Joel Ward Homes
Privacy Policy
Last Updated: October 15, 2026
Your Privacy Matters
Our Commitment to Protecting Your Information
Joel Ward Homes, Inc. ("Joel Ward Homes," "we," "us," or "our") is a real estate brokerage based in Champaign, Illinois. We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting the personal information you share with us. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use and protect it, and the choices you have, including how our SMS/text messaging program works.
This policy applies to information collected through www.joelwardhomes.com, our online forms, and our phone, email, and text message communications. By using our website or providing your information to us, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.
SMS / Text Messaging
Text Messaging Terms & Consent
Joel Ward Homes offers text messaging so we can respond quickly to your real estate needs. When you provide your mobile phone number and opt in, you agree to receive recurring automated and non-automated text messages (SMS/MMS) from Joel Ward Homes at the number you provided.
- How you opt in: by checking the SMS consent box on a form on our website, by texting us first, or by giving written or verbal consent to a member of our team.
- Types of messages: replies to your inquiries, appointment and showing reminders, property and listing updates, home valuation follow-ups, transaction updates, and real estate market information.
- Message frequency: varies based on your inquiry and activity.
- Cost: Message and data rates may apply. Check with your mobile carrier for details.
- Opt out: reply STOP to any message at any time. You may also reply UNSUBSCRIBE, CANCEL, END, or QUIT. You will receive one final confirmation message, and no further texts will be sent unless you opt in again.
- Help: reply HELP to any message, call 217-355-4999, or email admin@joelwardhomes.com.
- Consent is optional: agreeing to receive text messages is not a condition of purchasing any property, product, or service.
- Carriers: mobile carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.
No mobile information will be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. All the categories of information sharing described in this Privacy Policy exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties. Information may be shared only with service providers that help us deliver our text messaging service, such as our messaging platform, and never for their own marketing.
01
Information We Collect
We collect information you give us directly and some information collected automatically when you use our website:
- Contact information: such as your name, email address, mobile phone number, and mailing address.
- Property and service details: such as homes you are interested in, property addresses submitted for a valuation, your buying, selling, or investing goals, and career inquiries.
- Communications: messages you send us by form, email, phone, or text, along with your communication preferences and consent records.
- Device and usage information: such as your IP address, browser type, pages viewed, and referring website, collected through cookies and similar technologies.
02
How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to:
- Respond to your inquiries and provide the real estate services you request;
- Schedule showings, consultations, and appointments;
- Send property listings, home valuations, and market updates you have asked for;
- Communicate with you by phone, email, and, with your consent, text message;
- Operate, maintain, and improve our website and services; and
- Comply with legal, regulatory, and licensing obligations.
03
How We Share Your Information
We do not sell or rent your personal information. We share information only as needed to serve you, including with:
- Service providers who support our business, such as website hosting, email, CRM, and messaging providers, who may use your information only to perform services for us;
- Parties to your real estate transaction, such as lenders, title companies, inspectors, or cooperating agents, when you ask us to or when it is necessary to complete your transaction; and
- Legal authorities when required by law, subpoena, or legal process, or to protect our rights and the safety of others.
Mobile phone numbers, SMS opt-in data, and consent are never shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing purposes, as described in our Text Messaging Terms above.
04
Cookies & Tracking Technologies
Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to remember your preferences, understand how visitors use our site, and improve your experience. You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings, although some features of the website may not work properly without them.
05
Data Retention
We keep personal information only as long as needed to provide our services, maintain records of your communication preferences and consent, and meet our legal, tax, and real estate licensing requirements. When information is no longer needed, we delete it or store it securely.
06
Data Security
We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. However, no method of internet transmission or electronic storage is completely secure, so we cannot guarantee absolute security.
07
Your Choices & Rights
You stay in control of how we communicate with you:
- Text messages: reply STOP to any text to opt out at any time.
- Emails: use the unsubscribe link in any marketing email.
- Phone calls: ask us to stop calling and we will update our records.
- Your information: contact us to request access to, correction of, or deletion of the personal information we hold about you, subject to our legal record-keeping obligations.
08
Third-Party Websites
Our website may link to third-party websites and services, such as social media platforms, mapping tools, and property search services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites, and we encourage you to review their privacy policies.
09
Children's Privacy
Our website and services are not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we will delete it.
10
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with a new "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our website or services after an update means you accept the revised policy.
Contact Us
Questions About This Policy?
Joel Ward Homes, Inc.
3111 Village Office Pl., Champaign, IL 61822
Phone: 217-355-4999
Email: admin@joelwardhomes.com