Join us for Vacation Rental Week!

March 6-10, 2023

All week, we’ll join vacation rental professionals around the globe in spreading awareness about the positive impact that professionally managed vacation rentals have on guests, property owners, and local economies!

Enhanced Safety:

Vacation rentals have very few common areas and offer minimal interaction with staff and other guests, allowing for a safe and socially-distanced stay. They are also maintained with the highest cleaning standards, in accordance with national, state, and local guidelines.

Endless Options:

More available properties, more variety, and more destinations worldwide to choose from.

Comforts of Home:

Create a more personalized, memorable vacation experience with the comfort and convenience of an actual residence.

Great for Groups:

Multiple bedrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and easy access to local entertainment.

Head over to www.myteamvp.com to view property availability and pricing and to lock in your next stay! Have questions or prefer to book over the phone? No problem! Call our office at 716-413-0200 to speak with a Vacation Specialist!

Overcome your home selling fears

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.

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

Booking Your Vacation Rental

Looking for an easy way to book your next vacation? Booking your vacation rental is as easy as 1, 2, 3 with ERA Team VP Real Estate & Vacation Rentals! The ERA Team VP website is a fast, easy, and effective way to browse all 200+ rental properties located throughout Chautauqua Institution, Chautauqua Lake, and Ellicottville.

Book your next vacation with confidence

Each property has a wide array of high-quality photos, so you know exactly what to expect before you arrive! Whether it’s a historical home on the grounds of Chautauqua Institution, a Chautauqua Lake lakeside home, or a cozy chalet in Ellicottville, NY, we have what you’re looking for!
1. Go to www.myteamvp.com
2. Select Vacation Rentals – All Properties
3. Browse All Rental Properties -or- Perform an Advanced Search
4. Review Property Details, Amenities, and Photos
5. Request More Information; Add to Your Favorites; Perform a Quote; Utilize the Split Cost Calculator; and More!
6. Book Now!

It’s that simple! Of course we have an experienced staff of seasoned Reservationists who are available for further insight or questions.

Head over to www.myteamvp.com today to book your stay! Your dream vacation awaits!

Looking to Explore Outside the Gates by Foot? Check out these 3 unique shops within walking distance of Chautauqua Institution!

Although Chautauqua Institution provides numerous opportunities to shop inside the gates, don’t forget about the ‘hidden gems’ within a mile or less of the Chautauqua grounds! We’ve chosen three “Must-Visit” shops for your stay this summer:

Chautauqua Miniatures and Dollhouse Gallery & 2 Chixx Gift Shoppe

5031 West Lake Rd, Mayville

1 mile from Chautauqua Institution

Owned and operated by Sandra Duffee and Heather Johnson, this gallery and boutique shop specializes in “extraordinary” home décor, boutique clothing and jewelry, candle, cards, family games, antiques and so much more!

“They have the largest inventory of miniatures on the East Coast along with unique jewelry, clothing and gifts that you can’t find anywhere else!” says ERA Team VP Reservationist, Amelia Duffee, “They offer antiques, toys, miniatures, jewelry, knick knacks, dollhouses, clothes, scarves, just to name a few things. You can find the perfect gift for any occasion, under one roof!”

During the summer, make sure to sign up for one of their Miniature Classes, where they will assist you in making your very own miniature to take home and put in your dollhouse. Whether stopping by just to browse the gallery, pick up something special for your home, or a unique gift for a friend, Chautauqua Miniatures and Dollhouse Gallery & 2 Chixx Gift Shoppe is truly a one stop shop!

For more information on Chautauqua Miniatures and Dollhouse Gallery & 2 Chixx Gift Shoppe call 716-753-3100 or follow them on Facebook.

Timeless Treasures

4475 West Lake Rd, Mayville

Less than 1 mile from Chautauqua Institution

Timeless Treasures is a specialty boutique shop that sells unique and colorful home and fashion accessories. The owner, Laura Miele, specifically stocks the shop with merchandise that is either Fair Trade, Made in the USA, eco-friendly, or made by local artists.

