Sunday, December 27, 2009

Chautauqua County Home Sales Increasing


Tax Credit Gives Boosts

By Dennis Phillips dphillips@post-journal.com State housing sales numbers climbed by more than 8 percent because of the first-time homebuyer tax credit, and experts expect housing sales to continue to climb with the extension of the federal program.
First-time homebuyers have been getting a tax credits of up to $8,000 since January as part of the economic stimulus package enacted earlier this year. And with the extension and expansion of the program in November, Jan R. Murray, Chautauqua County Board of Realtors executive officer, said housing sales will continue to climb, helping realtors during the tough seasonal, winter months.
''There will be a seasonal slow down, but buyers looking will buy because of this (tax credit),'' she said. ''Things will get slow between now and the new year, but we do expect it to pick up after. The tax rebate program will help to see us through the slow time.''
The new program will also include home owners looking to sell. Anyone who has owned their current homes at least five years would be eligible for a tax credit of up to $6,500. First-time homebuyers - or anyone who hasn't owned a home in the last three years - would still get up to $8,000. Couples earning as much as $225,000 and individuals earning up to $125,000 would qualify for the tax credit. That's up from the original $75,000 limit for individuals and $150,000 for couples.
To qualify, buyers in both groups have to sign a purchase agreement by April 30, 2010, and close by June 30.
State housing sales experts say October's sales jumped of 8 percent above September and a nearly 6 percent improvement compared to October 2008 is because of the tax-rebate credit.
''There is no question that the federal first-time homebuyer tax credit has been a significant driver of home sales in New York state since its inception,'' said Duncan R. MacKenzie, New York State Association of Realtors chief executive officer. ''New York's realtors are grateful that our Congressional delegation understood this and forwarded legislation to extend and expand the tax credit to President Barack Obama, who signed it into law.''
New York realtors sold 7,783 existing single-family homes in the state in October, a 7.7 percent increase compared to the September total of 7,224.
The October 2009 sales total was 5.7 percent above the October 2008 total of 7,363. The October median sales price in the state of $209,900 represents an increase of 2.4 percent compared to the September median of $205,000.
''Realtors know that the tax credit has helped to revitalize the housing market and position it to once again lead our economic recovery,'' MacKenzie said. ''The extension of the first-time buyer credit and the creation of a tax credit for existing homeowners who purchase their next home will allow both the housing market and our economy to hold on to the gains that have been made in recent months. We anticipate the expansion of the tax credit will bring trade-up buyers back into the market, driving sales in all segments of the market in addition to helping to ease the tightening of inventory in the first-time buyer segment.''
 
For more information on Chautauqua County Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com

 

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Snowmobile Trails Set to Open on Tuesday


 

Source: WDOE News
While there may not be enough snow on the ground in portions of Chautauqua County, the snowmobile trails will be open and ready for snowmobilers this Tuesday. Chautauqua County Sheriff Joseph Gerace says it's important that snowmobile riders respect the property of property owners, to never drink alcohol and operate their sleds, to watch their speed and to exercise extreme caution when handling their snowmobiles and to always make sure their sleds are registered. Gerace says snowmobile-related accidents have been on the increase, he feels is due to operators travelling at high rates of speed.
 
