�ǿ��app�� - Licensing

BRAC Recap: Valuing Broker Education and Experience, Team Names Cleanup

Sierra Pizarro — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 17:20:28 +0000

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 �ǿ��app��-registered team names.

Broker License Requirements

To obtain a broker’s license, applicants must complete 900 hours of education (270 hours of qualifying real estate courses plus 630 hours of real estate-related education). Currently, credit for the 630 hours of real estate-related education is given for a bachelor's degree. Applicants must also have at least four years of active experience during the five years preceding the application, totaling 360 experience points.

The Recommended Changes

BRAC recommends making no change to the existing 900 education hours required to become a licensed broker, but it did recommend the following regarding education requirements:

Allow up to 300 hours of the 630 hours of real estate education to be substituted for experience points earned above the minimum points required for a license.
Limit the bachelor’s degree credit to no more than 300 hours, instead of the full 630 hours of real estate-related education.
Change the property management experience calculation to per property per year (instead of just per property).
Modify brokerage management/delegated supervisor calculation to a points-per-transaction model.

For experience requirements, members recommended doubling the experience points required from 360 to 720 points.

Next Steps

�ǿ��app�� staff will draft new rule language related to the recommended changes and present it to the group at its next meeting.

Don’t Forget: You’re Responsible for Team Names

BRAC has noticed instances of license holders not updating their registered team names with �ǿ��app��. An advertising rule requires a notice to be sent to the Commission within 10 days of a team name no longer being used:

“A broker must notify the Commission in writing not later than the 10th day after the date the associated broker or a sales agent sponsored by the broker stops using a team name.��

To provide more transparency for consumers and other license holders, BRAC urges brokers to help keep �ǿ��app��’s records up to date by closely managing the teams in their brokerage. This can be done online through �ǿ��app��’s Name Management Tool. And later this year, managing team names will get easier. The agency’s new licensing system will allow designated brokers to grant permissions to others within their office (like managers or team leads) to manage their licenses, including team names, through their own online account.

Where to Find Meeting Materials

Watch the video recap and download the meeting agenda and materials.

Upcoming Meeting Details

BRAC meets again July 16 at 10 a.m. CT in Austin.

News and Article Category:

Articles

Licensing

How To Make All Your Fee Payments Online

Sierra Pizarro — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 23:06:29 +0000

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 (�ǿ��app��) 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 following visual explainers show you how to securely make your payments online.

The below 67-second video walks through the online payment process as someone applying for a sales agent license:

First there is an introductory page.
The next few pages include a series of questions, as well as an empty space for your email. Inputting your email ensures you will get notifications from the agency.
The payment screen loads after all questions have been answered and once the information is confirmed and certified.

The following are step-by-step pictures of the online payment process. This example is for the new business entity registration, but the way to submit a payment is the same across the board.

After the above main menu there is an introductory page. Then, a series of questions including what is pictured below.

The payment screen loads after all questions have been answered and once the information is confirmed and certified.

If you have questions about how to make payments online, contact us. Please note that to protect your security, �ǿ��app�� staff cannot accept financial information over the phone or complete a payment on your behalf.

News and Article Category:

Agency Announcements

Articles

Licensing

88th Texas Legislative Session Update, and the Impact on License Holders

Sierra Pizarro — Sat, 27 May 2023 15:24:28 +0000

The 88th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, began January 10, 2023, and ends May 29, 2023. This session opened with the Texas Real Estate Commission (�ǿ��app��) 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.

Senate Bill 1577: Texas Real Estate Research Center, Real Estate Research Advisory Committee, �ǿ��app��, TALCB

Changes Impacting �ǿ��app�� License Holders

Broker Education Experience

Currently, the education hours required to become a broker are specified in statute, which means any edits to the hours to address changes in the market or to modernize the education needs must be made by the legislature. SB 1577 grants rule-making authority to the Commission, so that these changes can be made through a simpler, more nimble process. License holders can easily follow the rule making process and comment on changes.

Wholesaling

Wholesaling is described as anyone who does not own a property for sale but is marketing an option or an equitable interest in a contract to purchase that property. Current law requires that this be disclosed to any potential buyer.

A person engaged in wholesaling who does not provide notice is engaged in unlicensed brokerage activity.

SB 1577 requires that the notice be provided to a potential buyer in writing, and that the same written notice be given to the seller of the property.

