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Quizzes > Business & Finance

Real estate trivia questions to test your knowledge

Quick, free real estate quiz to test your knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Dr. Pramila D. BhoyarUpdated Aug 25, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for real estate trivia quiz on coral background

This quiz uses real estate trivia questions to help you check your grasp of contracts, titles, mortgages, and property law before an exam or your next deal. Warm up with a real estate quiz, then go deeper with the fundamentals of real estate, or sharpen terms with a quick real estate vocabulary quiz.

What is the legal term for ownership of real property that is unlimited in duration?
Leasehold estate
Tenancy at will
Fee simple absolute
Life estate
Fee simple absolute is the highest form of property ownership, granting the owner full rights to use, sell, or lease the land without time limitation or conditions. It's inheritable and freely transferable, making it the most complete interest. Lesser estates often impose conditions or limited durations.
What is the term for a property interest where one party borrows money and conveys title to a lender as security?
Encumbrance
Mortgage
Deed
Lien
A mortgage is a loan instrument in which the borrower conveys legal title to a lender as security for repayment. It creates a lien on the property while the borrower retains equitable title. If the borrower defaults, the lender may foreclose to satisfy the debt.
Which document provides public notice that a foreclosure lawsuit has been filed against a property?
Notice of default
Foreclosure deed
Lis pendens
Trustee's deed
A lis pendens is a recorded notice indicating a pending lawsuit affecting title to real property. It alerts potential buyers or lenders that the property's ownership may change due to the lawsuit. It doesn't itself convey title but ensures clouds on the title are known.
What type of listing allows a homeowner not to pay commission if they find the buyer themselves?
Net listing
Exclusive agency listing
Exclusive right to sell listing
Open listing
An exclusive agency listing grants the broker the right to market the property but allows the owner to find a buyer independently without owing a commission. In an exclusive right-to-sell, the broker earns commission regardless of who finds the buyer. Open listings allow multiple brokers but only the one who brings the buyer earns commission.
Which agency relationship is created when an agent lists a property for a seller?
Subagent
Dual agent
Seller's agent
Buyer's agent
When a broker lists a property for a seller, they become the seller's agent, owing fiduciary duties such as loyalty and disclosure. A buyer's agent represents purchasers, and a subagent assists the seller through another agency relationship. Dual agency arises when one firm represents both parties with informed consent.
What is the term for a formal written offer to purchase real estate?
Lease agreement
Sales contract
Option contract
Purchase money mortgage
A sales contract, or purchase agreement, is the formal written document outlining the terms of a real estate sale. It includes purchase price, closing date, contingencies, and other conditions. Until both parties sign, it's not enforceable under the Statute of Frauds.
Which law requires real estate sellers to disclose material defects in residential property?
Sherman Antitrust Act
State real estate disclosure statutes
Fair Housing Act
RESPA
State disclosure statutes mandate that sellers reveal known material defects in residential property to buyers. Requirements vary by jurisdiction but often cover structural, environmental, and mechanical issues. Federal law doesn't provide a general duty - state law governs.
What is an easement that benefits a neighboring parcel of land called?
Easement appurtenant
Encroachment
Easement in gross
License
An easement appurtenant grants a neighboring parcel the right to use another's land for a specific purpose, passing with the land on transfer. An easement in gross benefits an individual or entity rather than a parcel. Licenses are revocable permissions, and encroachments are trespasses.
Which type of depreciation refers to the wear and tear from physical deterioration?
External obsolescence
Physical deterioration
Economic obsolescence
Functional obsolescence
Physical deterioration is the loss in property value due to wear and tear, decay, or damage over time. Functional obsolescence arises from outdated design or features, while external (economic) obsolescence is caused by outside factors like zoning changes. Accurate depreciation analysis is essential in cost approach valuations.
What is the primary purpose of title insurance in real estate transactions?
Cover homeowner's personal property
Ensure loan repayment
Guarantee future property value
Protect against past title defects
Title insurance protects buyers and lenders from losses due to undiscovered title defects, liens, or encumbrances arising before the policy date. Unlike other insurance, it covers issues from past events rather than future risks. A title search reduces but doesn't eliminate risks, making insurance vital.
What type of agent represents the buyer's interests in a transaction?
Dual agent
Seller's agent
Buyer's agent
Transaction agent
A buyer's agent owes fiduciary duties to the purchaser, including loyalty, disclosure, and confidentiality. They negotiate terms and guide the buyer through inspections and financing. Seller's agents represent sellers, while dual agents serve both parties with consent.
Which document conveys legal title from a seller to a buyer?
Lease agreement
Bill of sale
Mortgage
Deed
