Fisks Gateway issue 89

The property & lifestyle magazine brought to you by FISKS / Issue 89

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Boost Your Property’s Kerb Appeal Steps To Control Your Stress When Buying Best Things To Do In Essex With The Family Hollywood Mews New Development Benfleet New Builds Show Home Flats Now Available To View This Month’s Properties

CONTENTS BOOST YOUR PROPERTY’S KERB APPEAL It’s time to get planting and make your property stand out.

STEPS TO CONTROL YOUR STRESS WHEN BUYING Our steps are sure to help you control your stress levels during the buying process.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN ESSEX WITH THE FAMILY Time to get out and about with the family.

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 Many times I get asked - ‘will there be a Spring stock recovery for the UK housing market’?

It’s no secret that supply is tight - even just a quick search on the property portals will confirm this. While a record number of eager buyers have been registering in recent months, sellers are becoming hesitant. The current lack of properties on the market means that sellers are struggling to find anywhere to move themselves, which therefore creates a vicious circle for us all.

It’s difficult to say when normality will return to the property market, and the truth is, nobody knows. Unfortunately, we can’t see it happening over Spring.

Only time will tell.

For now, I hope you enjoy another packed issue of our Gateway magazine.

John Pring FNAEA(Honoured) & MARLA | Director

BOOST YOUR PROPERTY’S KERB APPEAL It’s time to get planting and make your property stand out.

CLOSE UP OF A PINK SWEET PEA

If you didn’t know by now, first impressions count. That “WOW” factor is essential to turn heads. Growing plants is one of the most sure-fire ways to increase that all-important kerb appeal.

HEIGHT MATTERS Now is the time of year that sweet pea seeds can be sown outside - preferable in a pot with a wigwam to crawl up. You can easily construct your very own wigwam with bamboo and a bit of twine. This is cheap and cheerful but always looks shop-bought. Sweet peas are also great cut flowers, too - before showing off your amazing property, why not pop a few of them in a vase around your home to connect your outdoor and indoor spaces better.

THINK AGAIN WHEN THINKING OF DAHLIAS AND BEGONIAS Even though they are fan favourites, summer flowers like dahlias and begonias don’t handle the cold weather very well, and therefore might not be your best choices when planting this time of year. If you want to plant them then keep them sheltered - pot them in the garden shed until the cold weather is out the way for good.

SELF-SUFFICIENT If you’re a landlord and looking for something that’s low maintenance, then look no further than daylilies. Beautiful, bright, and tough, these come in many different colours and look immediately at home along a pathway. If your new tenant doesn’t have a green thumb, these flowers will keep their kerb appeal with no effort needed.

FOR QUICK COLOUR This is the perfect time of year to start removing those dying (or dead) winter plants. While you’re cleaning up your garden beds and planting your new flowers, why not consider where you’d put things like hanging baskets and new garden pots. Next month, around mid-May, you should consider things that are easily removable if you’re planning to sell.

FILLING THAT POT When it comes to looking for plants for your pots, we’re all different, but we all probably want something tall, colourful, and attention-grabbing. Here’s how to plant a pot accordingly...

THE THRILLER The thriller should bring the height - which is why ornamental grasses are often used here. This is a great opportunity to naturally set the theme and colour of the pot.

THE SPILLER The spiller is something that cascades over the edges of the pot. Ivy or trailing begonia will make the whole display feel more bountiful and eye-catching.

THE FILLER The filler’s aim is to fill out the display and cover any bare spots. Lobelia, petunia, and coleus are all great choices here.

PETUNIA FLOWERS ARE GREAT FOR POTS

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

LYNN VIEW CLOSE, SOUTH BENFLEET £424,995 Two Bedroom Detached Bungalow Immaculate Throughout Modernized Throughout Refitted Kitchen With Integral Appliances Refitted Shower Room Self Contained Unit In Rear Garden

CALL 01268 565555

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ARAGON COURT, HADLEIGH £150,000 One Bedroom Retirement Apartment Walking Distance To Hadleigh Town Center Sought After Development Lift Available Over 55 Development

CALL 01268 565555

FEATURED PROPERTIES

RAVEN DRIVE, SOUTH BENFLEET £330,000 SOLD STC Two Double Bedrooms Immaculately Presented House Perfect For Commuters And First Time Buyers Kitchen/Diner With Integrated Appliances Low Maintenance Garden Garage In Nearby Block

CALL 01268 565555

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FOREST VIEW, BENFLEET £252,500 Brand New One Bedroom Apartment Fantastic Sized Living Space Throughout Fully Fitted Three-Piece Bathroom Prestigious Development Call Fisks For More Details And Make A Viewing Appointment

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

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FOREST VIEW, BENFLEET £260,000 Brand New One Bedroom Apartment 14ft Master Bedroom 27ft Kitchen/Living Area Fully Fitted Three-Piece Bathroom Prestigious Development Call Fisks For More Details And Make A Viewing Appointment

CALL 01268 565555

ANTICIPATED COMPLETION IN SPRING 2022 - CALL FISKS NOW 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.

STEPS TO CONTROL YOUR STRESS WHEN BUYING Our steps are sure to help you control your stress levels during the buying process.

If you’re a first-time buyer, or have plenty of experience, buying a home is often stressful and full of complications you didn’t expect. Your home will probably be the biggest financial investment of your life so it’s important to prepare for it so you don’t get over-stressed. Many things could go wrong during the buying process - your financing could fall through, another buyer could offer the seller a better deal, a home inspection could reveal a hidden problem. There will always be things you can’t control during the process - however, there are ways you can make the whole thing as stress-free as possible.