Real Estate Recovery Trust Account

SB1577 grants the Commission rulemaking authority to set and collect fees to cover maintenance of the Real Estate Recovery Trust Account. This law also increases the statutory amounts for the Trust Account related to claims to account for inflation and increased claim costs. Those amounts had not been updated since 2003. They have been raised from $50,000 to $125,000 per claim; and $100,000 to $250,000 cap per license holder.

Licensure Exemption for Certain Business Entities

SB 1577 exempts a business from licensure if it is an LLC or S Corporation; established for the sole purpose of receiving compensation earned by a license holder while engaged in real estate brokerage and is at least 51% owned by the license holder on whose behalf the entity receives compensation.

This type of business is not required to be licensed unless engaged in any other brokerage activity. This type of business, however, is required to register with �ǿ��app��. SB 1577 grants �ǿ��app�� authority to develop the registration process for these types of businesses.

Texas A&M Real Estate Research Center Fee

This change clarifies the statute to ensure the agency collects the pass-through fee for the Texas A&M Real Estate Research Center for both initial and renewal applications.��

Remove Statutory Language Establishing Requirements for Non-Residents

SB 1577 conforms with a previous sunset requirement and removes statutory language pertaining to non-resident applicants. ��

�ǿ��app�� and TALCB Study Guides for Licensing Exams

SB 1577 repeals the requirement that �ǿ��app�� and TALCB publish study guides for the licensing exam. This requirement is duplicative of exam prep courses already offered by many education providers, who are better equipped to prepare prospective students to take the exam. Additionally, the agency does not have input in creation of the national portion of the �ǿ��app�� exam and the entire TALCB exam is developed of the federal level.

Effective January 1, 2024

SB 1577 was made law when signed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott on May 19 and will go into effect January 1, 2024. �ǿ��app�� will begin the process of implementing the changes over the next several months, to include seeking stakeholder input.

The entirety of the bill’s language can be found online.

News and Article Category:

TREIC April Meeting Recap: New Evaluation Form, Licensing Rule

Sierra Pizarro — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 22:10:09 +0000

The Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee (TREIC) met April 18.

Discussion started with a public comment submitted online to committee members expressing confusion over the Standard Inspection Report Form. This form falls under �ǿ��app�� rule §535.223 and was recently amended to clarify that when multiple boxes are checked for a particular item on the Property Inspection Report Form (REI 7-6), the inspector must also document the reason for checking multiple boxes. The committee reiterated there is an online instruction sheet to provide guidance to anyone with questions.

A New Vice Chair

Inspector member Mike Morgan was elected as vice chair of the committee. The previous vice chair, Scott Regan, resigned from the committee in March. Chair Lee Warren thanked Mr. Regan for his service and noted his invaluable contributions to the committee during his tenure.

Apprentice Inspector License

The Inspector Education Subcommittee sought input from the committee regarding a recommendation to eliminate the real estate inspector license. The subcommittee noted that its recommendation for apprentice education hours and supervised inspections would need to contemplate that recommendation.

The subcommittee meets again on June 20.

Increase in Education Providers, Committee Discusses Texas Practicum Evaluation

In the last two years, the total number of qualified inspector education providers increased from 7 to 10, which means more options are available to inspector applicants. Information on providers and available courses can be found on �ǿ��app��'s website.

Committee members reviewed a draft course manual for the mandatory Legal, Ethics, and SOP Review course. This draft will go before commissioners in May.

Committee members also discussed and reviewed a draft of the Texas Practicum Evaluation Form. The Inspector Education Subcommittee created this new form as a tool for students to provide feedback after completing the Texas Practicum. The Education Subcommittee will continue to develop this form.

Recommended Rule Changes

Important license expiration changes

TREIC discussed 22 TAC 535.216, Renewal of License. This rule is currently out for proposal as part of a commission initiative to update the late renewal process to better protect the consumer. The committee discussed the importance of this change and recommended the rule with minor changes made to clarify references to other rules related to insurance and reactivation of license.

This recommendation will go before commissioners. If approved, it will be effective October 1.

Inspection Reports

The committee also voted to recommend changes to rule §535.222, Inspection Reports. These changes clarify that inspectors must deliver reports to clients within two calendar days of payment. This recommendation will go before commissioners in May.

Upcoming Meeting Information

The next TREIC meeting is July 17 at 10 a.m. at �ǿ��app�� headquarters. It will also be live streamed.

