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A Fresh Approach
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    About Pace
    PACE are professional, ARLA licenced property specialists operating since 1994, providing a reliable and efficient lettings and management service for landlords and property investors. Visit our welcoming and highly visible offices in Southend and you will find a convenient, competitive and highly comprehensive property solution - we are open 6 days a week and evenings.
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    Personalised Service
    As a family-run firm, we pride ourselves in delivering a flexible, personalised service and offer at all times, a standard of individual care and professionalism which you will find second to none - a reflection, we believe, of why so many landlords trust their investments to PACE.
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    We are a fully Licensed ARLA Agent
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    This is your guarantee of accredited, professional, indemnified service. Your money is fully protected and our service is second to none.
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    Block Management (Freehold and Leasehold Services)
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    We offer a comprehensive and competitive block management service in Essex and surrounding areas.  We can help whatever stage you are at - from acquiring the freehold or right to manage, or helping you to run your block the way that suits you. 
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    Investment Properties for Sale
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    We have a range of investment properties for sale, offering attractive yields in good condition and with carefully chosen tenants.  We offer discounted management rates for properties bought through us.
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    Terms & Conditions

    We have launched a new, flat fee pricing structure which offers significant cost savings for everyone looking to let a property in the local area.

    This fresh approach to letting removes commission based pricing and offers landlords flat fee payment packages, the benefits associated with online letting agencies, namely very low costs, coupled with the personal service of our traditional high street branch. We offer 3 levels of lettings, service from only £500+VAT - for standard marketing including Rightmove and other portals.

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Why tenants chose Pace
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    We will help you you find and move into your perfect rental home with the minimum of stress. We have an extensive database of properties to view - your Lettings Consultant will listen attentively to your needs and directly match your requirements with properties suited to you. Be the first to know when we have an ideal property for you by registering for SMS and email alerts. Your Lettings Consultant can arrange daytime or evening viewings, at your convenience.
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    We are a fully Licensed ARLA Agent. This is your guarantee of qualified and trained staff who will give you professional up-to-date advice and guidance. We follow a Code of Practice and Rules of Conduct laid down by our professional body and you also have a free route to independent redress if ever required.
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    Full inventories are carried out on managed properties, jointly agreed with your Property Manager on move-in day (which can usually include Saturdays). Your deposit is fully protected with the "The Dispute Service" - a government approved scheme to ensure tenants' deposits are treated fairly.
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Meet our Team
  • Introduction

    In terms of properties under management and truly available stock, we are one of the largest letting agents in Southend. We have almost 20 members of staff and are here 6 days a week, including week day evenings. We have specialist staff in specific roles to ensure clear communication and expert advice. For example, a dedicated Property Manager will get to know you, your property and your tenant. Please find below some background information on our senior team members.
  • Team Member

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    Crystal Horwood, Chief Executive Officer
    Crystal joined PACE in 2007, was appointed to Managing Director in 2010, before becoming CEO and heading up the company founded by her father, in 1994. She is responsible for the daily operations of the business, whilst also ensuring the company is financially sound, has strategic direction and is planning for future growth. 

    Crystal takes a thoughtful and considered approach to all that she does, transferring her determination to deliver implicit care, attention and professionalism to every member of her team.

    As we invest in residential property ourselves at Pace, Crystal is well positioned to understand the goals and needs of our landlord clients.  With a substantial portfolio of our own, we keep a very close eye on both regulatory and market developments and share this information with our landlord clients.

    In the past few years, we have expanded our business both in terms of properties under management, the development of our estate agency offering and into residential leasehold management. 
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    Marcus James, Associate Director
    In 2008, Marcus chose to take a change in career direction away from a supervisory role in retail to move in to the property industry. He began with Pace in the lettings department as a negotiator progressing to the Lettings Manager in 2011 and Lettings and Sales Manager in 2015. Marcus has since been promoted to Branch Manager & Associate Director. In his day to day role, Marcus ensures our landlords and vendors get the best price in the right timeframe for their investments and private homes.

