星空体育app下载 - Articles /taxonomy/news-and-articles/articles en What You Need to Know to Comply With Our Social Media Rules /article/what-you-need-know-comply-our-social-media-rules <div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-thumbnail img-responsive" src="/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/shutterstock_388100623%20%282%29.jpg?itok=OgNoYZXt" width="220" height="147" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><h3>The rules for advertising on social media platforms are NOT exactly the same as the rules for putting a link to the IABS and CPN on a social media platform used as a business website because the requirements for each rule differ.</h3> <h4>Rule 535.155, Advertisements</h4> <p>For an advertisement on social media or by text, the information required (license holder鈥檚 or team name and broker鈥檚 name in at least half the size of the largest contact information) may be located on a separate page or on the account user profile page of the license holder or team, if the separate page or account user profile is:</p> <ol> <li>readily accessible by a direct link from the social media or text advertisement; and</li> <li>readily noticeable on the separate page or in the account user profile</li> </ol> <h4>Rules 531.18, Consumer Protection Notice (CPN) and 531.20, Information About Brokerage Services (IABS)</h4> <p>For purposes of providing the required link to the CPN and completed IABS when a social media platform is being used as a business website, the link may be located on:</p> <ol> <li>the account user profile; or</li> <li>a separate page or website through a direct link from the social media platform or account user profile page.</li> </ol> <h3>Need More Help? We <a href="https://www.facebook.com/星空体育app下载ommission/videos/1967382439994106/?notif_id=1538382363311883&amp;notif_t=page_digest">hosted a Facebook LIVE session last month</a> and we talked about all things, advertising, IABS posting, and social media. Here is the full video:聽</h3> <p><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ps2K2rrJIVc" width="560"></iframe></p> <h3>For your convenience, we have also<a href="/sites/default/files/pdf-forms/Social%20Media%20and%20Advertising.pdf"> posted the full presentation聽with examples on our website as well</a>!聽</h3> <h4>Published September 2018</h4> <p>聽</p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-news-and-article-category field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">News and Article Category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/news-and-articles/articles" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Articles</a></div></div></div> Wed, 12 Sep 2018 21:17:31 +0000 Christine Anderson 1143 at Make Sure Paragraph 21 is Filled Out /article/make-sure-paragraph-21-filled-out <div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-thumbnail img-responsive" src="/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/shutterstock_138619967_2.jpg?itok=RaN4l88V" width="220" height="147" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>The One to Four Family Residential Contract (Resale), like many contracts, contains a 鈥淣otices鈥� provision. In that 星空体育app下载 contract, the provision is in Paragraph 21. This needs to be filled out so the parties know where a notice should be sent or delivered to be effective. A license holder should remind their client how important this provision is and ensure, to the extent possible, that it gets filled out fully and accurately.</p> <p>聽</p> <p><img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/screenshot-www.trec.texas.gov-2018.08.16-15-10-23.png" style="border-width: 5px; border-style: solid; margin: 1px; float: right; width: 800px; height: 223px;" /></p> <p>聽</p> <p>聽</p> <p>聽</p> <p>聽</p> <p>聽</p> <p>聽</p> <p>聽</p> <p>The One to Four Family Residential Contract (Resale), as well as many other 星空体育app下载 contracts and forms, are <a href="/forms-and-contracts">here</a>.</p> <h4>Published August 2018</h4> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-news-and-article-category field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">News and Article Category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/news-and-articles/articles" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Articles</a></div></div></div> Thu, 16 Aug 2018 20:15:55 +0000 Christine Anderson 1103 at What鈥檚 in a Name? Advertising Name Types under 星空体育app下载 Rule 535.154 /article/what%E2%80%99s-name-advertising-name-types-under-trec-rule-535154 <div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-thumbnail img-responsive" src="/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/shutterstock_443855773%20%281%29.jpg?itok=yQ34MNUe" width="220" height="147" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><h3>Definitions:</h3> <p><strong><em>Broker Assumed Business Name (DBA)</em></strong> is another name for the broker鈥檚 business that can be used by all sponsored sales agents and brokers associated with this broker. Another name that indicates a broker鈥檚 line of business, e.g.聽 property management or commercial is also a DBA.</p> <p><strong><em>Team Name</em></strong> is a name used only by a team or group of one or more sponsored sales agents or brokers associated with this broker. Team names must end in 鈥渢eam鈥� or 鈥済roup鈥� and cannot contain the words 鈥渂rokerage鈥�, 鈥渃ompany鈥�, or 鈥渁ssociates鈥� or other similar terms.