inside this issue
4 HABITS OF SUCCESSFUL SELLERS BUYING A HOUSE ON YOUR OWN WHAT’S ON GUIDE PLUS ALL OF THIS MONTH’S PROPERTIES
THE PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE BROUGHT TO YOU BY FISKS | ISSUE 56
Contents What’s On Guide With life getting busier every week and new bars, restaurants and events opening every month, staying on top can be tricky. So here’s a roundup of this month’s hottest happenings in and around the local area…
4 Habits of Successful Sellers What habits should you take note of to have a successful home sale?
Buying a House on Your Own You don’t need to be in a couple to get on the property ladder. Take that first step with our top tips.
Our properties Last, but certainly not least, you can find all of this month’s feature properties throughout the magazine. Enjoy!
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Welcome to our
magazine... Welcome to the April edition of our Gateway magazine.
John Pring FNAEA (Honoured) & MARLA | Director
April, the month of spring. The flowering trees are in full bloom and Easter is just around the corner. For some people Easter is a four day holiday weekend and is the traditional start to the summer. As the longest bank holiday in the UK calendar, with four days from Friday-Monday, Easter is the perfect time to do all those outside chores in order to get the garden ready for summer. In between there is time to look for your new dream home. April is the month where many people decide to put their homes on the market and one of these may be right for you. Many first time buyers find the whole prospect of househunting daunting, so in this edition we have put together some helpful hints to assist you if you are now nervously looking for your first home. You are never alone; at Fisks we are here to help and are always available to offer free advice. On the other side of the fence, we are also offering advice to sellers. These suggestions may seem obvious but cannot be repeated often enough. Whether you are a buyer or a seller, agreeing the price is the first step. A successful negotiation is where both parties agree a figure that they are both happy with. There should be no winners or losers. Have a happy Easter! For an updated Sales or Lettings valuation, to see your property in our May Gateway magazine or for further advice, please contact your local Fisks branch.
fisks.co.uk
What’s on guide
What’s on guide... With life getting busier every week and new bars, restaurants and events opening every month, staying on top can be tricky. So here’s a round up of this month’s hottest happenings in and around the local area…
www.fisks.co.uk
On
9am - 5pm everyday
On
Sunday 28th April 2019
On
Monday 29th April - Saturday 4th May
On
Sunday April 28th 2019
Wat Tyler Country Park Nominated by English Nature as a ‘Site of Specific Interest’, Wat Tyler Country Park has 125 acres of country walks, wildlife spotting, and adventure play for kids. There are always events going on to keep the kids entertained (including Easter events and trails!) and a lovely café to catch a family lunch!
Hadleigh Spring Fair Get ready to celebrate spring with this family fun spring fair! Craft Stalls, a merry-go-round, children’s activities, home-made cakes and lots of fun to be had, this event promises no one will go bored, and best of all – it’s free!
Location Pitsea Hall Lane, Pitsea, Basildon
Location Hadleigh Old Fire Station, Hadleigh
Rent
Location
This April, the talented and award-winning Young Gen will be performing Jonathan Larson’s hit rock musical ‘Rent School Edition’. This inspiring musical tells the story of a group of friends and young artists struggling to survive and create a life in the East Village of New York City. With phenomenal songs, this is a show that you must see.
Chelmsford City Theatres, Fairfi eld Road, Chelmsford, Essex
London Marathon
Location
Join the crowds of spectators lining the 26.2 mile route of the world-famous London Marathon and cheer on your favourite runners as they break a sweat while wending their way through the capital. You’ll fi nd the largest crowds at Tower Bridge and Embankment and the emotional fi nish of the Marathon takes place on the Mall in front of Buckingham Palace.
Various London locations, London
On
Tuesday 23rd – Saturday 27th April
On
From April 15th 2019
On
Friday 19th April
On
Sunday 14th April
Calendar Girls: The Musical
Location
Calendar Girls - The Musical by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth is the award-winning production based on the true story of the calendar girls – a group of ordinary ladies who achieved something extraordinary. This marvelous musical comedy received fantastic five star reviews in London’s West End and features an all-star cast.
Cliffs Pavilion, Southend-on-Sea
Free Mini Golf Brush off your putting skills, because free mini golf is back! With 9 holes to play through, including the classic ‘loop-de-loop’, the ‘death drop’, and many more trick shot opportunities to show off your prowess, this is the perfect chance to foster some healthy competition in the office and have fun at the same time.
Location Canary Wharf
Dr Feelgood
Location
Formed on Canvey Island in Essex in the early 1970s, Dr. Feelgood remains one of the most popular and exciting live rhythm and blues acts in the world. The raw and uncompromising style of their performance resulted in the album Stupidity that immediately went to the number one position in the U.K. charts.
