My Team VP

Denise Whipp: Pennsylvania Real Estate Offices’ Branch Leader

Denise Whipp is the branch leader for ERA Team VP Real Estate’s Pennsylvania offices located in Warren and Bradford Pa. She has been a licensed real estate agent since 1997. She has since earned her Associate Real Estate Broker’s licenses in both PA and NY. She is currently President-elect of the Warren County Board of Realtors.
She lives her in her hometown of Warren, Pa and is active in the community. She is an active member of First Lutheran Church where she plays in their bell choir. She also serves on the board of the United Fund of Warren County. She has been married to Joe Whipp for 25 years (who is also a real estate agent with ERA Team VP) and has two daughters and the most adorable grandson on the planet! Her favorite thing to do is to hang out with family and friends at her cottage on the Allegheny River.

“I feel we have the most knowledeable agents in the area,’ says Whipp, ‘so if you’re looking for property in Warren or McKean County give us a call!”

Warren Office: 400 Market Street, Warren PA, 16365- (814)726-3456

Bradford Office: 21 Main St, Suite A, Bradford PA, 16701- (814) 368-3994

2015 Vacation Rental Management Association- New Orleans, LA

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Reviews are in and the Vacation Rental Management Association’s (VRMA) 2015 Annual Conference was a hit! With over 1,300 attendees, this year’s event, held October 25-28 at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside in New Orleans, Louisiana, marked another success for the vacation rental industry. The staff at ERA Team VP Vacation Rentals enjoyed networking with colleagues and business partners, discussing both opportunities and challenges facing vacation rental managers.

“The Annual Conference provides tangible takeaways and resources for operations staff, marketing professionals and vacation rental executives,’ notes VRMA, ‘With more than 56 educational sessions offered and a Vendor Showcase boasting more than 70 industry-leading vendors, the Annual Conference dives deeper into the ‘why’ of vacation rental management, providing in-depth insight on business strategy, industry trends and sales/marketing.”

The theme of “Celebrating the past. Looking to the future,” was integrated over three general sessions featuring noted speakers including Rory Vaden, cofounder of the multi-million dollar international training company Southwestern Consulting; Retired Lt. General Russel L. Honoré, Commander of Joint Task Force Katrina and Global Preparedness Authority; and Kristen Ulmer, voted by the outdoor industry as the most fearless woman athlete in North American.

Rachael Wiley-Steffen, Director of Vacation Rentals with ERA Team VP said, “our team enjoyed the education, networking, best practices, and all the fun that the VRMA Conference had to offer. We walked away feeling accomplished and confident with increased knowledge complete with tangible solutions for our business today.”

For more information on ERA Team VP Real Estate and Vacation Rentals, please contact the Ellicottville office at (716) 699-4800. or the Chautauqua Office at (716) 789-2600.

ERA Team VP Real Estate Expands Ranks in Warren Pennsylvania

Jean and Lisa

ERA Team VP Real Estate recently announced the addition of Jean Gorton and Lisa Burkhouse to its team of real estate sales professionals serving consumers in the Warren County area.

Jean Gorton joined ERA Team VP after earning her Real Estate License earlier this year and brings with her years of experience in the banking industry. Gorton looks forward to assisting clients in the sale or purchase of their new home. She is a member of the National Association of Realtors, Pennsylvania Association of Realtors, and the Warren County Board of Realtors. “I live by the motto to treat others the way I would like to be treated,’ said Gorton, ‘I strive to treat all clients with honestly and respect.”

Lisa Burkhouse joins ERA Team VP with an extensive background in office administration and client services related industries. Raised in beautiful northwestern Pennsylvania, Lisa has also chosen Warren to raise her son, making a home in the same house her father was born in. After working for a year and a half as sales team administrator for ERA Team VP’s Warren office, she decided to take the leap into real estate by becoming a licensed sales associate herself. With the support of her “ERA family,” Lisa hopes to provide clients with a warm and professional experience. Lisa looks forward to serving the families of Warren County. “I am thrilled to become part of the real estate community in Warren County and look forward to the learning process and personal growth that is sure to come,” said Burkhouse.

“We are excited to welcome two new professionals to our team serving the Northwest Pennsylvania market,” said Bill Soffel, Broker/Owner. “Jean and Lisa are both great additions to the Warren office, and I am confident they will provide the best service possible to their customers.

As part of ERA Team VP Real Estate the agents 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 ERA Home Protection Plan.

For more information about ERA Team VP Real Estate and the real estate market in the Northwestern Pennsylvania visit ERATeamVP.com or contact one of our Pennsylvania offices: (814) 726-3456 Warren; (814) 369-3994 Bradford. Call Jean Gorton directly at (908) 803-3794 or Lisa Burkhouse at (814) 779-1359.

