�ǿ��app�� - Articles

Rendering an Opinion of Foundation Performance: A Guide for Texas Inspectors

Michael Molloy — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 15:58:42 +0000

When an inspector licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission (�ǿ��app��) is hired to inspect a property’s foundation, they are required to render a written opinion regarding the performance of that foundation. This obligation is established under Section 535.228(a) of the Texas Administrative Code, which governs inspection standards for foundations. This article outlines what inspectors should consider when forming that opinion, including key indicators of performance, factors affecting foundation stability, and professional responsibilities to the client.

Understanding Foundation Performance

To determine whether a foundation is performing as intended, an inspector must have a sound understanding of how foundations are designed to function. �ǿ��app�� encourages inspectors to pursue approved continuing education courses to supplement their knowledge and stay current with industry standards.

What Does “Performing�� Mean?

Under Section 535.227(b)(8), “performance�� refers to “achievement of an operation, function or configuration relative to accepted industry standard practices with consideration of age and normal wear and tear from ordinary use.�� In practical terms, a residential foundation is considered to be performing when it remains reasonably flat and level, with no signs of excessive movement that might compromise the structure.

Foundation Movement: Normal vs. Problematic, Uniform vs. Differential Settlement

Some movement over time is normal, particularly in areas like Texas where clay soils dominate. Clay soil expands and contracts with changes in moisture levels, which can cause the foundation to settle.

Uniform settlement occurs when the entire foundation settles evenly. This type of movement is generally not harmful and maintains structural stability.
Differential settlement, however, occurs when one part of the foundation settles more than another. This uneven movement can lead to structural damage, including cracks and misalignment.

Common Causes of Differential Movement

Several factors can negatively affect the performance of a foundation:

Moisture level fluctuations in the soil.
Poor drainage or plumbing leaks.
Loss of soil compaction.
Tree roots or large plants near the foundation.
Improper or negligent construction.
Soil erosion, flooding, or natural disasters.

Indicators of Adverse Performance

�ǿ��app�� inspectors must rely on visual inspection only to form their opinion. According to Section 535.228(a)(1), inspectors are required to generally report present and visible indications used in rendering an opinion of adverse performance. These may include:

Doors that bind, don’t latch, or are out-of-square.
Framing or frieze board separations.
Sloping floors.
Cracks or separations in walls, ceilings, or floors.
Buckling or cracking of masonry cladding.

What Tools Are (and Aren’t) Required?

�ǿ��app�� inspectors are not required to:

use specialized equipment (e.g., thermal imaging, ground-penetrating radar, elevation measurement tools).
perform load tests, vibration tests, or deflection measurements.

However, inspectors may use such tools or perform more advanced evaluations if they possess the necessary competency, as allowed by Section 535.227(a)(4). Any such additional services must go beyond the minimum standards set by �ǿ��app��.

Protecting the Client’s Interests

Regardless of whether the foundation is determined to be performing or not, the inspector should always report any visible signs of potential adverse performance. This ensures the client is fully informed and can make a more educated decision about the property—whether to accept it as-is, negotiate repairs, or request a specialist evaluation.

According to Section 535.220(b)(1), inspectors must “protect and promote the interest of the client to the best of the inspector's ability and knowledge.�� By documenting and disclosing concerns, inspectors uphold the trust their clients place in them.

The Bottom Line

Foundation inspections are a critical component of the home-buying process. While inspectors are not expected to be structural engineers, they play a vital role in identifying visible warning signs and informing clients of the foundation’s current condition. For more detailed guidance, inspectors can consult:

These resources are available through the Texas Real Estate Commission’s website and provide further insight into the responsibilities and best practices for rendering foundation performance opinions.

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What You Need to Know to Comply With Our Social Media Rules

Christine Anderson — Wed, 12 Sep 2018 21:17:31 +0000

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.

Rule 535.155, Advertisements

For an advertisement on social media or by text, the information required (license holder’s or team name and broker’s 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:

readily accessible by a direct link from the social media or text advertisement; and
readily noticeable on the separate page or in the account user profile

Rules 531.18, Consumer Protection Notice (CPN) and 531.20, Information About Brokerage Services (IABS)

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:

the account user profile; or
a separate page or website through a direct link from the social media platform or account user profile page.