Civic Theatre, Chelmsford
Chelmsford Jazz Club
Location
Matt Wates (Sax) Leon Greening (Piano) Julian Bury (Bass) Matt Fishwick (Drums) come together to play some incredible jazz. For an evening of great music, drinks and entertainment, come on down.
Cramphorn Studio, Chelmsford
Meet our
Benfleet Team Our centrally located estate and letting agency branch offers a professional sales, lettings and property management service for Benfleet and the surrounding areas benefitting from ARLA and NAEA qualified staff.
Located some 30 miles east of the City of London on the north bank of the Thames Estuary, Benfleet is primarily based around three historically separate settlements; South Benfleet, Thundersley and Hadleigh. which gradually merged during the 20th century. The residential areas are now said to have the highest proportion of owner occupancy in the country which speaks volumes for the quality of life here!
THERE ARE A LOT OF ESTATE AGENTS BUT ONLY ONE FISKS
The mainland station in South Benfleet services the entire area and is the busiest commuting station on the Fenchurch Street C2C line.
“We gave our property to Fisks when we decided to move as Ian seemed the most professional of the three agents who we asked to value our property. Boy are we glad we did house sold to the first viewers in 36 hours from instructing Fisk’s. We were kept up to date with regular calls and nothing was too much trouble. Now we have moved Ian is collecting post from our old address for us and calling for us to collect from the office. Beyond the call of duty Great service thanks again Martin and Melanie Bagnall “
Fisks 146 London Road, Benfleet Essex, SS7 5SQ T 01268 565555 F 01268 566291 E benfleet@fisks.co.uk
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LOCAL
TAMARISK, BENFLEET £459,995 This immaculate detached property is perfect for buyers wanting close access to the train station and families wanting to get their children into the "outstanding" schools that the area can offer. Internally the property features a downstairs cloakroom, lounge, dining room, fully fitted kitchen, four bedrooms on the first floor with the master bedroom having a shower en-suite and a family bathroom. The rear garden is mainly laid to lawn, perfect for children, and has a shed that will stay. The front garden offers the same with a hard standing driveway for up to five vehicles. Energy Band – C.
CALL 01268 565555
ELECTRIC AVENUE, WESTCLIFFON-SEA £375,000 - £385,000 Refurbished and modernised throughout, this 1920's period semi-detached property oozes style and character, with many of the original fireplaces still in situ and offering fantastic living space on all three levels. The accommodation comprises a lounge, good sized dining room, big kitchen/diner/living room, four great sized bedrooms on the first floor (master with an en-suite shower room), a good sized family bathroom plus another double bedroom with en-suite shower room on the second floor. To the rear is the private garden and to the front there is private parking for two vehicles. Energy Band – E.
CALL 01268 565555
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CHURCH ROAD, BENFLEET £290,000-£300,000 0 This semi-detached chalet has been modernised throughout, comprising a lounge/diner, fitted kitchen, refitted shower room, master bedroom on the ground floor and another double bedroom on the first floor. The garden is mainly laid to lawn with a patio at the front. There is an extra-large garage attached to the property with fantastic potential to convert (STPP). Energy Band – E.
CALL 01268 565555
MALWOOD DRIVE, BENFLEET £320,000 This three bedroom semidetached property has been redecorated and modernised throughout offering good living space on both floors. The benefits include a good sized lounge/diner, fitted kitchen and a boutique-style bathroom. The rear garden is mainly laid to lawn and there is also a garage with a private driveway for up to four vehicles. Energy Band – Awaiting.
CALL 01268 565555
FELSTEAD ROAD, BENFLEET £425,000 Situated just over a mile from Benfleet mainline station with links straight to Fenchurch Street is this executive detached family home. Internally the property benefits from a spacious lounge/diner, kitchen/breakfast room, study/bedroom five and cloakroom to the ground floor with a further four bedrooms to the first floor with an ensuite to the master. Due to the location of the property any buyer will be lucky enough to be within the King John School catchment area. Energy Band – C.
CALL 01268 565555
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THORNBRIDGE, BENFLEET £540,000 Located in a private road within walking distance to Benfleet train station is this generous detached property featuring a fantastic sized lounge/dining area, refitted kitchen, breakfast room and cloakroom to the ground floor. Upstairs there are four double bedrooms with a shower en-suite to the master and a refitted family bathroom. The rear garden is low maintenance with a wooden outbuilding to the rear with UPVC double glazed windows and bi-fold doors. To the front there is a front drive with off-street parking and the garage has been converted into a utility room/storage area. Energy Band – Awaiting.