For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com
 

Wednesday, December 09, 2009

Area Ski Resorts Prepare To Open This Week









With an increase in expected snowfall over the next few days, skiers, snowboarders and winter enthusiasts can finally prepare to hit the slopes this week.
On Tuesday, both Holiday Valley and Peek'n Peak announced that the 2009-2010 ski season will start Thursday.
In Ellicottville, Holiday Valley is gearing up for a solid season of snow-filled fun and officials at the resort are excited about the coming months.
''Conditions have been excellent for snowmaking since last Friday and we've been making snow 24 hours per day since then,'' said Dennis Eshbaugh, general manager of Holiday Valley. ''The weather from Thursday forward will give us a good taste of winter with lows at night in the teens and snow squalls, just the way we like it.''
On Thursday, Holiday Valley will sell eight-hour (weekday) lift tickets for $47 for adults and $37 for juniors and senior citizens while night tickets are $30 for adults and $22 for juniors. Snowmaking will continue as weather permits with the goal of all 56 slopes and 13 lifts open on or before Christmas.
For more information, call 699-2345 or visit www.holidayvalley.com.
The Suburban Blend Snowboarding Shops in Ellicottville and Jamestown are also officially open for the season with loads of new equipment and gear for the upcoming season.
Suburban Blend is offering board tuning at the 17 E. Third St. location in downtown Jamestown, as well as its new store in the basement of the Ellicottville Depot, located at 6094 Route 219.
For more information, call the Ellicottville store at 708-1869 or the Jamestown store at 664-3023 or visit www.shoptheblend.com.
In Findley Lake, Peek'n Peak Resort and Spa is also prepared to welcome visitors Thursday as the main Ski Lodge, nine slopes and two lifts will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. with a packed powder base.
New for the 2009-2010 season, Peek'n Peak is offering a ''snow guarantee'' to ensure that visitors and guests are pleased with their experience, regardless of the weather. The resort is guaranteeing that the slopes will be open for a minimum of 100 days over the season and if the trails aren't 100 percent open, The Peak will discount the price of a daily lift ticket based on the percentage of open terrain.
With recent snowmaking technology upgrades at the resort, employees will make sure guests are skiing and riding on a minimum of a six-inch groomed base.
On Thursday, Peek'n Peak will sell eight-hour (weekday) lift tickets for $47 for adults and $37 for juniors while night tickets are $30 for adults and $22 for juniors and seniors.
For more information, call 355-4141 visit www.pknpk.com.
Cockaigne Ski Area hasn't made an official announcement of when they will be opening the slopes, but Linda Johnson, Cockaigne public relations official, said if the weather is right this weekend skiing will be done on the hills in Cherry Creek.
''We've been getting ready, We've been making snow,'' she said. ''The ground is firm and frozen, the way we like it before we open.''
Ms. Johnson said one Cockaigne event they will be hosting this winter is their Christmas Race Camp on Dec. 26. She said many people that visit the ski facility are into ski racing, with race instruction to be given to anyone who applies.
Ms. Johnson said the lack of snowfall at the beginning of the winter season hasn't hurt Cockaigne so far.
''I've been here for a long time. Sometimes we open in November and some years it doesn't snow until Christmas,'' she said. ''You never know what weather we're going to get. You take what you get and make the most of it.''
Normal hours for Cockaigne are 4 to 10 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 1 to 10 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. non-holiday Sundays, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. holiday Sundays and open holiday weekend Mondays.
Weekday lift tickets cost $24 for adults and $18 for children 12-and-under.
Ms. Johnson said to call 287-3223 or visit www.cockaigne.com for the latest snow information.
 
For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com


 

Tuesday, December 08, 2009

Holiday Valley Opening Thursday







hv logo
Holiday Valley Opening Thurs, Dec. 10
Snowmaking on School Haus
Opening day of the 2009-2010 season will be Thursday, December 10, weather permitting. Three quad chairlifts and up to 10 slopes will be open from 9 AM to 10 PM. "Conditions have been excellent for snowmaking since last Friday and we've been making snow 24 hours per day since then", remarked Steve Crowley, Director of Mt. Ops. He continued, "The weather from Thursday forward will give us a good taste of winter with nightly lows in the teens and snow squalls, just the way we like it!"
 
Lift tickets on Thursday will be $47 for adults and $37 juniors for an 8 hour lift ticket and $30 for adults and $22 for juniors for a night ticket. Snowmaking will continue as weather permits with the goal of all 56 slopes and 13 lifts open by Christmas or before.

Holiday Valley Resort
PO Box 370
Ellicottville, New York 14731
716-699-2345
Lodging Reservations 1-800-323-0020
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Holiday Valley Resort | PO Box 370 | Ellicottville | NY | 14731
For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com
 

Peek’n Peak Resort is opening this week for skiing

Peek'n Peak Resort is opening this week for skiing. The main ski lodge, nine slopes and two lifts are scheduled to be operating from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday with a packed powder base.

Snowmaking guns at the resort have been operating since Thursday.

"Snowmaking operations continue around the clock when the temperatures permit," says Brad Gravink, the resort's general manager. "All other terrain will open as soon as possible."

This year, Peek'n Peak is offering a "snow guarantee." The guarantee assures skiers that:

n  Slopes will be open for a minimum of 100 days over the season.

n  If the trails aren't 100 percent open, the resort will discount the price of a daily lift ticket based on the percentage of open terrain.

n  Peek'n Peak's snowmaking technology and abundant natural snow will make sure skiers are riding on a minimum of six inches of groomed base.

Following opening day Thursday, the resort will be open regular hours and offer free lift tickets to guests staying at the Inn at the Peak through Christmas.

The Peak gets an average snowfall of more than 200 inches a year. During the 2008-2009 ski season, slopes remained open more than 120 days. The resort is open seven days a week, from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends and holidays, and from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays.

