Chautauqua Institution Week 9 Rental Promotions

Posted on by
Reply

Team VP Vacation Properties is offering a great Vacation Rental Promotion for Week 9 in Chautauqua Institution.  A featured selection of Chautauqua Institution Rental Properties will be offered for “10% off the Rental Rate plus one extra night FREE” when rented for Week 9 (August 19, 2012 – August 25, 2012).

Chautauqua Institution’s Week 9 theme is “The President’s Club”.  According to Chautauqua Institution, Week 9 will address the following, “With the U.S. presidency a singular position that only those who have occupied the White House can understand, relationships between current and former presidents cross political boundaries. How do they relate to each other? Where are the boundaries? What role do families play in the presidency? In a week that takes its title from a new book by Time’s Nancy Gibbs and Michael Duffy, we’ll examine historic relationships between the president and former presidents and their families.”

The following list of Chautauqua Institution Vacation Rental Properties are being offered as part of Team VP Vacation Properties’ “Week 9 Rental Promotion”:

Rent any of these great Chautauqua Institution Properties for Week 9 and save 10% off the Rental Rate plus stay an extra night for FREE!

Arcade 34
1 bedroom, 1 bath
sleeps: 4

Lakeside Location in Chautauqua Institution, just off of Miller Park!

Promotional Rate: $1215.88

15 Ames #5
1 bedroom, 1 bath
sleeps: 2

Beautifully appointed 3rd floor condo, completely renovated in 2006

Promotional Rate: $1238.13

St. Elmo # 407
1 bedroom, 1.5 baths
sleeps: 6

St. Elmo condo with central AC and porch off of living room, overlooking Ames

Promotional Rate: $1793.25

Glen Park C4
2 bedrooms, 2 baths
sleeps: 6

2nd floor, centrally located condo, just off of Bestor Plaza. Nice porch facing the Plaza

Promotional Rate: $1871.62

Pines 2
2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
sleeps: 7

Modern tri-level condo at the North end of Chautauqua Institution. Central AC

Promotional Rate: $2171.25

Pines 25
2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
sleeps: 6

Modern tri-level condo at the North end of Chautauqua Institution. Central AC

Promotional Rate: $2171.25

34 A Forest
3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
sleeps: 6

Centrally located w/ shared front porch & patio. Finished basement w/ washer/dryer

Promotional Rate: $2292.63

28 Morris
4 bedrooms, 2 baths
sleeps: 6

“The Breezeway” Classic Chautauqua Cottage. 1 block to the Lake and Bestor Plaza

Promotional Rate: $2419.76

Gatehouse Commons #3
3 bedrooms + loft, 3 baths
sleeps: 9

Large, modern North end townhome. Deck with gas grill. Central AC. Bright & sunny!

Promotional Rate: $2981.00

87 Harper
3 bedrooms, 2 baths
sleeps: 6

Great North End Chautauqua Institution home with 1950s decor. Full kitchen, central AC

Promotional Rate: $1974.13

39 Scott
5 bedrooms, 4 baths
sleeps: 10

“The Samurai House” Classic Chautauqua home. Central location. 3 levels!

Promotional Rate: $3256.38

28 Foster
6 bedrooms, 3.5 baths
sleeps: 14

Large home, centrally located in Chautauqua Institution. 2 porches & deck. 2 kitchens

Promotional Rate: $4016.13

47 Foster
7 bedrooms, 3 baths
sleeps: 15

South end Chautauqua Institution home. Central AC on 1st 2 floors. Private front porch

Promotional Rate: $4066.13
For more information about any of these
properties, or Team VP Vacation Properties
Rental program, call 800.344.2198 OR
716.789.9298 to speak with a reservationist

Ellicottville Real Estate Firm Focused on Growth Adds 2 New Associates

Posted on by
Reply

[ELLICOTTVILLE, NY] (12/27/2011) — ERA Team VP Real Estate recently announced the addition of Christy Wiser and Wendy O’Neil to its team of real estate sales professionals serving consumers in the Ellicottville area and Southern Tier of Western New York.

Christy Wiser has been an assistant to Tina Dillon (Licensed Salesperson with ERA Team VP and a top producer in Ellicottville) for over 3 years, which gives her a strong foundation to begin building her own business in real estate.  Now that Christy is a fully licensed Real Estate Salesperson with ERA Team VP she will continue to work as a team with Tina Dillon.

