Privacy Policy
Last Updated: January 2025
1. Introduction
Direct Estates ("we," "us," or "our") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, process, store, and protect your personal information when you visit our website, use our services, or interact with our platform.
By using Direct Estates, you consent to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our services.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Information You Provide to Us
We collect information that you voluntarily provide when you:
- Create an Account: Name, email address, phone number, password, and account type (buyer/seller/both)
- Post Listings: Property details, images, location, pricing, and contact information
- Contact Us: Name, email, phone number, and message content
- Make Inquiries: Property inquiries, viewing requests, and communication preferences
- Complete Forms: Registration forms, contact forms, and feedback forms
- Seller Verification: ID documents and verification information (for sellers)
2.2 Information Automatically Collected
When you visit our platform, we automatically collect certain information:
- Device Information: IP address, browser type, device type, operating system
- Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent, clicks, search queries, and navigation patterns
- Location Data: General location information based on IP address
- Cookies and Tracking: Cookies, web beacons, and similar tracking technologies
- Log Files: Server logs, access times, and error logs
2.3 Information from Third Parties
We may receive information about you from:
- Payment processors (Stripe) when you purchase packages
- Social media platforms if you connect your account
- Property listing services and partners
- Public databases and records
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the collected information for the following purposes:
| Purpose | Description |
|---|---|
| Service Provision | To provide, maintain, and improve our platform services |
| Account Management | To create and manage your account, process registrations, and verify seller accounts |
| Property Listings | To display property listings, facilitate connections between buyers and sellers |
| Communication | To respond to inquiries, send notifications, and provide customer support |
| Payment Processing | To process payments for package purchases and manage subscriptions |
| Personalization | To customize your experience, show relevant properties, and improve recommendations |
| Analytics | To analyze usage patterns, improve our services, and conduct research |
| Security | To detect, prevent, and address fraud, security issues, and technical problems |
| Legal Compliance | To comply with legal obligations, enforce our terms, and protect our rights |
| Marketing | To send promotional materials (with your consent) and marketing communications |
4. How We Share Your Information
We may share your information in the following circumstances:
4.1 Public Information
The following information is publicly visible on our platform:
- Property listings and associated details (posted by sellers)
- Public profile information (if you choose to make it public)
- Property reviews and ratings (if applicable)
4.2 Service Providers
We may share information with third-party service providers who assist us in:
- Payment processing (Stripe)
- Email delivery and communication services
- Analytics and data analysis
- Cloud hosting and storage
- Customer support services
4.3 Legal Requirements
We may disclose your information if required by law or in response to:
- Court orders, subpoenas, or legal processes
- Government requests or regulatory requirements
- Protection of rights, property, or safety
- Prevention of fraud or illegal activities
4.4 Business Transfers
In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the new entity.
5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
5.1 Types of Cookies We Use
- Essential Cookies: Required for the platform to function properly
- Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our platform
- Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
- Advertising Cookies: Used to deliver relevant advertisements
5.2 Managing Cookies
You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of our platform. Most browsers allow you to:
- View and delete cookies
- Block cookies from specific sites
- Block all cookies
- Set notifications when cookies are set
6. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:
- Encryption of sensitive data in transit and at rest
- Secure server infrastructure and regular security updates
- Access controls and authentication mechanisms
- Regular security audits and assessments
- Employee training on data protection
However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.
7. Data Retention
We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:
- Fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy
- Comply with legal obligations
- Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
- Maintain business records as required by law
When information is no longer needed, we will securely delete or anonymize it in accordance with our data retention policies.
8. Your Rights and Choices
Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:
8.1 Access and Portability
- Request access to your personal information
- Obtain a copy of your data in a portable format
8.2 Correction and Update
- Update or correct inaccurate information
- Modify your account settings and preferences
8.3 Deletion
- Request deletion of your personal information
- Close your account (subject to legal retention requirements)
8.4 Objection and Restriction
- Object to certain processing activities
- Request restriction of processing in certain circumstances
8.5 Marketing Communications
- Opt-out of marketing emails and promotional communications
- Manage your communication preferences
To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided in the "Contact Us" section below.
9. Children's Privacy
Our platform is not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child, please contact us immediately, and we will take steps to delete such information.
10. International Data Transfers
Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have different data protection laws. By using our platform, you consent to the transfer of your information to these countries. We take appropriate measures to ensure your information receives adequate protection.
11. Third-Party Links
Our platform may contain links to third-party websites, services, or applications. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any information.
12. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of any material changes by:
- Posting the updated policy on this page
- Updating the "Last Updated" date
- Sending email notifications for significant changes (if applicable)
Your continued use of our platform after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.
13. Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:
- Email: support@direct-estate.com
- Phone: +971545555806
We will respond to your inquiries within a reasonable timeframe and in accordance with applicable data protection laws.
Your Consent: By using Direct Estates, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your information as described herein.