The Real Estate License Act (TRELA) says a licensed sales agent may not engage in real estate brokerage activity unless that sales agent is sponsored by a licensed broker and is acting for that broker.

In Texas, transaction coordinators and showing agents are frequently used by brokerages as part of their business model, but sometimes these models entail working for other brokerages. Here is what “acting for” your broker means in these situations.

When a third party, such as a relative or real estate agent, is paying for an inspection, does this mean the third party is the client? Under TREC rules, the answer is no. Another person paying for the inspection on behalf of the client does not change who the inspector's client is for this transaction. The inspection report should be delivered to the client, regardless of who pays for the inspection.

The Broker-Lawyer Committee met October 11 and reviewed hundreds of public comments related to form changes proposed at the August TREC Meeting. Most of BLC’s recommended changes are the culmination of two years’ worth of work on the part of the committee, with other changes recommended in response to industry practice changes around broker compensation affecting many license holders.

During the August TREC Meeting, the Commission adopted new rule 535.124, Death of a Designated Broker, to detail agency practice and provide better guidance in the event the designated broker of a licensed business entity which sponsors sales agents dies.

The Broker-Lawyer Committee (BLC) recommended several changes to the TREC contract forms. Most of these changes are the culmination of two years’ worth of work on the part of the committee, with other changes recommended in response to industry practice changes around broker compensation affecting many license holders. The following changes were proposed at the August TREC Meeting. 

The Texas Real Estate Commission met August 19 in Austin for its third meeting of the year. The Commission adopted a new rule addressing broker succession. In addition, several form changes were recommended by the Broker-Lawyer Committee (BLC) and proposed by the Commission, which means you can provide your public comment on these changes now. Read on for more updates.

During the May 2024 TREC Meeting, the Commission proposed a new rule to address broker succession when the designated broker for a business entity passes away.

The Texas Broker-Lawyer Committee (BLC) met April 12 and discussed the National Association of Realtors proposed settlement agreement for a lawsuit it is involved with related to commissions that may affect members of NAR, Texas Realtors, and local boards of Realtors—all voluntary membership organizations. While many TREC license holders are members, not all of them are, nor are they required to be.

If you've been wondering if the recent NAR settlement announcement relates to TREC, livestream the next Texas Broker-Lawyer Committee (BLC) meeting on Friday, April 12 at 9 a.m. CT. BLC members will review public comments it has received and discuss how NAR’s situation may affect TREC forms.

TREC is not involved in the litigation. TREC has narrow regulatory authority over license holder compensation—specifically, that a broker is the one who gets paid. However, some contract form language may be impacted.

Maybe you’re taking a break from the business, planning to switch brokerages, or intended to temporarily terminate your sponsorship relationship. No matter the reason, awareness of your continuing education (CE) completion date will save you from surprises when you’re ready to go active again.