During its July 7, 2025, meeting, the Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC) reviewed legislative changes and how they affect education requirements—specifically Senate Bill 1968, the Texas Real Estate Commission’s (TREC) housekeeping bill.
SB 1968 passed and is effective January 1, 2026. The education-related changes within this bill include:
The Texas Real Estate Broker-Lawyer Committee met for more than six hours on June 13, covering topics ranging from legislative session outcomes and whether they affect TREC forms, considered a draft water rights notice, and discussed how license holders have implemented the changes to Paragraph 12.
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.
San Antonio hosted the Texas Real Estate Commission’s (TREC) second quarterly meeting of 2025 on May 5. This also marks the Commission’s third out-of-Austin meeting: Traveling to “meet people where they are” is an effort started by TREC Chair R. Scott Kesner in 2023.
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.
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.
The Broker-Lawyer Committee seeks to appoint two broker members to serve a six-year term beginning September 1, 2025. The BLC drafts and revises all contracts promulgated by the Texas Real Estate Commission. It consists of
After reviewing public comments and feedback from Commissioners, the Broker Responsibility Advisory Committee (BRAC) met on April 8 to continue its discussion over the minimum experience points and education hours required to earn a broker’s license. Meeting highlights also include the group reminding brokers of the timeframe for removing TREC-registered team names.
The Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC) met on April 7 to hear updates from agency staff on the upcoming launch of a new licensing system, and to review rule changes related to exam proctoring.
Getting your business done with the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) and the Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board (TALCB) is about to get even easier. The agency is developing a new licensing system that will launch later this year. It will help license holders go paperless and manage licenses, apply for licensure, make all fee payments, and more—all online, 24/7. What else you'll get to do:
They are still happening: Real estate leasing scams continue to pose a threat to property owners in Texas, especially in the greater Houston area, prompting the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) to issue warnings such as this press release sent to more than a dozen news outlets—most of them based in the southeastern part of the state—including
The Texas Real Estate Commission is assisting the Texas Land Title Association (TLTA) in educating license holders of trending fraud schemes.
Scammers or Spammers sometimes try to copy and email and text from messages from TREC or TALCB to trick you into providing personal information. We know this can be confusing and frustrating, and we want to help make sure you don't fall victim to these schemes.
Recently, the Commission was mentioned in a news story about a former license holder whose license was revoked by the agency.
Before wiring money for an escrow deposit or to close on a home purchase, License Holders should make sure to talk with their clients to ensure they are sending funds to the correct recipient and account. Consumers should not rely on instructions sent by email without contacting their broker or sales agent to verify the instructions are correct, since emails may be hijacked by potential scammers.
TREC has been made aware of a scam requesting information from license holders. The request is sent by email by someone posing as the Texas Real Estate Commission and asks that information be provided to them and provides a link to follow (see example emails).
The Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee (TREIC) met in January, and there were a couple of items from that meeting that were forwarded to the Commissioners for approval. The first was a modification of a rule regarding when multiple check boxes are used. This rule makes it clear that if an inspector chooses more than one check box, that an explanation must be provided.
"How do we raise the bar of professionalism?"
"We need more broker responsibility."
"I work with people on the other side of a contract who don’t know what they are doing. They don’t even know the name of their broker!"
Greetings from Austin. We are just on the other side of another Commission meeting and participation in Texas REALTORS Winter Meeting. I love that these two events occur at the same time in Austin so that attendees of the Winter Meeting can also attend the Commission meeting (and receive CE credit).
Last week we celebrated Veterans Day. We have many license holders who have served our country in the military. Your sacrifices have not gone unnoticed, and I am grateful for your service.
The Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee met on October 11 via videoconference. There was not much on the agenda as the committee has covered a lot of ground the last couple of years. There was a discussion about the new Property Inspection Report Form (REI 7-6) that will be required to be used as of February 1, 2022. There is a new section in that report form for Gas Distribution System and Gas Appliances. There was a concern that there might be confusion on where to put deficiencies in
Happy October to all of you! I hope this message finds you well and that fall has arrived in your part of the world so that you can enjoy being outside a bit without the Texas heat.
