend their holidays going around looking at houses they will never actually buy? Not many. If your home is listed for sale during the holidays and showings are scheduled, you can be confident those viewing your home are serious and committed to making a purchase soon.
Less competition. Many folks prepping to list their home for sale are in the same boat you were in before reading this- they’re going to wait until spring, or even a few years down the road. This means that those serious buyers looking at homes have less to choose from, resulting in a higher chance of them moving forward on yours.
Homes show better when decorated for the holidays. This is a no brainer- don’t you love your home more when it’s decorated for the holidays? So will everyone else!

Buyers have more time to look for a home during the holidays. Many people plan vacation time during the holidays, therefore have time off from work. If those people are serious about buying, they’re spending that time house hunting!
Many people want to buy before the tax year ends.
January is traditionally the month for transfers. Transferees can’t wait until Spring to buy. You must be on the market to capture that market.

Buyers are more emotional around the holidays. They’re considering their families, future children, and perhaps even future generations enjoying years to come.
It’s possible to restrict showings during special family holiday gatherings and events, just let your Agent know this ahead of time.
You can sell now, but specify a delayed closing or extended occupancy until next year if you desire.
By selling, you have an opportunity to look for something to buy in the Spring, when there’s more inventory on the market!

For more information about listing your home for sale, or if you’re interested in buying, contact your local ERA Team VP Agent today!

ERA Team VP Real Estate Attends 2019 Fuel Conference in Las Vegas

Mayville, NY – ERA Team VP Real Estate attended the 2019 Fuel ERA Real Estate Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada that was held March 19-22 at the MGM Grand Hotel.

At Fuel ERA, (formally known as ERA International Business Conference) 16 ERA Team VP real estate and staff professionals, alongside other national and international ERA Real Estate affiliates, had the opportunity to attend a multitude of professional development classes, trainings, lectures, and sessions. Numerous speakers and guest lecturers were at this event, as well as several celebrity guests including the hosts of HGTV’s Property Brothers and actor, writer, producer, author, and director, Mindy Kaling.

ERA Team VP Real Estate was well represented at the Fuel conference. ERA Team VP Broker/Owner Bill Soffel served on a marketing panel, “Is it Time to Boost Your Marketing Efforts?” with leaders from other ERA brokerages nationwide. The panelists for this interactive session shared marketing techniques and programs that have had proven results for each company. Effective social media and PR strategies were also discussed in how to better reach and accommodate clients and potential customers. Additionally, team members Anne Walters and Jerod Zahn were finalists for national awards, the Office Coordinator of the Year Award and the Brenda W. Casserly Memorial Award for Top All-Around Sales Associate, respectively.

To kick off the conference, ERA Real Estate CEO, Simon Chen, spoke about the market and competitive landscape, new technology and programs and how ERA is strategically responding and utilizing all that’s happening in the industry. The second day of Fuel, known as RGX Day because of ERA’s collaboration with Realogy, commenced with Ryan Schnieder, President & CEO of Realogy. Schnieder explained the theme of the day “Realize” which was designed to help attendees fully realize the power of the Realogy network. Through leveraging the company’s scale, technology and data to help brokers and agents boost productivity, and to drive efficiency to ultimately become well versed and more successful with the real estate business. After another full day of learning sessions, the day closed with an exclusive concert from Imagine Dragons!

“ERA Real Estate offers so many resources that help our agents to be constantly informed, and ultimately put ERA a step ahead of the competition,” stated Bill Soffel, Broker/Owner of ERA Team VP Real Estate. “To have such a great representation of ERA Team VP Real Estate at this year’s conference is a reflection of our motivation to “be the best”, which is one of our team’s core values, shared not only as a company, but as individual agents and staff members as well.”

For more information about ERA Team VP Real Estate  and Vacation Rentals  and the real estate/vacation rental  market in the Southern Tier of Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania visit  www.erateamvp.com  or call  their main office at 716.413.0200.

ERA Real Estate Announces Two ERA Team VP Members as National Award Finalists

ERA Team VP celebrating at the International Business Conference in 2017

Mayville, NY – ERA Real Estate recently announced ERA Team VP Real Estate & Vacation Rentals team members Anne Walters and Jerod Zahn as 2018 Circle of Success Award Finalists.

