The Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee (TREIC) met April 18 and talked about hot topic issues, including how inspectors must handle single-item inspections, clarifications to 535.222, Inspection Reports, and expired licenses. Read on for more takeaways.

The Texas Real Estate Commission met May 2, 2022. In addition to hearing updates from TREC staff, the Commission contemplated a proposed new flood disclosure form for leases, non-substantive proposed changes from the quadrennial rule review, and adopted a rule change for easement or right-of-way (ERW) agents. The Commission also heard a presentation from Gary Maler, executive director of the Texas Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University.

Real estate inspectors licensed in Texas are required to follow the Standards of Practice (SOPs). These SOPs define the minimum requirements for a real estate inspection performed for a prospective buyer or seller of one to four family dwelling. Changes to the SOPs were adopted at the August TREC Commission Meeting and are effective February 1, 2022.

Changes to the general provisions now:

Effective February 1, the Property Inspection Report form (REI 7-6) is required for all real estate inspections performed in Texas.

The form reflects changes made to the Standards of Practice (SOPs), plus an updated preamble that

The Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee met January 18, 2022. Three new officers were elected to serve in committee leadership:

• Shawn Emerick, chair
• Scott Regan, vice chair
• Steven Rhinehart, secretary

The committee also made two subcommittee appointments:

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 gas appliances, such as the water heater, HVAC, etc., since those are specified in other locations

The 40 Hour Texas Practicum is a pre-licensing requirement for applicants following the Substitute Experience and Education Requirements for a Real Estate or Professional Inspector.  A Ride-Along session is no longer a requirement for pre-licensing, but is still an option for obtaining inspector continuing education (ICE) credit. 

The Texas Real Estate Commission recently adopted changes to the real estate inspector Standards of Practice (SOPs) at its August 9, 2021 meeting based on recommendations from the Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee. These changes are not effective until February 1, 2022. This six-month period will provide inspectors the time necessary to familiarize themselves with the updated SOPs prior to their mandatory use on February 1, 2022.