A deed is the written instrument that transfers legal title to real property from grantor to grantee. It must be signed, identified by parties and property, and delivered with the intent to transfer. Recording the deed provides public notice.
What are ad valorem taxes based on?
Sale price at closing
Assessed value of the property
Square footage of the land
Number of occupants
Ad valorem taxes are property taxes levied according to the assessed value of real estate as determined by the local assessor. They fund services like schools and public safety. Rates and assessment methods vary by jurisdiction but always relate to value.
What is the minimum legal age to enter into a binding real estate contract in most states?
18 years old
16 years old
21 years old
25 years old
In most states, individuals must be at least 18 years old to enter into legally binding contracts, including those for real estate. Contracts signed by minors are voidable at the minor's option. Specific ages and exceptions can vary, but 18 is the standard.
Which mortgage payment type includes both principal and interest in each installment?
Amortized payment
Balloon payment
Interest-only payment
Adjustable-rate payment
An amortized mortgage payment covers both principal and interest, reducing the loan balance over the term. Each payment proportion shifts from interest-heavy to principal-heavy over time. Amortization schedules detail the split per installment.
When demand for real estate exceeds supply, what market condition exists?
Seller's market
Recessionary market
Balanced market
Buyer's market
A seller's market occurs when buyer demand outpaces available inventory, often leading to higher prices and multiple bids. In a buyer's market, supply exceeds demand, favoring purchasers. Balanced markets show roughly equal supply and demand.
Which clause in a mortgage allows the lender to demand full repayment if the borrower sells the property?
Defeasance clause
Due-on-sale clause
Acceleration clause
Deficiency clause
A due-on-sale clause permits the lender to accelerate the loan balance upon sale or transfer of the property without lender approval. It protects lenders from credit risks if ownership changes. An acceleration clause more generally allows full payment upon default.
Under the Statute of Frauds, which real estate contracts must be in writing to be enforceable?
Contracts for the sale of land
Personal guaranties
Contracts for personal property
Leases under one year
The Statute of Frauds requires contracts for the sale or transfer of real property interests to be in writing and signed by the parties. Oral agreements for land are unenforceable, preventing misunderstandings. Short-term leases under one year are often exempt.
What is the term for the deposit held in escrow to demonstrate a buyer's good faith?
Security deposit
Broker fee
Earnest money deposit
Down payment
Earnest money is a deposit made by the buyer to show serious intent to complete the purchase. It's held in escrow and applied toward the purchase price at closing. If the buyer defaults without valid contingency, the seller may keep the deposit.
Under RESPA, within how many business days must a lender provide a Good Faith Estimate of closing costs?
7 business days
3 business days
At closing
1 business day
The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act mandates delivery of a Good Faith Estimate within three business days of loan application. This disclosure helps borrowers anticipate closing costs and compare loan offers. RESPA promotes transparency in settlement fees.
Which federal law prohibits discrimination based on familial status in housing?
Fair Housing Act
RESPA
Sherman Act
Truth in Lending Act
The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, and disability. Familial status covers households with children under 18 or pregnant women. Enforcement is by HUD and private lawsuits.
Which type of deed provides the greatest level of warranty protection to the grantee?
General warranty deed
Quitclaim deed
Special warranty deed
Bargain and sale deed
A general warranty deed offers the broadest guarantees, including covenants of seisin, quiet enjoyment, and warranty of title against all defects, federal to the grantor's ancestors. Special warranty deeds limit warranties to defects arising during grantor's ownership. Quitclaim deeds convey only the grantor's interest without guarantees.
What mortgage type features periodic payments that do not fully amortize, requiring a large final payment?
Adjustable-rate mortgage
Reverse mortgage
Interest-only loan
Balloon mortgage
A balloon mortgage has regular payments for a fixed term that do not fully amortize the loan, leaving a lump-sum balloon payment due at maturity. Borrowers may refinance or pay off the balance at that time. Adjustable-rate loans vary interest rates, and interest-only loans delay principal payments entirely.
Which appraisal principle holds that a property's value is influenced by the value of neighboring properties?
Principle of conformity
Principle of substitution
Principle of progression
Principle of regression
The principle of conformity states that properties achieve maximum value when they are surrounded by similar properties in use, size, and age. Dissimilar neighboring uses can diminish value. Progression and regression address how higher or lower value properties affect a subject property.
Which clause in a deed limits the grantor's warranty to defects arising during their ownership?
General warranty clause
Special warranty clause
Quitclaim clause
Covenant of seisin
A special warranty deed contains covenants that the grantor warrants against title defects only for the period they owned the property. It does not cover issues predating their ownership. A general warranty deed extends protections to all prior owners. Quitclaim deeds offer no warranties.
