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Brokers and Preferred Lists of Service Providers - What's Allowed?
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From the Executive Director - November 2018
November is upon us and the football season in Texas is more than half done. What happens in the coming weeks makes all the difference for which teams make the playoffs. Some teams are getting better and others are struggling. I hope all your favorites are “growing stronger” as the season matures.
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An Update on Customer Service From Tony Slagle, Deputy Executive Director
When I was named the Deputy Executive Director of TREC and the Deputy Commissioner of TALCB in August of this year, part of my expanded role at the agency was to focus on the agency operations, particularly the frontline customer service aspects of licensing and call center performance.
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From the Executive Director - October 2018
The agency has had quite a busy summer and the fall continues to bring a steady stream of challenges. As we continue working through all the issues which arise, especially through the Sunset process, know that we remain fully committed to exploring every effective option available to improve this agency’s performance. First and foremost, our mission has not changed and our dedication to accomplish it in the most effective, efficient and transparent manner is shared by our policymakers and o
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Is the Sunset Process Done Yet?
Contributed by - Tony Slagle – Deputy Executive Director
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Sunset Commission Staff Report Published
The Sunset Commission has published on its website the Staff Report for the Texas Real Estate Commission and the Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board. The Commission and Board will hold a joint meeting on October 12th in Austin to coordinate the Agency’s written response.
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What You Need to Know to Comply With Our Social Media Rules
The rules for advertising on social media platforms are NOT exactly the same as the rules for putting a link to the IABS and CPN on a social media platform used as a business website because the requirements for each rule differ.
Rule 535.155, Advertisements
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From the Chair - Inspector Comittee - September 2018
I want to personally thank all of the inspectors who took time out of their schedules to make the trip to Austin to attend the August 13th Texas Real Estate Commission meeting in person. I know that your time is valuable and the TREI Committee and I always value your input and appreciate your continued interest and involvement.
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From the Chair - September 2018
The extended heat of August has been relieved a bit by rains in early September. I hope the typical market frenzy of summer has moderated a bit so you can focus on your professional development as well.
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AGENCY RECEIVES DISTINGUISHED AWARDS
Austin, TX – The Texas Real Estate Commission and Appraiser Licensing & Certification Board is pleased to announce the agency has won two coveted Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO) Communications Awards. One is for the new integrated communications plan, and the other for Board and Commission meeting communications.
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Brokers and Preferred Lists of Service Providers - What's Allowed?
The Commission has received several questions about whether a broker may advertise about a service provider (such as a real estate inspector) and, if allowed, are there any limits to this type of activity?
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Is the Sunset Process Done Yet?
Contributed by - Tony Slagle – Deputy Executive Director
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What You Need to Know to Comply With Our Social Media Rules
The rules for advertising on social media platforms are NOT exactly the same as the rules for putting a link to the IABS and CPN on a social media platform used as a business website because the requirements for each rule differ.
Rule 535.155, Advertisements
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Make Sure Paragraph 21 is Filled Out
The One to Four Family Residential Contract (Resale), like many contracts, contains a “Notices” provision. In that TREC contract, the provision is in Paragraph 21. This needs to be filled out so the parties know where a notice should be sent or delivered to be effective. A license holder should remind their client how important this provision is and ensure, to the extent possible, that it gets filled out fully and accurately.
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Can An Inspector Perform A Sewer Line Inspection?
NO, unless the inspector is also a licensed plumber. TREC’s Standards of Practice (§535.231) require an inspector to operate plumbing fixtures, test for drain performance, and to report deficiencies in water supply pipes and waste pipes.
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The Sunset Review Process and Strategic Planning
Many of you know that the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) and the Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board (TALCB) is currently undergoing a review by the staff of the Sunset Advisory Commission. But what is a Sunset review and why is it necessary?
In the mid-1970s, many states, including Texas, established Sunset laws as a method to introduce an additional level of accountability for state agencies. Here’s a breakdown of how the process works in Texas:
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Name Management Tool Launched!
TREC has launched our new Name Management Tool to allow broker license holders to easily manage their names with the agency online and get in compliance with the new advertising rules.
