Fisks Gateway issue 107

The property & lifestyle magazine brought to you by FISKS / Issue 107

INSIDE THIS ISSUE The Pros And Cons Of Buying A Fixer-Upper Building Your Deposit Savings The Power Of Social Media When Selling This Month’s Properties

CONTENTS THE PROS AND CONS OF BUYING A FIXER-UPPER

Don’t consider buying a fixer-upper until you’ve read our pros and cons.

BUILDING YOUR DEPOSIT SAVINGS

It’s time to start saving.

THE POWER OF SOCIAL MEDIA WHEN SELLING

Why social media plays an important part when selling your property.

Welcome to our

magazine Welcome back to another issue of our popular Gateway magazine.

As I’m sure you all know by now, the current condition of the UK housing market is going through a moment of instability. Following a robust expansion in 2022, house prices began to decline in 2023, primarily attributed to several factors, notably the escalation of interest rates, the cost of living crisis, and a short supply of available properties. Amid these challenges, there is some room for optimism as we seem to be gradually overcoming the worst of it, with the current average two-year fixed rate mortgage dropping to 5.92%, down from 6.09% a year ago.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the property market, then please do reach out to us, we’re always here to help at Fisks.

John Pring FNAEA(Honoured) & MARLA | Director

THE PROS AND CONS OF BUYING A FIXER-UPPER Don’t consider buying a fixer-upper until you’ve read our pros and cons.

The allure of buying a fixer-upper can be irresistible. The idea of transforming a dated or neglected property into your dream home or a profitable investment is exciting. However, like any property decision, purchasing a fixer-upper comes with its own set of pros and cons. In this article, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of taking on a fixer-upper project.

PROS OF BUYING A FIXER-UPPER •

Cost Savings: One of the most significant advantages of buying a fixerupper is the potential for cost savings. These properties are typically priced lower than move-in ready homes, allowing you to get more house for your budget.

•

Personalisation: Fixer-uppers provide an opportunity to personalise and customize your home to your exact preferences. You can choose finishes, layouts, and design elements that suit your taste.

•

Potential for Equity: By investing time and effort into renovations, you can increase the property’s value, potentially building substantial equity in the long run. This can be a smart financial move if the market appreciates.

•

Creative Expression: Renovating a fixer-upper allows you to tap into your creativity and DIY skills. You can take pride in the improvements you make and create a space that truly reflects your personality.

•

Lower Property Taxes: Since fixer-uppers are often assessed at a lower value due to their condition, property taxes may be lower compared to fully renovated homes, providing ongoing savings.

CONS OF BUYING A FIXER-UPPER •

High Renovation Costs: While you may save money on the purchase price, the cost of renovations can add up quickly. It’s essential to have a realistic budget and contingency fund for unexpected expenses.

•

Time-Consuming: Renovating a fixer-upper can be a time-consuming endeavor. It may take months or even years to complete all the necessary repairs and upgrades, which can be inconvenient, especially if you need to move in quickly.

•

Stress and Uncertainty: Renovation projects often come with unforeseen challenges, such as structural issues or hidden damage. Dealing with these surprises can be stressful and emotionally taxing.

•

Opportunity Cost: Time spent on a fixer-upper project could be used for other activities or investments. Consider the opportunity cost of not buying a move-in ready home or investing in other ventures.

•

Resale Challenges: While you may build equity through renovations, there’s no guarantee that you will recoup all your expenses when you sell. The resale value of a fixer-upper can be influenced by market conditions and location.

•

Legal and Permit Issues: Renovations may require permits and adherence to building codes. Failure to do so can lead to legal complications and additional costs.

Meet the team...

John Pring Director

Simon Pring Director

Ian Carey Sales Manager

Harriet Plampton Sales & Lettings Consultant

Penny Ash Property Manager

Nicola Rattenberry Director’s P.A.

Leanne Wright Administration Manager

Albie Poole Property Consultant

Tina Webster Management Accountant

FISKS.CO.UK

We cover the whole of South Essex.

Contact us for a free valuation on 01268 565555

OUR VISION & STRATEGY

Kerrie Watts Property Consultant

Melissa Yates Office Administrator

Tayla McKinnon Office Administrator

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.

