17 minute read
The US Masters
TEE-TIME THE US MASTERS 2020 PREVIEW
The 84th US Masters tees off this April with golf superstar Tiger Woods aiming for a record-equalling sixth win
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The US Masters is the first of the four major golf tournaments in pro-golf. First played 86 years ago in 1934, unlike other tournaments The Masters is always played at Augusta National Golf Club, Georgia. The tournament is by invitation only and the winner is automatically invited to the other three majors.
The Augusta Golf Course was previously a plant nursery and each hole is named after a certain tree or shrub including Tea Olive, Pink Dogwood, Yellow Jasmine, Redbud, Azalea and Chinese Fir amongst others. The idea for the course came from Bobby Jones, a well-known amateur golfer, and was originally designed by Alister Mackenzie, who designed over 50 courses across four continents.
GOLF LINGO
Albatross: A score of three less than par
Birdie: A score of one less than par
Eagle: A score of two under par
Bogey: A score of one over par
Jack Nicklaus has the most Masters’ wins with six, followed by Tiger Woods with five and Arnold Palmer with four. The estimated prize fund is $11.5 million with nearly $2 million going to the winner, as well as the distinctive and iconic Green Jacket – which by tradition is presented to the current winner by the previous winner.
The Masters consists of four rounds of 18 holes each, with the competitors playing in groups of three for the first two rounds. After 36 holes of play, a cut-off score is calculated to reduce the size of the field. To ‘make the cut’, a player must be in either the top 50 places or within 10 strokes of the leader’s score.
Traditions unique to the US masters include the opening tee shot and the Champions Dinner. A custom since 1963, the tournament is officially started when one or more legendary players tees off from the first hole, and the Champions Dinner is held each year before the tournament starts. The dinner is hosted by the current champion who picks his own menu for the company only of previous champions.
Three players are joint favourites moving towards the start of the tournament; World No. 1 Rory Mcllroy, World No. 2 Brooks Koepka and the back-in-form Tiger Woods. If Woods wins, he will match Jack Nicklaus’s record of six US Masters.
Over the final two days, a further 36 holes are played; and should there be no winner after the fourth round, all tied players enter a sudden-death playoff beginning on the 18th hole, followed by the 10th and repeating until one player remains. The most recent sudden-death playoff was in 2017 between Justin Rose and Sergio Garcia.
YOUR ROLE AS A LANDLORD
If you’re looking at letting out a property, it’s important to understand just what your tenant expects from you as its landlord
THE UTILITIES The gas, electricity and water companies should be advised whenever the property is empty so that meters can be read and accounts prepared. During ‘void’ periods, the utility services must be transferred back into your name, by you.
Of course, the tenant is responsible for the gas, electricity and water/sewerage bills generated by their usage during the tenancy, and for changing the gas and electric accounts into their name when they move in. They’re also responsible for the standing charges. However, their liabilities in this respect clearly finish on the date they vacate the property.
TELEPHONE & COUNCIL TAX Generally speaking, telephone companies will only deal with the account holder named on the account. You must tell the telephone company that you are leaving the property and advise them what you want to do with your existing number. The tenants are then responsible for arranging any line reconnections and meeting any costs associated with this.
When it comes to council tax, this is not your responsibility while the entire property is let. However, if you still reside at the property while acting as a landlord, then you will remain responsible for the Council Tax charge.
PORTABLE APPLIANCE TESTING As a landlord, it’s your responsibility to ensure that all electrics and electrical appliances supplied in the property are safe for use. If any portable appliances are going to be left in the property, a portable appliance test should be carried out by a qualified electrician on an annual basis.
GAS SAFETY CERTIFICATE It’s your duty as landlord to ensure that all gas supplied appliances are maintained in a safe condition and are inspected at least every 12 months by a GAS SAFE engineer. A Gas Safety certificate should only be issued by a GAS SAFE engineer.
SMOKE ALARMS The law requires landlords to install working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in their properties. This includes smoke alarms being fitted in all hallway, stairway, and circulation areas that form escape routes from the property. They should be located every 7.5 metres of hallway, and within at least three metres of all bedroom doors.
Properties where HMO licenses apply, a higher specification of smoke alarm installation may be required which is generally mains powered. Landlords are directly responsible for determining whether their properties are eligible for HMO status, and failure to adhere to the regulations may result in a civil penalty and render your insurance invalid.
SOLD STCC
This superb four bedroom detached home has been extended and refurbished by the current owner to an exceptional standard. In a highly desirable residential road with access to Sanderstead mainline train station and Ridgeway Primary School, Croham Hurst woods/ golf course. Internally offering over 2,600 sq ft this well proportioned home boasts a pleasing reception room, separate study, impressive kitchen breakfast room which is the heart of the house and a lovely level south east facing garden.
SOLD STC
SOLD STCC
Carlton Avenue, South Croydon £695,000
‘CHAIN FREE’ rarely available three bedroom detached property is in a desirable residential location within approx. 10 minutes walk of both Sanderstead & South Croydon station. Two reception rooms, kitchen breakfast room, cloakroom, level garden, scope to extend STPP, garage and off street parking.
