Fisks Gateway issue 53

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5 NY RESOLUTIONS FOR SELLING YOUR HOME IN 2019 DONT PLAN YOUR 2019 MOVE ALONE WHAT’S ON GUIDE PLUS ALL OF THIS MONTH’S PROPERTIES

THE PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE BROUGHT TO YOU BY FISKS | ISSUE 53

Contents What’s On Guide With life getting busier every week and new bars, restaurants and events opening every month, staying on top can be tricky. So here’s a roundup of this month’s hottest happenings in and around the local area…

5 NY Resolutions for selling your home in 2019 If selling your home is on your list for 2019, getting these resolutions done in the New Year will make everything that bit easier.

Dont plan your 2019 move alone The easiest way to avoid moving stress is to get some help, and we’re here to do just that.

Our properties Last, but certainly not least, you can find all of this month’s feature properties throughout the magazine. Enjoy!

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Welcome to our

magazine...

Welcome to the January edition of our Gateway magazine.

The Rightmove forecast has been proven to be correct: Boxing Day was the busiest day in the year for visits to the property portal. As you would expect, enquiries are now being followed up. This illustrates how the internet and technology have changed the way people start their property search during the traditional holiday period.

John Pring FNAEA (Honoured) & MARLA | Director

The good news before Christmas was that the Bank of England held their interest rate at the same level of 0.75%.

This stability will help the traditional increase in property activity in the period following the Christmas celebrations.

Expect to see more stock at competitive prices being brought to the market.

This is the time of year to make those New Year resolutions.

Our articles have therefore focused on ‘Planning your move in 2019’ and ‘5 New Year resolutions to sell your home’, plus of course, the wide range of properties available through Fisks. We look forward to hearing from you if you wish to view any of these properties.

For an updated Sales or Lettings valuation, to see your property in our February Gateway magazine or for further advice, please contact your local Fisks branch.

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January 2019

What’s on guide

What’s on guide...

With life getting busier every week and new bars, restaurants and events opening every month, staying on top can be tricky. So here’s a round up of this month’s hottest happenings in and around the local area…

www.fisks.co.uk

On

January 15th 26th 2019

On

Various dates throughout January 2019

On

25th – 27th January 2019

On

22nd January – 2nd February 2019

Winter Lights at Canary Wharf The bright lights of Canary Wharf’s towers provide quite the spectacle after dark, but the business district glows brighter than usual throughout January thanks to the addition of installations from international artists. Winter Lights returns in 2019 with a new set of dazzling artworks, installations and interactive experiences.

PREVIEW where LIVE MUSIC lives PREVIEW is a FREE ‘Live Music’ Showcase now running for 33 years. It’s a friendly atmosphere with stage, lights & good surround sound.

Each week they feature a guest artiste and ten other great acts. Throughout January, they will be performing on various dates.

You couldn’t ask for a better night without spending a penny!

Location Canary Wharf, Canary Wharf

Location The RNA Club, 73-79 East Street Prittlewell, Southend, Essex SS2 6LQ

Aladdin – the Pantomime

Location

Following the success of “Cinderella” in 2017, this new production promises even more fun & hilarity, plus a few surprises along the way.

Meet Aladdin, his mother Widow Twankey, Princess Jasmine and the evil Abanazar, plus many other crazy characters as they travel from Peking to the Eqyptian desert in the search of hidden treasure, but who will win the day?

Ingatestone & Fryerning Community Club Theatre, Essex CM4 9ED

The Bodyguard

Location

The international, award-winning smashhit musical based on the blockbuster film, The Bodyguard is back in Southend. A brilliant, breathtakingly romantic thriller, The Bodyguard features a host of irresistible classics including ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’ and the legendary ‘I Will Always Love You’. Don’t miss out.

Cliffs Pavilion, Southend-on-Sea

January 2019

On

Throughout January

On

January 26th 2019

On

Sunday 27th January 2019

On

Until Saturday January 19th 2019

Festival Leisure Park

Location

Festival Leisure Park is Essex’s number one leisure destination with Cineworld Cinemas, Hollywood Bowl, 360 Play, restaurants offering food from across the world, bars & nightclubs. A great day/night out for all families and friends.