Published August 2018
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What’s in a Name? Advertising Name Types under TREC Rule 535.154
Definitions:
Broker Assumed Business Name (DBA) is another name for the broker’s business that can be used by all sponsored sales agents and brokers associated with this broker. Another name that indicates a broker’s line of business, e.g. property management or commercial is also a DBA.
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Are you a Delegated Supervisor?
The answer to this question is “yes” if a broker has delegated to you in writing the responsibility to assist the broker in complying with The Real Estate License Act and Commission Rules. When this delegation exists to supervise sales agents sponsored by the broker, your name must appear on the Information About Brokerage Services form as the “Licensed Supervisor of Sales Agent/Associate.” A sales agent or broker may act as a delegated supervisor.
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Seeking Recommendations from Inspector Committee
After postponing consideration of proposed changes to inspector insurance requirements at their November 2017 meeting, TREC took no action on the proposed rule amendments and remanded the matter to the Real Estate Inspector Committee at the Commission’s February 2018 meeting.
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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).
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Consumer Guide to The Texas Real Estate Commission
Buying and selling a home can be overwhelming. We're here to help.
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From the Executive Director - November 2018
November is upon us and the football season in Texas is more than half done. What happens in the coming weeks makes all the difference for which teams make the playoffs. Some teams are getting better and others are struggling. I hope all your favorites are “growing stronger” as the season matures.
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An Update on Customer Service From Tony Slagle, Deputy Executive Director
When I was named the Deputy Executive Director of TREC and the Deputy Commissioner of TALCB in August of this year, part of my expanded role at the agency was to focus on the agency operations, particularly the frontline customer service aspects of licensing and call center performance.
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From the Executive Director - October 2018
The agency has had quite a busy summer and the fall continues to bring a steady stream of challenges. As we continue working through all the issues which arise, especially through the Sunset process, know that we remain fully committed to exploring every effective option available to improve this agency’s performance. First and foremost, our mission has not changed and our dedication to accomplish it in the most effective, efficient and transparent manner is shared by our policymakers and o
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From the Chair - Inspector Comittee - September 2018
I want to personally thank all of the inspectors who took time out of their schedules to make the trip to Austin to attend the August 13th Texas Real Estate Commission meeting in person. I know that your time is valuable and the TREI Committee and I always value your input and appreciate your continued interest and involvement.
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From the Chair - September 2018
The extended heat of August has been relieved a bit by rains in early September. I hope the typical market frenzy of summer has moderated a bit so you can focus on your professional development as well.
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From the Executive Director: A Progress Report to Agency Stakeholders
The agency has committed to implement a variety of measures to improve our customer service. This is a quick review of what we have done so far and what additional steps remain to be implemented to enhance our responsiveness.
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From the Chair - Inspectors - May 2018
The Inspector Committee has had a busy couple of months since it last met in February. On March 26th, the Inspector Consumer Issues Working Group met to review issues regarding inspector financial responsibility and insurance requirements and to also make recommendations for the Committee to consider. In addition to the Inspector Committee members, the Working Group included Paul Roebuck representing TPREIA and Mike Hammel representing TAREI.
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From the Chair - May 2018
The Commission held its regular quarterly meeting on Monday, May 7 at our HQ in Austin.
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From The Executive Director - Inspectors - April 2018
It’s been a busy start of the year for the Commission. I traveled around the state in March as part of our Agency’s biennial strategic planning listening tour. This allowed me to receive input first hand from license holders across the state about issues that impact them directly. Tony Slagle, the agency’s inspector staff liaison visited a local chapter of an inspector trade association to discuss concerns and answer their questions. This is something staff is committed to doing more often.
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From the Chair - Inspector Committee - March 2018
The Inspector Committee met on Monday, February 26 at the agency headquarters in Austin.
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Sunset Commission Staff Report Published
The Sunset Commission has published on its website the Staff Report for the Texas Real Estate Commission and the Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board. The Commission and Board will hold a joint meeting on October 12th in Austin to coordinate the Agency’s written response.
