COVID-19 Update from ERA Team VP

Dear Friends,

At ERA Team VP, there is nothing more important to us than the safety and well-being of our owners, guests, our dedicated staff and the community around us. Now, with the universal concerns regarding COVID-19, that is more important than ever.

The safety of our guests, owners and staff has always been one of our core values.  As we face the challenge presented by the coronavirus (COVID-19), we are taking precautionary steps to insure a healthy experience for all. Please be assured that safety is of utmost importance to us. We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation as it evolves. 

Here are some of the precautionary measures we are taking:

  • In-person check in/out is no longer required for arrivals within the next 30 days. Guests can still easily reach us by calling our office Chautauqua office at 716-413-0200 or our Ellicottville office at 716-699-4800.

  • We have always used cleaning products with disinfectant. In addition to normal cleaning procedures, our housekeeping staff will increase focus on “high touch” items like light switches, doorknobs, remotes, etc.

  • Back of the house areas are also being cleaned more frequently.

  • Proper hand hygiene is part of the messaging our team receives on a daily basis.

  • Our staff receives ongoing education on best practices put forth by public health agencies.

  • Team members who can work from home will be doing so.

  • We recommend that guests traveling to the area follow guidelines established by the CDC.

When you are ready to plan your next vacation, be sure to ask about travel insurance. You can book with confidence and give your family something to look forward to.

We are committed to providing you with a fun and safe getaway.

If you have any questions, you can call our office at 716-413-0200 or 716-699-4800.

For the most up-to-date information and current protocols on COVID-19, visit cdc.gov.

We wish all of you the very best for good health and hope to see you again soon.

With Gratitude,

ERA Team VP Vacation Rentals

William “Bill” Loomis Joins ERA Team VP

ERA Team VP Real Estate & Vacation Rentals recently announced the addition of William “Bill” Loomis to its team of real estate sales professionals serving consumers in the Chautauqua area.

Loomis, who resides in Bemus Point, is a newly licensed real estate agent, however has extensive experience in related industries. Loomis owns and operates a local landscaping company, therefore is no stranger to assisting clients with enhancing curb appeal. William is also a veteran real estate investor with over 25 personal real estate transactions under his belt. Additionally, he spent several years as a mortgage broker, which contributes to his knowledge of the industry. “I’m thrilled to dive into a real estate career and help my community with all of their buying and selling needs,” said Loomis, “I’m confident that my previous background and experiences will all contribute to my ability to serve clients in the residential and commercial markets.”

“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 of ERA Team VP. “We are thrilled to have a professional of William’s caliber join our firm.”

“Unwavering commitment to clients is a critical piece of my business plan, and ERA Team VP’s culture of collaboration, innovation and knowledge sharing combined with its reputation for superior service will not only enhance my career, it will enhance the experience of my clients as well,” said Loomis.

As part of ERA Team VP, Loomis will be able to offer homebuyers and sellers a wide variety of innovative and market-relevant products and services, as well as robust online marketing programs, extensive listings distribution partners, and related services including mortgage, title and home 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 William “Bill” Loomis directly, call (716) 485-3473 or email williamloomis3@gmail.com.

7 Ways to Prepare Your Home it the Market this Spring

Spring is right around the corner, which means numerous homes in your community are sure to go up for sale. If you’re thinking about doing the same, there are several ways you can get a jump start on making sure your home is ready to hit the market!

  1. Start packing and getting rid of stuff you don’t want to take with you when you go. Sounds crazy to start this already, but getting a head start on de-cluttering will help ensure your house is show-ready when you list, not to mention, alleviate a lot of the hassle that comes with moving when the time comes.
  2. Have a “pre home inspection” performed to prepare for anything that may come up during the real deal during the sale process. This can help avoid surprises when it’s crunch time and may help your home show better if the items are already taken care of.
  3. Have the carpets cleaned. Clean always shows better than dirty!
  4. Take care of any interior or exterior paint touch ups that are needed.
  5. Replace kitchen cabinet hardware.
  6. Lighten it up! Homes photograph and show best in attractive, well lit rooms. New bulbs, lighter curtains/blinds, and clean windows make a huge difference.
  7. Contact your ERA Team VP Agent for more tips and to get the process started!
WWW.MYTEAMVP.COM

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.

New Years in Ellicottville

Still need plans to ring in the New Year? Ellicottville has you covered, with something for everyone, and ERA Team VP still has a few available properties at a discounted rate if you want to book a last minute getaway!

http://www.myteamvp.com

For starters, Holiday Valley puts on an epic New Years Eve party, inside the Main Lodge on the main floor, where you can easily view the Groomer Parade and Torchlight Parade on Cindy’s Run at 11:15. The party starts at 9:00 and commences at 1:00 am with a fireworks show in between, starting at 11:45. This is a family friendly event, so bring everyone!

If you’re looking to celebrate downtown, there’s plenty of fabulous dining and music options on the schedule! We strongly suggest making dinner reservations ahead of time- everywhere is sure to be very busy. Take advantage of walking back to your Vacation Rental (if you’re staying in the Village), or catch an Uber!

