NCREC-Broker-N Practice Exam Questions with Answers NC Real Estate Broker National Certification

The seller’s net proceeds are the total credits due to the seller (such as the sale price) minus all debits (such as mortgage payoff, commissions, taxes, and other closing costs). Therefore, the formula is:

Net Proceeds = Seller's Credits ? Seller's Debits.

Correct answer: D.

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The Statute of Frauds is a legal doctrine that requires certain types of contracts—including contracts for the sale of real property—to be in writing to be enforceable in a court of law. Oral agreements for real estate transactions are not enforceable under this law in North Carolina. There is no requirement that contracts be drafted by attorneys, executed by a certain date, or recorded. Therefore, the correct answer is B.

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Under the federal Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act, for residential properties built before 1978, sellers must provide buyers with a lead-based paint disclosure, a copy of any existing reports, and a federally approved lead hazard information pamphlet. In addition, buyers must be given a 10-day period to conduct their own lead inspection or risk assessment (unless waived in writing). Sellers are not required to test or remediate. Therefore, the correct answer is B.

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Liquidated damages refer to a pre-agreed amount of compensation (often the earnest money deposit) that one party is entitled to retain in the event the other party breaches the contract. In North Carolina, the standard Offer to Purchase and Contract includes provisions stating that if a buyer breaches after due diligence, the seller may retain the earnest money as liquidated damages. Therefore, the correct answer is C.

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In a cooperative (co-op) ownership arrangement, the real estate is owned by a corporation. Individual residents do not own their units as real property. Instead, they own shares of stock in the corporation and receive a proprietary lease, which gives them the right to occupy a specific unit. This contrasts with condominium ownership, where unit owners hold fee simple title. Therefore, the correct answer is D.

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According to NCREC rules and guidance, a listing broker is obligated to continue presenting all offers to the seller until closing, unless specifically instructed otherwise by the seller in writing. Even if the seller has accepted an offer, other offers must still be presented unless the transaction is completed. Brokers are not required to disclose the terms of competing offers (doing so requires written consent), nor are they required to prioritize offers based on price alone. Therefore, the correct and legally accurate answer is B.

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In North Carolina, a broker may not disclose the price or terms of one buyer’s offer to another party without the express permission of the party who made the offer. This ensures fair dealing and prevents misuse of confidential offer terms. While a seller can instruct a broker to disclose that there are multiple offers, the details (like price, due diligence fee, etc.) require written consent from the offeror. Therefore, the correct answer is B.

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An option contract gives the buyer (optionee) the exclusive right, but not the obligation, to purchase a property at a predetermined price within a specified time. The seller (optionor), however, is bound by the terms of the contract and must sell if the buyer exercises the option. Consideration (often a non-refundable option fee) is required to make the option enforceable. Therefore, the seller is obligated to sell if the buyer chooses to exercise the option, making statement B true.

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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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According to theNCREC Broker National (Broker-N)guidelines and the Federal Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), a real estate business may continue to contact a former client for up to18 monthsafter the conclusion of a transaction under the established business relationship exception, even if the client is on the National Do Not Call Registry. The NCREC’s official materials affirm this 18-month contact window.

In a net listing, the seller agrees to receive a fixed amount from the sale, and the broker retains any amount above that as commission. Net listings are legal but discouraged and closely regulated in North Carolina due to the potential for conflicts of interest and ethical concerns. The broker must disclose the actual selling price and ensure the arrangement is fully transparent. Therefore, the correct answer is C.

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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In the income approach, Net Operating Income (NOI) = Effective Gross Income ? Operating Expenses. Effective Gross Income accounts for potential rental income minus vacancy and collection losses. Mortgage payments and owner's income taxes are not considered operating expenses in appraisal calculations. Therefore, vacancy losses are essential in determining NOI. Correct answer: C.

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Under North Carolina law, a property manager acts as a general agent for the property owner and owes fiduciary duties—including loyalty, obedience, accounting, and full disclosure—to the owner. While managers must comply with fair housing and other tenant-related laws, their primary duty is to the owner of the property.

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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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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A slab-on-grade foundation is a flat concrete slab poured directly on the ground, often used in warmer climates where ground freezing is not an issue. It supports the building structure directly and does not include a crawl space or basement. Pier and beam and post and beam refer to elevated structures, while platform construction refers to framing, not the foundation. Therefore, the correct answer is D.

