Fisks Gateway issue 60

Gateway THE PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE BROUGHT TO YOU BY FISKS | ISSUE 60

inside this issue DECORATING TO SELL YOUR HOME PEP TALK TO GET YOU MOTIVATED OUR DOS AND DON’TS OF GARDENING PLUS ALL OF THIS MONTH’S PROPERTIES

CONTENTS DECORATING TO SELL YOUR HOME Follow our top tips to make your home more sellable.

PEP TALK TO GET YOU MOTIVATED Sometimes we need a little extra push to stay fit and healthy - if our advice doesn’t do it for you, then perhaps our chosen quotes will.

OUR DOS AND DON’TS OF GARDENING If you’ve never gardened before, or just need that extra bit of help, then follow our dos and don’ts to gain all the confidence you need.

OUR PROPERTIES

We have a stunning selection of properties for you this month to take a look at.

Welcome to our Gateway magazine...

With a new Prime Minister in office that has promised we leave the EU by 31 October, we look to the future and past the uncertain times we’ve recently had.

As well as the promised leave date, the Prime Minister is also expected to reduce the top rate of stamp duty from 12% to 7% - which is great news for some if this plan goes ahead.

John Pring FNAEA(Honoured) & MARLA | Director

In this month’s edition of our Gateway magazine, we have some top tips if you’re decorating to sell your home, we have a few words to get you motivated and off that sofa, and we have advice for all you gardening enthusiasts out there.

If you have any questions regarding any of the properties in this month’s edition of Gateway, then please do not hesitate to contact us. We’re always here to help.

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DECORATING TO SELL YOUR HOME Follow our top tips to make your home more sellable.

First things first, you can’t cater to all tastes. What some people think as bright and colourful, may be seen as loud and garish to others. The key is to find the balance - if you’re smart with your choices then you can make it easier for them to imagine themselves living there without being overwhelmed.

Here are our top tips on how to decorate to sell your home.

1. Clear the clutter This is one of the most vital tips that surprisingly can get overlooked by some people.

Keeping your property tidy inside and out dramatically helps people to see your home for what it is.

If you’re lucky enough to have outdoor space, make sure it’s neat and tidy and that you’ve removed weeds and mowed the lawn. Indoors, remove things like ornaments, cushions, and anything else that could make the room feel full is a step in the right direction. Don’t completely strip character from the rooms, a few items here and there are fine, we just want to de-clutter to make the rooms feel more appealing to your potential buyer.

2. Clean We can’t stress this tip enough.

Nobody wants to step into a property that’s unclean. You should always deep clean your rooms to give off the best impression. Pay close attention to rooms like your kitchen and bathroom as these will normally attract the most dirt. Don’t forget to dust and vacuum throughout either.

3. Use neutral colours Clean unmarked walls will make your property more appealing to potential buyers. Painting your walls a colour that is more suited to everyone should be a priority here - avoid strong colours like red, pink or green, neutral is what you want.

Neutral shades help potential buyers easily picture how they would decorate the property.

4. Fix issues Never underestimate the importance of a bit of DIY to make your property as appealing as possible. Get that toolbox out and start fixing things that have annoyed you for years. Fix that dripping tap, repair those cracked tiles, secure that creaking floorboard, it all helps if your potential buyer isn’t looking for a fixer-upper.

MEET OUR BENFLEET TEAM Our centrally located estate and letting agency branch offers a professional sales, lettings and property management service for the Benfleet and surrounding areas benefitting from ARLA and NAEA qualified staff.

Ian Carey Sales Manager

Located some 30 miles east of the City of London on the north bank of the Thames Estuary, the mainland portion of Castle Point Borough - which also encompasses Canvey Island.

The mainland station in South Benfleet services the entire area and is the busiest commuting station on the Fenchurch Street C2C line.

Ian started his career in the British Army when he was 17.

Progressing from Rifleman to Lance Corporal, Ian led teams of up to 8 men. On finishing his military career, he joined the Estate Agency industry where he is a valuable asset to our Benfleet Sales Team.

Harriet Plampton Sales & Lettings Consultant Harriet joined Fisks in 2017 as a Trainee Property Consultant. Having previously worked in sales and public-facing roles, Harriet has combined her natural sales ability with her previous experience to progress within the property agency sector.

Leanne Wright Assistant To Ian Carey Leanne joined Fisks in 2010 after graduating from the University of Greenwich with a 2:1 BA (Hons) in Sociology. Starting off as Branch Administrator, Leanne has progressed to various different roles within the company, gaining experience in Operations, Senior Administration and Property Management.

Fisks Ltd 146 London Road Benfleet Essex, SS7 5SQ T: 01268 565555 E: benfleet@fisks.co.uk

RUSHBOTTOM LANE, BENFLEET £455,000 Four double bedroom detached property situated on a corner plot, providing a good-sized rear garden and a hard-standing driveway to the front with a garage. Internally the property offers a ground floor cloakroom, utility room, lounge, modern fitted kitchen, separate dining room and an en-suite to the master bedroom. Energy Band – C.

CALL 01268 565555

SEAMORE AVENUE, BENFLEET £320,000 Good sized three-bedroom semi-detached property close to London Road and the A13. Internally the property offers a wellproportioned lounge/diner, fitted kitchen and a family bathroom. The rear garden has both patio and lawn areas while to the front there is a garage and private driveway. Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 01268 565555

SOUTH VIEW ROAD, BENFLEET £330,000 Three-bedroom semidetached bungalow offering an open-plan lounge/kitchen, brickbased conservatory, family bathroom and a wet room.

The wrap-around garden is secluded and un-overlooked with mostly hard standing areas. The property also benefits from a private driveway and a garage.

Energy Band – D.

CALL 01268 565555

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SPENCER ROAD, BENFLEET £429,995 Beautiful detached property in a sought-after location. Accommodation comprises a ground floor cloakroom, lounge, separate dining room, fitted kitchen, utility area, brick-based conservatory, three double bedrooms on the first floor and a family bathroom.

The rear garden has been maintained to a very high standard, as has the front garden which also features a driveway and garage. Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 01268 565555

TAMARISK, BENFLEET Guide Price £445,000 - £450,000 This show home condition detached property is in a quiet, sought-after cul-desac within close proximity to Benfleet train station. The property benefits from a lounge, dining room, fitted kitchen, four bedrooms with an en-suite to the master and a family bathroom. The rear garden is mainly laid to lawn and the front garden offers the same with a hardstanding driveway. Energy Band – C.

CALL 01268 565555

FELSTEAD ROAD, BENFLEET Guide Price £320,000 £330,000 Well-presented detached bungalow with good living space throughout.

The property features an extended lounge/ diner, kitchen, two double bedrooms and a shower room. The rear garden is low maintenance throughout while the front drive is hard standing with a garage.

Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 01268 565555

CLARENCE ROAD, BENFLEET Guide Price £355,000 £365,000 This fantastic sized, semidetached bungalow features contemporary design and decoration in each room and a landscaped rear garden. The accommodation comprises two double bedrooms, sitting room/ third bedroom, dining room/ lounge, modernized shower room, fitted kitchen and conservatory. Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 01268 565555

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LITTLE TARPOTS COURT, BENFLEET ÂŁ235,000 Modern and highly sought after two-bedroom apartment on the Little Tarpots development offering fantastic living space with an open plan lounge/kitchen area. The apartment is located on the first floor and is presented in show home condition, benefiting from an ensuite to the master bedroom, private parking space and a good length lease at approximately 114 years.

Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 01268 565555

PEP TALK TO GET YOU MOTIVATED Sometimes we need a little extra push to stay fit and healthy - if our advice doesn’t do it for you, then perhaps our chosen quotes will.

According to the latest data, more than 60% of the UK is overweight or obese. Our diet and exercise plan isn’t just about looking good either, it’s feeling good.