Need More Help? We hosted a Facebook LIVE session last month and we talked about all things, advertising, IABS posting, and social media. Here is the full video:

For your convenience, we have also posted the full presentation with examples on our website as well!

Published September 2018

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Make Sure Paragraph 21 is Filled Out

Christine Anderson — Thu, 16 Aug 2018 20:15:55 +0000

The One to Four Family Residential Contract (Resale), like many contracts, contains a “Notices�� provision. In that �ǿ��app�� 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.

The One to Four Family Residential Contract (Resale), as well as many other �ǿ��app�� contracts and forms, are here.

Published August 2018

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What’s in a Name? Advertising Name Types under �ǿ��app�� Rule 535.154

Christine Anderson — Fri, 20 Apr 2018 16:18:16 +0000

Definitions:

Broker Assumed Business Name (DBA) is another name for the broker’s business that can be used by all sponsored sales agents and brokers associated with this broker. Another name that indicates a broker’s line of business, e.g. property management or commercial is also a DBA.

Team Name 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 “team�� or “group�� and cannot contain the words “brokerage��, “company��, or “associates�� or other similar terms.

Alternate Name is a name used by an individual license holder other than the name on the individual’s license, such as a middle name, married name, maiden name or nickname.

Fun Facts to Know:

You must have the legal authority to use an assumed business name in the State of Texas before you can register the name with �ǿ��app��.
An individual broker can have an assumed business name.
There is no provision under �ǿ��app�� Rules for a sales agent to have an individual assumed business name or “brand name”�� any such name falls under the definition of team name and must meet those requirements.
Nothing in �ǿ��app�� Rules prohibits a broker from using the word “team�� or “group�� anywhere in a broker’s licensed or assumed business name.
A name used by an associated broker working under another broker that is not the associated broker’s licensed name must be a team name or alternate name.
All three name types must be registered with �ǿ��app�� BEFORE you start to use them in advertisements.

How Do You Know Which Type of Name It Is?

Start by looking at the definitions. Then ask yourself these “check�� questions��:

Check Questions for Assumed Business Name:

a. Do you have legal authority to use this name in the State of Texas?

NO –you cannot register it as an assumed business name.

YES - you can register it as an assumed business name as long as you can answer “yes�� to b. or c below.

b. Is the name available for use by any sponsored sales agent or associated broker?

YES �� you can register it as an assumed name

NO �� it is likely a team name and must meet all requirements for team names.

c. 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)?

YES- you can register it as an assumed business name

NO - it is likely a team name and must meet all requirements for team names.

Check Questions for Team Name:

a. Is this name for use only by a small group of license holders within the brokerage?

YES �� it is team name and must meet the team name requirements.

NO �� it cannot be used unless it is an assumed name (see check questions above)

b. Is this name for use only by one person and it is not their licensed name or an alternate name?

YES �� it is team name and must meet the team name requirements.

NO �� It cannot be used unless it is an alternate name (see check question below).

Check Questions for Alternate Name:

a. Is this name for use for just you but is not the first or last name on your license?

YES �� This is an Alternate Name.

NO �� this is likely a team name (see check questions above)

b. Is this a common name for your licensed name, such as Kim for Kimberly or Bill for William?

YES �� you do not need to register this name with �ǿ��app��

NO �� you need to register this name with �ǿ��app��

c. Is the last name that will be used the same as the last name on your license?

YES �� Simply fill out the �ǿ��app�� Alternate Name form, sign it and send to �ǿ��app��.

NO �� In addition to the �ǿ��app�� Alternate Name form, you must submit supporting legal documentation to �ǿ��app�� to be able to use this alternate name in advertising.

Team Name Requirements and Restrictions:

a. Name must end with “team�� or “group��.

b. Cannot use words that could mislead the public to mistake a team for a brokerage.

Prohibited words: Brokerage, Company, Associates or similar words

Acceptable words: Property, Real Estate, Homes, Realty

Who Registers Each Type of Name?

