Last updated: [Insert Date]
This Privacy Policy explains how Discover The State (“we”, “us”, “our”) collects, uses, and protects information when you visit DiscoverTheState.com (the “Site”).
By using this Site, you agree to the practices described here. If you do not agree, please do not use the Site.
1. Who We Are
DiscoverTheState.com is an informational website focused on the U.S. housing market, state and city deep dives, and real-estate risk and affordability insights.
This Privacy Policy applies only to this website and not to any third-party websites or services that may be linked from it.
2. Information We Collect
We aim to collect and use only what is reasonably necessary to operate and improve this Site.
2.1 Information You Provide Voluntarily
You may choose to provide information directly to us, for example when you:
- Submit a contact form
- Leave a comment (if comments are enabled)
- Respond to a survey or feedback form
- Reach out via email or social links shown on the Site
This information may include:
- Name or display name
- Email address
- Any content you write in a message, comment, or form field
We do not ask for or intentionally collect sensitive personal information (such as government ID numbers, financial account details, or health information) through this Site.
2.2 Information Collected Automatically
When you visit the Site, some basic technical information may be collected automatically by our hosting environment and standard web technologies. This can include:
- IP address
- Browser type and version
- Operating system
- Device type
- Referring pages and exit pages
- Date and time of your visit
- Basic usage patterns (pages viewed, time on page, etc.)
This information is generally used for security, performance monitoring, and understanding how the Site is used in aggregate (not to identify you personally).
3. Cookies and Similar Technologies
The Site may use cookies or similar technologies to:
- Help the website function correctly
- Remember certain preferences (where applicable)
- Understand overall traffic patterns in aggregate
You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect how some parts of the Site function but should not prevent basic access.
If third-party services (such as analytics or advertising networks) are added in the future, they may also use cookies. If that happens, we will update this policy to describe those tools in clear terms.
4. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for purposes such as:
- Operating, maintaining, and improving the Site
- Responding to messages or inquiries you send us
- Monitoring traffic, usage trends, and general performance
- Protecting the Site from abuse, spam, or security threats
- Complying with applicable legal obligations
We do not sell your personal information to third parties.
5. When We Share Information
We try to minimize sharing and only do so where reasonably necessary. We may share information in the following situations:
- Service providers: With trusted third-party providers that help us host, secure, or maintain the Site (e.g., hosting companies, security tools). They are only given access to the minimum information they need to perform their services.
- Legal requirements: If required by law, regulation, court order, or government request, or to protect our rights, safety, or the rights and safety of others.
- Business changes: If the Site or its assets are transferred or merged, information may be included as part of that process, in accordance with applicable law.
We do not share personal information with third parties for their own standalone marketing lists.
6. Third-Party Links and Embedded Content
The Site may include:
- Links to external websites (for example, data sources like Redfin, Zillow, FHFA, Federal Reserve, FEMA, etc.)
- Embedded content such as YouTube videos, social media posts, or charts from third-party platforms
These third-party sites and services have their own privacy policies and data practices. We do not control them, and this Privacy Policy does not apply to them.
If you interact with embedded content or follow outbound links, those third parties may collect information according to their own policies.
7. Data Retention
We retain information only for as long as reasonably necessary to:
- Operate the Site
- Respond to your inquiries
- Meet legal, accounting, or reporting obligations
Log files and technical data may be retained for a limited period primarily for security, troubleshooting, and aggregate analytics, then deleted or anonymized where practical.
8. Data Security
We take reasonable technical and organizational measures to help protect the information we handle from unauthorized access, misuse, loss, or disclosure.
However, no website or internet transmission can be guaranteed to be 100% secure. You use this Site and share information at your own risk. If we become aware of a data incident that significantly affects your personal information, we will take appropriate steps consistent with applicable law.
9. Children’s Privacy
This Site is not directed to children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.
If you believe that we may have collected personal information from a child under 13, please contact us so we can review and, if appropriate, delete that information.
10. Your Choices and Rights
Depending on your location and local laws, you may have certain rights relating to your personal information, such as:
- Accessing the information we hold about you
- Requesting correction of inaccurate information
- Requesting deletion of certain information
- Objecting to or restricting certain types of processing
If you wish to exercise any of these rights, or have questions about how your information is handled, you can contact us using the details below. We will respond within a reasonable time, subject to applicable legal requirements.
11. International Visitors
The Site may be accessed from different countries. By using the Site, you understand that your information may be processed and stored in servers located in other regions, and that data protection laws in those jurisdictions may be different from those in your country.
We will handle your information in line with this Privacy Policy regardless of where it is processed.
12. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect:
- Changes in how the Site operates
- Introduction of new features (for example, analytics, advertising, or email subscriptions)
- Updates in legal or regulatory requirements
When we make changes, we will revise the “Last updated” date at the top of this page. Significant changes that materially affect how your information is handled will be highlighted where possible.
Your continued use of the Site after changes take effect means you accept the updated policy.
13. How to Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how your information is used, you can contact us at:
Discover The State
Website: https://discoverthestate.com
Contact: https://discoverthestate.com/contact/