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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What to Expect at the Next TREC Meeting
02/06/2023
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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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Broker Responsibility Working Group: New and Revised Rules Up for Proposal, Recommendations for Identifying Brokerage Associations
01/20/2023
The Broker Responsibility Working Group (BRWG) met January 11 and got updates from staff, discussed how to identify brokerage associations, and who should receive complaint notifications.
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ESAC Recommends 30-Hour Real Estate Brokerage Course as Part of SAE Requirement and Updates to Property Management Course Outline
01/17/2023
The Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC) met January 9 and appointed new leadership, discussed the revised property management course outline, and made recommendations for the Commission to propose an amendment to 535.55.
New Committee Officers
The committee appointed three new officers to serve through 2023:
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Revised Forms Available for Voluntary Use, Mandatory Use Begins February 1, 2023
11/21/2022
The form revisions adopted by the Texas Real Estate Commission in early November are now available for voluntary use until February 1, 2023, when their use becomes mandatory. The only exception is the revised Notice to Prospective Buyer (TREC 57-0) form, which will remain a voluntary use form.
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Comment on Proposed Rule Changes by December 25: Unauthorized Practice of Law, Using the Standard Inspection Report Form
11/21/2022
During the November TREC Meeting, the Commission proposed two rule amendments and one new rule. The Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee recommended the proposal of amendments to 535.223, Standard Inspection Report Form.
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TREC Adopts Revised Forms, Proposes Rule Changes to Clarify the Unauthorized Practice of Law
11/09/2022
The Texas Real Estate Commission met November 7 and received updates from advisory committees and staff, adopted revised forms, and proposed revisions to rules related to the inspection form and the unauthorized practice of law. Here are a few key takeaways from the meeting.
Appointments Made to ESAC, TREIC
The Commission appointed the following individuals to serve on the Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC):
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TREC Form Changes Effective February 1, 2023
11/09/2022
The Texas Real Estate Commission on November 7 adopted form revisions recommended by the Texas Real Estate Broker-Lawyer Committee (BLC).
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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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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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From the Chair - June 2021
06/10/2021
Happy summer to all of you! In today’s market, however, we may not get a chance for anything resembling a summer break. It is a good time to be in real estate in Texas.
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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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New Filing Requirements for HOAs
09/16/2021
During the 87th regular session, the Texas legislature passed SB 1588 related to Home Owner Associations (HOAs). This bill requires TREC to establish a database to accept management certificates from HOAs.
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Broker-Lawyer Committee Appointments Announced
09/10/2021
The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) is pleased to announce the appointment of two broker members to the TREC Broker-Lawyer Committee. Broker members Dianne McCoy and Mary Miner were appointed at the August 2021 Commission meeting with terms set to expire in 2027.
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Have You Noticed Longer Hold Times with TREC?
08/24/2021
As a result of the healthy Texas real estate market, the agency has seen an increase in new applications and longer hold times. TREC is committed to providing superior customer service to anyone who reaches out to the agency. Part of that commitment is a dedication to ensure short hold times and quick responses to emails.
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May Coffee with The Commission Video
06/09/2021
In case you missed it, we have published the May "Coffee with the Commission" session. TREC Chair, Scott Kesner and TREC Executive Director, Chelsea Buchholtz discussed the latest from the May TREC Commission meeting and answered your questions about recently adopted rules, the legislative session, upcoming events, and more.
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UPDATE: Business Entity Licenses Restored
06/07/2021
Broker business entity licenses were inactivated in error on Wednesday, June 2, 2021. The issue is resolved, and all licenses are restored.
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Proposed and Adopted Rules from the May 2021 Commission Meeting
05/20/2021
During the May Commission meeting, rules relating to the Inspector Standards of Practice (SOP) were proposed. These proposed revisions are the product of many meetings of the Inspector SOP subcommittee and the work of the entire Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee. The Commission also adopted a rule which helps streamline the process for petitioning the Commission for the adoption of rules. See the full agenda and mate
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Three New Commission Members Confirmed
04/28/2021
AUSTIN, TX – The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) is pleased to announce the confirmation of broker members Leslie Lerner and Mark Woodroof and public member Ben Peña as new commissioners for terms to expire on January 31, 2027. The Commissioners were nominated in March and were confirmed by Senate vote on April 28, 2021.
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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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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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TREC Needs Your Feedback on New ERW Education
08/23/2021
The 87th Texas Legislature enacted HB 2730, requiring easement/right of way (ERW) agents to complete 16 hours of qualifying education prior to registration and 16 hours of continuing education per registration period. As a result, TREC will establish an education program for ERW agents.
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Reminder: Inspector Non-Elective Course Changes
08/09/2021
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.
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How Education Providers Can Submit Course Applications
08/05/2021
Education providers can electronically provide TREC their course content, text materials, quizzes, exercises, and exams using SharePoint. The only item education providers must send by mail is the application form and the required fee. Once mailed, contact the Education & Examinations Division to receive instructions for using SharePoint.
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Renewal of Qualifying Real Estate and Inspector Courses
07/19/2021
To expedite the renewal of qualifying courses where content, design, and delivery have not changed, qualifying education (QE) providers may submit the appropriate Qualifying Course Application (Real Estate or Inspector) and the Qualifying Course Renewal Certif
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New Inspector Non-Elective CE Course
07/12/2021
The new 8 Hour Inspector Legal & Ethics and Standards of Practice Review course is effective on September 1, 2021. This course replaces the 4-hour Inspector Legal and Ethics and the 4 hour Standards of Practice Review courses.
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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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