Happy February! This month we have passed the one-year mark since the first cases of COVID-19 were reported in the US.  Much has changed in the last year, but I am proud of what our team at TREC has continued to do for the people of Texas. License applications continue to be processed smoothly, and our customer service team continues to provide excellent assistance to those who need it. I genuinely hope that this New Year brings us all peace and a shift towards more

Legislative Session and Sunset Update

As you may know, the legislative session has kicked off in Austin. TREC staff are already hard at work reviewing bills and tracking any that may affect the agency or our license holders.  At a recent Sunset Advisory Commission meeting, an implementation report was presented highlighting the progress of agencies reviewed the last session.  I am pleased to say that all of our action items are completed.

We do not expect the Texas Legislature to make significant changes affecting TREC and license holders. We will, however, closely monitor their work and encourage you to participate in the process.

Upcoming Meetings 

The Commission will hold its quarterly meeting on February 16, followed by the budget workshop on the 17th. Both will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams. TREC rules allow for license holders to earn up to 4 hours of CE credit for attending the February meeting. Due to the unique circumstances of the remote meeting, those who watch the meeting online can claim credit by completing a form available online.   

Coffee with the Commission

I invite you all to our second “Coffee with the Commission.” Our TREC Executive Director and others will join me virtually as we discuss the decisions made at February’s Commission meeting and how changes may affect you. Be sure to mark your calendars for March 4 at 10 am.

If you were not able to attend our first session in December, we have published the video on our website.  

Contract Changes

At the November Commission meeting changes were adopted to several contract forms. We have published an article reviewing all the contract changes and rule adoptions from the November meeting and will be publishing a helpful FAQ article about the changes to the delivery of option fee. These new forms will become mandatory on April 1, 2021.

Education Changes

As of February 1, real estate agents and brokers must take a contacts course to complete continuing education requirements for license renewal. Additionally, initial inspector applicants will have a significant change to their application process. Thanks to the committee members and staff who worked so hard to bring these recommendations to the Commission.

As we start off another year at TREC I want to express what a great honor it is to continue to serve as Chair of the Commission alongside our dedicated Commission members. We have accomplished a lot, but we have more work to do. I urge you all to attend the February meeting, get involved in the rulemaking process, and give us your feedback on proposed changes. We are in this together.