The property & lifestyle magazine brought to you by FISKS / Issue 94 INSIDE THIS ISSUE Keep Warm And Costs Down Downsizing The Right Way Reduce Your Living Costs This Month’s Properties
YOUR LIVING COSTS
DOWNSIZINGCONTENTStips.THERIGHT
GetDOWNready
cash.REDUCE
KEEP WARM AND COSTS for the winter with our WAY
Time to pocket some extra
Helping you save some of your hard earned cash.
As the country mourns the death of The Queen, we welcome Liz Truss as the new Prime Minister. Whatever your views are on our new Prime Minister, I’m certain we all want the same thing - we all want her to address the cost of living crisis once and for all. Her first announcement on the subject revealed a £2,500 price cap on energy bills for the typical UK household for the next two years. While this is welcomed, I do think more needs to be done for those struggling the Inmost.this
Welcome to our
Enjoy!
John &FNAEA(Honoured)PringMARLA|Director magazine
issue of Gateway, we bring you some tips on how to keep warm and costs down, help you downsize the right way, and suggest ways you can save some cash during the crisis we all find ourselves in.
KEEP WARM AND COSTS DOWN
Get ready for the winter with our tips.
SEAL THOSE WINDOW GAPS
We are only a few short weeks away before the weather takes a turn for the worst - which means, this is the perfect time for all of us to start getting ready for the winter. Our following tips are designed to keep you warm and costs down. Let’s get started...
STOP THOSE DRAUGHTS
CONSIDER A SMART THERMOSTAT
We have mentioned this tip before, but you’ll be surprised at how many people actually forget to do this step. By sealing up window gaps, you could save a small fortune. Use insulating strips, or even re-apply caulk around windows where the sealant has been damaged.
This one is pretty basic but should be taking seriously for those looking to cut costs and keep warm. It’s time to cover up those external door openings such as keyholes, letterboxes and cat flaps. If you’re still noticing a little draught, then use door draught stoppers - they’re cheap enough and will save you a lot more than they cost.
By using a smart thermostat, you’ll be able to keep your home at its ideal temperature - meaning, it’ll save you money as you won’t be overusing your heating. You can even get smart thermostats you can control via your phoneletting you turn it off and on from afar.
BLEED YOUR RADIATORS
You’ve probably heard this one before, but we’ll mention it again anyway - if there’s air in your radiators, it will take longer for them to heat up. This will put extra strain on your boiler and cost you money in the long run. Grab a radiator bleed key and get work.
ADD EXTRA INSULATION
SERVICE YOUR BOILER
We all know that heat rises up, so if your attic isn’t properly insulated, then you might as well be throwing money away. By adding extra insulation in the attic, you will be reducing the cost to heat your home drastically.
When it hits, the cold weather will put extra strain on your boiler. It’s time to arrange a professional to come out and check it over. You don’t want your boiler braking down when you need it most. Paying out now could save you a small fortune in the future.
Leanne AdministrationWright Manager
Tina ManagementWebster Accountant
Penny PropertyAlbiePropertyAshManagerPooleConsultant
Meet the team...
Harriet Plampton Sales & ConsultantLettings
John DirectorPring
Nicola Director’sRattenberryP.A.
Ian SalesCareyManager
Simon DirectorPring
FISKS.CO.UK
Ebony Woods Office administrator
Kerrie
PropertyBenPropertyWattsConsultantNelsonConsultant
Our Vision & Strategy
We cover the whole of South Essex. Contact us for a free valuation on 01268 565555
The residential estate agency market is increasingly populated by large clients’andourloyaltoestateindependentnevertheless,corporations;ourfamily-runagencycontinuessucceedandgrowaclientbase,duetocorevalues,ethosflexibleapproachtorequirements.
