The Texas Real Estate Commission’s advisory committees and working groups have made several recommendations that the Commissioners will discuss and potentially propose or adopt during the TREC Meeting on February 13. Here are the highlights of what will be considered, including inspection report rule changes, proposed SAE requirements, and changes that affect broker responsibility and sales agent oversight of brokerage activity.

Based on recommendations from the Unauthorized Practice of Law Working Group, the Commission proposed at its November 2022 meeting a new rule—Section 537.1, Definitions—and amendments to Section 537.11, Use of Standard Contract Forms. The proposals were published in the Texas Register to allow for public comment.

The Broker Responsibility Working Group (BRWG) met January 11 and got updates from staff, discussed how to identify brokerage associations, and who should receive complaint notifications.

The form revisions adopted by the Texas Real Estate Commission in early November are now available for voluntary use until February 1, 2023, when their use becomes mandatory. The only exception is the revised Notice to Prospective Buyer (TREC 57-0) form, which will remain a voluntary use form.

During the November TREC Meeting, the Commission proposed two rule amendments and one new rule. The Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee recommended the proposal of amendments to 535.223, Standard Inspection Report Form. The Unauthorized Practice of Law Working group recommended a new rule, 537.1, Definitions, and amendments to Section 537.11, use of Standard Contract Forms.