TREC Prepares for REALM Portal Launch and Adopts Key Rule Updates

The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) met on November 3, 2025, to welcome a new commissioner, announce committee appointments, highlight progress toward the upcoming Real Estate and Appraiser License Management Portal (REALM Portal) launch, and adopt several rule changes affecting license holders.

New Commissioner Welcomed

Commissioners welcomed Scott Olguin as the newest member of the Commission.

"He comes to us with a world of experience that I think is going to be a great benefit to us," said Commission Chair Mark Woodroof. "Scott, welcome. Thank you for being here."

Committee Appointments

Education Standards Advisory Committee

There are new and returning members for the Education Standards Advisory Committee's (ESAC) two-year terms beginning January 1, 2026:

• License holder members- Alisha Austin, Mitch Rainey, Carl Leatherman (reappointment), Kristen Crawford (alternate)
• Education members-Byron Underwood (reappointment), Cindy Baas (reappointment), Dianne Moore (alternate)
• Public member-Roxie Glenn

Departing members include Rita Blevins, Mandy Nichols, and Kassie Scott.

"Thank you all very much," said Chair Woodroof. "I think it's hard for a lot of folks to recognize how much work you put into really helping us get better-and that's our goal around here. Serving on a committee is a way you can get involved with TREC and make a difference."

Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee

New and returning members were appointed for terms beginning January 1, 2026:

• Inspector members (six-year terms)-Mike Morgan (reappointment), Greg House, Shannon Gatewood (alternate)
• Public members (two-year terms)-Natalie Manzanares, Peter Charles

Departing members include Chair Lee Warren after 13 years of service, as well as Teresa Benavides and Edward Muth.

Warren reflected on his time with the committee:

"I have been honored to have served on the committee for quite some time, and I am proud of all that we have accomplished. I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to serve, and I look forward to being involved in the future."

REALM Portal Launching December 10

TREC and the Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board (TALCB) are preparing to launch the REALM Portal on December 10, 2025. The new system will modernize and simplify how license holders, education providers, and consumers interact with the agency. It will also replace paper-based and email-based processes with a fully digital platform.

Key Features

• Online submission and payment for all education provider and course applications.
• Electronic complaint filing and tracking.
• Online payment of administrative penalties.
• Real-time license management tools for all license holders.

TREC Director of Education and Examination Jennifer Wheeler highlighted the benefits for education providers:

"It's a major upgrade for education providers while also reducing the amount of data entry required by the education team-allowing them to focus on reviewing course content and delivery."

Transition Period

License holders should note that online licensing services will be unavailable from 5 p.m. CT on December 2 through December 9, 2025, as data transfers to the new system. Staff will not have access to either system and will not be able to make changes on a license holder's behalf. License renewals for November should be timely to avoid delays.

License holders will receive an email invitation to activate their new REALM Portal account once the system launches.

To stay informed, subscribe to the REALM Portal Report, a special email newsletter detailing new features and benefits.

Rules Adopted by the Commission

The Commission adopted several rule changes. Full details and public comments are available in the Meeting Materials, beginning on page 108.

Informati​on About Brokerage Services

Updates reflect Senate Bill 1968, effective January 1, 2026, which introduces a non-representation status and written agreement requirements. The Information About Brokerage Services (IABS) notice language is revised accordingly. Subagency information is also deleted, since references to subagency were removed from The Real Estate License Act (TRELA) by SB 1968. The new IABS form is effective and required for use beginning January 1, 2026.

Temporary Lease Forms

Changes to the Buyer's Temporary Residential Lease, Seller's Temporary Residential Lease, and Landlord's Floodplain and Flood Notice clarify that flood notices are not required for temporary leases, per Senate Bill 2349. The Landlord's Floodplain and Flood Notice is a voluntary use form and may be used once posted on the agency's website. The Seller's Temporary Residential Lease and the Buyer's Temporary Residential Lease will also be available for voluntary use once posted, until January 5, 2026, when their use becomes mandatory.

Broker Education and Experience License Requirements

These recommendations from the Broker Responsibility Advisory Committee (BRAC) were adopted and become effective January 1, 2026. Key updates include

• Increasing the minimum broker experience points to obtain a broker license from 360 to 720.
• Capping real estate-related education credit for a bachelor's degree at 300 hours.
• Allowing credit for education above 720 experience points.
• Adjusting property management and delegated supervision experience calculations.

Other Adopted Changes

These changes are related to SB 1968. The bill and rule changes are effective January 1, 2026. They include

• Requiring associated brokers to provide affiliation information to TREC.
• Requiring all brokers to complete the Broker Responsibility Course, including prior to licensure and regardless of whether they sponsor agents.
• Providing notice of complaints filed against associated brokers to the brokerage.
• Exempting public high schools from certain education provider requirements.
• Requiring license holders to provide certain business contact information to TREC, like an address and phone number.

Proposed Rule Open for Comment

Proposed amendments to TREC Rule 533.11, Temporary Suspension, clarify procedures for temporarily suspending a license when a license holder's practice poses a continuing threat to public welfare as required by Texas law.

This proposal is open for public comment. The earliest it could be adopted is at TREC's February 2026 meeting.

Where to Find Meeting Materials

Access the Agenda, Meeting Materials and Meeting Video on the TREC meeting page.

The next Commission Meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. CT February 9, 2026. This meeting's materials will be published closer to the meeting date.