What Texas Real Estate Agents Need to Know About the Updated IABS Form (Effective April 2025)
- Bren Brewer
- Jun 19
- 3 min read
Hey agents! Big news is coming your way if you're practicing real estate in Texas. The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) has updated the Information About Brokerage Services (IABS) form — a key compliance document that outlines how we communicate our brokerage roles to consumers.
Starting April 1, 2025, the use of this revised form becomes mandatory. Whether you're an agent, broker, or team leader, it's essential to understand what’s changing, how it impacts your day-to-day, and what you need to do to stay compliant. Let’s break it all down.
What Is the IABS Form?
The Information About Brokerage Services (IABS) form is a legally required document that must be provided to a potential buyer, seller, landlord, or tenant at the first substantive communication about specific real estate. It’s not just a courtesy — it’s the law.
The IABS Form Includes 5 Key Sections:
Real Estate License Holder Types – Defines brokers, sales agents, and their respective roles.
Broker’s Duties – Lists fiduciary duties like honesty, fairness, and full disclosure.
Representation – Explains agency relationships (e.g., buyer’s agent, seller’s agent, intermediary).
Written Agreements and Commissions – Clearly states that brokerage fees are negotiable and not set by law.
Contact Information – Includes details for both the brokerage and the individual license holder.
What’s New in the 2025 Update?
The biggest change in the new IABS form is a clearer explanation of brokerage fees, emphasizing that commissions are not predetermined by law and are always negotiable. This improves consumer transparency and aligns with updated industry standards.
🗓 Important Date: April 1, 2025 – The use of the new form is required for all license holders by this date.
How to Stay Compliant
✅ On Your Website:
The completed IABS form must be posted on your business homepage in a readily noticeable location.
The link should be labeled:
“Texas Real Estate Commission Information About Brokerage Services”
or “TREC Information About Brokerage Services”
✅ On Social Media:
Include the IABS link in your bio or “about” section.
Alternatively, link directly to your homepage where the form is clearly displayed.
✅ In Your Emails:
Attach the IABS form to emails or hyperlink it above your signature line.
Make sure you mention it explicitly in the email body for clarity.
✅ On Digital Business Cards:
The first two links must be:
IABS Form
Consumer Protection Notice
These links should be clearly labeled and easily accessible.
Special Notes for Houston Agents (HAR Members)
If you’re a member of the Houston Association of Realtors (HAR) and use HAR-provided links in your email signatures or digital business cards, you’re likely already covered. HAR is expected to auto-update the IABS form link when the new version becomes mandatory. Still, double-check to ensure everything is working properly.
Keller Williams Professionals: You’re All Set
Agents with Keller Williams Professionals who’ve gone through onboarding are already set up with HAR links in both their emails and digital cards. If you’re unsure whether your links are correct, reach out or drop a comment for help.
Final Thoughts
This update to the IABS form is about improving transparency and making sure consumers fully understand their rights when working with real estate professionals in Texas.
✅ Action Steps:
Start using the updated form now to get ahead.
Ensure it’s displayed correctly across all digital touchpoints.
Be 100% compliant by April 1, 2025.
For more updates like this, subscribe to the blog or follow along on social — and don’t forget to share this with your fellow Texas agents!
💬 Have Questions?
Drop them in the comments below and I’ll help you get set up with the right form and links.
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