While the contract deadline for the homebuyer tax credit for most Americans has come and gone, members of the armed services and certain other federal employees still have time to take advantage of the incentive.
For those that served outside of the U.S. for at least 90 days during the period beginning after December 31, 2008, and ending before May 1, 2010, the deadline is extended to April 30, 2011. If a binding contract is entered into by that date, the taxpayer has until June 30, 2011, to close on the purchase. Both the $8,000 first-time and the $6,500 repeat homebuyer tax credits are included in the extension.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Weekend Open Houses
Howard Hanna Holt Real Estate is hosting a slew of open houses this weekend.
The Fredonia Office will be having their open houses tonight from 6-7:30 at the following locations.
145 South Portage Sreet
200 EAST MAIN (RTE 20)
79 North Portage
And at Bemus Bay Condominiums at 50 Lakeside Drive in Bemus Point.
For all your real estate needs in Chautauqua County and advice on real estate outside of it, visit http://www.howardhannaholt.com or stop by one of our 6 convenient locations.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Howard Hanna Partners with Zillow.com
Zillow.com® Partners with Howard Hanna Real Estate Services
Fourth Largest Real Estate Company in the United States Joins Zillow® Listings Feed Program
SEATTLE April 15, 2010– Zillow.com and Howard Hanna Real Estate Services today announced a partnership which enables Howard Hanna to automatically feed all of their 21,000 for-sale listings to Zillow.com. The syndication of Howard Hanna’s listings to Zillow will improve the real estate search experience for Zillow users in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia and New York.
Howard Hanna joins more than eight hundred partners participating in the Zillow Listings Feed Program which launched in November 2007, and has grown to more than four million for-sale listings, and over 65,000 rental listings today. The program allows listing providers to automatically receive free marketing exposure for their listings on one of the most-visited real estate sites in the country, while providing Zillow’s users with a more robust search experience.
Each listing Howard Hanna feeds to Zillow includes a description of the property with multiple photos, full marketing text, agent contact information, and a link back to the Howard Hanna website.
“Zillow is proud to partner with Howard Hanna, the fourth largest real estate company in the nation[i], and a highly regarded brokerage that has been a leader in the real estate community for over 50 years,” said Spencer Rascoff, Zillow’s chief operating officer.
Howard W. “Hoddy” Hanna, III, Chairman and CEO, added, “We continually seek out ways to innovate and maximize marketing exposure for our associates and listings. By distributing our listings to Zillow, we are able to expose our clients to Zillow’s audience of more than 10 million unique visitors[ii]. each month. This offers a tremendous marketing opportunity for our 4,000 sales associates, and their sellers.”
In addition to being displayed on the Zillow.com Web site, Howard Hanna listings will also appear on the Zillow iPhone® App, the number one real estate application in the Apple® iTunes Store®, the Zillow Android® App, the leading real estate app in the Android Market, and on Zillow on iPad®.
About Howard Hanna Real Estate Services
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services is the 4th largest real estate company in the United States. The company specializes in residential and commercial brokerage service, mortgages, closing and title insurance, land development, appraisal services, insurance services, and corporate relocation. With 131 offices across Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York and West Virginia, Howard Hanna’s more than 4,700 sales associates, management and staff are guided by a spirit of integrity in all aspects of the real estate process. Visit www.howardhanna.com for more information.
About Zillow.com
Zillow.com is an online real estate marketplace where homeowners, buyers, sellers, renters, real estate agents, and mortgage professionals find and share vital information about homes and mortgages. Launched in early 2006 with Zestimate home values and data on millions of U.S. homes, Zillow has since added homes for sale and homes for rent, a directory of real estate and lending professionals, Zillow Advice and Zillow Mortgage Marketplace. One of the most-visited real estate Web sites, with more than 10 million[iii] unique visitors per month, Zillow's goal is to help people become smarter about homes and real estate in every stage of their lives -- home buying, selling, renting, remodeling and financing. The company is headquartered in Seattle and has raised $87 million in funding.
