Compliance Corner - Six Habits Every Texas REALTOR® Should Never Skip

Compliance isn't just about passing a brokerage audit—it's about protecting your clients, reducing risk, and keeping every transaction moving toward a successful closing.

As contracts and TREC forms continue to evolve, it's easy to overlook a required signature, use an outdated document, or miss an important deadline. Those small oversights can create unnecessary delays or compliance issues.

At SymplTC, staying ahead of these changes is part of what we do. We monitor form updates, review transaction files, and help agents maintain organized, audit-ready transactions from contract to close.

Quick Compliance Checks

Verify your IABS form

Ensure you're using the current Information About Brokerage Services (IABS) form and providing it at first substantive communication, with a signed acknowledgment retained in your file when required.

Never modify pre-printed contract language

Texas REALTORS® and TREC forms are carefully drafted. Custom terms should be written in the appropriate addendum or Special Provisions—not by editing the printed language.

Calendar every deadline immediately

As soon as a contract is executed, enter all critical dates into your calendar, including earnest money, option period, financing, appraisal, and closing deadlines.

Confirm all required addenda are included

Every transaction is unique. Double-check that all applicable addenda are included based on financing type, HOA requirements, property condition, and any special circumstances.

Keep your forms library current

Using outdated forms can create unnecessary compliance issues. Make it a habit to regularly update your Texas REALTORS® and TREC forms library.

Protect your clients from wire fraud

Wire fraud attempts continue to increase across the real estate industry. Remind buyers and sellers that they should never trust wiring instructions received by email alone, especially if the email requests last-minute changes.

Best practices include:

• Always discuss this with your clients during consultation.
• Verify wiring instructions by calling the title company using a trusted phone number—not one provided in the email.
• Never click links or open attachments from suspicious emails claiming to contain updated wiring instructions.
• Inform clients early in the transaction that title companies rarely change wiring instructions and, if they do, those changes should always be verified by phone.
• Encourage clients to contact their agent or title company immediately if something doesn't seem right.

A two-minute phone call can prevent the loss of thousands of dollars.

Why It Matters

Strong compliance habits don't just satisfy your brokerage—they build confidence with your clients, reduce stress throughout the transaction, and help prevent costly mistakes before they happen. A well-organized file is one of the strongest indicators of a well-managed transaction.

Need an Extra Set of Eyes?

Whether you need contract-to-close coordination, compliance support, or transaction management, SymplTC is here to help keep every file organized, accurate, and on track.