ERA Real Estate, a global leader in real estate franchising, will be holding its annual international business conference in Las Vegas, Nevada March 19-22. At this conference, Anne Walters will be recognized as a finalist for the Office Coordinator of the Year award. Additionally, Jerod Zahn will be recognized as a finalist for the Brenda W. Casserly Memorial Award for Top All-Around Sales Associate. Winners will be announced throughout the conference.

ERA Real Estate’s Office Coordinator of the Year Award honors an ERA professional who manages the local ERA company’s day-to-day business and sees that it coordinates year-round with the national ERA operations and goals.

The Brenda W. Casserly Memorial Award for Top All-Around Sales Associate is the ERA brand’s highest honor for an independent sales associate. It is based on criteria such as: total units closed, usage of technology tools, participation in ERA Mortgage and ERA Select Services® Program, and customer satisfaction survey results.

“It is a great honor to have two team members from ERA Team VP be recognized for these national ERA awards,” commented William Soffel, Broker/Owner of ERA Team VP Real Estate and Vacation Rentals. “Both Annie and Jerod are essential team members that exemplify ERA Team VP’s commitment to our core values. To have their hard work recognized nationally is quite an honor for our entire company.”

For more information about ERA Team VP Real Estate and Vacation Rentals  and the real estate/vacation rental  market in the Southern Tier of Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania visit  www.erateamvp.com  or call  their main office at 716.413.0200.

New Opportunities with New Jamestown Office Location

ERA Team VP and Lynn Development's new office location in the Spain Building downtown Jamestown — ERA Team VP and Lynn Development’s new office location in the Spain Building downtown Jamestown

ERA Team VP Opens New Office in Downtown Jamestown

Jamestown, NY – On Friday, September 7, ERA Team VP Real Estate and Vacation Rentals held an open house for its new office location in downtown Jamestown.

The Spain Building on 3^rdStreet in Jamestown recently underwent renovations, creating several new commercial spaces. As a result of this revitalization, ERA Team VP, Lynn Development, and other local businesses took residency.

ERA Team VP and Lynn Development formulated a strategic alliance over the past few years. ERA Team VP and Lynn Development specialize in residential and commercial real estate respectively. Both companies embraced the benefits that a working relationship would bring. When Lynn Development decided to open an office space in the Spain Building, they invited ERA Team VP to join them in this endeavor.

Right to left: business development/broker for Lynn Real Estate Solutions, Michael McVinney; Mayor Sam Teresi (Jamestown, NY); broker/owner of ERA Team VP, Bill Soffel

Progressive Revitalization

Furthermore, this is an opportune time for ERA Team VP to have a physical presence in downtown Jamestown. Jamestown’s noteworthy development is due to existing businesses and organizations renovating, and new ones opening. The opening of the National Comedy Center this past summer has certainly added to this growth.

“Jamestown is going through a sort of renaissance right now. ERA Team VP sees the growth and positive things that are happening, and to be a part of that is really awesome,” says broker/owner of ERA Team VP Bill Soffel.

ERA Team VP cutting the ribbon for the new office location in Jamestown, NY

Consequently, this growth has encouraged individuals to stay or move back to the Jamestown and Chautauqua County area. The real estate market is very good nationally, and likewise Chautauqua County is starting to feel the effects of this change. Homes are selling for closer to the asking price and are on the market for shorter periods of time. ERA Team VP is certainly prepared for this progressive shift. As a result of having a presence in 11 different locations, ERA Team VP is equipped to represent clients on a local and personalized basis.

Visit www.ERATeamVP.com or call 716-413-0200 for more information about real estate and vacation rentals in the Southern Tier of Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania.