Winter in Ellicottville: 5 Outdoor Activities OTHER than Downhill Skiing

Ellicottville is known as one of the top Eastern North American winter destinations, attracting downhill skiers to it’s two major ski resorts, Holiday Valley and HoliMont, during the winter months; however, there are more ways to enjoy this snow laden oasis! Here are 5 outdoor alternatives to enjoy this winter in Ellicottville, NY…

Snowmobiling

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Also known as the Enchanted Mountains of Western New York, Cattaraugus County offers over 350 miles of snowmobile trails. Make sure to visit the 68 miles of well-groomed trails in scenic Allegany State Park, which is the largest State Park in New York, and the third largest State Park in the nation! Download a complete trail map here.

Need a ride? Visit Chautauqua Lake Snowmobile Services to book a Polaris snowmobile rental or guided snowmobile tour. There’s no excuse to why you can’t be out enjoying the most scenic trails throughout Western New York this winter!

Want the kid’s to join? Make sure to attend one of the two FREE State of New York Snowmobile Safety Courses offered this December. Once completed, youth riders ages 14-17 may operate their own snowmobile without adult supervision (without the safety training course an adult must be within 500ft of the child). Youth ages 10 through 13 may operate a snowmobile if they complete the snowmobile safety training course AND are accompanied by an adult. For information on the Little Valley Snowmobile Safety Course click here or for the course offered in Franklinville click here.

Sleigh Rides/Horseback Riding

Prefer to admire Ellicottville’s winterscape from a different mode of transportation? How about a horse drawn sleigh ride! Nestled in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains is the Crosspatch Horse Ranch. This family owned and operated working horse ranch offers sleigh rides, for up to 6 people, all winter long.

Want to take control of the reins? Schedule a winter trail ride for the family! They will gear you up, match you with a horse that suits your abilities and lead you through the trails for a day of horse-filled fun.

Have your own horse? Crosspatch welcomes you to join them on any of their special rides and events! Make sure to give them a call at (716) 938-6313 or visit TheCrossPatch.com.

Snowshoeing/Cross Country Skiing

For an enjoyable change of pace, explore Ellicottville’s countryside with snowshoes or cross country skis! Daily cross country ski, snowshoe and helmet rentals are available at Mud, Sweat N’ Gears, Dekdebruns or Holiday Valley’s Rental Shop. For terrain, choose from the Art Roscoe area of Allegany State Park, Holiday Valley or Griffis Sculpture Park. Holiday Valley also sells a cross country ticket for $15 to take you up to the top of Holiday Valley, from there you can ski the 3 miles from Cindy’s all the way to Spruce Lake. The Art Roscoe area is noted as one of the finest double-track trail systems in the Northeastern United States. The 20 miles of well-designed trail network offers free beginner and intermediate trails throughout the forest. Scenic vistas around the trail offer an exceptional skiing experience and beautiful panoramic views. Griffis Sculpture Park provides a unique experience as you snowshoe between the steel outdoor sculptures of Larry Griffis, Jr and other international artists. The 450 acre Ashford Hollow park features over 250 large scale sculptures dispersed throughout miles of hiking trails.

Tubing at the Holiday Valley Tubing Company

Not a skier? Visit Holiday Valley’s tubing hill that proves to be fun for all ages. No experience necessary: just sit down, hang on and experience the thrilling exhilaration of pure winter fun! Don’t worry about wearing yourself out from walking back up the hill, just grab a hold of one of the handle tows to ride the tube right back up to the top! The Tubing Area is 4 miles from Holiday Valley, but take advantage of the FREE shuttle service that picks up and drops off at the Resort Services Center turn around. There is a minimum age/height requirement of 7 years old and 42” tall; however, the little ones are welcome to join in on the fun at the “Little Tubers” hill, weather permitting.

Mountain Coaster at Holiday Valley

Looking to pick up the speed? Hop on the Sky Flyer Mountain Coaster near Holiday Valley’s Tannenbaum Lodge and get ready for a fun twisty-turney ride down the mountain through the trees! The coaster is similar to a roller coaster, but being closer to the ground, it follows the contours of the snow covered terrain by zig zagging down the mountain. Choose to ride alone or with a friend, and control your speed by levels located on the side of the car. The Mountain Coaster opens December 19th, and riders must be at least 3 years old and 38 inches tall to ride with an adult or 8 years and 54 inches tall to ride alone. For more information or to purchase your pass visit Holiday Valley’s website.

Give us a call at 716-699-4800 to speak with a seasoned reservationist about booking your own private vacation home rental so that you can fully experience all of the outdoor winter activities that Ellicottville has to offer!