For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com

 

Friday, December 04, 2009

Swedish Christmas Market Will Return Saturday


The Swedish Christmas Market, Julmarknad, returns to the area Saturday.
The market features a series of events that occur all day long so one can join the festivities at their own schedule.
Events being held at the Hamilton Collegiate Center at Jamestown Community College include a Scandinavian handicraft marketplace will be running from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Several local crafters offer their gift items.
Also at JCC, Culture Day workshops will be offered from 10 a.m. to noon. More than 10 one-hour workshops are available to learn about the Scandinavian culture with such topics as Swedish language, cooking, crafts, chip carving, hardanger embroidery, Swedish weaving and genealogy. A Swedish Christmas smorgasbord is set for noon, with the cost a $3 donation.
Additional locations and offerings include Ecklof Bakery, 832 Foote Ave., offering Swedish seasonal baked items; Peterson Farm, Fluvanna Avenue Extension, imported and homemade Swedish foods; Viking Trader, Route 430, Bemus Point, Scandinavian holiday gifts; and Immanuel Lutheran Church, Homemade korv dinner. To make a reservation for the korv dinner, call 664-7104.
 
For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com

 

FHA Wants Buyers to Have " more skin in the game"


Reporting from Los Angeles and Washington Alejandro Lazo -- Thousands of Southern California home buyers, and millions nationwide, will have to come up with more cash and reach higher minimum credit scores to get a government-backed mortgage under changes unveiled by the Federal Housing Administration.

Some loans might require more than the current 3.5% minimum down payment, but the Obama administration is resisting calls for an across-the-board hike. Instead, it is looking at other ways to increase the amount of cash at closing, such as requiring borrowers to pay more of their mortgage insurance premiums up front.

The FHA, which insures mortgages with low down payments, is scrambling to balance its increasingly important role in propping up the housing market with faltering finances of its own that could require a government bailout.

The agency's share of home loans has surged from 3% in 2006 to nearly 30% this year as credit has tightened and borrowers' bank accounts have been depleted. But that increased exposure has led to more defaults, driving the FHA's reserves below their mandated levels.

"We've learned from recent history that the market is fragile, and we have to plan for the unexpected," Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan, who oversees the agency, said at a House hearing Wednesday.

In Southern California, FHA-backed loans have become a crucial source of financing for first-time home buyers, particularly those snapping up foreclosed homes. FHA loans made up 38.3% of all Southland purchase loans in October, up from 32.5% a year earlier and just 2% two years before, according to MDA DataQuick, a San Diego real estate research firm.

George Ramirez, a sales manager for Citibank, and his wife, Leticia, a social worker, got an FHA-insured loan in August 2008 to buy a three-bedroom home with a swimming pool in La Puente. Without such a loan, he said, "there is no way" they could have bought it. The FHA let them put $8,250 down for the $275,000 house, or 3%, the minimum then.

"These loans are actually going to help people who are looking for the American dream," Ramirez said, "and if they start restructuring, it's going to hurt them."

Details of the changes announced Wednesday weren't expected to be finalized until next month; Donovan said officials wanted to carefully design them to avoid damaging the budding housing recovery.

But he said the Obama administration was considering increasing the minimum 3.5% down payment required for an FHA-backed mortgage in some instances, such as for people with lower credit scores, and is seeking congressional authority to raise the premium for mortgage insurance.

Vincent Flores, a real estate agent in Lakewood, said the FHA has been the main lending source for many of the first-time home buyers he works with, and a higher minimum down payment could keep them out of the market.

On a $300,000 house, a 3.5% down payment would amount to $10,500. If the down-payment requirement grows to 5%, as some have called for, a buyer would have to put down $15,000. "That's $4,500 more, and that's quite a bit to save," Flores said.

Donovan told the House Financial Services Committee that the expanded role of the FHA is temporary only until the mortgage financing market recovers, and that he doesn't want to steer the agency away from its traditional role of helping lower-income people with solid jobs buy their first homes.

FHA-backed loans plunged during the housing boom earlier this decade as buyers flocked to easier-to-get and cheaper subprime mortgages. The FHA focuses on traditional 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages and requires documents verifying income.

"Homeownership should be available to responsible borrowers . . . and we have to keep in mind FHA's historical role of doing that," Donovan said.

But some lawmakers are concerned that the FHA, which is funded by mortgage insurance premiums paid by borrowers, will need an infusion of government money as even its traditional loans face increased defaults because of rising unemployment.