KNOW WHAT YOU WANT Estate agents aren’t mind readers. Start your search by writing down all the essentials you need from your new home. Your estate agent will take all your wants on board and no doubt help them narrow down the search for you, saving you time, effort and stress. Consider things like how many bedrooms and bathrooms you want, do you want a one-level or multi-level property, what area do you want to live in, are schools important to you...

BE FLEXIBLE This is a big one - you must learn to be flexible. Don’t compromise on big requirements, but do understand that very rarely you’ll get all your boxes ticked.

This is the harsh reality of house hunting. Prioritise your wants and needs to help you decide what you can and can’t live without.

GET PRE-APPROVED FOR A MORTGAGE LOAN It’s no secret, financing a property can be a serious headache. It’s advised to get a pre-approved mortgage before bidding on houses as this will avoid disappointment for you if you’re ineligible for financing. Plus, more and more sellers and agents only work with buyers with pre-approved mortgages, so get one as soon as possible.

LISTEN TO YOUR REAL ESTATE AGENT Always listen to your estate agent. Their expertise and know-how are essential for making your move as smooth as possible. Don’t get caught up thinking you know better because you’ve read something online or heard Tom down the street saying otherwise. Remember, agents don’t get paid until the sale goes through, they have no reason to give you bad advice or sabotage the deal for you.

SAVE ENOUGH CASH Remember, the property price is not just the cost you have. There are plenty of other costs tagged on to the back of buying - appraisals and inspections are two worth mentioning. If you run out of money mid-deal, you may have to pull out.

FINAL WORD If you’re feeling stressed, take a moment and remember that it will all be worth it in the end. Take your estate agent’s help, educate yourself with the process, and prepare as much as possible.

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.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN ESSEX WITH THE FAMILY Time to get out and about with the family.

With the summer quickly approaching, it’s that time of year again to think of what you’re going to do with your children or grandchildren to keep them entertained. We take a look at what Essex has to offer this summer.

COLCHESTER ZOO (COLCHESTER) This award-winning zoo is one of the biggest and best in the country, and it’s easy to see why when you visit. Home to over 260 different species, including actual dragons (of the komodo kind). The zoo’s 60 acres of parkland is fun for the whole family. Elephants, giraffes, rhinos, lions, ostriches, zebras, and many many more, this park really does have it all.

TIPTREE TEA ROOM AT THE JAM FACTORY (TIPTREE) If you’re looking for a more relaxing weekend and have a bit of a sweet tooth, then this one’s for you. There are several Tiptree tea rooms across Essex, from Chelmsford to Saffron Walden, but if you want to learn about its origins, then head to its namesake village. You can expect a jam-packed day at the Tiptree factory - after finding out all about how the family made their first pot of jam, you can have afternoon tea in the tea room where you’ll be able to sample all the sweet stuff for yourself. Get ready for a sugar high!

COLCHESTER ZOO IS GREAT FOR A FAMILY DAY OUT

SOUTHEND PIER STRETCHES 1.3 miles

SECRET NUCLEAR UNDERGROUND BUNKER (OUTSIDE THE VILLAGE OF KELEVDON HATCH) Don’t knock this one until you’ve visited it. This is one of Essex’s best-kept secret trips and needs to be seen to be believed. This hidden bunker started life as an RAF air defence station before it became a regional government HQ. It’s now decommissioned and open to the public. On your visit, you can try on gas masks, have a bite to eat in the canteen, and even try the onsite escape room if you’re feeling brave.

SOUTHEND PIER (SOUTHEND-ON-SEA) You can’t mention places to visit in Essex without mentioning Southend pier.

Extending out into the sea for 1.3 miles, Southend pier is the longest pleasure pier in the world. Surviving fires, boat collisions, and wars for more than 100 years, this really is a fan favourite in Essex. Full of fish and chips, arcades, deckchairs, mini-golf, sandy beaches, an Adventure Island theme park, and a Sealife Adventure aquarium, Southend-on-Sea is a great place for the whole family, especially when the sun’s shining.

MERSEA ISLAND (IN THE BLACKWATER AND COLNE ESTUARIES) This beautiful little estuary island is full of colourful beach huts and delicious seafood. If you’re a shellfish lover, visit the extremely popular The Company Shed on the island - from experience, you won’t be disappointed. Side note: before heading to the island, check the tides there because there is only one road connecting the island to the mainland.

FEATURED PROPERTIES

WELBECK ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £415,000 4 Bedroom Detached House Sought After Location Great Family Home Off Street Parking Garage Large Garden Downstairs W/C

CALL 01268 510510

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EASTFIELD ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £350,000 Four Bedroom Mid Terraced House Canvey ‘Kings’ Location Garge Converted To Bedroom/ Dining Room Modern Fitted Bathroom Well Presented Throughout Conservatory

CALL 01268 510510

FEATURED PROPERTIES

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

CALL 01268 510510

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BRISCOE ROAD, PITSEA, BASILDON £450,000 Semi-Detached Bungalow Three Double Bedrooms Luxury Fitted Kitchen Spacious Lounge With Log Burner Modern Family Bathroom 60ft Rear Garden

CALL 01268 510510

FEATURED PROPERTIES

KINGS PARK HOMES, CANVEY ISLANDD £150,000 Two Bedroom Single Width Park Home Immaculately Kept Recently Refurbished 24/7 Security On Site Shops And Clubhouse New To Kings? Check Out The Video Tour Of The Park On This Listing

CALL 01268 510510

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THORNEY BAY ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £550,000 Detached Family Home Three Bedrooms Double Garage Open Plan Kitchen South-Facing Garden Balcony Fully Renovated Throughout

CALL 01268 510510

Only Five Flats Left – Twenty-One Sold Subject To Contract!

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.

Buyers Moving In At The End Of This Month!

Buyers Moving In At The End Of This Month!

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.