Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Home Base Appraisal Management, LC (“HBAM,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting the personal information you share with us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit or use our websites, services, and communications.

This policy applies to all users of www.homebaseamc.com and www.homebaseamc.net, including lenders, appraisers, brokers, and any other individuals who interact with our platforms or staff. By using our websites or services, you agree to the terms described in this policy.

If you do not agree with any part of this policy, please discontinue use of our websites and services and contact us with any questions.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

We collect information you voluntarily provide when you:

• Register for an account or place an order
• Contact us via phone, email, or web form
• Communicate with our staff via SMS/text message
• Submit documents or data as part of an appraisal transaction

This may include your name, email address, phone number, mailing address, company name, and any other details you choose to share.

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our websites, we automatically collect certain technical information, including:

• IP address and approximate geolocation
• Browser type, operating system, and device identifiers
• Pages viewed, links clicked, and time spent on site
• Referring URLs and exit pages

This information is collected through cookies, web beacons, and analytics tools as described in Section 6.

2.3 Information From Third Parties

We may receive information about you from third-party sources such as loan origination systems, appraisal management integrations, or identity verification services, where permitted by law and necessary to fulfill your order.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• To process and fulfill appraisal orders and related transactions
• To communicate with you about your orders, account, or our services
• To send transactional SMS messages, including order status updates and appointment confirmations (see Section 4)
• To respond to inquiries and provide customer support
• To improve our websites, services, and internal operations
• To conduct analytics and measure website performance
• To send marketing communications, where you have opted in or where permitted by law
• To comply with applicable laws, regulations, and legal processes
• To detect, prevent, or investigate fraud, security incidents, or policy violations

4. SMS / Text Message Communications

Home Base Appraisal Management may send SMS (text) messages to phone numbers you provide, for the purpose of facilitating direct communication related to your appraisal orders, account activity, and business relationship with HBAM.

4.1 Consent and Opt-In

By providing your phone number and agreeing to receive SMS communications, you consent to receive text messages from HBAM. Consent is not a condition of purchase or service. We participate in the 10DLC (10-Digit Long Code) registration program, which means our messages are sent through a registered, compliant business messaging channel.

4.2 Types of Messages

SMS messages we may send include:

• Order status updates (e.g., appraisal scheduled, report delivered)
• Appointment confirmations or reminders
• Requests for additional information or documentation
• Account or service notifications
• Responses to inbound messages from you

4.3 Data Use and Non-Sharing

Phone numbers and SMS consent collected for text communications will not be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. This information is used solely to facilitate direct communication between HBAM staff and our clients and partners.

4.4 Opt-Out

You may opt out of SMS communications at any time by replying STOP to any message. You may also contact us directly to update your communication preferences. After opting out, you may continue to receive service-critical messages where required by your transaction or legal obligation.

4.5 Message Frequency and Costs

Message frequency varies based on your order activity. Standard message and data rates may apply. Contact your mobile carrier for details.

5. AI Tools and Automated Processing

HBAM uses artificial intelligence (AI) tools and automated workflows to support internal operations, including order management, document processing, and customer communications.

5.1 How AI Is Used

AI tools may be used to:

• Assist staff in drafting or routing communications
• Summarize or analyze documents submitted as part of an appraisal order
• Automate routine workflow tasks such as order status tracking and notifications
• Improve internal quality control and operational efficiency

5.2 Human Oversight

All material decisions affecting your order, transaction, or account are made by or reviewed by HBAM staff. AI tools support our team but do not make final determinations about appraisal outcomes, valuations, or account actions.

5.3 Third-Party AI Services

We may use third-party AI platforms (such as cloud-based language or document processing tools) to support these functions. When we do, we require those providers to maintain appropriate data security and confidentiality standards. We do not permit third-party AI vendors to train their models on your personal information without your explicit consent.

