Fisks Gateway issue 61

Gateway

THE PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE BROUGHT TO YOU BY FISKS | ISSUE 61

inside this issue BUYING YOUR DREAM KITCHEN WALKS TO ESCAPE YOUR BUSY LIFE TIME TO PLANT FOR THOSE WINTER MEALS PLUS THIS MONTH’S PROPERTIES

CONTENTS BUYING YOUR DREAM KITCHEN Follow our advice on buying your new dream kitchen

WALKS TO ESCAPE YOUR BUSY LIFE Just because summer is all but over, doesn’t mean you can’t go for a walk and escape your busy day to day life

TIME TO PLANT FOR THOSE WINTER MEALS Autumn is in the air, and there’s never been a better time to get planting those vegetables ready for those winter meals.

OUR PROPERTIES

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

Welcome to our Gateway magazine...

John Pring FNAEA(Honoured) & MARLA | Director

Our Ethos & Values We focus on our clients’ requirements and instructions rather than just doing what’s quickest and easiest for us.

We recruit and train the best candidates for our industry and provide them with attainable goals and long term career progression.

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 open this month’s edition of Gateway with some good news. Another house price index has suggested that the housing market is continuing to show great resilience despite the economic and political uncertainty. Halifax managing director Russell Galley says: “There was no real shift in house prices in August as the average property value grew by just 0.3 per cent month on month. This further extends the predominantly flat trend we’ve seen over the last six months, with the average house price having barely changed since March.”

Away from the economic and political side of things, elsewhere in this month’s edition, we have advice on planning your dream kitchen, we suggest a few walks for you to get away from your busy life, and we even give you a few ideas on what to plant if you’re looking to cook for yourself and others this winter.

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BUYING YOUR DREAM KITCHEN Follow our advice on buying your new dream kitchen

Buying a new kitchen is one of the most exciting things you can do when it comes to renovating your home. Follow our advice to help you pick your dream kitchen.

First things first, it’s time to have a good clear-out so you’re not factoring in items you haven’t used for years. Have a look around your kitchen and list things you like and dislike - this could be anything from how much storage there is, to the type of appliances and colour of the cabinetry. This task will help you focus on what you want to retaining or improving on.

You must also think about plumbing and heating. Will you be using your existing plumbing or will you require addition pipe work? It’s always a good idea to have your sink, washing machine and dishwasher nearby one another. Also, make sure you have enough plug points around the kitchen for all your appliances a lot of people never have enough.

Lighting is a huge factor in any kitchen renovation. When planning your lighting, it’s a great idea to make it flexible so you can regulate areas of your kitchen independently.

Lighting above cooking and preparation areas are great for secondary lighting.

Whatever design or layout you choose, it’s always important to plan ahead and know what you want.

Write down a list of essential musthaves for your dream kitchen.

MEET THE TEAM

Lan Carey Sales Manager Lan started his career in the British Army when he was 17 leading 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 went on to gain experience in Operations, Senior Administration and Property Management.

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John Pring Director John’s knowledge is second to none thanks to his 50+ years in the industry.

Perry Goodwin Digital Marketing Manager Perry recently joined Fisks and brings with him a wealth of digital marketing skills he has gained throughout his career.

Alex White-Miller Property Manager Alex joined Fisks as Property Manager in 2018 and is an essential part of the team.

We cover the whole of South Essex.

Contact us for a free valuation on 01268 565555

Tina Webster Management Accountant

Simon Pring Director Simon joined Fisks in 2005 and started on the shop floor as a junior sales consultant and now has 13 plus years of commercial experience - from viewing to property management and sales to completion.

After joining the company in 1988 with a BTEC diploma in Business and Finance, Tina progressed her career within Fisks to that of Management Accountant.

Nicola Rattenberry Operations Manager & Admministrator Nicola joined Fisks in January 2014 after graduating from the University of Winchester with a BA (Hons) First Class Degree in History and Creative Writing.

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

Our Vision & Strategy

Taris Etherton Sales & Lettings Consultant Taris joined Fisks in 2017 as a Trainee 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 value, ethos and flexible approach to clients’ requirements.

SPENCER ROAD, BENFLEET £429,995 Three Double Bedrooms.

Detached Property.

Immaculate Condition Throughout.

Conservatory.

100ft Well Maintained Rear Garden.

Sought-After Street.

Ground Floor Cloakroom.

CALL 01268 565555

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RUSHBOTTOM LANE, BENFLEET £455,000 Detached House In Popular Area.

Four Double Bedrooms.

Fantastic Condition Throughout.

Utility Room.

