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Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee Recap: New Committee Leadership, Discussion on SOPs and Report Delivery by Inspector

The Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee met January 18, 2022. Three new officers were elected to serve in committee leadership:

  • Shawn Emerick, chair
  • Scott Regan, vice chair
  • Steven Rhinehart, secretary

The committee also made two subcommittee appointments:

From the Chair - Inspector Committee - October 2021

The Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee met on October 11 via videoconference.  There was not much on the agenda as the committee has covered a lot of ground the last couple of years.  There was a discussion about the new Property Inspection Report Form (REI 7-6) that will be required to be used as of February 1, 2022.  There is a new section in that report form for Gas Distribution System and Gas Appliances.  There was a concern that there might be confusion on where to put deficiencies in gas appliances, such as the water heater, HVAC, etc., since those are specified in other locations

What’s the Difference Between the Texas Practicum and a Ride Along Course Session?

The 40 Hour Texas Practicum is a pre-licensing requirement for applicants following the Substitute Experience and Education Requirements for a Real Estate or Professional Inspector.  A Ride-Along session is no longer a requirement for pre-licensing, but is still an option for obtaining inspector continuing education (ICE) credit. 

Real Estate Inspector Standards of Practice (SOP) - Online Version

Real Estate Inspectors licensed in Texas are required to follow the Standards of Practice (SOPs), which are established by TREC rules 22 TAC 535.227 - 535.233.

The SOPs define the minimum requirements for a real estate inspection performed for a prospective buyer or seller of one to four-family dwelling. 

535.227: Standards of Practice: General Provisions

535.227 (a) Scope.

Updates to Texas Inspector Standards of Practice and Inspection Report Form

The Texas Real Estate Commission recently adopted changes to the real estate inspector Standards of Practice (SOPs) at its August 9, 2021 meeting based on recommendations from the Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee. These changes are not effective until February 1, 2022. This six-month period will provide inspectors the time necessary to familiarize themselves with the updated SOPs prior to their mandatory use on February 1, 2022. 

From the Chair - Inspector Committee - September 2021

The TREC Commissioners met on August 9th in Austin.  There were a few inspector-related items that were on their agenda.  The commissioners voted unanimously to approve the new revisions to the Standards of Practice that have been in the works for the last few years.  The new Standards of Practice will go into effect on February 1, 2022.  This should allow for adequate time for licensees and education providers to become familiar with these standards prior to the

Reminder: Inspector Non-Elective Course Changes

The current inspector non-elective CE courses, 4-hour Inspector Legal & Ethics, and 4-hour Standards of Practice Review course expire on August 31, 2021.  Please be sure all students enrolled in these courses are notified to complete these two courses before August 31, 2021.

The new 8 Hour Inspector Legal & Ethics and Standards of Practice Review course will replace the two inspector non-elective courses on September 1, 2021.