Assumed Business Name: Broker

Team Name: Broker

Alternate Name: Individual License Holder

Published August 2018

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�ǿ��app��'s Advertising Rules - What You Need To Know

Christine Anderson — Tue, 12 Dec 2017 21:52:33 +0000

The effective date of the new rules is May 15, 2018, and we want to make sure everyone is thoroughly prepared for the changes.

Background

These 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.

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 �ǿ��app��’s 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 those terms in advertisements if they wish.

License holders can still choose to use “Broker��, “Agent��, “Licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission�� or other similar terms in advertisements if they want.

Chapter 1101.652(b)(23) clearly states that license holder’s advertising cannot be misleading, cannot imply that a sales agent is the responsible party, and must include the name of the broker.

Chapter 1101.156(b), appropriately limits the commission from regulating certain forms, size or duration of 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.

�ǿ��app��’s Advertising Rules

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 (§535.154 and §535.155).

�ǿ��app�� Rule §535.154 Registration and Use of Names

This rule defines an alternate name, associated broker, assumed business name and team name. Each type of name must be registered with �ǿ��app�� before the name can be used in an advertisement. This is a change from the existing rule. The most significant change concerns team names. 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 “team�� or “group��.

�ǿ��app�� Rule §535.155 Advertisements

All license holders�� advertisements must include the license holder’s name or team name. It also must include the broker’s 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.

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 has linked from the advertisement to the account profile page or a separate page, and that page contains the required information for an advertisement..

An advertisement on social media will comply with the rule as long as the license holder has linked from the advertisement to the account profile page or a separate page, and that page contains the required information for an advertisement.

Subsection (d) �� 20 instances of advertisements that may mislead the public

This subsection lays out 20 ways a license holder may violate statutory advertisement requirements. Most of these were in the existing rule too. These examples are not the only ways a license holder’s advertisement can be misleading. Here are a few set out in the subsection:

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.
A team name with terms that imply the team is offering brokerage services independent from its sponsoring broker, including, but not limited to, “brokerage��, “company��, and “associates��.
An ad that contains the name of a sales agent whose name is, in whole or in part, used in a broker’s name and that implies that the sales agent is responsible for the operation of the brokerage
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 § 535.17 (required disclaimer for estimated worth or sales price)

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 broker and accept the term "REALTY" when used in a TEAM NAME. The amendment became effective September 4, 2018.

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.

The Gist

�ǿ��app�� 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.

Be sure to stay ahead of the curve by reading the advertising rules in their entirety (here and here), share this infographic guide to the rules, review the video from our Facebook Live event and check out the full event slideshow and remember to check out our advertising FAQs on our website.

Published December 2017

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Do You Advertise Your Business? Read This!

Christine Anderson — Thu, 30 Nov 2017 17:45:10 +0000

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.
§535.154 lays out alternate, assumed business and team name registration requirements and §535.155 lays out the revised advertising requirements. You can read both rules on our website.

The Commission will soon provide a detailed article about the new rules on our website, including examples of do’s and don’ts, host a live online town hall on December 14th, and update advertising FAQ’s to reflect these changes.

To stay up to date on all of these events, be sure to sign up for our newsletter, and follow us on Facebook.

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2017 Legislative Update from �ǿ��app��

Christine Anderson — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 20:19:22 +0000

Memorial Day was the last day of the 85^th 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. Following is a summary of bills that passed both houses of the Legislature and have direct effect on license holders.

Brokers and Sales Agents

SB 2212 (Hancock)

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.

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. 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.

Effective date September 1, 2017. Signed by the Governor.

HB 890 (Geren)

This bill amends the Seller’s 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.

Effective date September 1, 2017. Signed by the Governor.

Residential Service Companies (Home Warranties)

HB 2279 (Goldman)

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 �ǿ��app��’s regulatory authority over these contracts. The bill acknowledges the distinction between those RSCs which insure ALL 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.

Effective date January 1, 2018. Signed by the Governor.

Appraisal Managment Companies (AMCs)

SB 1516 (Hancock)

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.