In accordance with normal commission practice, any meeting materials will be available on the �ǿ��app�� website before the meeting. To participate by providing public comment virtually during the meeting, please [email protected]?subject=TREIC%20Public%20Comments%20for%20April%202023%20Meeting">email us by 5 p.m. CT on July 16 with the agenda item number you wish to speak on.

News and Article Category:

Broker Responsibility Working Group April meeting recap includes proposed rule changes

Sierra Pizarro — Wed, 12 Apr 2023 19:39:47 +0000

The Broker Responsibility Working Group (BRWG) met April 12. Members reviewed public comment submitted in response to a new proposed rule, 535.157 �� Obligation to Respond Timely, and proposed changes to 535.2 — Broker Responsibility Rule. The group also continued discussion regarding the difference between a broker and a sponsoring broker, and whether there should be additional education requirements for sponsoring brokers.

Two rules recommended for adoption

Broker Responsibility

At the February Commission meeting, the BRWG recommended amending 535.2(i)(5), to increase the minimum number of times a broker must ensure assistance and coaching are provided to a sponsored agent conducting a new type of brokerage activity from one time to three times.

The group reviewed public comments submitted in response to this proposed change, the majority of which were favorable. The BRWG unanimously voted to recommend the change be adopted as proposed at the May Commission meeting.

Obligation to Respond Timely

At the February Commission meeting, the BRWG also recommended a new rule, 535.157, which requires a broker or sales agent to respond to his or her principal, a broker or sales agent representing another party to a real estate transaction, or an unrepresented party to a real estate transaction within two calendar days.

The group reviewed public comments submitted in response to this proposed rule and discussed concerns presented by license holders in different areas of practice, specifically property management. The group noted the obligation to respond under this rule is tied to a real estate transaction. The group also highlighted that a sponsoring broker and delegated supervisor still have an obligation to respond to their sales agents, under 535.2. Finally, the BRWG and �ǿ��app�� staff discussed the importance of education and agency communications regarding this rule.

The BRWG voted to recommend the new rule, 535.157, for adoption at the May Commission meeting.

Discussion related to brokers and sponsoring brokers continues

The BRWG continued its conversation related to brokers and sponsoring brokers with a focus on whether a sponsoring broker should complete specific education requirements related to sponsorship of sales agents. The group acknowledged this conversation as an important one that will be impacted by recent changes to the Broker Responsibility Course and other recommended course changes by the Education Standards Advisory Committee.

Upcoming meeting information

At its July 12, 2023 meeting, the BRWG will discuss regulatory considerations related to broker-associates.

In accordance with normal Commission practice, any meeting materials will be available on �ǿ��app��'s website before the meeting. To provide public comment during the meeting, [email protected]?subject=BRWG%20Public%20Comments">contact us by 5 p.m. CT on July 11 with the agenda item number you wish to speak on. If you are unable to attend the meeting live, you can [email protected]?subject=BRWG%20Public%20Comments">email your public comments instead.

News and Article Category:

License Holders: Inspector Non-Elective Course Changes

Christine Anderson — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 18:40:07 +0000

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.

What does this mean for me?

If you have already enrolled in the two 4-hour non-elective courses, you must complete them prior to August 31, 2021, to receive credit for them.

What if I already completed the two 4-hour non-elective courses, but my license is not due for renewal until after September 1?

If you completed the courses within your license term (the two-year period before your license expiration date), then those courses will count towards your renewal, even if you do not renew until after September 1.

What if I don’t enroll in any CE courses until after September 1?

If you do not enroll in CE until after September 1, your only choice for non-elective CE will be the new 8-hour Inspector Legal & Ethics and Standards of Practice Review course.

Review your education course listing on our website by performing a license holder search for your license to confirm if you have already completed your non-elective CE.

If you have questions, please contact us at��[email protected]" target="_blank">[email protected]. ��

News and Article Category:

Licensing

Business Entities Inactivation Update - What Happened?

Christine Anderson — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 17:51:38 +0000

On June 2, 2021, �ǿ��app�� 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. For purposes of full disclosure, we wanted our license holders to know the details of what occurred and what we are doing to avoid any similar incident in the future.

How did this happen?

Every month, �ǿ��app�� runs a process to update system records and inactivate any business entity licenses where the license of the designated broker/officer has expired. When running this process in June, rather than selecting those designated broker/officer whose license had expired, all designated broker/officer licenses were inadvertently selected. This resulted in all business entity licenses being inactivated. This was a human error with significant consequences for our license holders.

How did it get fixed?

