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Rendering an Opinion of Foundation Performance: A Guide for Texas Inspectors

When an inspector licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) is hired to inspect a property’s foundation, they are required to render a written opinion regarding the performance of that foundation. This obligation is established under Section 535.228(a) of the Texas Administrative Code, which governs inspection standards for foundations. This article outlines what inspectors should consider when forming that opinion, including key indicators of performance, factors affecting foundation stability, and professional responsibilities to the client.

Make Sure Paragraph 21 is Filled Out

The One to Four Family Residential Contract (Resale), like many contracts, contains a “Notices” provision. In that TREC contract, the provision is in Paragraph 21. This needs to be filled out so the parties know where a notice should be sent or delivered to be effective. A license holder should remind their client how important this provision is and ensure, to the extent possible, that it gets filled out fully and accurately.

 

What’s in a Name? Advertising Name Types under TREC Rule 535.154

Definitions:

Broker Assumed Business Name (DBA) is another name for the broker’s business that can be used by all sponsored sales agents and brokers associated with this broker. Another name that indicates a broker’s line of business, e.g.  property management or commercial is also a DBA.

TREC's Advertising Rules - What You Need To Know

The effective date of the new rules is May 15, 2018, and we want to make sure everyone is thoroughly prepared for the changes.

Background

These rules are the result of years of work by the Commission and key stakeholders focusing on clarity of advertisements for consumers with the least restrictions on license holders. The rules also update, interpret and balance revised statutory requirements supporting free commerce and business competition with those protecting the consumer from misleading advertisements.

Do You Advertise Your Business? Read This!

Texas Real Estate Commission adopted new advertising rules at its November meeting. These rules are effective as of May 15, 2018, which gives license holders 6 months to comply with the updated requirements.
§535.154 lays out alternate, assumed business and team name registration requirements and §535.155 lays out the revised advertising requirements. You can read both rules on our website.

2017 Legislative Update from TREC

Memorial Day was the last day of the 85th Legislative session. Several bills were filed this session relating to the agency and its license holders but not all of those bills made it through the process.  Following is a summary of bills that passed both houses of the Legislature and have direct effect on license holders.

Meet TREC’s New Chair and Two Broker Members

The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) welcomes two new commissioners and a new chair. Governor Greg Abbott appointed Mark Woodroof (pictured left) as chair. He also appointed J.B. Goodwin and Kristi Davis to the Commission with terms set to expire January 31, 2031. They were later confirmed by the Texas Senate.

Mark Woodroof

Woodroof, who has served on the Commission as a broker member since 2021, was appointed on May 6, 2025, to serve as chair.

Message From TREIC Chair Lee Warren: April 2025

The Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee met on April 21 at TREC headquarters in Austin. We discussed the work of our subcommittees, the upcoming new edition of the Inspector Legal & Ethics and SOP Review Course, and inspector advertising rules.

Standards of Practice Subcommittee Update

The Standards of Practice subcommittee is working diligently on the current review of the SOPs. Though they have made great progress in their efforts, as the process gets more involved, sometimes more questions can come up as a result.