Should I Buy a Vacation Home

Like any investment, it can be risky. Location and current market conditions are extremely important when deciding whether to buy.

Other things to consider:

Will you be able to afford repairs, maintenance, insurance, and utilities?

What about fees to pay agents who rent the property for you?

If you live several miles away from your vacation home, who will clean up between tenants and take an inventory of household items once the tenants leave?

What if you are unable to rent your second home? Can your pocketbook withstand the strain of paying the mortgage?

 

The second home market has more ebbs and flows than the primary home market. Sales are iffy in a bad economy except, perhaps, on the high-end. That said, there is a growing trend toward the purchase of vacation homes. They are being bought for investment purposes, enjoyment, as well as retirement. In the latter instance, some people are buying with the idea of turning a vacation home into a permanent retirement haven down the road, a move that puts them ahead of the game now.

Some of the tax benefits of a second home mirror those for a primary residence. Before taking the leap, however, ask yourself if you can afford to carry two mortgages, maintain two households, and pay the extra utilities and maintenance costs. Also, learn about financing requirements and options, which can differ slightly from those on a primary residence.

 

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

 

 

Merry Christmas

Rick & Julia McMahon

 

Chautauqua Lake Erie Wine Trail

Event Information

Wine and Cheese Weekend Date:  May 03, 2008 (Sat) - May 04, 2008 (Sun) Time:  10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Cost:  $21 per person     Place:  All Chautauqua Lake Erie Wine Trail participating wineries Forestville, NY 14063   Phone:  888-965-4800 Email:  Email Event Organizer Id:  #160369   * Confirm the details. LocalWineEvents.com is not responsible for erroneous information. Add To My Calendar   |   Send to Friend

Event Details

Join the Chautauqua Lake Erie Wine Trail for their annual Wine and Cheese weekend being held May 3rd and 4th, 2008. Each winery will prepare a special Heluva Good cheese dish to be sampled with a complementary wine - come celebrate Mother's Day in a special way. Ticketholders choose their own itinerary and may visit the wineries in any order over the course of the two day event. One winery is designated as the pick-up point for your souvenir wine glass, recipe packet and special gift. Order your tickets on-line at www.chautauquawinetrail.org or call 888-965-4800, tickets will be mailed to you with a wine trail brochure which contains a map. More Info:  Chautauqua Lake Erie Wine Trail Please tell them you found this event on LocalWineEvents.com For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com

Bemus Point Chautauqua Lake

'Non-Bar' New Offers Alternative For Young Adults

By Luke Anderson landerson@post-journal.com

The Flip Side

12/21/2007 - BEMUS POINT — Andy Frudd is not a typical bar owner. In fact, he's not a bar owner at all.

Frudd is the director of young adult ministry at Bemus Point United Methodist Church. He is also the brains behind the Flip Side Young Adult Center.

Frudd wanted to create a place where young adults — people between the ages of 20 and 40 — could come together, enjoy each other's company and build relationships.

To do so, he looked to the major gathering place for young adults: the bar.

''There are some big similarities between a church and a bar,'' Frudd said. ''The bartender acts like the pastor. The bar is like the altar. The average bar around here has eight to 10 regular customers. It's like a family.''

Frudd said churches often have a difficult time making young people feel comfortable, but the bar setting is naturally conducive to geniality, and that is the atmosphere Frudd wants to project.

''We decided to build a place that is totally non-threatening, built based on the bar setting. The only difference is it's non-alcoholic,'' Frudd said.

Located in the old Bemus Point Hardware Store at 8 Alburtus Ave., Flip Side features a large interior with two conversation areas, dining tables, a bar, a stage and a game area.

The decor is warm and attractive, and the original sign from the hardware store still hangs over the stage, distinctive but not incongruous.

There are two flat-screen TVs on which football games can be found on Sunday afternoons, a dart board, foosball and air hockey tables and a Nintendo Wii video game system.

Flip Side has been open since November, and Frudd said the response so far has been slow but positive.

''There hasn't been anybody who's walked in and hasn't been excited,'' Frudd said.