    Marcus also conducts the rental and sales appraisals, property viewings and oversees the running of the sales and lettings department. Since achieving his Lettings Property Mark (formerly ARLA) technical award in 2010 Marcus continued his academic development by completing an NVQ in Sales and Management in 2012 then achieving his Sales Property Mark (formerly NAEA) technical award in 2014. Marcus is extremely knowledgeable in property law and completely understands the needs and wishes of his clients.
    Marcus brings a deep commitment to his work; to the service of landlords, vendors, purchasers and tenants.

    Outside of the office Marcus is kept very busy with his 4 children, 2 dogs and a rabbit. He has a keen interest in cycling, participating in the London to Southend 52 mile frequently and bringing his work experience to his own property projects also.
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    Martin Ransom, Head of Property Management
    With nearly 30 years experience in the property industry, Martin is well placed in his role as Head of Property Management for Pace. After joining the business in 2010 Martin took it upon himself to foster excellent customer service among the team and this continues to position Pace as a leader in its field today.

    Additionally, Martin is a founding member of SEAL (South East Alliance of Landlords, Agents and Residents), and is the primary Pace representative.Starting his career in 1987, Martin worked for the Financial Services Corporation as a Mortgage Broker where he quickly excelled. After only three years he was successfully managing the Mortgage department. 

    By 1996, Martin had moved to Sterling Properties working in the lettings field for the first time. It was here, working alongside the founder of the business, that Martin developed the financial services arm of the company. After many years of hard work, the London Scottish Banking Group acquired Sterling Properties where Martin remained as Head of Operations
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    Sara Threadgold, Property Manager
    Sara has been with Pace since 2013. Having studied for and passed her Property Mark (formerly ARLA) exams, she strives to provide excellent customer service and works to the best of her ability at all times.After spending 7 years with Lloyds banking group specifically working within customer service roles, Sarah has a thorough understanding of what it takes to keep our clients happy!

    In her current position, Sara enjoys the variety of property management where every day is different and daily challenges keep her on her toes.When Sara is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family.
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    Tammy Cooper, Property Manager
    Tammy joined Pace in 2017 as part of the Sales Team as an administrator. Within the year she gained experience in lettings and tenant referencing. Tammy has since moved across to the Property Management Team and will be carrying out thorough property visits and inventories. Tammy is looking forward to expanding her knowledge within the property sector and hopes to obtain an Property Mark qualification in the near future.

    Having always worked within a customer service role, Tammy is an effective communicator and ensures she always builds a good rapport with customers and colleagues alike. Her hobbies outside of work include spending time with friends and family, baking, games nights and reading thriller / psychological drama books.
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    Testimonials from our clients
    • Introduction

      We actively seek feedback from our clients by sending out review forms at key stages of the tenancy cycle.

    Testimonials from Landlords

    • Landlord Testimonial

      reliable, proactive letting agent
      Nicholas - February 2025.
      Letting from Pace Property Professionals has been a fantastic experience. The team is professional, responsive, and truly understands our needs. They've handled every step of the process smoothly, from marketing the property and conducting viewings to handling paperwork electronically and ensuring all regulations were met. It is reassuring to know that my property is in such capable hands, and I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable, proactive letting agent
    • Landlord Testimonial

      renting experience very easy
      Charlie - February 2025
      My property manager Sara is amazing her communications are spot on she always deals with any problems/issues that arise quickly and works hard to resolve them she has always been polite and helpful and kept me up to date with things. Sara makes my renting experience very easy.
    • Landlord Testimonial

      worked incredibly hard
      Mick December 2024
      The whole team in Southend have worked incredibly hard to find a suitable candidate [tenant] and provide great support throughout the process. Everyone there always acts very professionally and their support is greatly appreciated.
    • Landlord Testimonial

      assisted me for over 6 years
      Wendy, November 2024
      Expert and efficient company. Handles enquiries promptly and courteously. They go above and beyond to help. They have assisted me for over 6 years. All staff are so friendly and knowledgeable. Can't rate them highly enough - will always recommend. Thank you Pace!
    • Landlord Testimonial