Zillow.com and Zillow are registered trademarks of Zillow, Inc. Apple, iPhone, iPad and iTunes are registered trademarks of Apple, Inc.
Android is a trademark of Google Inc.
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services is a registered trademark of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, Inc.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Time Running out on tax credit
Home sales must be under contract before April 30th.
But don't freak out, call a Howard Hanna Holt agent and let them help you take advantage of this opportunity before it passes you by.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Our visibility featured in Dunkirk Observer
The the following was in the Dunkirk Observer.
It's no secret that real estate firms compete to get property listings and sales. But how they go about it for their clients and customers defines them.
Locally-owned and operated Howard Hanna Holt Real Estate has developed a "superior visibility" approach to marketing the residential and commercial properties it represents.
"We have made major investments to make sure the properties we have listed are well exposed to potential buyers," said company vice president Stephen Holt. "We continue to invest in signage and traditional print advertising, but more and more of our promotional resources are devoted to internet marketing. That's where today's buyers look first."
"No real estate company in Chautauqua County has its properties listed on as many Web sites as Howard Hanna Holt," Holt said. "The company's property listings are on more than 300 internet sites.
The superior visibility concept was internally-generated, Holt noted, saying, "We want to stay in the marketing forefront and want our clients to know it. Anyone who lists their property with us expects the highest level of service and we expect to provide it."
For example, he explained, potential property purchasers are contacted by the company's headquarters staff within a week to make sure they received a timely response from the listing agent and that all their questions were answered.
"Superior visibility efforts need to be complimented by total quality service," Holt said. "That results in very satisfied sellers and buyers."
Locally-owned Howard Hanna Holt Real Estate, www.howardhannaholt.com, offers comprehensive residential and commercial real estate sales, leasing and related services including real property appraisals, property management, development services, vacation property rentals and traditional rentals. The Chautauqua County-headquartered affiliate of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services has offices in Fredonia, Mayville and Westfield, on the grounds of Chautauqua Institution, at the Bemus Bay condominiums and at Peek'n Peak Resort and Spa.
Pittsburgh-headquartered Howard Hanna Real Estate Services is the third-largest independent real estate company in the United States, the country's fourth-largest full service real estate company and the sixth-largest mortgage banking company in the nation.
It's no secret that real estate firms compete to get property listings and sales. But how they go about it for their clients and customers defines them.
Locally-owned and operated Howard Hanna Holt Real Estate has developed a "superior visibility" approach to marketing the residential and commercial properties it represents.
"We have made major investments to make sure the properties we have listed are well exposed to potential buyers," said company vice president Stephen Holt. "We continue to invest in signage and traditional print advertising, but more and more of our promotional resources are devoted to internet marketing. That's where today's buyers look first."
"No real estate company in Chautauqua County has its properties listed on as many Web sites as Howard Hanna Holt," Holt said. "The company's property listings are on more than 300 internet sites.
The superior visibility concept was internally-generated, Holt noted, saying, "We want to stay in the marketing forefront and want our clients to know it. Anyone who lists their property with us expects the highest level of service and we expect to provide it."
For example, he explained, potential property purchasers are contacted by the company's headquarters staff within a week to make sure they received a timely response from the listing agent and that all their questions were answered.
"Superior visibility efforts need to be complimented by total quality service," Holt said. "That results in very satisfied sellers and buyers."
Locally-owned Howard Hanna Holt Real Estate, www.howardhannaholt.com, offers comprehensive residential and commercial real estate sales, leasing and related services including real property appraisals, property management, development services, vacation property rentals and traditional rentals. The Chautauqua County-headquartered affiliate of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services has offices in Fredonia, Mayville and Westfield, on the grounds of Chautauqua Institution, at the Bemus Bay condominiums and at Peek'n Peak Resort and Spa.