</p> <p><strong><em>Alternate Name</em></strong> is a name used by an individual license holder other than the name on the individual鈥檚 license, such as a middle name, married name, maiden name or nickname.</p> <h3>Fun Facts to Know:</h3> <ul> <li>You must have the legal authority to use an assumed business name in the State of Texas before you can register the name with 星空体育app下载.</li> <li>An individual broker can have an assumed business name.</li> <li>There is no provision under 星空体育app下载 Rules for a sales agent to have an individual assumed business name or 鈥渂rand name鈥濃� any such name falls under the definition of team name and must meet those requirements.</li> <li>聽Nothing in 星空体育app下载 Rules prohibits a broker from using the word 鈥渢eam鈥� or 鈥済roup鈥� anywhere in a broker鈥檚 licensed or assumed business name.</li> <li>A name used by an associated broker working under another broker that is not the associated broker鈥檚 licensed name must be a team name or alternate name.</li> <li>All three name types must be registered with 星空体育app下载 <u>BEFORE</u> you start to use them in advertisements.</li> </ul> <h3>How Do You Know Which Type of Name It Is?</h3> <h4>Start by looking at the definitions. Then ask yourself these 鈥渃heck鈥� questions鈥�:</h4> <h5>Check Questions for Assumed Business Name:</h5> <h6>a. Do you have legal authority to use this name in the State of Texas?</h6> <p>聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 NO 鈥搚ou cannot register it as an assumed business name.</p> <p>聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 YES - you can register it as an assumed business name as long as you can answer 鈥測es鈥� to b. or c below.</p> <h6>b. Is the name available for use by any sponsored sales agent or associated broker?</h6> <p>聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 YES 鈥� you can register it as an assumed name</p> <p>聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 NO 鈥� it is likely a team name and must meet all requirements for team names.</p> <h6>c. 聽Is this name used to identify a different line of business under the broker that is available for use by any sales agent or associated broker that the broker deems qualified to engage in that line of business (e.g. property management)?</h6> <p>聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 YES- you can register it as an assumed business name</p> <p>聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 NO - 聽it is likely a team name and must meet all requirements for team names.</p> <h5>Check Questions for Team Name:</h5> <h6>a. Is this name for use only by a small group of license holders within the brokerage<em>?</em></h6> <p><em>聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 YES 鈥� it is team name and must meet the team name requirements.</em></p> <p><em>聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 NO 鈥� it cannot be used unless it is an assumed name (see check questions above)</em></p> <h6>b. Is this name for use only by one person and it is not their licensed name or an alternate name?</h6> <p><em>聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 YES 鈥� it is team name and must meet the team name requirements.</em></p> <p>聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 聽NO 鈥� It cannot be used unless it is an alternate name (see check question below)<em>.</em></p> <h5>Check Questions for Alternate Name:</h5> <h6>a. Is this name for use for just you but is not the first or last name on your license?</h6> <p>聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 YES 鈥� This is an Alternate Name.</p> <p>聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 NO 鈥� this is likely a team name (see check questions above)</p> <h6>b. 聽Is this a common name for your licensed name, such as Kim for Kimberly or Bill for William?</h6> <p>聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 YES 鈥� you do not need to register this name with 星空体育app下载</p> <p>聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 NO 鈥� you need to register this name with 星空体育app下载</p> <h6>c. Is the last name that will be used the same as the last name on your license?</h6> <p>聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 YES 鈥� Simply fill out the 星空体育app下载 Alternate Name form, sign it and send to 星空体育app下载.</p> <p>聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 NO 鈥� In addition to the 星空体育app下载 Alternate Name form, you must submit supporting legal documentation to 星空体育app下载 to be able to use this alternate name in advertising.</p> <h4>Team Name Requirements and Restrictions:</h4> <h5>a. Name must <u>end </u>with 鈥渢eam鈥� or 鈥済roup鈥�.</h5> <h5>b. Cannot use words that could mislead the public to mistake a team for a brokerage.</h5> <p>聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 Prohibited words: Brokerage, Company, Associates or similar words</p> <p>聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 Acceptable words: Property, Real Estate, Homes, Realty</p> <h4>Who Registers Each Type of Name?