Privacy Policy

PRIVACY POLICY

Last Updated: May 17, 2026

Saul Bernal, Real Estate Broker and REALTOR® (referred to as «we,» «us,» or «our»), is committed to protecting the privacy of our website visitors, clients, and prospective customers. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, protect, and manage your Personal Information when you visit our website (the «Site»), use our services, or interact with us regarding real estate transactions in California.

This policy has been designed to comply with California privacy laws, including the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), the California Online Privacy Protection Act (CalOPPA), the Federal Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), and the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Code of Ethics.

Please read this Privacy Policy carefully to understand our practices. By using this Site or submitting your information through our forms, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

1. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

We collect information that identifies, relates to, describes, is reasonably capable of being associated with, or could reasonably be linked, directly or indirectly, with a particular consumer or household («Personal Information»).

A. Information You Provide to Us Voluntarily

When you interact with our Site, submit a contact form, request property search listings, or communicate with us, we may collect:

  • Identifiers: Full name, mailing address, email address, phone number, and social media handles.
  • Real Estate Preferences: Search criteria, neighborhood preferences, price ranges, home buying or selling timelines, and property interest data.
  • Financial and Loan Readiness Information: When you express interest in connecting with our lending partners (e.g., Veronica Morales, Loan Officer) or query your purchasing power, we may collect basic indicators of loan readiness, income categories, or pre-approval status. (Note: Financial information provided directly to our external lending partners is governed by their respective privacy policies).

B. Information Collected Automatically

Like most modern websites, we automatically collect certain technical data when you navigate our Site:

  • Device and Usage Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URL, pages viewed, time spent on pages, and dates/times of your visits.
  • Cookies and Tracking Technologies: We may use cookies, web beacons, and pixels to analyze Site traffic, optimize your user experience, and deliver relevant advertisements on third-party platforms.

2. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

We use the Personal Information we collect for business and commercial purposes, including:

  • Providing, maintaining, and improving our real estate services and Site features.
  • Responding to your questions, contact form submissions, and inquiries.
  • Customizing and sending you property listings and market updates that match your search criteria.
  • Facilitating introductions to our trusted professional partners (such as mortgage loan officers or home inspectors) at your explicit request.
  • Sending promotional, educational, and marketing communications (subject to your consent where required by law).
  • Enforcing our terms, protecting against fraudulent or illegal activity, and complying with professional real estate regulations.

3. CALIFORNIA PRIVACY RIGHTS (CCPA & CPRA)

If you are a resident of California, you have specific rights under the CCPA and CPRA regarding your Personal Information.

A. Your Rights

  • Right to Know / Access: You have the right to request that we disclose what Personal Information we collect, use, disclose, and sell/share about you.
  • Right to Delete: You have the right to request the deletion of your Personal Information collected or maintained by us, subject to certain legal exceptions (e.g., to complete a real estate transaction in progress or to comply with California Department of Real Estate record-keeping laws).
  • Right to Correct: You have the right to request that we correct inaccurate Personal Information that we maintain about you.
  • Right to Limit Use of Sensitive Personal Information: If we collect sensitive personal information, you have the right to limit its use. However, we do not collect or process sensitive personal information for purposes other than those necessary to perform our core real estate services.
  • Right to Opt-Out of Sale or Sharing: We do not sell your Personal Information to third parties. We do not «share» your personal information for cross-context behavioral advertising without your consent.
  • Right to Non-Discrimination: We will not discriminate or retaliate against you for exercising any of your CPRA/CCPA rights.

B. How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise your rights to know, delete, or correct your information, please submit a verifiable consumer request to us by:

  • Emailing us at: saulbernal.gri@gmail.com
  • Calling us at: (661) 213-6844

Only you, or a person registered with the California Secretary of State that you authorize to act on your behalf, may make a verifiable consumer request related to your Personal Information.

4. TCPA & SMS TEXT MESSAGE COMPLIANCE (CRITICAL NOTICE)

We value your communication preferences. In compliance with the Federal Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) 1-to-1 consent rules, and carrier guidelines (A2P 10DLC):

A. Explicit Consent for Communications

By submitting a contact form, checking an opt-in box, or providing your phone number on this Site, you grant prior express written consent to receive phone calls, pre-recorded messages, and SMS text messages from Saul Bernal (and/or his designated staff/systems) to the phone number provided.

  • These communications may relate to property updates, listing details, scheduling, and general real estate inquiries.
  • Consent to receive these communications is not a condition of purchasing or renting any property, goods, or services.
  • Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency will vary depending on your interactions and search activity.

B. Sharing of Mobile Information

No mobile information or phone number collected through our SMS opt-in forms will be sold, rented, or shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. Your SMS opt-in data and consent are strictly confidential and used solely for the relationship between you and Saul Bernal.

C. How to Opt-Out

You may opt-out of receiving text messages from us at any time.

  • To stop receiving SMS text messages, reply «STOP» to any message received.
  • Upon receipt of your «STOP» message, we will send you a one-time SMS to confirm that you have been unsubscribed. After this, you will no longer receive text messages from us unless you choose to opt back in.
  • For assistance, reply «HELP» or contact us directly at (661) 213-6844.

5. REALTOR® CODE OF ETHICS & TRANSACTION DATA

As a licensed California Real Estate Broker (CalDRE #01371154) and a member of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), Saul Bernal adheres strictly to the REALTOR® Code of Ethics.

  • We protect our clients’ confidential transaction details during and after a real estate transaction.
  • We only disclose transaction details to third parties (such as title companies, escrow officers, lenders, and inspectors) as necessary to complete the escrow and closing processes, or as required by California law, the California Department of Real Estate (DRE), or court orders.

6. THIRD-PARTY WEBSITES AND LINKS

Our Site contains links to external, third-party platforms to enhance your user experience (e.g., MLS listing portals, homes.com, bakersfieldrealtor.com, and mortgage partner websites like Veronica Morales’ loan portal). We do not control and are not responsible for the privacy practices, content, or cookie policies of these third-party websites. Once you click on an external link and leave our Site, you are subject to that third party’s privacy policy. We highly recommend reviewing their privacy statements before submitting any personal or financial information.

7. DATA SECURITY AND RETENTION

We implement and maintain reasonable, industry-standard physical, electronic, and administrative security measures designed to safeguard your Personal Information from unauthorized access, modification, disclosure, or destruction.

We retain your Personal Information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, to provide our professional real estate services, or as required by applicable California real estate brokerage retention laws (which typically require brokers to retain transaction records for a minimum of three years).

8. CHILDREN’S PRIVACY

Our Site is not intended for or directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect, sell, or share Personal Information from children under the age of 16. If we learn that we have accidentally collected information from a child under 16, we will take immediate steps to delete that information from our systems.

9. CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to amend this Privacy Policy at any time to reflect updates to our practices, technology, or legal requirements. When we make changes, we will update the «Last Updated» date at the top of this page. Your continued use of our Site following the posting of changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.

10. CONTACT INFORMATION

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your privacy rights in California, please contact us:

  • REALTOR® / Broker: Saul Bernal, GRI
  • Broker License Number: CalDRE #01371154
  • Agency: Joyful Homes Real Estate
  • Office Address: 3512 Suncrest Lane, Bakersfield, CA 93313
  • Primary Phone: (661) 213-6844
  • Email: saulbernal.gri@gmail.com