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  • Broker-Lawyer Committee to Discuss Public Comments on Compensation, TREC Form Considerations

    If you've been wondering if the recent NAR settlement announcement relates to TREC, livestream the next Texas Broker-Lawyer Committee (BLC) meeting on Friday, April 12 at 9 a.m. CT. BLC members will review public comments it has received and discuss how NAR’s situation may affect TREC forms.

  • ESAC Recap: Principles I & II Updates, Law of Agency Course Review

    This is black text on a white background that says "ESAC RECAP" with a black line underneath

    The Texas Real Estate Commission’s Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC) met virtually on April 1. Discussion opened with the Principles of Real Estate I & II courses.

    ESAC is moving forward with a recommendation to revise these course approval forms.

  • How To Make All Your Fee Payments Online

    Whether you are applying for a new license, renewing your license, setting up a business entity registration, and more, the best and most secure way to pay Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) fees is through the agency’s online services portal. Plus, you can pay online whenever is convenient for you—the tool is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year.

  • Advertising Rules for Inspectors: DBAs and More

    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.

  • What Happened During the First TREC Meeting of 2024

    The Texas Real Estate Commission met on February 12 with a full crowd of Texas Realtors in attendance. This was the first opportunity in 2024 for license holders to earn up to four hours of CE credit during a Commission meeting. It was also an opportunity for those in attendance and watching the livestream to learn about the various functions of the agency, hear public comments, witness the form adoption process, and more. Read on for more highlights from the event.

  • Is Your CE Credit More Than Two Years Old? Read This Before You Go Inactive

    Maybe you’re taking a break from the business, planning to switch brokerages, or intended to temporarily terminate your sponsorship relationship. No matter the reason, awareness of your continuing education (CE) completion date will save you from surprises when you’re ready to go active again.

  • Broker Responsibility Advisory Committee’s Inaugural Meeting

    The newly formed Broker Responsibility Advisory Committee (BRAC) met for the first time on January 17 in Austin.

  • Broker-Lawyer Committee Highlight: Clearing Up Confusion Over Proposed MUD Notice

    The Texas Real Estate Commission’s Broker-Lawyer Committee (BLC) had its first meeting of the year on January 12. The committee discussed potential form changes, reviewed public comments, and took a deep dive into recent case law, but one notice stole a chunk of the conversation. Here are some of the highlights.

  • Message From TREIC Chair Lee Warren: January 2024

    The Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee (TREIC) met January 16 via teleconference due to inclement weather in Austin. This was the first meeting of the year, and as a result, there were a number of new members to welcome.

  • We Hope you Choose to Serve on MLK Day

    In recognition of Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy, Congress in 1994 designated the Martin Luther King Jr. federal holiday as a National Day of Service. The commemoration of the MLK Day of Service is a call to Americans to volunteer in service to others within their communities.

  • Ongoing Fraud: There's Another Scheme License Holders Should be Aware Of

    The Texas Real Estate Commission is assisting the 

  • Scam Alert! Make Sure You Know If A Message Is From Us

    UPDATE: Due to a recent resurgence of SPAM messages being sent out to our license holders, we wanted to remind you of these tips to help keep your information secure!

    Scammers or Spammers sometimes try to copy and email and text from messages from TREC or TALCB to trick you into providing personal information. We know this can be confusing and frustrating, and we want to help make sure you don't fall victim to these schemes.

  • License Revocation Makes News

    Recently, the Commission was mentioned in a news story about a former license holder whose license was revoked by the agency.

  • Beware of Possible Scams before Sending Money via Wire Transfer

    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.

  • Scam Notice!!!

    TREC has been made aware of a scam requesting information from license holders. The request is sent by email by someone posing as the Texas Real Estate Commission and asks that information be provided to them and provides a link to follow (see example emails).

  • Message from the Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee Chair

    The Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee (TREIC) met in January, and there were a couple of items from that meeting that were forwarded to the Commissioners for approval. The first was a modification of a rule regarding when multiple check boxes are used. This rule makes it clear that if an inspector chooses more than one check box, that an explanation must be provided.