</h4> <p>Assumed Business Name: Broker</p> <p>Team Name: Broker</p> <p>Alternate Name: Individual License Holder</p> <p>聽</p> <h4>Published August 2018</h4> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-news-and-article-category field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">News and Article Category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/news-and-articles/articles" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Articles</a></div></div></div> Fri, 20 Apr 2018 16:18:16 +0000 Christine Anderson 1038 at 星空体育app下载's Advertising Rules - What You Need To Know /article/trecs-advertising-rules-what-you-need-know <div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-thumbnail img-responsive" src="/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/Know%20this%20web_0.jpg?itok=rMq7jHOU" width="220" height="147" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><h2>The effective date of the new rules is May 15, 2018, and we want to make sure everyone is thoroughly prepared for the changes.</h2> <h4>Background</h4> <p>These聽rules are the result of years of work by the Commission and key stakeholders focusing on clarity of advertisements for consumers with the least restrictions on license holders. The rules also update, interpret and balance revised statutory requirements supporting free commerce and business competition with those protecting the consumer from misleading advertisements.</p> <p>A legislative change governing advertising for brokers and sales agents repealed a prior requirement that the advertiser be identified as a broker or agent in all advertising. But it also clarified that an advertisement is misleading if it fails to include the name of the broker or implies that a sales agent is responsible for the operation of a brokerage. It limited 星空体育app下载鈥檚 authority to adopt rules requiring the use of the term broker or agent, a reference to the Real Estate Commission, or a license number in advertisements. Note that license holders can still choose to use<i>聽</i>those terms in advertisements if they wish.聽</p> <div> <h4 class="rteright"><em>License holders can still choose to use 鈥淏roker鈥�, 鈥淎gent鈥�, 鈥淟icensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission鈥� or other similar terms in advertisements if they want.</em></h4> </div> <p><strong><em>Chapter 1101.652(b)(23)</em></strong> clearly states that license holder鈥檚 advertising cannot be misleading, cannot imply that a sales agent is the responsible party, and must include the name of the broker.</p> <p><strong><em>Chapter 1101.156(b)</em></strong>, appropriately limits the commission from regulating certain forms, size or duration of聽advertising, personal appearance or voice, or the use of a registered assumed business name. Language was added to restrict the Commission from requiring the use of the term "broker," "agent," or a similar designation or term, a reference to the commission, or the person's license number in an advertisement.</p> <h4>星空体育app下载鈥檚 Advertising Rules</h4> <p>Working closely with stakeholders and their representative professional association, the agency determined that the current advertising rule should be clarified to separate the requirements regarding names and their registration from the advertising requirements (搂535.154 and 搂535.155).</p> <h5><a href="https://texas-sos.appianportalsgov.com/rules-and-meetings?$locale=en_US&amp;interface=VIEW_TAC_SUMMARY&amp;queryAsDate=01%2F22%2F2025&amp;recordId=198499">星空体育app下载 Rule 搂535.154 Registration and Use of Names</a></h5> <p>This rule defines an alternate name, associated broker, assumed business name and team name. Each type of name must be registered with 星空体育app下载 before the name can be used in an advertisement. This is a change from the existing rule. The most significant change concerns team names.聽 聽A team name is not an assumed business name of the broker, and cannot contain terms that imply that the team is offering brokerage services independent of the broker. Team names must end with the terms 鈥渢eam鈥� or 鈥済roup鈥�.</p> <h5><a href="https://texas-sos.appianportalsgov.com/rules-and-meetings?$locale=en_US&amp;interface=VIEW_TAC_SUMMARY&amp;queryAsDate=01%2F22%2F2025&amp;recordId=192084">星空体育app下载 Rule 搂535.155 Advertisements</a></h5> <p>All license holders鈥� advertisements must include the license holder鈥檚 name or team name. It also must include the broker鈥檚 name in at least half the size of the largest contact information for any sales agent, associated broker, or team name contained in the advertisement.</p> <p><strong>Understanding that advertisements take many different forms today, the Commission revised the exception for social media to allow more flexibility. An advertisement on social media will comply with the rule as long as the license holder</strong> <em>has linked from the advertisement聽 to the account profile聽 page or a separate page, and that page contains the required information for an advertisement.</em>.</p> <div> <h4 class="rteright"><strong><em>An advertisement on social media will comply with the rule as long as the license holder has linked from the advertisement聽 to the account profile聽 page or a separate page, and that page contains the required information for an advertisement.</em></strong></h4> </div> <h5>Subsection (d) 鈥� 20 instances of advertisements that may mislead the public</h5> <p>This subsection lays out 20 ways a license holder may violate statutory advertisement requirements. Most of these were in the existing rule too.