The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) convened on February 9, 2026, to elect new officers, propose updates to standard contract forms, and discuss the agency’s new online license management system.
Commissioner Chance Brown was chosen as vice chair and Commissioner Kristi Davis as secretary. Commissioner Ben Peña will serve as ex officio on the Executive Committee. Chair Mark Woodroof announced several committee appointments, including leadership roles for Commissioners Peña, Goodwin, Lerner, Harvey Lowe, Bernstein, Olguin, and Davis across enforcement, budget, audit, inspector liaison duties and advisory committees.
The Commission proposed amendments and new rules to 22 TAC Chapter 537 in the Texas Register for public comment. The changes are based on recommendations from the Broker-Lawyer Committee and impact multiple standard contract forms. Updates include adding “generators” to property improvements due to their increased use in homes; defining “Legal Holiday”; introducing a paragraph about water rights along with a Water Notice: Seller’s Disclosure About Groundwater and Surface Water Rights; updating Seller’s Disclosure Notices with more information about insurance coverage, private road maintenance responsibilities, large above ground storage tanks, and conservation easements—some of which were directed by the Sunset Advisory Commission. Other proposals reorganize brokerage compensation practices within contracts and add language required for compliance with federal Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) reporting standards. The changes also clarify notice delivery methods and create a new form for sellers notifying buyers about removal of contingencies under back-up contracts.
A detailed update was provided by TREC Executive Director Chelsea Buchholtz regarding the launch of the Real Estate and Appraiser License Management (REALM) Portal. This system went live in late 2025 to replace an outdated platform that could not meet current statutory or regulatory demands. Guidance on using REALM is available at trec.texas.gov/lms.
Training sessions for Legal Update I & II and Broker Responsibility instructors will be held March 4-5 in Austin.
The Commission adopted Rule 533.11 clarifying procedures for temporary suspension when a license holder poses a threat to public welfare. Amendments were also made to Rule 535.214 specifying that qualifying education must be completed before starting the Texas practicum.
Details including meeting materials are available at trec.texas.gov. Upcoming meetings are scheduled for May 4 in Houston and August 10 and November 9 in Austin.
