TREC TREC Real Estate Inspections 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is a TREC-approved inspector specialization?
- Pest and termite inspection (Correct answer)
- Mold remediation services
- Structural engineering certification
- Elevator and escalator inspection
Correct answer: Pest and termite inspection
Wood Destroying Insect (WDI/termite) inspection is a recognized specialty area for TREC inspectors in Texas.
Question 2: When may a TREC inspector accept additional compensation from a party other than their client?
- With verbal permission from the client
- Never — any additional compensation is prohibited
- Only with written consent from all parties to the transaction (Correct answer)
- Only if the amount does not exceed the inspection fee
Correct answer: Only with written consent from all parties to the transaction
A TREC inspector may accept additional compensation from another party only if all parties to the transaction provide written consent.
Question 3: What is the minimum experience requirement before a Real Estate Inspector may apply for a Professional Real Estate Inspector license in Texas?
- 6 months and 25 inspections
- 1 year and 250 inspections (Correct answer)
- 2 years and 100 inspections
- 6 months and 10 inspections
Correct answer: 1 year and 250 inspections
To qualify for a Professional Real Estate Inspector license, a candidate must have at least 1 year of experience and have performed a minimum of 250 inspections under supervision.
Question 4: Under TREC rules, how must an inspector handle a situation where a deficiency is concealed and cannot be fully evaluated?
- Assume the concealed area is defect-free
- Skip reporting that component entirely
- Report the limitation and indicate that further investigation may be needed (Correct answer)
- Require the seller to remove the obstruction before proceeding
Correct answer: Report the limitation and indicate that further investigation may be needed
When a deficiency is concealed and cannot be accessed, the inspector must document the limitation and recommend further evaluation if appropriate.
Question 5: A Texas real estate inspector is prohibited from:
- Inspecting properties they personally own
- Performing inspections on newly constructed homes
- Accepting compensation contingent on the sale of the property (Correct answer)
- Recommending that the buyer negotiate repairs
Correct answer: Accepting compensation contingent on the sale of the property
Accepting compensation contingent on the outcome of a sale creates a conflict of interest and is expressly prohibited under TREC inspector rules.
Question 6: What report designation does a TREC inspector use to identify an item that poses an immediate safety hazard?
- Deficient (D) (Correct answer)
- Not Inspected (NI)
- Safety Hazard (SH)
- Not Present (NP)
Correct answer: Deficient (D)
TREC's promulgated report uses the 'Deficient' (D) designation for items that do not function as intended, including immediate safety hazards.
TREC TREC Real Estate Inspections 3
Which of the following is a TREC-approved inspector specialization?