  • TREC’s Role in Texas Real Estate

    "How do we raise the bar of professionalism?"

    "We need more broker responsibility."

    "I work with people on the other side of a contract who don’t know what they are doing. They don’t even know the name of their broker!" 

  • How You Can Help TREC Raise the Bar in Texas Real Estate

    Yellow wooden blocks stacked as stair steps are on a yellow background

    Greetings from Austin. We are just on the other side of another Commission meeting and participation in Texas REALTORS Winter Meeting. I love that these two events occur at the same time in Austin so that attendees of the Winter Meeting can also attend the Commission meeting (and receive CE credit).

  • From the Executive Director - November 2021

    Last week we celebrated Veterans Day. We have many license holders who have served our country in the military. Your sacrifices have not gone unnoticed, and I am grateful for your service.  

  • 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

  • From the Chair - October 2021

    Happy October to all of you! I hope this message finds you well and that fall has arrived in your part of the world so that you can enjoy being outside a bit without the Texas heat. 

  • 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 adeq

  • From the Executive Director - September 2021

    September in Texas.  The month we wish for fall, with pumpkin spice lattes and cooler weather. In reality, we have to wait many more weeks before going outside without melting in the sun.  Here’s to the first cold front coming soon. 

  • From the Chair - August 2021

    Summer is coming to an end, and I cannot believe how quickly time has flown. The hot temperatures here in Texas do not seem to compare to the red-hot real estate market. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to work in this state with so many hardworking, knowledgeable license holders who make a difference in the lives of so many Texans every day.  

  • From the Chair - Inspector Committee - July 2021

    The Inspector Advisory Committee (IAC) met on July 12th in Austin.  This was the first meeting that the IAC has had in person in some time, and it was good to be face to face again.  There were a few items on the agenda this go around that entailed some lengthy discussion.  The IAC discussed comments received on the proposed rule to require an inspector to obtain permission in writing from a client prior to obtaining a referral fee, or other valuable consideration, for referring se

  • How To Make All Your Fee Payments Online

    Whether you are applying for a new license, renewing your license, setting up a business entity registration, and more, the best and most secure way to pay Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) fees is through the agency’s online services portal. Plus, you can pay online whenever is convenient for you—the tool is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year.

  • We Hope you Choose to Serve on MLK Day

    In recognition of Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy, Congress in 1994 designated the Martin Luther King Jr. federal holiday as a National Day of Service. The commemoration of the MLK Day of Service is a call to Americans to volunteer in service to others within their communities.

  • Message from TREIC Chair Lee Warren: July 2023

    The Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee (TREIC) met July 17. We received public comments on new items and some comments on some agenda items. It is good to see stakeholders taking an interest in the process and providing input more frequently.

    One public comment expressed concern that inspectors are being strongly encouraged to pay brokerages for the opportunity visit their offices or even just talk to their agents.

  • 88th Texas Legislative Session Update, and the Impact on License Holders

    The 88th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, began January 10, 2023, and ends May 29, 2023. This session opened with the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) and Texas Appraiser Licensing Board (TALCB) following 358 bills relevant to the administration of the agency.  A much smaller number will become law, one of relevance to Texas real estate license holders.

  • TREC's Houston Highlights: Changes to Broker Responsibility & Inspection Reports, 'Lookback Period' Soon to End, Comment Now on Proposed Changes

    TREC staff gathering in a conference room in Houston before the start of the May 2023 meeting.

    To reach more license holders, the Texas Real Estate Commission broke away from its Austin headquarters for the first time ever to meet in Houston on May 16. It was TREC’s second meeting of 2023. There were more than 80 attendees.

  • What to expect at Houston May 16 TREC meeting

    The Texas Real Estate Commission is stepping out of its Austin headquarters to pay Houston a visit. On May 16, the Commission will meet at 9 a.m. inside the Century Ballroom II of the DoubleTree by Hilton-Houston Greenway Plaza. 

