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Quizzes > Business & Finance

Real estate trivia questions to test your property know-how

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

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Erin EidenshikUpdated Aug 24, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art of house question marks trophy and real estate icons for free trivia quiz on golden yellow background

This real estate trivia quiz helps you check your knowledge of property terms, famous buildings, and market basics. When you finish, explore real estate trivia questions, take a real estate fundamentals quiz, or sharpen terms with a real estate vocabulary quiz. Answer quick, clear questions and see where you stand today.

What document legally transfers ownership of real property from the seller to the buyer?
Mortgage
Title insurance policy
Deed
Option contract
A deed is the formal legal instrument that conveys title to real property from one party to another. It must be signed, notarized, and recorded to be effective. Mortgages and title insurance policies are related to financing and risk protection, not ownership transfer. .
Which type of mortgage features a fixed interest rate and a 30-year repayment term?
Interest-only loan
Balloon loan
Adjustable-rate mortgage
30-year fixed-rate mortgage
A 30-year fixed-rate mortgage locks in the interest rate for the entire 30-year term, making monthly payments predictable. Adjustable-rate mortgages change rate over time. Interest-only loans let the borrower pay only interest initially, and balloon loans require a large payment at the end. .
Which government agency insures loans under the Federal Housing Administration program?
Freddie Mac
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Fannie Mae
Federal Housing Administration (FHA)
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) provides mortgage insurance on loans made by approved lenders. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac purchase and guarantee mortgages but do not directly insure FHA loans. The VA backs loans for veterans separately. .
Real estate agent commissions are most commonly expressed as what percentage of the home's sale price?
5-6%
1-2%
2-3%
10-12%
In many U.S. markets, real estate commissions typically range between 5% and 6% of the final sale price, split between buyer's and seller's agents. This rate is negotiated but often follows local norms. Lower or higher commission structures are possible, but 5-6% remains standard. .
What does MLS stand for in real estate listings?
Mortgage Lending Standards
Multiple Listing Service
Master Lease System
Market-Level Statistics
MLS stands for Multiple Listing Service, a database used by real estate professionals to share property listings with cooperating brokers. It increases market exposure for sellers and provides buyers access to comprehensive listing information. .
In real estate, what is a short sale?
A sale at a price below market value agreed by seller
A sale conditional on a future appraisal
A sale where the lender accepts less than the owed mortgage to avoid foreclosure
A sale finalized in under 30 days
A short sale occurs when a homeowner sells the property for less than the outstanding mortgage balance with lender approval to prevent foreclosure. The lender agrees to accept a reduced payoff. Short sales can be lengthy and complex but may be less damaging to credit than foreclosure. .
How is the assessed value for property tax typically determined?
Original purchase price
Owner's declared value
Estimated market value assigned by a tax assessor
Replacement cost of the building
Local tax assessors estimate property's market value periodically based on recent sales of comparable properties and local market conditions. The assessed value is then multiplied by the tax rate to calculate property tax. Purchase price or replacement cost aren't typically used directly. .
What does the capitalization rate (cap rate) represent in real estate investing?
The loan-to-value ratio
The annual gross rental yield
The vacancy rate forecast
The ratio of net operating income to property value
Cap rate is calculated by dividing a property's net operating income by its current market value. It provides a quick measure of potential return and risk. Higher cap rates indicate higher risk or undervalued properties. .
In real estate listings, what does FSBO stand for?
Financing Secured By Owner
For Sale By Owner
Foreclosure Sale By Owner
First Sale By Owner
FSBO means For Sale By Owner, indicating the homeowner is selling the property without a listing agent to avoid commission fees. Buyers deal directly with the seller. This method can save costs but may limit marketing reach. .
What is eminent domain?
A zoning board's approval process
Government's right to take private property for public use with compensation
A tenant's right to stay after lease expires
A lender's foreclosure authority
Eminent domain allows government entities to seize private property for public projects (like roads) provided they offer fair market compensation. Property owners can challenge the taking and compensation amount in court. .
What is zoning in the context of real estate development?
A form of property tax assessment
Regulations dividing land into districts with permitted uses
A lending guideline for borrower income
A process for foreclosing on a property
Zoning laws segment a municipality into zones (residential, commercial, industrial) with specific rules on land use, building size, and density. They guide development to protect public health and property values. Variances may be granted for unique circumstances. .
What is a 1031 exchange in U.S. real estate tax code?
A foreclosure avoidance mechanism
A swap of like-kind properties to defer capital gains tax
A section governing short sales
A loan program for first-time buyers
Under IRS Section 1031, investors can defer capital gains tax by reinvesting proceeds from a sold property into another like-kind property within strict timeframes. The benefit is tax deferral, not exemption. Complex rules apply regarding timelines and property identification. .
What is a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT)?
A trust holding mortgages for securitization
A nonprofit land conservation entity
A partnership for flipping residential homes
A company owning income-producing real estate that trades like a stock
A REIT is a company that owns or finances income-generating real estate across various property sectors. It offers investors dividends and liquidity by trading shares on exchanges. REITs must distribute at least 90% of taxable income to shareholders. .
In real estate transactions, what does escrow refer to?
A neutral third party holding funds and documents until closing conditions are met
A title search process
A lender's loan servicing department
A type of homeowner's insurance
Escrow is the practice of using a third-party agent to hold earnest money, documents, and funds during a transaction until both buyer and seller meet contract conditions. This process safeguards against fraud or contract breaches. Funds are only released when all stipulations are satisfied. .
Why is the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio critical in commercial real estate lending?
It measures the property's rental yield
It sets the borrower's credit score requirement
It determines the cap rate for the asset
It indicates the lender's risk by comparing loan amount to property value
The LTV ratio compares the loan amount against the appraised value or purchase price, guiding lenders on risk exposure. A lower LTV means more borrower equity and reduced default risk. High LTVs may require mortgage insurance or higher interest rates. .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Recall Key Real Estate Trivia Facts -