“I actually live near Timeless Treasures and hadn’t been there until my sisters were visiting last year, and I’m so glad we decided to check it out! What a great place with so many unique gifts!” says ERA Team VP Sales Team Member, Anne Walters, “Since then I’ve stopped numerous times for various gifts and even Christmas presents. I would recommend that anyone who visits this area should stop in. I love visiting Timeless Treasures and I don’t even like to shop!”

New items are added to the store monthly and seasonally, so there is always a reason to stop in! “I take great care to make sure that Timeless Treasures’ merchandise is unique and not sold at other local shops,” said Miele. “Our shop is a great place to find a gift for yourself or someone else.”

For more information on Timeless Treasures call (716) 789-2073 or follow them on Facebook.

The Art Loft

4994 West Lake Road, Mayville

¼ mile from Chautauqua Institution

Visit this one-of-a-kind, seasonal art gallery and gift shop owned and operated by independent artist, Bonnie Beyer. Even if you have visited The Art Loft before, it is worth the trip back, as the gallery is an ever-changing, malleable space that represents over 100 artists.

“My neighbor is a photographer, and The Art Loft had an exhibit where they displayed his photography as well as other local artist’s photos. They have a really great way of displaying the art, capturing each piece’s unique traits,” says ERA Team VP Associate Broker, Jane Grice, “It was fun to see all of the different forms of art on display, including pottery, paintings, and tapestries.”

The Art Loft is a must see-for all art lovers!

For more information on The Art Loft call (716) 753-5638 of follow them on Facebook.

Looking for somewhere to stay in Chautauqua Institution? Give one of our reservationists a call to find your perfect accommodations on or off the grounds! (716) 413-0201.

Or make the Institution your home! Visit our 1 Morris office to speak with a seasoned real estate agent or call (716) 413-0200.

Whether you are buying, selling or planning for a well-deserved vacation at Chautauqua, our Team is here to help you through the whole process!

Meet Our New Reservationists!

If you’ve stopped in or called our Chautauqua or Ellicottville offices during the 2015 season, you might have been greeted by some new faces/voices! We were happy to welcome three new Reservationists to our Vacation Rental Management team this year.

Kaysie Griffith
Full-Time Reservationist, Ellicottville Office
Kaysie was born and raised locally, and graduated from Ellicottville Central in 2012. She has two small children, and enjoys spending time with them, her husband and their family. She has an interest in photography and likes to play around with it on the side. “Joining the team at ERA Team VP has allowed me to grow on a professional level and build relationships with those I work with,’ said Kaysie, ‘It’s great to say that I love coming to work every day!”

Amelia Duffee
Full-Time Reservationist, Chautauqua Office

Amelia attended the Bemus Point School district from K-11 grades and graduated from Chautauqua Lake. She attended Hiram College for two years, finished her Associates through the University of Phoenix in Healthcare Administration, and is still working on finishing her Bachelor’s degree in Business with a concentration in Accounting. She worked for Food is Good/Chautauqua Regional Properties for the past 11 years before making the move to ERA Team VP. She has two children: her son, Arley, is eight, and her daughter, Ani, is twelve. She has been a homeowner for the last five years and states that she is humbled with the upkeep of being a home owner. She coaches indoor soccer during the winter and also enjoys being active with her family. Amelia notes that she is “thrilled to be a part of a growing, successful company!!”

