Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

Effective Date: January 9, 2026 | Last Updated: March 12, 2026

Introduction

Christy Schmaedeke, REALTOR® ("we," "us," "our," or "Company"), operating as a licensed real estate agent with Keller Williams Infinity - Elevate Real Estate Team, values your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy outlines the types of information we collect, how we use it, and the steps we take to ensure your data is protected.

This Privacy Policy applies to information collected through our website homesforsalemorris.com (the "Site"), our mobile applications, SMS/text messaging programs, email communications, and any other services we provide (collectively, the "Services").

By using our Services, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your information as described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our Services.

Information We Collect

Personal Information

When you interact with our Services, we may collect:

Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number (including mobile/cell phone number), mailing address
Property Search Preferences: Desired location, price range, property type, number of bedrooms/bathrooms, and other search criteria
Transaction Information: Information related to real estate transactions, including property addresses and financial information
Communication Records: Records of your communications with us, including emails, phone calls, text messages, and website inquiries
Account Information: Login credentials and saved search preferences if you create an account on our property search portal

Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our Site, we automatically collect:

Device Information: IP address, browser type and version, operating system, device type
Usage Data: Pages visited, time and date of visit, time spent on pages, click patterns, referring website addresses
Location Information: General geographic location based on IP address

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies, web beacons, pixels, and similar tracking technologies to remember your preferences, understand how you use our Site, deliver personalized content, analyze Site traffic, and improve our Services. You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may limit your ability to use certain features of our Site.

Information from Third Parties

We may receive information about you from the MLS, IDX Broker, public records, and referral sources.

How We Use Your Information

Real Estate Services

To provide real estate brokerage services, including property searches, market analysis, and transaction coordination
To send you property listings that match your search criteria
To facilitate communication between buyers, sellers, and other parties in real estate transactions
To provide home valuations and market reports

Communications

To respond to your inquiries and provide customer support
To send you information about properties, market updates, and real estate news
To send appointment reminders, showing confirmations, and transaction updates
To send marketing communications (with your consent)

SMS/Text Messaging Communications

To send property alerts and new listing notifications
To send appointment reminders and confirmations
To provide transaction updates and time-sensitive information
To respond to your text message inquiries
To send marketing messages — only with your prior express written consent

SMS/Text Messaging Program — How We Collect Your Opt-In

IMPORTANT: We only send SMS messages to contacts who have explicitly opted in. Consent is never assumed or pre-checked.

How You Opt In

We collect your consent to receive SMS messages through website form opt-in. When you submit your contact information through any form on homesforsalemorris.com — including our contact form, property search registration, or home valuation request form — you are presented with a checkbox to consent to receive SMS communications.

The checkbox is NOT pre-checked. You must actively check the box to opt in. The consent language displayed on the form states:

"By checking this box, I consent to receive SMS text messages from Christy Schmaedeke Real Estate LLC at the phone number provided. Message types include: property alerts, appointment reminders, market updates, and real estate information. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out at any time. Reply HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. View our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use."

We retain a record of each opt-in, including the date, time, IP address, and the specific form used to collect consent. Consent records are retained for a minimum of five (5) years as required by telecommunications regulations.

You will receive a confirmation SMS message immediately after opting in that states: "You have successfully opted in to receive SMS messages from Christy Schmaedeke Real Estate LLC. Msg frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out. Reply HELP for help."

SMS/Text Messaging Program Terms

Program Description

By providing your mobile phone number and opting in, you consent to receive SMS/text messages related to:

Property listing alerts and new listings matching your criteria
Appointment reminders and showing confirmations
Market updates and real estate information
Transaction updates and time-sensitive notifications
Promotional messages about our real estate services (marketing messages require separate consent)

Message Frequency

Message frequency varies based on your preferences and activity. You may receive property alerts as new listings match your criteria, appointment reminders as scheduled, transaction updates as needed, and marketing messages periodically (typically no more than 4 per month if you have opted in).

Opt-Out Instructions — Text STOP to Cancel

YOU CAN CANCEL SMS SERVICE AT ANY TIME. Text "STOP" to any message to unsubscribe immediately.

Upon sending "STOP," we will confirm your unsubscribe status via SMS. Following this confirmation, you will no longer receive SMS messages from us unless you re-enroll. Additional opt-out keywords accepted: STOP, UNSUBSCRIBE, CANCEL, END, or QUIT.

Alternative opt-out methods: contact us at [email protected] or (815) 693-5757.

How to Rejoin

To rejoin our SMS program after opting out, sign up again through our website, or text "START" or "SUBSCRIBE" to our number.

Help and Support

Reply with the keyword "HELP" for assistance, or contact us at [email protected] or (815) 693-5757.

Message and Data Rates

Message and data rates may apply for all messages sent to and from us. Message frequency varies. For questions about your text plan or data plan, contact your wireless provider.

Carrier Liability Disclaimer

Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. Message delivery is subject to effective transmission from your wireless service provider. T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, and other carriers are not responsible for any delays, failures, or content of messages.

IMPORTANT — SMS Opt-In Data: No Sharing With Third Parties

NO MOBILE INFORMATION WILL BE SHARED WITH THIRD PARTIES OR AFFILIATES FOR MARKETING OR PROMOTIONAL PURPOSES.

Text messaging originator opt-in data and consent will not be shared with any third parties, except for aggregators and providers of the text message services necessary to deliver SMS communications to you.

All categories of information sharing described in this Privacy Policy exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent. This information will not be shared with any third parties, excluding aggregators and providers of the text message services.

We do not sell, rent, or trade your mobile phone number or SMS consent information to any third party for their marketing purposes. Information sharing with subcontractors in support services is permitted solely for the purpose of providing support to you.

How We Share Your Information

Service Providers

We may share your information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our business, including website hosting providers, email marketing platforms, CRM systems, SMS/text messaging service providers (solely to deliver messages you have opted in to receive), property search and IDX providers, and transaction management platforms. These providers are contractually obligated to protect your information.

Real Estate Transaction Parties

In connection with real estate transactions, we may share your information with other real estate agents and brokers, title companies, escrow services, lenders and mortgage brokers (with your consent), home inspectors and appraisers, and other parties necessary to complete your transaction.

Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law, to protect our rights, to investigate potential violations, or to protect against fraud or other illegal activities.

With Your Consent

We may share your information with third parties when you have given us explicit consent to do so.

Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures including SSL/TLS encryption, access controls, secure storage on protected servers, and regular system monitoring. While we strive to protect your personal information, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure.

Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide our services, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and meet business needs. For SMS/text messaging consent records, we retain documentation of your consent for a minimum of five (5) years as required by telecommunications regulations.

Your Rights and Choices

Access and Correction

You have the right to access, correct, or request deletion of the personal information we hold about you (subject to legal and contractual limitations). Contact us at [email protected] or (815) 693-5757.

Communication Preferences

Email: Click the "unsubscribe" link in any marketing email
SMS/Text: Reply "STOP" to any text message
Phone: Request to be added to our internal do-not-call list
Mail: Contact us to opt out of physical mailings

Illinois Residents

If you are an Illinois resident, you have specific rights under the Illinois Personal Information Protection Act (815 ILCS 530), including data breach notification and proper disposal of records containing your personal information.

California Residents

If you are a California resident, you may have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including the right to know what personal information we collect, the right to request deletion, and the right to opt out of the sale of your personal information (we do not sell personal information).

Children's Privacy

Our Services are not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.