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 Deputy Executive Director - Inspector Committee - July 2020
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From the Chair - July 2020
Last weekend we celebrated our country's 244th birthday.
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UPDATED: TREC and TALCB has extended its waiver of all renewal and application deadlines through July 31
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Scam Alert! Make Sure You Know If A Message Is From Us
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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Customer Service Team Hard at Work, From Home
In early March the COVID-19 virus began spreading rapidly throughout the country. The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) and Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board (TALCB) took drastic measures to ensure the health and well-being of the staff while continuing to address the questions and concerns of consumers and license holders. TREC and TALCB quickly determined it was best for staff to transition staff wor
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From the Executive Director - June 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 Planning Tour Going Virtual
The Texas Real Estate Commission is pleased to announce the 2020 virtual planning tour. Due to travel restrictions related to the Coronavirus, TREC moved the tour online. Join TREC Chair, Scott Kesner, and TREC Executive Director Chelsea Buchholtz as they discuss the future of the agency. In a rapidly changing market, the agency needs to hear from license holders about what issues matter most to them.
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TREC Director of Enforcement Announced
AUSTIN, TX – The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) is pleased to announce the promotion of Michael Molloy to Director of Standards and Enforcement Services (SES), beginning May 18, 2020.
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Temporary Allowance for Inspector Ride-Along Courses
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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TREC Welcomes New Director of Finance
AUSTIN, TX – Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC), and Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board (TALCB) are pleased to welcome Ranada Williams as Director of Finance. Williams will oversee the financial strategic planning, accounting operations, procurement, and financial compliance of the agency. She recently transferred from the Texas Military Department, where she had been an employee since 2008, and most recently served as their Chief Financial Officer from 2017-2020.
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Customer Service Team Hard at Work, From Home
In early March the COVID-19 virus began spreading rapidly throughout the country. The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) and Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board (TALCB) took drastic measures to ensure the health and well-being of the staff while continuing to address the questions and concerns of consumers and license holders. TREC and TALCB quickly determined it was best for staff to transition staff wor
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Tips on Rebates, Referrals, and other Promotions
We regularly receive questions about the difference between rebates, referrals, and other promotions like drawings and client gifts. First, when you are considering offering any of these make sure your advertisements are upfront and clear about what you are offering. If there are terms and conditions to qualify then you should have them in writing and provide them in your advertisement. If you are a sales agent, seek
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Licensing Exam Sites Re-Opening
TREC and Pearson VUE announce licensing exam centers to slowly re-open around the state after swift closure in March in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. TREC partners with Pearson VUE to offer licensing examinations. Pearson VUE operates both company-owned exam sites and third party sites. TREC has authorized the use of all Pearson VUE third party sites to expand exam capacity during this unprecedented time. All sites continue to enforce social distancing measures and safety requirement
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TREC Launches Approved Course Search Tool
The Texas Real Estate Commission is pleased to announce the launch of our Approved Course Search tool. Anyone can use this tool to search for currently approved qualifying or continuing education (CE) courses for real estate or inspector license holders. The tools allows individuals to search for a specific provider or type of course using one or more search functions. Locate a provider by searching their provider name, license number or all providers in the same city. Search for courses
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Broker Responsibility Working Group Accepting Applications for Members
The Texas Real Estate Commission is soliciting interest for membership of the 2020 Broker Responsibility Working Group (BRWG). The BRWG will make recommendations to the Commission based on the scope of its charge and will likely meet four or five times over the 2020 calendar year. The Commission is charging the BRWG to examine experience requirements for potential substitution of education requirements to become a broker. The BRWG will review broker licensing requirement
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TREC Welcomes New General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel
AUSTIN, TX - The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) is pleased to welcome Vanessa Burgess as General Counsel of the Texas Real Estate Commission effective February 3, 2020.
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TREC Eliminates Certain Fees for License Holders
TREC has worked hard over the past year to improve efficiencies and reduce the burden on license holders who conduct business with the agency. TREC is a self-directed, semi-independent agency, which means that the daily operations of the agency are funded through license fees and other revenue related to the regulation of our license holders.
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Rule Actions Taken at the November Meeting
Many rules were adopted at TREC’s November 19, 2019 meeting, including rule changes to implement Sunset Advisory Commission recommendations and mandates, changes to implement other legislation, and fee changes. Additionally, TREC considered recommendations by the Broker-Lawyer Committee related to promulgated forms.
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Big Changes to Criminal History Process to Benefit You
Effective January 2, 2020, TREC and TALCB will activate the FBI rap back program for all of the Agency’s license holders.
What is the FBI Rap Back Program?
The FBI rap back program allows TREC and TALCB to receive criminal history information on our license holders in real-time. This replaces the Agency's current practice of performing a subsequent background check at the time of a license holder's renewal.
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Responding to a TREC Investigation
The filing of a complaint against a real estate license holder is not uncommon. In fiscal year 2019, the Texas Real Estate Commissions’ Standards & Enforcement Services Division (SES) reviewed 1,615 complaints filed by consumers against real estate brokers and sales agents and Commission investigators completed 467 field investigations.
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Scam Alert! Make Sure You Know If A Message Is From Us
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
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
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!!!
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 Deputy Executive Director - Inspector Committee - July 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
Last weekend we celebrated our country's 244th birthday.
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From the Executive Director - June 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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From the Chair - Inspector Committee - May 2020
The Inspector Committee held its regularly scheduled meeting on April 13th. Due to social distancing rules throughout the state, the meeting was held via teleconference. This was the first time in my tenure that this has happened. A huge thank you goes out to TREC staff for getting this put together quickly to help us all stay safe while still getting the important work done that we need to.