The opening of Flip Side comes at a time of overall expansion for the church, with officials looking for new ways to serve a great and growing young population.

''For too long the church has been rather passive in pursuing a healthy social environment for young adults. This is obviously a unique endeavor to see if there is a need for young people to connect in a non-bar atmosphere,'' said Dan McBride, BPUMC senior pastor.

In January, Flip Side will begin to host special events designed to draw a greater crowd, including live music and an open-ended discussion series call Uncensored, where people will gather for informal discussions on a wide range of topics including workplace, parenting and singles issues.

Although the focus of the center will remain on young adults, the church wants to cast as wide a net as possible. To that end, Flip Side plans to host monthly family or over 40s nights, a Sunday morning adult Sunday school class and a variety of small group meetings during the week.

The space will also be available to rent by community groups or individuals for private functions.

According to Frudd, his intent is not to compete with area bars and restaurants, but to offer an alternative for anyone who wants to hang out at the ''non-bar''.

''It's kind of a different philosophy. We don't have the pressure. We don't have to make money. We can just go with what God gives us,'' Frudd said. ''We just want people to come give it a check-out and see if they can use it.''

Frudd also extended an invitation to other area churches in the hopes that they can find a use for the center.

Flip Side is open Fridays and Saturdays from 4 to 11 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 6 p.m.

For more information, call 386-3401 or e-mail suzanneallen@bpumc.com.

 

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

Christmas Happenings in Chautauqua County

Dickens Holiday' Is Saturday

Dennis Webster's traditional reading of ''The Night Before Christmas'' will be part of ''A Dickens of a Holiday,'' on Saturday at the Reg Lenna Civic Center.

 

 

12/20/2007 - The Reg Lenna Civic Center will present ''A Dickens of a Holiday'' at 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday.

''A Dickens of a Holiday'' will usher in the Christmas season with all of the grandeur and drama of the Victorian era.

It is a musical adventure encompassing the trademark elements of a Dickens tale from wealthy opulence to destitute poverty and the overwhelming power of the human heart. Act II is a variety presentation of Riverdance, Polar Express, the Reg Rockettes and the appearance of the Jolly Old Elf himself.

The large cast consists of actors between the ages of 3 to 21 who have been trained by the Drama Enrichment Program of the Reg Lenna Civic Center. A special treat is the singing trio of Scott Costantini, Sean Gritters and Eric Schwob. Other special guests include radio personality Dennis Webster, director/performer Michele Constantino, and Molly Marsh, Fiona Moore and Amy Weidert of the Chautauqua Regional Youth Ballet.

Gift baskets will be auctioned in the lobby during intermission. A bag of treats including candies, boxes of crayons from Friendly's Restaurant and coupons from McDonald's, Burger King and Wendy's will be given to all children in the audience.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, and $5 for children under the age of 12. A special family pass of $40 is available (family constitutes parents and school-age children living in the same house). For information on the show or to purchase tickets, the box office can be reached at 484-7070.

''A Dickens of a Holiday'' is a presentation of the Drama Enrichment Program of the Reg Lenna Civic Center which is funded in part by grants from the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation.

 

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

Holliday Valley Ski Resort

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SKINET :: Resortfinder :: Holiday Valley
http://www.skinet.com/skinet/resortfinder/resort_details/0,27051,716003,00.html



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Chautauqua County Snowmobilers

Not yet open

OBSERVER Photo by Frank Besse Pictured are snowmobile trail signs outside of Gerry. Snowmobile trails are not open until Dec. 19 at the earliest, even if there is enough snow.

 

12/13/2007 - Special to the OBSERVER

MAYVILLE — The recent "flurry" of lake-effect snowstorm activity across Chautauqua County has many snowmobilers optimistic about the upcoming season. In fact, after several years of below-normal snowfall, many are chomping at the bit to get out and ride. Not so fast, say leaders of the snowmobile clubs of Chautauqua County who urge snowmobilers to wait until the trails are open and ready.