FEATURED PROPERTIES CALL 01268 565555 LINDEN LargeBENFLEETROAD,ThreeBedSemi Detached NoHouseOnward Chain IdealGarageFor DIY £375,000ShortUn-OverlookedEnthusiastsRearGardenWalktoTarpotsShops
FISKS.CO.UK OAKWOOD CLOSE, Three/FourBENFLEETBedroom Semi Detached Property For Sale Fantastic Condition Throughout Great Sized ‘Entertaining Garden’ Loft Room Used As The Fourth GarageBedroomWith Parking For Four LocatedVehicles In A Quiet Cul-De-Sac£450,000CALL01268 565555
ESSEX BENFLEETWAY, FEATURED PROPERTIES Three Bedroom Semi Detached PotentialBungalowTo Put Your Own Stamp On It HUGEExtendedSummer House In The Garden (Possible Annexe) 5 Minute Walk To Benfleet£480,000StationCALL01268 565555
FISKS.CO.UK SOUTHWOLD CRESCENT, SpaciousBENFLEETThree Bedroom Semi Detached House No Onward Chain Open Plan Kitchen/Dining Area Utility £435,000ThroughoutImmaculateDetachedRoomGarageConditionCALL01268565555
WARREN BENFLEETCHASE, FEATURED PROPERTIES Three Bedroom Semi Detached ModernizedChalet Throughout Wood Burner Fitted In Lounge Located Behind Small Wooded ExtendedArea Sun Room/Play Area Juliette Balcony In Master£500,000BedroomCALL01268 565555
FISKS.CO.UK LYNDBOURNE COURT, ImmaculateBENFLEETOne Bedroom Top Floor Apartment New Extended Lease Allocated Parking Recently Refurbished Close To Local Shopping Center Vacant £185,000PossessionCALL01268565555
THEDOWNSIZINGRIGHTWAYTimetopocketsomeextracash.
MAKE A PLAN
As the property market continues to be a seller’s market, more and more people want to take advantage of this rare opportunity. Many of us are now wanting to sell our home to downsize and pocket some extra cash. If you’re wondering how to downsize the right way, then you’ve came to the right place...
MEASURE YOUR FURNITURE
BE ThePRACTICALbestadvice
anybody can ever give to someone when it comes to downsizing is to get rid of things you don’t want, don’t use, don’t need, or don’t have space for. For example, if you’re moving from a house with a garden to a flat then you probably don’t need that lawnmower or garden furniture. Walk from room to room and take notes of items you can get rid of.
If you’re feeling extra practical, and why wouldn’t you be, it’s time to measure up your furniture and see if it fits into your new smaller home. It’s time to grab your tape measure and be ruthless. If it doesn’t fit, then it has to go.
Make no mistake, downsizing your home will be a big job, and it’s easy to forget or overlook some things. To make the whole experience that bit more easier, give yourself enough time to challenge things like the garage or that overcrowded attic space.
DON’T THROW IT, DONATE IT
Buy some bags and labels and get donating those items you no longer need or want. Sure, you could sell your items on social media, but that’s a hassle you don’t need right now. If you’re getting rid of larger furniture items, a lot of charity shops offer collection nowadays.
AVOID RENTING STORAGE
If you’re finding the whole experience a struggle, then get a family member involved. Because they don’t have any emotional connections to your belongings, it’ll be easier for them to say what you do and don’t need.
This is a big no-no. You do not want a monthly storage bill hanging over you for x-number of years while you decide what to do with large furniture items. If you don’t need it now, you probably won’t need it in the future.
MAKE IT A FAMILY AFFAIR
Fisks still do the traditional marketing methods that you are comfortable with, such as high street shop locations with window displays, applicant mailing lists, text and email facilities, linked offices, portals such as Rightmove, leaflet drops, floor plans, boards and branded cars.
FISKS.CO.UK
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.
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.
We focus on our clients’ requirements and instructions rather than just doing what’s quickest and easiest for us.
At Fisks, we believe we have all your marketing needs covered to get you SOLD!
These marketing tools have been tried and tested for many years, but with the ongoing digital revolution we have also embraced change. These new marketing methods come in the form of a digital 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.
Our Ethos & Values
- Mrs S Sheavyn
Inspection - allay your fears that your asset is being looked after.
“Fantastic-recommend.”MrandMrsHallteamthat
Legal hotline - specialised property lawyers helping to answer your Inventoriesquestions. - protect your deposit with a professional inventory, including time stamped photographs.
... come and put us to the test!
ARLA - the gold standard professional industry body.
Rent guarantee and legal cover - protect yourself with insurance and the increased costs of evicting (subject to status).
pulled out all the stops and helped every step of the way. Friendly pleasant staff.”