CALL 01268 565555
4 habits of successful sellers As winter turns to spring, many people are making and breaking habits in an attempt to make a fresh start. The change of the season usually signifies a new approach, and a new chance to do things right4
Image credit: Lyubov Levitskaya
Image credit: VGstockstudio
With spring being so popular for selling your home, there are certain habits that we typically see in those homeowners whose property sells successfully and swiftly. So what are their secrets, and how can you adopt them? 1. Grill Estate Agents Successful sellers aren’t interested in commission rates; they want the agent who they believe will get them the best price for their property. The agent who will hold that sale together and drive it forward, so they can be in their new home sooner rather than later. These sellers give us estate agents a grilling. When we’re invited into their home for an appraisal, they have a list of questions ready. We love the challenge of proving our ability to perform. 2. Wreck it Ralph If your apartment isn’t in a good state of repair you are wrecking any chance of achieving the highest possible asking price for your home. Become a ‘Fix it Felix’ and start to get your home in the best shape possible. Successful sellers don’t rest on their laurels when the work is done. They continue to monitor their home to ensure it is in the finest condition for when a buyer walks through the door. 3. Binge on Netflix If you only watch one Netflix series this January make it Tidying Up with Marie Kondo. With episodes covering
everything from tidying up with toddlers, when two (messes) become one, and breaking from a mountain of stuff, you will learn some incredible ways to not only tidy your home, but fantastic habits for not going back. Having a ‘show-ready’ home and one that is impeccably clean and beautiful today is a must when selling. We must stress this is not about turning your property into one that is sterile and void of personality, as this can give a negative impression. A home is one that looks loved and cared for with little touches that add warmth and colour. 4. Don’t sit on the fence Buying a property is an emotional experience and, as such, buyers get frustrated when they are not being responded to. Successful sellers respond quickly. They have a clear idea of what figure they would be happy with; they are eager to start the negotiation process and understand that delaying it could mean the buyer loses interest or finds something else. When an offer is made, act quickly. What home-selling habits are you adopting this year?
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 and benefits from ARLA and NAEA qualified staff.
GREAT PROFESSIONAL YET FRIENDLY AGENT “Gemma North & the Fisks team were incredibly easy to work with .....even from 3000 miles away in Canada. .Gemma was always available, polite ,freindly & returned calls swiftly . .The whole transaction went smoothly with many excellent recommendations for other professionals ie solicitors, inspectors etc We would not hesitate to recommend or use Fisks in the future. Thank you so much for all your hard work !!!!�
With excellent rail connections into the City from neighbouring Benfleet station, Canvey is today permanently connected to the mainland via two road bridges, offering fast access to the M25 and East Anglia via the A12 trunk road. However the island still manages to preserve an independent character and a vibrant community spirit all its own. Thanks to development in recent years, Canvey offers a wide range of exceptionally reasonably-priced 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.
Fisks 85 Furtherwick Road, Canvey Island, Essex, SS8 7AY T 01268 510510 F 01268 697126 E canvey@fisks.co.uk
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LOCAL
CLIFTON ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £349,995 This stunning four bedroom detached house has a modern open plan fitted kitchen/diner and good sized lounge. All the rooms are well decorated with a very nice downstairs toilet and a 10ft four piece bathroom suite. Externally there is a 35ft garden housing a patio area and pizza oven, plus a garage and off street parking. Energy Band – Awaiting.
CALL 01268 510510
HIGH ROAD, BENFLEET £325,000 - £350,000 This four bedroom semi-detached house, located in South Benfleet within walking distance to Benfleet train station, has been modernised to a very high standard throughout. The property comprises a lounge, separate dining room, brick-based conservatory, fitted kitchen and shower room to the ground floor, three bedrooms and family bathroom on the first floor and a fourth bedroom on the third floor. The rear garden is a good size and is mainly laid to lawn with patio area to the side and sheds to remain. The front of the property offers a private driveway for up to two vehicles. Energy Band – Awaiting.
CALL 01268 510510
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WILMSLOWE, CANVEY ISLAND £270,000 - £280,000 This fantastic sized family home boasts enough room for those family parties with its 22ft lounge and its 60ft rear garden (approximately). Upstairs the spacious galleried landing leads to three double bedrooms and a beautiful three piece bathroom suite. The property is located in one of the quietest areas on the island and is only a short distance from local amenities. Energy Band – D.