聽 These examples are not the only ways a license holder鈥檚 advertisement can be misleading. Here are a few set out in the subsection:</p> <ol> <li>Using a title, such as "owner", "president", "CEO", "COO", or another similar title, email or website address that implies a sales agent is responsible for the operation of a brokerage.</li> <li>A team name with terms that imply the team is offering brokerage services independent from its sponsoring broker, including, but not limited to, 鈥渂rokerage鈥�, 鈥渃ompany鈥�, and 鈥渁ssociates鈥�. 聽</li> <li>An ad that contains the name of a sales agent whose name is, in whole or in part, used in a broker鈥檚 name and that implies that the sales agent is responsible for the operation of the brokerage</li> <li>Including the value of a property, unless it is based on an appraisal that is disclosed and readily available upon request by a party or it is given in compliance with 搂 535.17 (required disclaimer for estimated worth or sales price)</li> </ol> <h2>SPECIAL NOTE: The Commission adopted an amendment to remove the term "REALTY" from the list of terms that would imply a team is acting independently of a sponsoring聽broker and accept the term "REALTY" when used in a TEAM NAME. The amendment became effective September 4, 2018.</h2> <p>Be sure to reference subsection (d) before placing an ad or ordering new signage to ensure your advertisements do not resemble any of the examples of misleading advertisement given in the rule.</p> <h4>The Gist</h4> <p>星空体育app下载 knows there has been a lot of concerns and misinformation about advertising requirements. These new rules simplify requirements and ensure consumers know whom they are working with. We want to make sure we help you get into and stay in compliance with these new rules.</p> <h4>Be sure to stay ahead of the curve by reading the advertising rules in their entirety (<a href="https://texas-sos.appianportalsgov.com/rules-and-meetings?$locale=en_US&amp;interface=VIEW_TAC_SUMMARY&amp;queryAsDate=01%2F22%2F2025&amp;recordId=198499">here</a> and <a href="https://texas-sos.appianportalsgov.com/rules-and-meetings?$locale=en_US&amp;interface=VIEW_TAC_SUMMARY&amp;queryAsDate=01%2F22%2F2025&amp;recordId=192084">here</a>), share this i<a href="https://create.piktochart.com/output/27009237-advertising">nfographic guide to the rules</a>,聽review the video from our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hF5f8La_llg">Facebook Live event</a> and check out the full <a href="/forms/advertising-town-hall-presentation">event slideshow</a>聽and remember to check out our聽<a href="/public/frequently-asked-questions">advertising FAQs on our website</a>.</h4> <h4>Published December 2017</h4> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-news-and-article-category field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">News and Article Category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/news-and-articles/articles" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Articles</a></div></div></div> Tue, 12 Dec 2017 21:52:33 +0000 Christine Anderson 941 at Do You Advertise Your Business? Read This! /article/do-you-advertise-your-business-read <div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-thumbnail img-responsive" src="/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/Know%20this%20web.jpg?itok=qlA3Gnsh" width="220" height="147" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Texas Real Estate Commission adopted new advertising rules at its November meeting. These rules are effective as of May 15, 2018, which gives license holders 6 months to comply with the updated requirements.<br /> 搂535.154 lays out alternate, assumed business and team name registration requirements and 搂535.155 lays out the revised advertising requirements. You can read both<a href="/rules-and-laws"> rules on our website</a>.</p> <p>The Commission will soon provide a detailed article about the new rules on our website, including examples of do鈥檚 and don鈥檛s, host a live online town hall on December 14th, and <a href="/public/frequently-asked-questions">update advertising FAQ鈥檚 to reflect these changes</a>.聽</p> <p>To stay up to date on all of these events, be sure to <a href="https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/TXREC/subscribers/qualify">sign up for our newsletter,</a> and follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/星空体育app下载ommission/">Facebook</a>.聽</p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-news-and-article-category field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">News and Article Category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/news-and-articles/articles" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Articles</a></div></div></div> Thu, 30 Nov 2017 17:45:10 +0000 Christine Anderson 930 at 2017 Legislative Update from 星空体育app下载 /article/2017-legislative-update-trec <div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-thumbnail img-responsive" src="/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/Captiol%20-%20small.jpg?itok=tT2w_iQS" width="220" height="147" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Memorial Day was the last day of the 85<sup>th</sup> Legislative session. Several bills were filed this session relating to the agency and its license holders but not all of those bills made it through the process.聽 Following is a summary of bills that passed both houses of the Legislature and have direct effect on license holders.