The property & lifestyle magazine brought to you by FISKS / Issue 105 INSIDE THIS ISSUE Retiring In Essex Safeguarding Your Children Online Who to Notify When Moving Home This Month’s Properties
CONTENTS
RETIRING IN ESSEX
Why retiring in Essex could be the best decision you ever make.
SAFEGUARDING YOUR CHILDREN ONLINE
How to protect your children when they’re online.
WHO TO NOTIFY WHEN MOVING HOME
Make your big move as pain free as possible.
Welcome to our
magazine
Welcome back to another issue of our popular Gateway magazine.
It’s no secret that the property market is full of ups and downs at the moment, but it’s important to remember that it isn’t all doom and gloom. Here at Fisks, we are delighted to share with you that sales are still happening weekly. This is a clear indication that, despite the headlines, there are people still wanting to make their next big move.
If you’re thinking of buying or selling, and want a trusted and professional estate agents by your side, call us today on 01268 750000.
I hope you enjoy this issue of Gateway. See you again next month.
John Pring FNAEA(Honoured) & MARLA | Director
RETIRING IN ESSEX
Why retiring in Essex could be the best decision you ever make.
Retirement marks the beginning of a new chapter, where you finally have the opportunity to savour the fruits of your labour and enjoy the pleasures of well-deserved leisure. For those considering their retirement destination, Essex presents itself as a compelling choice. With its rich history, picturesque landscapes, vibrant cultural scene, and high quality of life, Essex offers retirees a peaceful and fulfilling haven. In this article, we delve into the reasons why retiring in Essex could be an ideal choice.
SERENE NATURAL BEAUTY
Essex’s diverse landscapes are a natural draw for retirees seeking tranquillity and outdoor enjoyment. The county offers a mix of rolling countryside, picturesque coastlines, and expansive forests. The coastlines of Canvey Island, and the woodlands of Epping Forest are just a couple of the many natural gems that provide the perfect backdrop for relaxation and exploration.
HISTORIC CHARM
Essex’s cultural scene is vibrant and diverse, providing retirees with ample opportunities to engage in various activities. The county hosts a range of arts festivals, music events, and theatrical performances. For those interested in history, there are numerous museums and galleries that offer insights into the past while encouraging continued learning.
EXCELLENT HEALTHCARE SERVICES
As retirees, access to quality healthcare is of paramount importance. Essex is home to a network of reputable medical facilities, hospitals, and healthcare professionals. You can enjoy peace of mind knowing that you have access to comprehensive healthcare services whenever you need them.
RELAXING LIFESTYLE
Essex offers a slower pace of life compared to the hustle and bustle of urban areas, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a relaxed lifestyle. The county’s charming villages and coastal towns provide a peaceful environment where you can enjoy leisurely walks, scenic views, and a strong sense of community.
PROXIMITY TO LONDON AND BEYOND
While Essex offers a serene retreat, it’s also conveniently located near London, granting retirees easy access to the city’s cultural attractions, theaters, museums, and shopping districts. Additionally, the county’s excellent transportation links provide the flexibility to explore other parts of the UK and Europe, making travel an exciting part of your retirement experience.
ACTIVE RETIREMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Essex caters to a wide range of interests, ensuring that your retirement is as active and engaging as you desire. Whether you’re interested in golf, hiking, gardening, or participating in local clubs and activities, the county offers a wealth of opportunities to stay active and socially connected.
INVESTMENT VALUE
Retiring in Essex not only promises a high quality of life but also offers potential investment value. The region’s strong property market and consistent demand make property ownership an attractive option for retirees looking to secure their financial future.
Meet the team...
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
FISKS.CO.UK
OUR VISION & STRATEGY
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.
