Your Privacy

This Privacy Policy sets out the policy of Realmark Connect Pty Ltd, its related entities and each Realmark franchisee (together "we", "us", "Realmark") with respect to the way in which we obtain, use and disclose information about you, including through our website at www.realmark.com.au in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles ("APPs") contained in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) ("the Act").

How do you consent to Personal Information being used by us?

• Requesting information about, applying for or making an offer for a property, a role or a services offered by us. 
• By communicating with us or by requesting information or service via third party websites for real estate services and property advertising.
• Visiting our offices, attending inspections, or making enquiries via phone, email, or online platforms.
• Providing contact details for our services and for related services like conveyancing, mortgage broking, legal advice or third-party assistance.
• Engaging with our website, registering for inspections, or interacting on our social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn).
• Participating in social media activities, such as entering competitions, following, liking, or commenting on our posts  ("Social Media Activity").

What is Personal Information?
The Personal Information we collect depends on whether you are, or wish to become, a Realmark franchisee, client, supplier, employee, agent, or contractor. "Personal Information" refers to any information or opinion about an identifiable individual, regardless of its accuracy or form.Employment-related information is not covered by the Privacy Act, but we treat it confidentially and only disclose it as permitted by law or this Privacy Policy with your consent.

What Personal Information do we collect from you?
We collect information based on your enquiry or services requested, such as:

• Name, contact details, address, gender, occupation, government ID, and relevant product-specific details (e.g., photographic ID, financial data, rental histories).
• Employee-related information like emergency contacts, qualifications, employment history, ID details, superannuation, tax file numbers, visa status, and performance records.
• Photos and video for marketing that may include identifiable individuals at franchised businesses, offices, or home opens.

Sensitive information (e.g., ethnic origin or criminal records) is collected only when necessary and with your consent.

We may also access photos, videos, or other data from Social Media Sites, depending on your privacy settings.

We may be able to obtain other information about you which may not itself constitute Personal Information or which, when combined with other information, is capable of identifying you, including photos, videos and any other information that you include on our Social Media Sites or sites linked to our Social Media Sites ("Other Sites"). The level of information to which we have access may depend on your privacy settings on such Other Sites.

Can you deal with us anonymously?

What Happens When Your Personal Information Is Not Provided?

If you don’t provide the requested personal information, we may be unable to deliver our products, services, or related information. In some cases, we must collect information to comply with legal requirements, such as the Real Estate and Business Agents Act 1978 (WA) and the Strata Titles Act 1985 (WA).

How do we collect your Personal Information?

We collect personal information directly from you in various ways, such as:

• Making enquiries via phone, email, or in person.
• Engaging or discussing our services or the properties we have for sale or lease with us. 
• Applying for and negotiating property sales, rentals, or leases.
• Providing details at inspections, auctions, or via business cards.
• Subscribing to our publications or entering competitions.
• Completing online enquiries or forms on our website.
• When viewing properties for lease or sale online, you can enquire via a form or authenticate using your Facebook or LinkedIn account, sharing your username, email, phone number, and address (if provided). 
• Connecting with us via Social Media Activities such as if you 'like' or 'follow' us on social media, we may view your profile based on your privacy settings.

We primarily collect information directly, unless impractical to do so.

We may collect personal information from third parties, including:

• Real estate platforms and public sources (e.g., Landgate, councils, websites).
• Credit agencies, law enforcement, or government entities.
• Other real estate agents during transactions.
• Your representatives, like settlement agents or financial advisers.
• Social media analysis or third-party databases (e.g., rental histories).

We may collect financial and other information about Realmark licensed offices' clients, suppliers, employees, and franchises from franchisees or third parties, such as lenders, suppliers, clients, employees, or government authorities.

We may collect information through our website when you email or submit an online enquiry. For statistical purposes, we may log your IP address, visit date and time, pages accessed, documents downloaded, and browser type. This data is anonymised and does not identify you.

We use cookies to recognise your browser, track site activity, and deliver ads to your IP address. Cookies store data on your device but do not personally identify you. Most browsers accept cookies by default, but you can disable them, which may impact your website experience. You can learn more about our approach to Cookies and Data in our Notices and Terms. 

How We Use Your Personal Information

We use your Personal Information to provide requested services and perform our role as real estate professionals. This includes:

• Supplying products and services.
• Providing access to portals, applications, or building systems.
• Ensuring service quality and responding to enquiries, feedback, or complaints.
• Monitoring business performance and conducting marketing activities.
• Assessing website and marketing performance.
• Obtaining feedback and promoting related services and properties for ownership or investment. 
• Ensuring compliance with laws, regulatory requirements,  and industry standards.
• Conducting credit checks or referring you to financiers.

How do we disclose your Personal Information?

We do not rent or sell your Personal Information. It is disclosed only with your consent or as legally required. We may disclose it for purposes such as:

• Marketing our services or properties, or those of our partners and associates.
• Sharing with sellers, landlords, buyers, tenants, or related third parties (e.g., tradespeople, conveyancers, lawyers, or valuers) as needed.
• Advertising or marketing properties or homes, including online listings.
• Verifying tenancy details with landlords, agents, or tenancy databases.
• Sharing between Realmark entities, licensed offices, or Realmark Connect under franchise agreements.
• Providing information to lenders, creditors, suppliers, or database consultants as required.
• Providing information to lenders, creditors, suppliers, or database consultants as required.
• Supporting database management .

Employee or office Personal Information may be disclosed for employment verification, compliance checks, training, and office support, or as incidental to our functions.

Disclosure of Personal Information via Social Media

We reserve the right to remove any material we deem inappropriate or offensive from our Social Media Sites.

Overseas Disclosure of Personal Information

While overseas recipients are not bound by the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), we take reasonable steps to ensure they understand their obligations. By providing your information, you consent to these disclosures.

Direct Marketing Materials

All marketing email communications will include simple unsubscribe instructions. While unsubscribing from one list may not remove you from all, we can assist with full removal if needed. You may also need to still receive information from us to comply with law or to preform our services. 

To opt-out, email, fax, or mail a request to the representative who sent you the request, our Privacy Officer or any licensed office. There is no fee for this service.

Storage and Security of Your Information

• Securing our premises and databases.
• Limiting access to authorised personnel.
• Using industry-standard technology (e.g., passwords, backups, antivirus, firewalls).

We cannot guarantee absolute security and are not liable for breaches or unintended information loss due to internet connectivity.

Our communications may be interfered with during transmission. Please secure your systems and contact us to confirm details if in doubt.

Accessing and Correcting Your Personal Information

Access may be denied if it interferes with others’ privacy or breaches confidentiality. In such cases, we’ll explain the reasons.

If you believe your information is incorrect or incomplete, you can request amendments. If we disagree, we’ll note your objection in the record. Requests may need to be submitted in writing. We will make reasonable efforts to update your information across our systems but cannot guarantee full accuracy due to separate systems.

Complaints About Privacy

• Rectifying the issue.
• Providing explanations or advice.
• Updating policies or procedures if needed.

Your complaint will be treated confidentially, and we will seek your consent before discussing it externally.

Privacy Policy Updates

Contacting Us About This Privacy Policy