The TREC Commissioners met on August 9th in Austin. There were a few inspector-related items that were on their agenda. The commissioners voted unanimously to approve the new revisions to the Standards of Practice that have been in the works for the last few years. The new Standards of Practice will go into effect on February 1, 2022. This should allow for adeq
September in Texas. The month we wish for fall, with pumpkin spice lattes and cooler weather. In reality, we have to wait many more weeks before going outside without melting in the sun. Here’s to the first cold front coming soon.
Summer is coming to an end, and I cannot believe how quickly time has flown. The hot temperatures here in Texas do not seem to compare to the red-hot real estate market. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to work in this state with so many hardworking, knowledgeable license holders who make a difference in the lives of so many Texans every day.
The Inspector Advisory Committee (IAC) met on July 12th in Austin. This was the first meeting that the IAC has had in person in some time, and it was good to be face to face again. There were a few items on the agenda this go around that entailed some lengthy discussion. The IAC discussed comments received on the proposed rule to require an inspector to obtain permission in writing from a client prior to obtaining a referral fee, or other valuable consideration, for referring se
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.
San Antonio hosted the Texas Real Estate Commission’s (TREC) second quarterly meeting of 2025 on May 5. This also marks the Commission’s third out-of-Austin meeting: Traveling to “meet people where they are” is an effort started by TREC Chair R. Scott Kesner in 2023.
Getting your business done with the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) and the Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board (TALCB) is about to get even easier. The agency is developing a new licensing system that will launch later this year. It will help license holders go paperless and manage licenses, apply for licensure, make all fee payments, and more—all online, 24/7. What else you'll get to do:
The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) hosted its first meeting of the year in Austin with a room full of Texas REALTORS® in attendance to earn continuing education credit and receive updates from the agency’s staff and advisory committee members. Here’s what happened.
The Commission recognized these departing advisory committee members:
After combing through 1,100 complaints during his 11-year tenure with the Commission, TREC Chief Investigator Roy Minton wins Investigator of the Year for a second time. The first win was in 2019. Both recognitions, by the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO), were given for Minton’s work in uncovering rental fraud.
The changes listed below, recommended by the Broker-Lawyer Committee, were adopted by the Texas Real Estate Commission during its November 4 meeting. These apply to all contract forms unless specified otherwise.
With the notion of keeping everything under one roof, Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) staff took on a new part of the development of the 2024-2025 Legal Update I & II courses. Thanks to the skills and talent of TREC Director of Government and Strategic Communications Summer Mandell, this book was wholly produced in-house, to include the design of the course materials.
The Texas Real Estate Commission’s Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC) met on July 8. Here are the highlights.
Record-breaking attendance made the TREC Meeting in Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) a standout and marks the Commission's second out-of-Austin meeting. Branching out of the Texas Capitol Complex in Austin—where TREC is headquartered—is an initiative that began last year in an effort to connect with more license holders and Texans. Houston was the first stop in 2023 with roughly 80 attendees.
They are still happening: Real estate leasing scams continue to pose a threat to property owners in Texas, especially in the greater Houston area, prompting the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) to issue warnings such as this press release sent to more than a dozen news outlets—most of them based in the southeastern part of the state—including
After combing through 1,100 complaints during his 11-year tenure with the Commission, TREC Chief Investigator Roy Minton wins Investigator of the Year for a second time. The first win was in 2019. Both recognitions, by the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO), were given for Minton’s work in uncovering rental fraud.
They are still happening: Real estate leasing scams continue to pose a threat to property owners in Texas, especially in the greater Houston area, prompting the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) to issue warnings such as this press release sent to more than a dozen news outlets—most of them based in the southeastern part of the state—including
The Texas Real Estate Commission’s Enforcement Division has 37 people—10 attorneys, legal assistants, and investigators. They enforce the laws and rules that regulate real estate brokers, sales agents, real estate inspectors, and timeshare plans, through the investigation of consumer complaints. They also review the fitness of an applicant for licensure.
The only way enforcement can initiate an investigation is through a filed complaint, which can be done by anyone.
The 88th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, began January 10, 2023, and ends May 29, 2023. This session opened with the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) and Texas Appraiser Licensing Board (TALCB) following 358 bills relevant to the administration of the agency. A much smaller number will become law, one of relevance to Texas real estate license holders.
The Texas Real Estate Commission is assisting the Texas Land Title Association (TLTA) in educating license holders of trending fraud schemes.
The Texas Real Estate Commission's Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC) met April 3.