Brennan Webb
Part-Time Reservationist, Chautauqua Office

Brennan graduated from Maple Grove High School in 2015 and is currently a freshman at Jamestown Community College where he is working on degrees in Adolescence Education and History. In his free time, he enjoy playing drums for the praise bands at Bemus Point United Methodist Church where he also delights in mentoring a few up and coming youth bands. When he is not helping with music at the church on a Sunday afternoon, there is only one place he can be found; in his lucky chair, in front of the television, rooting on his beloved Buffalo Bills. He tries to fill the other 6 days of his week with more family, friends, and, of course, working at ERA Team VP. “I am extremely glad to have joined ERA Team VP as I have found that the people and experiences here have prepared me for my future and enriched my life in a way that I’m sure no other job could.’ says Brennan, ‘There’s definitely a reason that we call ourselves a “Team” here at ERA Team VP.”

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!”

ERA Team VP and DFT sponsor OFN Run/Walk/Swim

http://chqdaily.com/2013/08/03/era-team-vp-and-dft-sponsor-ofn-runwalkswim/

The Old First Night Run/Walk/Swim is a timeless tradition that has recently been given an upgrade.

This year was the first time advance registration for the race was made available online. And in an embrace of the many ways social media can connect Chautauquans — regardless of where one is physically located on Aug. 3 — there will be a new dimension to the Run/Walk/Swim: an Around the World Race.

Those who register for the Around the World Race will be able to participate in the race remotely and share their experience, photos and videos on Chautauqua Institution’s Facebook, Twitter or Instagram accounts.

It is DFT Communications, Partners in Technology which has generously sponsored the Around the World Race, expanding the OFN tradition to the virtual world.

Ellen Ditonto, director of sales and business development at DFT Communications, said the company “is thrilled to be a sponsor for the first ‘virtual’ Old First Night race on Aug. 3.”

“What better way for us to showcase our technology solutions company to the Chautauqua Institution community than to help bring together runners from all over the world who want to be part of the Old First Night tradition?” Ditonto said. “We know that Chautauquans can be found worldwide, and with technology, barriers like time and distance can be dissolved so that the community can experience greater camaraderie. We felt it was a perfect match for DFT Communications to expand our partnership with Chautauqua.”

Of course, in keeping with an already well-established partnership with the Institution, ERA Team VP, formerly Vacation Properties Group, will continue to sponsor the traditional OFN race taking place on the grounds.

Bill Soffel, owner and broker of ERA Team VP, is excited for the company to continue its commitment to Chautauqua.

“While our company has grown throughout Chautauqua County and beyond, we started in Chautauqua,” Soffel said, “and supporting the Institution is still a major and important part of our business. We continue to be very involved with real estate sales, vacation rentals and property management on the grounds. We think it’s important to give back to Chautauqua and to support everything that the Institution stands for.”

The OFN Run/Walk/Swim is a tradition ERA Team VP would like to continue to support.

“We’ve enjoyed a nice partnership with Chautauqua over the years, and we look forward to continuing our great relationship into the future,” Soffel said.

“Capture Your Hometown” Photo Contest to Support the Fight Against ALS

ERA Team VP searches for local photographs that capture the essence of each area, to be raffled at 4^th Annual Agents of Hope Scramble Golf Tournament, with winning photographers awarded a cash prize and a chance to win an Ellicottville vacation getaway.

ERA Team VP Real Estate is looking for local photographs that best represent the “hometown” areas of western New York and northwestern Pennsylvania that ERA serves. Nine winning photographs, each representing a different “hometown”, will be unveiled at this year’s 4^th Annual Agents of Hope Scramble Golf Tournament that ERA Team VP will be hosting on Wednesday, August 28^th, 2013. One of the nine winners will be randomly selected to receive a two night stay, for up to four people, at the Ellicottville Inn Condominiums. The Ellicottville in is located right in the heart of Ellicottville, within walking distance to restaurants and shopping. The remaining winning photographers will be awarded a $25 debit card and all photographs will be featured on ERA Team VP Real Estate’s company websites.

The nine winning photographs will be raffled off with all proceeds, as well as tournament proceeds, benefiting The ALS Division of MDA & ALSA (the ALS Association); whose mission is to lead the fight to cure and treat ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, through global cutting-edge research, and to empower those affected and their families to live fuller lives by providing them with compassionate care and support.

