– Actual Questions with Answers & Rationales |
Study Guide & Prep | pdf
Introduction:
This exam is designed to help aspiring real estate professionals prepare for the PSI National Real Estate
Exam. It covers key topics including property ownership, contracts, financing, agency, real estate law,
and professional practices. Each question includes the correct answer and a brief rationale to reinforce
understanding and improve exam readiness.
This exam covers the key areas tested on the PSI National Real Estate Exam:
1. Property Ownership & Land Use
o Types of estates: fee simple, life estate, joint tenancy, tenancy in common, community
property
o Easements, encroachments, and other property rights
o Governmental powers: zoning, police power, eminent domain, taxation, escheat
2. Contracts & Agency
o Elements of valid contracts: offer, acceptance, consideration, legal purpose
o Listing agreements: exclusive right-to-sell, exclusive agency, open, net listings
o Agency relationships: express, implied, dual agency, fiduciary duties
3. Financing & Mortgages
o Types of loans: FHA, VA, conventional, USDA, balloon, adjustable-rate
o Amortization, escrow, mortgage liens, secondary mortgage market
o Truth-in-Lending Act (TILA), Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA)
4. Property Valuation & Appraisal
o Market value vs. assessed value vs. replacement cost
o Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)
o Appraisal methods and their applications
5. Real Estate Law & Ethics
o Fair Housing Act and anti-discrimination regulations
o Sherman Antitrust Act
o Legal transfer of property: deeds, conveyances, title insurance
o Adverse possession, eminent domain, recording acts
6. Professional Practices
o License requirements and ethical duties
o First-party and third-party disclosure obligations
o Risk management and antitrust compliance
7. Closing & Settlement Procedures
o Escrow accounts, settlement statements, closing costs
o Earnest money and its role
o Title searches, insurance, and the recording process
8. Property Management & Leasing
, o Lease types: gross lease, net lease, percentage lease
o Tenant and landlord obligations
o Maintenance, rent collection, and legal enforcement
1. What is the legal term for the right to use another person’s land for a specific
purpose?
A. Easement
B. Encroachment
C. Covenant
D. Lease
Answer: A. Easement
Rationale: An easement grants someone limited use of another’s property
without ownership.
2. What is the primary purpose of a real estate license?
A. Protect public interest and ensure ethical practice
B. Guarantee profits for agents
C. Transfer property ownership
D. Provide insurance for brokers
Answer: A. Protect public interest and ensure ethical practice
Rationale: Licensing regulates the profession and safeguards consumers.
3. Which of the following is considered personal property?
A. A refrigerator
B. Land
C. Built-in cabinets
D. Ceiling beams
,Answer: A. A refrigerator
Rationale: Personal property is movable and not permanently attached to the
land.
4. A contract that is legally enforceable must have which element?
A. Offer, acceptance, consideration, legal purpose
B. Oral agreement only
C. Signature of a witness only
D. Recorded with the county
Answer: A. Offer, acceptance, consideration, legal purpose
Rationale: These are the essential elements of a valid contract.
5. Which type of listing agreement guarantees the broker a commission even if
the owner sells the property?
A. Exclusive right-to-sell
B. Exclusive agency
C. Open listing
D. Net listing
Answer: A. Exclusive right-to-sell
Rationale: This agreement ensures the broker is paid regardless of who sells.
6. What is a mortgage lien?
A. A legal claim against a property as security for a loan
B. Ownership of the property
C. A type of insurance
D. A zoning restriction
Answer: A. A legal claim against a property as security for a loan
Rationale: The lien protects the lender’s interest until the debt is repaid.
, 7. Which type of estate is limited to a person’s lifetime?
A. Life estate
B. Fee simple absolute
C. Leasehold estate
D. Tenancy in common
Answer: A. Life estate
Rationale: Ownership lasts only for the life of the named person.
8. What is the primary purpose of a deed?
A. To transfer ownership of real property
B. To provide insurance
C. To secure a loan
D. To assess property taxes
Answer: A. To transfer ownership of real property
Rationale: A deed legally conveys title from seller to buyer.
9. Which document creates an agency relationship between a broker and client?
A. Listing agreement
B. Deed
C. Mortgage
D. Title report
Answer: A. Listing agreement
Rationale: The agreement establishes the broker’s authority to act on behalf of
the client.
10. What is a dual agency?