The agency is supposed to hold a secondary reserve fund equal to 2% of all the mortgages on its books. An independent actuarial study released last month showed the reserve had fallen to 0.53%.

Raising the minimum down payment to 5% from 3.5% would be one way to reduce the risk of foreclosures, said Rep. Scott Garrett (R-N.J.), who has introduced legislation mandating such a change.

In 2008, Congress raised the minimum down payment to 3.5% from 3%, but it appears Democratic leaders would not support another increase.

Donovan said that increased down payments lessen the risk of foreclosure, but other factors also lead to defaults, such as a borrower's credit score. Donovan wouldn't commit to raising minimum down payments for all FHA loans, but said they could be raised for people who don't have high credit scores.

The FHA wants to increase the cash required from borrowers so they "have more 'skin in the game' and a stronger equity position in their loans," Donovan said. But the agency is looking at other ways to do that as well, such as increasing the upfront mortgage premium required and preventing the premium from being financed as part of the loan.

Donovan can change credit-score requirements without congressional approval, but would need a vote by lawmakers to increase the mortgage insurance premium. The upfront premium now is 1.75% of the loan's amount and the annual premium is 0.5% to 0.55%, depending on the size of the down payment. On a $300,000 loan, the upfront premium would be $5,250 and the annual premium would be $1,500 to $1,650.

"There is a huge societal question here, which is: Why are we encouraging home ownership via the FHA if so many of those loans are destined to failure?" said Stuart A. Gabriel, director of the Ziman Center for Real Estate at UCLA. "After all, what the FHA is seeking to create is not homeownership that goes bad, but rather sustainable homeownership."

Ryan Nowicki, a Hermosa Beach tax attorney, is looking to be one of those long-time homeowners, but said that without an FHA-backed loan, he and his wife wouldn't be poised to close next week on a town house in Redondo Beach.

Dave Emerson, a Realtor in the Lakewood area, said the FHA needs to make some changes to reduce its risk.

"The question is, are we far enough along on this recovery that the market can handle that?" he said. "I think the argument could be made that there is enough competition for homes that tightening the requirements a little bit makes sense. . . . The question is how they do it."

jim.puzzanghera@latimes.com
 
For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com


 
 

Thursday, December 03, 2009

Holiday Valley Opening Soon





Upcoming Events
12/5 Christmas Stroll in E'ville
12/18 Tamarack Opens
12/19 Demo Day
12/19 Rail Jam
12/31 New Year's Eve Party
John Harvard's
BREW HOUSE
The lively John Harvard's Brew House located in the Tamarack Club is open to the public. We serve warm and hearty lunches and dinners featuring specialty pizzas and juicy burgers. Our extensive selection of beers are craft brewed locally. The view is magnificent! Take out service available, just give us a call, 716-699-5350, starting December 14.

Falling Waters Spa
Ease your tired muscles and melt away your stress at the new Falling Waters Spa at Holiday Valley, located in the Tamarack Club at Holiday Valley. The healing process begins as you enter the reception area and find a gentle waterfall and a calming color palate. Natural light brightens the treatment rooms, the manicure and pedicure area and the Sanctuary. Seven treatment rooms, including 2 double suites are open 7 days per week. The Sanctuary is an area in which you can relax by the fireplace before or after your treatment and enjoy something delicious from our spa menu.

Please call for an appointment, 716-677-9700.

For Information or Reservations call
716-699-2345

Opening for the Season
Snowmaking to begin Friday
Snowmaking Set Up

(December 3, 2009, Ellicottville, NY...) Director of Mountain Operations and snowmaking veteran, Steve Crowley, announced that if the weather continues as forecasted, the Holiday Valley crew will start making snow this Thursday night, December 3. The weather forecast predicts cold nights through the weekend, plus a significant accumulation - up to 13 inches - of lake effect snow. These factors will allow an opening date for the 2009-2010 season on Thursday, December 10, as long as Mother Nature keeps her promise. If she's a bit more generous, opening date could be Wednesday, December 9...stay tuned for more announcements.

Snowguns are ready for action on Yodeler, Mardi Gras, the Candy Cane loop (Candy Cane, Laurel, Punch Bowl, Sugar Plum) and School Haus. Most likely, the first to open will be three quad chairlifts with one "most difficult" rated slope, one "more difficult" slope and 2 "easiest" slopes. Snowmaking will continue as weather permits with the goal of opening all 56 slopes and 13 lifts by Christmas or earlier.