Photo submissions should represent one of the following areas: Bemus Point, Mayville/Westfield, Fredonia, Lakewood/Jamestown, Chautauqua Institution, Ellicottville, Cuba/Olean, Bradford (PA), or Warren (PA).

The deadline for submissions is August 7^th at 5:00pm, and entries must be a minimum width of 1680px. Please include your name, phone number, and the specific area you believe the photo represents. Multiple submissions per photographer will be accepted.

Submit your photos to Taylor Lehman at taylor.lehman@ERA.com. For more information or to submit further inquiries visit ERA Team VP’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ERATeamVP.RealEstate. If you choose to include people in your submission, you are responsible for obtaining the necessary releases from the individuals depicted, and must be able to provide copies of those releases to ERA Team VP upon request. In submitting a photograph, you grant ERA Team VP a royalty-free, nonexclusive right, in perpetuity, to: use the photograph on the Internet and company publications and promotions.

To register as a sponsor, individual entry, or four-person team for the 4^th Annual Agents of Hope Scramble Golf Tournament, or for more information, contact Hanna Soffel Briggs at (716) 789-2093 or hanna.soffel@ERA.com or visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AgentsOfHopeGolf.

ERA Team VP Real Estate Expands Ranks Ted Bogdan & Debbie Rowe Join Firm Focused on Growth

[CHAUTAUQUA, NY] (07/12/2012) — ERA Team VP Real Estate recently announced the addition of Ted Bogdan & Debbie Rowe to its team of real estate sales professionals serving consumers in the Chautauqua County area and Southern Tier of Western New York.

Ted began his real estate career in 1994 when he purchased a gas station in Jamestown, NY. He has spent twenty-five years in the Retail and Petroleum Distribution business, holding positions from Salesman to Company President. Ted has negotiated Leases and Transactions with Fortune 500 Companies, McDonald’s Corp. and Exxon Mobil.

Ted has been involved in many aspects of his community including serving as a member of the Chautauqua County Planning Board, the Board of Directors and several committees with Lutheran Social Services, Inc., the Church Council of Holy Trinity Church, Former Director of Empire State Petroleum Distributors Assoc., Former Advisory Director of Pennzoil Products Company and Owner/President of Bogdan Properties, Inc.

Ted holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. He resides in Jamestown, NY with his wife Tracy and two children, Will and Becca.

Debbie Rowe joins ERA Team VP Real Estate with over 5 years of real estate experience. She is a full-time Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker specializing in Chautauqua Institution and the surrounding area. In 2010 and 2011 Debbie Rowe earned the Silver Presidential Award from the Chautauqua County Board of Realtors for $2+ Million in sales each year.

Debbie is a member of the Chautauqua Fire Department Auxiliary. She holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Gannon University. Debbie resides in Mayville, NY with her husband Dave.

“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. “We are thrilled to have professionals of Ted and Debbie’s caliber join our firm.”

“Unwavering commitment to clients has been critical to my success, 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 Bogdan.

Debbie Rowe stated, “As part of ERA Team VP Real Estate, I can combine state-of-the-art tools and high standards of service to meet my clients’ real estate needs. Benefiting from top training and national resources, I am ready and eager to help anyone who may be thinking of buying or selling a home in the near future. My new skills will enable me to better serve my clients. My benefits will be my clients’ benefits!”

As a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson with ERA Team VP Real Estate, Ted Bogdan, as well as Debbie Rowe, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker, will be able to offer homebuyers and sellers, as well as commercial clients, a wide variety of innovative and market-relevant products and services. These services include 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. Call Ted Bogdan at (716) 665-1369; Debbie Rowe at (716) 640-6507; or one of the main office locations: (716) 789-2600 Chautauqua; (716) 699-4800 Ellicottville; (585) 968-2113 Cuba.