Fisks Gateway issue 109

The property & lifestyle magazine brought to you by FISKS / Issue 109

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Stress-Free Pets During New Year Celebrations Navigating Winter Roads Elevate Your Holiday Spirit This Month’s Properties

CONTENTS STRESS-FREE PETS DURING NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS

This New Year’s Eve, let’s ensure that our pets feel safe and secure amidst the festivities.

NAVIGATING WINTER ROADS

As you embark on your winter road trip, prioritise safety by taking proactive measures.

ELEVATE YOUR HOLIDAY SPIRIT

Maintaining a positive mindset during the holidays is a powerful way to navigate the season with grace and enthusiasm.

Welcome to our

magazine As estate agents, we’re often asked by potential sellers if it’s worthwhile to list a property so close to the new year. The answer is a resounding “yes”! According to leading portals like Rightmove and Zoopla, along with our own data, Boxing Day emerges as the busiest day for property searches. There’s still time to get your property on the market for this Boxing Day surge. Don’t miss out call us now and take the next step.

In this issue, we offer helpful tips to keep your pet stress-free during the new year celebrations, advice on how to navigate those slippery winter roads, and how to elevate your holiday spirit.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

John Pring FNAEA(Honoured) & MARLA | Director

STRESS-FREE PETS DURING NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS This New Year’s Eve, let’s ensure that our pets feel safe and secure amidst the festivities.

As the New Year approaches, our homes are filled with excitement and celebration. However, amidst the festivities, it’s essential to consider the well-being of our four-legged family members - our pets. The loud noises, bright lights, and disruptions associated with New Year’s celebrations can be stressful for pets. In this article, we’ll explore practical tips to ensure your furry friends have a calm and stress-free transition into the New Year.

CREATE A SAFE HAVEN Designate a quiet, comfortable space where your pet can retreat to if the celebrations become overwhelming. Equip this area with their favorite toys, a cozy bed, and perhaps an item of your clothing to provide a familiar scent.

SOUND SENSITIVITY Pets, particularly dogs, can be sensitive to loud noises like fireworks. Consider using white noise machines, calming music, or even a television to drown out sudden bursts of sound. Additionally, some pets find solace in the rhythmic sound of a fan or air purifier.

MICROCHIP AND IDENTIFICATION Ensure that your pet’s identification tags are up to date with your current contact information. The loud noises and unfamiliar activities during New Year’s celebrations might cause stress, prompting some pets to bolt. A well-identified pet is more likely to find its way back home if it gets lost.

REGULAR EXERCISE Prioritise outdoor activities and exercise during the day to help your pet burn off excess energy. A tired pet is more likely to be calm and less reactive to the disturbances that may occur during the night.

INTRODUCE GRADUAL SOUNDS Help desensitise your pet to loud noises by playing recordings of fireworks or other New Year’s sounds at a low volume. Gradually increase the volume over time, rewarding calm behavior with treats or affection.

COMFORTING COMPANIONSHIP If your pet finds comfort in human presence, consider staying close by during the celebrations. Offering a calming touch or sitting with them in their safe space can provide reassurance.

CONSULT WITH A VETERINARIAN If your pet has a history of severe anxiety or stress, consult with your veterinarian.

They can provide advice on behaviour techniques or prescribe medications to ease anxiety during the celebrations.

Meet the team...

John Pring Director

Tayla McKinnon Office Administrator

Leanne Wright Administration Manager

FISKS.CO.UK

Ian Carey Sales Manager

Harriet Plampton Sales & Lettings Consultant

Penny Ash Property Manager

Nicola Rattenberry Director’s P.A.

Albie Poole Property Consultant

Tina Webster Management Accountant

We cover the whole of South Essex.

Contact us for a free valuation on 01268 565555

OUR VISION & STRATEGY

Kerrie Watts 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.

Melissa Yates Office Administrator

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Fisks Ltd 146 London Road Benfleet Essex SS7 5SQ

Fisks Ltd 85 Furtherwick Road Canvey Island Essex SS8 7AY

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CUMBERLAND AVENUE, SOUTH BENFLEET £645,000 Large Four Bedroom Detached Property Modernised Throughout And Offered In Show Home Condition En-suite To Master Bedroom Luxury Kitchen And Luxury Shower Room Parking For Up To Seven Vehicles

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LITTLE TARPOTS COURT, BENFLEET £265,000 Two Bedroom, First Floor Apartment Two Double Bedrooms Bathroom And Shower En-suite Good Condition Throughout Balcony Modern Kitchen With Integral Appliances

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HADLEIGH PARK AVENUE, HADLEIGH £425,000 Three Bedroom Semi Detached Chalet Length & Half Garage With Power 200ft West Facing Garden Perfect Project Property Sought After Location Close To Main Roads And Bus Links

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NAVIGATING WINTER ROADS As you embark on your winter road trip, prioritise safety by taking proactive measures.