"Snowmobile trails on private land in New York generally can not open until after the end of the Big Game Muzzleloader hunting season," said Ray Head, president of the Federation of Snowmobile Clubs of Chautauqua County, adding that "even then the trails aren't opened until the local clubs complete their preseason preparations."

In Chautauqua County, that means many snowmobile trails won't be open until Dec. 19. Ray Head advises snowmobilers to check with the local clubs to make sure snowmobile trails are open before heading out to ride by calling the Chautauqua County Trail Conditions hotline at 1-800-242-4569, option 2 then 5.

Chris Jaynes, president of Chautauqua Lake Snowmobile Club, agrees. "The trails aren't open until the clubs have removed fallen trees, cleared brush, and installed signs that direct snowmobilers safely along the route and away from hazards." Jaynes adds that with the heavy snow accumulation, snowmobilers should avoid the temptation to ride before the season officially begins.

Jim Zipp, vice president of Ellery Sno Cruisers, also emphasizes that since more than 80 percent of the 11,000-plus miles of snowmobile trails in New York are on private property, riding before the official opening of the trail is trespassing. Many of the private landowners who allow access for snowmobile trails do not want snowmobilers interfering with deer hunting.

Other landowners who have planted winter crops are concerned that early riding, before the ground has had a chance to freeze, will damage the crop and reduce yield come springtime. Respecting the wishes of landowners is critical, according to Zipp. "Landowners are the backbone of the New York snowmobile trail system," he says, adding "without them there would be no trails."

In Chautauqua County, and the rest of New York state, snowmobile trails are maintained by local clubs that use volunteer labor to perform all of the thousands of man-hours necessary to get the trails ready for the season.

Clearing trees that have fallen across the trails, cutting back overgrown brush, and installing trail signs are among the tasks that are under way all over Chautauqua County. Trails are routinely re-routed as changes to the landscape happen during the off-season. For riders thinking of a little pre-season snowmobiling, heading out before the trails open, unsigned trails might be an accident waiting to happen, and jeopardize the use of the trail system for the season.

For in part, the Snowmobile Clubs of Chautauqua County believe that common sense should overcome the snow fever, and offers the following points to help ensure safe snowmobiling:

• All clubs in Chautauqua County do not open their trails until after the end of Muzzleloader Big Game season — that means after sunrise on Dec. 19.

• Even after the "official" start of the season, snowmobilers should always be aware of trail conditions before heading out to ride. Contact the local club where you plan to ride and make sure the trails are open.

• Take it easy while getting back in the swing of snowmobiling after a long summer's wait. Many snowmobilers are anxious to try out newly purchased sleds, and should take time to adjust to handling a new machine.

• Riding before the trails are cleared and signed is risky business.

• Always respect landowners; stay on the trail and stay home if the trail is closed.

• Make sure that youthful operators have completed the required safety classes. In fact, it is a good idea for adult riders to brush up on snowmobile safety as well. Classes are scheduled across the County.

Snowmobilers may visit the Web sites, of the Snowmobile Clubs of Chautauqua County as follows Chautauqua Lake Snowmobile Club www.chautauquasnow.com, Cherry Creek Sno-Goers, www.cherrycreeksnogoers.com , Ellery Sno-Cruisers, www.ellerysnocruisers.com Lake Effect Trail Breakers, www.trailbreakers.com and the Sunset Drifters, www.sunsetdrifters.com for more information on what you could do to help the clubs listed above get the trails ready.

 

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

 

Chautauqua County Real Estate Viewpoints

Julia and I recently returned from the National Association of Realtors convention in Las Vegas the following excerpt applies to Chautauqua County Real Estate. We are asked constantly " How is the Real Estate Market "  The truth is in Chautauqua County it is the same as it always was. It never flew high so it never sinks low.  We have always had our share of foreclosure sales since we started in 1992. If you were in LV with us they were doing seminars on foreclosures. We passed, we could teach the course. It is nothing new here and nothing to be afraid of anywhere. For every foreclosure there is a buyer who generally gets a good deal. THE MEDIA doesn't tell you that.

