INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Garden Laws You Could Be Breaking
Tips To Get Your Mortgage Approved
DIY Tips To Maintain Your Property
This Month’s Properties
GARDEN LAWS YOU COULD BE BREAKING
Find out if you’re breaking those all-important garden laws.
TIPS TO GET YOUR MORTGAGE APPROVED
Follow our tips to help you get approved.
DIY TIPS TO MAINTAIN YOUR PROPERTY
It’s time to give your home some TLC.
Welcome back to another issue of our popular Gateway magazine.
Despite what the headlines say regarding the property market, it’s important we don’t get put off when making our next life changing move. Here at Fisks, we have many excited buyers and sellers making contact with us daily. The property market will always be active - after all, we all need a place to live and all have a desire to buy our own home.
In this issue of Gateway, we take a look at the garden laws you could be breaking without knowing, give you tips on how to get your mortgage approved, and bring you some DIY tips to maintain your property.
Enjoy, and don’t forget to think of Fisks when buying or selling.
John Pring FNAEA(Honoured) & MARLA | Director
Find out if you’re breaking those all-important garden laws.
Many homeowners spend a lot of time and effort in maintaining their garden. However, as with any property-related activity, there
Boundary laws are essential to ensure that neighboring properties are protected. UK law defines a boundary as any structure that separates two pieces of land. Local councils often have laws regulating the height of fences and walls to ensure that privacy and light are not compromised. It is best to check your local council’s guidelines on boundary laws before starting any works on your garden wall or fence.
If you plan to build certain structures such as sheds, greenhouses or any significant garden building, you may need to apply for planning permission. There are legal restrictions on the size, location, and scale of buildings in gardens. Just like boundary laws, you should check with your local council’s planning office to ensure that you comply with planning requirements before starting any structural changes.
Proper waste disposal is an essential aspect of UK garden laws. Homeowners are responsible for the proper disposal of any waste generated from their property. Garden waste such as leaves, branches, and grass cuttings should be separated from food and other household waste and disposed of following local authority guidelines.
are laws that govern gardening activities in the UK. Knowing these laws is essential for every homeowner to avoid any legal issues down the road...
UK law protects some animal and plant species from harm or damage. Endangered species such as bats, badgers, and great crested newts are legally protected in the UK. It is illegal to disturb or damage their habitats without proper permissions from authorities. There are also strict laws against the sale or planting of certain invasive plant species, too - always say ‘no’ to species such as the Japanese knotweed.
Noise pollution is a growing concern across the UK, especially during summer months when residents spend more time in their gardens. It is an offence to create excessive noise and disturb the peace of your neighbours. Loud music, machinery, and machines, such as loud leaf-blowers or chainsaws, should be used within set times and at a reasonable level.
In conclusion, UK garden laws are essential to maintain healthy and dispute-free garden environments. The mentioned laws are just a few of the many garden laws that govern UK homeowners. It is always best to verify with your local council authority before undertaking any significant changes or renovations. Keeping to these laws ensures that you avoid any legal issues while enjoying your garden to the fullest.
Ian Carey Sales Manager
Harriet Plampton Sales & Lettings Consultant
Simon Pring Director
Nicola Rattenberry Director’s P.A.
John Pring Director
Tina Webster Management Accountant
Leanne Wright Administration Manager
Penny Ash Property Manager
Albie Poole Property Consultant
The residential estate agency market is increasingly populated by large corporations; nevertheless, our independent family-run estate agency continues to succeed and grow a loyal client base, due to our core values, ethos and flexible approach to clients’ requirements.