Pittsburgh-headquartered Howard Hanna Real Estate Services is the third-largest independent real estate company in the United States, the country's fourth-largest full service real estate company and the sixth-largest mortgage banking company in the nation.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Howard Hanna Holt realtors earn short sale certifications
From Dunkirk Observer- story
Homeowners who can no longer keep up with their mortgage payments and need to sell a house to avoid bankruptcy or foreclosure have an alternative. It's called a short sale.
Two Howard Hanna Holt Real Estate agents recently earned their certification from the National Association of REALTORS in short sales and can assist homeowners in arranging a short sale transaction.
Roger Britz, Sr. and William Carlson at the firm's Fredonia office now have valuable knowledge to help both buyers and sellers who want to better understand how a short sale works.
"We aren't attorneys or public accountants and we can't offer that professional advice," explained Britz. "What we can do is explain how the process works and the steps involved."
Carlson said, "A short sale can be arranged if the lender is willing to accept less than mortgage amount due. A short sale often can avoid the cost to both the homeowner and the lender of going through a foreclosure proceeding."
"Short sale sellers and buyers need well-qualified professional representation," emphasized Howard Hanna Holt president George W. "Pete" Holt. "Short sales are an option, but we always advise our customers and clients to get professional legal and accounting advice in these types of transactions."
In the simplest of terms, a short sale involves the following steps:
- A seller signs a listing agreement with a real estate agent;
- A buyer makes an offer that may be less than the mortgage the bank has on the home;
- The buyer and seller agree on a price and the lender approves the offer.
"The basics are fairly straightforward," Britz said. "But working through the process can be challenging if someone isn't working with a real estate agent who understands the many details involved."
Carlson said, "Having specialized training is definitely a benefit to our short sale sellers and buyers. We can offer them a superior quality of service."
Locally-owned Howard Hanna Holt Real Estate, www.howardhannaholt.com, offers comprehensive residential and commercial real estate sales, leasing and related services including real property appraisals, property management, development services, vacation property rentals and traditional rentals. The Chautauqua County-headquartered affiliate of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services has offices in Fredonia, Mayville and Westfield, on the grounds of Chautauqua Institution, at the Bemus Bay condominiums and at Peek'n Peak Resort and Spa.
Pittsburgh-headquartered Howard Hanna Real Estate Services is the 3rd largest independent real estate company in the United States, the country's 4th largest full service real estate company and the 6th largest mortgage banking company in the nation. The third-generation company serves the Western New York, Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio and West Virginia real estate markets.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Homebuyers Class a Sucess
Howard Hanna Holt Real Estate would like to thank all the customers and service providers who attended the Homebuyers' Workshop yesterday, March 4th in Fredonia. A standing room only crowd made it hard to take photos, but showed us that our community and clients do have a desire to learn more about the options available to them during this exciting and at times stressful time in the real estate market.
If you missed this session and would like to learn more, please contact us by calling your local office, visiting our website http://www.howardhannaholt.com, or emailing sales@howardhannaholt.com.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Howard Hanna Holt Associates Earn National Real Estate Awards
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services recently announced the awards at a ceremony in Pittsburgh , PA.
William Carlson, Diana Holt, Stephen Holt, Anne LaPaglia and Edward Miller III received the “national sales excellence” designation by The Realty Alliance. The distinction recognizes the top five percent of REALTORS® in the country.
The Realty Alliance is a network of North America 's elite real estate firms serving most every major market on the continent. Its members are considered the most qualified to provide expert analysis and guidance to residential real estate sellers and buyers.
“As a member of the Howard Hanna Real Estate Services organization, we are honored that five of our associates have been recognized as among the best in the nation for their exceptional performance in the residential real estate profession,” said George W. “Pete” Holt, president of Howard Hanna Holt Real Estate.
The recognition Howard Hanna Holt’s associates received cited the “esteem and admiration” of The Realty Alliance. “These awards are limited to the best of the best residential real estate agents,” Holt said. “It is an honor for our firm to have several of them serving the residents of Chautauqua County
Chautauqua County-headquartered Howard Hanna Holt Real Estate offers comprehensive residential and commercial real estate sales, leasing and related services including real property appraisals, property management, development services, vacation property rentals and traditional rentals.
