The Broker Responsibility Working Group (BRWG) met April 12.
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Broker Responsibility Working Group April meeting recap includes proposed rule changes
04/12/2023
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New Process to Streamline Advertising Complaints
04/03/2023
Around 1% of Texas Real Estate Commission license holders are the subject of a complaint, and in 2022, slightly more than 5% of all complaints received by TREC were related to advertising issues.
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Don’t Get Tricked by These Recent Rental Scams
04/03/2023
It sounds like an ideal scenario if you’re a landlord or listing agent for a residential lease: A licensed sales agent submits a prospective tenant’s application to you with proof of a clean background check and great credit report. But is that tenant’s agent making life easier for you, or is it a scam?
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What Every License Holder Needs to Know About Going Inactive
03/21/2023
An unexpected illness, a new opportunity, a change in the market, or a change in your personal life: These are all common reasons why Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) license holders may take a break from the business.
Whether your break is planned or unexpected, setting your sales agent, broker, or inspector license to inactive status before your renewal or renewing as inactive is the best move if you want return to the real estate business in the future. Here’s why.
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Message from the Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee Chair
02/23/2023
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.
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TREC Adopts Changes to Inspection Report Rule, Proposes Rule Changes Related to Unauthorized Practice of Law, Broker Responsibility, Education Requirements, License Renewal, and More
02/20/2023
The Texas Real Estate Commission met February 13 in Austin. In addition to hearing updates from TREC staff, the Commission elected Mark Woodruff as vice chair and Ben Peña as secretary. Read on for information on adopted and proposed rule changes.
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What to Expect at the Next TREC Meeting
02/06/2023
The Texas Real Estate Commission’s advisory committees and working groups have made several recommendations that the Commissioners will discuss and potentially propose or adopt during the TREC Meeting on February 13.
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Unauthorized Practice of Law Working Group Recommends Dropping Rule Proposal Eliminating Use of Brokerage-Specific Forms Prepared by an Attorney
01/31/2023
Based on recommendations from the Unauthorized Practice of Law Working Group, the Commission proposed at its November 2022 meeting a new rule—Section 537.1, Definitions—and amendments to Section 537.11, Use of Standard Contract Forms. The proposals were published in the Texas Register to allow for public comment.
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TREIC Recommends Commission Adopt Proposed Amendments to Inspection Report Form Rules
01/30/2023
The Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee met January 17. Three new officers were elected to serve in committee leadership:
- Lee Warren, chair
- Scott Regan, vice-chair
- Steven Rinehart, secretary
The committee also appointed two chairs to two subcommittees:
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What Consumers Should Know About Texas Property Inspections
01/23/2023
In a seller’s market, buyers may be tempted to waive an inspection entirely, or hire an inspector to do a walkthrough inspection of their ideal home to point out problems while the buyers take notes.
In a buyer’s market, sellers might think getting a similar inspection will make their listing stand out by disclosing information up front, so buyers will know what to expect.
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From the Chair - November 2020
11/12/2020
I hope this message finds you recovering from Halloween and the election. In these uncertain times, I urge us all to focus on what matters to us most. November brings Thanksgiving, and with that a unique opportunity to give thanks. This year is one for the record books, but I am grateful to live in the great state of Texas.
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From the Chair - Inspector Committee - October 2020
10/14/2020
The Inspector Advisory Committee met on October 12 via teleconference. There were some public comments submitted in response to the newly proposed Consumer Protection Notice, and most of the feedback was positive. The new notice includes verbiage to inform consumers that inspectors are required to carry E&O insurance, and that inspectors have the ability to limit their liability through the use of an agreement between themselves and their client.
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From the Executive Director - October 2020
10/08/2020
October is here. It is finally cooling off outside and the hints of fall in the air give me a spirit of optimism for our future. I hope that is true for you too.
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From the Deputy Executive Director - Inspector Committee - September 2020
09/15/2020
After almost two years of effort on the part of the Inspector Committee to restructure and streamline the education and substitute experience requirements for inspector licensure, the Commission adopted rules at its August meeting to implement the proposals recommended by the Committee. This long-overdue revamp of these requirements remove redundancies in the current rules and simplify the process to become an inspector in Texas.
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From the Chair - September 2020
09/11/2020
We have made it another month in the virtual environment, and I don’t know about you, but I am ready to see folks in person again. The agency continues to work primarily remotely with a high level of productivity, maintaining a call hold time of under 2 minutes, and processing 5 months of renewals after the COVID extensions expired.
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From the Executive Director - August 2020
08/14/2020
Hello to each of you. I hope you and your families are safe and well.
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From the Chair - Inspector Committee - July 2020
08/12/2020
The Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee met via teleconference on July 20th. The agenda was reasonably short this time around. The education rules which change the pre-licensure process were proposed at the previous Commission meeting, and they have gone through the public comment period. After considering the comments received, the Inspector Committee voted to forward the rules as proposed, along with some non-substantive changes made as a result of questions raised by the Go
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From the Deputy Executive Director - Inspector Committee - July 2020
07/08/2020
The agency has been busy over the last several months adjusting to the new norm resulting from the COVID-19 virus. We are operating almost 100% remotely, with only essential staff coming into the office to process mail, or deal with the various technical issue that arise from a remote workforce.
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From the Chair - July 2020
07/07/2020
Last weekend we celebrated our country's 244th birthday.
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From the Executive Director - June 2020
06/08/2020
Greetings to you upon the beginning of summer. I hope each of you continues to live well in this COVID-19 season. This is a season in which the burdens of each of us are personal and unique. Our agency will do what we can to ease whatever burdens possible.