</p> <h3>聽</h3> <h3>Brokers and Sales Agents</h3> <h4>SB 2212 (Hancock)聽</h4> <p>This bill amends Chapter 1101 of the Occupations Code to codify the recently adopted amendments to 22 TAC 535.5 and new rule 22 TAC 535.6 regarding equitable interests in real property. In the same manner as the rule, this statutory change clarifies that a person selling or offering to sell an option or assigning an interest in a contract to purchase real property is engaged in brokerage if they do not accurately disclose to potential buyers the nature of the interest offered. This bill also amends the Property Code to require the seller of an equitable interest, when selling or offering to sell an option or assigning an interest in a contract to purchase real property, to disclose the same to any potential buyer.</p> <p>The bill makes changes to regulations governing advertising for brokers or sales agents, eliminating the current requirement that the advertiser be identified as a broker or agent in all advertising.聽 However, it clarifies that an advertisement is misleading if it fails to include the name of the broker or implies that a sales agent is responsible for the operation of the brokerage. The bill also restricts any requirement for use of the term broker, agent, a reference to the Commission, or a license number in advertisements.</p> <p>Effective date September 1, 2017.聽 <em>Signed by the Governor.聽 </em></p> <h4>HB 890 (Geren)</h4> <p>This bill amends the Seller鈥檚 Disclosure to add a general notice that properties located near a military installation and may be affected by high noise or installation compatible use zones or other operations. The notice also directs the buyer to a local area study to provide more information.</p> <p>Effective date September 1, 2017.聽聽 <em>Signed by the Governor. </em></p> <h3>Residential Service Companies (Home Warranties)聽</h3> <h4>HB 2279 (Goldman)</h4> <p>This bill amends Chapter 1303 of the Occupations Code which governs the regulation of RSCs (aka home warranty companies). The bill amends the definition of a residential service contact to reflect current industry practices (such as partial indemnification under certain circumstances) and to provide additional clarity regarding the scope of 星空体育app下载鈥檚 regulatory authority over these contracts.聽 The bill acknowledges the distinction between those RSCs which insure <em>ALL</em> of their outstanding risk through a third party insurance company and those that maintain a funded reserve. The bill simplifies certain regulatory requirements for fully insured RSCs and streamlines the contract and rate filing requirements for RSCs that are already licensed in Texas. The bill also enhances confidentiality provisions currently in statute and increases certain consumer protections<strong>. </strong></p> <p>Effective date January 1, 2018.聽 <em>Signed by the Governor.聽 </em></p> <h3>Appraisal Managment Companies (AMCs)聽</h3> <h4>SB 1516 (Hancock)</h4> <p>This is the AMC housekeeping bill. This bill amends Chapter 1104 of the Occupations Code to address recent changes in federal law regarding the regulation of AMCs, to provide consistency in terminology, and repeal certain outdated provisions. The bill also makes conforming changes to align Chapter 1104 with amendments made last session to Chapter 1103 of the Occupations Code.聽</p> <p>Effective date September 1, 2017.聽聽聽 <em>Signed by the Governor. </em></p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-news-and-article-category field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">News and Article Category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/news-and-articles/articles" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Articles</a></div></div></div> Thu, 01 Jun 2017 20:19:22 +0000 Christine Anderson 808 at Reporting Visible and Present Indications of Adverse Performance in a Foundation /article/reporting-visible-and-present-indications-adverse-performance-foundation <div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-thumbnail img-responsive" src="/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/Home%20Inspector%20and%20Client_0.jpg?itok=Sb829Sa2" width="220" height="147" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Section 535.228(a) of the Texas Administrative Code (Foundations) requires an inspector to render a written opinion as to the performance of the foundation. Many inspectors understand this to mean one of two things; the foundation is either performing or it is not performing. But sometimes the inspector is unable to determine this with sufficient confidence.</p> <p>Dearborn鈥檚 鈥淧rinciples of Home Inspection鈥� suggests that you should not guess. 鈥淭ell your client what you know and what you can鈥檛 determine. That will help your client understand why you can鈥檛 make the call. The default recommendation is for further evaluation and advice.鈥� (Principles of Home Inspection: Systems and Standards, 2003 Edition, Page 228).聽 Dearborn鈥檚 Second Edition moves away from a default recommendation and now suggests that you 鈥淸r]ecommend further evaluation if the movement is dramatic, or monitoring if the movement is less severe鈥� (Principles of Home Inspection: Systems and Standards, Second Edition 2008, Page 207).