Privacy Policy Tools for Real Estate Agencies: Termly vs. iubenda for Brokerage Compliance
If your real estate brokerage website uses IDX feeds, captures leads through a CRM, or runs ad campaigns, you are collecting significant client and prospect data. In most US states and all of the EU, a privacy policy is a legal must-have. Don't risk fines. This guide shows how to get a robust privacy policy for your real estate firm using tools that cost less than a single legal hour.
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The quick answer
Termly is the top pick for most US-based real estate agencies and brokerages. It offers strong coverage for data privacy laws like GDPR and CCPA, which are vital when collecting leads or client information online. Termly also updates automatically when laws change, saving you legal headaches, and includes a clear cookie consent banner for your IDX website. iubenda is better if your brokerage handles many international clients or properties, especially from the EU. Free generators are rarely enough for a professional real estate brokerage, given the sensitive client data you manage, such as financial pre-approvals or property preferences.
Side-by-side breakdown
Termly: Costs $10-20/month. It covers major data laws like GDPR, CCPA, COPPA, and specific state privacy requirements common for US real estate. It updates automatically, which is key as real estate data rules can change. Includes a cookie consent banner crucial for IDX websites and lead generation. Generates privacy policy, terms of service (important for listing agreements), and cookie policy. Best for brokerages focused on the US market and agents using tools like Follow Up Boss or Salesforce for lead management.
iubenda: Costs $9-27/month. Built in Italy, strong for EU compliance, vital if your brokerage works with international investors or luxury properties attracting overseas buyers. Offers multi-language support, useful for diverse client bases. It's IAB TCF certified, which matters for running advanced ad campaigns for listings across borders. Strong for brokerages with significant international website traffic or those operating near US borders with international clients.
Free generators (PrivacyPolicies.com, Termly free tier): Only good for the simplest real estate agent websites – imagine a static 'about me' page with no lead forms or IDX feed. They don't update automatically or monitor new laws, which means you could miss a compliance change for your CRM or website. Not recommended for any brokerage using Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel for listings, or collecting client inquiries, as these tools collect too much data for a free generator to cover safely.
When to choose Termly
Choose Termly if your real estate brokerage primarily serves clients within the US. It's ideal if you want to set up your privacy policy, terms of service for property inquiries, and cookie policy for your IDX website once and have it largely managed automatically. Its cookie consent banner is designed to meet CCPA and GDPR rules, which protects you when collecting data from website visitors browsing listings or submitting property inquiries. Termly’s setup is straightforward, even if you’re not tech-savvy, making it easy to comply without a lawyer.
When to choose iubenda
Choose iubenda if your real estate brokerage frequently works with international clients, particularly those from the EU or other countries with strict data laws. This is common for luxury real estate, commercial investments, or properties in tourist-heavy areas. If you use ad platforms to target international buyers or sellers, IAB TCF compliance is key. iubenda’s legal team tracks global regulatory changes, giving you peace of mind when dealing with diverse client data across different countries.
When a free generator is acceptable
A free generator is almost never acceptable for a professional real estate agency or brokerage. You could only use one if your website is purely static, like a simple online business card, with no IDX feed, no lead capture forms for property inquiries, no email sign-ups for market updates, no advertising pixels (like Facebook or Google Ads for listings), and no analytics beyond basic server logs. If you use Google Analytics or any CRM lead capture system for your brokerage, a free generator simply doesn't offer the legal protection you need.
The verdict
For US-focused real estate agencies and brokerages: Termly. For brokerages with a significant EU or international client base, or if you market global properties: iubenda. Both tools are designed to be set up in under 30 minutes. Make sure your privacy policy is published and linked clearly on your brokerage website *before* you launch any paid advertising campaigns for listings or lead generation. Ad platforms like Google Ads and Meta (Facebook/Instagram) often require a compliant privacy policy before approving your real estate ads.
How to get started
1. List every type of client and prospect data you collect: Names, email addresses, phone numbers, property preferences, financial pre-approval status, past transaction history, and website browsing behavior (especially for IDX views and CRM integration). 2. Choose Termly or iubenda based on where your typical real estate clients are located. 3. Use the tool's guided wizard to generate your privacy policy, terms of service (crucial for client agreements and property inquiries), and cookie policy. 4. Publish all three pages clearly on your brokerage website, typically linked in the footer. 5. Enable the cookie consent banner on your website *before* you run any real estate advertising, especially for lead generation campaigns or retargeting past visitors.
RECOMMENDED TOOLS
Termly
Privacy policy + cookie consent banner — best for US businesses
iubenda
Best for EU compliance and international audiences
PrivacyPolicies.com
Free generator for simple sites
Some links above are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you sign up — at no extra cost to you.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need a privacy policy if I do not sell products online?
Yes, if your website collects any data — including email addresses, contact form submissions, or analytics. GDPR applies to any business that collects data from EU residents regardless of where the business is located. CCPA applies to businesses collecting data from California residents above certain thresholds.
What is a cookie consent banner and do I need one?
A cookie consent banner informs visitors that your site uses cookies and, in many jurisdictions, requires their consent before non-essential cookies are set. GDPR requires explicit consent for analytics and advertising cookies. CCPA requires a Do Not Sell My Personal Information option. If you run Google Analytics or any advertising, you need a compliant banner.
How often should I update my privacy policy?
Update it whenever you add a new data collection method, change a third-party service that handles user data, or when a new privacy law takes effect in a jurisdiction where you have users. Paid tools like Termly and iubenda alert you when updates are needed.
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