Christy Wiser

 

Wendy O’Neil joins ERA Team VP with over 20 years of experience in residential, recreational and commercial real estate experience in the Ellicottville, Salamanca and Cattaraugus County areas.  She has consistently proven to be a top Realtor in the Ellicottville Area Real Estate market.

Wendy O'Neil

 

“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 Real Estate.  “Unwavering commitment to clients has been critical to the success of both Christy and Wendy, and ERA Team VP’s culture of collaboration, innovation and knowledge sharing combined with our reputation for superior service will not only enhance their careers, it will enhance the experience of their clients as well,” said Soffel. “We are thrilled to have professionals of Christy and Wendy’s caliber join our firm.”

As part of ERA Team VP Real Estate, both Christy Wiser and Wendy O’Neil 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 mortgage, title and home warranty.

For more information about ERA Team VP Real Estate and the real estate market in the Southern Tier of Western New York visit www.myteamvp.com or call one of the main office locations: (716) 699-4800 Ellicottville; (716) 789-2600 Chautauqua; (585) 968-2113 Cuba.

Downtown Jamestown Holiday Parade

Posted on by
Reply

ERA Team VP Real Estate & Vacation Rentals participated in the downtown Jamestown Holiday Parade on Friday December 2nd, dressed as “Homes for the Holidays”. Hosted by the Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation and sponsored by the Resource Center, it was a great way to kick off the holiday season with local businesses and support our local community!

ERA Team VP's Happy Drivers!

Homes & Presents ready for the parade!

Lots of local businesses and organizations participated in the parade and it was great to see all the wonderful floats and costumes everyone had designed.  The theme of this year’s parade was “I’ll Be Home for Christmas – Parade of the Wooden Soldiers”.  Ashley Anderson, special events coordinator for the DJDC said, “With 2011 being the 10 year anniversary for 9/11, DJDC thought it would be a great time to honor all Military persons past and present.”

ERA Team VP was proud to take part in this fun event!  The “Team” danced through the parade dressed as houses and presents, followed by the ERA moving truck – to remind everyone “If you buy or sell with ERA Team VP, you can use our truck for free!”

ALS Association Adds Soffel to National Board of Trustees

Posted on by
1

ERA Team VP Real Estate president/CEO William Soffel is now a member of the National Board of Trustees of The ALS Association. He joined in the fight against ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) otherwise known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, due to his paternal grandmother Anna Jane Soffel’s battle with the disease for three years.

”I’ve seen firsthand how devastating this disease is for the patient and the family,” Soffel said of his personal experiences.

ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative muscular; people with Lou Gehrig’s Disease usually have a survival rate of two to five years from their diagnoses.

In 2010, the ALS Association appointed Soffel to the board and he founded a charity golf tournament named ”Agents of Hope,” which raised $15,000 to increase awareness about Lou Gehrig’s Disease and funds for research and patient services. He was formally elected to the board at The Association’s annual leadership summit in January 2011.

As a national trustee, Soffel looks forward to having the opportunity to participate in the efforts to help find a cure for ALS, and he is excited to follow in his father Andy Soffel’s footsteps, who served as a national trustee in the late 1980s to the early 1990s.

Soffel has worked at ERA Team VP Real Estate for 20 years. The Chautauqua, New York, based firm specializes in resort and residential real estate sales, management and development. In 2010, Soffel’s business was a finalist for the Gene Francis Award as a Top Five ERA Company on a national level.

A graduate of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, Soffel received his B.S. in business and marketing. He lives in Bemus Point, New York, with his wife Kari and their five children.

In addition to serving on The Association’s National Board of Trustees, Soffel serves on the boards of the Jamestown YMCA, Jamestown Business College and the United Way of Southern Chautauqua County.

For more information about The ALS Association, visit our www.alsa.org or call 800-782-4747.

Global Health and Development as Foreign Policy – Presented by Chautauqua Institution

Posted on by
Reply

Miller Bell Tower - Chautauqua Institution

Take an Educational Vacation in Beautiful Western New York State! Chautauqua Institution allows us to experience Performing Arts, Religion, Education and Recreation in the scenic and tranquil setting of Chautauqua Lake.

