California Real Estate Salesperson Exam 2026 – 190 Practice
Questions with Answers & Detailed Rationales, Property Ownership,
Agency, Contracts, Financing, Valuation, Transfer of Property &
California Real Estate Law
SECTION 1: PROPERTY OWNERSHIP AND LAND USE CONTROLS (Questions 1-29)
Question 1
Which characteristic of real property distinguishes it from personal property?
A. Portability
B. Immobility
C. Fungibility
D. Depreciability
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Real property is immovable and attached to land, whereas personal property is
movable. Immobility is a defining legal characteristic of real estate.
Question 2
A property owner grants a neighbor the right to cross her land to reach a public road. This
right is known as:
A. A lien
B. An easement
,C. A license
D. A profit
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: An easement grants a non-possessory right to use another's land for a specific
purpose, such as access.
Question 3
Which California property ownership form allows spouses to transfer property to each other
without reassessment under Proposition 19?
A. Joint tenancy
B. Tenancy in common
C. Community property
D. Sole ownership
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: California allows transfers between spouses as community property without
property tax reassessment under Proposition 19.
Question 4
A homeowner's association imposes restrictions on fence height and paint colors. These
restrictions are examples of:
A. Public controls
,B. Private controls
C. Eminent domain
D. Police power
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions) are private controls
established by HOAs that bind property owners.
Question 5
A property is encumbered by a deed of trust. The borrower is known as the:
A. Beneficiary
B. Trustor
C. Trustee
D. Mortgagee
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: In a deed of trust, the trustor is the borrower who transfers title to a trustee as
security for a loan.
Question 6
What is the primary purpose of zoning ordinances?
A. To raise property taxes
, B. To regulate land use
C. To establish property values
D. To control interest rates
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Zoning regulates land use by designating permitted uses, density, and building
requirements within districts.
Question 7
A property owner acquires title through adverse possession. Which requirement must be
met?
A. Payment of property taxes for five years
B. Open and notorious possession for the statutory period
C. Written permission from the owner
D. Recording a quitclaim deed
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Adverse possession requires open, notorious, continuous, and hostile
possession for the statutory period, typically five years in California.
Question 8
The government takes private property for public use with just compensation. This power is
called:
Questions with Answers & Detailed Rationales, Property Ownership,
Agency, Contracts, Financing, Valuation, Transfer of Property &
California Real Estate Law
SECTION 1: PROPERTY OWNERSHIP AND LAND USE CONTROLS (Questions 1-29)
Question 1
Which characteristic of real property distinguishes it from personal property?
A. Portability
B. Immobility
C. Fungibility
D. Depreciability
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Real property is immovable and attached to land, whereas personal property is
movable. Immobility is a defining legal characteristic of real estate.
Question 2
A property owner grants a neighbor the right to cross her land to reach a public road. This
right is known as:
A. A lien
B. An easement
,C. A license
D. A profit
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: An easement grants a non-possessory right to use another's land for a specific
purpose, such as access.
Question 3
Which California property ownership form allows spouses to transfer property to each other
without reassessment under Proposition 19?
A. Joint tenancy
B. Tenancy in common
C. Community property
D. Sole ownership
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: California allows transfers between spouses as community property without
property tax reassessment under Proposition 19.
Question 4
A homeowner's association imposes restrictions on fence height and paint colors. These
restrictions are examples of:
A. Public controls
,B. Private controls
C. Eminent domain
D. Police power
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions) are private controls
established by HOAs that bind property owners.
Question 5
A property is encumbered by a deed of trust. The borrower is known as the:
A. Beneficiary
B. Trustor
C. Trustee
D. Mortgagee
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: In a deed of trust, the trustor is the borrower who transfers title to a trustee as
security for a loan.
Question 6
What is the primary purpose of zoning ordinances?
A. To raise property taxes
, B. To regulate land use
C. To establish property values
D. To control interest rates
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Zoning regulates land use by designating permitted uses, density, and building
requirements within districts.
Question 7
A property owner acquires title through adverse possession. Which requirement must be
met?
A. Payment of property taxes for five years
B. Open and notorious possession for the statutory period
C. Written permission from the owner
D. Recording a quitclaim deed
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Adverse possession requires open, notorious, continuous, and hostile
possession for the statutory period, typically five years in California.
Question 8
The government takes private property for public use with just compensation. This power is
called:
