with Answers & Detailed Rationales, National Real Estate
Principles, Property Ownership, Land Use, Agency, Contracts,
Finance & Ohio License Law
Question 1
Which item is legally defined in Ohio as a fixture?
A. A window air conditioning unit
B. A ceiling fan wired into the home's electrical system
C. A refrigerator with an ice maker connected to a water line
D. Area rugs covering hardwood floors
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Ohio law defines a fixture as an item of tangible personal property permanently
attached or affixed to land or a building that primarily benefits the realty, not the occupant's
business. A hardwired ceiling fan is permanently attached and benefits the real property.
Question 2
A buyer purchases a home with a freestanding microwave, a built-in dishwasher, and
decorative window shutters that are bolted to the exterior. Which of these is most likely to
remain with the property?
A. The freestanding microwave
B. The built-in dishwasher
C. The window shutters only if the seller agrees
D. None of the items transfer with the property
,Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Built-in appliances are generally fixtures because they are permanently installed
and removal would damage the property. Freestanding appliances and removable decorative
items are typically personal property.
Question 3
An owner holds title to a property "to Alice for life, then to the heirs of Alice." What type of
estate does Alice hold?
A. Fee simple absolute
B. Life estate
C. Fee tail
D. Leasehold estate
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A life estate grants ownership for the duration of a specified person's life. The
grantor retains a reversionary interest if the grantee is the measuring life and no remainder
is specified.
Question 4
Two friends purchase a property together. Each owns 50%, and when one dies, their share
passes to their estate rather than to the surviving friend. This is:
A. Joint tenancy
B. Tenancy in common
C. Tenancy by the entirety
D. Community property
,Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Tenancy in common allows each owner to hold a distinct, divisible share that
passes through probate upon death. Joint tenancy requires right of survivorship language.
Question 5
A property owner grants a neighbor permission to cross her land to access a fishing pond.
The agreement is oral and the neighbor uses the path for three years. What interest has
been created?
A. Easement by prescription
B. Easement by necessity
C. License
D. Easement appurtenant
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: A license is revocable permission to use another's land. It is not an easement
because it lacks permanence, writing, and the statutory period required for prescription.
Question 6
A property is subject to a lien for unpaid property taxes and a mortgage recorded in 2020.
Which lien has priority?
A. The mortgage, because it was recorded first
B. The property tax lien, because tax liens have super-priority
C. The mechanic's lien, if one exists
D. Priority is determined by dollar amount
, Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Property tax liens generally take priority over all other liens regardless of
recording date. This super-priority status ensures governments can collect tax revenue.
Question 7
Which government power allows a city to take private property for a public highway?
A. Police power
B. Taxation
C. Eminent domain
D. Escheat
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Eminent domain is the government's right to take private property for public
use with just compensation. Police power regulates use; taxation raises revenue; escheat
handles ownerless property.
Question 8
A zoning ordinance requires a 25-foot front setback. A homeowner wants to build a porch
extending 20 feet from the front wall. What must the owner seek?
A. A conditional use permit
B. A variance
C. A nonconforming use
D. A special exception
Correct Answer: B