Privacy Policy
Effective Date: 1/1/2010
Last Updated: 10/24/2024
Introduction
Shipman Partners (“we,” “us,” or “our”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website shipmanpartners.com and use our services.
By using our website, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our website.
Information We Collect
Information You Provide Directly
We collect information that you voluntarily provide to us, including:
Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, and mailing address
Property Interests: Information about properties you’re interested in buying or selling, price ranges, preferred locations, and other real estate preferences
Account Information: If you register for enhanced IDX features, we collect username, password, and profile preferences
Communications: Content of messages you send us through contact forms, email, or phone
Transaction Information: Details related to real estate transactions when you become a client
Information Collected Automatically
When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information about your device and browsing activities:
Usage Data: Pages viewed, time spent on pages, links clicked, search queries, properties viewed, saved, and shared through our IDX system
Device Information: IP address, browser type and version, operating system, device identifiers
Cookies and Tracking Technologies: We use cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies to track activity and enhance your experience (see Cookies section below)
Third-Party Information
We may receive information about you from third parties, including:
MLS Data Providers: Property listing information through our IDX provider, Showcase IDX
Public Records: Information from public real estate records and databases
Referral Sources: Information from clients who refer you to our services
How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for the following purposes:
Real Estate Services: To help you buy, sell, or lease properties; provide market analyses; schedule property showings; and deliver personalized real estate services
Communication: To respond to your inquiries, send property alerts, provide market updates, and communicate about our services
Website Functionality: To maintain and improve our website, provide enhanced IDX features for registered users, and personalize your experience
Marketing: To send periodic emails about new listings, market trends, company news, and related information (you may opt out at any time)
Analytics: To understand how visitors use our website and improve our services
Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, and Texas Real Estate Commission requirements
Transaction Processing: To facilitate real estate transactions, including document signing through DocuSign and HelloSign
How We Share Your Information
We may share your information in the following circumstances:
Service Providers
We share information with third-party service providers who perform services on our behalf:
Showcase IDX: For MLS property search functionality and user account management
Google Analytics: For website traffic analysis and user behavior insights
DocuSign and HelloSign: For electronic document signing during transactions
Email Service Providers: For sending newsletters and marketing communications (when implemented)
Future CRM Provider: To manage client relationships and communications (when implemented)
These service providers are contractually obligated to use your information only as necessary to provide services to us and are required to protect your information.
Real Estate Transaction Parties
When you engage us for real estate services, we may share relevant information with:
Other real estate agents and brokers
Mortgage lenders and title companies
Home inspectors and appraisers
Attorneys and escrow agents
Other parties necessary to complete your transaction
Legal Requirements
We may disclose your information if required by law or in response to:
Court orders, subpoenas, or other legal processes
Requests from government authorities
Protection of our rights, property, or safety, or that of our clients or others
Investigation of fraud or security issues
Business Transfers
If Shipman Partners is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.
With Your Consent
We may share your information for any other purpose with your explicit consent.
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us provide and improve our services.
How We Use Cookies
Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality, including IDX login sessions
Analytics Cookies: Google Analytics tracks website usage to help us improve user experience
Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences, saved searches, and favorite properties
IDX Tracking: Showcase IDX uses cookies to track property views, saves, and shares to provide personalized recommendations
Cookie Duration
Session Cookies: Deleted when you close your browser
Persistent Cookies: Remain on your device for a set period (typically up to one year) or until you delete them
Managing Cookies
You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may limit certain website features, particularly IDX functionality and saved searches.
Third-Party Services
Showcase IDX
Our property search functionality is powered by Showcase IDX. When you register for enhanced features or search properties:
Your account is managed by Showcase IDX
Your property search activity is tracked by Showcase IDX
Showcase IDX has its own privacy policy governing their data practices
Please review Showcase IDX’s privacy policy for information about their data practices.
Google Analytics
We use Google Analytics to understand website traffic patterns. Google Analytics collects information anonymously and reports website trends without identifying individual visitors. Learn more about Google Analytics privacy practices.
Social Media Integration
Our website includes social media sharing features (planned implementation). When you use these features, the respective social media platforms may collect information about your visit. Please review the privacy policies of these platforms.
Embedded Content
Our website may include embedded content from third parties (e.g., YouTube videos, virtual tours). These websites may collect data about you and use cookies according to their own privacy policies.
Data Security
We implement reasonable physical, technical, and administrative security measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. These measures include:
Secure socket layer (SSL) encryption for data transmission
Secure servers and databases
Limited employee access to personal information
Regular security assessments
However, no internet transmission is completely secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Data Retention
We retain your information for as long as necessary to:
Provide you with our services
Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
Resolve disputes and enforce our agreements
Maintain business records
Specific Retention Periods:
Client Transaction Records: Retained in accordance with Texas Real Estate Commission requirements (typically 4+ years)
Contact Form Submissions: Retained unless you request deletion
IDX Account Information: Retained while your account is active and for a reasonable period thereafter
Email Communications: Retained for business and legal purposes
Website Analytics: Aggregated data retained indefinitely; individual user data subject to Google Analytics retention settings
Your Privacy Rights
You have the following rights regarding your personal information:
Access and Portability
You may request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
Correction
You may request that we correct inaccurate or incomplete information.
Deletion
You may request that we delete your personal information, subject to certain exceptions for legal, administrative, or security purposes.
Opt-Out of Marketing
You may opt out of receiving marketing emails by:
Clicking the “unsubscribe” link in any marketing email
Contacting us directly at agent@shipmanpartners.com
Please note that even if you opt out of marketing communications, we may still send you transactional or relationship messages.
Do Not Track
Some browsers have “Do Not Track” features. Our website does not currently respond to Do Not Track signals, but you can manage tracking through cookie settings.
IDX Account Management
If you have a Showcase IDX account, you can access, update, or delete your profile information through the IDX portal or by contacting us.
Children’s Privacy
Our website and services are not directed to children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately.
California Privacy Rights
If you are a California resident, you may have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including:
Right to know what personal information is collected
Right to know whether personal information is sold or disclosed
Right to opt out of the sale of personal information (Note: We do not sell personal information)
Right to deletion of personal information
Right to non-discrimination for exercising CCPA rights
To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.
Fair Housing Statement
Shipman Partners is committed to compliance with all federal, state, and local fair housing laws. We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation.
We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Equal Housing Opportunity
Communication Practices
Email and Phone Contact
We only contact individuals with whom we have:
An existing business or personal relationship
Received explicit consent through website registration or contact forms
A legitimate business purpose related to real estate services
We do not engage in cold calling or unsolicited marketing to individuals on Do Not Call registries.
Unsubscribe Options
You may opt out of our communications at any time by:
Using the unsubscribe link in emails
Contacting us directly
Updating your IDX account preferences
International Users
Our website is operated in the United States and is intended for users located in the United States. If you are accessing our website from outside the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States where our servers are located and we operate.
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 an email notification for significant changes (for registered users)
We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically. Your continued use of our website after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.
Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:
Shipman Partners
9414 Anderson Mill Rd, Suite 203
Austin, TX 78750
Phone: 512-222-6958
Email: agent@shipmanpartners.com
Additional Resources
Texas Real Estate Commission: www.trec.texas.gov
National Association of Realtors® Privacy Policy: www.nar.realtor/privacy
FTC Privacy Resources: www.consumer.ftc.gov/topics/privacy-identity-online-security
© 2025 Shipman Partners. All rights reserved.