The Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee (TREIC) met April 18.

Discussion started with a public comment submitted online to committee members expressing confusion over the Standard Inspection Report Form. This form falls under TREC rule §535.223 and was recently amended to clarify that when multiple boxes are checked for a particular item on the Property Inspection Report Form (REI 7-6), the inspector must also document the reason for checking multiple boxes. The committee reiterated there is an online instruction sheet to provide guidance to anyone with questions. 

A New Vice Chair

Inspector member Mike Morgan was elected as vice chair of the committee. The previous vice chair, Scott Regan, resigned from the committee in March. Chair Lee Warren thanked Mr. Regan for his service and noted his invaluable contributions to the committee during his tenure.    

Apprentice Inspector License 

The Inspector Education Subcommittee sought input from the committee regarding a recommendation to eliminate the real estate inspector license.  The subcommittee noted that its recommendation for apprentice education hours and supervised inspections would need to contemplate that recommendation.

The subcommittee meets again on June 20. 

Increase in Education Providers, Committee Discusses Texas Practicum Evaluation

In the last two years, the total number of qualified inspector education providers increased from 7 to 10, which means more options are available to inspector applicants. Information on providers and available courses can be found on TREC's website. 

Committee members reviewed a draft course manual for the mandatory Legal, Ethics, and SOP Review course. This draft will go before commissioners in May. 

Committee members also discussed and reviewed a draft of the Texas Practicum Evaluation Form. The Inspector Education Subcommittee created this new form as a tool for students to provide feedback after completing the Texas Practicum. The Education Subcommittee will continue to develop this form. 

Recommended Rule Changes

Important license expiration changes

TREIC discussed 22 TAC 535.216, Renewal of License. This rule is currently out for proposal as part of a commission initiative to update the late renewal process to better protect the consumer.  The committee discussed the importance of this change and recommended the rule with minor changes made to clarify references to other rules related to insurance and reactivation of license.

This recommendation will go before commissioners. If approved, it will be effective October 1. 

Inspection Reports

The committee also voted to recommend changes to rule §535.222, Inspection Reports. These changes clarify that inspectors must deliver reports to clients within two calendar days of payment. This recommendation will go before commissioners in May.

Upcoming Meeting Information

The next TREIC meeting is July 17 at 10 a.m. at TREC headquarters. It will also be live streamed.

In accordance with normal commission practice, any meeting materials will be available on the TREC website before the meeting. To participate by providing public comment virtually during the meeting, please email us by 5 p.m. CT on July 16 with the agenda item number you wish to speak on.