TREC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield TREC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Under TREC rules, what information must appear on a licensee's business card? → The licensee's name and the sponsoring broker's name at minimum
2. When a license holder represents the seller in a transaction, what duty does the license holder owe to an unrepresented buyer? → Only the duty to disclose known material defects and treat them honestly
3. A buyer purchases a furnished condominium apartment as an investment. The document that evidences the buyer's ownership of the furniture is a? → Bill of sale
4. Which TREC form is used for the sale of unimproved (vacant) lots in a residential subdivision? → TREC Form 25-14
5. TREC can investigate the actions of a license holder at its own motion. Under what other circumstances can TREC investigate a license holder? → If they have a written, signed complaint no more than 4 years old
6. Under TREC regulations, which of the following actions is a violation of the Texas Real Estate License Act? → Failing to disclose a known material defect in the property
7. Which of the following is NOT typically required to be inspected under TREC's Standards of Practice? → Personal property contents inside the home
8. A Texas real estate inspector is inspecting a home with a pool. Which of the following must they inspect? → Underwater pool lights and GFCI protection
9. A license holder is showing a home built in 1972 to buyers who notice paint flaking on the woodwork. How should the license holder proceed → advise the prospective buyers to get a lead based paint inspection
10. Which TREC sanction requires a licensee to complete specific educational courses as a condition of keeping their license? → Probation with education requirements
11. Who regulates real estate inspectors in Texas? → Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC)
12. A TREC-licensed inspector who also holds a real estate license may: → Not receive any compensation other than the inspection fee
13. What is the TREC-required report format that inspectors must use in Texas? → TREC Promulgated Property Inspection Report form
14. What is the purpose of the TREC Seller's Disclosure Notice? → To inform the buyer of known material defects and conditions of the property
15. The 'Survey' section of a TREC residential contract typically requires: → Delivery of an existing survey or a new survey within a specified number of days
16. Which entity promulgates the standard real estate contract forms used in Texas? → Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC)
17. In Texas, a real estate agent can legally represent both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction if: → Both parties give written consent.
18. How many continuing education hours must a Texas Professional Real Estate Inspector complete per renewal cycle? → 24 hours
19. What is the criminal penalty for engaging in the real estate brokerage business in Texas without first becoming licensed by TREC? → A fine of not more than $4,000
20. Which statement about TREC's advertising rules regarding teams is correct? → Team names must include the word 'team' or 'group' and the broker's name
21. Under Texas law, a 'subagent' is best defined as: → A license holder who acts for the principal through the principal's agent
22. A Texas licensee wants to advertise on social media under a nickname. Under TREC rules, they: → May use a nickname but must also include their broker's name
23. Which of the following actions by a licensee could result in immediate license suspension without a prior hearing? → Conviction of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude
24. What does the 'Option Period' in a Texas TREC contract allow the buyer to do? → Terminate the contract for any reason within an agreed timeframe
25. Under TREC rules, how must an inspector handle a situation where a deficiency is concealed and cannot be fully evaluated? → Report the limitation and indicate that further investigation may be needed
26. The Texas Consumer Notice (Information About Brokerage Services) must be: → Displayed in a license holder's place of business and included in advertising
27. Under TREC rules, how long must a broker retain transaction records? → 3 years
28. Under TREC rules, a licensee may NOT advertise a listing without: → Obtaining the written permission of the property owner/seller
29. What action can TREC take against an inspector who violates the Standards of Practice? → Suspend or revoke the inspector's license and impose fines
30. If a licensee's advertisement contains an error, TREC rules require: → Correcting or removing the inaccurate advertisement promptly