 

Our second home market which is the bulk of Julia and my sales is doing very well we have had a good year and so have my associates who work in the market. Prices leveled in 2007.  Appreciation in the second home market will return and the homes will prove to be a very enjoyable investment in the years to come.

 

The problem with "hot areas" is that they did not understand and internalize that nothing grows to the sky.

When you think about it we welcome and celebrate price reductions in all other aspects of our lives for goods and services why not Real Estate if the prices dip or remain stable this helps many purchasers who otherwise would be out of the market get into it.

 

The truth about Real Estate remains the truth if you look out over a 3+ year horizon you will do just fine. If you bought it yesterday and want to sell it tomorrow for a profit best wishes with that.

 

Frankly the biggest problem we have run into is 2nd mortgages. Sellers are upside down because they used there homes as ATM machines.  Some have improved the home and are able to sell with a gain. Most have nothing to show for it except debt.

 

Your comments are welcome.

 

Rick

 

" All real estate is local, " proclaimed NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun again and again. "Some markets are up and some are down after years of sustaining record or cyclical highs," he exclaimed. Yun also pointed out that national real estate forecasts are not any more useful to local markets than a weather forecast giving the average temperature for the entire nation. He noted our U.S. economy may not be robust but is respectable and that there is pent up demand sitting on the sidelines. Yun related that Wall Street is coming clean about its less than prudent investments; good loans ARE AVAILABLE to those with jobs and good credit and that 2007 will end as the fifth best housing sales sales year on record. Other key points the economist shared included: the drop in new housing starts is not surprising after a dizzying building boom; the national delinquency rate for sub-prime is 15% while the national delinquency rate for all conventional loans is 3%; and that sub-prime loans account for less than 10% of all loans.

 

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

 

 

Buying or Selling a Chautauqua Home: www.chautauqualakehomes.com

 

C. Rick & Julia McMahon

Real Estate Advantage

716-483-3300

The Chautauqua Regional Youth Ballet

CRYB To Present 'The Nutcracker'

The Tradition Continues Madi Cala as Clara during last year's performance of ''The Nutcracker.'' Photo by Rob Sigler

12/11/2007 - Special to The Post-Journal editorial@post-journal.com

The Chautauqua Regional Youth Ballet will present the Nutcracker — a holiday tradition that delights children and adults alike.

The timeless story of young Clara who is given the gift of a magical Nutcracker offers the excitement of a growing Christmas Tree with more than 1,000 sparkling lights; a midnight battle between the Nutcracker and the Rat King which will have kids on the edge of their seats as they watch martial arts artist Justin Clark's interpretation of the Rat King; falling snow during the snow scene and the incredible experience of watching principal dancers from the New York City Ballet in the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier.

The performances are scheduled for 8 p.m., Saturday, and 2 p.m., Sunday, at the Reg Lenna Civic Center in Jamestown.

Tickets prices are loge, $25; adults, $15; students and seniors, $10; and children 10 and under, $6. Tickets are on sale and available at the Reg Lenna Box Office at 484-7070 or online at reglenna.com

New York City Ballet principal dancers Megan Fairchild and Daniel Ulbricht will dance the Sugar Plum and her Cavalier.

''We are thrilled to give our young dancers the opportunity to share the stage with world-renowned soloists and also thrilled to give our community the opportunity to see two dancers from one of the world's greatest ballet companies perform right here in Jamestown,'' artistic director Monika Alch said.

Other guest performers include Paul Mockovak as Herr Drosselmeyer, Justin Clark, local martial arts artist and karate instructor as the Rat King, Sylvia Trusso as the Grandmother, Adam Trambley and Libby Nord as the host and hostess, and a special appearance by Len Barry as Mother Ginger. Also performing as a guest dancer is Zachary Hutchison from Victoria, Texas who attended CRYB's summer intensive this past August

Ms. Alch remarks that in addition to the treat of seeing Ms. Fairchild and Mr. Ulbricht dance, the audience will also be impressed by the caliber of performance presented by CRYB ballet students. Solos such as the Nutcracker Prince, Arabian and Spanish, the Snow Queen and Dew Drop will be performed by CRYB pre-professional students, and almost 70 other cast members including both CRYB students and community members will round out the cast.

