Protecting your privacy

Zuzart Mortgages
Effective Date: October 26, 2024
Last Updated: December 28, 2024

Zuzart Mortgages (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy and safeguarding your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information in accordance with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and applicable Ontario privacy laws.

Carl Zuzart operates as a licensed mortgage broker in Ontario (License #M25001564) under the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA).

1. Information We Collect

To provide mortgage brokerage services, we may collect the following types of personal information:

1.1 Identity Information

• Full legal name
• Date of birth
• Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• Government-issued identification (driver’s license, passport)
• Marital status
• Contact information (address, phone number, email)

1.2 Financial Information

• Employment details and income verification
• Bank statements and financial assets
• Existing debts and liabilities
• Credit history and credit score
• Tax returns and Notices of Assessment
• Property information (for purchases or refinances)
• Down payment source and gift letter documentation

1.3 Technical Information

• IP address and browser type
• Device information
• Website usage data and cookies
• Referring website information

2. How We Collect Your Information

We collect personal information through:

• Direct interactions: When you contact us, complete application forms, or submit documents
• Third-party sources: Credit bureaus (Equifax, TransUnion), employers, financial institutions, and other verification sources with your consent
• Automated technologies: Cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website
• Referral partners: Real estate agents or other professionals who refer you to us with your knowledge

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information to:

• Assess your mortgage needs and eligibility
• Submit mortgage applications to lenders on your behalf
• Communicate with you about your application status
• Verify information provided in your application
• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
• Prevent fraud and verify identity
• Improve our services and website experience
• Send relevant mortgage-related information and updates (with your consent)
• Respond to your inquiries and provide customer support

4. How We Share Your Information

We may share your personal information with:

4.1 Lenders and Financial Institutions

To process your mortgage application, we submit your information to potential lenders. This may include banks, credit unions, mortgage finance companies, and private lenders. We only share information necessary to assess and fund your mortgage.

4.2 Credit Bureaus

With your consent, we obtain credit reports from Equifax and/or TransUnion to assess your creditworthiness.

4.3 Service Providers

We may share information with trusted third parties who assist us in operating our business, including:

• Mortgage administration platforms (e.g., Pineapple)
• Document management systems
• Email and communication providers
• Website hosting and analytics services

4.4 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law, regulation, court order, or to comply with FSRA requirements.

4.5 Professional Advisors

With your consent, we may share relevant information with your real estate lawyer, real estate agent, or other professionals involved in your transaction.

We do not sell your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

5. Consent

We obtain your consent before collecting, using, or disclosing your personal information, except where permitted or required by law. By engaging our services, you consent to:

• Collection and use of your information as described in this policy
• Credit bureau inquiries
• Sharing your application with potential lenders
• Verification of information with employers and financial institutions

You may withdraw your consent at any time, subject to legal or contractual restrictions. Withdrawing consent may affect our ability to provide services to you.

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate security measures to protect your personal information, including:

• Encrypted transmission of sensitive data (SSL/TLS)
• Secure document storage systems
• Password-protected access to client files
• Regular security assessments
• Staff training on privacy and data protection

While we take reasonable precautions, no method of electronic transmission or storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of your information.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:

• Fulfill the purposes for which it was collected
• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
• Meet FSRA record-keeping requirements for mortgage brokers

Under FSRA regulations, mortgage brokers must retain client records for a minimum of six (6) years after the end of the client relationship. After this period, we securely destroy or anonymize your personal information.

8. Your Privacy Rights

Under Canadian privacy law, you have the right to:

• Access: Request access to your personal information in our possession
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Withdrawal: Withdraw consent for non-essential uses of your information
• Complaint: File a complaint with us or the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada

To exercise these rights, contact us using the information below. We will respond to your request within 30 days.

9. Cookies and Website Analytics

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to:

• Remember your preferences
• Analyze website traffic and usage patterns
• Improve website functionality
• Provide relevant content

Types of cookies we use:

• Essential cookies: Required for website functionality
• Analytics cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our site (e.g., Google Analytics)
• Marketing cookies: Used to deliver relevant advertisements

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect website functionality.

Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to analyze website traffic. Google Analytics collects information anonymously and reports website trends without identifying individual visitors. You can opt out by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

10. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites (e.g., lender websites, Pineapple pre-approval portal). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing personal information.

11. Children’s Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child, we will delete it promptly.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The “Last Updated” date at the top indicates when the policy was last revised. We encourage you to review this policy regularly.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us:

Zuzart Mortgages
Carl Zuzart, Licensed Mortgage Broker
FSRA License #M25001564 , Level – 1

Email: carlzuzart@gopineapple.com
Phone: +1 (647) 448-8237
Website: https://mortgage.zuzart.ca

Privacy Commissioner of Canada

If you are not satisfied with our response to your privacy concern, you may contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada:

Website: www.priv.gc.ca
Phone: 1-800-282-1376

This Privacy Policy is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal questions about privacy compliance, please consult a qualified legal professional.