Data & Privacy Policy

Effective Date: August 4, 2026

Last Updated: August 4, 2026

This Data & Privacy Policy describes how the Tulare County Association of REALTORS® ("Association," "we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, discloses, and protects information obtained through our website, member portals, and related digital services (collectively, the "Services").

By using our Services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

1. Information We Collect

We collect information directly from members and general site visitors.

A. Member & User-Provided Information

• Account & Membership Information: Name, email address, phone number, real estate license number, brokerage affiliation, NRDS/M1 ID, committee memberships, and office location.

• Financial & Transactional Data: Payment card details, billing addresses, and membership dues payment histories (processed via secure, PCI-DSS compliant third-party payment gateways).

• Event & Education Data: Registration details, attendance tracking, continuing education (CE) course completion data, and professional certifications/designations.

• Member Directory Information: Professional photos, biography, specialization areas, and contact details designated for public display.

B. Automatically Collected Information

• Technical & Usage Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URLs, pages viewed, time spent on pages, and standard web log data.

• Cookies & Tracking: Session cookies, functional cookies, and analytics scripts (e.g., Google Analytics) to improve user navigation, track usage trends, and remember user preferences.

2. How We Use Your Data

We use the collected data strictly for professional association governance, member services, educational tracking, and public benefit:

• Membership Management: Processing applications, verifying license status with state licensing boards, managing committee memberships, and administering annual dues.

• Educational & CE Tracking: Reporting mandatory Continuing Education credits to state licensing regulatory bodies and maintaining professional certification records.

• Public Directories: Displaying member and brokerage information in our public-facing "Find a Realtor®/Broker" search tools.

• Event Administration: Managing registrations for annual conferences, trade expos, networking events, and educational seminars.

• Advocacy & Communications: Sending important regulatory updates, legislative alerts, industry news, dues notices, and event invitations.

• MLS & Association Governance: Verifying credentials for Multiple Listing Service (MLS) access and enforcing the Code of Ethics and association bylaws.

3. Data Sharing & Disclosure

We do not sell personal data to third parties for independent commercial marketing. However, we may share information in the following circumstances:

• State Regulatory Boards: Submitting course attendance and completion records to state real estate commissions to verify licensee compliance.

• National & Regional Affiliates: Transmitting membership details to national/state parent trade organizations (e.g., National Association of REALTORS® or state real estate boards) to validate affiliation and benefits.

• Service Providers: Sharing necessary data with vetted vendors who assist in operating our website, hosting database systems, managing broadcast email tools, or processing payments.

• Public Member Directories: Certain information (name, brokerage, license status, business phone, and business address) is made publicly searchable to help consumers locate licensed professionals.

• Legal Compliance: Disclosing information when required by law, subpoena, regulatory inquiry, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of the Association, its members, or the public.

4. MLS Data Disclaimer

If our website displays property listings or market statistics sourced from a Multiple Listing Service (MLS):

• Display Standards: All property data displayed through Internet Data Exchange (IDX) strictly complies with MLS rules and Association display guidelines.

• Non-Endorsement: Listing content is provided exclusively for consumers' personal, non-commercial use. Property information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and must be verified independently.

• Automated Scraping: Unauthorized scraping, harvesting, or automated data extraction from property listings or member directories is strictly prohibited.

5. Member Communication Preferences (Opt-Out)

Members and subscribers can manage communications in the following ways:

• Transactional Email: Account confirmations, legal notices, dues invoices, and election materials are non-optional as long as membership remains active.

• Marketing & Event Emails: You may opt out of non-essential promotional communications, newsletters, or event announcements at any time using the "Unsubscribe" link at the bottom of any email or through your Member Portal preferences.

6. Security & Data Retention

• Security: We maintain reasonable physical, electronic, and administrative safeguards to protect your personal information against loss, unauthorized access, or disclosure. Payment information is encrypted in transit and at rest using industry-standard protocols.

• Retention: We retain member and educational data for as long as necessary to fulfill membership obligations, maintain official continuing education archives, comply with tax laws, and satisfy legal compliance requirements.

7. Third-Party Links & Tools

Our Services may contain links to external sites (such as state real estate boards, affiliate sponsors, or educational vendors). We are not responsible for the privacy practices, content, or data handling of third-party websites. We encourage you to review their policies prior to providing personal data.

8. Updates to This Policy

We reserve the right to modify this Policy at any time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. Continued use of our website or member services after revisions are posted constitutes acceptance of the modified policy.

9. Contact Us

For questions, updates to your member records, or concerns regarding this Data & Privacy Policy, please contact us:

Tulare County Association of REALTORS®
Attn: Member Services / Data Compliance
Address: 2424 E Valley Oaks Drive, V CA 93292
Email: info@tularecountyrealtors.com
Phone: 559-627-1776