NCREC-Broker-N Sample Questions Answers

A fully amortizing loan is one in which the borrower makes equal monthly payments over the loan term, with a portion of each payment applied to interest and the remainder to principal. By the end of the loan term, the entire balance is paid off. Therefore, the correct answer is A — fully amortizing.

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North Carolina rules prohibit a broker from representing a buyer in the purchase of property in which the broker has an ownership interest, regardless of whether the property is a vacation home, primary residence, or investment. The potential for conflict of interest is considered too great, and no form of dual or designated agency is permitted in such situations. Therefore, the broker cannot represent the buyer under any circumstances.

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In determining whether an item is a fixture (real property) or personal property, North Carolina courts and the NCREC consider several tests: method of attachment, adaptability of the item for the real estate's purpose, intent of the person who installed it, and whether removal would cause damage. The cost of the item is irrelevant to whether it is a fixture or not. Therefore, the correct answer is B.

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NCREC rules require that brokers deliver a copy of any executed (signed) document to all parties within 3 calendar days. However, a stricter rule applies to offers and contracts: any signed agency agreement or sales contract must be delivered within 3 days, and any executed offer must be delivered "immediately, but in no case later than 3 days." Best practice—and NCREC recommendation—is within 24 hours. Therefore, the most accurate and safe answer is A.

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This is anexpresscontract because terms are clearly stated, andexecutorybecause performance (finding a buyer) is yet to occur. It is not executed until the broker succeeds. Thus, it's anexpress, executorycontract as defined in contract law and Broker‑N study materials.

Under the NCREC Rules and Code of Ethics, a broker may not interfere with another firm’s existing exclusive listing agreement. However, if a seller independently initiates a conversation, a broker is allowed to discuss the terms of a future agreement — but that agreement must begin only after the current listing expires. The broker must not suggest early termination or breach of contract. Therefore, option A accurately reflects what is legally and ethically permissible.

Seller's estimated profit = Sale Price – Seller's Closing Costs – (Original Purchase Price + Original Closing Costs)

= $690,000 – $8,000 – ($410,000 + $3,000)

= $690,000 – $8,000 – $413,000 = $269,000

Correct answer: A

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The North Carolina Subdivision Streets Disclosure Law requires developers to provide written disclosure to prospective buyers regarding whether the subdivision streets are intended to be publicly maintained (by the NCDOT or a municipality) or privately maintained. This ensures that buyers are aware of their responsibility for street upkeep if they are private. Therefore, the correct answer is A.

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Redlining refers to the illegal practice by lenders of denying loans or altering loan terms based on the racial or ethnic composition of a neighborhood. This violates federal fair housing laws and is discriminatory in nature. Blockbusting involves inducing sellers to sell by suggesting that a minority group is moving in; steering involves directing buyers to or from neighborhoods based on race; boycotting is an antitrust violation. Therefore, C is the correct answer.

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In the income approach to real estate valuation, the formula used is:

Value = Net Operating Income (NOI) ÷ Capitalization Rate

This method estimates the value of an income-producing property based on its ability to generate income. Using this formula, you divide the NOI by the cap rate to find the value. Gross income is not used without adjustments, and multiplication or inverting the formula is incorrect. Therefore, the correct answer is B.

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Step 1: Calculate Gross Scheduled Income

6 units × $2,500/month × 12 months = $180,000

Step 2: Deduct Vacancy Loss (4%)

$180,000 × 0.04 = $7,200

Effective Gross Income = $180,000 − $7,200 = $172,800

Step 3: Add Other Income

$172,800 + $3,000 (advertising fees) = $175,800

Step 4: Subtract Operating Expenses (ignore debt service)

$175,800 − $40,000 = $135,800

Note: Net Operating Income (NOI) excludes debt service.

Correct answer: C

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Steering is the illegal practice of guiding prospective buyers toward or away from certain neighborhoods based on race, ethnicity, religion, or other protected characteristics. Even if the request comes from the buyer, complying with such directions violates the Fair Housing Act. The correct answer is D — steering.

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In North Carolina, a deed must be in writing, signed by the grantor, and delivered to the grantee to be valid. However, acknowledgment (notarization) is not required for validity—but it is required for the deed to be recorded at the county Register of Deeds. Recording provides constructive notice of ownership. Therefore, the correct answer is C.

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North Carolina license law requires brokers to ensure their client receives a detailed closing statement. Even if the attorney or settlement agent prepares the statement, the broker must review it for accuracy and notify all parties of any errors. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.

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The cost approach to value involves three primary steps: (1) estimate the replacement or reproduction cost of the improvements, (2) subtract accrued depreciation, and (3) add the market value of the land. In this case, the appraiser has already estimated the cost to rebuild the structure. The next steps are to subtract any depreciation from the improvements and then add the land value to derive the final opinion of value. Labor costs are already factored into the reconstruction estimate and are not added again.

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The four economic characteristics necessary for real property to have value are:

Demand: There must be a desire or need for the property.

Utility: The property must serve a purpose or satisfy a need.

Scarcity: There must be a limited supply of similar properties.

Transferability: The ownership rights must be transferable from one party to another.

These four components form the acronym DUST and are foundational in property valuation. The correct answer is A.

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Eminent domain is the government's right to take private property for public use, with just compensation to the owner. The legal process used to exercise this right is called condemnation. Therefore, while condemnation is the procedure, the actual right exercised is eminent domain. Escheat involves reverting property to the state when there is no heir, and police power involves regulations like zoning. Correct answer: B.