Festival Way, Basildon, Essex

Streisand: The Music.

The Lady. The Legend

Location

The iconic sound of a legend in music and fi lm, is brought to life in this brand new production, Streisand, touring theatres across the country. Join Winter as she combines her superb pitch and quality vocals into her delivery of some of the most beautifully crafted songs ever written or performed.

Towngate Theatre, Basildon Town Centre

Celebrating the year of the Pig

Location

A great day of fun activities for young children!

Dance with the dragon, story telling, play the gong, colouring and crafts, wear traditional costume, try Chinese writing, use chopsticks, shop with Chinese money and lots more!

Peckham Library, Peckham Hill Street, London, SE15 5JR

Antony and Cleopatra

Location

Caesar and his assassins are dead. General Mark Antony now rules alongside his fellow defenders of Rome. But at the fringes of a war-torn empire, the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra and Mark Antony have fallen fi ercely in love. In a tragic fight between devotion and duty, obsession becomes a catalyst for war.

National Theatre, South Bank

Meet our

Benfleet Team Our centrally located estate and letting agency branch offers a professional sales, lettings and property management service for Benfleet and the surrounding areas benefitting from ARLA and NAEA qualified staff.

Located some 30 miles east of the City of London on the north bank of the Thames Estuary, Benfleet is primarily based around three historically separate settlements; South Benfleet, Thundersley and Hadleigh. which gradually merged during the 20th century. The residential areas are now said to have the highest proportion of owner occupancy in the country which speaks volumes for the quality of life here!

THERE ARE A LOT OF ESTATE AGENTS BUT ONLY ONE FISKS

The mainland station in South Benfleet services the entire area and is the busiest commuting station on the Fenchurch Street C2C line.

“We gave our property to Fisks when we decided to move as Ian seemed the most professional of the three agents who we asked to value our property. Boy are we glad we did house sold to the first viewers in 36 hours from instructing Fisk’s. We were kept up to date with regular calls and nothing was too much trouble. Now we have moved Ian is collecting post from our old address for us and calling for us to collect from the office. Beyond the call of duty Great service thanks again Martin and Melanie Bagnall “

Fisks 146 London Road, Benfleet Essex, SS7 5SQ T 01268 565555 F 01268 566291 E benfleet@fisks.co.uk

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LOCAL

LANGHAM DRIVE RAYLEIGH £232,000 Recently redecorated semidetached property featuring a refitted kitchen, lounge, double bedroom and a family bathroom.

Outside there is a front garden plus two private parking spaces.

Located close to local schools, shops and transport routes, this property is ideal for first time buyers or buy to let investors.

Energy Band – E.

CALL 01268 565555

WOODBURN CLOSE, BENFLEET £280,000 Modernised and refurbished throughout, this three bedroom mid-terraced property is perfect for first time buyers, families or buy to let investors. The property has a modern fitted kitchen, good sized lounge/diner and a rear garden mainly laid to lawn with a patio area. Energy Band – D.

CALL 01268 565555

DANBURY DOWN BASILDON £260,000-£270,000 This refurbished two bedroom family home features a spacious lounge/diner and kitchen to the ground floor with two doublebe drooms and shower room tothe first floor. Located only a short walk from several local shops, Whitmore Primary School and b us links means that this home is p erfect for first timebuyers and star ting families alike. Energy Band – D.

CALL 01268 565555

LINDEN CLOSE BENFLEET £350,000 Set on a corner plot, this four bedroom detached property boasts a modern kitchen, lounge/diner, en-suite and a family bathroom. Outside there is a wraparound garden and the detached garage has been converted into a lounge/kitchen. The property also benefits from solar panels (owned). Energy Band - D.

CALL 01268 565555

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LONDON ROAD BENFLEET £319,995 A fantastic sized three bedroom semi-detached house benefiting from a well-proportioned lounge/diner, refitted kitchen and a modernised family shower room. The property has its own private drive and rear garden and would be ideal for first time buyers, families or buy to let investors. Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 01268 565555

STANLEY ROAD BENFLEET £320,000-£325,000 Modernised three bedroom chalet-style home featuring an 80ft rear garden. The property offers a kitchen with integral appliances, ground floor cloakroom, lounge and a four piece bathroom. There is also a private front drive, carport and garage. Energy Band – D.

