Cookie Policy

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile) when you visit our website. They help us provide you with a better experience by remembering your preferences and understanding how you use our Platform.

NeighborhoodNest uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience, analyze site traffic, and understand where our visitors are coming from.

2. Types of Cookies We Use

2.1 Essential Cookies

These cookies are necessary for the Platform to function properly. They enable core functionality such as:

• Authentication: Keeping you logged in during your session
• Security: Protecting against cross-site request forgery (CSRF) attacks
• Session Management: Maintaining your session state across pages
• Form Data: Remembering information you've entered in forms

Legal Basis: These cookies are essential for the legitimate operation of our Platform and do not require your consent.

2.2 Functional Cookies

These cookies enhance your user experience by remembering your choices and preferences:

• Language Preferences: Remembering your preferred language
• Location Settings: Storing your ZIP code for better service matching
• UI Preferences: Remembering your layout and display preferences
• Search Filters: Saving your last used search criteria

2.3 Analytics Cookies

We use analytics cookies to understand how visitors interact with our Platform:

• Usage Statistics: Pages visited, time spent, bounce rates
• Performance Monitoring: Page load times and error tracking
• User Journey: Understanding how users navigate our Platform
• Feature Usage: Which features are most popular

Third-Party Services: We may use Google Analytics or similar services that use their own cookies.

2.4 Marketing and Advertising Cookies

These cookies help us deliver relevant advertising and measure campaign effectiveness:

• Targeted Advertising: Showing relevant ads based on your interests
• Campaign Tracking: Measuring the effectiveness of our marketing campaigns
• Social Media Integration: Enabling sharing and social media features
• Retargeting: Showing ads to previous visitors on other websites

3. Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies on our Platform are set by third-party services we use:

3.1 Payment Processing

• Stripe: For secure payment processing and fraud prevention
• Purpose: Transaction security and payment method management
• Data: Payment information, fraud detection data

3.2 Communication Services

• Email Services: For sending verification and notification emails
• Purpose: Email delivery and tracking
• Data: Email addresses, delivery status

3.3 Analytics and Performance

• Google Analytics: Website usage analytics
• Performance Monitoring: Error tracking and performance metrics
• Purpose: Platform improvement and optimization

4. How Long Do Cookies Last?

4.1 Session Cookies

These cookies are temporary and are deleted when you close your browser. They're used for:

• Maintaining your login session
• Keeping items in temporary storage
• Form data during multi-step processes

4.2 Persistent Cookies

These cookies remain on your device for a specified period or until you delete them:

• Authentication Cookies: Up to 30 days
• Preference Cookies: Up to 1 year
• Analytics Cookies: Up to 2 years
• Marketing Cookies: Up to 13 months

5. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

5.1 Browser Settings

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to:

• View and delete existing cookies
• Block cookies from specific websites
• Block third-party cookies
• Clear all cookies when you close the browser
• Set up notifications when cookies are being set

5.2 Browser-Specific Instructions

5.3 Opt-Out Options

For specific types of cookies, you can opt out through these methods:

• Google Analytics: Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
• Interest-Based Advertising: Digital Advertising Alliance Opt-Out
• Social Media: Adjust privacy settings on respective platforms

6. Impact of Disabling Cookies

While you can disable cookies, this may affect your experience on our Platform:

6.1 Essential Functions Affected

• You may need to log in repeatedly
• Form data may not be saved during navigation
• Security features may not work properly
• Payment processing may be disrupted

6.2 Enhanced Features Lost

• Personalized content and recommendations
• Saved preferences and settings
• Location-based service suggestions
• Optimized performance based on your usage

7. Mobile App Tracking

If you use our mobile application, we may use mobile-specific tracking technologies:

• Local Storage: For app preferences and offline functionality
• Device Identifiers: For analytics and crash reporting
• Push Tokens: For sending notifications
• Location Data: For location-based services (with permission)

8. Data Protection and Security

We implement appropriate security measures for data collected through cookies:

• Encryption: Sensitive cookie data is encrypted
• Secure Transmission: Cookies are transmitted over HTTPS
• Access Controls: Limited access to cookie data
• Regular Audits: Periodic review of cookie usage and security

9. International Data Transfers

Some of our third-party service providers may be located outside your country. When cookies are set by these services, your data may be transferred internationally. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for such transfers.

10. Children's Privacy

Our Platform is not intended for children under 18. We do not knowingly collect data through cookies from children. If you believe we have collected such information, please contact us immediately.

11. Updates to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or for legal, operational, or regulatory reasons. We will notify you of any significant changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our Platform
• Updating the "Last Updated" date
• Sending email notifications for material changes
• Displaying a notification banner on our Platform

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about our Cookie Policy or how we use cookies, please contact us:

13. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have specific rights regarding cookies:

13.1 EU/UK Residents (GDPR)

• Right to withdraw consent for non-essential cookies
• Right to object to processing based on legitimate interests
• Right to access data collected through cookies
• Right to data portability

13.2 California Residents (CCPA)

• Right to know what personal information is collected
• Right to opt-out of sale of personal information
• Right to delete personal information
• Right to non-discrimination