Free cheat sheet · Texas
TREC Promulgated Forms in Plain English
The Texas contract forms the exam actually tests — what each one does, the option-period rules, and the traps candidates fall for.
Texas is unusual: TREC writes the contract forms, and license holders MUST use them when one fits the transaction. The exam leans hard on how these forms work — especially the One to Four Family Residential Contract.
This cheat sheet walks each form and clause the exam tests, in plain English, with the classic wrong-answer traps flagged.
The must-use rule
When TREC has promulgated a form appropriate to a transaction, a license holder must use it. The narrow exceptions: forms prepared by a party's own attorney, or transactions where no promulgated form fits. Licensees may fill in blanks on the forms — they may NOT draft contract language, which would be the unauthorized practice of law.
One to Four Family Residential Contract (Resale)
- The workhorse form for resale homes — most exam contract questions live here.
- Sales price, earnest money, title policy, survey, property condition, closing date — each has its own paragraph the exam can cite.
- Earnest money is NOT required for a valid contract (consideration is the mutual promises) — a classic trap.
What else is in this cheat sheet
- The option period (termination option)
- Third-Party Financing Addendum
- Amendments vs. addenda
- Other promulgated forms the exam names
- Exam traps recap
Common questions
Is this cheat sheet really free?
Yes. Enter an email and the full sheet unlocks — there's no card, no trial, and no charge later. The email is how we send the occasional practice tip; unsubscribe whenever.
Can I print it?
It's laid out to print cleanly on standard paper once unlocked, so you can keep it beside you while you study rather than reading it on a screen.
Will memorising this pass the exam?
No, and we'd rather say so. A cheat sheet consolidates what you already half-know and exposes what you don't. Passing comes from working real questions until the reasoning is automatic — the sheet is a companion to that, not a substitute.
Are these facts verified?
They're written from each state's published statutes, commission rules and the testing vendor's content outline. Rules do change; where something is time-sensitive we say so, and you should confirm anything decisive with your state commission.
Use it, don't just read it
Work through free practice questions on the same topics, drill the exam vocabulary, check where you stand, or browse the other cheat sheets.