NCREC-Broker-N Questions and Answers

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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North Carolina rules prohibit a broker from representing a buyer in the purchase of property in which the broker has an ownership interest, regardless of whether the property is a vacation home, primary residence, or investment. The potential for conflict of interest is considered too great, and no form of dual or designated agency is permitted in such situations. Therefore, the broker cannot represent the buyer under any circumstances.

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According to 21 NCAC 58A .0104(a), a written agency agreement in North Carolina must include the broker’s license number and a definite expiration date. These are required by the Commission to ensure regulatory clarity and accountability. A broker protection clause is optional and negotiated between parties. Automatic renewal clauses are prohibited in listing agreements. Therefore, the correct and required component is the broker’s license number.

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An offer may be withdrawn at any time prior to acceptance and communication of that acceptance. Even if the offer specifies a time frame for response, it does not prevent the buyer from withdrawing it before acceptance. Since the seller had not accepted the offer, the buyer has the legal right to withdraw and receive their earnest money back. Therefore, the correct answer is C.

This is anexpresscontract because terms are clearly stated, andexecutorybecause performance (finding a buyer) is yet to occur. It is not executed until the broker succeeds. Thus, it's anexpress, executorycontract as defined in contract law and Broker‑N study materials.

According to North Carolina Real Estate Commission rules, if an earnest money deposit is received with an offer and held by the broker, it must be deposited in the trust account no later than 3 banking days after the broker has received notice of contract acceptance (i.e., when the offer becomes a binding contract). Therefore, the correct answer is B.

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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.

FHA mortgage qualification uses two ratios:

Housing ratio (Front-end): 31% of monthly gross income

Total debt ratio (Back-end): 43% of monthly gross income

Step 1: Calculate max housing (front-end)

31% × $6,800 = $2,108

Step 2: Calculate max total debts (back-end)

43% × $6,800 = $2,924

Subtract monthly debts: $485 + $200 + $1,500 = $2,185

Max mortgage payment allowed = $2,924 − $2,185 = $739

The borrower is limited by the back-end ratio, so the maximum housing expense is $739.

Correct Answer: A

Note: The initial selected answer choice “B. $1,763” would exceed the debt ratio when combined with existing monthly obligations. The correct final answer is A.

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In North Carolina, joint tenancy includes the right of survivorship unless otherwise stated. If a deed says "as joint tenants," and right of survivorship is implied or established, then Harold’s share automatically passes to the surviving joint tenants (Jack and Jill), regardless of Harold’s will. Since nothing indicates the tenancy was anything other than traditional joint tenancy with survivorship, Jack and Jill receive Harold's share.

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A variance is an exception to a zoning ordinance granted by the local zoning board when strict enforcement would cause undue hardship due to unique property conditions. In this case, the lot is too narrow for the minimum width requirement, but the buyer can seek a variance to proceed legally. A nonconforming use applies to existing properties that no longer comply after zoning changes. 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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The cost approach to value involves three primary steps: (1) estimate the replacement or reproduction cost of the improvements, (2) subtract accrued depreciation, and (3) add the market value of the land. In this case, the appraiser has already estimated the cost to rebuild the structure. The next steps are to subtract any depreciation from the improvements and then add the land value to derive the final opinion of value. Labor costs are already factored into the reconstruction estimate and are not added again.

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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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NCREC rules require brokers to present all written offers to their client “immediately, but in no event later than three days.” However, standard practice and Commission guidance emphasize that brokers must present offers no later than the end of the next business day after receipt. This ensures timely communication and allows the seller to respond promptly, especially in a competitive market. Therefore, the correct answer is B.

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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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An exclusive agency listing agreement gives the listing brokerage the exclusive right to market the property, but if the seller personally finds the buyer (e.g., a co-worker), no commission is owed. In contrast, an exclusive right to sell agreement would entitle the brokerage to a commission regardless of who finds the buyer. Therefore, the correct answer is A.

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Any change to the terms of a binding real estate contract must be made in writing and signed by all parties. In this case, the original Offer to Purchase and Contract remains valid, and the parties are modifying the terms (adjusting the sales price due to damage). This should be documented using a formal amendment. Therefore, the correct answer is C.

The North Carolina Good Funds Settlement Act requires that no disbursement of funds—including broker commissions—can be made until the deed and any deed of trust are recorded in the public records. Only once the documents are recorded can the closing attorney legally disburse funds. Thus, brokers should expect to be paid only after recording, making answer C correct.

