NCREC-Broker-N Real Estate NC Real Estate Broker National Free Practice Exam Questions (2025 Updated)

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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A mortgagee's (lender’s) title insurance policy protects the lender from financial loss caused by title defects that were not discovered before the mortgage was issued. The policy coverage lasts until the loan is repaid. The borrower pays a one-time premium at closing—it is not part of the monthly mortgage. Claims are based on the unpaid balance of the loan, not necessarily the full loan amount. Therefore, the correct answer is D.

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ThePrinciple of Regressionin real estate appraisal dictates that the value of a higher-quality property is negatively impacted by surrounding inferior properties. In simple terms, even a well-maintained, high-end home can lose value if it's located among less desirable homes. PrepAgent explains:

“The principle of regression states that the value of a more expensive property will decrease when less expensive properties come into the area.”

This clearly matches the definition and corresponds exactly to optionD.

Under NCREC rules, a broker must deposit any earnest money received (including cash) into the firm’s trust account within three banking days of receipt if the offer has been accepted. If the offer has not yet been accepted, the funds must be safeguarded and then deposited within three banking days following acceptance. Cash must be treated with particular care, and a detailed receipt should be provided. Therefore, the correct answer is C.

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When a broker represents both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction, dual agency arises. In North Carolina, dual agency must be disclosed and agreed to in writing by both parties before it can occur. If the agent is acting for both parties (listing and buyer agency) and this relationship has not been formally disclosed and agreed upon, it creates an undisclosed and therefore illegal dual agency. Correct answer: D.

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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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NCREC rules require that brokers deliver a copy of any executed (signed) document to all parties within 3 calendar days. However, a stricter rule applies to offers and contracts: any signed agency agreement or sales contract must be delivered within 3 days, and any executed offer must be delivered "immediately, but in no case later than 3 days." Best practice—and NCREC recommendation—is within 24 hours. Therefore, the most accurate and safe answer is A.

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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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Under the NCREC Rules and Code of Ethics, a broker may not interfere with another firm’s existing exclusive listing agreement. However, if a seller independently initiates a conversation, a broker is allowed to discuss the terms of a future agreement — but that agreement must begin only after the current listing expires. The broker must not suggest early termination or breach of contract. Therefore, option A accurately reflects what is legally and ethically permissible.

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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Under NCREC rules, the Working With Real Estate Agents Disclosure must be presented and reviewed with a prospective buyer or seller at the first substantial contact. “Substantial contact” occurs when conversations begin to include personal, financial, or confidential information. It does not have to be tied to signing an agreement or making an offer. Therefore, the correct answer is B.

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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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The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and familial status. Familial status includes pregnant women and families with children under 18. Age and military status are not federally protected classes under this law (though they may be under local ordinances). Marital status is not a protected class under federal law either. Therefore, the correct answer is B.

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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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NC brokers are bound by an affirmative duty to both discover and disclose material facts to all parties in a transaction, not just their clients. This includes facts they know or should reasonably know, such as structural defects, zoning violations, or environmental issues. This duty exists regardless of whom the broker represents. Therefore, option A is correct.

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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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