TREC FAQ

Under Rules 535.154 and 535.155 (effective May 15, 2018), an advertisement is defined as “any form of communication by or on behalf of a license holder designed to attract the public to use real estate brokerage services and includes, but is not limited to, all publications, brochures, radio or television broadcasts, all electronic media including email, text messages, social media, the Internet, business stationery, business cards, displays, signs and billboards." An advertisement does not include a communication from a license holder to the license holder's current client.

All advertisements must comply with TRELA §1101.652(b)(23) and Rules 535.154 and 535.155.

Rule 535.155 requires each advertisement to include the following items in a readily noticeable location in the advertisement:

The name of the license holder or team placing the advertisement; and
The broker’s name in at least half the size of the largest contact information for any sales agent, associated broker, or team name contained in the advertisement.
Notes:

A broker’s name includes a broker’s assumed business name that has been registered with TREC.
Requirements for an assumed business name and team name are set out in Rule 535.154
There is no requirement that a phone number or email address included in an advertisement belong to the broker.

Yes, but the ad must disclose that payment of the rebate is subject to the consent of the seller and if the rebate is contingent upon certain restrictions, such as the use of a particular service provider, the ad must contain a disclosure that payment of the rebate is subject to restrictions. [Rule 535.155 (effective May 15, 2018)] A sales agent must also have their sponsoring broker's authorization to offer a rebate.