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.

The Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee met January 17. Three new officers were elected to serve in committee leadership:

• Lee Warren, chair
• Scott Regan, vice-chair
• Steven Rinehart, secretary

The committee also appointed two chairs to two subcommittees:

In a seller’s market, buyers may be tempted to waive an inspection entirely, or hire an inspector to do a walkthrough inspection of their ideal home to point out problems while the buyers take notes.

In a buyer’s market, sellers might think getting a similar inspection will make their listing stand out by disclosing information up front, so buyers will know what to expect.

The Broker Responsibility Working Group (BRWG) met January 11 and got updates from staff, discussed how to identify brokerage associations, and who should receive complaint notifications.

The Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC) met January 9 and appointed new leadership, discussed the revised property management course outline, and made recommendations for the Commission to propose an amendment to 535.55.

New Committee Officers

The committee appointed three new officers to serve through 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.

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.

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):

The Texas Real Estate Commission on November 7 adopted form revisions recommended by the Texas Real Estate Broker-Lawyer Committee (BLC).

The Texas Real Estate Commission meeting is Monday, November 7, at 10 a.m. CT in Austin. Download the meeting materials and watch the meeting livestream. You can also follow @TRECommission on Twitter for live updates.