Privacy Policy
Your privacy matters. Learn how we collect, process, and protect your personal information with complete transparency and respect for your rights.
This privacy notice for HomeStar ("we," "us," or "our"), describes how and why we might collect, store, use, and/or share ("process") your information when you use our services ("Services"), such as when you:
- Visit our website or any website of ours that links to this privacy notice
- Use our real estate search platform and related services
- Engage with us in other related ways, including any sales, marketing, or events
Questions or concerns? Reading this privacy notice will help you understand your privacy rights and choices. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our Services. If you still have any questions or concerns, please contact us at hello@homestar.ink.
Summary of Key Points
This summary provides key points from our privacy notice. You can find more details about any of these topics in the sections below.
Personal Information We Process
We process personal information depending on how you interact with our Services, including contact information and property search preferences.
Sensitive Information
We do not process sensitive personal information such as health data, biometric data, or political affiliations.
Information Security
We implement organizational and technical measures to protect your information, though no system is 100% secure.
Your Rights
You have rights regarding your personal information including access, correction, and deletion depending on your location.
Table of Contents
1. What Information Do We Collect?
Personal Information You Provide
We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide when you register, express interest in our services, participate in activities on our platform, or contact us. This may include:
- Name and contact information (email, phone)
- Account credentials (username, password)
- Property search preferences and saved searches
- Messages and communications with agents
- Feedback and survey responses
Sensitive Information: We do not process sensitive personal information.
Information Automatically Collected
When you visit our platform, we automatically collect certain information that does not reveal your specific identity but may include:
- Log Data: IP address, browser type, pages visited, time spent
- Device Data: Device type, operating system, unique identifiers
- Location Data: General location based on IP address for relevant property results
- Usage Data: Property searches, listings viewed, features used
2. How Do We Process Your Information?
We process your personal information for various purposes depending on how you interact with our Services:
- Account Management: To create and manage your account, authenticate your identity, and provide customer support
- Service Delivery: To provide personalized property recommendations, saved searches, and alerts
- Communications: To send you property updates, newsletters (with your consent), and important service announcements
- Analytics: To understand how our services are used and improve the user experience
- Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws and respond to legal requests
3. When and With Whom Do We Share Information?
We may share your information in the following situations:
- Real Estate Professionals: When you request contact with an agent or brokerage about a property
- Service Providers: With vendors who help us operate our platform (hosting, analytics, email)
- Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights and safety
- Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets
We do not sell your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.
4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to collect and store information. These help us:
- Remember your preferences and settings
- Keep you logged into your account
- Understand how you use our platform
- Improve our services based on usage patterns
You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling certain cookies may affect platform functionality.
5. How Long Do We Keep Your Information?
We retain your personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law. When you delete your account, we will delete or anonymize your information within 30 days, except where we need to retain it for legal compliance.
6. How Do We Keep Your Information Safe?
We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information, including:
- Encryption of data in transit and at rest
- Secure authentication mechanisms
- Regular security assessments
- Access controls and audit logging
However, no electronic transmission or storage system is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but are committed to protecting your information to the best of our ability.
7. Do We Collect Information from Minors?
We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18 years of age. Our services are intended for adults interested in real estate. If we learn that we have collected information from a minor, we will delete it promptly. If you believe we have information about a minor, please contact us immediately.
8. What Are Your Privacy Rights?
Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information:
Right to Access
Request a copy of your personal information
Right to Correction
Request correction of inaccurate data
Right to Deletion
Request deletion of your personal data
Right to Restrict
Limit how we process your information
Right to Portability
Receive your data in a portable format
Right to Object
Object to certain processing activities
Withdrawing Consent
If we are processing your information based on consent, you have the right to withdraw that consent at any time. You can do this by updating your account settings or contacting us directly.
Opting Out of Marketing
You can unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in our emails, replying "STOP" to text messages, or updating your notification preferences in your account settings.
9. Do-Not-Track Features
Some browsers include a "Do Not Track" (DNT) feature that signals to websites that you do not want your online activity tracked. We currently respond to DNT signals and limit tracking when detected.
10. Specific Rights for US Residents
If you are a resident of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Utah, or Virginia, you have specific privacy rights under state law including:
- Right to know what personal information is collected
- Right to request deletion of your data
- Right to opt-out of sale of personal information (we do not sell data)
- Right to non-discrimination for exercising your rights
California Residents: You have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA). Contact us to exercise these rights.
11. Do We Make Updates to This Policy?
We may update this privacy policy from time to time. The updated version will be indicated by an updated "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically. If we make material changes, we will notify you by email or through a notice on our platform.
12. How Can You Contact Us?
Questions About This Privacy Policy?
If you have questions, need to exercise your privacy rights, or want to review, update, or delete your data, we're here to help.