The Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee met on April 21 at TREC headquarters in Austin. We discussed the work of our subcommittees, the upcoming new edition of the Inspector Legal & Ethics and SOP Review Course, and inspector advertising rules.

Standards of Practice Subcommittee Update

The Standards of Practice subcommittee is working diligently on the current review of the SOPs. Though they have made great progress in their efforts, as the process gets more involved, sometimes more questions can come up as a result.

Inspectors ask …

"Can I use a drone to inspect the roof instead of climbing it?"

Many inspectors have gotten into the habit of using a drone to inspect the roof instead of walking the roof. This could be problematic if they are not properly following the departure provisions.

TREC Rule 535.228(c)(2) states that an inspector is not required to inspect the roof from the roof level if, in the inspector's reasonable judgment:

The Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee (TREIC) met January 27 for its first meeting of the year. The slate of officers was elected for 2025:

• Lee Warren, chair
• Mike Morgan, vice chair
• Stephanie Huser, secretary

The subcommittee members were also selected. Randy Bayer will serve as the chair of the Standards of Practice (SOP) subcommittee, and Mike Morgan will serve as the chair of the Education subcommittee. The other six members were divided among the two subcommittees, including the newest public member, Cole Robison.

When a third party, such as a relative or real estate agent, is paying for an inspection, does this mean the third party is the client? Under TREC rules, the answer is no. Another person paying for the inspection on behalf of the client does not change who the inspector's client is for this transaction. The inspection report should be delivered to the client, regardless of who pays for the inspection.

The Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee (TREIC) met on October 14 at TREC headquarters in Austin.

The Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee (TREIC) met on July 15 at TREC headquarters in Austin.

Record-breaking attendance made the TREC Meeting in Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) a standout and marks the Commission's second out-of-Austin meeting. Branching out of the Texas Capitol Complex in Austin—where TREC is headquartered—is an initiative that began last year in an effort to connect with more license holders and Texans. Houston was the first stop in 2023 with roughly 80 attendees.

The Texas Real Estate Commission’s Enforcement Division has 37 people—10 attorneys, legal assistants, and investigators. They enforce the laws and rules that regulate real estate brokers, sales agents, real estate inspectors, and timeshare plans, through the investigation of consumer complaints. They also review the fitness of an applicant for licensure.

The only way enforcement can initiate an investigation is through a filed complaint, which can be done by anyone.

The Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee (TREIC) met April 15 in Austin. The agenda was light, as much of the work being done is within the subcommittees at this point.

Are your assumed business names or “doing business as” name (DBAs) on file with TREC? A DBA or assumed business name can be used in advertisements in place of the inspector’s name if it is properly registered with the Commission.