Privacy Policy

Introduction

Michael Hewitson (Broker) and Laura Hewitson (Sales Representative), operating as My Next KW Home with Royal LePage Wolle Realty, Brokerage ("we," "us," or "our"), are committed to protecting your privacy and personal information.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or engage our real estate services. We operate in compliance with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), the Trust in Real Estate Services Act, 2002 (TRESA), and Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) requirements.

Information We Collect

We may collect personal information that you provide directly to us, including:

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address
• Property Information: Details about properties you own, wish to buy, or are interested in
• Financial Information: As required for real estate transactions and FINTRAC compliance
• Identification: Government-issued ID as required by FINTRAC regulations for real estate transactions
• Communication Records: Records of our correspondence and communications with you

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide real estate services, including buying and selling assistance
• Respond to your inquiries and communicate with you about properties
• Send you property listings, market updates, and relevant information
• Complete real estate transactions on your behalf
• Comply with legal obligations, including FINTRAC reporting requirements and RECO record-keeping obligations
• Protect against fraud and ensure the security of transactions

Regulatory Compliance

As registered real estate professionals in Ontario, we are required to comply with various regulatory requirements:

• TRESA & RECO Requirements: We are required to maintain records of all real estate transactions for a minimum of six (6) years after the transaction is completed, as mandated by O. Reg. 579/05.
• FINTRAC Compliance: For real estate transactions, we must verify client identity and may be required to report certain transactions to the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC). These records must be retained for a minimum of five (5) years.
• Code of Ethics (O. Reg. 365/22): We are bound by the Code of Ethics which requires us to maintain client confidentiality. We will not disclose your confidential information unless authorized by you or required by law.

Information Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your personal information in the following circumstances:

• With Your Consent: When you authorize us to share your information with specific parties
• Brokerage: With Royal LePage Wolle Realty, Brokerage, as required for transaction processing and regulatory compliance
• MLS Systems: Listing information may be shared through MLS systems to market your property
• Other Real Estate Professionals: As necessary to facilitate transactions (e.g., cooperating brokerages, lawyers, mortgage professionals)
• Regulatory Bodies: With RECO, FINTRAC, or other authorities as required by law
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or legal process

We do not sell your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Your Rights

Under PIPEDA, you have the right to:

• Access your personal information that we hold
• Request correction of inaccurate personal information
• Withdraw consent for certain uses of your information
• Request information about our privacy policies and practices

Please note that certain information must be retained to comply with regulatory requirements (e.g., RECO's six-year record retention requirement).

Cookies and Website Analytics

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience and analyze website usage. You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. We may use analytics services to understand how visitors interact with our website.

Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will post any changes on this page with an updated revision date.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us:

Regulatory Information

We are registered with the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO). If you have concerns about how your personal information has been handled that cannot be resolved directly with us, you may contact RECO at www.reco.on.ca or call 1-800-245-6910.