Fisks Gateway issue 72

Gateway

THE PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE BROUGHT TO YOU BY FISKS | ISSUE 72

inside this issue KEEP YOURSELF BUSY DURING LOCKDOWN GREEN HOMES GRANT AMAZING ESSEX FACTS PLUS THIS MONTH’S PROPERTIES

CONTENTS KEEP YOURSELF BUSY DURING LOCKDOWN Instead of binge-watching yet another television series, why not make the most of the new lockdown

GREEN HOMES GRANT

Make your home more energy efficient and save money with the Government’s new Green Home Scheme

AMAZING ESSEX FACTS

Essex never fails to impress, and we have some facts to prove 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...

As we enter another national lockdown it’s important to remember that it’s for the greater good. The quicker we get over this new wave of infections, the better chance we have to celebrate Christmas with our family and friends if the government’s statistics show it’s safe to do so.

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.

Remember, you can still come in and see us on the high street - although the Government does recommend you book an appointment first. We are still here each day to help you.

Kicking off this month’s issue we offer some suggestions on how to keep yourself busy during the new lockdown, some helpful information on the Government’s Green Home Grants, and some amazing facts about Essex. And, of course, we have a great selection of properties for you to take a look at.

Stay safe!

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KEEP YOURSELF BUSY DURING LOCKDOWN Instead of binge-watching yet another television series, why not make the most of the new lockdown

Another national lockdown is upon us and (hopefully) this will be the last one. If you’re finding yourself twisting your thumbs due to boredom on those weekends you normally see family and friends, then why not make it easier for yourself by reading our following suggestions to keep you busy.

LEARN YOUR FAVOURITE LANGUAGE Whether you prefer French or Spanish, there’s never been a better time to learn a new language. Thanks to many apps and even YouTube, you are spoilt for choice on ways to learn a new language.

BECOME A BLOGGER If you’re a keen writer, or just want to get something off your chest, then why not start a new blog? Whether it’s cooking, fashion, sports, photography or music, you will always find people who want to read your thoughts. If you’re finding the thought of another lockdown troublesome then sharing your thoughts is great for your mental health... and you never know, your thoughts could help another.

SEARCH YOUR FAMILY TREE Most of us (including myself) have always wanted to trace their family tree. Could you be related to a king? Or have family members in Australia? Or just be related to Tim down the road? To start your search, visit www.ancestrey.co.uk.

READY STEADY (LEARN TO) COOK This is the perfect time to teach yourself how to cook something other than beans on toast. Grab that cook book in the kitchen you had bought for you when you moved into your new home and get practising. When you’re confident with your cooking, why not set the table and have a whole restaurant experience for a bit of normality.

VISIT A MUSEUM Don’t worry, I haven’t lost my mind. Thanks to Google’s Arts and Culture platform, there are almost 600 virtual tours of top attractions around the world. Be a tourist in the comfort of your own armchair and take walks around places like The Van Gogh Museum and even the Eiffel Tower.

DO A BIT OF DIY We all have a few DIY tasks we haven’t completed, so why not address those now? But do remember, if you’re not confident with power tools, give those a miss - we don’t want to add extra strain on the NHS.

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.

BENFLEET PARK ROAD, BENFLEET £330,000 Three Bedroom Chalet Walking Distance To The Towns Train Station And High Road Good Sized Bedrooms Catchment To Good Schools In The Area Perfect For First Time Buyers Or Families Ground Floor Bathroom

CALL 01268 565555

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LONDON ROAD, BENFLEET £325,000 Garage And Off Road Parking Modernized And Extended Property Outbuilding In Garden Currently Used As Cinema Room Three Bedrooms Conservatory

CALL 01268 565555

STANLEY ROAD, BENFLEET £299,995 Two Bedroom Semi-Detached Bungalow In Need Of Minor Redecoration Throughout Sought After Location Garage With Private Parking Short Drive To Benfleet Train Station No Onward Chain

CALL 01268 565555

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

CALL 01268 565555

TIMBERLOG LANE, BENFLEET £475,000 Refurbished Two Bedroom Bungalow Situated On A Large Plot Show Home Condition Large Rear Garden En-suite Four Piece Family Bathroom Conservatory

CALL 01268 565555

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CRESCENT ROAD, BENFLEET £990,000-£1,000,000 Five Bedroom Detached Property In South Benfleet Four Years Old Show Home Condition Throughout Five En-suites Landscaped Garden Backs On To Boyce Hill Golf Club Four Piece Bathroom En-suite To Master Bathroom

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!