  • Appointees officially confirmed to the Texas Real Estate Commission

    Headshots of Chance Brown, Renee Harvey Lowe, Stuart Bernstein. They are TREC's newest members.

    The Texas Real Estate Commission is pleased to welcome three new members. Chance Brown, Renee Harvey Lowe, and Stuart Bernstein were confirmed by the Texas Senate on April 26, 2023. Texas Governor Greg Abbott appointed them for terms set to expire on January 31, 2029. 

    Harvey Lowe and Brown will both serve as broker members, Bernstein will serve as a public member of TREC.

     

  • TREIC April Meeting Recap: New Evaluation Form, Licensing Rule

    TREC staff sitting at a table with TREIC members at the April 18 Inspector Committee meeting.

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

  • Broker Responsibility Working Group April meeting recap includes proposed rule changes

    The Broker Responsibility Working Group (BRWG) met April 12.

  • Education Standards Advisory Committee Accepting Applications for Members

    The Texas Real Estate Commission's Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC) is accepting applications to fill two education member positions by real estate instructors or owners of real estate schools, accredited by the Commission, that provide qualifying or continuing education. It is also accepting applications to fill four real estate license holder positions.

  • 88th Texas Legislative Session Update, and the Impact on License Holders

    The 88th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, began January 10, 2023, and ends May 29, 2023. This session opened with the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) and Texas Appraiser Licensing Board (TALCB) following 358 bills relevant to the administration of the agency.  A much smaller number will become law, one of relevance to Texas real estate license holders.

  • Ongoing Fraud: There's Another Scheme License Holders Should be Aware Of

    The Texas Real Estate Commission is assisting the 

  • ESAC reviews rule language, recommends 30-hour brokerage course for sales agents

    The Texas Real Estate Commission's Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC) met April 3.

    ESAC addressed comments received regarding proposed changes to 22 §TAC 535.64, Content Requirements for Qualifying Real Estate Courses.  TREC staff clarified that the rule proposal simply cleans up the rule language to remove the references to topics required for each course, rather, pointing specifically to each qualifying course approval form to define content. 

  • TREIC April Meeting Recap: New Evaluation Form, Licensing Rule

    TREC staff sitting at a table with TREIC members at the April 18 Inspector Committee meeting.

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

  • Escalating to Trouble

    There may be instances where a client wants to add language to a real estate contract. In a “hot market,” it is not uncommon for a buyer to want an escalation clause added to the contract (for example, language stating the buyer will pay “X amount more than the highest offer if other offers are present”).

  • What happens to your license when your broker dies?

    If there is one thing the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us is to expect the unexpected and that planning is essential for you and your business. While succession planning in the event of a broker’s death is largely outside of TREC’s jurisdiction and is primarily a private business decision, it may be helpful to keep a few things in mind.

  • ESAC Recap: Principles I & II Updates, Law of Agency Course Review

    This is black text on a white background that says "ESAC RECAP" with a black line underneath

    The Texas Real Estate Commission’s Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC) met virtually on April 1. Discussion opened with the Principles of Real Estate I & II courses.

    ESAC is moving forward with a recommendation to revise these course approval forms.

  • ESAC’s First Meeting of Year: New Members, Principles I & II Recommendation

    The Texas Real Estate Commission’s Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC) opened its first meeting of the year with a welcome to four new members. The new license holder members are Amanda Nichols and Thomas Carl Leatherman. The new education provider member is Cynthia Baas. The new public member is Rita Blevins. 

    Officers Election

    ESAC held elections and selected Bill Steddum, Jr. as chair, Byron Underwood as vice chair, and Michael Crowley as secretary.

  • 88th Texas Legislative Session Update, and the Impact on License Holders

    The 88th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, began January 10, 2023, and ends May 29, 2023. This session opened with the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) and Texas Appraiser Licensing Board (TALCB) following 358 bills relevant to the administration of the agency.  A much smaller number will become law, one of relevance to Texas real estate license holders.