Team VP – Vacation Properties would like to let you know that Chautauqua Institution is offering 1 full week dedicated to Global Health and Development as Foreign Policy: Week 1 of Chautauqua’s 2011 Season: June 25 – July 2.

Lecturers will discuss topics such as:

  • “What is, and what should be, the relationship of U.S. government and private foundation investments toward improving the wellness of global citizens, to U.S. foreign policy?”
  • “How do we decide where to spend valuable resources?”
  • “What other factors affect global health, well being and economic development?”

Experts in this field will be giving lectures throughout the week, including:

  • Paul Farmer, founder, Partners in Health
  • John Hamre, President/CEO, Center for Strategic and International Studies
  • Helene Gayle, President/CEO, CARE USA
  • Charlayne Hunter-Gault, Foreign Correspondent, NPR

If you’re interested in visiting Chautauqua Institution during Week 1, dedicated to Global Health and Development as Foreign Policy, we have many accommodations for rent on the grounds of Chautauqua Institution. Fully equipped and furnished Chautauqua cottages, condos and townhomes are available to suit your needs and make your Chautauqua Experience one to remember! For availability and the option to book online, visit http://bookings.eravp.com

To contact a reservationist and plan your Chautauqua Vacation, call (800) 344-2198 or email rentals@vacationpro.com

As an added bonus, popular entertainment for Week 1 at Chautauqua will include: The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, Steve Martin & The Steep Canyon Rangers “An Evening of Bluegrass and Banjo” and more!

Find out more about Chautauqua Institution and the details of Week 1 here.

Enchanting Retreats Fit for a Royal Couple (in Chautauqua & Ellicottville)

Posted on by
Reply

In honor of the Royal Wedding (occurring in just 1 week) all of us at Team VP – Vacation Properties have compiled a list of great get-a-way ideas fit for Royalty!  Are you within driving distance of Chautauqua Lake, New York or Ellicottville, New York?  If you are looking for a nice weekend retreat, a week long get-a-way or a month long vacation, we are very easy to find!

Ellicottville, NY: 1 hour South of Buffalo, NY; 3.5 hours from Pittsburgh, PA; 3 hours from Cleveland, OH; 2.5 hours from Toronto, Canada
Chautauqua Lake, NY: 1.5 hours South of Buffalo, NY; 2.5-3 hours from Pittsburgh, PA; 3 hours from Cleveland, OH; 3 hours from Toronto, Canada

85 Stoessel, Chautauqua Institution – 4 BR + loft, 4.5 BA – sleeps 10

2932 sq. ft. home at the North end of Chautauqua Institution – This home offers an open floor plan with lots of living space in 3 levels. Full kitchen, large dining area open to living area with gas fireplace all on main level. Nice porches, central A/C , washer/dryer & 3 parking spaces. **Rents SAT-SAT** Click here for more info, or to book online!

Willowtree Point #9 – 3 BR, 2 BA – sleeps 8

Located just 1 mile from the Chautauqua Institution, on Route 394. RENTS YEAR ROUND! Terrific ground floor lakefront condo with 3 bedrooms/2 baths, central a/c, washer/dryer, deck/patio with a gas grill, cable tv/vcr/dvd (with movies!) Sleeps 8 max BD#1-King with bath, BD#2-2 twins, BD#3-2 TW bunks. HEATED swimming pool at the complex. No dock space included. Arrangements for boat dockage can be made next doorfor an additional fee. **Rents SAT-SAT** Click here for more info, or to book online!

Ellicottville Escape – 4 BR, 2 BA – sleeps 10

Enrich yourself while nestled in the charming setting of the Ellicottville Escape. Whether it’s healing your inner spirit or challenging your outer soul, this place is it!! Discover the enchanting care free charm of a special place where stress and worry have no lodging. This once upon a time barn, has been cleverly converted to a luscious rustic escape with all the cozy modern amenities to quench anyone’s comfort needs. Encircling this escape, are the breathtaking views of nature’s spectacular frontier. Whether it’s the summer fragrances …or the intense vivid fall foliage …or maybe the inner warmth that you feel, snuggled next to a glowing fire… Your visit here is definitely time will spent. Click here for more info, or to book online!

