Fisks Gateway issue 84

The property & lifestyle magazine brought to you by FISKS / Issue 84

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Things to ask when viewing your dream home Get your garden ‘wildlife ready’ this winter Babyproof your home Benfleet new builds show home flats now available to view This month’s properties

CONTENTS THINGS TO ASK WHEN VIEWING YOUR DREAM HOME Never forget to ask an important question again thanks to our check list.

GET YOUR GARDEN ‘WILDLIFE READY ‘ THIS WINTER It’s time to give something back to the wildlife.

BABYPROOF YOUR HOME We help you spot the hidden dangers around your home.

BENFLEET NEW BUILDS - SHOW HOME FLATS NOW AVAILABLE TO VIEW In case you missed them last month, discover a beautiful collection of spacious one and twobedroom family apartments on the edge of Benfleet.

Welcome to our

magazine With Christmas fast approaching, I’m sure I’m not the only one in thinking ‘where has the year gone’? Despite Covid-19 still circulating in society, it’s good to see that normality has returned for the most part, and as things currently stand, we can again spend Christmas with our loved ones. As far as the property market is concerned, there is still high demand out there despite Christmas approaching, which normally slows the marketplace down a little.

In this issue of Gateway, we have some great articles for you to read, some of our amazing properties for you to take a look at, and have further information on our Benfleet new builds.

John Pring FNAEA(Honoured) & MARLA | Director

THINGS TO ASK WHEN VIEWING YOUR DREAM HOME...

Never forget to ask an important question again thanks to our check list.

Buying a new home can be chaotic at the best of times, which means it can be easy to forget what’s most important to you when going from viewing to viewing.

Follow our tips below to make sure you’re asking all the right questions when viewing your potential dream home.

OUTSIDE Make sure the structure of the building as a whole is in good condition?

Can you securely lock all external doors?

Are the windows double glazed?

Is there a burglar alarm and is it working properly?

Is there off-street parking?

INSIDE Are there enough smoke alarms throughout the property?

Do all the light switches work?

Is the property big enough for you?

Is there enough storage throughout the property?

Are there any signs of mould or damp?

KITCHEN Are the cupboards in good working order?

Do the built-in kitchen appliances work?

Are things like the refrigerator included?

Can you see any damp or mould around the sink?

BATHROOM(S) Are the bathroom taps all working and producing hot water fast?

Is the water pressure in the shower strong?

Is there a bath?

Is the silicon sealant water tight?

Is there a ventilation fan and does it prevent damp and mould?

BEDROOM(S) Are the rooms big enough for you and your needs?

Are the fixtures and fittings, such as curtain rails and carpets, included in the sale?

Are the carpets, walls and light fittings in good condition?

GARDEN Is the garden big enough for your needs?

How much work and maintenance is required?

Is the garden overlooked?

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 Junior Estate Agent

Tina Webster Management Accountant

FISKS.CO.UK

We cover the whole of South Essex.

Contact us for a free valuation on 01268 565555

Kerrie Watts Property Consultant

Ben Nelson Junior Estate Agent

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.

FEATURED PROPERTIES

KINGS MEADE, WESTCLIFF ON SEA £130,000 First Floor Over 55 Development Sought After Location As Just A Short Walk From The Shops Great Views From The Living Room Double Glazed Communal Lounge Area & Laundry Room

CALL 01268 565555

FISKS.CO.UK

HOLTYNGE, SOUTH BENFLEET £370,000 Large Three Bedroom Semi Detached Bungalow Potential To Improve Throughout Potential To Extend (stpp) Recently Built Rear Extension Close to Towns Train Station Private Driveway And Garage

CALL 01268 565555

FEATURED PROPERTIES

WATLINGTON ROAD, SOUTH BENFLEET £369,995 Two Bedroom Extended Semi Detached Bungalow Show Home Condition Refitted Shower Room Close To Fields Good Sized Plot Walking Distance To Shops And Train Station

CALL 01268 565555

FISKS.CO.UK

FOREST VIEW, BENFLEET £230,000 New One Bedroom Lower Ground Floor Apartment 199 Year Lease Prestigious Development Call Fisks For More Details

CALL 01268 565555

FEATURED PROPERTIES

CLICK ON PAGE TO VIEW VIDEO TOUR

DOVESGATE, SOUTH BENFLEET £650,000 Four Bedroom Detached Property In Good Order Throughout Four Large Double Bedrooms Cul-De-Sac Location Double Garage En-suite To Large Master Bedroom

CALL 01268 565555

FISKS.CO.UK

CLICK ON PAGE TO VIEW VIDEO TOUR

CHESTNUT GROVE, SOUTH BENFLEET £925,000 Large Four Bedroom Detached Property Large Living Space On Both Floors Two En-Suites Off Bedrooms Gym Hot Tub And Wooden Cabin Staying At Property

CALL 01268 565555

GET YOUR GARDEN ‘WILDLIFE READY’ THIS WINTER...

