Trec Structure

# TREC Authority and Structure ## The Texas Real Estate Commission The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) is the state agency that licenses and regulates real estate brokers and sales agents in Texas. It was created by the Texas Real Estate License Act (TRELA) and is composed of nine commissioners appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Texas Senate: six members who are licensed real estate brokers and three who are members of the general public. Commissioners serve staggered six-year terms to ensure continuity of oversight. TREC's core functions include approving qualifying education providers, processing license applications, investigating complaints, conducting hearings through the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH), and imposing disciplinary action. TREC operates with quasi-judicial authority — it can suspend or revoke licenses, impose fines, and issue reprimands, but it is not a court of law. An important distinction: TREC and the Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board (TALCB) share organizational infrastructure but are entirely separate licensing bodies. TALCB governs real property appraisers; TREC governs real estate licensees. A licensee who is both a broker and a certified appraiser answers to both agencies independently. Real-world example: A consumer files a complaint against a broker who allegedly misrepresented a property condition. TREC staff investigates. If the evidence supports a formal proceeding, the case is referred to SOAH where an administrative law judge holds a hearing. TREC commissioners then review the judge's proposal for decision and impose (or modify) the sanction — all without going to civil court. Texas also has the Texas Real Estate Research Center (TRERC) at Texas A&M…