Beware of Ward Realty Point Pleasant, New Jersey
There is a realtor named Paul Ward in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey (Ward Realty). I want to warn anyone who is considering renting or buying on the Jersey Shore not to go near him. We’ve rented the same house there for years, always choosing the week we want a year in advance. This year my 2020 plans were confirmed by his office on the phone and in a written confirmation from him.
Then we were sent a contract where he tried to slip in different dates. When confronted, he first told me no such confirmation—which my attorney assures me is a legal contract—existed. When I produced it, he told me that it was because Leap Year shifted the dates! I had chosen the dates.
He became nasty and non-responsive, not making promised calls. He offered us another house nearby which would have been acceptable, but after two days of consideration, when we told him we’d take it, he told us that house was never available, it was fully rented. He offered no other explanation.
He has never returned our deposit from this year (July). I suspect he probably took a kickback from a renter to give our week away. I’m filing a complaint with the New Jersey Government licensing body.
But the bottom line is this: Don’t go near this guy. His firm apparently also sells insurance, and I can’t imagine him paying claims properly. I have the resources to change my plans and deal with unethical behavior, and illegal actions. But not everyone does.
Timothy Wilson
Alan, there is always one who thinks they can get over by trying to play someone for a fool. There shortsightedness and desire for quick profits is what they used as justification for scamming people.
This Ward individual is emblematic of the Golden Goose children’s fairy tale. Couldn’t be satisfied with a long-term client, who provided guaranteed revenue for his property well in advance on a regular basis. Tied to gouge you for more only to soon realize the prize he is loosing along with a ton of bad publicity and a likely law suit not to mention a possible investigation into his business practices. All because he was trying – as the young ones say – get over.
I know people who would jump for joy if they had a client like you and knew they could count on you and your family renting their place out on regular basis. I’m also keenly aware, this person has no idea what he is in for he clearly shouldn’t have poked the bear.
Alan Weiss
The people who are hurt are the owners of the house who no longer will receive my rental money. It’s amazing to me that people spend more time and energy trying to cheat than they would being legitimate business people, and they’d also make more money honestly.
Timothy Wilson
I’m guessing you’ll find a better place, with better rates and better people.
Alan Weiss
We’ve found another place we’re quite happy with, it will be a nice change for us. He still hasn’t returned the deposit saying, “I thought you’d be coming back”! I’ve filed a complaint with the state and now I move on.
John Rudy
You and I should talk
Alan Weiss
That’s cryptic. If you want to talk, email me. I found Ward Realty, particularly the owner, to be totally unethical and ignorant.
Clarence and Joy Reynolds
Do not ever use Paul Ward as your realtor!!! He forces you to purchase insurance from his own agency, which he owes, when you rent a property. A big conflict of interest. Tried to charge us a $100.00 for a stain on a floor mat. Refused to release our $350.00 security deposit. Told him to put a claim into his insurance co. which we paid for when we signed lease agreement. He is refusing to do so.
Alan Weiss
He is dishonest and manipulating. Never use his agency. He lies when he says “hello.”
Clarence and Joy Reynolds
We are in the process of filing a complaint against Paul Ward. Could you send the name and address of the real estate governing licensing board?
Thanks, Joy and Clarence Reynolds email [email protected]
Alan Weiss
You’ll find it here: https://www.state.nj.us/dobi/division_rec/index.htm He doesn’t belong to the NJ Realtors Association last time I checked because he probably can’t live up to their standards of professionalism. NO ONE should rent anything from Paul Ward’s operation.
Alan Weiss
I always believe in second chances for errors, unless I’m being deliberately cheated and lied to. I received this today from a reader:
The owner of a Point Pleasant Beach realty and insurance business was arrested and charged with setting ablaze a group of commercial vehicles belonging to an unidentified business in Wall Township in September, authorities announced Thursday.
Officers from the Wall Township Police Department were called to the business, located on the 1900 block of Atlantic Avenue, at 10:11 p.m. and found six vehicles on fire, according to a statement from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.
Harcourt “Paul” S. Ward, 69, of Toms River, who owns Ward Realty and Insurance, allegedly torched the vehicles, the office said. The estimated value of the damage caused by the fire was over $1 million.
Ward was charged with four counts of arson, officials said. His motives for allegedly destroying the vehicles was not disclosed by investigators.
Anyone with information on the incident was urged to contact Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Joshua Rios at 800-533-7443 or Wall Township Police Detective Zach Honecker at 732-449-4500.
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Chris Sheldon may be reached at [email protected].