ERA Team VP Agent Awards Luncheon

Posted on by
Reply

On Tuesday, March 8th, ERA Team VP Real Estate hosted an Agent Awards Luncheon at the Ellicottville Inn in Ellicottville, NY.  Realtors® from all ERA Team VP offices were present representing Ellicottville, Chautauqua County and all surrounding areas of the Southern Tier of New York State!  ERA Team VP Realtors received awards in various categories based on their hard work and production in 2010.

Some of our Award Winners - pictured in front of the Ellicottville Inn

Congratulations to all of the Realtors of ERA Team VP Real Estate.  Everyone worked hard to build and strengthen their businesses and we are looking forward to an even more successful and prosperous 2011!  We’re already off to a great start!

Check out this video for some of the highlights from the awards luncheon:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ahw_fF15Dsw&tracker=False]

Here are our award winners recognized at the Agent Awards Luncheon:

Team Pritchard (Cathy & Melanie Pritchard) – Team Category
#1 Gross Commissions (Company Overall & Ellicottville Office)
#1 Closed Transactions (Company Overall & Ellicottville Office)
#1 New Listings (Company Overall & Ellicottville Office)

Karen Goodell
#1 Gross Commissions (Company Overall & Chautauqua County Office)
#4 Closed Transactions (Chautauqua County Office)
#5 New Listings (Chautauqua County Office)

Tina Dillon
#1 Closed Transactions (Company Overall & Ellicottville Office)
#1 New Listings (Company Overall & Ellicottville Office)
#3 Gross Commissions (Company Overall)
#1 Gross Commissions (Ellicottville Office)

Jane Grice
#2 Gross Commissions (Company Overall & Chautauqua County Office)
#4 Closed Transactions (Company Overall)
#2 Closed Transactions (Chautauqua County Office)

Mary Beth Holt
#2  Closed Transactions (Company Overall)
#3 New Listings (Company Overall)
#1 Closed Transactions (Chautauqua County Office)
#2 New Listings (Chautauqua County Office)
#5 Gross Commissions (Chautauqua County Office)

Linda Wolfe
#2 New Listings (Company Overall)
#1 New Listings (Chautauqua County Office)

Jeff Fellows
#3 Closed Transactions (Company Overall & Chautauqua County Office)

Greg Spako
#3 Closed Transactions (Company Overall)
#2 Closed Transactions (Ellicottville Office)
#4 Gross Commissions (Ellicottville Office)
#4 New Listings (Ellicottville Office)

Dale Sandberg
#4 New Listings (Company Overall)
#3 New Listings (Chautauqua County Office)

Amy DeTine
#4 Gross Commissions (Company Overall)
#5 Closed Transactions (Company Overall)
#2 Gross Commissions (Ellicottville Office)
#3 Closed Transactions (Ellicottville Office)
#3 New Listings (Ellicottville Office)

Wayne Reimondo
#5 Gross Commissions (Company Overall)
#3 Gross Commissions (Chautauqua County Office)
#5 Closed Transactions (Chautauqua County Office)

Andree McRae
#5 New Listings (Company Overall)
#2 New Listings (Ellicottville Office)
#5 Closed Transactions (Ellicottville Office)
#5 Gross Commissions (Ellicottville Office)

Sandy Goode
#3 Gross Commissions (Ellicottville Office)
#4 Closed Transactions (Ellicottville Office)
#5 New Listings (Ellicottville Office)

Becky Colburn
#4 Gross Commissions (Chautauqua County Office)

Wayne Weaver
#4 New Listings (Chautauqua County Office)

Special Awards:
Most Improved (at least doubled their production from the previous year)
Dale Sandberg (Chautauqua County Office)
Sandy Goode (Ellicottville Office)

Rookie of the Year (based on production of newest agents to the company)
Wayne Weaver

Ellicottville Mardi Gras Parade & Celebration!

Posted on by
Reply

Saturday March 12 & Sunday March 13 come to Ellicottville, NY for the FUN and crazy Mardi Gras Parade in the village and Winter Carnival at Holiday Valley!  This is a great weekend filled with events for the entire family!  The Mardi Gras Parade will occur at 6:30 right in the village!  Other fun events include music, contests, food & lots of costumes!  Click here for the full weekend schedule!  This is a weekend you don’t want to miss.  Look how much fun all of the Realtors® and staff at ERA Team VP have had at past Mardi Gras weekends in Ellicottville!