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!”

NEED A FALL GETAWAY?

It’s that time of year to celebrate the changing leaves, crisp weather, and all the fall festivities around our area. It is truly the perfect time of year to visit Western New York for the most incredible views of the fall foliage. A fall tradition here in Ellicottville, NY is the Beer and Wine Festival on November 7. Tickets for Saturday’s festival are available online for $52.50 and at the gate for $60 (if available).

So, why not get your family and friends together and make a weekend out of it! Stay in one of ERA Team VP’s beautiful rental homes, either in the village, on the slopes, or within the surrounding countryside! Book a stay with us either online or by calling 716-699-4800.

ERA Team VP Real Estate Expands Ranks- 5 New Agents Join Firm Focused on Growth

ERA Team VP Real Estate is proud to announce the addition of Shane Zahm, Darcie McLachlan, Christopher & Talitha Mascelli, and Jason Genberg to its team of real estate sales professionals serving consumers in the Chautauqua County area.

Shane Zahm joins ERA Team VP as a rookie real estate agent who is already on pace for $1,000,000 in sales in his first year. He credits his early success to his background in construction, ranging from building and remodeling homes, working as a Housing Rehab Specialist, and a Cable Technician. Shane lives and works in the Fredonia area, but covers real estate activity in all of Chautauqua County and most of Cattaraugus County. He is very active in his community, coaching his daughter’s sports teams; Little Kickers soccer, U6 soccer, and Hathaway League baseball. “The highest compliment my clients can give me is the referral of their friends, family, and business partners,” said Zahm.

Darcie McLachlan comes to the Real Estate industry with over 15 years of retail business experience where she held a variety of roles, including 4 years of leading Marketing/Membership departments in different Walmart-owned club locations. McLachlan prides herself on her fantastic service and believes that her customer-focused and marketing backgrounds will be an asset to her clients. Originally from Altoona, Pennsylvania, she is a graduate of Penn State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Art. Her career has taken her to various locations throughout the East Coast including Danville, VA; State College, PA; Greensburg, PA; Seabrook, NH; Everett, PA; and most recently Jamestown, NY. She notes that Chautauqua County has been her favorite place to live and work, and she is grateful to have the opportunity to move back and call it home once again. McLachlan is also very passionate about the community and avidly supports the Buffalo Children’s hospital and M.S. Society. “I am thrilled to be affiliated with ERA Team VP, which has such a fantastic reputation for both their community involvement as well as the service towards their customers! I am looking forward to providing this great service in the community where I live and work,” said McLachlan.

Chris and Talitha Mascelli join ERA Team VP with extensive experience in commercial real estate and construction, having previously worked with large market developers in both Erie, PA and Jamestown, NY. They have a combined 30 years of experience working in commercial real estate, development, and construction. They currently operate 2 construction consulting businesses that are assisting developers in both Jamestown, NY and Erie, PA with multi-million dollar office and retail projects in Chautauqua County. Chris and Talitha are excited to offer their real estate skills and experiences to assist developers and property owners with land and property acquisition projects anywhere. “It is our goal to be the premier Commercial Real Estate team in Chautauqua County. Talitha and I have the necessary experience and can provide the support services that professional developers are looking for. Leveraging the support and technologies of the ERA franchise with our backgrounds in real estate and construction, we are able to offer a one-stop shop for commercial development. You will only get that with the Mascelli Real Estate Team,” said Chris Mascelli.

“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 five professionals of such high caliber joining our firm.”

For more information about ERA Team VP Real Estate and the real estate market in the Southern Tier of Western New York visit ERATeamVP.com or contact our Chautauqua County offices at (716) 789-2600. Call/text Shane Zahm directly at (716) 640-3529; Darcie McLachlan at (814) 937-3906; Chris Mascelli at (716) 640-8672; Talitha Mascelli at (716) 640-0253; and Jason Genberg at (716)-640-8956.

ERA Team VP Real Estate & Vacation Rentals to Sponsor Ellicottville Halloween 5K & Half Marathon

ERA Team VP Real Estate & Vacation Rentals is proud to announce its Bronze level sponsorship of the 2nd annual EVL Halloween Half Marathon & 5K to be held on October 24, 2015 in the charming and scenic community of Ellicottville, NY.

The 2015 edition of the race is expected to attract more than 1,500 conditioned athletes, runners and walkers as well as 3,000 spectators from around the country. The proceeds from the race benefit The Ellicottville Sport Boosters- a group dedicated to getting local children involved in athletics, as well as the local food pantry. Participants are invited to run in costume and enjoy other Halloween related activities.