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A contingency is a clause in a contract that makes the agreement dependent upon a certain event or action occurring before the contract becomes fully binding. Common examples include financing, appraisal, or home inspection contingencies. An amendment modifies an existing contract, an option gives a party the right but not the obligation to act, and a stipulation may refer to a general condition but not necessarily a legal contingency. Therefore, the correct answer is B.

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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Step 1: Determine assessed value

Market value = $630,000

Assessment rate = 50%

Assessed value = $630,000 × 0.50 = $315,000

Step 2: Calculate tax

Tax rate = $32 per $1,000

$315,000 ÷ $1,000 = 315

315 × $32 = $10,080

However, this result matches option C. Therefore:

Answer: C

Corrected Final Answer: C. $10,080

Explanation Confirmed: Assessed value is 50% of $630,000 = $315,000. Tax at $32 per $1,000 means $315 × $32 = $10,080. Correct answer is C.

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In North Carolina, a nonexclusive buyer agency agreement that does not include a specific time period can initially be oral. However, before writing or presenting any offers on behalf of the buyer, the agreement must be put into writing and signed. Exclusive buyer agency agreements and any agreement that includes a fixed term must be in writing from the beginning. Therefore, the correct answer is D.

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The primary mortgage market is where loans are originated. Lenders such as commercial banks, credit unions, mortgage bankers, and savings institutions interact directly with borrowers. The Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) and Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) operate in the secondary market, purchasing existing loans. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insures loans but does not lend directly. Therefore, the correct answer is A.

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North Carolina brokers are permitted to complete preprinted, attorney-approved forms (like Standard Form 2-T) and make handwritten changes at the direction of clients. However, they may not draft legal language or new provisions—doing so constitutes the unauthorized practice of law. Brokers must refer clients to an attorney when custom provisions or legal interpretations are needed. Therefore, the correct answer is B.

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In North Carolina, a contract becomes binding when the last party to sign communicates their acceptance to the other party or the other party’s agent. Although the seller signed on Tuesday morning, the contract was not binding until the buyer was informed of the acceptance. The listing agent told the buyer agent Tuesday evening, but the buyer agent did not inform the buyer until Wednesday morning. Therefore, the contract became binding at the moment the buyer was notified—Wednesday morning. Correct answer: C.

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Under the Fair Housing Act, individuals with disabilities are permitted to make reasonable modifications to their rental unit at their own expense if the changes are necessary to afford them full enjoyment of the premises. The landlord or property manager must allow these modifications unless the property is government-subsidized housing, where the owner may be required to pay. Requiring medical proof or charging extra deposits beyond the cost of restoring the property (if applicable) is not allowed. Therefore, the correct answer is A.

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Tortious interference occurs when a person intentionally damages another party's contractual or business relationships. In real estate, this can happen if a broker actively tries to lure away a client who is currently under an exclusive agreement with another broker. It is an unethical and potentially illegal act. Therefore, the correct answer is A.

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North Carolina brokers are obligated to disclose all material facts to all parties in a transaction, regardless of representation. Planned infrastructure changes such as highway expansions may affect property value or desirability and are therefore material facts. The duty to disclose is not conditional on the buyer’s inquiry or seller’s permission. So the correct answer is C.

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Under the NC Tenant Security Deposit Act, for leases longer than month-to-month, landlords may charge a maximum security deposit equal to two months’ rent. In this case:

$1,500 × 2 = $3,000 maximum allowed.

However, the correct answer option closest to this is C: $2,250. Let's re-check.

Upon review:

If the lease is longer than month-to-month (e.g., annual lease), the maximum deposit is 2 months' rent:

$1,500 × 2 = $3,000 ? Correct answer is D.

Correct Answer: D

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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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According to the North Carolina Real Estate Commission Rules, a broker must present all offers “immediately, but in no event later than three calendar days from the date of receipt.” This rule ensures timely communication with clients, particularly in fast-moving markets. While best practice is to present the offer as soon as possible, the legal maximum is three calendar days. Therefore, the correct answer is D.

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According to NCREC advertising rules, any advertisement by a broker must clearly identify the firm with which the broker is affiliated. Failing to do so results in what is considered a “blind ad,” which is prohibited. Josh’s ad does not include his brokerage firm’s name—Atlantic Realty—so it is a blind ad. Therefore, the correct answer is D.

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