It’s time to prepare for the big move.
Make your home the safe place it should be.
Save some cash with our tips and advice.
Welcome back to our popular Gateway magazine. If you’ve been keeping up-to-date with the property market, there’s no doubt you would have seen headlines such as ‘property market crashing’ and ‘house prices plummet’ - we must look at the bigger picture when we hear headlines like this. Sure, house prices have seen a slight adjustment from the peak of autumn last year but this abjustment was expected.
As ever, if the price of your property is right, it will sell. If you want my adviceread the headlines with a pinch of salt and take your estate agent’s valuation seriously.
I hope you enjoy this packed issue of Gateway. If you’re thinking of buying or selling, please contact us now - we’re here to help.
John Pring FNAEA(Honoured) & MARLA | DirectorIt’s time to prepare for the big move.
If you don’t know by now, it’s all about first impressions when selling. With that in mind, it’s time to declutter your home for those all important photographs. Always try and put yourself into the shoes of the buyer. Decluttering will make your property more desirable when it’s first seen on property websites such as Rightmove and Zoopla.
You wouldn’t buy a dirty house, so why would you try and sell one? It’s time to give the whole house a good clean, from top to bottom. This tip is pretty basic, but never overlook it. Trust us, it will go a long way - clean homes are easier to sell.
It’s fair to say, no matter how clean your pet is, there’s always a lingering pet smell. Before potential buyers are shown around, ask a close friend or relative to take care of your pet for a couple of hours - this will give you enough time to open all the windows and say goodbye to those smells with air freshener. While you’re at it, don’t forget to pick up the pet toys and hide those litter trays the best you can.
As estate agents, we’re constantly asked ‘how do I get my property sold faster?’. Unfortunately, there is no magic bullet in which to answer this question, but we do have a little advice on the subject.
When you’re having your property photographed, or when you’re having potential buyers shown around, never underestimate the importance of a well lit property. Let natural light in by opening those curtains and blinds, and if you’re having potential buyers shown around after sunset, turn on those lights and lamps to show them the beauty of your property. Bright rooms will always appear more spacious than dim and dark ones.
You must treat your outdoor space like another room. Your front garden is the first thing your potential buyers see when they approch your home, so make sure it’s neat and tidy before viewings start. While the front garden is the first thing your potential buyers see, the back garden could be the last place they see that seals the deal for them. If you have garden furniture, put it away or make sure it’s up to standards. If you have cracked plant pots or dead plants, get rid of them now. If you have a broken gate or fence, fix them now too. Small changes make a big difference.
While preparing your property to sell is important, the legal side of things is equally as important. Join us again next month where we’ll be giving you some steps on how you can speed up the process further.
Ian Carey Sales Manager
Harriet Plampton Sales & Lettings Consultant
Simon Pring Director
Nicola Rattenberry Director’s P.A.
John Pring Director
Tina Webster Management Accountant
Leanne Wright Administration Manager
Penny Ash Property Manager
Albie Poole Property Consultant
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.
CROFT ROAD, BENFLEET
£350,000
Two Bedroom Semi Detached Property For Sale In South Benfleet
Large Conservatory
Loft Room
Modernised Throughout
Private Driveway
Fitted Kitchen
CALL 01268 565555
NEW
£650,000
Show Home Condition Four Bedroom Detached Property In South Benfleet
Large, Modern Kitchen
Modernised Ensuite To Master Bedroom
Four Double Bedrooms
Part Converted Garage
CALL 01268 565555
£575,000
Five/Six Bedroom Detached
Property For Sale
Potential For Sixth Bedroom On The Ground Floor
Refitted Family Bathroom
Close To Towns Train Station
Private Driveway With Garage
Extended Ground Floor Space
CALL 01268 565555
KINGSDOWN CLOSE, BASILDON
£375,000
Large Three Bedroom Detached
Bungalow
Sought After Area In Pitsea
Garage And Private Drive
Large Lounge-Diner
Good Decorative Order
Throughout
Courtyard Rear Garden
CALL 01268 565555
£300,000
No Onward Chain
One Bed Bungalow, Was Two Beds And Can Be Converted
Back Garage Potential To Develop Stpp
West Facing Rear Garden
Conservatory
CALL 01268 565555
£400,000
Modernised Two Bedroom Detached Bungalow
Two Double Bedrooms
Refitted Kitchen And Refitted Shower Room
Show Home Condition
Summer House Garage
CALL 01268 565555
Make your home the safe place it should be.
Your home should always be your safe place, so it’s a great idea to secure it. Whether you live alone or with your whole family, a few simple steps can go a long way. Here are our tips to get you secure...
Security cameras are one of the most effective ways you can secure your home. The latest easy-to-use security cameras can be viewed on your smartphone, tablet or computer. Security cameras can feature motion-triggered recording, infrared night vision, and two-way audio communication capability.