GREEN HOMES GRANT Make your home more energy efficient and save money with the Government’s new Green Home Scheme.

Let us talk you through the new Green Home Grants Scheme by the UK Government to help save you money.

What is the Green Home Grants Scheme?

The Green Home Grants Scheme is a new scheme by the UK Government to enable homeowners and landlords to upgrade their homes and properties with energy-saving features to reduce their energy usage and to improve the energy efficiency of their property.

What does the scheme provide?

Under the new scheme, the UK Government will provide homeowners and landlords with vouchers worth up to a maximum of ÂŁ10,000.

Most homeowners and landlords out there will receive vouchers up to ÂŁ5,000, whilst those on low incomes will receive up to ÂŁ10,000 in vouchers.

Which home improvements are covered through the grant?

The grant will cover a variety of energy saving home improvements. A list of energy saving measures that are supported by the scheme are split into two parts - primary and secondary - and are all subject to approval.

What are the primary and secondary measures?

Primary measures include things such as solid wall, cavity wall, underfloor, loft, flat roof, room in room, or roof insulation, air or ground source heat pumps and solar thermal.

You can have one or more of the above under the scheme. But to qualify for the secondary measures, you must have one of the primary measures carried out and the cost of the secondary measures must not exceed that of the primary measure(s).

The secondary measures include double glazing, triple glazing, and secondary glazing, upgrading doors to energy efficient alternatives, draught proofing, hot water tank/appliance and tank thermostats/ heating controls, as well as thermostatic radiator valves, smart heating controls, or zone controls.

You must redeem the voucher and ensure improvements are completed by 31 March 2021, so don’t waste too much time. For more information, and to check if you’re eligible, head on over to www.gov.uk to get started.

JASMINE CLOSE , CANVEY ISLAND £460,000 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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TONGRES ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £240,000 Two Bedroom Link-Detached Bungalow Extended To Rear Two Double Bedrooms Seperate Dining Room / Additional Reception Room Man Cave / Office Room In The Garden Low Maintenance Rear Garden

CALL 01268 510510

TEWKES ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £240,000 Two Bedroom Detached Bungalow Bright And Airy Lounge Diner Two Double Bedrooms Conservatory To Rear Recently Decorated Throughout Off-Street Parking For Two Cars Fantastic Area

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

RAINBOW ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £370,000 3 Bedroom Detached Bungalow Huge Rear Garden Secluded And Private 30ft Garage En-Suite To Master South Facing Garden Off Street Parking

CALL 01268 510510

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KINGS PARK, CANVEY ISLAND £135,000 Two Bedroom Single Width Park Home Well Presented Throughout Popular Layout Bright And Airy Lounge Modern Kitchen And Bathroom Raised Patio

CALL 01268 510510

AMAZING ESSEX FACTS Essex never fails to impress, and we have some facts to prove it.

To celebrate our new community videos of Benfleet and Canvey Island over on our YouTube channel, we thought we’d share some amazing facts about our beautiful county with you all.

Coastlines At over 350 miles, the Essex coastline is the second longest of any English county and takes the top spot for having the largest number of islands - that’s 35 if you must know.

Famous faces Many famous faces were born in Essex - and we’re not talking those “famous” faces from shows like The Only Way is Essex here. Presenters like Dermot O’Leary, actors like Rupert Grint (that’s Ronald Weasley from Harry Potter) and chefs like Jamie Oliver all have Essex on their birth certificates.

Britain’s oldest town Yep, Britain’s oldest town is (drum roll please) Colchester. Dating back to the Roman times, Colchester was so developed back in the day that it had it’s own Mint.

SOUTHEND PIER

COLCHESTER TOWN WALL

Britain’s smallest town From Britain’s oldest town, to Britain’s smallest town - the town of Manningtree is home to only 200 people. Probably best not to live here if you hate bumping into people you know.

We have the longest pier in the world You can’t miss it, the Southend Pier was first started in 1829, and today it is the longest pleasure pier in the world. Measuring in at a huge 1.34 miles long, the pier is so big it’s home to its own cafes, shops, rides, mini golf course and even it’s own train track that conveniently takes you from end to end.

Listed buildings Essex is home to an impressive 14,000 listed buildings. One of those listed is the town wall of Colchester that spans a massive 1.5 miles and is the oldest of its kind.

The first crocodile in the UK In 1701, botanist Richard Bradley, who made some impressive steps forward in various scientific fields in his day, brought home the first ever crocodile in the UK that lived with him at his home in Braintree.

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