If you need to change the designated broker for a business entity or return a business entity to active status, you can complete the process through the Real Estate and Appraiser License Management (REALM) Portal.
Before you begin, make sure you have the required documents ready to upload, including:
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.
To place your license on inactive status, log in to the Real Estate and Appraiser License Management (REALM) Portal and follow these steps:
The Real Estate and Appraiser License Management Portal, or REALM Portal, is where prospective and current license holders manage their licenses and registrations.
The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) traveled to Houston for its May 4, 2026, meeting, continuing its initiative to host meetings across the state to increase transparency and accessibility for license holders and the public. This marks the Commission’s second visit to Houston since 2023.
The Inspector’s Committee met on Monday, April 20th at Texas Real Estate Commission Headquarters in Austin.
An encouraging update on the REALM Portal was given during the meeting. License processing times have improved significantly. If anyone is still waiting on a response on an application or renewal, reach out directly to TREC.
At its April 10, 2026, meeting, the Broker-Lawyer Committee (BLC) reviewed over 70 comments on the proposed updates to contract forms. After discussion, the committee approved non-substantive several revisions aimed at improving clarity and usability, including:
At its April 8, 2026, meeting, the Broker Responsibility Advisory Committee (BRAC) focused on three areas: intermediary, requirements for inactive license holders to return to active, and the growing role of transaction coordinators.
You can request a copy of your license directly through your REALM Portal account in just a few steps:
At its April 20, 2026, meeting, the Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee (TREIC) discussed ongoing improvements to inspector standards, reporting requirements, and communication practices. Download the Agenda and Meeting Materials.
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.
They are still happening: Real estate leasing scams continue to pose a threat to property owners in Texas, especially in the greater Houston area, prompting the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) to issue warnings such as this press release sent to more than a dozen news outlets—most of them based in the southeastern part of the state—including
The Texas Real Estate Commission is assisting the Texas Land Title Association (TLTA) in educating license holders of trending fraud schemes.
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.
Recently, the Commission was mentioned in a news story about a former license holder whose license was revoked by the agency.
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.
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).
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.
"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!"
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).
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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
The Real Estate and Appraiser License Management Portal, or REALM Portal, is where prospective and current license holders manage their licenses and registrations.
The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) is launching a new webinar series to help license holders and applicants better understand how to use the Real Estate and Appraiser License Management (REALM) Portal. These live sessions will provide step-by-step guidance on common tasks in the portal, highlight frequent mistakes, and give participants the opportunity to ask questions in real time.
The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) met February 9, 2026, to elect officers, make appointments, adopt and propose rule changes, and receive updates on the agency’s new online license management system.
The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) and Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board (TALCB) launched the Real Estate and Appraiser License Management Portal, known as the REALM Portal, on December 15, 2025. Nearly 26,000 REALM Portal accounts have already been created.
The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) met on November 3, 2025, to welcome a new commissioner, announce committee appointments, highlight progress toward the upcoming Real Estate and Appraiser License Management Portal (REALM Portal) launch, and adopt several rule changes affecting license holders.
The Texas Real Estate Commission meets Monday, November 3 at 10 a.m. CT in Austin. Watch the livestream and download materials.
The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) is honored to receive three awards from the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO), which annually recognizes innovation and excellence among real estate regulators worldwide. This year TREC is recognized for a video series, its 2025-2026 Broker Responsibility Course (BRC), and a rental fraud investigation.
The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) welcomes a new commissioner. Governor Greg Abbott appointed Scott Olguin as a public member on September 17, 2025. His term will expire January 31, 2031.
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.
Registration is now open for the Texas Real Estate Commission's (TREC) upcoming Legal Update I and II Instructor Training sessions. These in-person trainings are designed for instructors planning to offer the 2026–2027 Legal Update I and II courses—and they're headed to cities across Texas!