Holiday Valley's recent snowmaking improvements include a 62 million gallon reservoir called Spruce Lake, located at the top of the resort. This large supply of water on hand allows the Holiday Valley snowmakers to take advantage bursts of cold temperatures to make a large quantity of snow in a short period of time. In preparation for the 2009-10 season, Holiday Valley purchased 40 new HKD SV10 tower guns that can make snow in a warmer temperature range. These guns are staged on Yodeler and the Candy Cane loop. But once temperatures hit the low 20's the Holiday Valley crew can run 135+ guns simultaneously which builds base quickly.

For Steve's weekly Mountain Ops update, click here.
Tamarack Club Opens...
Tamarack Club Snow
The Tamarack Club will open for rental guests starting Friday, December 18! This amazing four star condo/hotel has the perfect location at the base of the slopes, right next to the Clubhouse Chalet and the Creekside Lodge. Guests will enjoy the heated outdoor pool and hot tubs, sauna, fitness room, WiFi and game room.The beautifully furnished condominiums range in size from studio to 3 bedroom units.
The Tamarack Club is also the home of the new John Harvard's Brew House and the Falling Waters Spa, both open to all.

For reservations please call 1-800-323-0020 or 716-699-2345.

About Us
Thank your customer, tell them how valuable they are to you, but don't go overboard. Insincerity is easy to spot.

Holiday Valley Mountain Shops... The Mountain Shops are now open featuring the most extensive selection of products like Jackets from 686, Burton, Marker, Obermeyer and Eider. Goggles by Oakley, Electric & VonZipper. Gloves by Gordini, Swany and Candy Grind. Fun and functional children's outerwear.


Holiday Valley Gift Cards available at the Mountain Shops...good for anything at Holiday Valley!
Holiday Valley Resort PO Box 370 6557 Holiday Valley Road Ellicottville NY 14731

For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com

Wednesday, December 02, 2009

Snowmobile Safety Course


The Chautauqua County Sheriff's office is conducting a snowmobile safety course on Dec. 29 and 30 at the Mayville Fire Hall on South Erie Street.
The course will be held for people between the ages of 10 and 18 years old.
Students must be 10 prior to the start date of the course and those not yet 10 must take the course after their birthday.
The course is broken down into four-hour sessions with the start time of 9 a.m. and end at 1 p.m.
Students must attend both classes in order to obtain their certification.
All students must have a signed parental permission slip turned in to the instructor prior to the second session. These slips will be sent home with the students at the end of the first session.
There is a limit of 30 students for this course and the seats will be filled on a first come, first served basis.
There are no pre-registrations necessary. A textbook will be provided.

For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com


Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Chautauqua Lake mansion sells for $3 million












NEWS STAFF REPORTER


An undisclosed buyer purchased the manor, according to Richard Benedetto, co-owner of Real Estate Advantage in Jamestown and Bemus Point, which brokered the sale.


Known as the Packard Manor Estate, it was built in 1915 by William D. and Katherine B. Packard on 1.2 acres and 180 feet of lake frontage at the Chautauqua Institution.


"While property values have plummeted in other areas across the country," Benedetto said, "the jewels of Chautauqua Lake and Chautauqua Institution have held their value."


The manor was renovated in 1998 in a style that maintains its historic features but also included modern amenities such as air conditioning, Benedetto said.


The home features a large living room, den, office, dining room, sunroom, gourmet kitchen with pantry, eight bedrooms, terrace, third-floor apartment, nine full baths, recreation room, spa, whirlpool and sauna, an elevator, a four-car garage and eight fireplaces.

For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: http://www.chautauqualakehomes.com/





Thursday, November 05, 2009

Update on the extension and expansion of the tax credit…



Senate Votes to Renew Tax Credit for First-Time Home Buyers
Washington Post (11/05/09) P. A5; ElBoghdady, Dina
The Senate has passed a bill that would extend the $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers through the first six months of next year as well as offer a $6,500 credit to repeat buyers who have owned their current abode for at least five consecutive years over the previous eight years. Attached to a broader unemployment aid bill, the measure would limit the purchase price of homes to $800,000; and individuals and couples cannot earn more than $125,000 and $225,000 a year, respectively. The incentive is expected to cost $10 billion, and the bill should reach the House floor by Nov. 5.



For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Tax Credit Extension and Expansion


DATE: 27 October 2009
RE: Tax Credit Extension and Expansion

The United States Senate is expected to vote, later today, on a bill to extend Unemployment Insurance benefits. This bill will contain the Dodd - Lieberman - Isakson Amendment to Extend and Expand the $8,000 First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit.

