Privacy Policy

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This is a draft Privacy Policy tailored for a Texas real estate website, incorporating standards from the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC), the Texas Association of REALTORS®, and the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act (TDPSA).
Important Legal Disclaimer: I am an AI, not an attorney. Privacy laws (especially the new Texas Data Privacy and Security Act) can be complex. You must have your client review this with a qualified Texas real estate attorney to ensure full compliance.
Part 1: TREC Compliance (Crucial Step)
Before the Privacy Policy, you mentioned "compliance." TREC does not just require a Privacy Policy; they strictly enforce two specific links that must appear on the homepage (and social media) of every Texas license holder.
You must add these two links to the website footer (separate from the Privacy Policy):
* "Texas Real Estate Commission Consumer Protection Notice" (Must link to the specific TREC form CN 1-5).
* "Texas Real Estate Commission Information About Brokerage Services" (Must link to the client's completed IABS form).
Part 2: Privacy Policy Template
Copy and paste the text below. Sections in [BRACKETS] need to be customized by you/your client.
PRIVACY POLICY
Last Updated: [Date]
[Real Estate Company Name] ("we," "us," or "our") respects the privacy of our clients and website visitors. We are committed to protecting the personal information you share with us in compliance with Texas law, including the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act (TDPSA) and regulations set forth by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC).
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website [Insert Website URL] (the "Site").
1. INFORMATION WE COLLECT
We collect information that identifies, relates to, describes, or could reasonably be linked, directly or indirectly, with you ("Personal Data").
A. Information You Provide to Us
We collect Personal Data when you voluntarily provide it to us, such as when you search for properties, fill out contact forms, or sign up for newsletters. This includes:
* Identity Data: Name, phone number, email address, and mailing address.
* Transaction Data: Details about properties you are interested in, buying, or selling.
* Financial Data: If applicable, information required to facilitate a transaction (though we do not store sensitive payment information on this Site).
B. Information Collected Automatically
When you access our Site, we may automatically collect certain data to improve user experience:
* Device Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, and device identifiers.
* Usage Data: Pages viewed, time spent on pages, and referring website addresses.
* Cookies: We use cookies to remember your preferences (e.g., saved searches) and analyze site traffic. You can disable cookies through your browser settings, though some Site features may not function properly.
2. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION
We use the information we collect for legitimate business purposes, including:
* Providing Services: To facilitate real estate transactions, schedule showings, and answer your inquiries.
* Marketing: To send you property updates, market newsletters, and information about our services (you may opt-out at any time).
* Compliance: To fulfill obligations mandated by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) and other legal authorities.
* Improvement: To analyze trends and improve the functionality of our website.
3. SHARING YOUR INFORMATION
We do not sell your Personal Data to third parties. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:
* Service Providers: With trusted third-party vendors (e.g., CRM platforms, email marketing services) who assist us in operating our business.
* Legal Obligations: If required by law, such as responding to a subpoena, court order, or request from the Texas Real Estate Commission.
* Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, sale of company assets, or acquisition of all or a portion of our business.
4. YOUR RIGHTS (TEXAS DATA PRIVACY AND SECURITY ACT)
Under the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act (TDPSA), Texas residents have specific rights regarding their Personal Data:
* Right to Access: You have the right to confirm whether we are processing your personal data and to access that data.
* Right to Correction: You have the right to correct inaccuracies in your personal data.
* Right to Deletion: You have the right to request the deletion of personal data provided by or obtained about you.
* Right to Opt-Out: You have the right to opt-out of the processing of personal data for purposes of targeted advertising or the sale of personal data.
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at [Insert Email Address]. We will respond to verified requests within 45 days as required by law.
5. THIRD-PARTY LINKS
This Site may contain links to third-party websites, including the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) and Texas REALTORS®. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these third-party sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies regarding your data.
6. DATA SECURITY
We implement reasonable security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
7. CONTACT US
If you have questions or comments about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:
[Real Estate Company Name]
[Address]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[Broker License # (Optional but recommended)]