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From the Chair - May 2020
This spring has been one of unimaginable changes for the agency, industry, and the world. COVID-19 and all that has come with it continues to make ripples throughout the country. TREC staff have been hard at work to keep things moving at the agency while continuing to provide excellent customer service and timely processing of applications.
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From the Chair - April 2020 - Inspector Committee
The last few months have seen some unprecedented events happen in the world around us. The COVID-19 virus has brought much of the world to a screeching halt. In the interest of keeping everyone as safe as possible, the meeting of the full Inspector Committee scheduled for April 13th will not be conducted at the TREC building in Austin. The meeting will continue as scheduled, but it will be done via teleconference. Please check the TREC website for more details on how to call in
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From the Executive Director - April 2020
The month of March was one for the record books for us all. We started the month learning about the “Coronavirus” and by the end of the month, life as we know it was monumentally altered. Our staff came together quickly to orchestrate a colossal shift of our workforce to remote work. Our team remains energetic and determined to support license holders.
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From the Chair - Inspector Committee - January 2020
The Inspector Committee met recently at the Texas Real Estate Commission headquarters in Austin. The committee welcomed its newest member, Scott Regan, to the Inspector Committee. Scott comes with over 15 y
ears of experience in the field as an inspector, HVAC licensee, plumbing licensee and educator. We look forward to Scott’s impact on the committee. -
From the Executive Director - January 2020
Change is in the air! A new year, a new decade, and of course changes at TREC too. I start the year and this new position as TREC’s executive director with great expectations and excitement for the future. My predecessor, Doug Oldmixon’s presence will continue through March, which is very helpful to me and our agency through this leadership transition. I am grateful for the gradual transition and Doug’s willingness to impart his knowledge. Doug will leave behind a legacy of strong leader
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From the Executive Director - December 2019
December is upon us and the Holiday Season has begun in earnest. From our agency to your offices and homes, we wish you all the very best of blessings of the Season and a prosperous New Year in 2020. At TREC & TALCB we are celebrating the selection of our next Executive Director and Commissioner who will take on those responsibilities effective January 1st.
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UPDATED: TREC and TALCB has extended its waiver of all renewal and application deadlines through July 31
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TREC Planning Tour Going Virtual
The Texas Real Estate Commission is pleased to announce the 2020 virtual planning tour. Due to travel restrictions related to the Coronavirus, TREC moved the tour online. Join TREC Chair, Scott Kesner, and TREC Executive Director Chelsea Buchholtz as they discuss the future of the agency. In a rapidly changing market, the agency needs to hear from license holders about what issues matter most to them.
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TREC Director of Enforcement Announced
AUSTIN, TX – The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) is pleased to announce the promotion of Michael Molloy to Director of Standards and Enforcement Services (SES), beginning May 18, 2020.
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TREC Welcomes New Director of Finance
AUSTIN, TX – Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC), and Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board (TALCB) are pleased to welcome Ranada Williams as Director of Finance. Williams will oversee the financial strategic planning, accounting operations, procurement, and financial compliance of the agency. She recently transferred from the Texas Military Department, where she had been an employee since 2008, and most recently served as their Chief Financial Officer from 2017-2020.
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Broker Responsibility Working Group Appointments Announced
AUSTIN, TEXAS - The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) is pleased to announce the appointment of members to the Broker Responsibility Working Group (BRWG). The newly appointed working group will meet for the first time on June 9.
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Impact of COVID-19: Frequently Asked Questions
The agency continues to evaluate the impact COVID-19 may have on all aspects of agency operations, including those related to the regulatory and licensing functions of the agency.
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TREC is Open for Business
COVID-19 has impacted daily life as we know it. In the midst of this crisis, the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) has worked to ensure continued service to license holders and the public while protecting our employees. As a result, our physical offices in Austin are closed to the public, and staff and operations have transitioned to working remotely.
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TREC No Longer Accepting Walk Ins
Due to the current events surrounding COVID-19 and safety concerns, 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.
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UPDATE: Planning and Introductory Tour POSTPONED
Due to the extraordinary events related to the COVID - 19 outbreak TREC has decided to postpone all dates on the upcoming introductory and planning tour. We will, to the best of our ability, reschedule all planned dates. If you have further questions about TREC's response to the COVID - 19 outbreak please be sure to refer to our FAQs.
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TREC Chair Named Texas REALTOR® of the Year
AUSTIN, TX - The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) is pleased to announce TREC Chair, R. Scott Kesner, has been named Texas REALTOR® of the Year at the Texas REALTORS® (TR) annual Winter Meeting on Mo
nday.
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Temporary Allowance for Inspector Ride-Along Courses
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
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!
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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Instructor License Changes Coming Soon
To implement provisions in the agency’s Sunset bill, the Commission 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. TREC will continue to approve and renew instructor licenses through August 31, 2019.
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Reminder Regarding the Use of Proctors
A provider is responsible for making sure course examinations are proctored by a faculty or staff member, or third party proctor acceptable to the Commission. Examples of acceptable third party proctors are listed in Section 535.65(h) of TREC rules. Proctors must be required to positively identify that the student taking the exam is the student who registered for and took the course. It is equally important to make sure proctors understand that an examinee must be monitored at all times.
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Changes to the TREC Education & Licensing Services Division
If you were not tuned in to the February Commission meeting you missed a very important announcement.
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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