It’s time to give something back to the wildlife.

There are many types of mammals, invertebrates and amphibians that sleep through the coming coldest months. Some species, like hedgehogs, hibernate, while others, such as frogs, enter a state of torpor. Follow our tips to make your garden more wildlife friendly this winter.

It’s time to welcome your new friends!

PONDS If you’re the proud owner of a pond then it’s time to help your frog friends.

Start by removing debris from it and float a football or tennis ball on the surface to prevent ice from sealing it. Why I hear you ask? Well, male frogs often spend there winter months in the muddy depths of ponds and breathe through their skin, but if the pond freezes over, gases caused by decaying plants can get trapped and poison them.

TWIGS Don’t just throw those twigs away, instead put them behind boarders or in plant pots turned on their side to help invertebrates and small mammals find a new home.

PLANT POTS If you own a collection of plant pots then stack them on top of each other in a sheltered spot to offer shelter for bees and other insects needing a cool and dry place.

LEAVES Yes, remove leaves from paths and lawns, but instead of throwing them away, transfer them to a corner or beneath a hedge, where hedgehogs and other animals can crawl for shelter.

COMPOST HEAPS Species including hedgehogs and queen bumblebees find compost heaps the perfect place to hibernate. If your compost heap is in a plastic bin with a lid, this will keep it dry, but remember, make sure to provide access for hibernators at the base of the bin by standing it on bricks.

NEST BOXES As you may know, birds don’t hibernate, but they do require a lot of energy to keep themselves warm at night. Clear out nest boxes or buy new ones so that birds can take shelter in them on those cold nights.

SHEDS Some butterflies over winter will try and enter your home where conditions are cool and dry. If you find a butterfly inside your home, transfer them to your shed or garage, where temperatures will remain constant.

INDOORS Just like butterflies, ladybirds may choose to take cover in your home during the colder months, and just like butterflies, it’s best to move them to the shed. Ladybirds tend to hibernate in large groups so it’s best to use a dustpan and brush when moving them and tip them gently into an empty box for transfer.

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.

BABYPROOF YOUR HOME...

We help you spot the hidden dangers around your home.

Whether you’re soon expecting your own baby, or even babysitting your friends’, it’s never too early or too late to make safety a priority. It’s time to learn how to address those hidden dangers for newborns.

SLEEP ENVIRONMENT Even though your sleep will be a thing of the past, it’s important that your baby’s sleep goes as smooth as possible. Always put your baby to sleep on their back on a firm mattress, and don’t let your baby sleep with anything soft and cushy like a pillow, comforter, or plush toy. A warm one-piece outfit or sleeper is a safer choice than a blanket. Always double check that the mattress is tightly fitted to stop your baby from getting trapped between it and the side of the crib.

TIME FOR A CHANGE Baby’s tend to have an amazing way of rolling off changing tables if left unattended, no matter how small they are. Buy a table with safety straps or add straps to your current table to avoid any falling. As always, even if your baby is strapped onto the table, never leave them alone. Consider getting rid of that changing table altogether and instead change them on the floor using a changing blanket - it’s safer and saves room.

BATH TIME Whether you find yourself washing your baby in the bathtub or in the sink, never leave them unattended, even for a second. A quick Amazon search will bring up many handy safety devices to use when it’s bath time, but don’t let them give you a false sense of security.

MOVE THOSE OBJECTS You’d be surprised at how many people have heavy picture frames or figurines hanging near their baby’s changing table or cot. Move all hanging objects that could accidentally fall on your child far away from them as soon as possible.

BABY FURNITURE As well as keeping objects away from your child that could potentially fall on them, make sure you keep their cots and changing tables away from windows, window cords, and hanging mobiles to prevent your child coming to any harm.

