Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) Disclosure

The Texas Real Estate Commission requires the following information be provided to any and all prospective buyers, tenants, sellers and landlords of real estate in the State of Texas.

The following Real Estate Agency Disclosure (Titled Information about Brokerage Services) should be read by the individual reading, accessing and/or utilizing the information contained on this Internet web site. A copy indicating your review and acknowledgment of same must be returned to a Hometown America Incorporated Real Estate representative once any subsequent oral or written communications regarding these properties commences. For purposes of any potential transaction involving the properties listed/advertised on this web site, www.hometown.cc, its agents and representatives are representing the interests of the property owners whose properties appear herein. In the event you have questions concerning this Real Estate Agency Disclosure information and the role of Hometown America Incorporated Real Estate in this transaction, such questions should be immediately presented to the representatives of Hometown America Incorporated Real Estate in writing.

Information about Brokerage Services

Texas law requires all real estate licensees to give the following information about brokerage services to prospective buyers, tenants, sellers and landlords.

Before working with a real estate broker, you should know that the duties of a broker depend on whom the broker represents. If you are a prospective seller or landlord (owner) or a prospective buyer or tenant (buyer), you should know that the broker who lists the property for sale or lease is the owner’s agent. A broker who acts as a sub agent represents the owner in cooperation with the listing broker. A broker who acts as a buyer’s agent represents the buyer. A broker may act as an intermediary between the parties if the parties consent in writing. A broker can assist you in locating a property, preparing a contract or lease, or obtaining financing without representing you. A broker is obligated by law to treat you honestly.

If the Broker Represents the Owner

The broker becomes the owner’s agent by entering into an agreement with the owner, usually through a written listing agreement, or by agreeing to act as a sub agent by accepting an offer of sub agency from the listing broker. A sub agent may work in a different real estate office. A listing broker or sub agent can assist the buyer but does not represent the buyer and must place the interests of the owner first. The buyer should not tell the owner’s agent anything the buyer would not want the owner to know because an owner’s agent must disclose to the owner any material information known to the agent.

If the Broker Represents the Buyer

The Broker becomes the buyer’s agent by entering into an agreement to represent the buyer, usually through a written buyer representation agreement. A buyer’s agent can assist the owner, but does not represent the owner and must place the interests of the buyer first. The owner should not tell a buyer’s agent anything the owner would not want the buyer to know, because a buyer’s agent must disclose to the buyer any material information known to the agent.

If the Broker Acts as an Intermediary

A broker may act as an intermediary between the parties if the broker complies with the Texas Real Estate License Act. The broker must obtain the written consent of each party to the transaction to act as an intermediary. The written consent must state who will pay the broker and, in conspicuous bold or underlined print, set forth the broker’s obligations as an intermediary. The broker is required to treat each party honestly and fairly and to comply with The Texas Real Estate License Act. A broker who acts as an intermediary in a transaction:

• Shall treat all parties honestly
• May not disclose that the owner will accept a price less than the asking price unless authorized in writing to do so by the owner
• May not disclose that the buyer will pay a price greater than the price submitted in a written offer unless authorized in writing to do so by the buyer
• May not disclose any confidential information or any information that a party specifically instructs the broker in writing not to disclose unless authorized in writing to disclose the information or required to do so by The Texas Real Estate License Act or a court order or if the information materially relates to the condition of the property.

With the parties’ consent, a broker acting as an intermediary between the parties may appoint a person who is licensed under the Texas Real Estate License Act and associated with the broker to communicate with and carry out instructions of one party and another person who is licensed under that Act and associated with the broker to communicate with and carry out instructions of the other party.

If You Choose to have a Broker Represent You

You should enter into a written agreement with the broker that clearly establishes the broker’s obligations and your obligations. The agreement should state how and by whom the broker will be paid. You have the right to choose the type of representation, if any, you wish to receive. Your payment of a fee to a broker does not necessarily establish that the broker represents you. If you have any questions regarding the duties and responsibilities of the broker, you should resolve those questions before proceeding. Real estate licensee asks that you acknowledge receipt of this information about brokerage services for the licensee’s records.

Buyer, Seller, Landlord or Tenant

Texas Real Estate Brokers and Salesmen are licensed and regulated by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). If you have a question or complaint regarding a real estate licensee, you should contact TREC at P.O. Box 12188, Austin, Texas 78711-2188 or telephone (512) 465-3960.