FEATURED PROPERTIES

CLIFTON AVENUE, SOUTH BENFLEET £495,000 Large Three Bedroom Detached Property In South Benfleet Potential For A fourth Bedroom On The Ground Floor Large Extended Kitchen Four Piece Bathroom Suite Large, Well Looked After Rear Garden Ground Floor Cloakroom

CALL 01268 565555

FISKS.CO.UK

RUSHBOTTOM LANE, BENFLEET £500,000 Immaculately Presented Four Bedroom Detached Property Large Lounge-Dining Room Luxury Kitchen And Bathroom Garage Ground Floor Cloakroom Landscaped Rear Garden

CALL 01268 565555

FEATURED PROPERTIES

THE BIRCHES, BENFLEET £359,995 Three Bedroom Semi Detached Property For Sale No Upper Chain Needs Modernisation Throughout Ideal For First Time Buyers Garage

CALL 01268 565555

WAVERLEY ROAD, BENFLEET £390,000 Three/Four Bedroom Semi Detached House Downstairs Toilet Over 100ft West Facing Garden Summer House With Power And Lighting Immaculate Condition Throughout Driveway For 2-3 Cars

CALL 01268 565555

FEATURED PROPERTIES

ESSEX WAY, SOUTH BENFLEET £500,000 Large Four Bedroom Detached Property Close To The Train Station Huge Rear Garden Ground Floor Bedroom/ Reception Room Cellar Ample, Private Parking Video Tour Available

CALL 01268 565555

LIMETREE AVENUE, SOUTH BENFLEET £460,000 Four Bedroom Semi Detached Chalet Property Extended Immaculate Condition Throughout En-suite & Walk In Wardrobe To Master Bedroom Cul-De-Sac Location Leads Onto Arthur Stevens Field

CALL 01268 565555

BUILDING YOUR DEPOSIT SAVINGS It’s time to start saving.

Saving for a deposit, whether it’s for a home, a dream vacation, or any significant goal, requires discipline and smart financial choices. By making a few adjustments to your daily habits and spending patterns, you can accelerate your savings journey. In this article, we’ll explore some top tips to help you save for a deposit more effectively.

DON’T UPGRADE THAT PHONE The latest smartphone models and premium data plans can be costly. Consider downgrading to a more budget-friendly plan or keeping your current phone for an extra year or two. The savings from a cheaper plan can contribute significantly to your deposit fund.

STOP THOSE TAKE-OUTS Those daily trips to the coffee shop can add up quickly. Consider investing in a good quality thermos and preparing your coffee and lunch at home. The savings will accumulate faster than you might expect.

MAKE STAYING IN THE NEW GOING OUT Cut back on going out – have fun at home instead. Instead of visiting restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues, opt for enjoyable evenings at home. You can cook a homemade meal, host a game night, or have a movie marathon with friends or family. You’ll not only save money but also create memorable experiences.

ASK FOR CASH INSTEAD OF GIFTS On special occasions like birthdays or holidays, consider asking your loved ones to contribute to your deposit fund instead of giving you gifts. Many people would be happy to support your financial goals, and these contributions can add up over time.

WORK (EVEN HARDER) FOR IT Look for part-time or freelance jobs that can generate additional income. The extra earnings can be earmarked specifically for your deposit fund.

CAR SHARE If you own a car and drive to work, then consider car sharing if you live close to co-workers. By splitting the cost of petrol with co-workers will significant save you money over time. Plus, it’s environmentally friendly, too.

Saving for a deposit requires discipline and a commitment to making small, consistent changes to your spending habits.

By cutting back on daily expenses like take-out coffees, can accelerate your savings journey and get closer to achieving your financial goals. Remember, every pound saved brings you one step closer to turning your dreams into reality.

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

Our Ethos & Values

methods that you are comfortable with, such as high street shop locations with

We focus on our clients’ requirements

window displays, applicant mailing lists,

and instructions rather than just doing

text and email facilities, linked offices,

what’s quickest and easiest for us.

portals such as Rightmove, leaflet drops, floor plans, boards and branded cars.

Our comprehensive training program ensures that our staff channels their

These marketing tools have been tried

entrepreneurial spirit and enthusiasm

and tested for many years, but with the

for the benefit of our clients, whilst

ongoing digital revolution we have also

maintaining the professionalism and

embraced change. These new marketing

customer service associated with our

methods come in the form of a digital

brand.