The locally-owned affiliate of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services has offices in Fredonia, Mayville and Westfield , on the grounds of Chautauqua Institution, at the Bemus Bay
Pittsburgh-headquartered Howard Hanna Real Estate Services is the 3rd largest independent real estate company in the United States West Virginia
Thursday, February 25, 2010
HHH (Fredonia) to Host Homebuyer Workshop March 4th
Howard Hanna Holt Real Estate will host a homebuyer's workshop at 5:30 p.m. on March 4 at the company's Fredonia office, 45-47 E. Main St.
"Right now is one of the best times to buy a home," said Howard Hanna Holt company vice president Stephen Holt. "There are tax incentives available and interest rates remain low."
Roger Britz Sr., the company's Fredonia office manager said, "This workshop is designed to provide potential homebuyers with a simple, clear understanding of the home buying process and the benefits of buying now."
Britz said the workshop will be an opportunity for anyone interested in buying a home to get information from professional advisers:
Larry McCutcheon, McCutcheon's Inspection Services, will discuss the home inspection process.
Attorney Neil Robinson will review the legal aspects involved in a residential real estate transaction.
Donna Phillips, Wells Fargo Mortgage, will explain the many financing options available to prospective home buyers.
The workshop is free. Advance registration is recommended. Call Howard Hanna Holt Real Estate's Fredonia office at 673-1800 to make a reservation to attend.
Locally owned Howard Hanna Holt Real Estate, www.howardhannaholt.com, offers comprehensive residential and commercial real estate sales, leasing and related services including real property appraisals, property management, development services, vacation property rentals and traditional rentals. The Chautauqua County-headquartered affiliate of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services has offices in Fredonia, Mayville and Westfield, on the grounds of Chautauqua Institution, at the Bemus Bay condominiums and at Peek'n Peak Resort and Spa.
Pittsburgh-headquartered Howard Hanna Real Estate Services is the third largest independent real estate company in the United States, the country's fourth largest full service real estate company and the 6th largest mortgage banking company in the nation. The third-generation company serves the Western New York, Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio and West Virginia real estate markets.
Roger Britz Sr., the company's Fredonia office manager said, "This workshop is designed to provide potential homebuyers with a simple, clear understanding of the home buying process and the benefits of buying now."
Britz said the workshop will be an opportunity for anyone interested in buying a home to get information from professional advisers:
Larry McCutcheon, McCutcheon's Inspection Services, will discuss the home inspection process.
Attorney Neil Robinson will review the legal aspects involved in a residential real estate transaction.
Donna Phillips, Wells Fargo Mortgage, will explain the many financing options available to prospective home buyers.
- Certified Public Accountant Rose Crino will detail the tax benefits offered by buying and owning a home.
The workshop is free. Advance registration is recommended. Call Howard Hanna Holt Real Estate's Fredonia office at 673-1800 to make a reservation to attend.
Locally owned Howard Hanna Holt Real Estate, www.howardhannaholt.com, offers comprehensive residential and commercial real estate sales, leasing and related services including real property appraisals, property management, development services, vacation property rentals and traditional rentals. The Chautauqua County-headquartered affiliate of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services has offices in Fredonia, Mayville and Westfield, on the grounds of Chautauqua Institution, at the Bemus Bay condominiums and at Peek'n Peak Resort and Spa.
Pittsburgh-headquartered Howard Hanna Real Estate Services is the third largest independent real estate company in the United States, the country's fourth largest full service real estate company and the 6th largest mortgage banking company in the nation. The third-generation company serves the Western New York, Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio and West Virginia real estate markets.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Colvin Joins Howard Hanna Holt Sales Team.
Sorry I missed this one, as per the observer.
MAYVILLE - Jeanette "Jan" Colvin has joined Howard Hanna Real Estate as a REALTOR associate.