Effective date September 1, 2017. Signed by the Governor.

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Message From TREIC Chair Lee Warren: April 2025

Summer Mandell — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 16:25:57 +0000

The Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee met on April 21 at �ǿ��app�� headquarters in Austin. We discussed the work of our subcommittees, the upcoming new edition of the Inspector Legal & Ethics and SOP Review Course, and inspector advertising rules.

Standards of Practice Subcommittee Update

The Standards of Practice subcommittee is working diligently on the current review of the SOPs. Though they have made great progress in their efforts, as the process gets more involved, sometimes more questions can come up as a result.

The review process is lengthy and has been underway for more than a year, but the subcommittee is hopeful to have its proposals provided to the full committee for review before the year ends. Once received by TREIC, the committee can suggest modifications, send their recommendations back to the subcommittee, or recommend that the changes be proposed by the Commission. Once proposed by the Commission, a public comment period opens where anyone can provide feedback on the proposal. Typically, TREIC then receives those comments and decides whether further changes need to be made. If not, the Commission may then adopt the changes at another meeting and assigns an effective date for the updated SOPs.

Changes Being Considered Could Affect Report Form

One potential change is within the preamble of the Property Inspection Report Form (REI 7-6). Should there be modifications made to that preamble, or other areas of the SOPs that may otherwise necessitate the modification of the form, a new promulgated form may be created as a result. It is still early in this process, but I want inspectors to understand that it is a possibility. The last form change went into effect in February 2022.

There are many considerations that will be discussed prior to a form change, but it could also be an opportunity address all changes at once. I encourage inspectors to get involved in the process now to ensure sufficient input is provided throughout this process. TREIC meetings and all subcommittee meetings are open to the public and the schedules are posted on the �ǿ��app�� website.

New Inspector Legal & Ethics and SOP Review Course Coming This Fall

The non-elective Inspector Legal & Ethics and SOP Review Course will be submitted to the Commission for approval at the �ǿ��app�� Meeting on May 5 in San Antonio. Upon approval, the course will be effective September 2025 to August 2027. All inspector license holders are required to take this course during each two-year license period.

I want to thank �ǿ��app�� staff for all their hard work in the creation of this course, especially �ǿ��app�� Education and Examinations Director Jennifer Wheeler, �ǿ��app�� Curriculum Developer Jennifer Grube, and �ǿ��app�� Enforcement Attorney Tony Renteria, who put in a substantial amount of time and effort in getting this course properly updated. I also want to thank subject-matter experts Shannon Gatewood and Stephenie Huser for writing articles, submitting pictures, and taking time away from their businesses to update this course. It was a pleasure to work with you both on this content.

The committee also discussed delivery methods of this course and whether inspectors learn and retain the proper information and have their questions effectively answered when the course is taken virtually instead of in person. The education subcommittee will continue the discussion at a future meeting.

A Closer Look at Advertising and Affiliated Company Referrals

The SOP subcommittee will be exploring questions from the TREIC meeting regarding proper advertisements for inspection companies with multiple inspectors. The subcommittee will also investigate concerns expressed about inspectors recommending companies they are affiliated with to buyers after performing an inspection. There may be potential rule infractions depending on how this is being done. Inspectors are not allowed to perform work on a property that they have inspected for at least one year. The intent of this rule is so clients can be confident their inspector and inspection are a completely unbiased evaluation of the property in its current condition.

Meeting Materials and Upcoming Meeting

Download the materials from the meeting and watch the recording. The next TREIC meeting is July 14, 2025.

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BLC Accepting Applications for Two Broker Positions

Summer Mandell — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 16:59:13 +0000

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

Six members appointed by the Commission
Six members appointed by the State Bar of Texas
One public member appointed by the Governor's Office.

Applications are due Friday, May 16. A current résumé and a cover letter describing your qualifications to serve on the committee—including your understanding of the responsibilities of the BLC, the role of �ǿ��app�� forms in the industry, and how often you review or use the contracts—is required.

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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.