After combing through 1,100 complaints during his 11-year tenure with the Commission, TREC Chief Investigator Roy Minton wins Investigator of the Year for a second time. The first win was in 2019. Both recognitions, by the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO), were given for Minton’s work in uncovering rental fraud.
They are still happening: Real estate leasing scams continue to pose a threat to property owners in Texas, especially in the greater Houston area, prompting the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) to issue warnings such as this press release sent to more than a dozen news outlets—most of them based in the southeastern part of the state—including
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 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.
The Texas Real Estate Commission is assisting the Texas Land Title Association (TLTA) in educating license holders of trending fraud schemes.
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.
The Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee (TREIC) met April 18.
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”).
The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) is preparing to launch the new Real Estate and Appraiser License Management Portal—known as the REALM Portal. This modernized system will streamline how providers post course credit, manage approvals, and interact with the agency. Below are the latest timeline and key updates to help you prepare.
The Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC) met on October 6, 2025, to welcome a new member, review upcoming technology improvements by the Real Estate and Appraiser License Management (REALM) Portal, and discuss legislative changes that grant the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) rulemaking authority over initial sales agent license education requirements.
Registration is now open for the Texas Real Estate Commission's (TREC) upcoming Legal Update I and II Instructor Training sessions. These in-person trainings are designed for instructors planning to offer the 2026–2027 Legal Update I and II courses—and they're headed to cities across Texas!
During its July 7, 2025, meeting, the Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC) reviewed legislative changes and how they affect education requirements—specifically Senate Bill 1968, the Texas Real Estate Commission’s (TREC) housekeeping bill.
SB 1968 passed and is effective January 1, 2026. The education-related changes within this bill include:
The Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC) met on April 7 to hear updates from agency staff on the upcoming launch of a new licensing system, and to review rule changes related to exam proctoring.
For the Texas Real Estate Commission, 2025 opens with the first meeting of the year held by the Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC). Its January 6 agenda began with an introduction of new members:
Reappointments were also made:
With the notion of keeping everything under one roof, Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) staff took on a new part of the development of the 2024-2025 Legal Update I and II courses. Thanks to the skills and talent of TREC Director of Government and Strategic Communications Summer Mandell, this book was wholly produced in-house, to include the design of the course materials.
During the Texas Real Estate Commission’s Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC) meeting on October 7, the group reviewed three rules regarding course proctoring and student identification requirements. Multiple changes were recommended but before a dig into the highlights, a congratulations.
The Texas Real Estate Commission’s Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC) met on July 8. Here are the highlights.
Continuing Education (CE) providers play a key role in ensuring real estate professionals receive ongoing training. TREC Rule 535.75 outlines important responsibilities that CE providers must adhere to.
To place your license on inactive status, log in to the Real Estate and Appraiser License Management (REALM) Portal and follow these steps:
You can request a copy of your license directly through your REALM Portal account in just a few steps:
The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) implemented updates aimed at improving transparency, strengthening broker qualifications, and modernizing license management processes. These changes—some from Senate Bill 1968—took effect January 1, 2026, and are now actively shaping how brokers qualify, operate, and maintain compliance.
The Broker Responsibility Advisory Committee (BRAC) met on October 15 and reviewed public comments and discussed concerns about transaction coordinators and how people fill out the Information About Brokerage Services form.
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.
The Texas Real Estate Broker Responsibility Advisory Committee (BRAC) met on July 16, 2025, for the first time post the regular legislative session. Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) staff briefed committee members on the passage of Senate Bill 1968. The remainder of the meeting was a review of potential changes to the education and experience requirements for a broker license.
After reviewing public comments and feedback from Commissioners, the Broker Responsibility Advisory Committee (BRAC) met on April 8 to continue its discussion over the minimum experience points and education hours required to earn a broker’s license. Meeting highlights also include the group reminding brokers of the timeframe for removing TREC-registered team names.
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.
The Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee (TREIC) met April 18.
The Broker Responsibility Working Group (BRWG) met April 12.
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