"I've always wanted to be in real estate sales," said Colvin, a Cherry Creek resident. "I looked into it 20 years ago when I was first starting my family. I am thrilled to finally get into the profession."
"Colvin is a registered nurse who brings exceptional people skills to our firm," said Howard Hanna Holt Real Estate president George W. "Pete" Holt. "Jan has spent the past 15 years caring for people and she clearly cares about her real estate clients and customers."
"I'm used to helping people under stress," Colvin said, "and buying or selling a home can be very stressful. I have always been convinced my skills as a nurse would allow me to serve home sellers and buyers exceptionally well. I can help bring some calm to everyone involved in what can be a very trying experience."
Colvin said she chose to join Howard Hanna Holt because of the tremendous resources the firm and its relationship with Pittsburgh-headquartered Howard Hanna Real Estate Services offer.
"To be associated with a premier local company and the third-largest independent real estate firm in the country, one that is focused on the markets that help us help sellers of Chautauqua County homes, is really exciting," Colvin said.
Colvin is a member of the local, state and national REALTOR associations and works out of Howard Hanna Holt Real Estate's Fredonia office at 45-47 East Main St.
Chautauqua County-headquartered Howard Hanna Holt Real Estate, offers comprehensive residential and commercial real estate sales, leasing and related services including real property appraisals, property management, development services, vacation property rentals and traditional rentals. The locally-owned affiliate of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services has offices in Fredonia, Mayville and Westfield, on the grounds of Chautauqua Institution, at the Bemus Bay condominiums and at Peek'n Peak Resort and Spa.
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services is the third-largest independent real estate company in the United States, the country's fourth-largest full service real estate company and the sixth largest mortgage banking company in the nation. The company serves the Western New York, Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio and West Virginia real estate markets.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Howard Hanna Holt, Habit For Humanity Team up
MAYVILLE (NY) – Howard Hanna Holt Real Estate and Habitat for Humanity have teamed-up to help provide home ownership opportunities for Chautauqua County residents.
Howard Hanna Holt Real Estate is one of the county’s premier real estate agencies.
Habitat for Humanity works to help people in need by building and renovating homes. The non-profit organization, since the local chapter’s founding in the county, has helped 22 families become homeowners.
“We are proud to contribute to help our community,” said company president George W. “Pete” Holt. “We are a family-owned, locally-owned business.”
Nick Holt, who joined the firm last year, has been coordinating its relationship with Habitat.
Howard Hanna Holt Real Estate this year donated $1,500 to the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity International from the sale of a house he negotiated.
“The organization offers a hand up, not a hand out,” he explained, noting that recipient families devote an average of 500 hours of “sweat equity” into each rehabilitation project.
Partner families are selected after an application process based on their need for decent housing, ability to pay on a no-interest mortgage and willingness to work with Habitat volunteers.
“Seeing the amount of work the volunteers put into helping a family achieve their dream of home ownership, and seeing the families work along side them is an incredible experience,” Nick Holt said.
Howard Hanna Holt’s donation is being used toward a current home improvement project that the Chautauqua Area Habitat for Humanity is working on, according to vice president Ted First.
He said the project will result in a fully-renovated “green” home.
“We’re always working to get greener in the projects we do,” First said. “We’ll use the existing structure to reduce consumption of new materials and solar energy will be incorporated into the rehabilitation. We strive to make all of our projects affordable and energy efficient.”
Volunteers are critical to Habitat for Humanity’s success noted construction committee co-chair Marsha Butler. “We welcome people who want to help, whether it’s for two hours or the whole day, whenever they have the time.”
The local chapter of Habitat for Humanity, www.habitatchaut.org, was founded in 1989 and undertakes projects throughout Chautauqua County. Anyone interested in volunteering to assist the organization can call 716-269-7772 or send an email to build@habitatchaut.org.
