The Texas Real Estate Commission is soliciting interest for membership of the 2020 Broker Responsibility Working Group (BRWG).  The BRWG will make recommendations to the Commission based on the scope of its charge and will likely meet four or five times over the 2020 calendar year.  The Commission is charging the BRWG to examine experience requirements for potential substitution of education requirements to become a broker.  The BRWG will review broker licensing requirements, minimum competency requirements, broker mentorship programs, minimum service requirements in rela

Many rules were adopted at TREC’s November 19, 2019 meeting, including rule changes to implement Sunset Advisory Commission recommendations and mandates, changes to implement other legislation, and fee changes.   Additionally, TREC considered recommendations by the Broker-Lawyer Committee related to promulgated forms. 

AUSTIN, TX - The Texas Real Estate Commission (the Commission) is pleased to announce the recent appointments of two new committee members and two reappointments to the Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC). Public member, Rick Albers of Austin and educator member, Candy Cooke of Round Rock, have been appointed; and broker members, Rob Cook of Houston and Sarah Norman of Bryan have been reappointed to ESAC, with terms set to expire in December 2021.

TREC recently amended §535.148 (and made conforming changes to §535.220) to strengthen settlement service provider independence and provide clarity about consumer protection issues when a license holder pays funds to or receives funds from another real estate settlement service provider.  TREC has long had rules in place limiting an inspector’s ability to engage in what is commonly known as “pay to play.” However, TREC has not had explicit rul

Before wiring money for an escrow deposit or to close on a home purchase, License Holders should make sure to talk with their clients to ensure they are sending funds to the correct recipient and account.  Consumers should not rely on instructions sent by email without contacting their broker or sales agent to verify the instructions are correct, since emails may be hijacked by potential scammers. Check out this article for more information on what to look out for and avoid.

As a result of changes recommended by TREC and implemented by the Agency’s sunset bill, a separate license certificate displaying the address for each branch office maintained by a broker or brokerage will no longer be required as of September 1, 2019,

Scott Kesner was appointed chair of the Texas Real Estate Commission on April 25, 2019. With more than 25 years of experience, this appointment is another highlight in Scott's long career.  Chair Kesner recently traveled to Austin from his home city of El Paso to meet with Agency senior staff and learn more about the Commission. He spent the day speaking to each director, learning about everything from enforcement to communications to technology. We sat down with Scott to ask him some questions about his experiences and learn more about his plans.

What happens if a seller receives a copy of a recent inspection report?  Must they share it with a future buyer?  The scenario is common.  A seller lists their home.  A buyer submits a contract with an option period. Seller accepts.