Dallas Real Estate and Short Sale Blog

Epilogue - New Advertising Rule to Cost Texas Real Estate Professionals Millions

On September 27, 2010, I wrote a featured blog titled; "New Advertising Rule to Cost Texas Real Estate Professionals Millions" discussing some proposed rule changes that I thought were not in the best interest of Texas real estate professionals.

The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) had proposed a rule change to 535.154. The new rule would require any advertising placed by a salesperson to contain the license number of the sponsoring broker. Brokers will be required to place their license number on any advertising they place.

We had almost 100 comments sent to TREC. A couple comments supported the change but the vast majority of comments were not in favor of the change as proposed.

The Texas Association of REALTORS®, RE/MAX of Texas, and the MetroTex Association of REALTORS® all wrote letters opposing the change. I also read many emails and comments from individual Texas brokers and salespersons.

I think the vast majority of us would support changes that make sense.

The good news is our collective voices were heard. TREC withdrew their proposed rule changes and decided to leave the 535.154 unchanged. I received quite a bit of email on the original post and your support was appreciated.

On another note, the Texas Association of REALTORS® did get their citation program approved by the state and the National Association of REALTORs®.

I expect a massive wave of anonymous Code of Ethics complaints beginning in January.

 

Tom Branch and Gina Branch, The Branch Team with RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs, service the greater North Dallas suburbs including Dallas, Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco, Lewisville, and Carrollton.  While Gina concentrates on traditional listings and buyer/tenant representation, Tom specializes in assisting distressed homeowners to avoid foreclosure.  Tom and Gina have published two books (Achieving Rock Star Status and The Field Guide to Short Sales) and are available for speaking engagements in the greater Dallas - Fort Worth Metroplex. Subscribe to The Branch Team Blog.

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Copyright 2009-2012 - The Branch Team
The Branch Team - Texas Real Estate Broker 547597 | Team Members are Texas Licensed Real Estate Professionals
Tom Branch - National Mortgage Licensing System 341963
 

Important Notice: The Branch Team with RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs is not associated with the government, and our service is not approved by the government or your lender. Even if you accept this offer and use our service, your lender may not agree to change your loan. If you stop paying your mortgage, you could lose your home and damage your credit rating.

All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Properties subject to prior sale or rental.

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New Advertising Rule to Cost Texas Real Estate Professionals Millions

New Advertising Rule to Cost Texas Real Estate Professionals Millions

The Texas Real Estate Commission has proposed a rule change to 535.154. The new rule would require any advertising placed by a salesperson to contain the license number of the sponsoring broker. Brokers will be required to place their license number on any advertising they place.

Click here for the proposed rule change on the Texas Secretary of State website

The current rule requires the broker's or brokerage's name to be included in all advertising placed by a salesperson or broker.

While TREC rules require licensees to promptly file assumed business names (DBAs) with the commission, the concern revolves around DBAs not being searchable by consumers and other licensees.  As soon as the new TREC website is up-and-running, my understanding is that DBAs will be searchable.

If this is correct, adding a broker license number to advertising does not really add anything meaningful. I can see consumers calling in and asking about property number XXXXXXX (insert your broker license number) thinking it's a property ID number of some sort.

The commission estimates that this will have no impact on real estate licensees. I disagree. 

Everything will need to be changed to accomodate this change--business cards, letterhead, websites, yard signs, brokerage signage, etc.  I estimate the cost will average close to $2000 per licensee or $240 million dollars in unnecesary costs to Texas Real Estate licensees. The proposed rule has a quick phase-in date of January 1 , 2012.  It's basically a year to change everything.

The open comment period runs through October 9th. You can send your comments to:

Texas Real Estate Commission
Attn: Loretta DeHay
P. O. Box 12188
Austin, TX 78711-2188

You can also fax comments to her attention at 512-465-3910.

If we do not take a stand, this will likely be approved at the November TREC meeting and go into effect in 2011.

 

Tom Branch and Gina Branch, The Branch Team with RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs, service the greater North Dallas suburbs including Dallas, Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco, Lewisville, and Carrollton.  While Gina concentrates on traditional listings and buyer/tenant representation, Tom specializes in assisting distressed homeowners to avoid foreclosure.  Tom and Gina have published two books (Achieving Rock Star Status and The Field Guide to Short Sales) and are available for speaking engagements in the greater Dallas - Fort Worth Metroplex. Subscribe to The Branch Team Blog.

Follwo Us on Facebook          View Our LinkedIn Profile         

Copyright 2009-2012 - The Branch Team
The Branch Team - Texas Real Estate Broker 547597 | Team Members are Texas Licensed Real Estate Professionals
Tom Branch - National Mortgage Licensing System 341963
 

Important Notice: The Branch Team with RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs is not associated with the government, and our service is not approved by the government or your lender. Even if you accept this offer and use our service, your lender may not agree to change your loan. If you stop paying your mortgage, you could lose your home and damage your credit rating.

All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Properties subject to prior sale or rental.

Protected by Copyscape Web Plagiarism Tool