Fisks Gateway issue 87

The property & lifestyle magazine brought to you by FISKS / Issue 87

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE History of valentine’s day It’s time to shop local Tips to sell your home faster Hollywood Mews new development Benfleet new builds - show home flats now available to view

This month’s properties

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CONTENTS HISTORY OF VALENTINE’S DAY We all know February the 14th is Valentine’s Day, but how many of us know the history of it?

IT’S TIME TO SHOP LOCAL Now we’re getting back to normal, follow our tips to support local businesses.

TIPS TO SELL YOUR HOME FASTER If you’re looking to sell faster, you’ve came to the right place.

HOLLYWOOD MEWS NEW DEVELOPMENT Discover our new Hollywood Mews development.

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 After potential vendors see newspaper headlines quoting the Nationwide Building Society’s price statistics, ‘house prices grow by 11.2%’, the most common question I get asked is: “Is my property worth X amount now?”. The answer to that question is: “maybe”. The problem with national statistics is that they hide local market conditions. It could be a lot more?

Remember, when you are selling at the peak of the market, you are also buying at the peak. If you are selling and downsizing, then this is great news. Moving upmarket of course means that percentage increases in the future will be greater as your purchase price is greater.

In this issue of Gateway, with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we give you a brief history lesson about the day, give you some advice on how you can support local businesses, and give you 5 tips to help sell your home faster. Enjoy! And have a Happy Valentine’s Day!

John Pring FNAEA(Honoured) & MARLA | Director

HISTORY OF VALENTINE’S DAY...

We all know February the 14th is Valentine’s Day, but how many of us know the history of it?

Away from the candy, chocolates, flowers and love letters, do you really know how Valentine’s Day started? There are many many theories regarding the origins of the day, but the most circulated theory starts with a man called Valentine (obviously)...

AND SO THE STORY BEGINS...

Reigning from 268 A.D. to 270 A.D., Emperor Claudius II of Rome banned marriages because he thought unmarried men made better soldiers. St. Valentine (a Catholic saint) thought this was unacceptable and started to break the rules and perform marriages anyway. After trying his best to keep the ceremonies quiet, Valentine was eventually caught and later killed on February 14th of the year 270 for going against the emperor’s wishes.

THE FIRST VALENTINES DAY LETTER Just before being killed for his actions, Valentine supposedly wrote the first ever Valentine’s Day letter to the jailer’s daughter, with whom he fell in love with during his time in capture. Valentine allegedly signed the letter “from your Valentine”, an expression that is still used around the world to this day.

THE DAY WE ALL KNOW AND LOVE As time went on, in the 5th century, Pope Gelasius I declared the day of Valentine’s execution as St. Valentine’s Day. Even though the truth behind Valentine’s Day is murky, it still remains one of the most celebrated days on the calendar.

MAKE YOUR PARTNER’S DAY SPECIAL... FOR FREE It’s sometimes easy to forget that Valentine’s Day isn’t just about the candy, chocolates and flowers - in fact, the most memorable things you can do for your loved one doesn’t have to cost you a single penny. Here are our suggestions...

1. Make a DVD slideshow starring the both of you 2. Write your lover a poem that celebrates your relationship 3. Make a playlist - time to remember those special songs 4. Make them a message in a bottle 5. Send loving messages to them for a whole week highlighting what you love about them 6. Make and send them cookies with love messages written on 7. Go on a romantic walk 8. Host a movie night at home

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

KILN ROAD, BENFLEET £299,995 Two Bedroom, Duplex Apartment Good Condition Throughout Large Living Accommodation Throughout En-Suite To Master Bedroom Close To Shops Separate Kitchen

CALL 01268 565555

FISKS.CO.UK

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO TOUR

CRESCENT ROAD, BENFLEET £950,000 SOLD STC Five Bedroom Detached Property In South Benfleet Five En-Suites Show Home Condition Throughout Vast Amount Of Living Space Throughout The Property Needs To Be Viewed

CALL 01268 565555

FEATURED PROPERTIES

BENFLEET ROAD, BENFLEET £425,000 No Onward Chain Sought After Benfleet Road Location Separate Garage Two Bedrooms Conservatory Spacious Throughout

CALL 01268 565555

FISKS.CO.UK

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

FEATURED PROPERTIES

WYCOMBE AVENUE, BENFLEET £440,000 Extended Large Three Bedroom Detached Bungalow Excellent Condition Throughout En-Suite Toilet Potential To Have Four Bedrooms Separate Dining Room Shower Room

CALL 01268 565555

FISKS.CO.UK

SWAN COURT, LONDON ROAD £180,000 One Bedroom First Floor Over 55’S Apartment Block Modernized Throughout 168 Years Left On Lease Resident Parking Communal Gardens Refitted Kitchen And Shower Room

CALL 01268 565555

A rare opportunity to buy 4 substantial new homes being built in the green belt. This new secure private development, Hollywood Mews, is located at the end of Great Burches Road, a pretty lane starting from Thundersley Common.

The village centre has all the local amenities you would expect including a pub and primary school.

Southend, famous for the longest pier in the world, is just around the corner, combining living in the country with living by the seaside.

These houses are now under construction with an anticipated marketing price of between £850,000 - £1,000,000 plus, with completion in Spring 2022. Call Fisks now to be the first to receive the full marketing package, available shortly.

The concept behind this Mews development is that the private gardens of the properties fronting the new private road are accessed from the family living area. This design incorporates the garden and living area as one.

IT’S TIME TO SHOP LOCAL Now we’re getting back to normal, follow our tips to support local businesses.