While you’re here, be sure to check out the iconic Village Gazebo and Ski Tree- both of which are great photo ops! If you haven’t booked your accommodations yet, or interested in Ellicottville Real Estate, contact our Ellicottville office today at 716.699.4800. See you soon!

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. 3rd 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!

Ellicottville, NY 2019-20 Seasonal Rentals

Have you ever thought to yourself, “Man, one weekend on the slopes just isn’t enough!” Then this is your opportunity to take the plunge and secure a seasonal rental in Ellicottville! Seasonal rentals are available to be secured for the entire ski season, usually for the dates of 12/1-4/1, allowing you and your family to come and go as you please and soak up as much skiing as you can.

For those of you that don’t know, Ellicottville, NY is known for it’s two quaint, yet evolving ski resorts and appealing village life. Holiday Valley Resort was named 3rd in the East according to Ski Magazine in 2015, while HoliMont is the largest private ski resort in the country, and they’re just 2.5 miles apart from each other with a quaint village nestled between.

Not only does Holiday Valley offer 60 well-groomed ski slopes, 13 lifts, and 3 phenomenal lodges, but also an incredible Aerial Park, Climbing Forest and a Mountain Coaster, all for year-round entertainment. Not to mention the dozens of hiking and biking trails, 18 hole golf course, and a fun summer cabana bar adjacent to the 3 public pools.

Across town, HoliMont is equipped with 55 trails, 8 lifts, and loads of hiking and biking trails as well. The HoliMont board members and staff take pride in being the only ski area in North America to use what they call “Mountain Men” to service their ski slopes during ski hours, rather than mechanized equipment like other resorts. HoliMont membership information can be found on their website, however, guests that stay with ERA Team VP can be signed in as guests during their stay as well (maximum of 3 weekends). Both resorts are fabulous venues for weddings, corporate events and retreats as well.

It doesn’t end there! The Ellicottville Village offers even more with the perfect balance of local charm, unique retail offerings, phenomenal dining options, and overall fun atmosphere. Some of our favorite spots are The Purple Doorknob, Watson’s Chocolates, Adventure Bound on the Fly, Bike and Bean, and Ellicottville Brewing Company. Not a skier? The Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce does an excellent job at filling the calendar with exciting, family friendly events throughout the year, so you’ll be sure the whole family will be entertained while you’re here!

Whether you’re ready to dive into a seasonal rental or just looking to stay a weekend, ERA Team VP has you covered! Contact our Ellicottville office today for availability and pricing!

716-699-4800
rentals@teamvp.com

ERA Team VP Real Estate Launches Commercial Division

Jamestown, NY – ERA Team VP Real Estate, the leading residential and vacation properties brokerage in the Southern Tier of Western New York and Northwest Pennsylvania, has announced the addition of a Commercial Real Estate Division to be based in downtown Jamestown, NY.

According to ERA Team VP Broker/Owner William Soffel, “Over the past few years, we have been presented with more and more opportunities to represent commercial real estate transactions, and felt the timing was now right to diversify our offerings into the commercial arena.  Our entire team is looking forward to this opportunity, and we are especially excited about basing our commercial division in Jamestown and being a part of all the positive energy that continues to build downtown.”

Michael McVinney, Associate Broker, has been named the ERA Team VP Commercial Division Team Leader, and will oversee the division’s daily operations, sales efforts, and growth opportunities.  Prior to joining ERA, Mike gained commercial real estate experience with CBRE in Erie, Pa., and LRES in Jamestown.  Joining Mike on the commercial team are licensed sales associates Ted Bodgan, Heather Lynn, Amanda Saddler, Taylor Scott, and Tom Wight. 

“The commercial division addition of ERA Team VP is an exciting endeavor, and we are all thrilled to be a part of this new opportunity,” commented Michael McVinney, Associate Broker and ERA Team VP Commercial Division Team Leader. “With ERA’s main focus on innovation and technology, we are excited to be even more visible and accessible to our communities and the commercial real estate market.”  

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 Team VP Releases First Company Exclusive Listing Magazine

Mayville, NY – ERA Team VP Real Estate and Vacation Rentals released its first company exclusive listing magazine. This magazine will be distributed among 10 different office locations along with businesses in those areas. 

This new publication showcases listings in two vacation markets; the Ellicottville and Chautauqua areas, features local businesses, and spotlights the aforementioned communities. Available at no cost, this magazine creates another outlet for home buyers to find their new dream home, and for sellers to expand the marketing reach of their properties. 

“We are thrilled with the look of this new publication and the opportunity to showcase some of our region’s most distinctive properties,” says Bill Soffel, Broker/Owner of ERA Team VP Real Estate & Vacation Rentals. “Helping people through the homebuying process is so much more than finding a house that fits their checklist, it’s finding a community that feels like home. We feel strongly that this publication supports this approach.”  

This opportunity for ERA Team VP to be more present in the surrounding areas is matched with the company’s desire to help clients find their dream home or vacation stay. ERA Team VP plans on releasing this publication four times a year in order to better serve clientele in Ellicottville, Chautauqua and surrounding areas.    

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.