CALL 01268 565555

HART ROAD BENFLEET £210,000 Immaculately presented two bedroom first floor retirement apartment in the highly sought after Aston Place, Thundersley Village. The property enjoys a fitted kitchen, a refitted bathroom, nice sized lounge and a balcony. A secure telephone allows people in and out of the home plus there is a lift to all floors, a communal room and a part time warden. Energy Band – B.

CALL 01268 565555

CROSS ROAD BENFLEET £365,000 Four bedroom semi-detached chalet style home offering fantastic living space throughout. Internally the property boasts a fantastic sized lounge/diner, modern fitted kitchen, two bedrooms on the ground floor, the main bathroom, two further bedrooms on the first floor and a wash room. The rear garden is secluded and laid to lawn.

Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 01268 565555

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ATHERSTONE RD CANVEY ISLAND £318,000 This substantial semi-detached family home offers four double bedrooms and off street parking.

The property features a lounge, two double bedrooms, kitchen, diner and family bathroom to the ground floor with a further two double bedrooms to the first floor. Outside there is a single garage and a spacious garden.

Energy Band - E.

CALL 01268 565555

HATLEY GARDENS BENFLEET £290,000 This three bedroom semidetached house is perfect for buyers that want to transform a property into a home. The property offers a lounge, kitchen, three bedrooms on the first floor with a bathroom and separate cloakroom. Energy Band – D.

CALL 01268 565555

5 NY Resolutions for selling your home in 2019 2019 is knocking on the door, and as usual at the start of a new year, it’s a time to reflect on what’s gone before and look forward to what will happen in the future4

Image credit: 279photo Studio

For many this could be buying or selling a home, a popular activity in the first few months of the year as major life decisions like moving jobs are made or interest in a property that was piqued over the festive period is now acted upon.

As we might have mentioned a few times before, there is traditionally no busier period for online property searching than January. In fact, this post-Christmas surge of interest in property now lasts much longer. Sellers, therefore, need to get their marketing strategy in order before they miss the boat.

Image credit: sebra

As a seller, a new year can bring about renewed hope, energy and enthusiasm. Your house may have been on the market for a while or you may have only recently decided to sell, but either way it’s the perfect time to re-evaluate, review and take stock of what you’ve been doing right and what you could be doing better.

To help sellers out we have devised the following 5 sell your home New Year’s resolutions. Unlike normal New Year’s resolutions, it would be wise – and potentially profitable – to keep to these!

1. Review your agent Choosing the right estate agent is a crucial part of getting a home sold.

If you pick the right one, the chances of you getting the best possible price for your home go up considerably.

The beginning of the New Year can be a time to review the performance of your agent, to make sure they are doing all they can to get your property sold. If not, it may be time to cast your eye around elsewhere.

2. Review your advertising This is an integral part of your sales pitch that might be too easily overlooked. Advertising on the major portals is where it’s at nowadays, so

having a significant presence on these platforms is vital. Most people will now head online to browse for property and, as such, the competition is fierce and the marketplace crowded. You need to make sure your property stands out from the crowd. Short, snappy descriptions and nice, professionallooking photographs – which show off your home at its best – will be certain to increase your chances of selling.

3. Make your home look great A flurry of interest will often lead to a number of viewings in quick succession. For this, sellers will need to be prepared, ensuring that their home looks as tidy, clean, and attractive

as possible. Would-be buyers will be far more attracted to well-kept, wellmaintained homes, so it’s vital that your property is in tip-top condition before anyone enters the door. Selling in winter can bring its own set of issues, but good preparation and a can-do attitude will really make the difference.

4. Be flexible Prospective buyers – who are often time-poor people with hectic schedules – will appreciate flexibility when it comes to viewings. As long as the demands are not completely unreasonable, it would be a good move to try and appease buyers as much as possible. After all, good

relations between buyer and seller increases the chances of a quick, hassle-free sale.

