Privacy Policy

Introduction

Sutton Real Estate ("Sutton," "we," "us," or "our") is one of Canada's leading real estate organizations. We understand that privacy is important to you, and we are committed to being transparent about how we collect, use, and protect your personal information.

This Privacy Policy describes our practices concerning the personal information we collect through our website, mobile applications, and other digital services (collectively, the "Services"). This policy complies with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and other applicable Canadian privacy laws.

By using our Services, you agree to the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information as described in this Privacy Policy.

Information We Collect

We collect several types of information to provide and improve our Services:

Personal Information

When you use our Services, we may collect personal information such as:

• Name and contact information (email address, phone number, mailing address)
• Account credentials (username, password)
• Demographic information (age, occupation)
• Financial information (for mortgage pre-qualification purposes)

Property Preferences

To help match you with suitable properties and agents, we collect information about:

• Property preferences (type, location, price range, features)
• Buying or selling timeline
• Communication preferences
• Agent matching preferences and requirements

Usage Data and Cookies

We automatically collect certain information about your use of our Services, including:

• Browser type, operating system, and device information
• IP address and general location data
• Pages visited, links clicked, and time spent on our Services
• Referring website addresses
• Search queries and property viewing history

Location Data

With your permission, we may collect precise location data from your device to provide location-based property searches and recommendations.

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

Provide Real Estate Services

• Connect you with properties that match your preferences
• Facilitate communications between you and our agents
• Schedule property viewings and appointments
• Process transactions and maintain records

Match with Agents

• Use our agent matching system to connect you with suitable real estate professionals
• Share your preferences and requirements with matched agents
• Facilitate introductions and initial consultations

Send Communications

• Send you property alerts and market updates
• Respond to your inquiries and requests
• Provide customer support
• Send promotional materials and newsletters (with your consent)

Improve Our Services

• Analyze usage patterns to enhance user experience
• Develop new features and services
• Conduct research and analytics
• Personalize content and recommendations

Legal Compliance

• Comply with legal obligations and regulatory requirements
• Protect our rights and property
• Prevent fraud and ensure security
• Enforce our terms and conditions

Information Sharing

We may share your personal information in the following circumstances:

With Agents and Brokers

We share your contact information and property preferences with Sutton agents and brokers to provide you with real estate services. Our agents are independent contractors who operate under their own privacy policies and are responsible for their own use of your information.

Service Providers

We may share your information with third-party service providers who perform services on our behalf, including:

• Website hosting and maintenance providers
• Email and communication services
• Analytics and marketing platforms
• Payment processors
• Customer relationship management (CRM) systems

Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to:

• Valid legal processes (subpoenas, court orders)
• Government requests
• Protection of our rights, privacy, safety, or property
• Investigation of potential fraud or security issues

Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, reorganization, or sale of assets, your personal information may be transferred to the acquiring entity. We will notify you of any such change and provide you with choices regarding your information.

Your Rights

Under Canadian privacy law, you have certain rights regarding your personal information:

Access Your Data

You have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you. We will provide you with a copy of your information in a commonly used format.

Correct Information

If you believe any information we hold about you is inaccurate or incomplete, you have the right to request corrections. We will make reasonable efforts to update your information promptly.

Delete Data

You may request that we delete your personal information, subject to certain legal exceptions. Please note that we may need to retain certain information for legal or administrative purposes.

Opt-Out of Communications

You can opt out of receiving promotional emails by clicking the "unsubscribe" link in any marketing email. Even if you opt out, we may still send you non-promotional messages related to your account or our ongoing business relationship.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information provided in the "Contact Us" section below.

Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to collect information about your browsing activities and to provide a better user experience.

What Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: Required for the Services to function properly, including authentication and security features
• Performance Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our Services by collecting anonymous usage statistics
• Functionality Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings to enhance your experience
• Advertising Cookies: Used to deliver relevant advertisements and measure campaign effectiveness

How to Manage Cookies

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can:

• Block all cookies
• Accept cookies from specific websites only
• Delete cookies when you close your browser
• View and delete cookies stored on your device

Please note that blocking or deleting cookies may affect your ability to use certain features of our Services.

Data Security

We take the security of your personal information seriously and implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect it against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.

Security Measures

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Secure servers and networks with firewalls and intrusion detection
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls limiting who can view your information
• Employee training on data protection and privacy

Important: While we strive to protect your personal information, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security, and you transmit information to us at your own risk.

Children's Privacy

Our Services are not directed to children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.

If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13 without parental consent, we will take steps to delete that information as soon as possible.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technologies, legal requirements, or other factors. When we make changes, we will:

• Update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
• Post the revised policy on our website
• Notify you of significant changes via email or through our Services

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.

Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us: