Privacy Policy for The Zimmermann Agency & The Zimmermann Real Estate
The Jamie Zimmermann Pty Ltd its related body Zimmermann Agency & Zimmermann Real Estate (we, our, us) recognise the importance of protecting the privacy and the rights of individuals in relation to their personal information.
1. Definitions
Personal Information:
Information or an opinion about an identified individual, or an individual who is reasonably identifiable, whether the information or opinion is true or not, and whether recorded in a material form or not.
Sensitive Information:
A subset of personal information that includes data about an individual’s race, ethnicity, political opinions, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, criminal record, health, genetic and biometric data. It requires higher protection and explicit consent for collection and use.
Data Collection:
The process of gathering, acquiring, or obtaining personal information from individuals. This may occur through various methods such as forms, online submissions, phone calls, or in-person interactions. Under the Privacy Act 1988, data collection must be lawful, fair, and necessary for the business’s functions or activities. In the context of real estate, it is required to collect at a minimum the full name, mobile number, and/or email address of individuals when attending property inspections or open homes. This is primarily for security purposes, including the safety of the agent, the property, and to maintain accurate visitor records.
Australian Privacy Principles (APPs):
The principles set out in Schedule 1 of the Privacy Act 1988 that govern the standards, rights, and obligations around the collection, use, access, and correction of personal information.
Direct Marketing:
The practice of using personal information to communicate directly with an individual to promote goods and services. This may include sending marketing materials, advertisements, offers, or other promotional content via methods such as email, SMS, phone calls, or postal mail.
Under the Privacy Act 1988, organizations can use personal information for direct marketing if:
- The individual would reasonably expect their information to be used for marketing purposes;
- The organization provides an opt-out mechanism in each communication;
- The individual has not chosen to opt out.
If the individual would not reasonably expect their information to be used for marketing, the organization must: - Obtain explicit consent;
- Inform the individual clearly that they can opt out at any time;
- Honour any request not to receive further communications.
For sensitive information, direct marketing can only occur with the individual’s explicit consent.
Consent:
Under the Privacy Act 1988, consent includes both express and implied forms.
- Express consent is clearly given, either verbally or in writing.
- Implied consent is inferred from a person’s actions or conduct.
For consent to be valid, it must be voluntary, informed, current, specific, and the individual must have the capacity to give it. Individuals can withdraw consent at any time, and we provide clear ways for them to do so.
Agent:
A representative authorised to act on behalf of a vendor or buyer in real estate transactions, including property sales, purchases, inspections, client interactions, and marketing activities.
- Seller’s Agent (Vendor’s Agent): A real estate agent acting for the vendor of land, as defined under the Property and Stock Agents Act 2002 (NSW).
- Buyer’s Agent: A real estate agent acting for a buyer or prospective buyer of land, as defined under the same Act.
Vendor:
An individual or entity who legally owns a property and engages the Zimmermann Agency to facilitate the sale, lease, or management of that property.
Buyer:
An individual or entity seeking to purchase, lease, or inspect a property through the Zimmermann Agency, either directly or via third-party real estate platforms.
Subscriber:
An individual who has provided consent to receive ongoing communications from the Zimmermann Agency, including property alerts, updates, and marketing content. This may include vendors, buyers, agents, or any person who has opted in after an enquiry. Subscribers can opt out at any time.
2. Introduction
At the Zimmermann Agency, we are committed to protecting your personal information and respecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).
This policy applies to all personal information collected, used, or disclosed by us when conducting our real estate business activities, including property sales, marketing, client communications, and related services.
We collect personal information directly from you through various means, including when you:
- Provide your contact details in person, via phone, email, or through our website.
- Complete forms during property inspections, open houses, or property-related enquiries.
- Engage with us through social media, messaging platforms, or online chat services.
- Interact with our digital platforms.
Additionally, we may receive personal information via third-party real estate portals where you have submitted your details. These platforms operate under their own privacy policies, and we adhere to their terms when handling the data we receive.
By providing your personal information through any of these methods, you consent to its collection and use as described in this policy.
3. Why We Collect Your Information and Its Benefits
We collect your personal information to enhance your real estate experience. By giving your consent, you enable us to provide personalised property updates, tailored recommendations, and timely notifications that match your needs.
We value your privacy and make it easy to manage your preferences. You can opt out of marketing communications at any time by following the instructions in the message or contacting us directly. Maintaining your consent allows you to receive valuable updates that enhance your property journey.
4. Personal Information We Collect
At the Zimmermann Agency, we collect personal information that is necessary for conducting our real estate activities and providing services to our clients. The types of personal information we collect are categorised as follows:
Agent Information
- First Name and Last Name
- Business Email
- Mobile Number
- Property License Number
- Communication Records related to property transactions and business operations
Vendor Information
- First Name and Last Name
- Mobile Number
- Email Address
- Home Address and other addresses under their ownership
- Proof of Identification: including ID documents witnessed and the witnessing event registered
- Communication Records relating to the sale of the property
Buyer Information
- Full name, contact details (phone number, email), and property preferences
- Financial information (such as budget and finance approval)
- Identification for inspections or contract signing
- Communication Records related to property enquiries, inspections, and negotiations
- Website usage data
- Open home/inspection registration details (for safety and access tracking)
Subscriber Information
- Full Name and Contact Details
- Subscription preferences
- Engagement history with marketing messages
We may collect personal information directly from you or via third-party platforms where you have provided prior consent.
5. How We Use Personal Information
We use personal information to:
- Facilitate the sale, purchase, or lease of property
- Verify identity and meet legal obligations
- Manage appraisals, inspections, negotiations, and contracts
- Register and log ID witness events
- Communicate with clients and respond to enquiries
- Match buyers with relevant property opportunities
- Send updates, alerts, and property marketing (where consent is provided)
- Fulfil administrative, compliance, and record-keeping obligations
We only use personal information for secondary purposes where permitted under the APPs, and never sell or trade your information.
6. Disclosure of Personal Information
We may disclose personal information to third parties when necessary to perform our services, comply with legal obligations, or where you have given consent.
Disclosure may occur to:
- Legal and conveyancing representatives
- Financial institutions and mortgage brokers
- Property service providers (e.g. trades, inspectors)
- Marketing or communication platforms
- Real estate portals and CRM software providers
- Other agents (where collaboration is relevant)
- Regulatory bodies or law enforcement when legally required
We ensure third parties adhere to privacy and confidentiality obligations consistent with the Privacy Act.
7. Storage and Security of Personal Information
We collect and store personal information necessary to deliver real estate services, such as names, contact details, communication records, and identification for verification. This information is handled in line with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).
We do not collect sensitive information as defined under the Privacy Act 1988.
Where Information is Stored
Data is kept in secure files, cloud-based systems, and trusted real estate platforms. Offshore storage may occur via cloud providers, and we take steps to ensure appropriate protections are in place.
How We Keep Information Safe
We apply a range of safeguards, including:
- Access restrictions and user authentication
- Encrypted communications and secure networks
- Internal privacy protocols and staff training
- Regular reviews of system access and data handling practices
If a Data Breach Occurs
We will notify affected individuals and act in line with the Notifiable Data Breaches Scheme under the Privacy Act.
8. Access and Correction of Personal Information
You have the right to access the personal information we hold about you and to request a correction if it is inaccurate, incomplete, or out of date.
To make a request, contact us using the details in Section 15. We aim to respond within 30 days. If we can’t grant access or make a correction, we’ll explain why in writing and outline your options.
We take reasonable steps to ensure the information we hold is accurate and up to date. If a correction is made, we’ll let you know once it’s complete.
9. Cookies and Online Tracking
Cookies
When you access our website, we may place a small data file called a “cookie” on your device. Cookies contain a unique ID that allows us to recognise your device and track usage patterns over time. This helps us understand how users engage with our site, which areas are most visited, and how we can improve functionality and user experience.
Cookies do not collect personal information. If you prefer not to receive them, you can configure your browser to refuse cookies, though this may affect the usability of our website.
We may also log IP addresses for trend analysis, website administration, and user tracking.
Facebook Tools
We use Facebook technologies—such as pixels, SDKs, and APIs—to measure the effectiveness of our social media advertising. If you visit our website via a Facebook ad, the Facebook Pixel may record that visit. This enables us to track traffic patterns and improve our advertising campaigns.
You can manage how Facebook uses your data through your Facebook account’s Ad Preferences, or opt out by selecting options like “Hide Ad” or “Unfollow” on a Zimmermann Agency ad.
Google Advertising Cookies
We use Google Analytics and related tools to better understand our audience and improve our services. These include:
- Google Analytics Demographics and Interest Reporting
- Remarketing with Google Analytics
- Google Display Network Impression Reporting
- Google Advertising Cookies and Identifiers
These tools allow us to analyse how visitors use our site and tailor ads accordingly. We may use both first-party (e.g. Google Analytics) and third-party cookies (e.g. Google Ads) together to optimise user experience.
To opt out, visit Google Ad Settings or use the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
Third-Party Platforms and Email Tools
We may use third-party platforms such as:
- Real estate portals
- Email marketing platforms
- CRM and listing systems that manage our property data and client records
When you interact with these services—whether by submitting a property enquiry, attending an inspection, or subscribing to updates—your information may be processed or stored through those platforms. We only access and use this data in accordance with this Privacy Policy and applicable privacy laws.
10. Direct Marketing and Communication Preferences
With your consent, we may use your personal information to send you marketing communications about properties, updates, promotions, and services that may be relevant to your interests.
You have full control over how you receive marketing from us. At any time, you can:
- Unsubscribe by clicking the unsubscribe link in any email you receive
- Update your preferences via your subscriber settings (if applicable)
- Contact us directly to manage your communication choices or opt out entirely
We do not send direct marketing communications without your consent. If you choose not to receive them, you will still receive essential service-related communications (e.g. updates regarding a property you’ve enquired about).
11. Your Privacy Rights
As an individual, you have rights under the Privacy Act 1988 in relation to the personal information we hold about you. These rights ensure transparency, control, and protection of your privacy.
You have the right to:
- Access your personal information held by us
- Request correction of any information that is inaccurate, incomplete, or out of date
- Withdraw consent for direct marketing communications at any time
- Request clarification on how your personal information is collected, used, or disclosed
- Make a complaint if you believe we have breached your privacy rights
We will not charge you for making a request and will respond within a reasonable timeframe, usually within 30 days.
To exercise any of these rights, contact us using the details provided in Section 15. We may need to verify your identity before processing certain requests to protect your information.
12. Complaints and Disputes
If you have a concern about how your personal information has been handled, or believe we have breached the Australian Privacy Principles, we encourage you to contact us directly.
We take all privacy complaints seriously and aim to resolve them quickly and fairly.
How to Make a Complaint
Please send your complaint in writing to the contact details provided in Section 15. Include as much detail as possible so we can understand the issue and respond appropriately.
We will:
- Acknowledge receipt of your complaint within a reasonable timeframe
- Investigate the matter and provide a written response
- Work with you to resolve the issue promptly and respectfully
If you are not satisfied with our response, you may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC). Visit www.oaic.gov.au for more information on how to make a formal privacy complaint.
13. Updates to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in legal obligations, business practices, or technology.
When we make changes, the updated policy will be published on our website with the effective date clearly noted. We encourage you to review the policy periodically to stay informed about how your personal information is being handled.
Your continued use of our services after a policy update indicates your acceptance of the revised terms. If a change significantly affects your rights, we will aim to notify you directly where reasonably possible.
14. Online Services and Website Security
Using Our Website and Social Media
When you interact with our website or official social media channels, personal information may be collected in accordance with this Privacy Policy. This may include information collected via cookies, tracking tools, enquiry forms, or social media interactions.
Our websites and social media pages may include links to external third-party sites. These links are provided for your convenience. We are not responsible for the content, security, or privacy practices of third-party websites.
Security Notice Regarding Online Transmission
While we take reasonable steps to secure the information you provide us online, no method of transmission over the internet is completely secure. We cannot guarantee the security of information transmitted to us via online forms or email. Any personal information you send to us over the internet is done at your own risk.
15. Contacting us
If you have any questions about this privacy policy, any concerns or feedback regarding the treatment of your privacy, or how to opt out. Please use the contact link on our website or contact our Privacy Officer using the details set out below.
We will treat your requests or complaints confidentially. Our representative will contact you within a reasonable time after receipt of your complaint to discuss your concerns and outline options regarding how they may be resolved.
We will aim to ensure that your complaint is resolved in a timely and appropriate manner.
Please contact our Privacy Officer at:
Privacy Officer
Post: PO BOX 7066 Alexandria, NSW, 2015
Email: jamie@zimmermann.agency
16. Changes to our privacy policy
We may change this privacy policy from time to time. Any updated versions of this privacy policy will be posted on our website. This privacy policy was last updated on 14 April 2025.