El Paso, TX – November 2, 2026 – The Greater El Paso Association of REALTORS® (GEPAR) welcomed an impressive turnout of real estate professionals on Monday, November 2, for an informative Lunch & Learn featuring Chelsea Buchholtz, Executive Director of the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC).
The event provided GEPAR members with valuable insights into TREC's latest updates, including the new REALM Portal, improvements to customer service, standardized terminology, and important changes to real estate disclosure requirements.
TREC's New REALM Portal: What License Holders Need to Know
One of the main topics discussed was the introduction of TREC's new REALM Portal, designed to provide license holders with access to their licensing information and services.
Buchholtz explained that all license holders must register for a REALM Portal account. Once an account has been created, users must connect and PIN their licenses to their accounts to access their licensing information.
For those needing assistance with the process, TREC has made additional information, step-by-step instructions, and tutorials available on its official website.
Members can visit www.trec.texas.gov to learn more about the REALM Portal and available resources.
Improving Customer Service and Standardizing Procedures
Buchholtz also highlighted improvements TREC has made to better serve Texas real estate professionals.
One notable improvement has been a significant reduction in telephone wait times, with TREC's call answer times now averaging approximately one to two minutes, according to Buchholtz.
She also discussed the Commission's efforts to standardize terminology and holiday schedules, helping create greater consistency and clarity across TREC's operations and procedures.
These updates reflect TREC's ongoing efforts to improve communication, streamline processes, and provide more efficient service to license holders throughout Texas.
Understanding the New Water Disclosure Requirements
Another important topic covered during the presentation was the new water disclosure form, which provides prospective buyers with information about water-related features and rights associated with a property.
The disclosure addresses several important areas, including:
- Subsurface water rights and groundwater districts
- Water wells located on the property
- Ponds, lakes, and tanks
- Surface water rights and permits
- Severed groundwater rights
Buchholtz also explained circumstances in which the disclosure is not required.
The form is not required for Residential Condominium Contracts (Resale). Additionally, it is not required when the seller has no knowledge of water wells, ponds, lakes, surface water permits, or severed groundwater rights associated with the property, and the property relies exclusively on water provided by a city, municipal utility district (MUD), or water supply corporation.
These distinctions are important for REALTORS® to understand when assisting buyers and sellers through the transaction process.
Members are encouraged to review TREC's official resources and current forms to ensure they understand the applicable disclosure requirements.
A Great Turnout and Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
The Lunch & Learn drew a fantastic turnout of GEPAR members, demonstrating the strong interest among local real estate professionals in staying informed about regulatory changes and industry developments.
GEPAR extends a special thank-you to
Cadence Lending, AAA Home & Termite Insurance, and Angela Ochoa for generously sponsoring lunch and helping make the event possible.
A sincere thank-you also goes to Chelsea Buchholtz for taking the time to visit GEPAR, share important updates, and provide valuable information directly to our members.
Continuing Education and Member Engagement
Events like this Lunch & Learn highlight GEPAR's commitment to keeping its members informed, educated, and connected with industry leaders.
By bringing state-level representatives directly to the local REALTOR® community, GEPAR continues to provide opportunities for members to gain firsthand knowledge of the regulations, tools, and changes affecting their businesses.
Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make this Lunch & Learn such a success! GEPAR looks forward to hosting more educational opportunities that empower members with the information and resources they need to succeed.