GET RID OF UNSTABLE FURNITURE If you can’t properly secure your furniture, then get rid of it, plain and simple. Young children are climbers, which means any unfixed furniture is a danger.

PLUG SOCKETS AND CABLES As we’ve established, baby’s can get to places really fast, which means plug sockets and cables can be a major danger. It’s time to spend a little cash and invest in lockable covers that fit right over the housing of the power outlets throughout your home. Also, tie up or cover all electrical cables such as computer wires, Wi-Fi router wires, television wires and wires from any other household appliance.

FEATURED PROPERTIES

LAVENDER MEWS, CANVEY ISLAND £310,000 Two Bedroom Semi-Detached Home Located In The Popular Thorney Bay Area Well Looked After Two Large Double Bedrooms Three Piece Family Bathroom Newly Fitted Kitchen Great First Time Buy

CALL 01268 510510

FISKS.CO.UK

KEER AVENUE, CANVEY ISLAND £280,000 Two Bedroom Link Detached Bungalow Double Glazing Throughout Conservatory/Sun Room Potential To Be A Three Bed Utility Room Garage Converted For Extra Space

CALL 01268 510510

FEATURED PROPERTIES

POUND LANE, BASILDON £425,000 Immaculate Condition Throughout Secluded And Tranquil Garden Ample Off Street Parking Modern Kitchen Spacious Summerhouse Two Double Bedrooms

CALL 01268 510510

FISKS.CO.UK

CHELTENHAM ROAD, SOUTHEND-ON-SEA £425,000 5 Bedroom House 2 Reception Rooms Newly Fitted Kitchen Decorated Well Throughout Out House Perfect For Office Space Walking Distance To Seafront

CALL 01268 510510

FEATURED PROPERTIES

SOUTH HILL CRESCENT, HORNDON-ON-THE-HILL £435,000 4 Bedroom Semi Detached Home Spread Over 3 Floors Ensuite To Main Detached Garage Large 24ft Lounge/Diner Summer House With Electrics

CALL 01268 510510

FISKS.CO.UK

THE PICKETTS, CANVEY ISLAND £350,000 Two Bedroom Semi-Detached House 100ft Garden Potential To Build Detached Garage Close To Canvey Retail Park Virtual Tour Available

CALL 01268 510510

BENFLEET NEW BUILDS - SHOW HOME FLATS NOW AVAILABLE TO VIEW...

Discover a beautiful collection of spacious one and two-bedroom family apartments on the edge of Benfleet.

Benfleet new builds.

As Benfleet’s leading local property experts, Fisks are proud to be the sole agent of the Forest View development.

Fisks has been helping individuals and families find a place to call home in the area for over 50 years.

Forest View is unlike any new-build development you’ve seen before. Built over five floors, the development contains 24 distinctive one and twobedroom apartments. Each one of these spacious new family homes has a completely individual layout. So, while the finish is uniformly excellent throughout, every apartment comes with its own unique charm. Which one will become your future home?

With bright and modern open-plan living areas, high-end Beko kitchens, modern bathrooms, plenty of storage and landscaped communal areas, Forest View is so much more than a collection of apartments; it’s a place to call home.

Located just off Bread and Cheese Hill and within touching distance of South Benfleet’s excellent amenities, Forest View boasts an enviable position. It’s perfect for commuters, first-time buyers, new families or anyone looking to escape the bustle of the city and find a place to call their own.

OVERVIEW Forest View is a privately managed collection of 24 desirable modern apartments located just outside of Benfleet. The development has been thoughtfully designed to maximise space, built to the highest standards and is complemented by immaculately landscaped communal areas.

Each apartment comes with a 10-year warranty and a 199-year lease.

Ground rent is charged at £150 per annum for one-bed apartments and £200 for two-bed apartments, and is subject to a 25-year review based on RPI.

A SPECIFICATION FOR MODERN LIVING We’ve chosen a finish that suits everyone’s tastes and ensures that every apartment is light, airy and ready for you to infuse your personality. Quality is guaranteed at Forest View, and to that end, your new home will benefit from things such as modern, spacious living areas with carpets throughout, high-end kitchen complete with Beko appliances, quartz worktops, Celsius bathroom with a 15-year warranty finished with Italian porcelain tiles and versatile storage space.

To register your interest in the Forest View development please contact Fisks today. Head on over to www.fisks.co.uk to view the full brochure.