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According to the North Carolina Timeshare Act, a purchaser of a timeshare has the right to cancel the purchase without penalty within five (5) calendar days after execution of the contract. This right of rescission is non-waivable and must be disclosed in the contract. The cancellation does not require a reason and must be honored fully. Therefore, the correct answer is B.

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In the sales comparison approach, appraisers always make adjustments to the comparable properties — never to the subject property — to reflect how they differ from the subject. This ensures that all comparables are on an equal footing with the subject being appraised. Thus, answer B is correct.

A "seller's market" occurs whendemand exceeds supply, resulting in strong buyer competition. The most common real-world effect ismultiple offers on listed properties, intensifying competition and giving sellers leverage. This matches optionB. The definitions in NCREC study guides, textbooks, and appraisal resources all align with this scenario.

Under the federal Fair Housing Act, religious organizations may limit occupancy of their non-profit housing to persons of the same religion, provided the property is not operated commercially and there is no discrimination based on race, color, or national origin. Thus, option D is correct — the charity may lawfully restrict tenancy to members of its own faith.

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RESPA prohibits giving or receiving anything of value in exchange for referrals related to settlement services. However, a title company using space provided by a brokerage (without compensation tied to referrals) for mutual client convenience may be permitted as long as fair market value is paid (if rent is involved) and there is no requirement or agreement for referrals. The other choices involve direct value exchange for referrals, which are prohibited. Correct answer: A.

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Under North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC) rules, a broker may begin working with a buyer under oral buyer agency but must have a signed, written buyer agency agreement in place before presenting any offer on behalf of that buyer. Oral agency cannot be exclusive or have a defined time frame. Additionally, the broker must provide the Working with Real Estate Agents Disclosure at first substantial contact. Therefore, oral buyer agency is permissible temporarily but must convert to a written agreement before drafting or presenting an offer, making option C correct.

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In North Carolina, a deed must be in writing, signed by the grantor, and delivered to the grantee to be valid. However, acknowledgment (notarization) is not required for validity—but it is required for the deed to be recorded at the county Register of Deeds. Recording provides constructive notice of ownership. Therefore, the correct answer is C.

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Capital gain is determined by subtracting theadjusted basis(original cost plus improvements minus depreciation) from theamount realized(selling price minus selling costs). This matchesAmount Realized – Adjusted Basisas per the Broker‑N Financing and Taxation section.

NCREC rules allow a broker to be affiliated with more than one firm or broker-in-charge at the same time, but only with the express written consent of both BICs. This is often the case when brokers want to work in both commercial and residential markets or split their time between geographic locations. Therefore, the correct answer is A.

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To qualify for Broker-in-Charge Eligible status in North Carolina, a broker must have at least three years of full-time brokerage experience (or equivalent part-time experience) within the past five years. Additionally, they must complete the 12-hour Broker-in-Charge Course. Option B is incorrect due to the course length (not 24 hours), and option D is incorrect because a broker-in-charge can only manage one physical office location. Option C is incorrect as branch offices may also have a separate BIC. Therefore, A is the correct answer.

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In appraisal practice, when adjusting a comparable property to reflect differences from the subject property, the adjustment is always made to the comparable. Since the comparable has a finished basement worth $10,000 and the subject does not, we subtract $10,000 from the comparable's sale price to estimate what it would have sold for if it were more like the subject.

$300,000 − $10,000 = $290,000.

Therefore, the correct answer is A.

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According to the North Carolina Real Estate Commission, brokers must retain records related to a real estate transaction for a minimum of three years from the date of closing or termination of the transaction. These records include contracts, agency agreements, disclosures, and correspondence. Therefore, C is the correct answer.

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In North Carolina, if a property borders a non-navigable river or stream, the property owner holds riparian rights. This means the owner's property extends to the centerline of the watercourse. Littoral rights, by contrast, apply to properties bordering large, navigable bodies of water such as oceans and lakes. The owner does not own the water and cannot restrict its natural flow or public use where applicable. Therefore, the correct answer is C.

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A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) is a tool used by real estate brokers to estimate the probable selling price of a property based on recently sold, active, and expired listings of similar properties. The primary purpose is to assist a seller in determining a reasonable and competitive listing price. Unlike a formal appraisal, a CMA is not intended for use by appraisers, insurers, or lenders. Therefore, the correct answer is C.

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