Press Release | RateMyAgent | March 11, 2026

MEDIA RELEASE

March 11th, 2026

James Ward Wins RateMyAgent’s Local & State Agent of the Year Awards in 2026

RateMyAgent – the global review and ratings platform for real estate agents – has announced James Ward as the winner of the USA, New Jersey & local Agent of the Year Award 2026.

The sixth annual awards results were released on March 11th, recognizing the nation’s top real estate agents and Realtors, celebrating their dedication to the highest standards of customer service.

These awards are unique within the industry because they are driven by customer feedback. To ensure accuracy and fairness, the award calculation process undergoes an annual independent audit—with this year’s review conducted by the global accounting firm, RSM.

Award winners and nominees are the most highly recommended performers by local sellers and buyers. They are selected based on customer satisfaction ratings across the country and overall sales performance.

Eligibility for these awards is open to any real estate professional using the RateMyAgent platform for collecting client reviews, irrespective of whether they make use of RateMyAgent’s extensive features.

“The RateMyAgent Awards acknowledge real estate agents who go above and beyond for their clients,” said RateMyAgent CEO Jim Crisera.

“Performance-based reviews are essential in enabling agents to stand out, and they’re also the main criteria toward receiving a RateMyAgent Award.”

“We’re striving to push the standard for customer service and tonight is about recognising your exceptional efforts. Congratulations to every winner and nominee of this year's awards. Your dedication to excellence is what drives this industry forward, and we can’t wait for another year of raising the bar for real estate professionals nationwide," said Crisera.

“James Ward with Keller Williams Realty, Ocean Living has earned numerous awards over the years with this year his best yet with the following accomplishments earned:

• Top 10 real estate agent in all of New Jersey
• Top Realtor in Ocean County
• Top Realtor in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey
• Top Realtor in Point Pleasant Boro, New Jersey
• Top Realty in Barnegat, New Jersey

James Ward’s Awards underscore his reputation for results-driven service, market expertise, and an unwavering commitment to his clients. Known throughout the Jersey Shore as a trusted advisor, Ward has built a standout career helping clients buy, sell, and invest in real estate across the shore communities of the New Jersey Shore. Similarly ranked at the top with 5 star reviews on Google, Realtor.com and Zillow, James' reputation is second to none. James Ward also boasts having been voted #1 Real Estate in Ocean County by the Asbury Park Press, won prestigious sales awards like NJR Circle of Excellence Sales Award, Platinum Level as well as Distinguished Sales Club in NJ. 

Beyond traditional residential sales, Ward is the founder of Shore Points Vacations & Sales, bringing a unique and valuable perspective to the market through extensive experience in vacation rentals, second homes, and investment properties. His deep understanding of both lifestyle-driven purchases and income-producing real estate makes him a top choice for buyers and sellers seeking strategic guidance along the New Jersey Shore.

“Being ranked number one in New Jersey and recognized as a finalist is incredibly meaningful because it’s driven entirely by client feedback,” said Ward. “Every review represents a relationship built on trust, communication, and results.”

With a proven track record, local expertise, and national recognition, James Ward continues to set the benchmark for excellence in New Jersey real estate

For more information about James Ward, Shore Points Vacations & Sales, or to work with one of New Jersey’s top-ranked agents, contact:

James Ward

732-995-2441 call/text

Keller Williams Ocean Living
New Jersey Shore Real Estate Specialist

About RateMyAgent & Renowned:

RateMyAgent (ASX: RMY) helps homeowners select trusted real estate professionals. Operating in the United States of America, Australia and New Zealand, RateMyAgent continues to lead the global market in championing agents that are dedicated to exceptional client service.

RateMyAgent is the consumer-facing platform of the Renowned brand. Renowned is the real estate industry’s first fully integrated Local Expert Marketing (LEM) solution. Renowned turns verified reviews, past performance, listings, and hyperlocal insights into content that wins trust and builds agent reputation across the digital channels that matter most.

Renowned is used by over 350,000 agents and over 9,800 real estate offices worldwide. Coupled with the 100,000+ Curated Social users across U.S.and Canada.

For more information, please visit RateMyAgent or Renowned websites.