The Extended and Expanded Tax Credit will contain the following provisions:

Amount: $8,000

Eligibility: ALL HOME BUYERS (Step-up buyers will have to have lived in their current home for SEVEN* years to be eligible)

Income Limits: $125,000 for single filers/$225,000 for joint filers

Time Frame: December 1, 2009 to April 30, 2010 plus 60 Day extension if binding contract is in place by April 30, 2010

*The 7 year ownership requirement is designed to lower the "score" or cost of the tax credit. This is still open to change. The Congressional Budget Office is going to "score" the cost of 3 year and 5 year requirements. We are continuing to push for step-up buyers to be required be in their
current home for three year period.



For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com

Chautauqua Watershed

To explore or assist in conserving lakeshore or watershed lands:

www.chautauquawatershed.org

For questions on lake maintenance-harvesting of weeds, lake debris & lake shoreline cleanup:

www.chautauqualake.org


For More Information On Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living Visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Holiday Valley Beer & Wine Festival Weekend

Holiday Valley Beer & Wine Festival Weekend Nov. 13 & 14th 2009
Beer & Wine Festival Weekend Lodging Packages
Make it a weekend vacation with a stay at the Inn including continental breakfast daily and use of the pool and hot tub.
Inn at Holiday Valley Guests Enjoy the Heated Indoor-Outdoor Pool
Two Night Festival Package with Friday Beer Tasting Dinner $221 per person including tax.
Includes Friday and Saturday night lodging at the Inn, Friday Night Beer Tasting Dinner for two, and admission for two to the Beer & Wine Festival
Saturday Night Festival Package $105
per person including tax.
Includes Saturday night lodging at the Inn and admission for two to the Beer and Wine Festival.

Two Night Festival Lodging Package $162 per person including tax.
Includes Friday and Saturday night lodging at the Inn and admission for two to the Beer & Wine Festival.

Beer & Wine Festival Saturday
Nov 14, 2009

3:30 - 7:30pm
Yodeler Lodge
Holiday Valley Beer & Wine Festival 11/13 & 14

Holiday Valley Resort, the Ellicottville Brewing Company and Southern Tier Brewery are hosting the 6th Annual Beer and Wine Festival at Holiday Valley's Yodeler Lodge on Saturday, November 14 from 3:30 to 7:30 PM.
Guests will be able to sample a variety of hand-crafted beers from over 30 of the best US and Imported beers and wines from New York vintners.

Brewers include: Sierra Nevada, Magic Hat, Great Lakes, Erie Brewing, Saranac, Southern Tier, Ellicottville Brewing, Ithaca, Roerhbac, Flying Bison, Custom Beer Crafters, Butter Nutts, Original Sin Cider, Harpoon, Voodoo, Smutty Nose, Long Trail, Hebrew and Otter Creek...plus many more!

Tickets Available at Wegman's, Ellicottville Brewing Company and
The Inn at Holiday Valley

Friday Night Beer Tasting Dinner


Nov. 13, 2009
Featuring
Harvest Ales

The ever popular 5 course tappas style Beer Tasting Dinner will take place on Friday, Nov. 13 upstairs in the Clubhouse Chalet. Cost of the dinner is $50 per person. Reservations can be made by calling
716-699-2010.


Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Get your tickets to the Chautauqua Lake Harvest Wine Trail





:



Chautauqua Lake Erie Wine Trail
Harvest Wine Weekends
From Grapesto wineto the Wine Trailand tasting
You choose the weekend: Nov. 7 & 8 or Nov. 14 & 15
For tickets: http://cts.vresp.com/c/?MindstormDigitalMedi/60da613115/5830aee7c1/ff2befc6f7
For more information - 1-877-326-6561

The harvesting of grapes continues in America's Grape Country until late October and sometimes early November. Come celebrate the completion of harvest at the 21 member wineries - $35/person. Food and wine pairings will focus on the fresh fall fare so readily available in America's Grape Country. 'Sunday Only' tickets also available for $30.
For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com




