Privacy Policy

Overview

NestCost ("we", "us") is a home-buying intelligence platform. This Privacy Policy explains what personal information we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have. By using NestCost, you agree to the practices described here.

Information We Collect

Account information: name, email address, password (hashed), and role (buyer, renter, seller, investor, or professional).

Financial inputs: the figures you enter for affordability calculations — income, debts, savings, credit score range, down payment, target location, and household details. You provide these voluntarily to generate scores and reports.

Saved properties and reports: listings you save, notes, and generated reports stored to your account.

Usage data: pages viewed, tools used, device type, and approximate location (city/state level). We use this to improve the product and detect abuse.

Payment data: payments are processed by Stripe. We never see or store your full card number — Stripe handles that. We retain the transaction record (amount, plan, status) for accounting and support.

How We Use Your Information

• To calculate your NestCost Score, affordability estimates, and personalized recommendations
• To match you with down payment assistance programs and relevant grants
• To power AI tools such as the AI Advisor, Vibe Score, and Negotiation Coach
• To deliver reports, emails, and account notifications you request
• To improve our models, scores, and neighborhood data over time
• To prevent fraud, abuse, and unauthorized account access

AI & Model Training

We may use anonymized, aggregated inputs to improve the accuracy of our affordability and neighborhood models. We do not train third-party models on your identifiable personal data. Your individual financial details are never shared in a way that identifies you.

Third-Party Services

NestCost integrates with several trusted providers to deliver data and features:

• Stripe — payment processing
• Zillow / HasData — property listings and market data
• Google Maps — maps, geocoding, and commute estimates
• HUD — down payment assistance program data
• FRED — mortgage rate and economic indicators

Each provider processes data under its own privacy policy. We share only the minimum necessary to deliver the feature you requested.

Cookies & Local Storage

We use cookies and browser storage to keep you signed in, remember your preferences (such as theme), and understand how the app is used. You can disable cookies in your browser; some features may not work without them.

Data Retention

We keep your account data for as long as your account is active. You can delete your account at any time, which removes your saved properties, reports, and financial snapshots. We retain limited transaction records for legal and accounting requirements.

Your Rights & Choices

• Access & export: request a copy of your data at any time
• Correction: update your profile or correct inaccurate information
• Deletion: delete your account and associated data
• Opt out of marketing: unsubscribe from promotional emails via the link in any email

To exercise any of these rights, email support@nestcost.com.

Children's Privacy

NestCost is intended for adults 18 and older and residents of the United States. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 18. If you believe a minor has registered, contact us and we will remove the account.

Data Security

We use industry-standard safeguards including encrypted transmission (HTTPS), hashed passwords, and restricted internal access. No system is perfectly secure, but we work to protect your information and notify affected users in the event of a breach.

U.S. State Privacy Rights

Residents of California, Virginia, Colorado, and other states with privacy laws may have additional rights to know, delete, or opt out of certain data processing. Submit requests to support@nestcost.com and we will respond within the timeframe required by your state's law.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be posted here with an updated "Last updated" date. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.

Contact

Questions about your privacy? Contact us:

Email: support@nestcost.com
Subject line: Privacy Inquiry

NestCost · P.O. Box 190092
South Richmond Hill, NY 11419-9987