Professional Standards Corner: Tennessee REALTORS vs. TREC
By Andrea Huddleston | June 11, 2026
Tennessee REALTORS® and TREC- What’s the difference?
The Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC) is the state licensing board for Tennessee. All individuals (and brokerages) acting as a broker or affiliate broker in Tennessee must be licensed by TREC. (A broker is someone who, for a fee, commission, finder’s fee, or any other valuable consideration– or with the intent or expectation of receiving such compensation—solicits, negotiates, or attempts to solicit or negotiate the listing, sale, purchase, exchange, lease, or option to buy, sell, rent, or exchange for any real estate or time-share.) TREC has the authority to pass and enforce rules, as well as other state laws. The commission was created in 1951 and is made up of nine members appointed by the governor—seven of whom must have at least five years of experience as a licensed broker or affiliate broker in Tennessee, with the remaining two being consumers/ members of the public. The mission of TREC is “to protect the public health, safety, and welfare” through the regulation of real estate brokers, affiliate brokers, firms, etc. You can read about the rules and laws that can result in discipline by TREC here: https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/trec/consumer/complaint.html
Tennessee REALTORS® is your state professional trade organization, serving (along with the twenty local associations) as your Voice for Real Estate in Tennessee. We provide a full range of member services and benefits (including hundreds of standardized transaction forms, transaction platforms, and professional development opportunities) along with legislative and regulatory advocacy. Only association members are REALTORS® and authorized to use that title. REALTORS® pledge themselves to an elevated level of professionalism, competence, and integrity (not just the state law minimums). Those elevated standards are represented by the Code of Ethics. That Code was originally created in 1913, representing over 100 years of commitment to excellence—a commitment not created by government or legal threat but by a shared belief in public service. It is a history and pledge that should be a source of much pride in our industry!
TREC does not enforce NAR’s Code of Ethics; only the associations have authority to do that. And Tennessee REALTORS® cannot enforce state laws and rules. Separate entities and functions, each with important roles.