We cover the whole of South Essex. Contact us for a free valuation on 01268 565555
Kerrie Watts Property Consultant
Tayla McKinnon Office Administrator
Melissa Yates Office Administrator
FEATURED PROPERTIES
LONDON ROAD, BENFLEET
£380,000
Three Bedroom Chalet Style
Property For Sale
Excellent Condition Throughout
Plans For Loft Development
Close Proximity To All Shops, Travel Routes And The Towns Train Station
Double Garage
Private Driveway
CALL 01268 565555
LYNDBOURNE COURT, BENFLEET
£200,000
Two Bedroom Apartment
Immaculate Condition
Throughout
Second Floor
Allocated Parking Bay
Spacious Accommodation
Close To Major Routes & Local Shops
CALL 01268 565555
FISKS.CO.UK
FEATURED PROPERTIES
THE BIRCHES, BENFLEET
£365,000
Three Bedroom Semi Detached
Property For Sale
No Upper Chain
Needs Modernisation
Throughout
Ideal For First Time Buyers
Garage
CALL 01268 565555
FELSTEAD ROAD, BENFLEET
£480,000
Four Bedroom Detached
Property
Large Rear Garden
Separate Cloak Room On The Ground Floor
Front Drive And Garage
Kitchen-Diner
South Benfleet Location
CALL 01268 565555
FEATURED PROPERTIES
BARTLEY CLOSE, BENFLEET
£465,000
Four Bedroom Detached
Property
Extended Lounge
Popular Close In Benfleet
Garage And Private Drive
Low Maintence Rear Garden
Good Access To Schools, Shops And Local Amenities
CALL 01268 565555
HIGH ROAD, SOUTH BENFLEET
£450,000
Three Bedroom Bungalow For Sale
Large Rear Garden
Good Parking Available
Loft Room/Bedroom
Luxury Four Piece Bathroom
Modern Kitchen
Utility Room
CALL 01268 565555
SAFEGUARDING YOUR CHILDREN ONLINE
How to protect your children when they’re online.
In an age where the internet is an integral part of daily life, ensuring your children’s safety in the digital realm has become a paramount concern for many of us. As children increasingly navigate the vast online landscape, parents must adopt proactive measures to protect their well-being, privacy, and digital footprint. This article delves into the importance of safeguarding your kids while they’re online and offers practical strategies to create a secure and educational online environment.
A NEW FRONTIER OF EXPLORATION
The internet offers an an amazing opportunity for learning, creativity, and communication. However, it also brings potential risks to the table, too - ranging from cyberbullying to inappropriate content. As children explore this digital frontier, it falls upon parents to equip them with the necessary tools to identify potential dangers and navigate safely.
OPEN COMMUNICATION
Establishing open lines of communication with your children is fundamental to their online safety. Create an environment where your kids feel comfortable discussing their online experiences, concerns, and questions. Encourage them to share any discomfort they might encounter while using digital platforms.
EDUCATE AND EMPOWER
Education is key to empowering your children to make informed decisions online. Teach them about responsible online behavior, the importance of a strong password, and the dangers of oversharing personal information. Educate them about the concept of privacy settings, helping them understand that they control who can access their information.
USE PARENTAL CONTROL SOFTWARE
Parental control software is a valuable tool that allows parents to monitor and regulate their children’s online activities. These tools can filter content, set time limits, and provide activity reports, offering a comprehensive view of your child’s online habits. While these tools are beneficial, it’s important to strike a balance between supervision and granting your children a degree of independence.
SET CLEAR BOUNDARIES
Establishing clear guidelines for internet use is essential. Create a family agreement that outlines appropriate online behaviour, including rules about screen time, websites, and apps. Emphasise that these rules are in place to protect their safety and well-being, rather than simply restricting their freedom.
FOSTER DIGITAL EMPATHY AND KINDNESS
Online interactions can sometimes detach individuals from the emotional impact of their words and actions. Encourage your children to practice digital empathy and kindness. Teach them about the potential harm of cyberbullying and the importance of treating others online as they would in person.
MONITOR SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE
Social media is a part of life, but it can also expose children to various risks. Monitor their social media usage and encourage them to be cautious about what they share. Remind them that once something is posted online, it’s challenging to completely erase it from the digital realm.
BE A ROLE MODEL
Children learn by example, so it’s essential to model responsible online behaviour. Demonstrate proper privacy settings and respectful communication. When your children see you prioritising digital safety, they are more likely to internalise these values.
