Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 11/1/2023
Organization: Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Palmetto
Website: https://bhgpalmetto.com
API/Chat Service: The ChatGPT-powered chat and API service (“Chat Service”) available via our Website or other platforms.

1. Introduction

We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting the personal data you provide to us when you use the Website or the Chat Service. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, share, and protect your information, and your rights regarding that information.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

  • Personal Information you provide: name, email address, phone number, property interest or listing details, chat transcripts (if you submit messages via the Chat Service)

  • Derived or inferred information: property preferences, search criteria, agent interactions

  • Technical and usage data: IP address, browser type, device ID, cookies, usage logs of the Website and Chat Service

  • Third-party data: data from lead-sources, public records, or marketing partners (with disclosure)

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

  • To provide and operate the Website and the Chat Service

  • To respond to your inquiries, connect you with agents, process your requests (e.g., home valuations, listing inquiries)

  • To improve our services and your experience, including via analytics and personalization

  • To send you marketing communications (only if you’ve opted in) about real-estate opportunities, market updates, listings, events

  • To comply with legal obligations, protect our rights, and prevent fraud

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information with:

  • Our affiliated agents, brokerage staff, service providers (CRM, marketing automation, chat platform infrastructure)

  • Third-party partners for lead generation or marketing (only if you’ve consented)

  • Legal or regulatory authorities as required by law or to protect our rights

  • Other parties in connection with a business transaction (merger, sale, etc.) — you will be notified where required by law

5. Chat Service / API Specifics

Because you’ll be using the Chat Service/API:

  • Messages you send via the chat may be logged, stored, and reviewed by us (or our service-provider) to improve service and for quality/compliance.

  • Do not send extremely sensitive or confidential personal data (e.g., full financials, social security numbers) via the chat unless explicitly requested and secured.

  • The Chat Service is intended for informational, real-estate-related chat only and does not constitute legal, tax or investment advice.

  • We retain chat logs for [insert retention period, e.g., 12 months], after which they are anonymized or deleted.

6. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

  • Enable necessary functionality (login, chat session continuity)

  • Analyze usage and improve performance

  • Serve targeted advertising (only if you consent)
    You may disable cookies via your browser settings, but some features of the Website or Chat Service may not function properly.

7. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have rights including:

  • Access your personal information and request a copy

  • Correct inaccurate data

  • Delete your personal information (subject to legal or business-retention requirements)

  • Opt-out of marketing communications

  • If you are in a jurisdiction with special rights (e.g., California), you may have additional rights regarding sale/sharing of personal information

8. Data Security & Retention

We implement commercially reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your data (encryption, access controls, secure servers). We retain your personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes set out in this Policy and in compliance with applicable law. When no longer needed, we anonymize or securely delete the data.

9. Third-Party Links & Services

Our Website and Chat Service may include links to third-party sites or integrate third-party services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those third parties — please review their privacy policies.

10. Children & Minors

Our services are not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have inadvertently done so, please contact us at [contact email].

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The “Effective Date” at the top will reflect when changes were made. We encourage you to check back periodically.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact:
Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Palmetto
1184 Clements Ferry Road Unit D
Charleston, SC 29492
Email: office@bhgpalmetto.com
Phone: (843) 584-8326