CALL 01268 510510
MAY AVENUE, CANVEY ISLAND £300,000 This attractive three bedroom detached bungalow is in good condition and located within walking distance to the town centre and sea front. The bungalow comprises a large lounge, a separate dining room, modern kitchen, three double bedrooms and family bathroom. There is the potential to extend into the loft or to the front due to the bungalow being set back (STPP). Energy Band – Awaiting.
CALL 01268 510510
WEEL ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £210,000-£220,00 0 A beautifully presented detached bungalow located in a sought after road close to the seafront with easy access to the town centre. The bungalow has been well-maintained by the current owners and offers its new vendors minimal work at a fantastic price, featuring a good sized lounge, fitted kitchen and one double bedroom. Energy Band – D.
CALL 01268 510510
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FLORENCE ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £300,000 This splendid detached family house consist of an 18ft lounge leading on to a conservatory, a separate dining room, modern fitted kitchen and downstairs cloakroom whilst upstairs provides three spacious bedrooms, a separate dressing room off the master bedroom which could easily be converted into an en-suite and a family bathroom. Externally, you have off street parking for two vehicles and a garage. Energy Band – D.
CALL 01268 510510
Image credit: fizkes
Buying a House on Your Own? Here’s What You Need to Know Investing in property for the first time can be complex and seemingly daunting at the beginning. Yet it’s a wonderful way of securing your financial future. You can actually invest in property such as buy to let and benefit from both rental income and increased equity as the piece of real estate increases in value. Interest rates are quite low and the potential of property increasing in value is so high today that buying a house might turn out to be a very rewarding exercise. Even so, before you put in your money there’re a number of things you need to know4
Image credit: lenetstan
Take time to understand the market fully Investment experts recommend that no matter how lucrative and potentially rewarding a property is you take time to understand it. You must understand the benefits fully and the potential risks there in. For instance, if you’re interested in buy-to-let, ensure it’s absolutely what you want and that your investment isn’t better elsewhere. Buying a house might involve committing lots of money to a piece of property and seeking a mortgage. In future, increase in house prices will see you making huge gains from the mortgage debt while a fall in prices will see your deposit severely hit without a change in the mortgage. Investing in property has worked for many. To understand what awaits you, take some time to talk to a friend or acquaintance who’ve invested in property before. Location is key Investing in a property mean you must mind the location. For buy-to-lets, it
must be a very attractive and safe place to live in for all types of potential tenants and property buyers, not necessarily yourself. If the area is crime ridden and lacking in critical amenities it won’t draw anyone’s interest. Essentially, you must ask yourself why anyone would love to live in the area and in that property. Perhaps it’s ease in accessing public transport or proximity to good schools. Be fully convinced about the factors that make the property a prime investment. Understand the maths involved Prior to committing yourself to search for a house to buy take time to understand the prices of houses you’ve in mind and rent involved if you decide to let. For instance, most investors in buy to let seek a rent covering 125% of their mortgage repayments to about 150% and would require 25% in deposits or more. Once you’re clear about the possible rent and potential mortgage rate decide whether the investment is worth it, factoring in maintenance work involved.
Don’t forget insurance After purchasing a property with lots of expensive and appealing features most people just want to have it insured. Even so, most insurers will only cover damages for houses that haven’t been occupied for about a month. If you can’t practically occupy the new property you could go for unoccupied home cover available for three to nine months. Hands on or hands off? Do make up your mind whether an agent is better off managing the property for you or if you’ve the time to do it yourself. Note that management fee will be required if you decide to use an agency but you won’t have to deal with emerging problems such as searching for plumbers, painters or electricians. If you did it yourself, you’ll need time for repairs, promoting the property, availing yourself for viewing among others. Make up your mind how hands on you want to be n
Image credit: Sargis Zubov
Why use Fisks? Members of NAEA (National Association of Estate Agents) and ARLA (Association of Residential Letting Agents). Audited clients account Free rent guarantee insurance with management plus Option to spread payments over the length of lease (subject to Terms of Business) Three levels of service offered: Let Only, Management and Management Plus
Benfleet Fisks Ltd 146 London Road Benfleet Essex, SS7 5SQ T: 01268 565555 F: 01268 566291 E: benfleet@fisks.co.uk Canvey Fisks Ltd 85 Furtherwick Road Canvey Island Essex, SS8 7AY T: 01268 510510 F: 01268 697126 E: canvey@fisks.co.uk Lettings & Management 146a London Road Benfleet Essex, SS7 5SQ Tel: 01268 638425 Email: alex@fisks.co.uk Head Office 146a London Road Benfleet Essex, SS7 5SQ T: 01268 750000 F: 01268 758921 E: office@fisks.co.uk Property Management: 0207 517 8811
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To experience our service, put us to the test! Contact your local branch at Benfleet, Canvey.