Privacy Policy
Your privacy is important to us. This Privacy Policy explains how First Mortgage Calculator ("we," "us," "our," or "the Service") collects, uses, processes, and protects your personal information when you visit and use our website and services. This policy complies with applicable privacy laws including GDPR, CCPA, and other relevant regulations.
Information We Collect
We collect information you provide directly to us and information we obtain automatically when you use our Service. The types of information we may collect include:
Information You Provide Directly:
- Calculation Data: Loan amounts, interest rates, property values, down payments, loan terms, and other mortgage-related inputs you voluntarily provide for calculations
- Contact Information: Email addresses when you voluntarily sign up for rate alerts, mortgage tips, or contact us
- Location Information: ZIP codes you enter to receive accurate property tax estimates and local market data
- Communication Data: Any messages, feedback, or inquiries you send to us
Information We Collect Automatically:
- Technical Information: IP address, browser type and version, device information, operating system, screen resolution
- Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on pages, click patterns, calculator features used, session duration
- Cookies and Tracking: Information collected through cookies, web beacons, and similar tracking technologies
- Performance Data: Website loading times, error reports, and technical performance metrics
How We Use Your Information
We process your personal information for the following purposes, based on our legitimate business interests, your consent, or to fulfill our contractual obligations:
Service Provision:
- Provide accurate mortgage calculations and property tax estimates
- Deliver localized market data and mortgage rates
- Maintain and improve website functionality and performance
- Provide customer support and respond to your inquiries
Communications (With Your Consent):
- Send you mortgage rate updates and market insights you've requested
- Deliver educational content about mortgages and homebuying
- Notify you about service updates or changes
Analytics and Improvement:
- Analyze usage patterns to enhance user experience
- Conduct statistical analysis for business insights
- Test new features and functionality
Legal and Security:
- Ensure website security and prevent fraud or abuse
- Comply with legal obligations and regulatory requirements
- Protect our rights and the rights of other users
Information Sharing
We are committed to protecting your privacy. We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties. We may share information only in the following circumstances:
- Service Providers: With trusted third-party services that help us operate our website (analytics, email services)
- Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or government request
- Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets
- Anonymous Data: We may share aggregated, anonymized data for research or business purposes
Data Security
We implement appropriate security measures to protect your information:
- SSL encryption for data transmission
- Secure servers and data storage
- Regular security audits and updates
- Limited access to personal information on a need-to-know basis
- No storage of sensitive financial account information
Cookies and Tracking
We use cookies and similar technologies to:
- Remember your calculator preferences and settings
- Analyze website usage and performance
- Provide personalized content and recommendations
- Ensure website functionality and security
You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. Disabling cookies may affect some website functionality.
Your Privacy Rights
Depending on your location and applicable privacy laws (such as GDPR, CCPA, or other local regulations), you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:
Universal Rights:
- Right to Access: Request a copy of the personal information we have about you
- Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
- Right to Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information ("right to be forgotten")
- Right to Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time
- Right to Object: Object to certain types of processing of your personal information
Additional Rights (GDPR/CCPA):
- Right to Data Portability: Request your personal information in a portable format
- Right to Restrict Processing: Request limitation of how we process your information
- Right to Know: Request details about what personal information we collect and how we use it
- Right to Non-Discrimination: You will not receive discriminatory treatment for exercising your privacy rights
How to Exercise Your Rights: To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information provided in the "Contact Us" section below. We will respond to your request within the timeframe required by applicable law (typically 30 days).
Third-Party Services
Our website may use third-party services for:
- Analytics: Google Analytics to understand website usage
- Property Data: Public APIs for property tax and location information
- Rate Data: Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED) for current mortgage rates
These services have their own privacy policies, and we encourage you to review them.
Data Retention
We retain your information only as long as necessary to:
- Provide our services to you
- Comply with legal obligations
- Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
- Improve our services through analytics
Calculation data is typically stored temporarily for session purposes and deleted automatically. Email addresses are kept until you unsubscribe.
Children's Privacy
Our services are not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. Your continued use of our services after any changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
International Data Transfers
Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for such transfers in accordance with applicable privacy laws.
California Privacy Rights (CCPA)
If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):
- We do not sell your personal information to third parties
- You have the right to opt-out of the sale of personal information (not applicable to us)
- You have the right to request disclosure of information about our collection and use of your personal information
- You have the right to request deletion of your personal information
Contact Us & Data Protection Officer
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, our data practices, or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us:
Privacy Inquiries:
First Mortgage Calculator - Privacy Department
Email: privacy@firstmortgagecalculator.com
Response time: We aim to respond to all privacy inquiries within 48 hours.
You also have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority if you believe we have not addressed your concerns adequately.