Embarking on a winter road trip can be a picturesque adventure, but it also comes with its unique set of challenges. Cold temperatures, snow-covered roads, and icy conditions demand extra precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. In this guide, we’ll explore essential tips to help you navigate winter roads and keep yourself and your fellow travellers safe during your winter road trips.

CHECK YOUR VEHICLE Before hitting the road, ensure your vehicle is in optimal condition. Check the battery, tires, brakes, and fluid levels. Consider a professional inspection to address any potential issues.

PACK AN EMERGENCY KIT Prepare an emergency kit that includes essentials such as blankets, a flashlight, non-perishable snacks, water, a first aid kit, and basic tools. Having these items on hand can be invaluable in case of unexpected roadside issues.

WEATHER FORECAST Stay informed about the weather conditions along your route. Check forecasts and road conditions before starting your journey, and be prepared to adjust your plans if necessary.

DRIVE SLOWLY AND SMOOTHLY Reduce your speed and avoid sudden movements on slippery surfaces.

Accelerate and decelerate gradually to maintain control of your vehicle.

MAINTAIN A SAFE FOLLOWING DISTANCE Increase your following distance to allow for longer stopping distances. This gives you more time to react to sudden changes in road conditions or the behavior of other drivers.

BRAKE CAREFULLY Use gentle and consistent pressure on the brakes to avoid skidding. If your vehicle has an anti-lock braking system (ABS), follow the proper technique of applying firm, steady pressure.

STAY INFORMED ABOUT ROAD CONDITIONS Check real-time road condition updates using apps or official transportation websites. Be aware of any closures, detours, or areas with challenging conditions.

KEEP PETROL TANK FULL Maintain at least a half-tank of petrol during winter trips. This not only prevents fuel line freeze-ups but also ensures you have enough fuel in case of unexpected delays.

PLAN STOPS STRATEGICALLY Plan your stops wisely, aiming for locations with amenities and services. Avoid long stretches without service stations or rest areas, and use breaks to stretch your legs and assess road conditions.

LET SOMEONE KNOW YOUR PLANS Share your travel itinerary and expected arrival times with a friend or family member. This way, someone is aware of your route and can check in if needed.

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.

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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...

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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.

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Staff very pleasant, would definitely recommend.”

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

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

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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.

ELEVATE YOUR HOLIDAY SPIRIT Maintaining a positive mindset during the holidays is a powerful way to navigate the season with grace and enthusiasm.

The holiday season, while filled with joy and festivities, can also bring about stress and a sense of overwhelm. Maintaining a positive mindset during this time is crucial for not only enjoying the celebrations but also for setting the tone for a successful and fulfilling new year. In this article, we will explore powerful mindset tips to keep you motivated and uplifted throughout the holiday season.

PRACTICE GRATITUDE DAILY Cultivate a habit of gratitude by reflecting on the positive aspects of each day.

Whether through a journal or a simple mental exercise, acknowledging the things you are grateful for can shift your focus toward positivity.

SET REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS Recognise that perfection is not the goal. Set realistic expectations for yourself and others during the holidays. Embrace imperfections and cherish the moments of joy, even in the midst of chaos.

FOCUS ON WHAT YOU CAN CONTROL Accept that not everything is within your control. Instead of dwelling on external factors, concentrate on the aspects of your life that you can influence. This empowers you to take positive action.

PRIORITISE SELF-CARE Amidst the holiday hustle, prioritise self-care. Set aside time for activities that rejuvenate your mind and body, whether it’s a quiet walk or reading a book.

EMBRACE A POSITIVE MINDSET Choose to view challenges as opportunities for growth. Maintaining a positive mindset allows you to approach obstacles with resilience, turning setbacks into stepping stones toward success.

SET BOUNDARIES Establish clear boundaries to protect your time and energy. Politely communicate your limits to others, ensuring you have the space to focus on what truly matters to you during the holidays.

CELEBRATE SMALL ACHIEVEMENTS Acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small.

Whether it’s completing a task or overcoming a challenge, recognising your achievements fosters a sense of motivation and fulfillment.

PRACTICE MINDFUL BREATHING When stress arises, practice mindful breathing. Taking deep, intentional breaths can help calm the mind, reduce stress, and bring you back to the present moment.

PLAN FOR ENJOYMENT Schedule activities that bring you joy. Whether it’s a festive outing, a creative endeavour, or a favourite holiday tradition, intentionally plan for moments of happiness and relaxation.

FEATURED PROPERTIES

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