5. Be available Delays of some kind are seemingly inevitable in all property sales.

However, you can reduce the chances of the sale taking forever to complete by making sure you reply to any correspondence promptly and efficiently. Regular communication with your agent will keep you updated and help to keep your mind at rest that everything is being done to move things forward. Hold-ups can be immensely frustrating, but in these cases patience really is a virtue 

Meet our

Canvey Team Our office located at the heart of Canvey Town Centre offers a sales, lettings and property management service for Canvey Island and the surrounding areas and benefits from ARLA and NAEA qualified staff.

GREAT PROFESSIONAL YET FRIENDLY AGENT “Gemma North & the Fisks team were incredibly easy to work with .....even from 3000 miles away in Canada. .Gemma was always available, polite ,freindly & returned calls swiftly . .The whole transaction went smoothly with many excellent recommendations for other professionals ie solicitors, inspectors etc We would not hesitate to recommend or use Fisks in the future. Thank you so much for all your hard work !!!!�

With excellent rail connections into the City from neighbouring Benfleet station, Canvey is today permanently connected to the mainland via two road bridges, offering fast access to the M25 and East Anglia via the A12 trunk road. However the island still manages to preserve an independent character and a vibrant community spirit all its own.

Thanks to development in recent years, Canvey offers a wide range of exceptionally reasonably-priced property, from first time buyer apartments to detached executive homes - many with stunning views across to the wooded Hadleigh Downs, and along the estuary towards Southend.

Fisks 85 Furtherwick Road, Canvey Island, Essex, SS8 7AY T 01268 510510 F 01268 697126 E canvey@fisks.co.uk

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LOCAL

LABWORTH ROAD CANVEY ISLAND £374,995 Four bedroom detached house within walking distance to both the town centre and the seafront. The property offers a large 20ft lounge, separate dining room and en-suite to master as well as an integral garage. Energy Band – E.

CALL 01268 510510

CRESCENT ROAD CANVEY ISLAND OIEO £320,000 This beautiful and wellmaintained three/four bedroom detached property boasts a large lounge with an equally large kitchen perfect for family living. Adjacent to this is a lovely dining room with potential to be the fourth bedroom. The rear garden is low maintenance and to the front there is off street parking for two cars. Energy Band - E.

CALL 01268 510510

MILTSIN AVENUE CANVEY ISLAND £385,000 This three/four bedroom detached bungalow boasts a massive 21ft lounge, a separate dining room with patio doors leading out onto the secluded garden plus two en-suite bathrooms. The property is close to the town centre and has easy access to local shops and buses for Benfleet railway station. Energy Band - Awaiting.

CALL 01268 510510

MAY AVENUE CANVEY ISLAND £189,995 This charming one bedroom bungalow is perfect for first time buyers and people looking to downsize. It offers a good sized lounge with space for a dining table and a conservatory to the rear. With a large attached garage, the property also has conversion/extension potential (STPP). Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 01268 510510

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BOMMEL AVENUE CANVEY ISLAND £550,000 This gorgeous detached family home boasts six double bedrooms, four reception rooms, three bathrooms and two kitchens. The property benefits from a large integrated annex consisting of a double bedroom, kitchen, lounge and bathroom, while the main house offers a 28ft lounge, expansive garden and double garage. Energy Band – D.

CALL 01268 510510

STELI AVENUE CANVEY ISLAND £469,995 This spacious family home boasts a brand new 25ft Lshaped kitchen/sitting room plus a 19ft lounge, 14ft dining room and brand new shower room. Upstairs there is a generous 14ft master bedroom with a brand new en-suite as well as three further double bedrooms. The property also benefits from a private, unoverlooked 50ft garden. Energy Band – C.

CALL 01268 510510

WHERNSIDE AVENUE CANVEY ISLAND £180,000 This one bedroom bungalow is a good choice to get your foot on the property ladder or earn an income as a landlord. The property gives plenty of space for off street parking and also has the added benefit of a south facing garden. Energy Band – D.

