This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, disclose, and protect information when you visit goldcountryagents.com (the "Site") or interact with our services, including our real estate agent directory and related features. We are committed to transparency and to honoring privacy rights under applicable law, including the California Consumer Privacy Act as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (collectively, "CCPA").
1. Information we collect
We may collect the following categories of information, depending on how you use the Site:
- Information you provide directly. When you submit forms (for example, contact, claim listing, Gold Awards nomination, or similar), we collect identifiers and content you enter, such as name, email address, phone number, brokerage or license details, message text, and any files or links you attach.
- Agent profile and directory data. Profiles displayed in the directory may include professional information submitted by agents or imported from third-party sources (such as a connected website or CRM), for example name, photo, service areas, license number, biography, and contact preferences.
- Technical and usage data. Like many sites, we and our service providers may collect IP address, browser type, device type, general location derived from IP, pages viewed, referring URLs, and timestamps. We may use cookies, local storage, or similar technologies as described below.
- Cookies and similar technologies. We may use cookies for essential site operation, preferences (such as theme), and analytics. You can control cookies through your browser settings; disabling some cookies may affect Site functionality.
- Analytics. We may use analytics tools to understand aggregate traffic and improve the Site. Those providers may receive technical data as described in their own policies.
We do not knowingly collect sensitive personal information beyond what you voluntarily submit (for example, in a message). We do not use or disclose sensitive personal information for inferring characteristics about consumers except as permitted by law or as you direct.
2. How we use information
We use collected information to:
- Operate, maintain, and improve the directory and related features;
- Respond to inquiries, process submissions, and communicate about listings or programs (such as Gold Awards);
- Verify or display agent-related information where appropriate;
- Detect, prevent, and address fraud, abuse, or security issues;
- Comply with law and enforce our terms; and
- Analyze usage in aggregate to improve user experience.
We do not sell your personal information as that term is commonly understood under the CCPA, and we do not sell personal information of minors under 16.
3. How we share information
We may share information with:
- Service providers who assist us in hosting, security, email delivery, analytics, or similar functions, subject to contractual obligations to use data only on our behalf.
- Netlify (and related infrastructure). The Site may be hosted and deployed on Netlify, which may process technical data, form submissions, and logs in connection with providing hosting, forms, and edge services. For details, see Netlify's Privacy Policy.
- Professional or legal advisors when necessary to protect our rights or comply with law.
- Law enforcement or regulators when required by applicable law or a valid legal process.
Directory profile information you or an agent authorizes us to display may be publicly visible on the Site and in search engines.
4. Retention
We retain information for as long as needed to fulfill the purposes described here, unless a longer period is required or permitted by law. Form submissions and correspondence may be retained to respond to follow-up requests and maintain business records.
5. Security
We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational measures designed to protect personal information. No method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure; we cannot guarantee absolute security.
6. Children
The Site is not directed to children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected such information, please contact us and we will take appropriate steps to delete it.
7. California residents (CCPA / CPRA)
If you are a California resident, the CCPA grants you certain rights regarding personal information we collect that is subject to the CCPA. Depending on your relationship with us (for example, visitor vs. agent with a listing), the following may apply:
- Right to know and access. You may request disclosure of the categories and specific pieces of personal information we have collected about you, and the categories of sources, business or commercial purposes, and third parties with whom we share personal information.
- Right to delete. You may request deletion of personal information we collected from you, subject to exceptions under law (for example, to complete a transaction or comply with legal obligations).
- Right to correct. You may request correction of inaccurate personal information we maintain.
- Right to opt out of sale or sharing. We do not sell personal information. Where applicable, you may have rights regarding certain cross-context behavioral advertising; if we engage in activities that qualify as "sharing" under California law, we will provide a clear mechanism to opt out.
- Limit use of sensitive personal information. If we use sensitive personal information in ways that trigger this right, you may request limitation as permitted by law.
- Non-discrimination. We will not discriminate against you for exercising CCPA rights.
Authorized agents. You may designate an authorized agent to make a request on your behalf. We may require proof of your identity and the agent's authority.
How to submit a request. Email privacy@goldcountryagents.com with "California Privacy Request" in the subject line, or use our contact form and select the privacy-related subject option. We will verify your request in accordance with applicable law and respond within the timeframes required by the CCPA.
Shine the Light. California residents may request certain information about disclosure of personal information to third parties for their direct marketing purposes under California Civil Code § 1798.83; we do not share personal information with unaffiliated third parties for their direct marketing without appropriate notice and choice where required.
8. Users outside California
If you access the Site from outside the United States, you understand that information may be processed in the United States, where privacy laws may differ from those in your jurisdiction.
9. Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will post the revised policy on this page and update the "Last updated" date. Material changes may be communicated through the Site or by other appropriate means.
10. Contact us
For privacy questions or to exercise rights described above, contact us at privacy@goldcountryagents.com or via our Contact page (Gold Country / Folsom, CA area).