Driveway For 4-5 Vehicles.

Walking Distance To Good Schools.

Garage.

Video Tour Available On Our YouTube Channel.

CALL 01268 565555

THE BIRCHES, BENFLEET £315,000 Three Bedroom Semi-Detached House.

Off-Street Parking for 3 Cars & Garage.

Open-Plan Living Space.

Backs Onto North Benfleet Hall Wood.

Dual Catchment For King John & Appleton Schools.

20ft Conservatory.

CALL 01268 565555

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ALPHA CLOSE, BOWERS GIFFORD £325,000 – £335,000 Three Bedroom Semi-Detached Chalet.

Show Home Condition Throughout.

Conservatory.

Located in Quiet Cul-De-Sa. Refitted Shower Room.

Private Driveway.

Fantastic Sized Rear Garden.

CALL 01268 565555

BOULDREWOOD, BENFLEET £410,000 Three/Four Bedroom Detached Property.

Good Living Space Throughout The Whole Plot.

Extra Shower Cubicle On First Floor.

Sunny South Facing Rear Garden.

Cul-De-SaC. Separate Dining Space.

Consevatory.

CALL 01268 565555

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CLARENCE ROAD, BENFLEET £350,000 Extended Three Bedroom SemiDetached Property.

Good Condition Throughout.

Extended Living Space On The Ground Floor.

Close Proximity to Town’s Train Station.

Garage.

Well Maintained Rear Garden.

Popular Street In South Benfleet.

CALL 01268 565555

WHY USE FISKS? Throughout the years, we’ve gained first class knowledge that is second to none, and helped people through both good and bad times and have won numerous awards throughout our 50 plus years.

We do understand how the market has chaned over the years and we have adapted to offer you the best marketing and services available - with us, not only do you get all aspects of a traditional agent, we also give you the best in digital marketing too - including social media, web portals, and our exclusive property video tours that can be seen on our YouTube channel and other streaming services. Our hybrid agency offers you the best of both worlds.

As well as offersing floor plans, our monthly Gateway magazine that reaches over 9 thousand people, social media exposure of your property, A3 property details and flyer campaigns, we also offer the following...

Multiple online portals

Fisks will market your property on all major portals Zoopla, OnTheMarket.com and Rightmove.

Accompanied viewings Let us take the stress out of the viewing process.

Video tours

Let us present your home to the best of its ability.

High end photography

All buyers require good quality photographs before viewing your property.

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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...

Inventories - protect your deposit with professional inventory, including time and stamped photographs.

Inspection - allay your fears that your asset is being looked after.

ARLA - the gold standard professional industry body.

Section notices - fully trained and experienced staff can advise and serve the appropriate notice.

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.

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.

Don’t just take our word for it, we have many many happy customers...

“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!

WALKS TO ESCAPE YOUR BUSY LIFE Just because summer is all but over, doesn’t mean you can’t go for a walk and escape your busy day to day life

We all know that a short walk keeps you healthy and stress free so, with that in mind, grab your coat, get your wellies on, and get ready for the great outdoors in our top 5 walks to escape your busy life.

1) Mersea Island

4) Northey Island

From stunning nature reserves to breathtaking coastlines, Essex is full of beauty if you know where to look. Mersea Island is the perfect place if you’re looking to feel connected with the world and yourself again - if you don’t feel at peace here, then you won’t anywhere.

Whether you prefer a brisk hike or a calming stroll, Northey Island is a place to unwind surrounded by wildlife like no other. This National Trust remote island in the Blackwater Estuary is perhaps the closest you’ll get to true wilderness in Essex.

2) Hopefield Animal Sanctuary

5) Marks Hall Gardens & Arboretum

This Essex sanctuary has been rescuing abused, abandoned and neglected animals since 1983 and is the ideal place to visit if you’re an animal lover and looking to reduce your anxiety and stress. The sanctuary offers residential donkeys, horses, reindeers, ferrets and cows.

The amazing landscape at Marks Hall provides a rich diversity of habitats for a huge variety of different species during your stroll - you’ll also find stunning lakes, beautiful woodland walks, striking views and much much more along your way.

3) Epping Forest

6) Hanningfield Reservoir Visitors Centre

Epping Forest offers many beautiful secluded spaces where you can have a calming stroll away from the rest of the world.

Thanks to the impressive 2,400 hectares made up of woodlands, grasslands and wetlands, you can be sure that you won’t be seeing too many faces along your way.

Along with providing panoramic views over the huge 870-acre reservoir, Hanningfield also offers a variety of stunning walks through the woodland where you’ll see bird hides, ponds and many other great sights to clear your mind.