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AGENCY RECEIVES DISTINGUISHED AWARDS
Austin, TX – The Texas Real Estate Commission and Appraiser Licensing & Certification Board is pleased to announce the agency has won two coveted Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO) Communications Awards. One is for the new integrated communications plan, and the other for Board and Commission meeting communications.
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Using "Realty" In Team Names
At the Commission Meeting on Monday, August 13, 2018, the Commission adopted changes to the advertising rules (§535.155) allowing Broker team names to include the term "realty," so long as the other requirements for team names are met.
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Customer Service Matters: How the Agency Has Improved
Good news! TREC and TALCB have implemented a new tool to improve customer service. A new call tree system has been added to our main customer services lines. This new system allows callers to select from a list of options that will direct them to the best available person to address their issue to get the answers or help they need.
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Progress Report from Our Agency to Texas:
In early April, the Texas Real Estate Commission publicly apologized to Texans for the unacceptable quality of our customer service efforts and we promised to take a number of steps to do better. This is a progress report on what we have done so far and what additional steps remain to be implemented to restore and improve our service.
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The Sunset Review of the Texas Real Estate Commission and Texas Appraiser Licensing & Certification Board
The mission and performance of the Texas Real Estate Commission and Texas Appraiser Licensing & Certification Board are under review by the Legislature as required under the Texas Sunset Act. The Act provides that the Sunset Commission, composed of legislators and public members, periodically evaluate a state agency to determine if the agency is still needed and to explore ways to ensure that the agency's funds are well spent. Based on the recommendations of the Sunset Commission, the T
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To The Consumers and License Holders of Texas:
The Texas Real Estate Commission takes pride in providing high quality education and licensing services, and effective consumer protection across Texas. In recent months, there have been significant issues with the quality of customer service we are providing to consumers and to our license holders. I take personal responsibility for addressing these issues.
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Processing Dates Updated
In case you missed it we publish our processing dates right here! They are updated every Monday, check them out to get an ETA on your application or renewal!
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Broker Responsibility Working Group Appointments Announced
The Texas Real Estate Commission is pleased to announce the appointment of members to the Broker Responsibility Working Group (BRWG). The BRWG reviews experience requirements and role responsibilities for brokers and makes recommendations to the Commission based on its findings. Members will meet four or five times in the next 10 months to complete the charge given to them by the Commission.
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2nd Annual Residential Realty Summit in Austin
Monday, April 2 in Austin from 10 AM to 3 PM.
Join us for our Agency’s 2nd annual Texas Residential Realty Summit. This annual conference focuses on current issues affecting the successful closing of single family residential transactions transaction from an interdisciplinary perspective.
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Required Revisions to Remaining Qualifying Courses
Deadlines for content revisions to the Real Estate Appraisal, Real Estate Investments, Real Estate Law and Residential Inspection for Real Estate Agents qualifying real estate course topics were adopted and are effective on August 7, 2018 for classroom courses and November 7, 2018 for courses offered through distance education. If you have not resubmitted your courses for review, you may do so by mailing the
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Deadline is Approaching for Revisions to Real Estate Marketing Qualifying Course Content
Effective November 15, 2017, course providers approved to offer the qualifying Real Estate Marketing course through distance education delivery must comply with content revisions adopted by the Commission.
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Providing Exam Proctoring Information to Your Students
Many education providers have opted for live and in-person proctoring for final exams.
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TREC Complaints and Education Providers
What methods do you have in place to ensure continued compliance with Commission rules? Do you, or someone on your staff, regularly review your advertising materials and website content? Do you know what you are advertising? Familiarizing yourself and your staff with TREC rules is the key to staying in compliance. TREC investigates complaints directed to the agency. Sources of such complaints may come from students, your competitors or other agency stakeholders. Remember, as an agency charge
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ESAC Chair Receives Distinguished Award
TREC is pleased to announce that the Chair of our Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC), Susan Jones has received the Larry Outlaw Education Excellence Award at this year's Real Estate Education Association (REEA) conference. -
License Exams Now Available On Military Installations
The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) is pleased to announce that the Texas real estate sales agent, broker, and inspector licensure exams are now conveniently available at over 200 Pearson VUE test centers as well as on military installations across the globe for service members, spouses, dependents, and contractors with authorized base access.