</p> <h4>Performance</h4> <p>In forming an opinion as to the performance of the foundation, the inspector should consider the definition of 鈥淧erformance鈥� according to Section 535.227(b)(8). Performance means 鈥渁chievement of an operation, function or configuration relative to accepted industry standard practices with consideration of age and normal wear and tear from ordinary use.鈥�</p> <p>While all structures tend to move slightly, a residential foundation is expected to remain reasonably flat and leveled to provide acceptable performance. A foundation that is not performing as intended negatively affects the structural integrity of a building. As the inspector gains knowledge and experience, he or she is better able to understand the movement of a foundation and learns to identify more subtle indications that there may be a problem with the performance of the foundation.</p> <h4>Deficiency</h4> <p>The inspector must check the Deficient (D) box if a condition exists that adversely and materially affects the performance of a system or component or constitutes a hazard to life, limb or property as specified by the 星空体育app下载 Standards of Practice [See Section 535.227(b)(5), 鈥淒eficiency鈥漖.</p> <h4>But what should an inspector do when there are some present and visible indications of adverse performance in a foundation that otherwise seems to be supporting the load as intended?</h4> <p>The standards of practice do list a number of things that should be considered when rendering an opinion of performance: Section 535.228 (a)(1)(C) states that 鈥渢he inspector shall generally report present and visible indications used to render the opinion of adverse performance, such as:聽 (i) binding, out-of-square, non-latching doors; (ii) framing or frieze board separations; (iii) sloping floors; (iv) window, wall, floor, or ceiling racks or separations; and (v) rotating, buckling, cracking, or deflecting masonry cladding.鈥�</p> <p>Whether the inspector ultimately determines that the foundation is performing, not performing, or that the inspector is unable to make a determination; in rendering his or her opinion, the inspector should always report any of the issues described in Section 535.228 (a)(1)(C), <strong>if they are present and visible</strong>. The client needs to be made aware that the inspector has identified possible indications of adverse performance. This information allows the client to make an educated decision whether to accept or reject the home in its present condition or whether to obtain a further evaluation.</p> <h4>Additional Resources</h4> <p>For additional detail on Standards of Practice, see the Standards of Practice in the <a href="/agency-information/rules-and-laws/trec-rules">Rules</a>, the <a href="/public/frequently-asked-questions">Frequently Asked Questions</a>, or the <a href="/forms/inspector-sop-pocket-edition">Inspector SOP Pocket Edition</a> prepared by the Texas Real Estate Commission.</p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-news-and-article-category field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">News and Article Category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/news-and-articles/articles" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Articles</a></div></div></div> Thu, 01 Jun 2017 15:58:42 +0000 Christine Anderson 807 at BLC Accepting Applications for Two Broker Positions /article/blc-accepting-applications-two-broker-positions <div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-thumbnail img-responsive" src="/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/ScalesofJusticePapers-01.png?itok=18c0Ak2p" width="220" height="147" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>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</p> <ul> <li>Six members appointed by the Commission</li> <li>Six members appointed by the State Bar of Texas</li> <li>One public member appointed by the Governor's Office.</li> </ul> <p><a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BLC2025">Applications are due Friday, May 16</a>. A current r茅sum茅 and a cover letter describing your qualifications to serve on the committee鈥攊ncluding your understanding of the responsibilities of the BLC, the role of 星空体育app下载 forms in the industry, and how often you review or use the contracts鈥攊s required.</p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-news-and-article-category field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">News and Article Category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/news-and-articles/articles" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Articles</a></div></div></div> Thu, 17 Apr 2025 16:59:13 +0000 Summer Mandell 2811 at BRAC Recap: Valuing Broker Education and Experience, Team Names Cleanup /article/brac-recap-valuing-broker-education-and-experience-team-names-cleanup <div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-thumbnail img-responsive" src="/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/web%20woman%20at%20comp%20w%3Alogo.png?itok=XLi1CsNM" width="220" height="147" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>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鈥檚 license. Meeting highlights also include the group reminding brokers of the timeframe for removing 星空体育app下载-registered team names.</p> <h2>Broker License Requirements</h2> <p>To obtain a broker鈥檚 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.