Introduction

Your privacy is critically important to us. Builds and Buys operates the website https://buildsandbuys.com and mobile applications for iOS and Android. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information when you use our platform.

By using Builds and Buys, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with any part of this policy, please do not use our services.

1. Information We Collect

Personal Information You Provide

When you use Builds and Buys, we collect information you voluntarily provide to us:

• Account Information: Name, email address, password (encrypted), and profile details when you create an account
• Course Data: Enrollment information, lesson progress, quiz results, module completion status for our 144-lesson university course
• Real Estate Feed: Posts, comments, profile information, and interactions on our professional networking platform
• Communications: Messages sent through contact forms, feedback submissions, and support requests
• Payment Information: When payment processing is implemented, we will collect billing information through secure third-party processors (we do not store credit card numbers)

Automatically Collected Information

We automatically collect certain information when you use our platform:

• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on pages, click patterns, navigation paths, and interaction with platform features
• Device Information: IP address, browser type and version, device type, operating system, mobile device identifiers
• Log Data: Access times, referral sources, error logs, and diagnostic information
• Cookies and Tracking: Information collected through cookies, web beacons, and similar tracking technologies (see Section 8 for details)

Data Storage with Supabase

We use Supabase as our database provider to store and manage user information. Specifically, we maintain four tracking tables:

• course_enrollments: Your enrollment status and certificate eligibility
• lesson_progress: Individual lesson completion tracking and timestamps
• module_certificates: Module completion records (90% threshold requirement)
• progress_warnings: Notifications related to course completion status

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

Core Platform Operations

• Provide Services: Deliver access to 1,400+ educational pages, 144-lesson course, professional tools, and mobile apps
• Course Management: Track your progress through lessons, enforce the 90% completion requirement, issue certificates upon qualification
• Real Estate Feed: Enable professional networking, collaboration, and content sharing with the community
• Account Management: Create and maintain your account, authenticate access, and manage preferences

Platform Improvement

• Analytics: Understand how users interact with content to improve educational effectiveness
• Performance: Optimize platform speed, functionality, and user experience
• Development: Identify bugs, test new features, and enhance platform capabilities

Communication

• Service Updates: Notify you about new features, content, course additions, and platform changes
• Support: Respond to inquiries, provide technical assistance, and address issues
• Educational Content: Share relevant real estate guides, investment opportunities, and learning resources (you can opt out)

Legal and Security

• Fraud Prevention: Detect and prevent unauthorized access, account abuse, and fraudulent activity
• Compliance: Meet legal obligations, enforce terms of service, and protect user rights
• Security: Maintain platform security and protect against technical issues

3. Data Retention Periods

We retain your personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy:

• Course Progress Data: Retained indefinitely to maintain certificate validity and educational records. If you request deletion, we keep only anonymized completion records
• Real Estate Feed Posts: Retained as long as your account is active. Deleted 30 days after account closure unless part of collaborative discussions
• Usage Analytics: Aggregated and anonymized data retained indefinitely for platform improvement. Individual user data retained for 24 months
• Communication Records: Support inquiries and contact form submissions retained for 36 months for quality assurance
• Legal Compliance Data: Information required for legal compliance retained per applicable regulations (typically 5-7 years)
• Payment Records: When payment processing is implemented, transaction records will be retained for 7 years per financial regulations

You can request deletion of your data at any time by emailing us at jules@buildsandbuys.com (or click here to email). We will process deletion requests within 30 days, subject to legal retention requirements.

4. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell or rent your personal information to third parties. Period.

Limited Sharing Circumstances

We may share your information only in the following situations:

• Service Providers: With trusted third-party services that help us operate the platform:
  • Supabase (database and authentication)
  • Google Maps API (property listings and location services)
  • AI Integration partners (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude for enhanced features)
  • Analytics tools (to understand platform usage)
  • Future payment processors (when payment functionality is added)
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or legal process to comply with regulatory obligations
• Platform Protection: To protect the rights, property, or safety of Builds and Buys, our users, or the public
• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, user data may be transferred to the acquiring entity (you will be notified in advance)
• With Your Consent: Any other sharing with your explicit permission

Public Information

Information you choose to share publicly on the Real Estate Feed (posts, comments, profile information set to public) is visible to other users and the public. Exercise caution when sharing personal information in public spaces.

5. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your personal information:

• Encryption: All data transmission uses SSL/TLS encryption. Passwords are encrypted using secure hashing algorithms
• Secure Storage: Data stored in Supabase with enterprise-grade security measures and access controls
• Access Controls: Strict internal policies limiting employee access to personal data on a need-to-know basis
• Regular Audits: Ongoing security assessments and vulnerability testing
• Monitoring: Active monitoring for suspicious activity, unauthorized access attempts, and security threats

6. Your Privacy Rights

You have comprehensive rights regarding your personal information:

Universal Rights (All Users)

• Access: Request a copy of all personal data we hold about you
• Correction: Update or correct inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal data (subject to legal retention requirements)
• Portability: Receive your data in a machine-readable format
• Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time
• Account Closure: Delete your account and associated data

GDPR Rights (European Users)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have additional rights:

• Right to Object: Object to processing of your personal data for direct marketing
• Right to Restriction: Request limitation of processing in certain circumstances
• Right to Lodge Complaint: File a complaint with your local data protection authority
• Automated Decision-Making: Right not to be subject to decisions based solely on automated processing

CCPA Rights (California Users)

California residents have specific rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act:

• Know: Right to know what personal information is collected, used, shared, or sold
• Delete: Right to request deletion of personal information
• Opt-Out: Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell data)
• Non-Discrimination: Right not to receive discriminatory treatment for exercising CCPA rights

Exercising Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, email us at jules@buildsandbuys.com (or click here to email). We will respond within 30 days and verify your identity before processing requests.

7. Children’s Privacy

Builds and Buys is designed for adults engaged in real estate education and investment. We do not knowingly collect personal information from individuals under 18 years of age.

If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please email us immediately at jules@buildsandbuys.com (or click here to email). We will promptly delete such information from our systems.

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance user experience and analyze platform usage:

Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: Required for platform functionality, authentication, and security (cannot be disabled)
• Performance Cookies: Help us understand how users interact with the platform to improve performance
• Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and personalize your experience
• Analytics Cookies: Collect information about platform usage to help us improve content and features

Managing Cookies

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. Note that disabling certain cookies may limit platform functionality. Most browsers allow you to:

• View and delete cookies
• Block third-party cookies
• Block all cookies (may affect functionality)
• Clear cookies when closing the browser

9. International Data Transfers

Builds and Buys operates globally with users in 198 countries. Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence:

• Data Storage: User data is stored with Supabase, which may maintain servers in multiple jurisdictions
• Service Providers: Third-party services (Google Maps, AI integrations) may process data internationally
• Global Operations: Platform operates with international reach and may process data across multiple locations

When transferring data internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, including:

• Standard contractual clauses approved by regulatory authorities
• Compliance with applicable data protection laws (GDPR, CCPA, etc.)
• Working only with service providers that maintain appropriate security standards

10. Third-Party Links and Services

Builds and Buys may contain links to third-party websites, services, or property listings. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites.

When you leave our platform, we encourage you to read the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit. This Privacy Policy applies only to Builds and Buys.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or platform features. When we make significant changes:

• We will update the “Last Updated” date at the top of this policy
• We will notify you via email or prominent platform notice
• For material changes, we may require re-consent
• You can review the full policy history by contacting us

Continued use of Builds and Buys after policy changes constitutes acceptance of the updated terms. If you do not agree with changes, please discontinue use of the platform.