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Licensing

�ǿ�����app���� - Articles

Rendering an Opinion of Foundation Performance: A Guide for Texas Inspectors

Understanding Foundation Performance

What Does “Performing�� Mean?

Foundation Movement: Normal vs. Problematic, Uniform vs. Differential Settlement

Common Causes of Differential Movement

Indicators of Adverse Performance

What Tools Are (and Aren’t) Required?

Protecting the Client’s Interests

The Bottom Line

What You Need to Know to Comply With Our Social Media Rules

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.

Rule 535.155, Advertisements

Rules 531.18, Consumer Protection Notice (CPN) and 531.20, Information About Brokerage Services (IABS)

Need More Help? We hosted a Facebook LIVE session last month and we talked about all things, advertising, IABS posting, and social media. Here is the full video:

For your convenience, we have also posted the full presentation with examples on our website as well!

Published September 2018

Make Sure Paragraph 21 is Filled Out

Published August 2018

What’s in a Name? Advertising Name Types under �ǿ�����app���� Rule 535.154

Definitions:

Fun Facts to Know:

How Do You Know Which Type of Name It Is?

Start by looking at the definitions. Then ask yourself these “check�� questions��:

Check Questions for Assumed Business Name:

a. Do you have legal authority to use this name in the State of Texas?

b. Is the name available for use by any sponsored sales agent or associated broker?

c. 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)?

Check Questions for Team Name:

a. Is this name for use only by a small group of license holders within the brokerage?

b. Is this name for use only by one person and it is not their licensed name or an alternate name?

Check Questions for Alternate Name:

a. Is this name for use for just you but is not the first or last name on your license?

b. Is this a common name for your licensed name, such as Kim for Kimberly or Bill for William?

c. Is the last name that will be used the same as the last name on your license?

Team Name Requirements and Restrictions:

a. Name must end with “team�� or “group��.

b. Cannot use words that could mislead the public to mistake a team for a brokerage.

Who Registers Each Type of Name?

Published August 2018

�ǿ�����app����'s Advertising Rules - What You Need To Know

The effective date of the new rules is May 15, 2018, and we want to make sure everyone is thoroughly prepared for the changes.

Background

License holders can still choose to use “Broker��, “Agent��, “Licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission�� or other similar terms in advertisements if they want.

�ǿ�����app����’s Advertising Rules

�ǿ�����app���� Rule §535.154 Registration and Use of Names

�ǿ�����app���� Rule §535.155 Advertisements

An advertisement on social media will comply with the rule as long as the license holder has linked from the advertisement to the account profile page or a separate page, and that page contains the required information for an advertisement.

Subsection (d) �� 20 instances of advertisements that may mislead the public

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 broker and accept the term "REALTY" when used in a TEAM NAME. The amendment became effective September 4, 2018.

The Gist

Be sure to stay ahead of the curve by reading the advertising rules in their entirety (here and here), share this infographic guide to the rules, review the video from our Facebook Live event and check out the full event slideshow and remember to check out our advertising FAQs on our website.

Published December 2017

Do You Advertise Your Business? Read This!

2017 Legislative Update from �ǿ�����app����

Brokers and Sales Agents

SB 2212 (Hancock)

HB 890 (Geren)

Residential Service Companies (Home Warranties)

HB 2279 (Goldman)

Appraisal Managment Companies (AMCs)

SB 1516 (Hancock)

Message From TREIC Chair Lee Warren: April 2025

Standards of Practice Subcommittee Update

Changes Being Considered Could Affect Report Form

New Inspector Legal & Ethics and SOP Review Course Coming This Fall

A Closer Look at Advertising and Affiliated Company Referrals

Meeting Materials and Upcoming Meeting

BLC Accepting Applications for Two Broker Positions

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

�ǿ��app�� - Articles

What’s in a Name? Advertising Name Types under �ǿ��app�� Rule 535.154

�ǿ��app��'s Advertising Rules - What You Need To Know

�ǿ��app��’s Advertising Rules

�ǿ��app�� Rule §535.154 Registration and Use of Names

�ǿ��app�� Rule §535.155 Advertisements

2017 Legislative Update from �ǿ��app��