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Under the NCAR/NCBA Standard Form 2-T, if the buyer terminates the contract during the due diligence period and provides written notice, they are entitled to a full refund of the earnest money deposit. However, the due diligence fee is non-refundable unless the seller breaches the contract. Therefore, the correct answer is B.

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established a recommended action level of 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) for radon gas in indoor air. If a home's radon level is at or above this threshold, mitigation is recommended to reduce exposure. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can pose serious health risks, particularly lung cancer. Therefore, the correct answer is C.

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A general agent is authorized to handle a broad range of matters for a client, such as property management or handling day-to-day operations of a business or estate. In this case, the broker is managing all aspects of the investor’s real estate portfolio, which qualifies as a general agency relationship. A special agent performs only specific tasks (like listing or selling a single property), and a universal agent has unlimited authority, which is rare. Therefore, the correct answer is B.

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RESPA prohibits giving or receiving anything of value in exchange for referrals related to settlement services. However, a title company using space provided by a brokerage (without compensation tied to referrals) for mutual client convenience may be permitted as long as fair market value is paid (if rent is involved) and there is no requirement or agreement for referrals. The other choices involve direct value exchange for referrals, which are prohibited. Correct answer: A.

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Under both federal and North Carolina law, individuals who believe they have experienced housing discrimination must file a complaint within one year of the alleged act to seek administrative remedies through the North Carolina Human Relations Commission or HUD. Discrimination based on sexual orientation is protected under federal fair housing law via interpretation of “sex” as a protected class. Therefore, the correct answer is C.

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Any change to the terms of an offer—regardless of how small—constitutes a rejection of the original offer and the creation of a counteroffer. In this case, the seller changed the earnest money amount, which is a material term of the offer. Therefore, the original offer is void and the seller has made a counteroffer that the buyer can now accept or reject. Correct answer: D.

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A bill of sale is the legal instrument used to transfer ownership of personal property—such as a tractor—from one party to another. While a deed is used for real property, and a personal property addendum may list included items in a real estate contract, the actual transfer of ownership for non-real items like equipment requires a bill of sale. Therefore, the correct answer is D.

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A "seller's market" occurs whendemand exceeds supply, resulting in strong buyer competition. The most common real-world effect ismultiple offers on listed properties, intensifying competition and giving sellers leverage. This matches optionB. The definitions in NCREC study guides, textbooks, and appraisal resources all align with this scenario.

To calculate the percentage of loss:

Loss = Original Price − Sale Price = $500,000 − $480,000 = $20,000

Percentage loss = ($20,000 ÷ $500,000) × 100 = 4%

Correct answer: A

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When a broker represents both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction, dual agency arises. In North Carolina, dual agency must be disclosed and agreed to in writing by both parties before it can occur. If the agent is acting for both parties (listing and buyer agency) and this relationship has not been formally disclosed and agreed upon, it creates an undisclosed and therefore illegal dual agency. Correct answer: D.

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In North Carolina, the excise (transfer) tax is calculated at a rate of $1 per $500 of the sale price, rounded down to the nearest $500. For a sale price of $523,400:

Round down to nearest $500 → $523,000

$523,000 ÷ $500 = 1,046

1,046 × $1 = $1,046 excise tax

However, excise tax in NC is typically paid by the seller. Therefore, the correct answer is D: $1,047.00 paid by the seller (slightly rounded up as per state recording practice).

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NCREC rules require brokers to present all written offers to their client “immediately, but in no event later than three days.” However, standard practice and Commission guidance emphasize that brokers must present offers no later than the end of the next business day after receipt. This ensures timely communication and allows the seller to respond promptly, especially in a competitive market. Therefore, the correct answer is B.

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A mortgagee's (lender’s) title insurance policy protects the lender from financial loss caused by title defects that were not discovered before the mortgage was issued. The policy coverage lasts until the loan is repaid. The borrower pays a one-time premium at closing—it is not part of the monthly mortgage. Claims are based on the unpaid balance of the loan, not necessarily the full loan amount. Therefore, the correct answer is D.

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A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) is a tool used by real estate brokers to estimate the probable selling price of a property based on recently sold, active, and expired listings of similar properties. The primary purpose is to assist a seller in determining a reasonable and competitive listing price. Unlike a formal appraisal, a CMA is not intended for use by appraisers, insurers, or lenders. Therefore, the correct answer is C.

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In North Carolina, and in most states, ad valorem (real estate) property tax liens have “superior lien” status. They take precedence over all other liens, regardless of recording date. This includes mortgage liens and judgment liens. Therefore, even if a mortgage was recorded first, a property tax lien takes priority. Correct answer: A.

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CERCLA, commonly known as Superfund, was enacted to address the cleanup of hazardous waste sites and to assign liability for the release of hazardous substances. It empowers the EPA to identify responsible parties and take remedial actions. Therefore, the correct answer is D.

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According to North Carolina Real Estate Commission rules, any compensation—monetary or non-monetary—that a broker expects to receive from someone other than their client (e.g., a gift card from a seller) must be disclosed in writing before the broker shows the property. Brokers owe this duty of disclosure regardless of the form or source of the compensation. Therefore, Chris must disclose the offer of the $500 gift card before showing that home to Ike.