Sunday, October 11, 2009

Extend The Homebuyer Tax Credit


Help Keep Economic Recovery On Track

By Rick McMahon President, Chautauqua County Board of Realtors
By the end of August, more than a million Americans opened the door to their first home. Chautauqua County has welcomed its share of new homeowners this year, which will serve to make our community stronger in a variety of ways.
How during the worst economic recession since the Great Depression did so many Americans have the ability to purchase their first home? The answer is simple: The first-time homebuyer federal income tax credit of up to $8,000.
As a long-time Realtor here in Chautauqua County, I can tell you that interest from potential first-time buyers began to pick up soon after the tax credit was announced. Since then, sales activity in this sector of our market continued to grow. When coupled with favorable interest rates and pricing, many families and individuals discovered that it was the right time to buy. It also created the opportunity for current homeowners to step up to their next home.
Experts agree that growth in the housing market equates to growth in our local, state and national economies. The economic benefits derived from the sale of a home extend well beyond the closing table to include the many purchases made by new homeowners including durable goods such as appliances, home furnishings and services such as movers and home contractors. These purchases also generate much needed tax revenue.
The months of statewide and Chautauqua County housing growth since the enactment of the tax credit have resulted in a market that has improved, but not yet fully corrected itself. I am deeply concerned that the momentum in the housing market generated by the credit will take a turn for the worse when it expires on Nov. 30.
And while the legal end of the credit is now Nov. 30, the effective end is much sooner. Prospective buyers who plan on using the credit need to understand that they have to find a house, complete a contract, satisfy any contingencies, secure financing and go to closing by Nov. 30. Accomplishing those tasks by Nov. 30 will become more difficult with every passing day since in today's market; it generally takes between 45 and 60 days to go from contract to closing.
This means our progress could grind to a halt unless the tax credit is extended for an additional period of time and expanded in order to build upon the progress that has already been made. Uncertainty about the future of the credit will dampen consumer demand and have an overall negative effect on the broader economy.
The 56,000 members of the New York State Association of Realtors, including 350 members of Chautauqua County Board of Realtors, are calling on the New York State Congressional Delegation to support an extension and expansion of the tax credit to assure the housing market's ability to help lead our state's economic recovery.
We cannot afford to "wait and see" what happens if the credit ends. An extension and expansion of the homebuyer tax credit program now is vital to our continued economic recovery and must be at the top of our lawmakers' fiscal agenda.

For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com

Friday, October 09, 2009

Fall Fest at Peek'n Peak Resort

Enjoy the season at the Fall Fest at Peek'n Peak Resort and Spa in Findley Lake, N.Y., Saturday and Sunday. There will be a crafters and farmers market, ski-lift rides, horse-drawn rides, pumpkin decorating and many other ways to enjoy your day. For more information, visit www.pknpk.com.. Can't make it this weekend? The festivities continue Oct. 17 and 18.

For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com

Tuesday, October 06, 2009

Ellicottville Fall Festival October 10-11


Fall Chair RidesJoin in the fun and frolic as we welcome the fall and the coming winter season! The Village of Ellicottville is a giant art show-craft show-curb market-festival food stands-kids rides-zillions of people fun event. Check out the attached Fall Festival flyer for times and locations.
At Holiday Valley you'll find a well supplied ski swap, chairlift rides, Mountain Shop sale, food, music, a 5K running race and a mountain bike race.
Chairlift rides are just $2 (money is donated to various causes around Ellicottville) and are available on Mardi Gras from noon to 4 PM both Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. At the top of Mardi Gras you can check out our new Mt. Top Warming Hut, enjoy the music of The Scott Celani Band on Saturday and NY2LA on Sunday, and chow down on a beer (cider too) and hot dog as you look out over the spectacular scenery and brilliant colors. More music will be playing on the deck at the Clubhouse from 3-7 PM both days - The Strangers on Saturday and Only Humen on Sunday.
The "Bargains Beyond Belief" Mountain Shop Tent Sale is located slopeside of the Clubhouse Chalet, on your way to the chairlift rides. Sale hours are Friday 4-9 PM, Saturday 9 AM to 5 PM and Sunday 9 AM to 3 PM.
The Ski Swap benefits the Holiday Valley Race, Freestyle and Snowboard Teams. You're encouraged to bring in your old equipment or gently used clothing and helmets and exchange for new or used.The Swap takes place on October 9, 10 and 11 at the Creekside Lodge. Sale Hours are: Friday 4 – 8 PM, Saturday 9 AM – 5 PM and Sunday 10 AM – 2 PM.
If you would like to sell items, please drop them off on Friday from 4 – 8 PM or Saturday from 9 – 12 AM. Be sure to pick up any unsold items on Sunday from 3-5 PM. Unsold items will be discarded. For more information on the swap call Mike Nenno at 716-378-1000 or email mnenno1@roadrunner.com
The 5K Running Race starts at 10 AM on Saturday, with registration at 9 AM at the Clubhouse Chalet. The course starts down Holiday Valley Road to 219 south, loops around the Ellicottville school and back to Holiday Valley. Beware of the killer hill to the finish! for more information go to heartrateup.com.
The Mountain Bike Race starts at 10 AM on Sunday, with registration at 8:30 AM at the Training Center. The 5 mile route goes up (and up and up) the work road to the top of Holiday Valley then the singletrack begins across the top of the resort and down through the woods. It is a very challenging course and you can choose from 4 different divisions which range from one to 4 laps. For more information go to heartrateup.com.

