Fisks Gateway issue 66

Gateway

THE PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE BROUGHT TO YOU BY FISKS | ISSUE 66

inside this issue HELP TO BUY: EQUITY LOAN MOVING HOUSE CHECKLIST SELL YOUR HOUSE FASTER WITH OUR GARDEN TIPS PLUS THIS MONTH’S PROPERTIES

CONTENTS HELP TO BUY: EQUITY LOAN The government’s Help to Buy: Equity Loan can be a little daunting at first glance, so allow us to shed some light on the scheme for you.

MOVING HOUSE CHECKLIST From hiring the removal van to finding a dog sitter, there’s a lot to do when moving to your dream home.

SELL YOUR HOUSE FASTER WITH OUR GARDEN TIPS We all know the importance of a good garden when selling your house. Follow our tips to help you along your way.

THIS MONTH’S PROPERTIES

As always, we have a great selection of properties for you to take a look at this month.

Welcome to our Gateway magazine...

We have officially left the European Union - a decision at last. Along with the Bank of England holding interest rates, there has been other good news too, the property market is still very positive and tenants are back in full swing looking for properties.

This is a great start to the new year for all.

John Pring FNAEA(Honoured) & MARLA | Director

Our Ethos & Values We focus on our clients’ requirements and instructions rather than just doing what’s quickest and easiest for us.

As well as this month’s properties, in this month’s issue of Gateway, we take a look at the government’s Help to Buy: Equity Loan scheme, give you a helpful checklist guide if you’re moving house, and suggest a few changes you can make to your garden to help sell your house faster.

If you would like to view any of the properties in this month’s Gateway, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

We recruit and train the best candidates for our industry and provide them with attainable goals and long term career progression.

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.

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HELP TO BUY: EQUITY LOAN The government’s Help to Buy: Equity Loan can be a little daunting at first glance, so allow us to shed some light on the scheme for you.

With the government’s Help to Buy: Equity Loan it makes it possible to buy a home with just a 5% deposit. This is great news if you want to get a foot on the property ladder quickly and affordably.

How does it work?

With a Help to Buy: Equity Loan the government lends you up to 20% of the cost of your newly built home, so you’ll only need a 5% cash deposit and a 75% mortgage to make up the rest. You won’t be charged loan fees on the 20% loan for the first five years of owning your home. Below is an example for a home with a £200,000 price tag.

If the home in the example above sold for £210,000, you’d get £168,000 (80%, from your mortgage and the cash deposit) and you’d pay back £42,000 on the loan (20%). You’d need to pay off your mortgage with your share of the money.

For more information (including advice on fees and paying back your loan) please head on over to www.helptobuy.gov.uk and download the Help to Buy buyers’ guide.

London Help to Buy To reflect the current property prices in London, from February 2016 the government is increasing the upper limit for the equity loan it gives new home buyers within Greater London from 20% to 40%.

Who is eligible?

This amazing scheme is available to first time buyers as well as homeowners looking to move. The home you want to buy must be a new build with a price tag of up to £600,000. You won’t be able to sublet the home or enter a part exchange deal on your old home. You must not own any other property at the time you buy your new home with the government’s Help to Buy: Equity Loan.

How to apply The Help to Buy: Equity Loan scheme is run by government-appointed Help to Buy agents. They can guide you through your purchase, from providing general information about the scheme to dealing with your application.

Or look out for the Help to Buy logo on new-build developments and ask about the scheme there.

You can get more help and advice from the Money Advice Service and other useful contacts. And don’t forget to check out www.helptobuy.gov.uk and read the complete Help to Buy buyers’ guide.

MEET THE TEAM

Ian Carey Sales Manager Ian started his career in the British Army when he was 17 leading teams of up to 8 men. On finishing his military career, he joined the Estate Agency industry where he is a valuable asset to our Benfleet Sales Team.

Harriet Plampton Sales & Lettings Consultant Harriet joined Fisks in 2017 as a Trainee Property Consultant. Having previously worked in sales and public-facing roles, Harriet has combined her natural sales ability with her previous experience to progress within the property agency sector.

Leanne Wright Assistant To Ian Carey Leanne joined Fisks in 2010 after graduating from the University of Greenwich with a 2:1 BA (Hons) in Sociology. Starting off as Branch Administrator, Leanne has gone on to gain experience in Operations, Senior Administration and Property Management.

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John Pring Director John’s knowledge is second to none thanks to his 50+ years in the industry.

Perry Goodwin Digital Marketing Manager Perry recently joined Fisks and brings with him a wealth of digital marketing skills he has gained throughout his career.

Alex White-Miller Property Manager Alex joined Fisks as Property Manager in 2018 and is an essential part of the team.

We cover the whole of South Essex.

Contact us for a free valuation on 01268 565555

Tina Webster Management Accountant

Simon Pring Director Simon joined Fisks in 2005 and started on the shop floor as a junior sales consultant and now has 13 plus years of commercial experience - from viewings to property management and sales to completion.

After joining the company in 1988 with a BTEC diploma in Business and Finance, Tina progressed her career within Fisks to that of Management Accountant.

Nicola Rattenberry Operations Manager & Administrator Nicola joined Fisks in January 2014 after graduating from the University of Winchester with a BA (Hons) First Class Degree in History and Creative Writing.

Charlie Maynard Property Consultant Charlie joined Fisks in 2018 as an experienced Property Consultant.

Our Vision & Strategy

Taris Etherton Sales & Lettings Consultant Taris joined Fisks in 2017 as a Trainee 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.

CHURCH ROAD, BENFLEET GUIDE PRICE £279,995 – £284,995 Semi-Detached Chalet Two Bedrooms In Need Of Modernisation Utility Area Good Sized Rear Garden Private Drive For Up To Four Vehicles Energy Band – Awaiting

CALL 01268 565555

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CHURCH ROAD, HADLEIGH GUIDE PRICE £315,000 – £325,000 Extended Semi-Detached Bungalow Two Bedrooms Fantastic Living Space High Specification Kitchen Utility Area Private Driveway Energy Band – D

CALL 01268 565555

ELOUNDA COURT, BENFLEET OIRO £599,995 Detached House Five Double Bedrooms Fantastic Living Space Throughout Modernised Kitchen En-Suite To Master 90ft – 100ft Rear Garden Energy Band – C

CALL 01268 565555

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FELSTEAD ROAD, BENFLEET £315,000 Extended Semi-Detached Bungalow Two Bedrooms Separate Dining Area/Office Large Rear Garden (Approximately 200ft Long) Private Drive Potential To Extend (STPP) Energy Band – Awaiting

CALL 01268 565555

IVY ROAD, BENFLEET £475,000 Modern Family Home Four Bedrooms Fitted Kitchen Separate Dining Room Garage/Games Room Large Garden No Onward Chain Energy Band – C

CALL 01268 565555

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SOUTHWOLD CRESCENT, BENFLEET £300,000 Two Bedroom Semi-Detached Bungalow Refurbished Throughout Over 20ft Long Lounge L-Shaped Fitted Kitchen Four Piece Modernised Bathroom Private Driveway Energy Band – Awaiting

CALL 01268 565555

WHY USE FISKS? Throughout the years, we’ve gained first class knowledge that is second to none, and helped people through both good and bad times and have won numerous awards throughout our 50 plus years.

We do understand how the market has changed over the years and we have adapted to offer you the best marketing and services available - with us, not only do you get all aspects of a traditional agent, we also give you the best in digital marketing too - including social media, web portals, and our exclusive property video tours that can be seen on our YouTube channel and other streaming services. Our hybrid agency offers you the best of both worlds.

As well as offering floor plans, our monthly Gateway magazine that reaches over 9 thousand people, social media exposure of your property, A3 property details and flyer campaigns, we also offer the following...

Multiple online portals

Fisks will market your property on all major portals -

Accompanied viewings Let us take the stress out of the viewing process.

Video tours

Let us present your home to the best of its ability.

High end photography

All buyers require good quality photographs before viewing your property.

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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...

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

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

ARLA - the gold standard professional industry body.

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

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.

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.

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

“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!

MOVING HOUSE CHECKLIST From hiring the removal van to finding a dog sitter, there’s a lot to do when moving to your dream home.

1. Consider booking time off work It comes as no surprise that the most popular day of the week to move is a Friday so that you have the weekend to unpack and get your new house straight. But that’s also when there’s the highest demand for removal firms, and if there are any problems with transferring funds between mortgage suppliers, then it can’t be sorted until the banks open again on Monday, which is not ideal.

So, if you can, book time off, do the move on Monday or midweek, it may make it all less stressful.

2. Get quotes from removal firms Before you get your quotes, think about whether you just need a van and can do the packing and move yourself, or whether you’d rather book a removal firm to do all the hard work for you - remember, when considering if you want the removal firm to do all the hard work for you, there will be insurance implications, so make sure you check what’s included in the price from the removal company and what insurance they’re offering.

3. Sort out storage The time has come for you to decide if you’re going to take all your furniture to your new home or not. For instance, if you’re having work done on the new property you might only live in a small part of it or maybe you’ll rent a flat elsewhere and you won’t have space for all your possessions. Your removal company, if you’re using one, often offers storage and this is a really easy option as the removers will just load into their lorry and take it away, but it can work out to be expensive.

4. Will you need a plumber It is possible to disconnect the washing machine and dishwasher yourself if you’re taking them with you, but if you don’t feel confident enough to do this, it’s worth booking a qualified plumber to disconnect and then reconnect your appliances in your new property.

5. Get organised Order labels, sticky tape and packing materials such as bubble wrap, you won’t regret it when it comes to unpacking your boxes in your new property. Your removal company, if you’re using one, may supply boxes, but if they don’t, you can buy them online pretty cheap and in bulk.

6. Time to find a dog sitter Either book your dog into a boarding kennel for moving day or arrange for it to stay with a friend it knows well. A couple of days before you move, make a new tag for their collar, and don’t forget to arrange for their microchip details to be changed to the new address - head on over to PETtrac for more information.

7. Keeping the cats calm It’s easy to forget sometimes, but cats too need careful handling when it comes to moving property. In the days leading up to the move, create a safe haven where they can escape to, and why not even discuss with the vet whether calming pheromones would work for them.

“Bes Ben we n kep the

BIRCH CLOSE, CANVEY ISLAND OIRO £325,000 Detached Property Three Bedrooms Kitchen/Diner Downstairs Shower Room Garage And Off Street Parking No Onward Chain Energy Band – B

CALL 01268 510510

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CRESCENT ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND GUIDE PRICE £400,000 – £425,000 Imposing Corner Plot Scope To Extend (STPP) Four Double Bedrooms En-Suite To Master Double Garage Roof Terrace Energy Band – Awaiting

CALL 01268 510510

FURTHERWICK ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND GUIDE PRICE £350,000 – £375,000 Detached Family Home Five Bedrooms Kitchen/Diner Immaculately Presented Opportunity For En-Suite Close To Seafront Energy Band – Awaiting

CALL 01268 510510

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ROSBACH ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £240,000 Detached Bungalow Two Good Sized Bedrooms Conservatory Scope For Improvement Garage & Off Street Parking Close To Bus Links Energy Band – D

CALL 01268 510510

SOUTH PARADE, CANVEY ISLAND £375,000 Heavily Extended Four Spacious Bedrooms En-Suite & Dressing Room To Master Bedroom 25ft Lounge Landscaped Rear Garden Close To Seafront Energy Band – C

CALL 01268 510510

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THE WEALD, CANVEY ISLAND OIEO £325,000 Four Double Bedrooms En-Suite To Master Recently Refurbished Open Plan Living Quiet Location Energy Band – D

CALL 01268 510510

SELL YOUR HOUSE FASTER WITH OUR GARDEN TIPS We all know the importance of a good garden when selling your house. Follow our tips to help you along your way.

1. Add storage and value with an outdoor building Additional outdoor buildings, such as garden rooms or summerhouses will boost the value of your house. They can be expensive, yes, but they will add an extra dimension to your garden, provide vital garden storage space, and can even add 5% to your property value - depending on variables such as location, size and style of course.

2. Time for that face-lift This may be a no-brainer for some, but you’d be shocked at how many people don’t do the essentials such as cleaning up, removing dead plants, pulling weeds, painting fences and feeding the lawn. Go that extra mile and even add a bit of colour with some new plants. Remember, even if you’re looking to sell your home during the winter months, it’s important you take care of your outdoor space - it doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be presentable.

3. Add that WOW factor Having something like a patio in your garden can greatly get potential buyers to pick your house over the competition. It doesn’t break the bank too much to create a patio in your garden, and the slabs make a huge difference to the appearance of it too. A patio will open up your garden space and make it look like you have two areas, which will make your garden look bigger than perhaps it actually is.

4. Get those water features out From fountains to ponds, streams and waterfalls, a water feature in your garden not only creates a tranquil haven, but it can also attract a variety of wildlife too.

It’s recommended to keep it relatively simple - you don’t want to go too big or gaudy, it can be off-putting.

5. Add privacy with mature trees and shrubs A wide range of mature trees and shrubs are now available and are a great way to hide an unattractive view or provide privacy. Adding shrubs and hedges is a really simple way to hide anything you don’t want new owners to see - it’s time to hide those unattractive buildings in the background. They are also incredibly simple to plant and much cheaper than installing a fence.

6. Don’t forget that outdoor furniture A well-designed garden can add as much as 10% to a property’s value, so a good design from the outset is key. Why not add a chair and a bistro table to the garden, or place a bench further into the garden to catch the last of the sun.

Personalise the area and fully appreciate the space you have available to you.

Follow us on your favourite social media platform to keep up-to-date on everything Fisks

Head Office 146a London Road Benfleet Essex, SS7 5SQ T: 01268 750000 E: office@fisks.co.uk

Here to help you on the following property matters

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Sales Lettings Property management Mortgages Solicitors Surveys EPCs Property maintenance Planning applications CONTACT US FOR A FREE VALUATION 01268 565555 “Best Estate Agent in Essex! Fisks were fantastic from start to finish, both the Benfleet & Canvey Island branches. The staff are knowledgable, polite & friendly, we never had a bad person.

They got us viewings from both the branches. They kept us in touch on every viewing. They also kept us informed on every part of the process, which was very good as we haven’t moved in over 30 years.”

- Mrs C Stannard

“NO STRESS USE THE BEST... Excellent customer service... nothing too much trouble... all queries answered with ease... from valuation to completion we found the experience stress free. Very professional friendly staff, would definitely recommend... big thanks to Simon and his team ... till the next time!”

- Mr and Mrs Farrer