Both the 5K and half marathon start and finish on Monroe St. in the Village of Ellicottville, which offers great shopping and restaurants for after race entertainment. The rolling course heads north through scenic, lightly traveled, rural roads that offer fast times and a great atmosphere.

There is still time to register for this event! Visit EVLHalf.com for more information. Need last minute accommodations? We still have properties available! Stop in our office at 12 Washington Street, Ellicottville or call 716-699-4800 to speak with one of our seasoned reservationists about reserving your local home for the weekend. We offer properties right in the heart of the Village of Ellicottville, on the outskirts, or in the surrounding countryside so that you can experience all that Ellicottville has to offer and truly #LiveLikeALocal for this year’s race.

ERA Team VP Real Estate & Vacation Rentals Raises $9,000 for ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)

Charlie Young, President & CEO of ERA Franchise Systems joins Bill Soffel, Broker/Owner of ERA Team VP for this year’s Agent of Hope Golf Tournament held on August 26, 2015.

112 Golfers participated in the 6th Annual Agents of Hope Scramble Golf Tournament, hosted by ERA Team VP Real Estate & Vacation Rentals, to benefit the ALS Association and the ALS Division of MDA this past August at the Chautauqua Golf Club. The event, held every year on the last Wednesday of August, raised a total of $9,000.

Along with sponsorship opportunities there were many ways for the golfers to help raise money the day of the tournament. Featured on-course events included a Mojito Bar, Jell-O shot hole, betting hole, Arnold Palmer/John Daily Bar, Corn-Hole contest, and a prize wheel. Following the event, ERA hosted a steak dinner catered by Andriaccios, and included announcement of the tournament winners, a 50/50 drawing, and a raffle of over 65 items and gift certificates donated by local businesses.

“We’re delighted to host this friendly competition every year in order to show our company’s and our community’s true cooperation in supporting the efforts of the ALS Association and the ALS Division of MDA. Both organizations lead the fight to cure and treat ALS through global cutting-edge research, and empower people with Lou Gehrig ’s disease and their families to live fuller lives by providing them with compassionate care and support,” said Bill Soffel, Broker/Owner of ERA Team VP.

Soffel added that community members interested in attending, playing or helping out in next year’s tournament can contact Hanna Soffel Briggs at 716-789-2600 or Hanna.Briggs@ERA.com.

“The Agents of Hope Golf Tournament Committee would like to thank Troy Moss, the Chautauqua Golf Club, Andriaccio’s Restaurant and the many generous sponsors for helping to make this year’s tournament a success. A special thanks to the major tournament sponsors: Summit Wealth Financial, Inc., Jenn’s Lake Services, M&T Bank, and Allied Alarm. ERA Team VP looks forward to continuing the tournament next year and for many more years to come,” said Hanna Soffel Briggs, Agents of Hope Chairperson.

For more information about ERA Team VP Real Estate & Vacation Rentals in the Southern Tier of Western New York call (716) 789-2600.

Meet Rita White: Yorkshire NY Branch Leader

In August, ERA Team VP Real Estate announced the addition of Rita White to its team of real estate sales professionals serving consumers in Yorkshire, Arcade, and surrounding areas of Western New York.

Meet Rita: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCHJb_ft2sA&feature=youtu.be

Rita White joins ERA Team VP with an extensive background in real estate sales and management. From 2002 through 2014, White was an Associate Broker and Real Estate Manager with Metro Zientek Realty in Arcade, NY, and since 2014 has been an Associate Broker and Career Development Specialist with Realty USA’s Arcade office. In addition to continuing her very successful listing and sales business, Rita will also serve the role as ERA Team VP Real Estate’s Branch Leader for the Yorkshire, NY office.

“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 a professional of Rita White’s caliber joining our firm, in both a sales and management role.”

“I am looking forward to my new role as the Yorkshire Branch Leader, in addition to listing and selling properties. I believe that the most important thing when choosing a real estate professional is to find someone you can trust. I have a history of success and integrity in real estate that you can depend on. I am a good communicator and an experienced negotiator with expert knowledge of the local market and you can always count on me to represent you and your interests, to the best of my ability. Buying or selling a home doesn’t have to be hard. Choosing the right Realtor really does make a difference,” said White.

As part of ERA Team VP Real Estate, White 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 ERA Home Protection Plan.

For more information about ERA Team VP Real Estate and the real estate market in the Southern Tier of Western New York visit www.erateamvp.com. Call Rita White at (716) 353-5089 or one of the main office locations: (716) 496-5661 Yorkshire; (716) 699-4800 Ellicottville; (716) 789-2600 Chautauqua; (585) 968-2113 Cuba; (716) 672-7990 Fredonia; (814) 726-3456 Warren; (814) 368-3994.