5.4 Automated Decision-Making

We do not use fully automated decision-making processes that produce legal or similarly significant effects on individuals without human review. If this practice changes, we will update this policy accordingly.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our websites use cookies and similar technologies to improve functionality and analyze usage. You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings, though disabling certain cookies may affect site performance.

6.1 Types of Cookies We Use

• Session cookies — Temporary cookies that expire when you close your browser. Used to maintain site functionality during your visit.
• Persistent cookies — Stored on your device for a fixed period. Used to remember preferences across sessions.
• Third-party analytics cookies — Set by services such as Google Analytics to help us understand site traffic and usage patterns.

6.2 Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to collect aggregated information about how visitors use our sites. This data is anonymized and used solely to improve our services. Google's use of this data is governed by the Google Analytics Terms of Service and Google Privacy Policy.

6.3 Your Cookie Choices

You may decline non-essential cookies by adjusting your browser settings or using an opt-out tool provided by your jurisdiction. Note that some site features may not function properly if cookies are disabled.

7. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell or rent your personal information. We may share your information in the following limited circumstances:

• Service providers: Third parties who assist us in operating our website, fulfilling orders, or conducting our business (e.g., hosting providers, payment processors, appraisers), subject to confidentiality agreements.
• Legal compliance: When required by law, regulation, court order, or government request.
• Fraud prevention and security: To investigate or prevent suspected fraud, security incidents, or violations of our policies.
• Business transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of business assets, your information may be transferred to the successor entity, which will be bound by this policy.
• With your consent: For any other purpose you explicitly authorize.

8. California Privacy Rights (CCPA / CPRA)

If you are a California resident, you have specific rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA).

8.1 Your California Rights

California residents have the right to:

• Know: Request disclosure of the categories and specific pieces of personal information we have collected about you.
• Delete: Request deletion of personal information we have collected, subject to certain exceptions.
• Correct: Request correction of inaccurate personal information we hold about you.
• Opt Out of Sale or Sharing: We do not sell or share personal information for cross-context behavioral advertising.
• Limit Use of Sensitive Personal Information: Request that we limit our use of sensitive personal information to what is necessary to provide services.
• Non-Discrimination: We will not discriminate against you for exercising any of your privacy rights.

8.2 How to Submit a Request

To exercise your California rights, contact us using the information in Section 13. We will respond to verified requests within 45 days. We may need to verify your identity before processing your request.

8.3 Authorized Agents

You may designate an authorized agent to make a request on your behalf. We may require proof of authorization and verification of your identity directly.

9. Data Retention

We retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this policy, comply with our legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. Retention periods are determined based on:

• The type and sensitivity of the information
• Legal and regulatory retention requirements applicable to appraisal and mortgage services
• Our legitimate business interests

When information is no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize it in accordance with applicable standards.

10. Data Security

We implement industry-standard technical, administrative, and physical safeguards to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. These measures include encrypted data transmission, access controls, and regular security reviews.

While we take reasonable precautions, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but are committed to addressing security incidents promptly and responsibly.

11. Children's Privacy

Our websites and services are not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected information from a child, we will take prompt steps to delete it. If you believe a minor has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.

12. Your Rights and Choices

Regardless of your location, you may request the following in connection with your personal information:

• Access: Confirm whether we process your information and request a copy.
• Correction: Request that we correct inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Deletion: Request erasure of your information, subject to our legal obligations.
• Restriction: Request that we limit processing of your information.
• Portability: Request a machine-readable copy of information you directly provided to us.
• Objection: Object to certain types of processing, including direct marketing.

To submit a request, contact us using the information below. We will respond within 30 days (or as required by applicable law). We may need to verify your identity before fulfilling your request.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests related to this Privacy Policy, please contact us:

We are committed to resolving privacy concerns and will respond to all inquiries promptly.

14. Updates to This Policy

We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy at any time. Material changes will be communicated by updating the “Last Updated” date at the top of this document and, where appropriate, by providing notice through our website or direct communication.

Your continued use of our websites or services after any update constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.