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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Rule Amendments Regarding Credit for Professional Designation Courses
11/30/2021
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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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November 2021 Coffee with the Commission Video Published
11/22/2021
We have published the video of the November 2021 "Coffee with the Commission" session. Chair Scott Kesner and Executive Director, Chelsea Buchholtz discussed all the latest from the November Commission meeting and what is coming for 2022.
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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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Rule Actions From the November 2021 Meeting
11/15/2021
During the November quarterly Commission meeting, several rule changes were proposed and adopted. See the full agenda and materials on the Commission Meetings and Minutes page. The next Commission meeting is scheduled for February 14, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.
Proposed Rules
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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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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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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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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’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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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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From the Executive Director - November 2021
11/16/2021Last 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
10/19/2021The 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
10/13/2021Happy 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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From the Chair - Inspector Committee - June 2021
05/25/2021
The TREC Commissioners met on May 3 in Austin in person for the first time in over a year. It was nice to see everyone in person once again. Tony Slagle presented the Commissioners with a legislative update, which included two inspector-related bills.
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From the Executive Director - May 2021 - Inspectors
05/13/2021
Happy May to each of you. I hope you all had a wonderful time celebrating the mothers in your life last weekend. Later this month, we celebrate Memorial Day.
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HOA Management Certificate Website Now Live
11/29/2021During 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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Updated Contract Forms Required For Use April 1, 2021
04/01/2021
As of April 1, 2021, the following form versions are now required for use:
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February Commission Meeting Updated Information
02/19/2021
Pursuant to section 551.0411 of the Texas Government Code, the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) is postponing its February 16, 2021, quarterly open meeting to February 19, 2021, at 9:00 am. The State of Texas is experiencing unprecedented snowfall, extreme temperatures, rolling blackouts, and power outages that are catastrophic and prohibitive of conducting the meeting at its posted scheduled date and time. TREC will take up items posted with the Secretary of Stat
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Escalating to Trouble
10/05/2021There 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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Rule Amendments Regarding Credit for Professional Designation Courses
11/30/2021The 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
10/14/2021The 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?
10/01/2021The 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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Submitting Your Course Applications
08/05/2021
As a reminder, course content, text materials, quizzes, exercises, and exams can be electronically shared with TREC through SharePoint. We do not need these items physically mailed to our office.
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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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Inspector Non-Elective Course Changes
06/18/2021
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.
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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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