The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) met November 6 for its final quarterly meeting of 2023. TREC Chair Scott Kesner recognized a group of license holders who attended to earn Continuing Education (CE) credit. This was the first opportunity to earn CE credit by attending a quarterly TREC meeting under a rule change adopted by the Commission in August. Previously, license holders could only earn credit by attending the February TREC Meeting.
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TREC Appoints Committee Members, Proposes Voluntary Form for MUD Disclosure
11/08/2023
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Want to Receive Your Compensation Through an LLC or S-Corp? There’s A New Option Coming January 2024
11/03/2023
As of now, the only way a license holder can receive compensation through a business entity is by obtaining a business entity real estate broker license. Effective January 2024, license holders will have the option to register LLCs and S-Corporations (S-Corps) with TREC for the sole purpose of receiving compensation, as long as those entities meet certain requirements.
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Message From TREIC Chair Lee Warren: October 2023
10/26/2023
The Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee (TREIC) met on October 16 for the final meeting of the calendar year. This meeting marks the last meeting for multiple members on the committee. Steve Rinehart, Shawn Emerick, Keisha Moulton, and Dave Motley have graciously volunteered their time to help make the inspection industry better. Their contributions have been extremely valuable and greatly appreciated.
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BLC Recommends Commission Propose New Voluntary Form
10/18/2023
The Texas Real Estate Broker-Lawyer Committee (BLC) met October 13 and continued discussing possible revisions to contract forms and recommended one new form for proposal.
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ESAC Talks Principles I and II Course Content
10/16/2023
The TREC Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC) met October 2 and discussed draft revisions to the Principles I and II course content. ESAC also discussed combining the Principles I and II courses into a single 60-hour Principles course and making this course a pre-requisite for the four additional pre-licensing courses. The committee asked staff to look into the feasibility of their recommendations and will continue discussion at the January 8, 2024 meeting.
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Coming October 1: If Your License Expires, It Also Goes Inactive
09/06/2023
Starting October 1, active license holders whose licenses expire will be set to inactive status as of the expiration date, and any license relationships to sales agents and/or brokers will be terminated.
If you late renew—up to six months after your expiration date—your license will be renewed on inactive status.
These changes were adopted during the May TREC Meeting.
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Two Updated Forms to Use Starting September 1
08/30/2023
Legislation passed by the 88th Texas Legislature requires the Texas Real Estate Commission to update two frequently used forms: the Consumer Protection Notice and the Seller’s Disclosure Notice.
Consumer Protection Notice
What changed? It no longer references the real estate inspection recovery fund, which was repealed this session.
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License Holders’ Contact Information Becomes Private September 1
08/30/2023
A bill passed by the 88th Texas Legislature requires all licensing agencies, including the Texas Real Estate Commission, to remove or redact certain details about applicants and current and past license holders in publicly available information, such as the TREC website license holder search or via public information requests.
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How to Comply With the New Response Time Rule
08/30/2023
A new rule effective earlier this summer sets a timeline of two calendar days to respond to parties to a real estate transaction you’re involved in. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is the Rule?
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Apply for the New Broker Responsibility Advisory Committee
08/08/2023
During the August 2023 TREC Meeting, the Commission adopted TREC Rule 535.46, Broker Responsibility Advisory Committee, establishing a new committee to advise the Commission on issues relating to broker responsibility. The Commission is seeking to appoint nine members to begin service on January 1, 2024.
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Ongoing Fraud: There's Another Scheme License Holders Should be Aware Of
05/19/2023
Beware of Seller Fraud, Deed Fraud, Seller Impersonation
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Scam Alert! Make Sure You Know If A Message Is From Us
06/18/2020
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.
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License Revocation Makes News
07/24/2019
Recently, the Commission was mentioned in a news story about a former license holder whose license was revoked by the agency.
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Beware of Possible Scams before Sending Money via Wire Transfer
07/18/2019
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.
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Scam Notice!!!
04/16/2018
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).
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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’s Role in Texas Real Estate
05/09/2022
"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!"
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How You Can Help TREC Raise the Bar in Texas Real Estate
02/16/2022
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).
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From the Executive Director - November 2021
11/16/2021
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.
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From the Chair - Inspector Committee - October 2021
10/19/2021
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
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From the Chair - October 2021
10/13/2021
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.