ESSEX WAY, SOUTH BENFLEET
£595,000
Large Four Bedroom Detached Property Close To The Train Station
Huge Rear Garden
Ground Floor Bedroom/ Reception Room
Cellar
Four Piece Bathroom
Ample, Private Parking
CALL 01268 565555
SHIPWRIGHTS DRIVE, HADLEIGH
£550,000
Amazing 1930’s Four Bedroom
Detached Property
Sought After Location
Dressing Room Off The Master
Bedroom
Extended Lounge And Kitchen
Bedroom On The Ground Floor
Second Reception Room/Sitting Room/Study
CALL 01268 565555
£300,000
One Bedroom Semi Detached Bungalow For Sale
Walking Distance To Train Station
On Road Parking
Potential To Extend And Improve Throughout (stpp)
Large Rear Garden
CALL 01268 565555
RUSHBOTTOM LANE, BENFLEET
£350,000
Three Bed Semi Detached House
Garage
Sought After Location Within Close Proximity To Local Schools & Shops
Direct Access To Main Roads A13, A130, A127
Perfect Home To Put Your Own Stamp On
CALL 01268 565555
£600,000
Immaculately Presented, Large, Four Double Bedroom Detached Property For Sale
Separate Dining Room
Utility Room Study
Large, Double Shower En-Suite
Width And A Half Garage
CALL 01268 565555
SEA
£400,000
Three Double Bedroom Semi Detached House
Driveway For 2-3 Cars
Recently Redecorated Throughout
Large Rear Garden
Great Location To Shops, Schools and Main Roads
Open Kitchen/Dining Area
CALL 01268 565555
MALWOOD DRIVE, BENFLEET
£375,000
Three Bedroom Semi Detached Property For Sale
Very Good Condition Throughout
New, Luxury Kitchen
Garage With Private Parking
Large Lounge-Diner
CALL 01268 565555
THROWLEY CLOSE, BASILDON
£400,000
Three Bedroom Semi Detached
Property
Fantastic Condition Throughout
Great Location
Modern Kitchen
Dining Area
Well Presented Rear Garden
CALL 01268 565555
Follow our tips to help you get approved.
For most people, buying a home is one of the biggest financial investments they will make in their lifetime. Therefore, obtaining approval for a mortgage is a crucial step towards achieving their dream of homeownership. Unfortunately, getting approved for a mortgage is not always easy, as lenders have strict criteria that must be met before they lend money to prospective homebuyers. However, there are several ways you can increase your chances of getting a mortgage approved. Here are some of the most effective ones...
Your credit score is one of the key factors that lenders consider when evaluating your mortgage application. Therefore, it is critical to ensure that your credit score is as high as possible. You can do this by paying your bills on time, reducing your outstanding debts, and disputing any errors on your credit report.
The larger your down payment, the less risky you are to lenders, and the more likely you are to get approved for a mortgage. A down payment of 20% or more is ideal, but if you can’t afford that, try to save as much as you can, and always look out for Government backed schemes if you’re struggling.
Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is the percentage of your gross monthly income that goes towards debt repayment. Lenders prefer borrowers with a DTI of 40% or less, so it’s a good idea to pay off some of your outstanding debts before applying for a mortgage.
Getting pre-approved for a mortgage shows sellers that you are a serious buyer and that you have the financial means to purchase a home. Additionally, preapproval will give you an idea of how much you can afford to spend on a home, which can help you avoid overextending yourself financially.
A mortgage broker can help you find the best mortgage options based on your financial situation and needs. They also have access to multiple lenders, which can increase your chances of getting approved for a mortgage.
In conclusion, getting approved for a mortgage requires careful planning and preparation. By following these strategies, you can increase your chances of getting a mortgage approved and take a step closer towards achieving your dream of homeownership.
The industry has changed hugely with the development of digital technology - this has created two different styles of agency, the traditional high street agency, and the modern online agency. At Fisks, we believe that the best solution is to be both.
Fisks still do the traditional marketing methods that you are comfortable with, such as high street shop locations with window displays, applicant mailing lists, text and email facilities, linked offices, portals such as Rightmove, leaflet drops, floor plans, boards and branded cars.
These marketing tools have been tried and tested for many years, but with the ongoing digital revolution we have also embraced change. These new marketing methods come in the form of a digital property lifestyle magazine that’s produced in house and emailed to over eight thousand people a month, targeted social media campaigns across all the major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, 4k video tours of your property for our successful YouTube channel, enhanced portal marketing, and from a customer service point of view, we have vendor log-ins so you can see viewers feedback and offers on your home at any time.
We focus on our clients’ requirements and instructions rather than just doing what’s quickest and easiest for us.