For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com


Thursday, October 01, 2009

Chautauqua County sees rise in housing figures

By DENNIS PHILLIPS
Housing sales numbers were up in August compared to July and have also gone up compared to August 2008, which is good news for Chautauqua county's housing market.
In August, 97 single-family homes were sold, an increase of 12 from July and an increase of 11 from last August.
Jan Murray, Chautauqua County Board of Realtors executive officer, said the market is continuing its strong pace of the past few months because of the $8,000 first-time home buyer credit and the state's tax incentive program that allows 20 percent of the annual mortgage interest on a home to be converted into a tax credit that can be deducted dollar-for-dollar from federal income tax.
Murray said with good press and realtors doing their job, the word is getting out about the benefits available for buying a home.
''Real estate offices are promoting (the benefits) in their advertising,'' she said. ''Each board and each office is doing what they can to get the word out. As long as people are aware of the program and able to buy, I think they will continue to take advantage of the program.''
The first-time buyer housing credit was part of President Barack Obama's economic stimulus plan. The plan included the $8,000 tax credit for first-time buyers who purchase a home on or after Jan. 1 and before Dec. 1. Unlike previous tax credits for first-time buyers, this one doesn't have to be repaid. The $8,000 tax credit is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The National Association of Realtors said earlier this year that the new tax credit will boost first-time buyer home sales by an estimated 300,000 by the Nov. 30 deadline.
Duncan R. MacKenzie, New York State Association of Realtors, said first-time buyers who plan to take advantage of the existing tax credit should be under contract early in October to have the best chance for a closing by the Nov. 30 deadline.
''The growth New York's housing market has experienced since March is the best proof that our lawmakers in Washington should extend the tax credit, which is due to expire on Nov. 30,'' said MacKenzie. ''Congress has an opportunity to keep the housing and economic recovery going by making the tax credit available to more homebuyers. Housing has always been a primary driver of the Empire State's economy and this action would help ensure it is positioned to lead the recovery.''
Even though the county's housing sales numbers increased, the state's fell. The state housing market still posted a solid monthly sales total in August despite falling slightly below July's level, which ended five consecutive months of growth, according to preliminary existing single-family sales data accumulated by the New York State Association of Realtors.
''New York's housing market continues to maintain a strong sales pace, helped in part by the $8,000 federal first-time homebuyer credit, as evidenced by the August total,'' MacKenzie said.
''We believe the slight decrease in sales is not an indicator of any change in the overall health of the New York housing market, and we anticipate the market will remain active into the early fall.''
Murray said there is really no explanation for why the county's housing sales numbers increased in August while the state sales dropped.
''I think the stats are going to fluctuate,'' she said. ''Different markets have their own pockets.''


For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Holiday Valley Climbs As Ski Destination








Business First of Buffalo - by James Fink








Ski Magazine, in its annual ranking of regional resorts, rated Ellicottville's Holiday Valley fourth overall in the East, trailing only Quebec's Mount Tremblant and two Vermont locales in Smuggler's Notch and Stowe. No other Western New York ski resort made the magazine's Top Ten list.

The fourth-overall ranking is the second highest for Holiday Valley. In a 2004 survey, it rated third overall. Last year, it was the ninth-ranked Eastern North American resort.

Polling was done from readers and subscribers of Ski Magazine. More than 40,000 surveys were sent out following the conclusion of the 2008-2009 ski season.

Holiday Valley has been in the magazine's Top Ten poll for Eastern resorts for the past six years.

"We are very proud to be in the company of the East's finest resorts," said Dennis Eshbaugh, Holiday Valley president.

Various Holiday Valley amenities ranked highly with Ski readers. Its lifts were rated second overall in the East while Apres Ski atmosphere was ranked third and dining came in fourth overall. Family programs also rated fourth while service was ranked sixth, off hill activities was also sixth. The resort's terrain was rated seventh and overall satisfaction was eighth.

Holiday Valley's tallest run peaks at 750 feet. It was the only Eastern resort with less than a 1,500 foot vertical drop.

"What we lack in height, we make up in quality, services and facilities," Eshbaugh said



For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: http://www.chautauqualakehomes.com/