What term describes the process of combining contiguous parcels into one larger tract?
Annexation
Partition
Subdivision
Assemblage
Assemblage is the combining of two or more contiguous parcels into a single larger parcel, often to increase overall value. Subdivision divides a large tract into smaller lots. Partition refers to dividing co-owned property upon dispute. Annexation adds territory to a municipality.
What does LTV ratio stand for in mortgage lending?
Lease-to-value ratio
Land-to-value ratio
Lien-to-value ratio
Loan-to-value ratio
The loan-to-value (LTV) ratio measures a mortgage loan amount relative to the property's appraised value. Lenders use it to assess risk - the lower the LTV, the smaller the lender's risk. It affects mortgage insurance and interest rates.
Under the Truth in Lending Act, which disclosure must lenders provide to borrowers?
Loan-to-value ratio
Debt-to-income ratio
Principal, Interest, Taxes, Insurance (PITI)
Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
TILA requires disclosure of the Annual Percentage Rate (APR), which reflects the true cost of borrowing, including fees and interest. APR helps consumers compare loan offers. Other financial ratios may be disclosed but aren't mandated by TILA.
What type of loan allows the interest rate to adjust periodically based on market indices?
Adjustable-rate mortgage
Balloon mortgage
Interest-only loan
Fixed-rate mortgage
An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) features an interest rate tied to a market index, adjusting at specified intervals. This can lower initial rates but introduces payment variability. Fixed-rate mortgages lock rates for the loan term.
Which provision in a deed of trust gives the trustee power to sell the property without court action upon default?
Acceleration clause
Defeasance clause
Power-of-sale clause
Alienation clause
The power-of-sale clause allows the trustee under a deed of trust to foreclose outside of court if the borrower defaults, selling the property at auction. Mortgages typically require judicial foreclosure unless state law provides nonjudicial procedures.
Which valuation approach relies on comparing recent sales of similar properties?
Gross rent multiplier
Income approach
Cost approach
Sales comparison approach
The sales comparison approach appraises value by analyzing recent sales of comparable properties, adjusting for differences in features. It's widely used for residential real estate. The cost approach estimates replacement cost minus depreciation, and the income approach capitalizes net income.
What easement arises from continuous, open, and hostile use of property for a statutory period?
Easement by prescription
Easement in gross
Easement by necessity
Easement by implication
An easement by prescription is created when a person's use of land is continuous, open, notorious, and adverse for the statutory period set by state law. It grants a permanent right to continue that use. Unlike implied or necessity easements, it's based on user conduct.
What is the term for an official exception granted to a property owner from strict zoning requirements?
Nonconforming use
Variance
Eminent domain
Conditional use permit
A variance is a zoning exception granted to a property owner who demonstrates that strict application of the ordinance causes undue hardship. It allows deviation from dimensional or use regulations. Conditional use permits authorize specified uses under defined conditions.
Which prohibited practice under RESPA involves referral fees for settlement services?
Deficiency judgment
Skimming
Bundling
Kickbacks
RESPA forbids kickbacks or referral fees for settlement service referrals because they inflate costs and reduce competition. Violations can lead to fines or treble damages. Honest services must be paid by the consumer directly.
Which deed conveys whatever interest the grantor has without any warranties?
Bargain and sale deed
Quitclaim deed
Special warranty deed
General warranty deed
A quitclaim deed transfers the grantor's interest in a property without making any promises about title validity or encumbrances. It's often used to cure title defects or transfer between family members. Buyers receive no protection against prior claims.
Ad valorem property taxes are primarily based on which valuation?
Replacement cost
Original purchase price
Annual rental income
Assessed market value
Ad valorem taxes are assessed based on the property's fair market value as determined by local assessors. The assessed value is multiplied by the tax rate to calculate the tax. Replacement cost and income data may inform assessments but aren't directly taxed.
What is the legal principle that allows governments to take private property for public use with compensation?
Eminent domain
Inverse condemnation
Escheat
Police power
Eminent domain grants governments the power to acquire private property for public use, such as highways, provided just compensation is paid. If an owner believes compensation is inadequate, they may challenge it through inverse condemnation. Police power regulates land use without transfer of title.
Which valuation method calculates property value by adding land value to replacement cost minus depreciation?
Sales comparison approach
Gross rent multiplier
Income approach
Cost approach
The cost approach values a property by estimating the land's value plus the cost to replace or reproduce the improvements, less depreciation. It's useful for new or special-use properties. Sales comparison is based on comparables, and income approach capitalizes net income.
Which covenant in a residential lease requires the landlord to maintain habitable premises?
Warranty of habitability
Quiet enjoyment
Suitability covenant
Covenant of seisin
