• Zillow
  • realtor.com

PRIVACY POLICY

Last Updated: 04/09/26
Effective Date: 03/27/26

1. Introduction

Erick Eckardt (“we,” “our,” or “us”) operates the website erickeckardt.com (“Site”). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our Site or use our services. By using the Site, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information you voluntarily provide when using our Site:

  • Newsletter Sign-Up:
    • Name
    • Email address
    • City
  • Property Search Portal (IDX via FlexMLS):
    • Name
    • Email address
    • Mailing address
    • Phone number
  • Contact Form:
    • Name
    • Email address
    • Phone number
    • Subject
    • Message

Additional Information: In the course of our business relationship, we may also collect additional information through phone conversations, email correspondence, in-person meetings, or other communications. This may include property preferences, financial information, transaction details, and other relevant data needed to provide real estate services.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information you provide to:

  • Send real estate newsletters and market updates.
  • Provide access to property listings through our IDX search portal.
  • Respond to inquiries and provide real estate services.
  • Improve website content and user experience.

4. Data Storage and Retention

We store your personal information in the following secure locations:

  • FlexMLS (GRAR): 
    • Automatic Storage: Data from the Property Search Portal is stored directly in FlexMLS.
    • Manual Entry: Data from the Contact Form and Newsletter Sign-ups is received via email and manually entered into FlexMLS by our team for CRM purposes and client service.
  • Proton Drive (Proton Sheets):
    • Newsletter List: The master list of newsletter subscribers is stored in a secure spreadsheet on Proton Drive.
  • Proton Mail:
    • Communication Records: Copies of all form submissions (Contact Form, Newsletter, Search Portal) are retained in our email system as a permanent business record of communication and to maintain a complete history of our communications and support ongoing client service.
  • Retention Period: We retain your personal information indefinitely unless you request deletion. Upon a verified request, we will:

    1. Delete your record from FlexMLS.
    2. Remove your entry from the Proton Sheets newsletter list.
    3. Permanently delete the corresponding email records from our Proton Mail inbox and archived folders.

5. Third-Party Services

Our Site uses the following third-party services for functionality, analytics, and data storage:

  • FlexMLS IDX property search portal and primary CRM data storage.
  • Proton Drive Secure storage for newsletter subscriber lists.
  • Proton Mail Secure email communication and record-keeping of form submissions.
  • Google Analytics Website traffic analysis and user behavior insights.
  • Bing Webmaster Tools Search engine indexing and performance monitoring.
  • Rank Math SEO Search engine optimization plugin.

These services may collect data according to their own privacy policies. We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties.

6. Third-Party Links and Profiles

This Site includes links to third-party websites and profiles, including:

  • Professional Profiles: Realtor.com, Zillow
  • Social Media: Facebook, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, YouTube
  • Service Providers: Home inspectors, mortgage lenders, title companies, etc.

These links are provided for your convenience. We do not control these external websites and are not responsible for their content, privacy practices, or services. Your interactions with these third parties are governed by their own terms and privacy policies.

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our Site uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience. These include:

  • WordPress Cookies: Session management, login functionality, and user preferences.
  • Google Analytics Cookies: Traffic analysis, user demographics, and site interaction data.
  • Rank Math Cookies: SEO-related analytics.

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect Site functionality.

8. Children’s Privacy

Our Site is not intended for children under 13 years of age. While we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13, we cannot prevent all minors from accessing the Site. If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected such information, we will take immediate steps to delete it.

9. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the right to:

  •  Access the personal data we hold about you.
  • Request correction or deletion of your data.
  • Opt out of marketing communications.
  • Restrict or object to certain processing of your data.

To exercise these rights, contact us using the information below.

10. Contact Information

For questions about this Privacy Policy or to request data deletion, contact:

Erick Eckardt
Email: erick@erickeckardt.com
Phone: 616 886 9389
Address: 4950 Plainfield Ave. Suite G, Grand Rapids, MI 49525

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date. Continued use of the Site constitutes acceptance of any changes.