Now, don’t get us wrong, there’s nothing wrong with having a ‘cheat day’ once in a while - we’re all guilty of ordering a takeaway instead of cooking a healthy meal at the end of the week, or taking the car to the nearby shop because we can’t be bothered to walk.

It is easy to find yourself slipping into unhealthy habits, but the key is to stop those unhealthy habits before they become a more serious problem.

We’re lucky enough nowadays to live in a world where health and fitness advice is everywhere - from a quick internet search, to even grabbing a free food recipe magazine or leaflet at your local supermarket, it’s all out there if we choose to look.

If you can’t afford a gym to keep fit, then why not get your running shoes on and go for a run - take in the fresh air and get healthy doing it, it beats paying out for a monthly gym membership.

If you’re still in need of a little pep talk, take a look at our chosen motivational quotes below to give you an extra push.

Florence Griffith Joyner “It’s never too late to change old habits.”

Jillian Michaels “It’s not about perfect. It’s about effort. And when you bring that effort every single day, that’s where transformation happens.”

Lindsey Vonn “Life changes very quickly, in a very positive way, if you let it.”

Martina Navratilova “Life is about challenges and how we face up to them.”

Shalane Flanagan “Everything you need is within you.”

Venus Williams “Just believe in yourself. Even if you don’t, pretend that you do and, at some point, you will.”

MEET OUR CANVEY TEAM Our office located at the heart of Canvey Town Centre offers a sales, lettings and property management service for Canvey Island and the surrounding areas benefits from ARLA and NAEA qualified staff.

Simon Pring Sales Manager

With excellent rail connections into the City from neighbouring Benfleet station and thanks to development in recent years, Canvey offers a wide range of exceptionally reasonablypriced property, from first time buyer apartments to detached executive homes - many with stunning views across to the wooded Hadleigh Downs, and along the estuary towards Southend.

Simon returned to Fisks after 5 years in the intense executive car sales environment working for BMW.

Charlie Maynard Property Consultant Charlie joined Fisks in 2018 as an experienced Property Consultant.

Taris Etherton Sales & Lettings Consultant Taris joined Fisks in 2017 as a Trainee Consultant.

Fisks Ltd 85 Furtherwick Road Canvey Island Essex, SS8 7AY T: 01268 510510 E: canvey@fisks.co.uk

WOODVILLE ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £360,000 If you are looking for space for all the family, then this property has everything you need. Situated with both the seafront and high street just over half a mile away, this fourbedroom detached house features a well-proportioned lounge, fitted kitchen with dining space, downstairs cloakroom plus an en-suite to the master bedroom and a family bathroom. Energy Band – E.

CALL 01268 510510

NORTHFALLS ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND OIEO £270,000 New to the market is this extended, three-bedroom, semi-detached family home boasting spacious living accommodation and off-street parking with a garage. The property has been extended to the rear to provide a separate dining area and the rear garden is also relatively secluded.

Energy Band – D.

CALL 01268 510510

GAFZELLE DRIVE, CANVEY ISLAND £335,000 New to market is this deceptively spacious detached family home in a sought-after location boasting a good-sized rear garden. Internally the property benefits from a downstairs cloakroom, reception room/dining area, kitchen and conservatory to the ground floor while upstairs you have four bedrooms and a four-piece bathroom. Energy Band – D.

CALL 01268 510510

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RATTWICK DRIVE, CANVEY ISLAND £195,000 Offered with no onward chain is this one-bedroom detached bungalow which features an extended 16ft lounge and a 14ft extended kitchen. The property also offers ample off-street parking and a garage that could be converted (STPP).

Energy Band – E.

CALL 01268 510510

STANFORD ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND Guide Price £150,000 £200,000 Offered to cash buyers only and located in a quiet side road is this 1920’s detached bungalow situated on a 50ft wide by 83ft deep plot providing the potential to extend (STPP). There is 11ft and 14ft of space either side of the bungalow providing ample room for additional bedrooms and a garage.

Energy Band – F.