The implied warranty of habitability requires residential landlords to provide and maintain safe, sanitary, and livable conditions. It covers heat, plumbing, and structural integrity. Tenants can withhold rent or repair and deduct in some jurisdictions.
What tenancy gives each co-owner an undivided interest without right of survivorship?
Tenancy by the entirety
Community property
Tenancy in common
Joint tenancy
Tenancy in common allows co-owners to hold undivided interests, which can be unequal and pass to heirs. There's no right of survivorship; a deceased owner's share transfers by will or intestacy. Joint tenancy includes survivorship rights.
What rule prohibits using prior oral agreements to alter a fully integrated written real estate contract?
Mirror image rule
Parol evidence rule
Rule against perpetuities
Statute of limitations
The parol evidence rule bars introduction of prior or contemporaneous oral or written statements that contradict a fully integrated written contract. It ensures certainty and prevents fraudulent claims of undisclosed terms. Exceptions exist for fraud or ambiguity.
Which requirement must be met for a deed to effectively transfer legal title?
Payment of transfer tax
Recording in public records
Delivery and acceptance
Presence of witnesses
Legal title transfers only upon delivery of the deed by the grantor and acceptance by the grantee, demonstrating intent to transfer ownership. Recording provides public notice but isn't required for validity. Consideration is presumed in many states.
What document commits an insurer to issue title insurance after closing?
Binder
Preliminary title report
Guarantee of title
Title commitment
A title commitment (or binder) is a preliminary report in which an insurer agrees to issue a title policy subject to conditions. It outlines exceptions and requirements prior to closing. The final policy is issued after conditions are met.
What is a restrictive covenant in a deed?
A promise limiting land use
An easement for utilities
A mandatory HOA fee
A right-of-way grant
Restrictive covenants are private agreements in deeds that limit how land can be used, such as architectural standards or land use restrictions. They can run with the land and bind future owners. They differ from public zoning regulations.
Which type of loan can be assumed by a new buyer without lender approval?
Conventional loan
Jumbo loan
VA loan
FHA loan
FHA loans are assumable by qualified buyers with lender approval but typically without requiring full underwriting, preserving original interest rates. Conventional loans usually contain due-on-sale clauses preventing assumption. VA loans also require lender consent.
In a commercial lease, what charges cover costs of common area maintenance?
Tenant improvement allowance
Escalation fee
CAM charges
Base rent
CAM (Common Area Maintenance) charges are additional rents paid by tenants to cover shared area upkeep costs, such as landscaping, lighting, and cleaning. They are often prorated based on rentable square footage. Base rent covers only the leased premises.
Under the ADA, what feature must new commercial properties provide?
Elevators only for tenants
Reserved parking for executives
Fire sprinklers
Accessible entrances
The Americans with Disabilities Act requires new commercial facilities to provide accessible entrances, routes, and features for individuals with disabilities. This includes ramps, wide doorways, and appropriate signage. Fire sprinklers and reserved parking are governed by other codes.
Under federal antitrust laws, what practice among brokers is prohibited?
Price fixing commissions
Offering volume discounts
Dual agency
Cooperating on MLS listings
Price fixing commissions among brokers violates Sherman Antitrust Act provisions against collusion. Brokers must set fees independently. Cooperating on MLS is lawful, and dual agency is regulated but not per se illegal.
What is the term for the government's power to regulate land use for public health and safety without compensation?
Police power
Inverse condemnation
Eminent domain
Escheat
Police power allows governments to enforce zoning, building codes, and health regulations without compensating landowners. Eminent domain involves taking property with compensation. Escheat transfers property to the state when there are no heirs.
What is inverse condemnation?
Eminent domain exercised with compensation
Owner sues government for taking without proper compensation
Government takes land without public use
Transfer of title due to unpaid taxes
Inverse condemnation occurs when a property owner sues the government for actions that effectively take or damage property without formal eminent domain proceedings or just compensation. Courts may award fair market value. It's the reverse of eminent domain.
Which primary feature differentiates a deed of trust from a mortgage?
It doesn't secure a debt
It requires judicial foreclosure
It uses lien theory for title
A third-party trustee holds title
In a deed of trust, a third-party trustee holds legal title until the loan is repaid, facilitating nonjudicial foreclosure via trustee sale. A mortgage creates a lien on the property and typically requires judicial foreclosure. Lien theory applies to mortgages in most states.
Which valuation method uses net operating income and a capitalization rate to estimate property value?
Income approach (capitalization)
Gross rent multiplier
Sales comparison approach
Cost approach
The income approach capitalizes a property's net operating income (NOI) by dividing it by the capitalization rate (cap rate) to estimate market value. It's essential for valuing income-producing properties. The cap rate reflects investor return expectations.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand key property law principles -

