1. Introduction
Course Tips Real Estate ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website course-tips.com or use our real estate services.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Personal Information
We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us, including:
- Name and contact information (email, phone number, address)
- Property preferences and search criteria
- Financial information for pre-qualification purposes
- Communication records and preferences
- Any other information you choose to provide
2.2 Automatically Collected Information
When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:
- IP address and browser information
- Device and operating system details
- Pages visited and time spent on our site
- Referring website information
- Cookies and similar tracking technologies
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the collected information for the following purposes:
- Provide real estate services and customer support
- Communicate about properties, market updates, and services
- Process transactions and manage client relationships
- Improve our website and services
- Send newsletters and marketing communications (with consent)
- Comply with legal obligations and protect our rights
- Analyze website usage and performance
4. Legal Basis for Processing (Canada)
Under Canadian privacy law, we process your personal information based on:
- Consent: You have given explicit consent for specific purposes
- Contract: Processing is necessary for providing our services
- Legitimate Interest: For business operations and improvement
- Legal Obligation: To comply with applicable laws and regulations
5. Information Sharing and Disclosure
5.1 Service Providers
We may share your information with trusted third parties who assist us in:
- Website hosting and maintenance
- Email marketing and communication services
- Analytics and performance monitoring
- Legal and financial services
- Property listing and marketing platforms
5.2 Business Partners
With your consent, we may share information with:
- Mortgage brokers and lenders
- Home inspectors and appraisers
- Legal professionals and notaries
- Insurance providers
- Other real estate professionals
5.3 Legal Requirements
We may disclose your information when required by law or to:
- Comply with legal processes or government requests
- Protect our rights, property, or safety
- Prevent fraud or illegal activities
- Enforce our terms and conditions
6. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information:
- Encryption of sensitive data in transit and at rest
- Regular security assessments and updates
- Access controls and staff training
- Secure data storage and backup procedures
- Incident response and breach notification procedures
7. Data Retention
We retain your personal information only as long as necessary for:
- Providing our services and maintaining client relationships
- Complying with legal and regulatory requirements
- Resolving disputes and enforcing agreements
- Legitimate business purposes and record-keeping
Typically, we retain client information for 7 years after the last interaction, unless longer retention is required by law.
8. Your Rights and Choices
8.1 Access and Correction
You have the right to:
- Access your personal information we hold
- Request corrections to inaccurate information
- Update your contact preferences
- Request a copy of your data in a portable format
8.2 Marketing Communications
You can:
- Unsubscribe from marketing emails at any time
- Opt out of phone or text marketing
- Update your communication preferences
- Request removal from our mailing lists
8.3 Data Deletion
You may request deletion of your personal information, subject to:
- Legal and regulatory retention requirements
- Ongoing contractual obligations
- Legitimate business interests
- Dispute resolution needs
9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
9.1 Types of Cookies We Use
- Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality
- Analytics Cookies: Help us understand website usage
- Marketing Cookies: Used for targeted advertising
- Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and choices
9.2 Cookie Management
You can control cookies through:
- Our cookie consent banner and settings
- Your browser settings and preferences
- Third-party opt-out tools and platforms
- Contacting us directly for assistance
10. Third-Party Links and Services
Our website may contain links to third-party websites and services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.
11. Children's Privacy
Our services are not directed to children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware of such collection, we will take steps to delete the information promptly.
12. International Data Transfers
Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than Canada. When we transfer data internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with Canadian privacy laws.
13. Privacy Policy Updates
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. We will:
- Post the updated policy on our website
- Update the "Last Modified" date
- Notify you of material changes via email or website notice
- Obtain consent for significant changes when required
14. Provincial Privacy Laws
We comply with applicable provincial privacy legislation, including:
- Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)
- Personal Information Protection Act (Alberta)
- Personal Information Protection Act (British Columbia)
- Other applicable provincial privacy laws
15. Contact Information
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:
16. Complaint Process
If you believe we have not handled your personal information in accordance with this Privacy Policy or applicable privacy laws, you may:
- Contact our Privacy Officer directly
- File a complaint with the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
- Contact your provincial privacy commissioner
- Seek legal advice regarding your rights
17. Effective Date
This Privacy Policy is effective as of June 24, 2025, and applies to all information collected before and after this date.