Honister Heights, Purley £650,000
‘CHAIN FREE’ four bedroom detached house, situated in a quiet residential ‘cul de sac’ and located close to Riddlesdown Collegiate and a range of local amenities, The property requires a degree of modernisation and is a perfect opportunity for the right buyer to create their perfect property.
CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
Boxford Way, Warlingham £450,000
A two bedroom semi detached chalet bungalow situated in a lovely residential road, a stone throw for Warlingham village and all its amenities. Internally offers refitted shower room to the first floor, a second bedroom to the ground floor, a pleasing reception room leading to a conservatory enjoying the east facing landscaped garden and a refitted kitchen breakfast room.
SOLD STCC
Hollycroft, South Croydon £299,950
A well presented first floor modern two bedroom apartment, situated in a tree lined road and offers easy access to South Croydon mainline station. Neutral decor throughout, good size lounge, modern kitchen and bathroom suite and an allocated parking space.
Ravenshead Close, South Croydon £665,000
A four double bedroom detached family home situated in a cul-de-sac location benefiting from two separate reception rooms, refitted kitchen/breakfast room, useful utility room, downstairs cloakroom, en-suite to master bedroom, landscaped rear garden with hot tub, log cabin and off street parking.
Rylandes Road, South Croydon £599,950
A CHAIN FREE four/five bedroom semidetached family home is offered to the market with three separate reception rooms, large kitchen/breakfast room, downstairs cloakroom and small utility, en-suite to master bedroom, four piece family bathroom, level garden and off street parking.
Chestnut Grove, South Croydon £525,000
A extended CHAIN FREE three bedroom semi-detached family home which benefits from a refitted kitchen, useful utility room, living room leading onto second reception room, tandem garage, gas central heating, large rear garden and off street parking.
Sundale Avenue, South Croydon £350,000
A beautifully maintained two double bedroom home with a modern refitted kitchen/diner leading to a generously sized, level rear garden, a separate living room, a modern refitted shower room, two double bedrooms and a garage en bloc. Abbey Road, South Croydon £325,000
A CHAIN FREE rarely available two bedroom top floor maisonette which benefits from a refitted kitchen, living room measuring 16’4 x 10’9, two double bedrooms, large private garden, double glazed windows throughout and gas central heating via radiators.
LET BY
CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
Peacock Gardens, Selsdon Vale £1,700pcm
Four bed detached family home, close to Greenvale & Forestdale Primary Schools. Internally offers a useful downstairs cloakroom, refitted kitchen, shower room, two separate reception rooms, private rear garden, detached garage.
LET BY
Sanderstead Road, South Croydon £1,250 pcm
Offered to the rental market is this 2 bedroom first floor flat with flexible furnishings for a long term let. The flat is accessed via a coded gate and offers re decorated modern lounge, kitchen/ diner with appliances, bedroom 1 with fitted shelves and chest of drawers, 2nd bedroom with built in wardrobe, white bathroom suite with electric shower over bath. DGW, GCH.
LET BY
Ridge Langley, South Croydon £1,400 PCM
This 3 bedroom terraced house has become available to the rental market for a long term let. The property comprises of a large lounge/diner with doors out to the garden, kitchen including appliances & downstairs WC. White bathroom suite.
3 bedroom unfurnished bungalow offered for a long term let. Accommodation comprises, entrance porch, lounge with doors leading to garden. Double doors off of the lounge to 2nd small reception room. 2 double bedrooms to the ground floor, white bathroom suite with electric shower over bath. Fitted kitchen with appliances and door leading to utility area. Stairs to loft room. Garage with additional storage area to the rear and access into the garden.
IS CELEBRATING HIS Paul Meakin 50TH YEAR IN ESTATE AGENCY
This year marks Paul Meakin’s 50th successful year in estate agency “circa 5th March 1969 to present day” covering all districts of Croydon and is now perhaps the longest serving estate agent. Paul has experienced many ups and downs in the Croydon property market, and prides himself on honesty, trust and going the extra mile to provide customer service.
In 1955, Paul, aged 4, moved to Croham Valley Road, Ballards Farm and attended two local schools, Gilbert Scott and Shirley High (leaving as Head boy). As a teenager Paul made his first life changing decision and chose estate agency over a career as a semi professional footballer with Crystal Palace. His first estate agent position was in Selsdon, where he quickly learnt the art of negotiating and sales skills. With a taste for success within the property industry his passion quickly became an obsession buying his first investment property aged 19.
In 1973, with £5,000 financial backing and a very modest business plan, Paul opened Paul Meakin and Partners in Coulsdon, with hard work, determination and commitment, he overcame all challenges the first being the 3 day week, he witnessed first hand the difficulties caused from the high interest rates and even sold a house without a commission charge so his clients could complete their move. That one good will gesture was repaid over and over with recommendation and built the reputation of a local business with a heart.
Outside of estate agency, Paul has raised a family including his daughter, Emma, who is a Director of the company and has always admired him for both his professional and personal qualities.
As well as being a great family man, Paul has contributed a lot to charity, he has run the London, New York, Chicago and Paris Marathons for Get Kids Going and young children with Epilepsy, raising thousands over the years for charities close to his heart. His involvement in charity is testament to his compassion and his desire to help others.
I I I 50 CELEBRATING
YEARS SERVICE I I I
Congratulations Paul for standing the test of time within the property market, you have served Croydon personally, you are widely respected by your competitors, past and present colleagues, customers and your family who are very proud to witness this achievement.
Emma Meakin, daughter and Director
I feel very privileged to have worked alongside my father since 1996. Over his 50 years we have estimated he has helped over 25,000 people move which is an outstanding achievement and he has witnessed so many changes. Paul is a remarkable man who, still in his 69th Year, wakes up wanting to come to work and long may this continue as he is an inspirational leader to the business and staff both past and present.
MEET THE TEAM at Paul Meakin
Emma Meakin MNAEA Director
My parents opened Paul Meakin in 1973 and throughout my childhood I witnessed their passion for estate agency and their dedication to the Croydon area. My first working day within the Company was in 1996 and after working in every corner of the business I became a Director in 2005. I pride myself on delivering a professional and honest service, available 24/7 for my buyers, sellers and landlords as well as building relationships they can trust and a service they will return to. Out of the office I spend as much time as I can with my husband and two very cheeky children.
Paul Meakin FNAEA Company Founder/Director Croydon has been my home since 1955 (aged 4) and I was educated at two local schools, Gilbert Scott and Shirley High. I have been an Estate Agent within the area for 50 years; a milestone I’m still coming to terms with. I have worked with many young and enthusiastic Estate Agents, just as I was aged 18. Starting work in Selsdon I’m often asked what makes a good Estate Agent? For me it’s simple, be prepared to go the extra mile and be willing to show your clients you care. I hope we are able to help you with your property needs and I remain available at our Sanderstead office to receive your feedback. In my spare time I have become a keen gardener and TV sports enthusiast – my triathlete wife would call that a couch potato.
Allison Banks Lettings Manager
I have been working for Paul Meakin for 21 years and I started as a Sunday lady and progressed to Lettings Manager, acquiring experience and knowledge with all aspects of sales and lettings. The testament for my long service is working for a family run business and their understanding and care of their staff and clientele. I still get a buzz out of helping landlords find good quality tenants. To relax I enjoy keeping fit at the gym and socialising with family and friends.
Sam Weller Branch Manager
Starting as a Trainee Negotiator, I have worked for Paul Meakin for 12 years, and I’m now managing the Selsdon office. I love working for the Company as you are so much more than just a member of staff, you are a valid part of the family run business. I’ve lived locally my whole life and there is nothing more satisfying than helping someone find their dream home. In my spare time I like to socialise with friends and family.
CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
Sandra Mitchel Property Valuer
In 2003 I joined Paul Meakin wanting to get away from ‘corporate agency’ and to be able to offer my clients a personal touch and help them achieve their goals. I thrive on recommendations and still get excited being called back into a property I have previously sold. I spend the majority of my free time either going to the gym or looking after my grandchild, both of which keep me fit!
In 2011 I joined Paul Meakin as a Lettings Negotiator and worked my way up to Assistant Lettings Manager. I can honestly say the joy of bringing qualified tenants and landlords together has not faded. I have always lived in the local area and feel proud to assist landlords in sourcing their tenants within the areas we cover. I enjoy spending my free time with my partner and meeting up with friends. Charlotte King Assistant Lettings Manager
Amy Reynolds Assistant Branch Manager
I chose to join the team in 2016, after having already acquired 5 years’ experience in the industry. I chose to join the firm because they are a successful family run business and I saw the opportunity to progress in my career. This has proved to be the best step I could have made. I enjoy meeting new clients, assisting them with their moving plans from the moment they instruct me right through to their moving day. In my spare time I train my dogs in agility and spend a lot of time with friends and family.
Gill Arkwright Sales Progressor
I’ve worked for Paul Meakin as part of the team for 9 years. My career began as a part time member of staff when my children were small, gaining knowledge in all aspects of estate agency along the way. Although I enjoy the variety of day to day tasks, my passion is for sales progression where satisfaction comes with effective problem solving for clients. My spare time is taken up with yoga, Pilates and country walks as well as spending time with family and friends.
I have a strong background in estate agency having worked in the corporate sector for 18 years. After having my son, I joined Paul Meakin in 2011 because they are a well-known family run business who have a reputation for providing top quality customer care to their clients. I enjoy providing support in all aspects of the business. My spare time is taken up with my family, in particular watching my son play football and cricket. Natalie Chapman Senior Sales Negotiator
Fresh out of college in 2006, I somewhat fell into estate agency but it is safe to say I have never looked back! I started as a trainee negotiator and have had worked my way up. I love the thrill of finding a client their perfect home and being a key cog in their journey to get there! I am a mother to two wonderful children who take up of most of my time out of work. Should I get a spare minute I have a passion for watching all levels of sport and love the chance to socialise with friends Charlotte Sutton Assistant Branch Manager (Sanderstead)
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