TEXAS:  New Laws Effective September 1, 2005

It is still legal to do the listing options that we are offering. There are a few more guidelines that we must follow, but if any agents tell you otherwise, please tell us so that we may report them to the proper authorities.

Despite strong objections by the Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commissions Anti-Trust divisions, and consumer rights organizations, the Texas Legislature and Governor Rick Perry signed into law SB 810 on June 19, 2005.

This new law forces real estate brokers to do a minimum level of services, whether you as the seller want them or not.

One of the major provisions in the law is that it forbids the buyers agent from NEGOTIATING directly with you, the seller.

As some agents may try to tell you, it does not prevent you from talking to them at all, it ONLY prevents them from NEGOTIATING with you as the seller.

Brokers are also now forced to answer any and all questions by the seller during the transaction. If you have no questions for the broker during the transaction, then obviously no violation has occurred. Houston Rebate Realty will begin to offer a "Frequently Asked Questions" which we will provide to sellers when they receive an offer.

Finally, offers made on your property may be "delivered" directly to you the seller, but also must be sent to your agent as well. Any offers we receive will be forwarded to you the seller either via email or fax.