Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) Market Research Report

Background

Overview

The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) is a state agency established in 1949 to safeguard consumers in real property transactions and valuation services. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, TREC oversees real estate brokerage, appraisal, inspection, home warranty, right-of-way services, and timeshare projects. The agency provides licensing, education, and complaint investigation services, as well as regulation and enforcement of state and federal laws governing these areas.

Mission and Vision

TREC's mission is to protect consumers by ensuring qualified and ethical service providers through education, licensing, and regulation. The agency aims to facilitate economic growth and opportunity across Texas by overseeing various real estate services.

Primary Area of Focus

TREC's primary focus includes:

• Issuing and renewing licenses for real estate brokers, sales agents, inspectors, appraisers, and other related professionals.

• Enforcing real estate laws and regulations to maintain industry standards.

• Providing education and resources to real estate professionals and consumers.

• Investigating and resolving complaints related to real estate practices.

Industry Significance

As the regulatory body for real estate practices in Texas, TREC plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and professionalism of the real estate industry. By ensuring that service providers meet established standards, TREC contributes to consumer confidence and the overall health of the Texas real estate market.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Consumer Protection: Safeguard consumers by ensuring that real estate professionals adhere to ethical and legal standards.

• Education and Licensing: Provide comprehensive education and licensing programs to equip professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills.

• Regulation and Enforcement: Enforce state and federal laws governing real estate practices to maintain industry standards.

Specific Areas of Specialization

• Real Estate Brokerage: Regulate the activities of real estate brokers and sales agents.

• Appraisals: Oversee the licensing and certification of real property appraisers.

• Inspections: Regulate the practices of real estate inspectors.

• Home Warranty and Timeshare Projects: Supervise residential service companies and timeshare developers.

Key Technologies Utilized

TREC employs various technologies to streamline operations, including:

• Online Licensing Systems: Facilitate the application, renewal, and management of licenses.

• Educational Platforms: Offer online courses and resources for continuing education.

• Complaint Management Systems: Track and manage consumer complaints and enforcement actions.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

TREC primarily serves the Texas real estate market, focusing on:

• Real Estate Professionals: Brokers, sales agents, inspectors, appraisers, and other related professionals.

• Consumers: Individuals and entities involved in real property transactions seeking protection and information.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

TREC is funded entirely through fees paid by licensees, with no reliance on state tax revenue. This funding model ensures that the agency's operations are supported by the industry it regulates.

Total Funds Raised

Specific figures regarding total funds raised are not publicly disclosed. However, the agency's budget is primarily composed of fees collected from licensees.

Notable Investors

As a government agency, TREC does not have investors. Its funding is derived from the fees paid by the professionals it licenses and regulates.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The funds collected are utilized for:

• Operational Expenses: Salaries, administrative costs, and other operational needs.

• Educational Programs: Developing and delivering training and certification programs.

• Regulatory Activities: Enforcement of laws, investigation of complaints, and legal proceedings.

• Technological Infrastructure: Maintaining and upgrading systems for licensing, education, and complaint management.

Pipeline Development

As a regulatory agency, TREC does not develop products or services in the traditional sense. Instead, its "pipeline" involves:

• Policy Development: Creating and updating regulations to address emerging issues in the real estate market.

• Educational Initiatives: Developing new courses and training materials to meet the evolving needs of real estate professionals.

• Technological Enhancements: Implementing new technologies to improve service delivery and operational efficiency.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

TREC utilizes proprietary systems for:

• Online Licensing: An integrated platform for application processing, renewals, and license management.

• Educational Delivery: A learning management system for online courses and certification programs.

• Complaint Tracking: A database system for managing and resolving consumer complaints.

Significant Scientific Methods

While TREC does not engage in scientific research, it employs data-driven methods for:

• Regulatory Analysis: Assessing the impact of regulations on the real estate market.

• Complaint Resolution: Analyzing complaint data to identify trends and areas for improvement.

AI-Driven Capabilities

TREC is exploring the use of artificial intelligence for:

• Automated Customer Service: Implementing chatbots and virtual assistants to handle common inquiries.

• Predictive Analytics: Forecasting trends in the real estate market to inform policy decisions.

Leadership Team

Executive Leadership

• Chelsea Buchholtz: Executive Director. Chelsea oversees TREC's daily operations, coordinates with stakeholders, and implements the agency's strategic initiatives.

Commission Members

TREC is governed by a nine-member commission appointed by the Governor of Texas. The current members include:

• Mark Woodroof: Chair. Mark serves as the Commission's leader, guiding policy decisions and strategic direction.

• Benjamin "Ben" Peña: Vice Chair. Ben supports the Chair in overseeing the Commission's activities and initiatives.

• Chance Brown: Secretary. Chance is responsible for maintaining accurate records of Commission proceedings and communications.

• Stuart Bernstein: Public Member. Stuart represents the interests of the general public in Commission deliberations.

• Kristi Davis: Broker Member. Kristi brings expertise from the real estate brokerage sector to the Commission.

• JB Goodwin: Broker Member. JB contributes extensive experience from the real estate brokerage industry.

• Renee Harvey Lowe: Broker Member. Renee offers insights from her background in real estate brokerage.

• Leslie Lerner: Broker Member. Leslie provides expertise from the real estate brokerage field.

• Scott Olguin: Public Member. Scott represents public interests in Commission decisions.

Leadership Changes

As of January 2026, there have been no recent significant changes or appointments within TREC's leadership.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

TREC operates within a dynamic real estate market in Texas, characterized by:

• Population Growth: Texas continues to experience significant population increases, driving demand for real estate services.

• Economic Development: A robust economy contributes to a thriving real estate market.

• Regulatory Environment: Ongoing legislative changes impact real estate practices and regulations.

Competitor Analysis

As a regulatory