Our comprehensive training program ensures that our staff channels their entrepreneurial spirit and enthusiasm for the benefit of our clients, whilst maintaining the professionalism and customer service associated with our brand.
At Fisks, we believe we have all your marketing needs covered to get you SOLD!
Protecting your investment should not be taken lightly, with our full management service you can be sure to get the support you deserve...
ARLA - the gold standard professional industry body.
Audited and insured client accounts to protect your money.
Rent guarantee and legal cover - protect yourself with insurance and the increased costs of evicting (subject to status).
Legal hotline - specialised property lawyers helping to answer your questions.
Inventories - protect your deposit with a professional inventory, including time stamped photographs.
Inspection - allay your fears that your asset is being looked after.
Section notices - fully trained and experienced staff can advise and serve the appropriate notice.
Accurate accounting - from monthly statements to overseas landlords, to expenditure and income, we hold all the information the accountant will need.
Gas certificates and EPCs - keep your property complying with the law.
“Happy customer. Very professional service. We had no problems with the sale of our house or the purchase of our new home through Fisks. Staff very pleasant, would definitely recommend.”
- Mr and Mrs Hall
“Fantastic team that pulled out all the stops and helped every step of the way. Friendly pleasant staff.”
- Mrs S Sheavyn
... come and put us to the test!
Don’t just take our word for it, we have many happy customers...
It’s time to give your home some TLC.
At Fisks, we know how important your property is to you. The following tips will make sure your property looks great all yearround and will save you money on those costly repairs...
1. Clean the gutters: This is a crucial step in maintaining your property as clogged gutters can cause water damage. Use a ladder to remove any debris and flush them out with a hose.
2. Check for air leaks: To save money on energy bills, check your windows and doors for air leaks. Apply weather stripping or caulk to seal any gaps.
3. Inspect your roof: Regularly inspect your roof for any damage or missing tiles. Repair any issues promptly to prevent further damage.
4. Maintain your lawn: Keeping your lawn tidy is an essential part of maintaining your property. Mow regularly, water when needed, and fertilize to keep the grass healthy.
5. Power wash your property: A thorough power wash of your house and driveway can make a significant difference in its appearance. Buy or rent a power washer if you don’t have one, or hire a professional to get the job done quickly.
6. Clean the chimney: If you have a working fireplace, it’s crucial to clean your chimney regularly to prevent chimney fires. Hire a professional or purchase a chimney cleaning kit to do it yourself.
7. Seal the driveway: Cracks in your driveway can cause further damage, so use a sealant to fill any cracks or holes.
8. Clean the siding: Dirt and grime can accumulate on your house’s siding, leading to a dull appearance. Use a soft-bristled brush and mild cleaning solution to clean it.
9. Repair any plumbing issues: Leaky faucets, clogged drains, or running toilets can waste water, and money. Repair any plumbing issues promptly to avoid further damage.
In conclusion, maintaining your property can seem overwhelming, but implementing these simple DIY tips will make it more manageable and save you money in the long run.
£265,000
Detached Bungalow
Refurbished Throughout
Great Size Bedroom
Modern Bathroom
Central Location Complete Onward Chain
Close To Town Centre
CALL 01268 510510
£300,000
Park Home Retirement Village
24hr Security
Furniture To Remain
Modern Throughout
Ensuite To Master
Stunning Outlook
Corner Plot
CALL 01268 510510
£449,999
Four Bedroom Detached House
Canvey Town Centre Location
Three Double Bedrooms
En-Suite To Main
Well Decorated Throughout
Seperate Dining Room
Garage
CALL 01268 510510
£425,000
Four Bedrooms
Popular Location
Ultra Modern Fitted Kitchen
Open Plan Lounge/Diner
Easy Reach To C2c Line
Garage And Ample Off-Street
Parking
CALL 01268 510510
£400,000
Four Bedroom Detached House
Perfect Family Home
Recently Refurbished Throughout
Low Maintenance Garden
Two Large Double Bedrooms Garage
Off Street Parking
CALL 01268 510510
£450,000
Canvey Seafront Location
3 Bedroom Detcahed Bungalow
Immaculate Throughout
Unsuite
Newly Fitted Kitchen
Wrap Around Garden
Garage
CALL 01268 510510