    After completing the quiz, you'll grasp foundational concepts such as estates, ownership types, and statutory definitions in real estate trivia.

  2. Identify Statute of Limitations timelines -

    You'll be able to pinpoint critical timeframes for filing property-related claims and breaches of contract.

  3. Distinguish valid contract formation and termination -

    Learn to differentiate between enforceable agreements and proper grounds for contract cancellations in real estate scenarios.

  4. Apply contract law concepts to real-world scenarios -

    Demonstrate your ability to interpret and utilize clauses in quiz-based case studies.

  5. Evaluate essential real estate trivia facts -

    Sharpen your recall of key definitions and landmark principles through targeted quiz questions.

  6. Analyze hypothetical property and contract law scenarios -

    Strengthen your critical thinking by solving situational questions on ownership disputes and contract issues.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Statute of Limitations for Written Real Estate Suits -

    Most states allow 4 - 5 years under the Statute of Limitations to file a lawsuit on a written real estate contract, so quiz yourself on deadlines as part of your real estate trivia prep. In California, for example, Code of Civil Procedure §337.2 gives a 4-year window, while New York grants 6 years under CPLR 213(2). Mnemonic: "CLOCK" (Contract Limitations Often Count as Key) helps recall these critical time bars.

  2. Statute of Frauds: Writing Requirement -

    The Statute of Frauds mandates that any real estate transaction be in writing to be enforceable, a staple of contract law trivia and the property law quiz alike. Typically, this includes purchase agreements, leases over one year, and easement grants (Uniform Commercial Code §2-201 and state statutes). Remember the phrase "If it's real, it needs ink!" to ace this topic during your real estate trivia challenge.

  3. Essential Elements of a Valid Contract -

    A valid real estate contract requires Offer, Acceptance, Consideration, Capacity, and Legal Purpose (OACCL), a key concept for any property law quiz or contract law trivia round. Without any one element, courts can deem the agreement void or voidable, so always verify each piece is present. Use the acronym "OACCL" to quickly recall these five pillars during your next real estate trivia question.

  4. Adverse Possession Fundamentals -

    Adverse possession allows a trespasser to claim title after meeting five requirements: Open, Continuous, Exclusive, Actual, and Notorious possession over a statutory period, a favorite in property law quizzes. The common mnemonic "OCEAN" helps you recall these elements and their strict state-by-state variations. Remember, this concept turns a "squat" into a square on the title in certain jurisdictions when all criteria are met.

  5. Types of Deeds and Their Covenants -

    Understanding general warranty, special warranty, and quitclaim deeds is essential for contract law trivia as each deed type carries different covenant protections and risks. A general warranty deed offers the broadest title guarantees, while a quitclaim deed conveys whatever interest the grantor holds without warranties. Test yourself by matching deed types to their covenants in your next real estate quiz to solidify this critical transfer-of-title concept.

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