Why use FISKS?
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.
Our Ethos & Values
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.
FISKS.CO.UK
At Fisks, we believe we have all your marketing needs covered to get you SOLD!
Landlords: Protect your investment with our full property management and marketing...
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...
WHO TO NOTIFY WHEN MOVING HOME
Make your big move as pain free as possible.
Moving to a new home is an exciting chapter in life, but amidst the flurry of packing and planning,
overlook the important task of notifying various parties about your change of address. Ensuring a smooth transition requires a proactive attitude. In this article, we present a quick guide to help you make your move as pain free as possible.
UTILITY COMPANIES
Contact your utility providers, including electricity, gas, water, and internet services, to inform them of your upcoming move. This will help you schedule service disconnections at your current address and connections at your new home without interruption.
FINANCIAL ORGANISATIONS
Inform your bank, credit card companies, and any loan providers about your change of address. Update your billing address to avoid missing statements or important notices.
DRIVER AND VEHICLE LICENSING AGENCY (DVLA)
Notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) about your change of address, you don’t want to miss important updates. Also, don’t forget to update other details such as your insurance information.
HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS
Transfer your medical records to a new healthcare provider if necessary. Inform your doctors, dentists, and any specialists about your new address to ensure continued medical care without interruption.
SCHOOLS AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
If you have school-aged children, notify their current school of your move. Similarly, if you’re moving to a new school district, make arrangements to enroll your children in their new school as soon as possible.
SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES
Update your address for any subscription services you receive, such as magazines, newspapers, streaming services, and monthly subscription boxes.
it’s essential not to
EMPLOYERS
Advise your employer of your change of address so they can update their records for payroll and tax purposes. This will also ensure that important documents, like tax forms and benefits information, are sent to the correct address.
INSURANCE PROVIDERS
Inform your insurance providers (auto, home, health, etc.) about your new address to ensure your policies are updated and you remain covered in your new location.
FRIENDS AND FAMILY
Notify friends and family members of your change of address. This will not only keep them informed but also ensure they can reach you without difficulty.
ONLINE ACCOUNTS
Update your address on online platforms and accounts, including social media, online shopping, and e-commerce websites.
MEMBERSHIPS
Notify any clubs, gyms, or other organisations where you hold memberships or subscriptions.
CHARITIES AND NONPROFITS
If you regularly donate to charities or nonprofits, remember to inform them of your new address.
FEATURED PROPERTIES
KEER AVENUE, CANVEY ISLAND
£290,000
Two Bedroom Detached Bungalow
Spacious Throguhout
Walk-In-Wardrobe
Three Piece Bathroom
Unoverlooked Garden
Stone’s Throw To The Beach
Great Location
CALL 01268 510510
THELMA AVENUE, CANVEY ISLAND
£325,000
Three Bedroom Detached Bungalow
Ultra Modern Throughout
Desirable Location
Spacious Lounge/ Diner
Beautifully Landscaped Garden
Two Double Bedrooms
Two Luxury Shower Rooms
CALL 01268 510510
FISKS.CO.UK
FEATURED PROPERTIES
SEAVIEW ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND
£375,000
Three Bedroom Detached House
Large Lounge/Diner
Large Kitchen With Utility
Two Double Bedrooms
Large Single Bedroom
Integral Garage
Conservatory
CALL 01268 510510
NEVADA ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND
£375,000
Property With Character
5 Bedrooms
Integral Garage
Newly Refurbished Throughout
Conservatory
South Facing Garden
Off Street Parking
CALL 01268 510510
FISKS.CO.UK
FEATURED PROPERTIES
ROGGEL ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND
£500,000
Complete Chain
Four Bedroom Detached House
Desirable Location
Built Just 30 Years Ago
Gallery Hallway
Open Plan Kitchen/Diner
Large Garden
CALL 01268 510510
CREEK ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND
£190,000
No Onward Chain
Two Bedroom Double Width
Spacious Living Throughout
Dining Room
Utlity Room
En-Suite 24 Hour Security
CALL 01268 510510
FISKS.CO.UK