Education Evaluation Response From TREC

On January 27th, a post was written about the Texas Real Estate Commission's education evaluation process.  Here is the response from a TREC representative regarding the new education evaluation process:

"Dear Ms. Tolbirt,

I apologize for the delay in responding to your email. Unfortunately we no longer have the education evaluation process. The application will need to be submitted with the 137.00 for us to evaluate their education. Once the application is filed they will have six months to complete the necessary education and  the exam. If this is not done within the six month time frame they will need to submit another application. Unless they have completed the core real estate classes in college more than likely they will only get credit for the 60 hours of related and will need to complete the additional 150 hours of core.

Lori Hoskins
Texas Real Estate Commission
Reception and Communication Services"

I hope this clarifies the process for new licensee's.  Please let me know if you have any questions!

Step 1: Evaluate Education Requirements

In real estate, you MUST go to school and take classes to become a real estate agent.  Before you begin looking for real estate class providers and methods of classroom instruction, the first thing you need to do is evaluate your past education and compare it to the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) education requirements. 

TREC education requirements include the satisfactory completion of 150 classroom hours of core real estate courses and 60 hours of related courses for a combined total of 210 hours. 

The 150 classroom hours includes the following MANDATORY classes:

• Principles of Real Estate:  60 classroom hours
• Law of Agency:  30 classroom hours
• Law of Contracts:  30 classroom hours
• PLUS another 30 hours of core real estate courses

If you have been to college, or trade school, there is a chance that some of your class credits will apply towards your 60 hours of related courses.  If you do not have a copy of your transcript, go ahead and order one from your college or university (sometimes they take several weeks to arrive).  You will be required to submit a COPY of your transcript to TREC when you apply for your Inactive Salesperson License and have your education evaluated.

With the possible exception of your previous college credits, all of the 150 classroom hours of core real estate courses must be completed by an accredited TREC Core Real Estate License Education Provider.

So, how do you know for sure if your previous education credits will apply towards your real estate license?? 

When I began my real estate classes, 4 1/2 years ago, I was advised to submit my college transcripts, in the form of an Education Evaluation, to TREC before beginning any of my classes.  I gathered my transcripts, filled out the form, sent in $35, and waited for a reply to come back (approx 3 weeks later).  My response from TREC confirmed that my 60 hours of related courses were covered with my previous education experience and I could move forward with purchasing the necessary 150 hours. 

NOW it appears that TREC has done away with the Education Evaluation form and $35 evaluation fee.  There is only the Inactive Salesperson Form to complete and send in to evaluate your education and apply for your inactive license.  The fee for this form is a non-refundable $137.  YIKES! 

Here is the dilemma...

What if you are unsure that all of your previous college credits will transfer?  What if the class programs you choose can save you money by "bundling" a custom class schedule?  Say only 30 of your 60 related courses transfer properly but you thought all 60 would transfer...you don't want to pay for classes you don't need or miss the opportunity to "bundle" and save classes that you do need!  What if you complete your education, send in the non-refundable $137, and get a letter back stating that you need additional hours...what happens to the $137?  Do you have to submit the application money again once you complete the needed classes? 

At this time, the TREC website information is unclear on the procedures for education evaluation.  I will update this post once I am able to get answers from TREC.

In the case that you are questioning your past education history, and its application to your real estate license education requirements, I would advise emailing TREC directly with your questions at .

Note:  Processes, procedures, and requirements are updated with TREC from time to time, when in doubt, check the TREC website for updated information! 

I Want to Become a Texas REALTOR® - Now What?

So you want to become a Realtor....Congratulations!!!! Now where do you start?? 

Classes, licenses, fees, and dues.  Brokers, offices, contracts, and clients....the list of questions goes on and on!  Which office do you choose to join?  How do all of these things fit together?  How do you make the right decisions for your career?  What does it mean to be a Realtor?  What kind of outlook does this profession have?  What is your earning potential?  I hope to answer all of these questions, and more over the course of this blog! 

First things first:  What is the difference between a Realtor and a real estate agent?

According to Navy Federal Credit Union, a real estate agent is "an individual who is licensed to negotiate and arrange real estate sales; works for a real estate broker."

According to Realtor.com, "A real estate agent is a REALTOR® when he or she is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, The Voice for Real Estate® -- the world's largest professional association. The term REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics."

All REALTORS® are real estate agents, but not all real estate agents are REALTORS®.  Most brokerage firms will require a real estate agent to join the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and become a REALTOR®.