Now that Covid-19 restrictions have been eased once again, it’s time to start helping those businesses most effected. Beyond their size, small businesses are defined by their spirit and dreams of their owners, and it’s important to everyone we support them the best we can.

SHOP LOCAL The first thing to do is shop local. Whether it’s food, clothing, or something else completely, you’ll be doing your part for your local community by shopping locally. Pick your local business or independent retailer before going to larger chains. If the reason you pick larger chains is because of delivery or pickup, fear not, many local and independent businesses now offer this service.

ENJOY LOCAL SERVICES AND ATTRACTIONS Instead of travelling into the big city with the family for the weekend, check what’s on locally. Nearby farms, museums, leisure centres, nature reserves and restaurants will all be grateful for your business. Just type “what’s on in my area” into your favourite internet search engine and you’ll have plenty of choice.

LEAVE A REVIEW Never underestimate the power of a good review. Leaving a review for a local business on something like TripAdvisor or Google will grab the attention of other local people. A large majority of businesses will also be on social media too (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram), so leave a review there also and spread the word even further.

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX Don’t be afraid to ask for gift cards at your local shops. These make perfect gifts for friends and family members if they are also local.

Swap out brands you’d normally buy for something made independently, such as local craft beers and honey.

This should go without saying, but avoid cancelling your plans at the last minute. Local pubs and restaurants need every bit of space they can get, and having a cancellation at the last minute could mean they’ve already turned away paying customers for you.

Try visiting your local farm shop if you have one. Going to the source for things such as eggs, fruit and vegetables will mean the world to them.

If we all do our part and help those struggling local businesses get back on their feet, we will all help create thriving town centres and communities for everyone to enjoy for years to come. Wherever you live, shop local!

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.

TIPS TO SELL YOUR HOME FASTER...

If you’re looking to sell faster, you’ve came to the right place.

Selling your home may feel like an overwhelming prospect at first, but when you’ve got the right mindset and a good estate agent behind you, things start to become clearer. The following 5 tips will help you get focused on the job at hand and get your property sold quicker.

1. TIME TO GET PREPARED Like the old saying goes, “fail to prepare, prepare to fail” - if you want to give your property the best chance to sell then you may need to make some changes and get it prepared for the market. Give your home a deep clean, strip back that interior and remove personal items before viewings - a potential buyer needs to see themselves in your property, they don’t need to see family photos, no matter how beautiful your kids are.

2. GET THE PRICE RIGHT Always price your property correctly and competitively. Your chosen agent will give you their best advice based on the current market and demand. If you’re a regular reader of Gateway (and why wouldn’t you be), then you’ll know we’ve mentioned this point before and how important it is to get a local agent that knows the area like the back of their hand - hearing about schools, parks and nearby retail areas from a local agent can go a long way if your potential buyers are new to the area.

3. GET PLANNING PERMISSION If your property is on the smaller side but it has the opportunity to extend somehow then apply for planning permission before putting it on the market.

This is a great way to show the potential of your property without having to carry out the work yourself. Sure, having enough time and money to do the extension or conversion yourself would be amazing, but sometimes we have to improvise.

4 . TAKE CARE OF QUICK REPAIRS If you don’t want to do any major renovations, then focus on the quick repairs that could deter potential buyers. Go into each room of your property and take note of things like loose tiles, leaky faucets, wall marks, loose door knobs and handles, and even carpet stains. Don’t just stop there - give your front and rear garden some attention too. First impressions count.

5. THE BOTTOM LINE Selling your home can be a stressful and lengthy experience - even more so if you’re on a tight deadline. But, if you have an agent by your side that cares as much as you do, then the whole process will be a lot smoother. At Fisks, we always focus on our clients’ requirements and instructions rather than just doing what’s quickest and easiest for us. Our advice is in place to help you get what you want. We cover the whole of South Essex, so please do contact us if you’re looking to sell.

FEATURED PROPERTIES

CRESCENT ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £440,000 Four Bedroom Detached House En-Suite To Master Bedroom Two Reception Rooms Garage Well Maintained Close To Seafront Utillity Room

CALL 01268 510510

FISKS.CO.UK

MAY AVENUE, CANVEY ISLAND £425,000 3 Bedroom Detached Bungalow Completely Refurbished Very Large Floor Plan No Onward Chain Intergrated Appliances En-Suite To The Master Bedroom Modern Family Bathroom

CALL 01268 510510

FEATURED PROPERTIES

OXFORD ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £350,000 Three Bedroom Detached Bungalow Three Double Bedrooms Four Piece Bathroom Kitchen/Diner Large Plot Off Street Parking For 4 Cars

CALL 01268 510510

FISKS.CO.UK

EASTERN ESPLANADE, CANVEY ISLAND £400,000 Detached House Off Street Parking Seafront Location Completed Chain Three Double Bedrooms Corner Plot Detached Garage

CALL 01268 510510

FEATURED PROPERTIES

DELFZUL ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £275,000 Larger Than Average Bungalow Off Street Parking Modern Bathroom Well Maintained Throughout Potential To Convert Garage Paved Garden

CALL 01268 510510

FISKS.CO.UK

MAURICE ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £340,000 Two Bedroom Detached Bungalow Renovation Include Joists, Plumbing, Heating 30metre Squared Garage Planning Passed Completely Renovated Throughout Larger Than Average Garden

CALL 01268 510510

ONLY TWO FLATS LEFT! 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.

ONLY TWO FLATS LEFT!

ONLY TWO FLATS LEFT!

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.

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.