      very professional
      Christlinda - November 2024
      My experience has been nothing short of best. From the callings to bookings of appointments for viewings and the constant reminders both by email and phone calls.  Elizabeth has been nothing short of class and very professional. She is absolutely the best and takes time to answer your questions and clarify things with you. Well done to her and the entire Team.
    • Landlord Testimonial

      excellent job
      Martin - July 2024
      We use PACE for all our property lets, this last house has been a challenge due to its size and location. PACE supported us all the way from the start of the refurbishment through to the property being let. They did an excellent job.
    • Landlord Testimonial

      Highly Recommend!
      Simon Gallot - Dec.19
      Very pleased with the service from Pace - who have found tennants for one of my properties. Katie Gray has been brilliant - always available and kept me up to date. Highly Recommend!
    • Landlord Testimonial

      Always professional and polite
      Barbara Joel - Nov. 19
      Sara has managed our rental property for the last five years and has given excellent service. Always professional and polite, kept us informed at all times, carried out inspections as necessary and organised any work that needed doing after consultation with us.

      I would wholeheartedly recommend her.
    • Landlord Testimonial

      organised and efficient
      Pauline V - 31st January 2013
      I have used Pace as an agent for over 7 years now and find them very well organised, efficient, approachable and friendly.
    • Landlord Testimonial

      very good service
      Jenny Holmes - December 2012
      I have used Pace as a homebuyer and more recently as a landlord, now that I let my house out on a long term basis. In both cases they have provided a very good service. I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone looking to buy, sell, rent or let a property.
    • Landlord Testimonial

      incredibly professional
      L Langley (Landlord)
      Venturing into the lettings market was a big step for my husband and I, the prospect of letting our family home to complete strangers was not a decision we took lightly. 

      After researching local letting agents we decided PACE was the best option for us. All of our questions were answered quickly and efficiently and we had no hesitation in contacting them at any time. The service they provide is quick and incredibly professional and they maintained a very down to earth, friendly manner throughout.

      I would like to thank PACE for the outstanding customer care they provide and I will certainly be recommending them to my friends.
    • Landlord Testimonial

      a pleasure to work with
      Stuart K (Property Investor)
      As the owner of several leasehold properties in Southend, I came up against some demanding freeholders. PACE helped me claim the right to manage or buy the freehold which gave me the control I wanted to keep my properties in prime condition, without it costing a fortune. I've always found their staff knowledgeable, helpful and friendly - a pleasure to work with. Stuart K.
    • Landlord Testimonial

      really nice people who know their jobs.
      Mike - October 2014
      PACE have been managing my property for the past 15 years or so (Previously lettings were through Dedhams lettings/sales who handed over to PACE).

      During that time I have had good relations with my property managers and they have responded promptly to any queries I may have had. Sometimes I have thought that the contractors would have paid more attention or taken more care had my property not been a rental, however, PACE have been great at providing 6 monthly reports and photos of work to be done. Rent had been transferred to my account promptly and all in all I have no complaints.

      I have found my property managers to be friendly, polite and good at their jobs. Upon deciding to see my property I have been very satisfied with the service that PACE sales have provided. I would wholeheartedly recommend PACE on the basis that you deal with really nice people who know their jobs. Thank you to Amy, Rebekah,Sara and Sue, it's been a pleasure working with you all and not forgetting Billy in the accounts section
    • Landlord Testimonial

      managed my property rentals for some ten years
      Dave S - 9th Feb 2013
      Pace have managed my property rentals for some ten years. I have dealt with most if not all the staff and found them helpful and responsive to issues that arise.

      Kelly Brown, who is my property manager, is very helpful and goes out of her way to help solve problems. She is even understanding when I get things wrong - as we all do from time to time.

      It's easy to be critical but Pace and Kelly have my praise and thanks for their efforts in supporting my needs for property management. Whilst they aren't perfect - and who is these days - I would certainly recommend them.
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