Dave and Bill of Team VP, ready to join the Mardi Gras Parade!

ERA Team VP marching down Washington Street!

This is a weekend you don’t want to miss!  If you’d like to rent a condo or chalet in Ellicottville for the weekend to enjoy the festivities with your family and friends, call Team VP at (716) 699-4800 and a reservationist will be more than happy to help you plan your weekend getaway!  Check out our WEBSITE to browse all of our rental properties online… you can even book your reservation ONLINE… how easy is that?

Here is a sneak peek at some of our rental properties available for Mardi Gras weekend in Ellicottville:

2 Alpine Meadows TownHomes (#31 & #42) – sleep 8 or 9 guests.  Walk to the slopes at Holiday Valley!  Easy access to the Village of Ellicottville!
Click HERE to learn more about these properties

Casa Amici – sleeps 12 guests.  Stunning NEW built chalet with all of the luxurious amenities you could hope for, including a hot tub!  Views of the Yodeler Lodge & ski lift at Holiday Valley! 
Click HERE to learn more!

 

We also have some village homes available for rent!  Call us today to find out how we can help you! (716) 699-4800

Wells Fargo Says Credit Score of 500 OK

Posted on by
Reply

According to www.REALTOR.org/realtormag, “In a long-awaited shift, Wells Fargo is providing FHA mortgages to borrowers with credit scores as low as 500.  The move comes after the National Association of Realtors® and FHA Commissioner David Stevens, among others late last year, criticized the country’s major banks for requiring credit scores as high as 650 in some cases before making loans.  At NAR’s annual conference last year in New Orleans, Stevens said banks’ credit policies were out of sync with the FHA and artificially restraining home sales by as much as 20 percent.  Under its new policy, Wells Fargo will accept borrowers with credit scores of 500 to 579 if those borrowers can make a down payment of at least 10 percent; gifted funds or other down payment assistance is not allowed.  For borrowers with credit scores of 580 to 599, borrowers must put down 5 percent, with the same restriction on gifts and assistance funds.  Borrowers with credit scores of 600 or higher can make a 3.5 percent down payment.  The new policy took effect Jan. 15.”

Have you started the property search?  Why not begin your search now with ERA Team VP Real Estate – the area’s leader in Real Estate technology!

President’s Day Weekend Winter Festival in Mayville, NY!

Posted on by
Reply

This weekend, February 18 – February 20, come to Mayville, NY for a fun filled Winter Festival for all ages!  The festival is on, no matter the weather, so come enjoy all of the great activities that have been planned!

The main attraction is always the Ice Castle, which is built by many volunteers who cut blocks of ice out of the lake and spend many hours constructing their masterpiece.  Eventhough we’ve been experiencing some warmer temperatures, they are already taking precautions to protect the ice castle.  Today, the volunteers are focusing on protecting the castle with plastic, in case of rain.  View a video of the volunteers building the castle HERE provided by the President’s Day Weekend Winter Festival Facebook page and WICU12 Erie.

Winter Festival (Mayville, NY) Schedule of Events:
Grand Lighting Ceremony: Friday February 18, 6:00PM

Kids Slide: Friday February 18 – Sunday February 20

Broomball Tournament: Saturday February 19, 10:00AM

Chili Cookoff: Saturday February 19

Polar Bear Swim: Saturday February 19

Tug of War: Saturday February 19, 1:00PM

Cold Water Rescue Demonstration: Saturday February 19

Horse Drawn Rides: Saturday February 19

Teen Chill Dance: Saturday February 19, 8:00PM

Kids Corner Activities: Saturday February 19 – Sunday February 20

Dodgeball Tournament: Sunday February 20, 1:00PM

Ice Hockey: Sunday February 20 – Monday February 21

Click HERE for more information on these great events and a list of all of the sponsors who are making this Winter Festival possible!

This is the 25th Winter Festival in Mayville, NY!  If you have great memories of this festival and would like to return, but aren’t living in the area, don’t hesitate to check out last minute accomodations!