In addition to the public performances, CRYB will also present two school shows as part of the Arts-In-Education program — schools interested in attending should contact the Reg Lenna Box Office.

CRYB Administrative Director Elizabeth Bush said that with the addition of our NYCB soloists, the CRYB Nutcracker is a great choice for out-of-town visitors looking for a winter get-away weekend.

Sponsors of this year's Nutcracker include M&T Bank and the Ralph C. Sheldon Foundation, Inc. who are funding the replacement of the Flower Scene costumes. The Chautauqua Regional Youth Ballet is a not-for-profit organization that provides classical ballet instruction to youth from Chautauqua County the surrounding areas.

 

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

 

Passing the Winter in Chautauqua

A faster winter

By JIM PRATT

Submitted photo Skiers hit the slopes at Holiday Valley.

12/9/2007 - Special to the OBSERVER

Winter's a-coming on fast, isn't it? And it's gonna be longer than you want, and colder, and you're going to be sitting watching TV and complaining about the weather, aren't you? Then spring will come and you'll wonder how you managed to gain 10 pounds and start to worry about how to shape up before shorts and swimsuit season.

Well, what if you could avoid all that misery, have winter fly by and actually lose weight during the shut in season? 

It's really simple. Start skiing. 

Oh I know, you're too old, you'll get hurt, it's too cold outside. I've heard all the reasons people stay indoors for four months each year. But I've also found that most of those reasons will evaporate once a person actually tries the sport, so let's look at the list of why not and see if any can really hold water.

Reason 1. I'm too old. (Ha!) You might be, but age is a state of mind. One of my favorite stories involves a 73-year-old grandmother taking her first ski lesson on a snowy Saturday in January a couple of years ago. The funny part? Her instructor had just turned 85. Factor in that her son owns a ski shop and had never before taken her skiing. At least he provided her with equipment. Let me tell you my afternoon class of 20-somethings had trouble complaining after she smoothly scooted by. 

Reason 2. I'll get hurt. You might, but the most dangerous thing an American adult does is drive a car. Most people who think they'll get hurt have seen the Wide World of Sports opening where the ski jumper crashes too many times. Remember, he was jumping! You must be a few steers short of a herd to consider such a thing! Secondly, the equipment today is much better than it was even 10 years ago. The new ski bindings work so well that knee injuries are almost a thing of the past. Oh yes, you can get hurt, but your chances are pretty low. In 2005-2006, there were about 25,000 injuries out of 60,000,000 skier days. And you can lower your odds of getting hurt more if you take advantage of a lesson or two from a trained professional (that could be me).

Reason 3. It's too cold. Yep, it can get cold. I've spent days at -40 degrees, and that was cold! I was young and crazy enough to only notice that there were no lift-lines anywhere. So I tried to get extra runs in. Smart people don't do that. Add in new clothing technology, with all the high-tech materials, and I have stayed warm on days that in the past would have forced even me inside. Wicking material, gore-tex, thinsulate and all those other miracle fabrics really work. You only get cold if you don't take advantage of these materials. And there is a new problem with the temperature. Because of these new materials, often the participant will get hot. I've had to take a break and go indoors to cool down!

Now what about the advantages I listed? Are they real?

The short answer: yes. Winter will go by faster, you can lose weight, and getting outside will lift your mood. And it's all close by. We are particularly blessed in our area. Within a two-hour drive you can be at five different ski slopes. That's equivalent to living in Vermont or New Hampshire. The hills are smaller, but they're easy to get to. Cockaigne is only 25 minutes from downtown Dunkirk. It's a shorter drive than getting to the mall (For married men, a day of skiing is typically cheaper than a day of shopping. Think about it.) In fact, with this much skiing available close by, I don't understand why Western New York hasn't produced more Olympic skiers.

You can lose weight skiing. I typically drop 5 to 7 pounds after the holidays. The movements of skiing pits your own weight against gravity, producing an isometric resistance exercise. Studies are showing that resistance exercises will trim you down. It will also tone the musculature of your legs and backside. Unless you do some racing, you won't get too much aerobic exercise, but you will still burn a lot of calories just enjoying the snow.