Howard Hanna Holt Real Estate, www.howardhannaholt.com, offers comprehensive residential and commercial real estate sales, leasing and related services including real property appraisals, property management, development services, vacation property rentals and traditional rentals. The Chautauqua County-headquartered affiliate of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services has offices in Fredonia, Mayville and Westfield, on the grounds of Chautauqua Institution, at the Bemus Bay condominiums and at Peek'n Peak Resort and Spa.
Pittsburgh-headquartered Howard Hanna Real Estate Services is the 3rd largest independent real estate company in the United States and the country’s 4th largest full service real estate company. The firm serves the Western New York, Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio and West Virginia real estate markets.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Holt Real Estate, Habitat for Humanity Team-Up
Howard Hanna Holt Real Estate is one of the county’s premier real estate agencies.
Habitat for Humanity works to help people in need by building and renovating homes. The non-profit organization, since its founding in Chautauqua County, has helped 22 families become homeowners.
“We are proud to contribute to help our community,” said company president George W. “Pete” Holt. “We are a family-owned, locally-owned business.”
Nick Holt, who joined the firm last year, has been coordinating its relationship with Habitat.
Howard Hanna Holt Real Estate this year donated $1,500 to the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity International from the sale of a house he negotiated.
“The organization offers a hand up, not a hand out,” he explained, noting that recipient families devote an average of 500 hours of “sweat equity” into each rehabilitation project.
Partner families are selected after an application process based on their need for decent housing, ability to pay on a no-interest mortgage and willingness to work with Habitat volunteers.
“Seeing the amount of work the volunteers put into helping a family achieve their dream of home ownership, and seeing the families work along side them is an incredible experience,” Nick Holt said.
Howard Hanna Holt’s donation is being used toward a current home improvement project that the Chautauqua Area Habitat for Humanity is working on, according to vice president Ted First.
He said the project will result in a fully-renovated “green” home.
“We’re always working to get greener in the projects we do,” First said. “We’ll use the existing structure to reduce consumption of new materials and solar energy will be incorporated into the rehabilitation. We strive to make all of our projects affordable and energy efficient.”
Volunteers are critical to Habitat for Humanity’s success noted construction committee co-chair Marsha Butler. “We welcome people who want to help, whether it’s for two hours or the whole day, whenever they have the time.”
The local chapter of Habitat for Humanity, www.habitatchaut.org, was founded in 1989 and undertakes projects throughout Chautauqua County. To get involved please call 716-269-7772 or email to build@habitatchaut.org.
Howard Hanna Holt Real Estate, www.howardhannaholt.com, offers comprehensive residential and commercial real estate sales, leasing and related services including real property appraisals, property management, development services, vacation property rentals and traditional rentals. The Chautauqua County-headquartered affiliate of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services has offices in Fredonia, Mayville and Westfield, on the grounds of Chautauqua Institution, at the Bemus Bay condominiums and at Peek'n Peak Resort and Spa.
Pittsburgh-headquartered Howard Hanna Real Estate Services is the 3rd largest independent real estate company in the United States and the country’s 4th largest full service real estate company. The firm serves the Western New York, Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio and West Virginia real estate markets.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Local Market Strong
In this weeks' Westfield Republican, Alex Gerould wrote a piece on the local market. Below is an excerpt. To read the complete article please visit the Republican's site.
Looks Can Be Deceiving as Local Real Estate Market is Strong
By S. Alex Gerould
WESTFIELD – James Woodruff isn’t a real estate expert.
A member of the U.S. Army, Woodruff, a 2002 Westfield Academy and Central School graduate, has seen two tours of duty in Iraq while stationed in Hawaii. Shortly, he will be heading to Texas for additional training before moving to an Army base in North Carolina.
He’s seen a lot of things and been to a lot of places. He’s also someone who can tell you how Westfield has changed during the time he has been gone.
While driving with this reporter down South Portage Street on the way to Jamestown, Woodruff remarked on something which has affected most of the country recently – real estate.
“It seems every house is for sale in Westfield,” he said, as we passed a house with a Howard Hanna Holt Real Estate sign propped up in the front lawn.