ESAC addressed comments received regarding proposed changes to 22 §TAC 535.64, Content Requirements for Qualifying Real Estate Courses. TREC staff clarified that the rule proposal simply cleans up the rule language to remove the references to topics required for each course, rather, pointing specifically to each qualifying course approval form to define content.
The Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee (TREIC) met April 18.
There may be instances where a client wants to add language to a real estate contract. In a “hot market,” it is not uncommon for a buyer to want an escalation clause added to the contract (for example, language stating the buyer will pay “X amount more than the highest offer if other offers are present”).
During its July 7, 2025, meeting, the Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC) reviewed legislative changes and how they affect education requirements—specifically Senate Bill 1968, the Texas Real Estate Commission’s (TREC) housekeeping bill.
SB 1968 passed and is effective January 1, 2026. The education-related changes within this bill include:
The Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC) met on April 7 to hear updates from agency staff on the upcoming launch of a new licensing system, and to review rule changes related to exam proctoring.
For the Texas Real Estate Commission, 2025 opens with the first meeting of the year held by the Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC). Its January 6 agenda began with an introduction of new members:
Reappointments were also made:
With the notion of keeping everything under one roof, Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) staff took on a new part of the development of the 2024-2025 Legal Update I & II courses. Thanks to the skills and talent of TREC Director of Government and Strategic Communications Summer Mandell, this book was wholly produced in-house, to include the design of the course materials.
During the Texas Real Estate Commission’s Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC) meeting on October 7, the group reviewed three rules regarding course proctoring and student identification requirements. Multiple changes were recommended but before a dig into the highlights, a congratulations.
The Texas Real Estate Commission’s Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC) met on July 8. Here are the highlights.
Continuing Education (CE) providers play a key role in ensuring real estate professionals receive ongoing training. TREC Rule 535.75 outlines important responsibilities that CE providers must adhere to.
Want your real estate continuing education (CE) submission process to go more smoothly? Use this checklist each time you submit an application.
Remember, CE course fees must be calculated based on the following information. All courses must include the base fee and content review fee. In addition to the base and content review fees, fees for each delivery method in which the course will be offered are required.
The Texas Real Estate Commission’s Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC) met virtually on April 1. Discussion opened with the Principles of Real Estate I and II courses—ESAC is moving forward with a recommendation to revise their course approval forms.
The Texas Real Estate Commission’s Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC) opened its first meeting of the year with a welcome to four new members. The new license holder members are Amanda Nichols and Thomas Carl Leatherman. The new education provider member is Cynthia Baas. The new public member is Rita Blevins.
ESAC held elections and selected Bill Steddum, Jr. as chair, Byron Underwood as vice chair, and Michael Crowley as secretary.
After reviewing public comments and feedback from Commissioners, the Broker Responsibility Advisory Committee (BRAC) met on April 8 to continue its discussion over the minimum experience points and education hours required to earn a broker’s license. Meeting highlights also include the group reminding brokers of the timeframe for removing TREC-registered team names.
Whether you are applying for a new license, renewing your license, setting up a business entity registration, and more, the best and most secure way to pay Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) fees is through the agency’s online services portal. Plus, you can pay online whenever is convenient for you—the tool is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year.
The 88th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, began January 10, 2023, and ends May 29, 2023. This session opened with the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) and Texas Appraiser Licensing Board (TALCB) following 358 bills relevant to the administration of the agency. A much smaller number will become law, one of relevance to Texas real estate license holders.
The Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee (TREIC) met April 18.
The Broker Responsibility Working Group (BRWG) met April 12.
On September 1, 2021 inspectors are required to complete a new 8 Hour Inspector Legal & Ethics and Standards of Practice Review course as part of the 32 hours of inspector continuing education (CE) required to renew or activate a license.
This course will replace the two inspector non-elective CE courses, 4-hour Inspector Legal & Ethics, and 4-hour Standards of Practice Review course that will expire on August 31, 2021.
On June 2, 2021, TREC inactivated broker business entity licenses in error. Upon discovery of the error, staff worked to resolve the issue and all licenses were restored by Friday, June 4, 2021.
New inspector pre-licensing education and experience requirements begin March 1, 2021. The new experience requirement includes a 40 hour Texas Practicum, which must consist of a minimum of five complete and in-person inspections. In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, TREC will grant a temporary allowance for on-site inspections to take place virtually, as long as the Practicum instructor conducts inspections live and on-site, and the instructor and students are able to interact with ea
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