Protecting your investment should not be taken lightly, with our full management service you can be sure to get the support you deserve...
Audited and insured client accounts to protect your money.
Section notices - fully trained and experienced staff can advise and serve the appropriate notice.
Accurate accounting - from monthly statements to overseas landlords, to expenditure and income, we hold all the information the accountant will Gasneed.certificates and EPCs - keep your property complying with the law.
Don’t just take our word for it, we have many happy customers...
Landlords: Protect your investment with our full property management and marketing...
“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
some of your hard earned cash.
REDUCE YOUR LIVING COSTSHelpingyousave
TIME TO BUDGET
With many of us struggling to make ends meet due to the cost of living crisis, we’ve pulled together some tips and advice to help you save some of your hard earned cash...
It’s time to set a budget and look at those subscriptions. Be realistic when you budget - do you really need that streaming service subscription you got during lockdown? Can you save money on a cheaper gym membership? Can you stop buying those non-essential items? The time is now to take a good look at your outgoings, you’ll be surprised at how much you can cut here. The average family could save close to £100 a month here if they honest with themselves.
HAGGLE WHERE YOU CAN
Unfortunately, a lot of us don’t take notice of our essential bills - things like broadband, phone, and other subscription fees, are often forgotten about because they are essential to us and our way of life. But, if you signed-up to, let’s say, a broadband package years ago that was a special offer for new customers, there’s a good chance that offer has expired now and you’re paying more than you originally budgeted for. Check all your bills, and if your contract allows, don’t be afraid to haggle when renewing, you could save £100s a year because of it.
We’re not saying leave the family at home, but having a lighter vehicle load will help cut fuel costs. Tyre pressure can also affect fuel efficiency, so check your tyre pressure regularly, especially before long journeys. Supermarkets almost always offer the lowest prices for fuel, while motorway service stations will cost you the most. Don’t forget, you could always opt to cycle, run or walk - it’s free and it will keep you healthy too.
By simply turning your heating down by one degree could save you up to £90 a year. You should ideally aim to keep your thermostat settings at around 17 degrees if possible - this will make a big difference to your bills. Try and get into the habit of grabbing a blanket or adding an extra clothing layer instead of immediately turning the heating on.
WATCH YOUR BAD HABITS
While you enjoy a takeaway or going out often with friends for a drink or two (or five), it’s important to start cutting back during this time. Going out once a week could cost you hundreds of pounds over a monthly period. Try limiting yourself.Always make sure your ladder is on solid ground and a non-slippery surface.
CUT THOSE FUEL COSTS
TURN DOWN YOUR THERMOSTAT
HIGH CANVEYSTREET,ISLAND FEATURED PROPERTIES Large Detached House Five Double Bedrooms Refurbished Throughout Seperate Dining Room Landscaped Garden AmpleGarageOff Street Parking£525,000CALL01268 510510
FISKS.CO.UK STATION APPROACH, CANVEY ISLAND Four Double Bedrooms Ample Off-Street Parking En-SuiteGarage To Master Maintained To A High Standard Great £700,000ConservatoryLocationCALL01268 510510
OAK CANVEYROAD,ISLAND FEATURED PROPERTIES No Onward Chain Two Double Bedroom Large Open Plan Kitchen/Diner Large AdditonalAmpleConservatoryOffStreetParkingParkingAcross The£325,000RoadCALL01268 510510
FISKS.CO.UK CENTRAL AVENUE, CANVEY ISLAND Two Bedroom Detached CloseWalkOffAttachedDiningBungalowRoomGarageStreetParkingInShowerToLocalSchools And£300,000ShopsCALL01268 510510
FLORENCE ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND FEATURED PROPERTIES No Onward Chain Three Bedroom Detached AmpleGarageBungalowOff Street Parking Great £350,000OpportunityAmazingLocationInvestmentCALL01268510510
FISKS.CO.UK LONG 4CANVEYROAD,ISLANDBedroomDetached House 3 Reception £475,000ExtremelyAmpleIntegralPotentialConservatoryRoomsForEnsuiteGarageOffStreetParkingLargePlotCALL01268510510