  • TREC's Houston Highlights: Changes to Broker Responsibility & Inspection Reports, 'Lookback Period' Soon to End, Comment Now on Proposed Changes

    TREC staff gathering in a conference room in Houston before the start of the May 2023 meeting.

    To reach more license holders, the Texas Real Estate Commission broke away from its Austin headquarters for the first time ever to meet in Houston on May 16. It was TREC’s second meeting of 2023. There were more than 80 attendees.

  • ESAC reviews rule language, recommends 30-hour brokerage course for sales agents

    The Texas Real Estate Commission's Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC) met April 3.

    ESAC addressed comments received regarding proposed changes to 22 §TAC 535.64, Content Requirements for Qualifying Real Estate Courses.  TREC staff clarified that the rule proposal simply cleans up the rule language to remove the references to topics required for each course, rather, pointing specifically to each qualifying course approval form to define content. 

  • TREIC April Meeting Recap: New Evaluation Form, Licensing Rule

    TREC staff sitting at a table with TREIC members at the April 18 Inspector Committee meeting.

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

  • Broker Responsibility Working Group April meeting recap includes proposed rule changes

    The Broker Responsibility Working Group (BRWG) met April 12.

  • Update to the Qualifying Education Course Posting System

    TREC is pleased to announce an update to the Posting System that allows all providers of real estate Qualifying Education (QE) courses to post course credit directly into the agency’s system of record. The student must have a TREC real estate sales agent or broker license number to award qualifying credit.

  • Rule Amendments Regarding Credit for Professional Designation Courses

    The Commission recently voted to eliminate references in TREC rule §535.92(f) to professional designations and automatic CE credit for taking courses required to obtain one of these designations. These amendments eliminate an alternative path for license holders to request CE credit for professional designations and removes the list of specific designations. 

  • October ESAC Meeting Update

    The Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC) met by videoconference on October 4, 2021.  ESAC Chair Kelea Youngblood opened the meeting by honoring the life and accomplishments of ESAC member and long-time license holder, Lynda Conway. Ruben Pena was welcomed back to the committee in her place. 

  • How To Make All Your Fee Payments Online

    Whether you are applying for a new license, renewing your license, setting up a business entity registration, and more, the best and most secure way to pay Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) fees is through the agency’s online services portal. Plus, you can pay online whenever is convenient for you—the tool is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year.

  • 88th Texas Legislative Session Update, and the Impact on License Holders

    The 88th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, began January 10, 2023, and ends May 29, 2023. This session opened with the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) and Texas Appraiser Licensing Board (TALCB) following 358 bills relevant to the administration of the agency.  A much smaller number will become law, one of relevance to Texas real estate license holders.

  • TREIC April Meeting Recap: New Evaluation Form, Licensing Rule

    TREC staff sitting at a table with TREIC members at the April 18 Inspector Committee meeting.

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

  • Broker Responsibility Working Group April meeting recap includes proposed rule changes

    The Broker Responsibility Working Group (BRWG) met April 12.

  • License Holders: Inspector Non-Elective Course Changes

    On September 1, 2021 inspectors are required to complete a new 8 Hour Inspector Legal & Ethics and Standards of Practice Review course as part of the 32 hours of inspector continuing education (CE) required to renew or activate a license.  

    This course will replace the two inspector non-elective CE courses, 4-hour Inspector Legal & Ethics, and 4-hour Standards of Practice Review course that will expire on August 31, 2021. 

  • Business Entities Inactivation Update - What Happened?

    On June 2, 2021, TREC inactivated broker business entity licenses in error.  Upon discovery of the error, staff worked to resolve the issue and all licenses were restored by Friday, June 4, 2021.

  • Temporary Allowance for New Texas Practicum Courses

    New inspector pre-licensing education and experience requirements begin March 1, 2021.  The new experience requirement includes a 40 hour Texas Practicum, which must consist of a minimum of five complete and in-person inspections.  In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, TREC will grant a temporary allowance for on-site inspections to take place virtually, as long as the Practicum instructor conducts inspections live and on-site, and the instructor and students are able to interact with ea