</p> <h3>The Recommended Changes</h3> <p>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:</p> <ul> <li> 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. </li> <li> Limit the bachelor鈥檚 degree credit to no more than 300 hours, instead of the full 630 hours of real estate-related education. </li> <li> Change the property management experience calculation to per property per year (instead of just per property). </li> <li> Modify brokerage management/delegated supervisor calculation to a points-per-transaction model. </li> </ul> <p>For experience requirements, members recommended doubling the experience points required from 360 to 720 points.</p> <h4>Next Steps</h4> <p>星空体育app下载 staff will draft new rule language related to the recommended changes and present it to the group at its next meeting.</p> <h2>Don鈥檛 Forget: You鈥檙e Responsible for Team Names</h2> <p>BRAC has noticed instances of license holders not updating their registered team names with 星空体育app下载. An advertising rule requires a notice to be sent to the Commission within 10 days of a team name no longer being used:</p> <blockquote><p> 鈥淎 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.鈥� </p></blockquote> <p>To provide more transparency for consumers and other license holders, BRAC urges brokers to help keep 星空体育app下载鈥檚 records up to date by closely managing the teams in their brokerage. This can be done online through <a href="/name-management-tool">星空体育app下载鈥檚 Name Management Tool</a>. And later this聽year, managing team names will get easier. <a href="/article/renew-early-new-systems-launch-0">The agency鈥檚 new licensing system</a> will allow designated brokers to grant permissions to others within their office (like聽managers or team leads)聽to manage their licenses, including team names, through their own online account.</p> <h2>Where to Find Meeting Materials</h2> <p><a href="/apps/meetings/view.php?meeting_id=735">Watch the video recap and download the meeting agenda and materials. </a></p> <h2>Upcoming Meeting Details</h2> <p><a href="/apps/meetings/view.php?meeting_id=736">BRAC meets again July 16 at 10 a.m. CT in Austin.</a></p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-news-and-article-category field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">News and Article Category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/news-and-articles/articles" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Articles</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/term/110" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Licensing</a></div></div></div> Wed, 16 Apr 2025 17:20:28 +0000 Sierra Pizarro 2810 at ESAC Recap: Exciting News for Education Providers /article/esac-recap-exciting-news-education-providers <div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-thumbnail img-responsive" src="/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/ESAC%20Meeting%20Recap%20%281%29_0.png?itok=yrMW99f7" width="220" height="147" alt="Words on a white background in the color blue. The words say &quot;ESAC Meeting Recap&quot;" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>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.</p> <h2>Going Online</h2> <p>Later this year, the Texas Real Estate Commission (星空体育app下载) is rolling out a new licensing system that will allow 星空体育app下载-approved education providers to submit course and provider applications online. This also means all documentation typically required with those applications will be submitted through the new online format.</p> <p>Other features include paying fees online, faster processing times, built-in timed outlines and content outlines for course applications, and more.</p> <p>星空体育app下载 will offer training for its education providers prior to the new system鈥檚 launch. <a href="/article/renew-early-new-systems-launch-0">This information page will be updated with those details soon.</a></p> <h2>ESAC- and Inspector-Recommended Rule Changes</h2> <p>ESAC and the Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee previously recommended amendments to a set of rules regarding student identification requirements and course exam proctoring. The changes included removing proctoring requirements for course final exams and certain courses delivered using technology.</p> <p>During the meeting, ESAC again recommended these changes, as well as a recommendation to remove rule language that requires final exams be closed book.</p> <p>Next, the drafts will be presented to the <a href="/apps/meetings/view.php?meeting_id=738">inspector committee at its next meeting on April 21.</a></p> <h2>Where to Find Meeting Materials</h2> <p><a href="/apps/meetings/view.php?meeting_id=730">Download this meeting鈥檚 agenda and materials. </a></p> <h2>Upcoming Meeting Details</h2> <p><a href="/apps/meetings/view.php?meeting_id=731">ESAC meets again Monday, July 7 at 10 a.m.</a></p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-news-and-article-category field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">News and Article Category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/news-and-articles/articles" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Articles</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/news-and-articles/education" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Education</a></div></div></div> Wed, 09 Apr 2025 19:55:02 +0000 Sierra Pizarro 2807 at