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TREC Adopts Changes to Inspection Report Rule, Proposes Rule Changes Related to Unauthorized Practice of Law, Broker Responsibility, Education Requirements, License Renewal, and More

The Texas Real Estate Commission met February 13 in Austin. In addition to hearing updates from TREC staff, the Commission elected Mark Woodruff as vice chair and Ben Peña as secretary. Read on for information on adopted and proposed rule changes.

What to Expect at the Next TREC Meeting

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. Here are the highlights of what will be considered, including inspection report rule changes, proposed SAE requirements, and changes that affect broker responsibility and sales agent oversight of brokerage activity.

Unauthorized Practice of Law Working Group Recommends Dropping Rule Proposal Eliminating Use of Brokerage-Specific Forms Prepared by an Attorney

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.

Revised Forms Available for Voluntary Use, Mandatory Use Begins February 1, 2023

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.

Comment on Proposed Rule Changes by December 25: Unauthorized Practice of Law, Using the Standard Inspection Report Form

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. The Unauthorized Practice of Law Working group recommended a new rule, 537.1, Definitions, and amendments to Section 537.11, use of Standard Contract Forms.

TREC Adopts Revised Forms, Proposes Rule Changes to Clarify the Unauthorized Practice of Law

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):

Did You Comment on Proposed TREC Form Changes? Don’t Miss This Meeting

In August, the Texas Real Estate Commission proposed changes to several TREC forms based on recommendations by the Texas Real Estate Broker-Lawyer Committee (BLC). TREC received 123 public comments about the changes, which BLC will review and consider during its upcoming meeting on Friday, October 14.

Don’t Want to Retake the Licensing Exam? Make Sure You Renew Before This Deadline

It’s been more than two years since the pandemic changed the real estate landscape and how you do business, and your license renewal may not be on your mind. But now is the time to ensure your license hasn’t been expired for more than two years, which requires you to take extra steps to renew.

Broker Responsibility Working Group Recommends Response Times for Brokers and Sales Agents, Increased Oversight of Sales Agents’ First-Time Brokerage Activity

The Broker Responsibility Working Group (BRWG) met April 13 and made two proposed recommendations that will be discussed during the next TREC Workshop on May 3. Feedback from the TREC Workshop discussion will be part of the next BRWG meeting in July.