    Demonstrate knowledge of essential real estate trivia concepts by recalling definitions, historical milestones, and industry trivia real estate facts covered in the quiz.

  2. Assess Market Trends -

    Evaluate your understanding of market trends by analyzing quiz questions on price fluctuations, demand drivers, and real estate quiz scenarios.

  3. Identify Property Law Principles -

    Recognize fundamental property law concepts such as ownership rights, zoning regulations, and legal terminology through targeted real estate trivia questions.

  4. Differentiate Iconic Listings -

    Distinguish legendary properties and notable listings by matching unique features to famous real estate trivia examples.

  5. Apply Real Estate Terminology -

    Use correct industry terms and jargon confidently in discussions or further study after practicing with our engaging trivia real estate quiz.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Capitalization Rate (Cap Rate) -

    Cap Rate measures investment potential by dividing net operating income by current market value (Cap Rate = NOI ÷ Property Value). This metric, endorsed by MIT's Real Estate Center and the National Association of Realtors, allows investors to compare the returns of different properties. Remember "NOI over Value" as your quick mnemonic for calculating cap rates during any real estate trivia.

  2. Loan-to-Value Ratio (LTV) -

    The LTV ratio, defined by Federal Reserve and Fannie Mae guidelines, calculates loan amount divided by property appraised value (LTV = Loan ÷ Value). A lower LTV often secures better interest rates and lower mortgage insurance premiums. Use "Loan over Value" to recall the ratio and evaluate financing risk in your real estate quiz answers.

  3. Three Approaches to Value -

    Per the Appraisal Institute, the three main valuation methods are the Sales Comparison, Cost, and Income approaches, each suitable for different property types. In real estate trivia, remember "SCI" (Sales, Cost, Income) to identify which approach you'd apply - comparing comps, replacing costs, or capitalizing income streams. This framework underpins most university-level appraisal courses and professional exams.

  4. Bundle of Rights -

    Originating in common law and detailed in Cornell Law School's real estate summaries, the "Bundle of Rights" includes possession, control, enjoyment, exclusion, and disposition of property. Mnemonic "PC-EED" (Possess, Control, Enjoy, Exclude, Dispose) helps you recall these five fundamental rights. This concept is central to property law questions in any real estate trivia challenge.

  5. Fair Housing Act (1968) -

    Enforced by HUD, the Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in housing transactions. Knowing landmark laws like this - often covered in academic texts from university real estate programs - will help you tackle legal trivia and uphold ethical standards. Think "1968 Fairness" to link the year with unbiased property practices.

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