Realtors Set to Vote to Set Realtors Free from the DTPA
One third of the nine committee members of the Business & Commerce Committee are realtors. They are considering a bill that will excuse realtors from complying with the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. That means they only need two of the remaining six members to vote with them and move the bill out of committee.
This bill will have extraordinary ramifications for consumers in Texas. Remember, consumers NEVER get the chance in a residential real estate transaction to deal directly with the sellers. They are universally insulated through the real estate agents and consequently, when any "representations" are made outside of the 3 page Sellers Disclosure Notice, the realtors do all of the talking. Yet, this bill would excuse them from any Deceptive Trade Practice liability for misrepresentations made in the transaction.
The vast majority of realtors are honest conscientious people that would not misrepresent facts to close a sale. Since this is true, what harm is there in keeping this law on the books? It will only apply to the unscrupulous and that is exactly who will take advantage of this change in the law if the Texas Legislature allows it.
When pressed to complete the sale, some realtors will feel much freeer to stretch the truth about a property when there is no consequence for their action.
Don't let this happen to you and everyone you know. Contact one or all of the State Senators on the committee and let them know what you think:
Here are the committee members that will decide the fate of every future homebuyer in Texas.
john.whitmire@senate.state.tx.us
No known connection to realtors.