ERA Team VP, Lynn Development, and other local businesses cutting the ribbon for the opening of the revitalized Spain Building

McKean County Association of Realtors donate to 911 Toy Express

The 911 Toy Express is making sure that many families wake up to a Merry Christmas morning! Hosted by the Bradford City Police and Fire Department, the second annual 911 Toy Express brings Christmas gifts to students in the Bradford Area School District who have been identified as someone in need. The McKean County Association of Realtors took part this year, donating toys to the 911 Toy Express and also a cash donation was presented to the Kane and Smethport Food Pantries. Mary Brzenski, board president, Kathleen Obermyer, board member and Vera Miller, program chairman, all ERA Team VP Real Estate agents from the Bradford PA office, spearheaded the drive. The Board of Realtors followed up the donation drop off with their Christmas luncheon, celebrated at the Bradford Club.

If you are interested in making a donation to this year’s 911 Toy Express, unwrapped toys or gift cards for children between the ages of 2 and 18 will be accepted at the Bradford police and fire stations and will be delivered on Christmas Eve. Last year’s drive delivered toys to between 20 and 30 families.

Outstanding Customer Service: October 2015 First In Service Winner

Congratulations to the October First In Service Award winner, Ruth Nelson! Ruth specializes in the Chautauqua Institution market and won this month’s award with her outstanding customer service provided to her client, Joanne W.

Joanne writes “Ruth made all the difference in the world in our experience. Several years ago when I attended an Open House at Chautauqua, I discovered a unique and special person in Ruth. From that first encounter, she has always treated me with great respect and interest. She made me feel like I was her one-and-only client: responding to any questions promptly, taking initiatives to make the process go smoothly, offering helpful tips and information. I cannot fully express my gratitude to Ruth, but am thrilled with a new friend and a fabulous condominium at Chautauqua.”

Ruth Nelson joined ERA Team VP Real Estate in 2014 and has over 6 years of real estate experience, primarily serving buyers and sellers in the Chautauqua Institution market. Ruth was awarded the Bronze Level Presidential Award from the Chautauqua County Board of Realtors in 2012 for her sales production. Having lived and/or worked on the grounds of Chautauqua Institution since 1987, Ruth has an intimate knowledge of Chautauqua Institution operations as well as familiarity with the different districts within Chautauqua and what each has to offer potential buyers and sellers. “I model my business on building relationships with my clients that will last before, during and after any transaction,” said Nelson. “I use my talents to help stage, organize and best show properties while providing personal care to my clients.”

“Working with Joanne and Bob was a real pleasure,’ said Nelson, ‘Their comments give me great satisfaction that I’ve earned their trust and friendship!”

2015 Ellicottville Mardi Gras Weekend

ERA Team VP Real Estate hosts Kick Off Party! — Click on this photo for full video article!

Ahoy Mateys! Welcome to Mardi Gras in Ellicottville New York! This weekend is sure to be a blast especially with ERA Team VP. Mardi Gras in Ellicottville is crazy fun, the slopes at Holiday Valley and HoliMont are packed and the village is hopping busy. The biggest attraction by far for the weekend is the Parade on Saturday night, I’ve seen everything from super heroes, to nuns, sports teams, the Blues Brothers, and if you can’t tell, this year ERA agents and our office are decked out with the pirate gear. Unfortunately Johnny Depp couldn’t make it for his surprise guest appearance… trust me I tried! At 5:00 pm we’ll be kicking off one of our company’s biggest parties of the year! We invite all of our clients, customers, and friends to enjoy the music, dancing, and the finest pirate grub and ale. The parade starts at 6:30 and you’ll see Washington St lined up with thousands of spectators. Prizes are awarded for the best dressed team so be sure to cheer on your favorite group of pirates! Make sure you’re ready to catch some beads because this group of pirates have snuck on to Captain Hook’s pirate ship and found 10 treasure chests full of the beloved beads. Sunday is also packed full of fun: more costumes, more food and drink, and of course, more beads! One of the coolest things to be a part of is the ski parade on the Mardi Gras ski slope at Holiday Valley. You’ll see tons of people dressed up in costumes skiing down this awesome slope. So if you’re ready for a weekend of fun in Ellicottville, hop aboard the ERA Team VP Real Estate buccaneer and we’ll be sure to show you a good time. Yo Ho Ho Mateys!!

~Ciji Riley, Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker