Fisks Gateway issue 71

Gateway THE PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE BROUGHT TO YOU BY FISKS | ISSUE 71

inside this issue GETTING YOUR HOME READY FOR THE AUTUMN STOPPING THE SPREAD OF COVID-19 IN YOUR HOME CELEBRATING HALLOWEEN DURING A PANDEMIC PLUS THIS MONTH’S PROPERTIES

CONTENTS GETTING YOUR HOME READY FOR THE AUTUMN

Follow our tips to get the most out of your home this autumn.

STOPPING THE SPREAD OF COVID-19 IN YOUR HOME

Go beyond washing your hands, covering your face and making space.

CELEBRATING HALLOWEEN DURING A PANDEMIC

It’s still Halloween but not as we know it.

THIS MONTH’S PROPERTIES

As always, we have some amazing properties for you to take a look at this month.

Welcome to our Gateway magazine...

The year is fast approaching it’s end, and so is the all important Stamp Duty holiday. Let’s not forget that the Stamp Duty holiday ends on 31st of March 2021, and to get this amazing saving you have to complete on the purchase and not just agree to purchase on the contract to buy.

John Pring FNAEA(Honoured) & MARLA | Director

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.

As the pandemic continues for the foreseeable future, we must continue to do our part so everything normalises as soon as possible. The property market is thankfully staying afloat thanks to the Stamp Duty holiday. COVID-19 has been doing damage to the economy for some time now and I hope we have already seen the worst of it.

In this issue of our Gateway magazine, we have a few tips on how to get your home ready for the autumn, how to stop the spread of COVID-19 in your home, and how to celebrate Halloween during the current pandemic we find ourselves in. If you’re interested in any of the amazing properties in this issue then please do not hesitate to contact us.

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GETTING YOUR HOME READY FOR THE AUTUMN Follow our tips to get the most out of your home this autumn.

Autumn is perhaps the most beautiful of all seasons thanks to its falling orange and yellow leaves and (when it happens) the bright crisp morning sun. It’s the perfect time to wrap yourself up with your favourite scarf and go for a walk - and then come back to an inviting home.

TIME TO GET WARM AND COSY The days are getting colder, a lot colder, so you’ll need to think about keeping warm. Get yourself some throws and blankets, and even a hot water bottle if you’re like me and feel yourself getting a cold as soon as the temperature drops. Then it’s time to attend to the bigger stuff - like making sure your radiators are all bled and then having your boiler checked.

If you’re one of the lucky ones and have a working fireplace or woodburning stove, now is the time to use it. Don’t forget to stock up on that firewood and kindling, you don’t want to come up short when it’s needed. It is also important to have your chimney swept and tested once a year.

CREATE A SPA BATHROOM Those quick summer showers are a thing of the past, now it’s time to indulge in a long bath with scented candles and reed diffusers after a long day at work. No matter the size of your bathroom, it is always possible to give it that luxurious spa feel. Throw in a few good-quality soaps and oils and you’re in spa heaven.

SPRUCE UP THAT ENTRANCE Due to the weather still being generally mild enough to paint outside, autumn is the perfect time to spruce up that front door you’ve been putting off doing. Choose a warm colour like a deep red, navy blue or even a dark olive for the best effect.

Don’t forget to give the wood a good sand beforehand and buy an exterior paint that will protect in all types of weather - a mistake I’ve admittedly made in the past. To make life easier for yourself, it’s also a great idea to take the doorknob and letterbox off too. You could also plant some evergreen shrubs and add some winter-flowering plants too to finish off the look.

TIME TO TAKE IN THAT VIEW If you’re not planning on venturing outside much, it’s still nice to capture that daylight once in a while from the comfort of your own armchair. Rearrange your furniture so some of your seating is facing a window. On a cold and crisp day, you can cosy up with a blanket and your favourite book, and then watch those leaves fall from the trees.

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.

Stacey Moore Property Manager Stacey joined Fisks as Property Manager in 2020.

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

We cover the whole of South Essex.

Contact us for a free valuation on 01268 565555

Kerrie Watts Property Consultant

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.

Tina Webster Management Accountant 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.

Kerrie has recently joined the Fisks team as a Trainee Consultant.

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

ROSEBERRY COURT, BENFLEET £199,995 Three Bedroom, Ground Floor, Duplex Apartment Fantastic Condition Throughout Kitchen-Diner Close To Local Shops Set On Two Levels Great Living Space Throughout Good For Buy To Let Investors

CALL 01268 565555

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LIMETREE AVENUE, BENFLEET £425,000 Versatile Living Space On Both Floors Four Bedroom Semi Detached Chalet Property Large Conservatory Area Sought After Location In South Benfleet Garage With Private Parking Appleton School Catchment Area

CALL 01268 565555

LYNDENE, BENFLEET GUIDE PRICE: £375,000 £380,000 Three Bedroom Semi-Detached House Converted Garage/Utility Room/ Gym area En-Suite To Master Quiet Cul-De -Sac CCTV Installed Refitted Modern Bathroom

CALL 01268 565555

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CLARENCE CLOSE, BENFLEET GUIDE PRICE: £450,000 £460,000 South Benfleet Location 4 Bedrooms Close Proximity To High Street Shops And Benfleet Train Station Garage With Part Conversion Of Store Room With Utility Room Brick Based Conservatory Sunny, West Facing Garden

CALL 01268 565555

WESTERN ROAD, BENFLEET GUIDE PRICE: £485,000 £500,000 Extended Three Bedroom Detached Bungalow Large Plot Approximately Quarter Of An Acre Rear Garden Extended Lounge Diner Large Front Garden With Private Driveway For Up To Six Vehicles

CALL 01268 565555

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THE WARREN, HALL CRESCENT, BENFLEET £445,000 Four Bedroom Detached Chalet property Fantastic Living Space Throughout Good Location, Close To Hadleigh Town Centre Versatile Living

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!

STOPPING THE SPREAD OF COVID-19 IN YOUR HOME

Go beyond washing your hands, covering your face and making space.

Wash hands, cover face, make space - we are all (hopefully) programmed to do our part now, but how do we keep our home COVID-19 free? The following Q&A should help you keep yourself and your loved ones protected.

What’s the difference between cleaning and disinfecting?

You’d be surprised by the amount of people who have trouble knowing which is which, so let’s simplify it. Cleaning means physically removing organic matter such as germs and dirt from surfaces, while disinfecting means using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces. Cleaning is very important because organic matter may reduce the disinfectant’s ability to kill germs.

How long will COVID-19 survive in my home?

Under most circumstances, research shows that the virus starts decreased significantly by 24 hours, and even more so by 48 hours, but can remain detectible for up to 9 days. The survival time depends on a number of factors like type of surface, temperature and the specific strain of the virus.

What could be contaminated in my home?

Frequently touched items are the most likely to be contaminated things like television remotes, fridge doors, kitchen cupboards and door handles. When someone coughs or sneezes, especially if they don’t cover their mouth, it is likely surfaces close to them will be contaminated too if they have been exposed to the virus.

What should I use to clean my home?

If you think a surface could be contaminated, cleaning it with a common household disinfectant will kill the virus. Remember to avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose during cleaning and always wash your hands or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser after cleaning.

Use disposable things like paper towels and wipes when cleaning that can easier be discarded after use. If you’re using reusable cloths, remember to wash them straight after cleaning. Laundering cloths in the washing machine with normal washing liquid on a hot wash will kill the virus.

What do I do if someone in my home gets COVID-19?

This scenario has happened to many people out there and it’s fair to say it won’t be easy. If a loved one under the same roof as you becomes ill due to COVID-19, you need to immediately think about which room could be used for them to recover in. If possible, the ideal room is one that is separate from other parts of your home with its own bathroom.

For further advice on COVID-19 please visit the NHS website.

JASMINE CLOSE , CANVEY ISLAND GUIDE PRICE: £475,000 £500,000 Spacious Five Bedroom Detached House Gorgeous 17ft Modern Fitted Kitchen Beautiful Conservatory To Rear Five Double Bedrooms Including Two Loft Rooms Large Garage Space

CALL 01268 510510

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THORNEY BAY ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £385,000 Four Bedroom Semi-Detached Chalet Immaculately Presented Stunning Interior Sought After Location Downstairs Shower Room Ample Off Street Parking Close To Local Schools And Shops

CALL 01268 510510

CRESCENT ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND GUIDE PRICE: £250,000 £260,000 Two Bedroom Detached Bungalow No Onward Chain Two Double Bedrooms Large Conservatory To Rear Modern Fitted Kitchen Off Street Parking Seafront Location

CALL 01268 510510

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KINGS PARK, CANVEY ISLAND £174,995 Modern Throughout Well Maintained Close to Kings Lake En-Suite to Master Bedroom Modern Fitted Bathroom Spacious Throughout Over 50’s Only

CALL 01268 510510

AZALEA MEWS, CANVEY ISLAND GUIDE PRICE: £260,000 £270,000 2 Bedroom Semi Detached House Great First Time Buyer Home Move Straight In Close To The Beach Off Street Parking Upstairs Bathroom And Additional Downstairs Toilet

CALL 01268 510510

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HOPE ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND OFFERS OVER £245,000 Two Bedroom Detached Bungalow Two Double Bedrooms Extended To Rear Dining Room Off Of The Kitchen Low Maintenance Rear Garden Off Street Parking Fantastic Location

CALL 01268 510510

CELEBRATING HALLOWEEN DURING A PANDEMIC It’s still Halloween but not as we know it.

Halloween is here, but we’re still in the middle of a global pandemic, and so it should come as no surprise that Halloween celebrations and trick-or-treating will look a little different this year.

Depending on what stage of government lockdown you find yourself in, we have put together a list of ideas for you to take a look at to help keep yourself and the little ones entertained during the spookiest and most horrifying celebration of them all.

TREASURE HUNT A Halloween treasure hunt needs a little bit of forward planning.

You should do the most important things in advance so you’re not panicking on the day of the hunt - think of clues, prizes and some decent hiding places around your home or in your garden.

HOST A VIRTUAL PARTY With everything being pretty much all digital now, it’s never been easier to have a party right in your living room. Host a Halloweenthemed costume or dance party for friends and family on video chat services like Zoom or Skype.

HAVE A SCARY MOVIE NIGHT Keeping the kids entertained without giving them nightmares on Halloween is always a fine line, but family friendly animation films such as The Addams Family (2019) or the Hotel Transylvania trilogy should do the trick. Turn down the lights, grab the little ones some popcorn and then enjoy your 90-minutes of silence.

COSTUME PARADE If your little ones are screaming the house down to go out and show off their costumes then why not try a costume parade? Load the kids into the car on Halloween night and pop by the houses of your friends and family so they can show off their costumes.

Whatever you decide to do, always follow government guidelines.

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