Will winter go by faster? Yes. Remember, we live next to one of the Great Lakes, which helps moderate our temperatures. It's really only cold enough for consistent snow for 10 to 14 weeks a year. Oh yeah, we get the oddball storm in October or April, but by April, most of our local ski resorts close down for lack of snow. The really good stuff falls in late December and lasts until late February. That's about 12 to 14 weeks, max. When you have something planned every Saturday, the weeks just fly by. Trust me on this — you'll be saying, "Where did winter go?" 

And while you're out there, you'll find the reason I spend time skiing. Winter, despite its cruel temperatures, cold winds and snow, is a beautiful season. I've seen days with skies so blue and clear that your eyes can't believe such colors exist. Or when the snow frosts the trees, painting them white and sparking. Passing through the woods when it's snowing so hard, the only sound you hear are the flakes hitting the ground. Or the moon rising over a nearby hill as an owl floats silently past. The snow under your skis feeling soft as velvet, or fluffing up over your knees. 

How about riding up the lift, through a cloud and breaking out into the sun, looking back and seeing the world covered in cottony wisps, the nearby hills islands in a fluffy white sea. Faces red from the cold, but smiling to see friends and family in a warm lodge. Young kids, excited to be outside sliding down the big hill. I once had a class of inner-city teenagers whose enthusiasm and pure desire to seize the day gave me hope for the next generation. Memories of my kids first turns down the slope, falling into deep, soft powder.

The list goes on. So come on. This year, join me outside and have a short, healthy and fun winter.

Jim Pratt of Fredonia has been teaching skiing for years and is certified nationally by the Professional Ski Instructors of America.

 

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

New Visitor Draw For Ellicottville, NY

Ellicottville will host an international bow hunting competition next year - the commmunity's initial foray into using the tourist town as a special events destination.

 

The International Bowhunting Organization will bring its 2008 world championships to Ellicottville for four days, beginning Aug. 20 at the Holiday Valley Ski Resort.

The competition is expected to attract more than 2,000 contestants with their families and is projected to have a $4 million economic impact while showcasing the town and region. The competition will be aired on ESPN2.

 

"This is our perfect opportunity to let the events industry know that we, Ellicottville, can be a host sports venue," said Brian McFadden, Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce executive director. "As it is, we attract more people than the Bills do to Ralph Wilson Stadium."

The competition had been held for many years at the Snowshoe Mountain resort in West Virginia and this past summer was held in Anderson, Ind.

 

The Holiday Valley selection includes options for the 2009 and 2010 competition. Holiday Valley invested more than $100,000 to attract the competition to Ellicottville. Local leaders spent a year pitching the bowhunting association. Landing the event is a critical part of a long-term strategy by Ellicottville leaders to make the picturesque town a 12-month destination.

 

While the bulk of the economic impact will be felt in Ellicottville, McFadden said he is working with the Buffalo Niagara Convention & Visitors Bureau on showing off other regional highlights during the competition.

"Downtown Buffalo is important to us," McFadden said.

When bed-and-breakfasts, privately leased out townhouses and chalets are included, McFadden estimates Cattaraugus County has sleeping options for 7,000 people. He expects many competitors will stay in their own RVs. McFadden thinks hotels in southern Erie County will handle some spillover from those attending the competition.

 

"This is definitely going to fill a lot of hotel rooms," said Jane Eshbaugh, Holiday Valley director of marketing. "More importantly, this is going to introduce this region to a lot of people who haven't been here before."

 

Ken Watkins, International Bowhunting Organization, said Holiday Valley and Ellicottville were particularly attractive because of their location.

"We think having the tournament at Holiday Valley will allow more archers to attend the festival," Watkins said.

 

The event attracts what Watkins called the "Tiger Woods" of archers who will track 3D animals around Holiday Valley's hills and trails. Archers will compete for $200,000 in cash and prizes. No live animals are part of the competition.

 

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