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TREC Statement on Events at the US Capitol
01/11/2021
The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) has received many comments and requests related to license holders’ involvement in the events that occurred at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. The Commission is limited in the action it may take against real estate license holders by the Real Estate License Act, the
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TREC Launches Next Phase of Education Provider Audit Program
12/22/2020
AUSTIN, TX – The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) will launch the second phase of the education provider audit program in January 2021. TREC rules give staff authority to audit education providers and permits staff to conduct on-site audits without prior notice. Staff may also enroll in and attend a course without identifying themselves as TREC employees.
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TREC Purchasing Manager Named Woman of the Year
12/01/2020
AUSTIN, TX – The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) is pleased to announce Regina Durden, purchasing manager, was named “Woman of the Year” by the Executive Women in Texas Government (EWTG). The announcement of this prestigious award was made at the November 2020 EWTG conference. Ms. Durden is the first recipient of this award at the Texas Real Estate Commission. Congratulations go to Ms.
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Updates to the Continuing Education (CE) Posting System
11/16/2020
The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) is pleased to announce the updated CE Posting System.
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TREC Announces New Deputy General Counsel
10/26/2020
AUSTIN, TX - The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) is pleased to welcome Abby Lee as Deputy General Counsel of the Texas Real Estate Commission effective October 20, 2020.
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Reminder: TREC No Longer Accepting Walk Ins
09/01/2020
The Texas Real Estate Commission has temporarily closed lobby access to members of the public. Our highest priority is the health and well-being of the consumers of Texas and our staff. The agency will remain open to provide assistance via phone and email.
The contact center hours of operation are 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday-Friday. Please call 512-936-3000 to speak to a representative.
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Inspector Committee Accepting Applications for Members
08/31/2020
The Texas Real Commission is accepting applications for appointment for two inspectors and one public member positions of the Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee.
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Website Survey Launched
08/19/2020
TREC and TALCB have launched a survey to help gather feedback about the agency's websites. Completing this short survey will help TREC and TALCB better serve Texans in all matters related to real estate and appraisal services.
We value your opinion and appreciate your time. Thank you for participating.
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UPDATED: Agency Mail Inadvertently Destroyed
08/05/2020
Last month, the company TREC and TALCB contracts with to collect and shred documents mistakenly collected mail delivered to the agency.
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TREC HR Director Announced
07/30/2020
The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC), and Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board (TALCB) is pleased to announce the promotion of Tawana Hood to Director of Human Resources. Mrs. Hood will oversee all human resources duties for the agency, including employee benefits, payroll, and staff relations. Mrs. Hood has worked for TREC and TALCB since 2018 as a human resources generalist.
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Providers: Contracts Courses Required for License Renewal
01/13/2021
On February 1, 2021, sales agents and brokers will be required to complete at least three hours in contract-related coursework as part of the 18 hours of continuing education (CE) required to renew a license. For your convenience, and the convenience of your students, a “contracts” search filter is available on the Approved Real Estate CE Course List, which allows license h
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Providers: TREC Launches Next Phase of Education Provider Audit Program in 2021
12/22/2020
The TREC Education & Examinations Division will launch the next phase of the education provider audit program in January of 2021. TREC rule §535.67(a) gives staff the authority to conduct on-site audits without prior notice as well as enroll in and attend courses without identifying themselves as
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Helpful Reminders and Tips for Education Providers
11/18/2020
Course Applications and Fees
When preparing course applications, be sure they are filled out completely, all necessary documents are included and the fee is accurately calculated. Course applications and fees received separately will be sent back to the provider.
Course Evaluations
All providers are required to provide each student with a course evaluation form approved by the Commission or Board.
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Exam Proctoring Requirements Have Not Changed
11/13/2020
Qualifying course examinations must satisfy TREC rule 535.65(h). This means:
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ESAC Meeting Update
10/27/2020
The Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC) met on October 5, 2020, to continue to diligent work of the committee.
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Caution: Don't Take CE and Drive
10/16/2020
Classroom courses for real estate license holders and inspectors require the instructor and the student to interact face-to-face and in real time, either in the same physical location, or though technology. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, many courses that historically were offered in a classroom, are now being offered virtually. In fact, the number of classroom courses taught virtually has skyrocketed.
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ESAC Committee Accepting Applications for Members
08/31/2020
The Texas Real Estate Commission is accepting applications for appointment for four real estate license holders members and two education members to the Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC). Committee members will serve a two-year term beginning January 1, 2021, and expiring December 31, 2022. Real estate license holders applying must have been actively engaged in the practice of real estate for the five years preceding the appointment.
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Temporary Allowance for Inspector Ride-Along Courses
05/29/2020
In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, TREC understands that some inspector applicants may find it challenging to complete the in-person ride-along course required for licensure.
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Update on Changes to Instructor Approvals
09/18/2019
To implement requirements in the agency’s Sunset bill, the Commission recently adopted rules eliminating TREC licenses for instructors. However, the standards that set the qualifications for instructors did not change. Effective September 1, education providers are now responsible to ensure instructors meet the qualifications to teach a course.
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Reminder: Instructor Changes Coming Soon!
07/26/2019
To implement provisions in the agency’s recent Sunset bill, TREC has proposed rules to eliminate instructor licensing. The proposed rules are expected to be adopted at the August Commission meeting with an effective date of September 1, 2019.
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Customer Survey
Rules and Laws
Contract Forms