Protecting
your privacy: It's our business
In
the usual course of real estate transactions, REALTORS may require from
buyers and sellers, personal and property information. Some of this
information
may be considered private. Collecting and sharing this information is
an
essential part of the buying and selling process. At the same time, few
things are more important to individuals than their privacy. We
recognize
the rights of buyers and sellers to protect and control their personal
information, and are committed to using fair information practices when
dealing with your personal information. This brochure explains what we
do with your information and how you control it. If you have any
questions,
speak to your REALTOR or contact your local real estate board or your
provincial
real estate association.
PRIVACY
CODE
REALTORS
abide by the Privacy code of the Canadian Real Estate Association which
sets out the commitment of REALTORS and your rights regarding the
privacy
of your personal information. We will:
- Obtain
your consent when we collect, use or disclose your personal information
- Only
use the information for the purposes we discussed with you
- Allow
you access to your information
- Have
privacy policies that are clear and understandable
Frequently
Asked Questions...
1.
What is personal information?
Personal
information is any information about an identifiable individual. This
does
not include information which is publicly available such as a phone
directory
listing your name, address and telephone number.
2.
How does Realtor collect personal information?
Most
information will be obtained directly from you, the client. We may also
collect information from other sources such as credit bureaus and
government
agencies, as needed. At the time information is collected, you will be
told what uses will be made of it, and your consent to that collection
and use will be obtained.
3.
What does Realtor do with my information?
Your
information is used to facilitate the real estate transaction.
Effectively
marketing your house involves advertising the property in any medium,
including
electronic media (e.g. newspapers, real estate publications, Internet
web
sites) and we will also be disclosing property information to other
salesperson
and prospective buyers. If the listing is on MLS®, the property
information
will be given to the real estate board or boards operating the Multiple
Listing Service(s). The listing information will be distributed through
the MLS® system to any persons authorized to use the service (which
may include other REALTORS, appraisers, government departments and
others)
and may be marketed by the board in various media, including the
Internet.
Property Information, including sales data, is kept in the MLS®
system
and by placing your listing on the MLS® system, you are agreeing to
allow this ongoing use of listing and sales information.
4.
How do I find out what personal information Realtor has about me?
You
should be able to see your personal information held by us or by a real
estate board/association by calling, writing or visiting the
organization
in person. They may be specific procedures you have to follow or forms
you have to fill out, and you may have to pay a minimal fee foe the
service.
5.
Can I correct my personal information that is wrong?
Yes,
you can. Contact Realtor or the specific board/association,
explain
the correction you are requesting and why. If you can show the
information
is inaccurate or incomplete, it will be corrected.
6.
Is there a review process?
Yes.
If you have any questions or concerns about the way your personal
information
has been collected, used or disclosed, or if access to your personal
information
have been improperly refused, or if the company has refused to correct
erroneous information, try to settle the matter directly with the firm.
It has procedures in place to respond to complaints. If you are not
satisfied,
you can contact the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, at info@privcom.gc.ca
or by calling 1-800-282-1376.
MLS
Listings
