• Seminars
  • Report Writing Best Practices - Arlington

Report Writing Best Practices - Arlington

  • March 21, 2026
  • 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Arlington Board of Realtors / 3916 West Interstate 20, Arlington, TX 76017
  • 99

Registration


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TREC Approved Course # Pending Approval   

Report Writing / Focusing on Legal CYA

We all like inspecting houses. It’s fun and challenging and we are really good at seeing things that most individuals can’t. The “show and tell” with clients is rewarding, and the appreciation they feel at the end of the process gives us real job satisfaction.
But, let’s be honest; most of us don’t get the same high from writing reports.

Course Overview
This course is specifically developed to help licensed inspectors gain a comprehensive understanding of the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) rules related to the promulgated inspection report form. It also aims to equip inspectors with the skills necessary to prepare clear and effective reports for their clients.

Bridging Technical Knowledge and Effective Writing
This course is designed to bridge the gap between technical expertise and quality report writing. Participants will learn the do’s and don’ts of the TREC-mandated report form and how to create comprehensive inspection reports that accurately reflect the property’s condition. The course also emphasizes minimizing liability while providing clear, unbiased information to all parties involved.

Understanding TREC Rules and Report Requirements
Participants will review all pertinent sections of the TREC rules that govern the inspection report form, including the requirements for timely report delivery.

Best Practices in Report Writing
The instructor will also cover essential best practices in report writing, with a focus on developing content, organizing layout, and structuring the overall report for maximum clarity and effectiveness.

The Importance of the Written Report
A written inspection report serves as the official, permanent record of the home inspection results. This document may be referenced weeks, months, or even years after the inspection takes place.

Clear Communication of Findings
Inspectors are responsible for presenting their findings in a clear and informative way. Report comments should provide detailed explanations, making it easy for all readers to understand the property’s condition. When necessary, the report should indicate if additional evaluation of a system or component is recommended.

Client-Focused Reporting
The inspection report must enable clients to make informed decisions, even if they were not present during the inspection. For this reason, clear and concise language is essential.
Clients should be able to easily locate and understand all deficiencies and their locations as detailed in the report.

Legal Terminology and Phraseology
The instructor will demonstrate how to identify and use report writing terminology and phraseology that stands up in court, ensuring reports meet professional and legal standards.

This course will teach home inspectors how to effectively write and communicate the findings of a home inspection in a written report. This course will help the home inspector in choosing the best report writing format, key words to use in the report, and how to protect the inspector from possible legal action.

Topics Covered:

  • TREC Rules for the Standard Report Form "Do's and Don'ts'"
  • Sample Reports that Violate TREC Standards
  • Narrative Reports vs. Check Box Reports
  • Report Generation (When and How)
  • Sample Terminology and Phraseology Text "Words to use and NOT to use".
  • Utilizing the SOP Definitions to Build Your Comment Library

  • List the Three Functions of a Report Narrative (Comment)
  • List Ways Inspectors Can Avoid Lawsuits by Writing Great Inspection Reports.
  • Legal Issues
  • Report Formats
  • Reporting Software (Choosing and Using)
  • Report Writing Time
  • Report Length
  • Writing and Library Organization; and more!

Sign Up Today!

Start Pre-Registration at: 7 am

Time: 8 am - 5 pm (Pre-Registration starts at 7 am)


TREC Approved for 8 hours of CE

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