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.

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...

Don’t just take our word for it, we have many happy customers...

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.

“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

Inventories - protect your deposit with a professional inventory, including time stamped photographs.

Inspection - allay your fears that your asset is being looked after.

“Fantastic team that pulled out all the stops and helped every step of the way. Friendly pleasant staff.”

Section notices - fully trained and experienced staff can advise and serve the appropriate notice.

- Mrs S Sheavyn

Accurate accounting - from monthly statements to overseas landlords, to expenditure and income, we hold all the information the accountant will need.

... come and put us to the test!

Gas certificates and EPCs - keep your property complying with the law.

THE POWER OF SOCIAL MEDIA WHEN SELLING Why social media plays an important part when selling your property.

At Fisks, we know how important marketing is. One of the many ways we market your property is by using our social media channels. In the following article, we bring you several compelling reasons why we think estate agents should always utilise social media when selling your property.

WIDE REACH Social media platforms have billions of active users worldwide. By showcasing your property on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube, your estate agent can expose your property to a much larger audience than traditional advertising methods.

TARGETED ADVERTISING Social media platforms offer robust advertising tools that allow estate agents to target specific demographics, interests, and behaviours. This means your property can be shown to people who are more likely to be interested in it, increasing the chances of finding the right buyer.

VISUAL APPEAL The property industry is a visual industry, and social media is the perfect platform for showcasing high-quality photos and videos of your property. Eye-catching visuals can captivate potential buyers and generate more interest in the listing.

ENGAGEMENT AND INTERACTION Social media encourages engagement through likes, comments, shares, and direct messages. Prospective buyers can easily ask questions or request more information about the property, fostering a direct line of communication with your estate agent.

IMMEDIATE UPDATES Social media allows real-time updates. If there are changes to the property, such as a price reduction or an open house announcement, your agent can quickly share this information to a broad audience.

VIRTUAL TOURS Estate agents can leverage social media to conduct virtual tours of properties or even host live streaming events, giving potential buyers an immersive experience without the need for physical visits.

SHAREABILITY Social media users often share content they find interesting or valuable with their networks. When your property listing is shared by others, it can reach an even wider audience, potentially attracting more buyers.

In today’s digital age, social media has become an indispensable tool for estate agents to effectively market properties and connect with potential buyers. Its ability to reach a vast and targeted audience, coupled with the visual appeal and engagement opportunities, makes it a valuable tool when selling your property.

FEATURED PROPERTIES

CONVENT ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £700,000 Prestigious Four Bedroom Detached Home Spacious Living Throughout Large Conservatory Gymnasium En-Suite To Master Bedroom Large Attic

CALL 01268 510510

FISKS.CO.UK

FERNDALE CRESCENT, CANVEY ISLAND £550,000 Four Bedroom Detached Home Sought After Location Massive Potential Double Garage Two Garden Areas Decorated To A High Standard Open Plan Living

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FEATURED PROPERTIES

CRAVEN AVENUE, CANVEY ISLAND £350,000 No Onward Chain Three Double Bedrooms En-Suite To The Master Bedroom Short Walk From Both The Beach And Town Centre South West Facing Garden New Fitted Kitchen

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FISKS.CO.UK

BRANDENBURG ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £350,000 TWO BEDROOM DETACHED BUNGALOW LARGE LOUNGE TO FRONT DRESSING ROOM TO MASTER EN-SUITE TO MASTER 4-PIECE ENSUITE CONSERVATORY STUDY

CALL 01268 510510

FEATURED PROPERTIES

GAINSBOROUGH AVENUE, CANVEY ISLAND £325,000 Two Bedroom Link Detached Bungalow Refurbished Throughout Newly Fitted Kitchen Newly Fitted Bathroom Seafront Location Natural Light Throughout Two Double Bedrooms

CALL 01268 510510

FISKS.CO.UK

JASON CLOSE, CANVEY ISLAND £400,000 Four Bedroom Detcahed House Refurbished Throughout Modern Living Newly Fitted Kitchen Newly Fitted Family Bathroom Two Double Bedrooms Ample Off Street Parking

CALL 01268 510510