Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Appraisal Hawk is the consumer appraisal service of ValueSwell ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our website and appraisal services (collectively, the "Services").

2. Information We Collect

Information You Provide

• Account Information: Name, email address, and password when you create an account.
• Property Information: Your property address, characteristics, and assessment details you provide when ordering an appraisal or savings check.
• Walkthrough Data: Photos, video, voice recordings, and transcriptions you capture during your guided home walkthrough.
• Payment Information: Billing details processed through our secure payment provider (Stripe). We never see or store your card number.
• Communications: Messages you send to us through support channels.

Information Collected Automatically

• Device Information: Device type, operating system, and unique device identifiers.
• Location Data: GPS coordinates attached to photos (only when you grant permission).
• Usage Data: How you interact with our Services, features used, and performance metrics.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide, maintain, and improve our Services
• Produce your appraisal — including sharing your walkthrough and property data with the licensed appraiser assigned to your order
• Pull public-record and market data about your property to evaluate a tax appeal
• Process transactions and send related information
• Send you technical notices, order updates, and support messages
• Respond to your comments and questions
• Detect and prevent fraudulent or unauthorized activity

4. Data Storage and Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your data:

• Encryption in transit (TLS 1.3) and at rest (AES-256)
• Secure cloud infrastructure
• Regular security audits and monitoring
• Limited employee access to user data

Your walkthrough capture is visible only to you and the licensed appraiser working your order. It is never made public and never sold.

5. Data Sharing

We do not sell your personal information. We may share data with:

• Your Appraiser: The state-licensed appraiser fulfilling your order receives the property and walkthrough data needed to complete the report.
• Your Designated Recipients: Attorneys, executors, or other contacts you designate for report delivery.
• Service Providers: Companies that help us operate our Services (cloud hosting, payment processing, AI services). Appraisal Hawk operates on the ValueSwell platform and shares its infrastructure.
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights.
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger or acquisition.

6. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you
• Correct inaccurate data
• Delete your data
• Export your data in a portable format
• Opt out of certain data processing

To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@valueswell.com.

7. Data Retention

We retain your data for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide Services. Note that appraisal workfiles are subject to USPAP record-keeping requirements — the appraiser must retain the workfile for a minimum period set by professional standards, which survives account deletion.

8. Children's Privacy

Our Services are not intended for individuals under 18. We do not knowingly collect data from children.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by email or through the Services.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:

Email: privacy@valueswell.com
Appraisal Hawk, a ValueSwell service