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 approval of your sponsoring broker before you start offering rebates, referrals, or other promotions

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.  

The goal of an investigation is to protect consumers and to uphold the integrity of the real estate profession by gathering the facts necessary to resolve the complaint.

The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) is pleased to announce Chief Investigator Roy Minton, has received the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO) Investigator of the Year Award for 2019. 

Thinking about applying for a license but have some past criminal offenses or other background issues?  Request a Fitness Determination.

Based upon a Sunset recommendation, a Moral Character Determination is now called a Fitness Determination. The process itself has not changed; just the name changed.

UPDATE:

The Enforcement Division of the Texas Real Estate Commission protects consumers by enforcing the laws and rules that regulate real estate brokers and sales agents, real estate inspectors, and timeshare plans. The Enforcement Division also oversees the Fitness Determination request process and reviews applications to determine if prospective license holders meet the Commission's standards for honesty, integrity, and trustworthiness.

The Commission has received several questions about whether a broker may advertise about a service provider (such as a real estate inspector) and, if allowed, are there any limits to this type of activity?