Texas Agency & Intermediary
Texas agency questions are less about abstract definitions and more about what the broker or sales agent can legally do for each side at each point.
How to study this exam
Use the guide to learn the rule pattern first, then lock it in with flashcards, drills, and a Texas-weighted mock.
Core concepts
Concept 1
The Texas outline tests disclosure, intermediary practice, duties to clients, compensation agreements, and broker responsibility for the sales agent's acts.
Exam cue: Decide if the license holder is representing one side, both sides with consent, or neither side as a client.
Concept 2
Intermediary questions usually hinge on whether the broker has consent and whether appointments or advice cross a line.
Exam cue: In Texas, compensation and intermediary authority are formal rule questions, not casual practice preferences.
Concept 3
Minimum-service and unlicensed-assistant questions reward candidates who know what cannot be delegated away.
Exam cue: If an unlicensed assistant starts explaining, negotiating, or advising, the answer is usually wrong.
Targeted study blocks
Texas law block
Intermediary guardrail
When a fact pattern involves both parties, ask three things: was there written consent, what advice is allowed, and who is still responsible for the sales agent's conduct?
Risk pitfalls and guardrails
Treating intermediary practice like ordinary dual agency without the Texas rules.
Guardrail: Name the rule trigger in one sentence before you evaluate the choices.
Letting an unlicensed assistant cross into negotiation or explanation.
Guardrail: Name the rule trigger in one sentence before you evaluate the choices.
Forgetting that broker responsibility follows the sales agent's acts.
Guardrail: Name the rule trigger in one sentence before you evaluate the choices.
Memory anchors
IDA
Intermediary = informed consent, designated appointments, agency limits.
MSA
Minimum services are still owed even when the transaction gets busy.
Consent First
Intermediary practice starts with proper consent before the broker can serve both sides.
Appointments
Appointed associates may advise assigned parties, while the broker remains the intermediary.
No Secret Advice
An intermediary must avoid favoring one side with confidential or improper advice.
Unlicensed Assistant
Clerical tasks are different from explaining, negotiating, or advising, which require a license.
Broker Responsibility
The broker remains responsible for sponsored sales agents' brokerage acts.
Pay vs Representation
Who pays compensation does not by itself decide who is represented.
Checkpoint rule
Do the check-up only after you can summarize each concept in one sentence and identify one dangerous pitfall from memory.
Knowledge Check (after reading)
Short check-up to confirm understanding of this module.
Check-up Questions
A broker wants to work both sides of a Texas transaction. What should the candidate look for first?
Which task is least appropriate for an unlicensed assistant?
Answer all questions to submit.
Next step personalized recommendations
Continue learning
Move forward only after this module is stable.