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From the Chair - Inspector Committee - September 2021
09/10/2021
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
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From the Executive Director - September 2021
09/09/2021
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.
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From the Chair - August 2021
08/02/2021
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.
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From the Chair - Inspector Committee - July 2021
07/16/2021
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
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Message from TREIC Chair Lee Warren: July 2023
08/02/2023
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.
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88th Texas Legislative Session Update, and the Impact on License Holders
05/27/2023
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.
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TREC's Houston Highlights: Changes to Broker Responsibility & Inspection Reports, 'Lookback Period' Soon to End, Comment Now on Proposed Changes
05/23/2023
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.
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What to expect at Houston May 16 TREC meeting
05/04/2023
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.
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Appointees officially confirmed to the Texas Real Estate Commission
04/26/2023
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.
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TREIC April Meeting Recap: New Evaluation Form, Licensing Rule
04/18/2023
The Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee (TREIC) met April 18.
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Broker Responsibility Working Group April meeting recap includes proposed rule changes
04/12/2023
The Broker Responsibility Working Group (BRWG) met April 12.
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Education Standards Advisory Committee Accepting Applications for Members
07/15/2022
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.
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Notice: Phone Outage August 10
07/08/2022
Multiple state agencies, including Texas Real Estate Commission and Texas Appraiser Licensing & Certification Board, are experiencing technical difficulties with the services we use to handle phone calls. The phone system is currently down as the Texas Department of Information Resources troubleshoots the issue.
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HOA Management Certificate Website Now Live
11/29/2021
During the 87th regular session, the Texas legislature passed SB 1588 which amended Chapter 209 of the Texas Property Code governing certain property owners ' associations (more commonly known as HOAs) to address a number of HOA-related issues, including providing greater transparency in HOA operations and leadership.
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88th Texas Legislative Session Update, and the Impact on License Holders
05/27/2023The 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.
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Ongoing Fraud: There's Another Scheme License Holders Should be Aware Of
05/19/2023Beware of Seller Fraud, Deed Fraud, Seller Impersonation
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ESAC reviews rule language, recommends 30-hour brokerage course for sales agents
05/12/2023
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.
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TREIC April Meeting Recap: New Evaluation Form, Licensing Rule
04/18/2023The Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee (TREIC) met April 18.
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Escalating to Trouble
10/05/2021
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”).
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What happens to your license when your broker dies?
03/29/2021
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.
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88th Texas Legislative Session Update, and the Impact on License Holders
05/27/2023The 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.
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TREC's Houston Highlights: Changes to Broker Responsibility & Inspection Reports, 'Lookback Period' Soon to End, Comment Now on Proposed Changes
05/23/2023To 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.
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ESAC reviews rule language, recommends 30-hour brokerage course for sales agents
05/12/2023The 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.
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TREIC April Meeting Recap: New Evaluation Form, Licensing Rule
04/18/2023The Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee (TREIC) met April 18.
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Broker Responsibility Working Group April meeting recap includes proposed rule changes
04/12/2023The Broker Responsibility Working Group (BRWG) met April 12.
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Update to the Qualifying Education Course Posting System
04/28/2022
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.
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Rule Amendments Regarding Credit for Professional Designation Courses
11/30/2021
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.
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October ESAC Meeting Update
10/14/2021
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.
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What’s the Difference Between the Texas Practicum and a Ride Along Course Session?
10/01/2021
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.
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Continuing Education (CE) Posting System Update
08/25/2021
An upload feature has been added to the CE Posting System. The upload feature allows CE providers to use a CSV file to upload CE course completions for real estate agents, inspectors, and appraisers as an alternative method to manual entry.
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88th Texas Legislative Session Update, and the Impact on License Holders
05/27/2023The 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.
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TREIC April Meeting Recap: New Evaluation Form, Licensing Rule
04/18/2023The Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee (TREIC) met April 18.
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Broker Responsibility Working Group April meeting recap includes proposed rule changes
04/12/2023The Broker Responsibility Working Group (BRWG) met April 12.
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License Holders: Inspector Non-Elective Course Changes
07/12/2021
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.
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Business Entities Inactivation Update - What Happened?
06/17/2021
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.
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Temporary Allowance for New Texas Practicum Courses
02/09/2021
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
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