CALL 01268 510510

THE ASHLEIGHS, CANVEY ISLAND £150,000 Nestled in a sought-after location is this immaculately presented first floor apartment. The property comprises a 22ft hallway with loft access, a good-sized bedroom, a light and airy lounge which leads on to the kitchen, and a three-piece bathroom. Externally, there are communal gardens to the front and rear and plenty of parking. Energy Band – C.

CALL 01268 510510

WELBECK ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND Guide Price £375,000 £425,000 New to the market is this incredibly well-presented and stunningly decorated detached family home situated in a very soughtafter location. The property offers four spacious double bedrooms, a lovely open plan lounge/diner with bi-folding doors leading to the garden, underfloor heating for the entirety of downstairs and off-street parking for three vehicles. Energy Band – D.

CALL 01268 510510

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MAYLAND AVENUE, CANVEY ISLAND ÂŁ430,000 Situated on a 90ft plot, this large detached family home has plenty of potential to extend (STPP). Internally the property offers a 19ft lounge leading onto a good-sized dining area, fitted kitchen with utility room, separate study and downstairs cloakroom to the ground floor, plus four bedrooms, an en-suite to master and a family bathroom upstairs. The rear garden is large and mainly laid to lawn while to the front there is off street parking and a double garage.

Energy Band – E.

CALL 01268 510510

OUR DOS AND DON’TS OF GARDENING If you’ve never gardened before, or just need that extra bit of help, then follow our dos and don’ts to gain all the confidence you need.

Having your very own garden is one of life’s greatest pleasures. To have your own little (or big) green oasis away from the rest of the world to escape and relax is what’s needed after a long busy week.

WATERING YOUR PLANTS The aim of watering your plants is to provide them with enough water to survive but not so much that they become waterlogged. The best way to achieve this is to water your plants slowly so the water reaches deep into the soil. Aim for the soil to feel moist at about 2 to 3 inches beneath the surface. Young plants should be watered daily to encourage growth and healthy roots, whereas older plants only need watering once every 2 to 3 days - all depending on the weather of course.

PLANTING YOUNG PLANTS Always remember, the younger the plant, the more delicate and easily damaged it is. You should be extra careful when removing them from tiny plant pots. Do not be tempted to grab them by the stem and pull them out the pot as this will only damage the plant and most likely kill it - you don’t want that weekend visit to the garden centre to be a waste of time and money.

PLAN, LABEL, ORGANISE Every gardener should have a plan. Figuring out where each plant will go is vital if you want them to have a long and healthy life. All plants need their own space so make sure you don’t plant them too close together - planting them too close to each other will only stunt their growth and make them more prone to diseases.

It’s always handy to know what plant is planted where so make sure you label your plants for your own knowledge, and to be able to tell other people which plant is which at those barbecues and garden parties if asked.

A great way to stay organised is to chart the progress of your garden by using a scrapbook. By adding sketches, pictures, labels, and notes, you can make future improvements easily as you will have a reference of how each type of plant fared in different areas of your garden.

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BENFLEET Fisks Ltd 146 London Road Benfleet Essex, SS7 5SQ T: 01268 565555 E: benfleet@fisks.co.uk

Why use Fisks?

Members of NAEA (National Association of Estate Agents) and ARLA (Association of Residential Lettings Agents).

Audited clients account.

Free rent guarantee insurance (subject to Terms of Business).

Option to spread payments over the length of lease (subject to Terms of Business).

Two levels of service offered: Let Only and Management.

CANVEY Fisks Ltd 85 Furtherwick Road Canvey Island Essex, SS8 7AY T: 01268 510510 E: canvey@fisks.co.uk Lettings & Management 146a London Road Benfleet Essex, SS7 5SQ T: 01268 638425 E: alex@fisks.co.uk Head Office 146a London Road Benfleet Essex, SS7 5SQ T: 01268 750000 E: office@fisks.co.uk Property Management 0207 517 8811

fisks.co.uk Contact your local branch to experience our service and put us to the test.

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