WOODVILLE ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £360,000 Four Spacious Bedrooms.

En-Suite to Master.

Spacious Throughout.

Close to High Street, Bus Links and Seafront.

Sought After Location.

Quiet Cul-de-sac.

Ample Off Street Parking.

CALL 01268 510510

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GRAFTON ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND OIEO £230,000 Detached Bungalow.

Two Double Bedrooms.

Sought After Location.

Close to Local Amenities.

Off Street Parking.

Easily Maintainable Rear Garden.

Underfloor Heating.

CALL 01268 510510

MEADOW VIEW WALK, CANVEY ISLAND £300,000 Four Bedrooms Semi Detached House.

Recently Refurbished.

Large Corner Plot.

Good Size Garden Approx 50ft Wide.

New Fitted Kitchen.

New Bathroom and Downstairs Toilet.

CALL 01268 510510

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HEATHER CLOSE, CANVEY ISLAND £265,000 Close to Seafront.

Sought After Location.

Three Spacious Bedrooms.

Parking.

Quiet Location.

Close to Local Amenities.

Spacious Lounge.

CALL 01268 510510

CRAVEN AVENUE, CANVEY ISLAND £290,000 - £300,000 Sought After Location.

Off Street Parking.

Opportunity to Extend.

Three Double Bedrooms.

Modern Throughout.

Close to Local Amenities, Transport Links and Seafront.

CALL 01268 510510

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ST GEORGES WALK, CANVEY ISLAND £220,000 - £230,000 26ft Lounge/Diner.

No Onward Chain.

Downstairs Cloakroom.

Quiet Location.

Easy Access to A13 and A127.

Low Maintenance Rear Garden.

Good Size Bedrooms.

CALL 01268 510510

TIME TO PLANT FOR THE WINTER Autumn is in the air, and there’s never been a better time to get planting those vegetables ready for those winter meals

Sure you can go down to your supermarket and buy your vegetables, but why do that when you can grow your own? Just think of the possibilities… those warm winter vegetable soups with crusty bread, those chunky beef stews with garden vegetables… the possibilities are endless…

Kale Kale is a plant that will not only provide you with a perfect addition to winter soups, salads and pasta dishes, it will also keep producing healthy leaves well into the summer months.

Carrots You either love or hate carrots, if you hate them, then it’s best to move on to our next suggestion, but for what it’s worth, carrots have more uses than you might think. From cakes to pies and even jams, the simple carrot can spice up any meal if used correctly and with a bit of imagination.

Beans We obviously don’t mean the type of bean you put on your toast here, we’re actually talking the type of bean you grow in your garden - like runner beans, which are the easiest variety of bean to grow. You can also try great winter alternatives like the black valentine and early bountiful.

Beets Often called “blood turnips” thanks to their bright red juice, beets are highly nutritious and healthy. There are lots of different beets out there, from the common red table, to the white, orange, golden and mangel beets. Beets can handle a light frost but don’t risk exposing them to too much cold.

Peas Peas pack a mighty punch when mixed into pesto with mint and give a tasty crunch to curries and pasta meals. Hear the compliments fly at the dinner table when you add them to salads and mashed potatoes.

Spinach This is a vegetable that can be grown all year round. Spinach, another love or hate vegetable, has grown in popularity over the years thanks to it being high in iron. Blend it with pineapple, banana and lime juice for a tasty breakfast smoothie.

If all the mentioned vegetables still aren’t enough for you, then why not try other vegetables like lettuce, cabbage and radish too. All perfect for those winter meals.

Follow us on your favourite social media platform to keep up-to-date on everything Fisks

Here to help you on the following property matters Sales Lettings Property management Mortgages Solicitors Surveys EPCs Property maintenance Planning applications

Head Office 146a London Road Benfleet Essex, SS7 5SQ T: 01268 750000 E: office@fisks.co.uk

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CONTACT US FOR A FREE VALUATION 01268 565555 “Best Estate Agent in Essex! Fisks were fantastic from start to finish, both the Benfleet & Canvey Island branches. The staff are knowledgable, polite & friendly, we never had a bad person.

They got us viewings from both the branches. They kept us in touch on every viewing. They also kept us informed on every part of the process, which was very good as we haven’t moved in over 30 years.”

- Mrs C Stannard

“NO STRESS USE THE BEST... Excellent customer service... nothing too much trouble... all queries answered with ease... from valuation to completion we found the experience stress free. Very professional friendly staff, would definitely recommend... big thanks to Simon and his team ... till the next time!”

- Mr and Mrs Farrer