What is TREC?

Around the country, state commissions help organize and oversee the real estate industry. Here in Texas, TREC holds that honor.

The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) was founded in 1949 to help protect consumers in real estate transactions. As properties traded hands and regulations changed, there was real concern about making sure everything was done legally.

Basically, if it involves selling, buying, or the valuation of property in the Lone Star State, TREC is overseeing the process. TREC regulates:

• Real estate brokerage (buying and selling)
• Appraisals
• Property Inspections
• Timeshares
• Right-of-Way Services
• Real Estate Licensing
• Real Estate Education

TREC also has an Enforcement Division which oversees complaint investigation and disciplinary enforcement. According to the TREC website, the TREC Enforcement Division is responsible for ensuring the Commission "fulfills its mission to protect consumers by enforcing The Real Estate License Act, Rules of the Commission, Chapter 1102 of the Texas Occupations Code regarding Real Estate Inspectors, the Texas Timeshare Act, and the Residential Service Company Act." Members of the TREC Enforcement Division are also in charge of assessing licensure applications and conducting fitness determinations to evaluate the honesty, integrity, and trustworthiness of applicants.

Special Notice for Brokers: If you’re a broker that needs to renew a license, the requirements and renewal process are very similar. However, there’s one distinct difference. You’ll still need to complete 18 hours of continuing education, but the 6-hour Broker Responsibility Course must be taken if you sponsor a sales agent, are a supervisor of other license holders, or are a designated broker for a business entity broker that sponsors sales agents.

As you can imagine, it takes a lot of work to keep everything operating smoothly in a real estate market the size of Texas. Over time, the commission has been organized into several divisions that focus on specific tasks.

Education Resource for Real Estate Professionals

Every person that decides to become a Texas real estate agent will become familiar with TREC.

You have to meet the minimum TREC qualifications. You have to take TREC-approved real estate courses. You have to submit your license application through TREC and then pass TREC’s licensing exam.

TREC is a vital resource for learning what steps must be taken to work in the real estate industry. So go ahead and bookmark the website.

Enforcer of State Laws

The Texas Real Estate Commission is also an enforcement authority. The TREC Standards and Enforcement Services (SES) division makes sure all real estate professionals comply with the rules and laws.

They’ll determine when laws are broken and if licenses should be revoked. The TREC SES division also administers disciplinary enforcement programs. Basically, they’re the Chuck Norris of Texas real estate.

Texas Real Estate Commission Consumer Services

TREC doesn’t just help hopeful realtors and licensed agents. The commission also provides services for everyday consumers.

One helpful service is their license holder search tool. Buyers and sellers can enter a name or license number to know if someone is legally able to act as a real estate agent.

The Texas Real Estate Commission also handles consumer complaints against agents, brokers, inspectors, and appraisers.

Quick Links to Useful TREC Resources

Real Estate Forms TREC provides approved forms online for easy access.

Becoming an Agent Want to become a Texas real estate agent? TREC lays out the qualifications and requirements.

Real Estate Rules Make sure you follow the rules and laws of Texas real estate.

Renew Your License Keep that license active! Learn how to renew your Texas real estate license.