Woodruff may be right to some extent. While not every house in Westfield is for a sale, during a quick, 10 minute drive through the streets of the village, more than 10 houses and properties, along with several businesses, had “for sale” signs in their front yard.
However, looks can be deceiving, at least according to some real estate experts.
“I think what you’re seeing right now is that there are some properties for sale on the major streets,” said Steve Holt. A broker associate with Howard Hanna Holt Real Estate. “I think it’s just been the location where they are that they stand out a little more.”
Helen Baran, a real estate agent for ERA Real Estate, said, even if a house has a “for sale” sign in its front yard, it doesn’t necessarily mean a house is for sale. She said real estate agents may keep signs up until the sale is definite in an effort to not scare other potential buyers away.
“At any time you have a house that has a ‘for sale’ sign on it, it might also be under contract,” Mrs. Baran said. “There are a lot of them (houses) on the market, but there’s also quite a few that are under contract right now.”
While it may seem there are many houses for sale in Westfield, Nick Holt, Steve Holt’s son and also a real estate agent, was quick to point out that 2009 was a really good year for his company.
“Despite what everyone has termed a down year, Howard Hanna Holt Real Estate had our best year ever in 2009, posting record sales with double digit growth,” Nick said. “The truth is that, with the proper marketing, pricing and expectations, now is as good a time as any to sell or buy in this area, particularly when you consider how low interest rates are.”
THE ECONOMY’S IMPACT
While other parts of the country have faced real estate meltdowns recently, Westfield and Chautauqua County has remained stable, and, in some cases, fairly robust.
“Prices in this market were never really artificially inflated, and local lenders were very good about avoiding predatory practices,” Nick Holt said. “So, when the bubble burst, we didn’t take the hit that other areas did.”
“The smaller communities … fared very well,” Steve Holt added. “We really didn’t see what the rest of the country was seeing. Even the vacation home market was pretty strong. We didn’t have the bubble. We didn’t have the big up, and we didn’t have the big down.”
While local real estate experts have said Westfield and Chautauqua County were not hit as hard by the real estate meltdown as other areas, Rawlin said any impact on what the WDC considers its number one asset – the quality of the community’s housing stock – can have some implications.
“We have, like the rest of the country, been hit by the downturn, but not really as bad as many locations,” Rawlinson said. “In fact, Western New York faired very well in the overall housing market debacle.”
WHY WESTFIELD?
Thanks to a larger Internet presence, Nick Holt said Howard Hanna Holt Real Estate has had inquires on homes in the area from as far away as California, Colorado and Florida. People, he said, come from all over looking for a small, quaint town to call home.
“I am always amazed at the interest people have in moving to Westfield,” Nick Holt said. “There are very few old fashioned small towns anymore, with a downtown strip and good neighborhoods within the village. We find people all the time who stop in and fall in love.”
Steve Holt agreed, adding many people looking to relocate are looking for a change to their lifestyle.
“When they come to areas like here, number one they get a great buy for their money, and they’re more apt here to truly pick the community they want to pick,” he said. “Communities like Westfield are the ones that a lot of people are picking. It’s because of the quality of the lifestyle. There are things going on, and it’s that small town atmosphere where people want to raise kids and retire.”
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Chautauqua County-headquartered Howard Hanna Holt Real Estate, offers comprehensive residential and commercial real estate sales, leasing and related services including real property appraisals, property management, development services, vacation property rentals and traditional rentals. The locally-owned affiliate of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services has offices in Fredonia, Mayville and Westfield, on the grounds of Chautauqua Institution, at the BemusBay condominiums and at Peek'n Peak Resort and Spa.
Pittsburgh-headquartered Howard Hanna Real Estate Services is the 3rd largest independent real estate company in the United States, the country’s 4th largest full service real estate company and the 6th largest mortgage banking company in the nation. The company serves the Western New York, Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio and West Virginia real estate markets.
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