Have your agents ever complained that Texas REALTORS® forms seem to change all the time? Here are some possible answers for the next time the topic comes up.
Why do forms keep changing?
Forms may change for a variety of reasons. Following each legislative session, changes in the law may require revisions to keep forms up to date and compliant. Court decisions and governmental regulations may also lead to form updates. Additionally, both the TREC Broker Lawyer Committee and Texas REALTORS® make changes based on feedback from license holders and the public. Comments and recommendations for forms changes can be submitted to TREC at general.counsel@trec.texas.gov or to Texas REALTORS® at forms@texasrealtors.com.
Who decides what changes are made?
When it comes to updated Texas REALTORS® forms, there’s a process.
1. Texas REALTORS® collects suggestions and considers legal updates.
2. A member task force discusses the suggestions and legal updates, then Texas REALTORS® legal staff draft proposed changes.
3. Texas REALTORS® publishes the drafts online and accepts comments from members like you.
4. The task force reviews the comments and discusses next steps.
5. Texas REALTORS® legal staff and finalize the drafts, creating or amending forms.
Who can keep track of all this stuff?
You can! Texas REALTORS® regularly publishes updates through its communication channels such as newsletters and webinars. You can visit texasrealestate.com/members/legal-and-ethics/forms/form-changes/ to follow along and make comments.
Who benefits from forms changes?
You! Access to forms is one the many benefits of being a member of Texas REALTORS®. Ensuring that forms are accurate and up to date with modern practice is another way Texas REALTORS® helps you succeed in Texas real estate.