Most intruders operate under the cover of darkness, so illuminating places like your garden and drive goes a long way. Not only will this option help keep away intruders, but it will also make it safer for you too.
A security alarm on the outside of your property can and will deter unwanted intruders. If you’ve got home insurance, and we trust you have, then check with your provider, they may offer a discount on approved alarms.
Don’t give those intruders an easy life. If you have an old gate or blown-over fencing, it’s time to get them fixed. Always get a gate the same height as your adjoining walls or fences, this will insure maximum security. For added protection and privacy, consider fixing trellis panels to the top of fences or walls.
Believe it or not, some people still leave their spare key under a pot in the garden - this is a huge no. If you haven’t got a nearby close friend to leave your spare key with, then consider a coded wall-mounted key safe in a discreet location. A wallmounted key safe can withstand hammering and sawing, making them a mustbuy for those wanted to leave the spare key somewhere.
If you have a driveway but not a garage, this suggestion is for you. Parking your car on a driveway is a tempting offer to prospective thieves - with that in mind, we suggest a driveway security post. A simple lock up and down security post will secure your car and keep away those thieves.
If you’re just leaving your bicycles in the garden when they’re not being used, then you’re asking for them to be stolen unfortunately. It’s time to invest in a bike shed - bike sheds are not too pricey and will protect your much loved bicycles from being stolen.
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 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.
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.
We focus on our clients’ requirements and instructions rather than just doing what’s quickest and easiest for us.
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.
At Fisks, we believe we have all your marketing needs covered to get you SOLD!
Protecting your investment should not be taken lightly, with our full management service you can be sure to get the support you deserve...
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.
Inventories - protect your deposit with a professional inventory, including time stamped photographs.
Inspection - allay your fears that your asset is being looked after.
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 need.
Gas certificates and EPCs - keep your property complying with the law.
“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!
Don’t just take our word for it, we have many happy customers...
Save some cash with our tips and advice.
If you’ve been following Gateway in recent months, you’ll know by now that we’ve been trying to help you save money during this cost-of-living crisis we’re currently in. This month, we bring you another selection of money saving tips...
With the new year in full swing, it’s time for a fresh start. Clearing out your unwanted items could bring in some serious cash. Try selling your unwanted clothes and appliances on websites like eBay and Facebook Marketplace. Not only will you be earning money, but you’ll have a clear out too.
Want to save up to £100 a year? Of course you do! By reducing the brightness and contrast of your TV could save you some good cash throughout the year. It’s a small thing to do, but does clearly make a big difference.
By preparing your meals for the days ahead will save you time and money. Buying in bulk and making meals that can then be frozen and reheated throughout the week will save you money on the meals themselves, and the cost of having to cook a whole meal again.
That monthly gym subscription can cost a great deal if you’re trying to cut costs. Instead of paying out each month, why not workout at home, or even join a local running club? It’ll get you out and keep you healthy.
If you travel to and from work in your car, then look for the best fuel prices in your area - a small detour could save you some cash every time you fill up. Petrol stations on opposite sides of the road could have different prices, remember that. If you want to go that extra distance, start a carpool with co-workers to get you to and from work.
This tip will save you big time. Instead of reaching for those £2.50 packet of biscuits, get that £1 packet instead. Simple little steps can cut your weekly food shopping bill down drastically. Just because they’re the cheaper option, doesn’t mean they’re going to taste like it.
Instead of going out to the local pub, why not invite your friends to your home. Most of the time, you can get a whole bottle of wine from the supermarket for the price of a single glass when out and about. Just because you’re having a drink at home, doesn’t mean you won’t have a good time.
£500,000
Four Bedroom Detached Home
Sought After Location
Dining Room
Conservatory
Cloakroom
En-Suite To Master
Ample Off-Street Parking
CALL 01268 510510
KINGS PARK HOMES, CANVEY ISLAND
£190,000
Two Double Bedrooms
En-Suite 24 Hour Security
South Facing Patio
Seperate Dining Room
Utility Room
Council Tax Band: A
CALL 01268 510510
£450,000
No Onward Chain
Detached Family Home
Annex With Seperate Bedroom & En-Suite
Modern Fitted Kitchen
Stones’ Throw From Canvey Beach
Modern Three-Piece Bathroom
CALL 01268 510510
£350,000
Three Bedroom Detached Bunaglow
Modern Throughout
Open Plan Kitchen/Diner
Walk-In-Wardrobe
En-Suite To Master Bedroom
Off Street Parking
CALL 01268 510510
£625,000
Complete Onward Chain
Four Bedrooms
Extensive Plot
Huge Potential
New Modern Kitchen
Two Reception Rooms
CALL 01268 510510
£450,000
CLIFTON AVENUE, BENFLEET Semi Detached Three Bedroom
Challet Bungalow
Open Planned Lounge/Diner
Fantastic Views From Bedroom Two Close To Local Schools And Shops
80ft Garden
Off Street Parking
CALL 01268 510510