CALL 01268 510510

NORTON AVENUE CANVEY ISLAND £255,000 This well-presented two bedroom bungalow has a lovely fitted kitchen and bathroom with a high quality conservatory to the rear. The property has been welldecorated with modern double glazing throughout. Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 01268 510510

ST. JOHNS CRESCENT CANVEY ISLAND £255,000 This semi-detached chalet features a 17ft lounge and 20ft kitchen/diner downstairs, while upstairs the property boasts two good sized double bedrooms and a smaller third.

Outside the property benefits from a southwest facing garden, a driveway and an attached garage. Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 01268 510510

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HARROW ROAD CANVEY ISLAND £280,000 This semi-detached house benefits from a good sized lounge, fitted kitchen, downstairs cloakroom and bedroom to the ground floor, while upstairs there are a further three bedrooms and a family bathroom. Externally there is a large rear garden mainly laid to lawn with a paved area. Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 01268 510510

LAKEVIEW CANVEY ISLAND £239,995 This semi-detached property boasts two double bedrooms and a smaller third bedroom, an open plan lounge/diner and an open plan kitchen overlooking the garden which is a generous size. The property has gas central heating and is double-glazed throughout. Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 01268 510510

LAKEVIEW CANVEY ISLAND £245,000 This extended two bedroom semidetached house boasts a modern finish throughout with a beautiful 15ft kitchen and large extension to the rear which provides a relaxed family area, separate utility and downstairs toilet. The property has off street parking for one car as well as a garage. Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 01268 510510

Image credit: tsyhun

Don’t plan your 2019 move alone Expert knowledge can make all the difference! Make 2019 your year by finally committing to that house move you’ve been putting off4

Image credit: g-stockstudio

The chances are that if you’re simply pondering a house move, you’re likely to turn to the Internet for your initial research. You’ll want to get a sense of how much your property might be worth, the cost of making the next step up the ladder, and where the hot spots in your chosen location are.

We know it can be awkward to sit opposite someone and ask questions for fear of feeling obliged. Don’t worry, we’re not here to make you sell your house out of politeness, we’re here to help you look realistically at your options and help you decide which path would be best for you.

It’s pretty possible that before you contact an agent, you’ll be doing online research for around 9 months trying to figure out what’s what, who’s who and where’s where. Well, we’re here to save you all that trouble.

Those who truly know the local market are sitting in your local branch, just waiting for you to pop in for a chat about everything property.

If you’re unsure whether to buy or rent, both a sales and a lettings consultant can help you weigh up the pros and cons of each. Maybe you aren’t looking to move at all, but want to purchase a second home, build an extension or re-mortgage your property? We can have a mortgage advisor lined up to give you advice and guidance.

If you’re at the early stages of contemplating a move, a totally free, no-obligation meeting with one or more of our property experts could be exactly what you need. It might simply be that the overall process of moving, from viewing properties right through to loading those cardboard boxes into the moving van, feels off putting and daunting. You can sleep easy with the knowledge that we’ll do everything we can to clarify your options and help you, from the moment of your valuation, right through to the completion date.

We pride ourselves on having the best knowledge and expertise about the area, the housing market and how to find you your dream home 

Why use Fisks?

Members of NAEA (National Association of Estate Agents) and ARLA (Association of Residential Letting Agents).

Audited clients account Free rent guarantee insurance with management plus Option to spread payments over the length of lease (subject to Terms of Business) Three levels of service offered: Let Only, Management and Management Plus

Benfleet Fisks Ltd 146 London Road Benfleet Essex, SS7 5SQ T: 01268 565555 F: 01268 566291 E: benfleet@fisks.co.uk Canvey Fisks Ltd 85 Furtherwick Road Canvey Island Essex, SS8 7AY T: 01268 510510 F: 01268 697126 E: canvey@fisks.co.uk Lettings & Management 146a London Road Benfleet Essex, SS7 5SQ Tel: 01268 638425 Email: alex@fisks.co.uk Head Office 146a London Road Benfleet Essex, SS7 5SQ T: 01268 750000 F: 01268 758921 E: office@fisks.co.uk Property Management: 0207 517 8811

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To experience our service, put us to the test! Contact your local branch at Benfleet, Canvey.