Ultimately, the vendor that manages our licensing database created a process that “unwound�� the mistake. This took about a day to write and test before we were able to run the process to correct the mistake. Prior to running it, our licensing staff dedicated their time to manually correct errors one by one. Some worked long into the night to correct as many licenses as possible, as fast as possible.

The website also wasn’t working that day. What happened?

Due to this error, the traffic on our website increased to ten times what it normally handles. This caused much of our website to fail. All is working normally again now.

How can we be sure it doesn’t happen again?

Our licensing database is nearing the end of life and many of the processes are manual. Ultimately, �ǿ��app�� is working towards building a new licensing database that will provide workflow processes that minimize the need for manual processes to alleviate human errors. In addition, this database will provide more self-service options on our website and greater autonomy for our license holders. This new database should be complete by the end of 2023. In the meantime, �ǿ��app�� has established manual safeguards to ensure against single points of failure, such as the one that recently occurred. We do expect, however, further challenges with the older system. The agency staff is prepared to address them as they may arise.

Please accept our apology for the distress and frustration this caused so many. The staff understands the breadth of this error and worked diligently to right this wrong. We appreciate your patience and flexibility in the process.

News and Article Category:

Articles

Licensing

Temporary Allowance for New Texas Practicum Courses

Christine Anderson — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 16:27:34 +0000

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, �ǿ��app�� 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 each other in real-time through both audio and video.

PLEASE NOTE: The use of pre-recorded video inspection does not meet the requirements for a virtual Practicum.

When offering a virtual Practicum, the following protocols must be followed:

The Practicum instructor must conduct inspections live and on-site;
Students must be able to see and hear the instructor and see the instructor’s live feed at all times;
The instructor and students must be able to communicate with each other through audio and video in real-time;
Instructors must ensure student participation throughout the entirety of each Practicum inspection through the use of live audio and video;
No more than four students participate in each Practicum inspection; and
Inspectors must follow recommended safety protocols during property inspections.

If you have any questions about offering or conducting a virtual Practicum, please contact us at 512-936-3120 or [email protected]">[email protected].

News and Article Category:

Articles

Education

Licensing

�ǿ�����app���� - Licensing

BRAC Recap: Valuing Broker Education and Experience, Team Names Cleanup

Broker License Requirements

The Recommended Changes

Next Steps

Don’t Forget: You’re Responsible for Team Names

Where to Find Meeting Materials

Upcoming Meeting Details

How To Make All Your Fee Payments Online

88th Texas Legislative Session Update, and the Impact on License Holders

Senate Bill 1577: Texas Real Estate Research Center, Real Estate Research Advisory Committee, �ǿ�����app����, TALCB

Changes Impacting �ǿ�����app���� License Holders

Broker Education Experience

Wholesaling

Real Estate Recovery Trust Account

Licensure Exemption for Certain Business Entities

Texas A&M Real Estate Research Center Fee

Remove Statutory Language Establishing Requirements for Non-Residents

�ǿ�����app���� and TALCB Study Guides for Licensing Exams

Effective January 1, 2024

TREIC April Meeting Recap: New Evaluation Form, Licensing Rule

A New Vice Chair

Apprentice Inspector License

Increase in Education Providers, Committee Discusses Texas Practicum Evaluation

Recommended Rule Changes

Important license expiration changes

Inspection Reports

Upcoming Meeting Information

Broker Responsibility Working Group April meeting recap includes proposed rule changes

Two rules recommended for adoption

Broker Responsibility

Obligation to Respond Timely

Discussion related to brokers and sponsoring brokers continues

Upcoming meeting information

License Holders: Inspector Non-Elective Course Changes

What does this mean for me?

What if I already completed the two 4-hour non-elective courses, but my license is not due for renewal until after September 1?

What if I don’t enroll in any CE courses until after September 1?

Business Entities Inactivation Update - What Happened?

How did this happen?

How did it get fixed?

The website also wasn’t working that day. What happened?

How can we be sure it doesn’t happen again?

Temporary Allowance for New Texas Practicum Courses

PLEASE NOTE: The use of pre-recorded video inspection does not meet the requirements for a virtual Practicum.

When offering a virtual Practicum, the following protocols must be followed:

�ǿ��app�� - Licensing

Senate Bill 1577: Texas Real Estate Research Center, Real Estate Research Advisory Committee, �ǿ��app��, TALCB

Changes Impacting �ǿ��app�� License Holders

�ǿ��app�� and TALCB Study Guides for Licensing Exams