Massachusetts-Real-Estate-Salesperson Exam Questions and Answers (Page: 3)

QUESTION: 17 Exam Topic: 1, Section 1

Which of the following property valuation estimates or reports would have to be prepared by a licensed or certified appraiser?

a broker's price opinion
a comparative market analysis
a reconciliation report for an FHA loan
a value analysis for a non-residential property valued below $250,000

Answer(s): C

Explanation:

Under federal law (FIRREA Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989), any appraisal used in connection with a federally related transaction (such as FHA-insured or VA- guaranteed loans) must be prepared by a state-licensed or state-certified appraiser.

While brokers and salespersons in Massachusetts may prepare broker price opinions (BPOs) and comparative market analyses (CMAs), these are considered marketing tools and cannot substitute for a certified appraisal in federally related transactions. Likewise, although smaller non-residential properties under $250,000 may sometimes qualify for alternative valuation methods, FHA loan underwriting requires a formal appraisal with reconciliation prepared by a licensed appraiser.

Thus, the correct answer is C: reconciliation report for an FHA loan.

Reference:

Massachusetts Real Estate Salesperson Candidate Handbook Appraisal; FIRREA (12 U.S.C. § 33313351).

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QUESTION: 18 Exam Topic: 1, Section 1

A licensee lists a property and discovers that the property is too far away to market effectively. The licensee's firm retains the listing, but does not advertise or show it.
Which of the following has been violated?

fiduciary responsibility
Consumer Protection Act
seller disclosure laws
statute of frauds

Answer(s): A

Explanation:

When a broker accepts a listing agreement, they enter into a fiduciary relationship with the seller. This relationship requires loyalty, obedience, disclosure, confidentiality, accounting, and reasonable care/diligence.

If the licensee fails to market, advertise, or show the property, they are breaching their duty of diligence and care as well as loyalty to the seller's best interests. This is a direct violation of fiduciary responsibility.

The Consumer Protection Act (B) addresses deceptive business practices, seller disclosure laws (C) apply to condition disclosures, and the Statute of Frauds (D) requires certain contracts (like real estate sales) to be in writing. None apply as directly as fiduciary duties in this scenario.

Thus, the correct answer is A: fiduciary responsibility.

Reference:

Massachusetts Real Estate Salesperson Candidate Handbook Agency & Fiduciary Duties; 254 CMR 3.00 (Board of Registration).

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QUESTION: 19 Exam Topic: 1, Section 1

A seller wants $120,000 for a home and still owes $20,000 of the original loan at 7% interest. The current interest rate is 12%. A buyer can pay $60,000 down and wants to carry a mortgage that includes the seller's $20,000 existing mortgage and the remaining $40,000 for a total of $60,000 at an interest rate of 10%.
What kind of mortgage loan is this?

blanket
equity
wraparound
buydown

Answer(s): C

Explanation:

A wraparound mortgage is a type of seller financing in which the new loan "wraps around" an existing loan. The buyer makes one combined payment to the seller, who continues paying the original loan while retaining the difference.

In this case:

The seller owes $20,000 at 7%.

The buyer wants to borrow $60,000 total ($20,000 existing + $40,000 new).

The new loan is structured at 10% interest, covering both debts.

This is exactly how a wraparound mortgage works: the seller finances the buyer's loan, keeps the existing mortgage in place, and earns the difference between the interest rates.

The other options:

Blanket mortgage (A): covers multiple parcels.

Equity loan (B): based on homeowner equity.

Buydown (D): involves prepaying interest to reduce borrower's rate.

Correct answer: C: wraparound.

Reference:

Massachusetts Real Estate Salesperson Candidate Handbook Financing; Real Estate Finance Principles.

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QUESTION: 20 Exam Topic: 1, Section 1

What kind of lease would require the lessee to pay the taxes, insurance, repairs, and other operating expenses of the premises in addition to the regular rental payment?

percentage lease
gross lease
graduated lease
net lease

Answer(s): D

Explanation:

In a net lease, the tenant (lessee) is responsible not only for the base rent but also for additional property expenses such as real estate taxes, insurance, maintenance, and sometimes repairs. This is common in commercial leasing, particularly for office buildings and retail space.

A gross lease (B) means the landlord pays all expenses, while the tenant pays only rent. A percentage lease (A) bases rent partly on tenant sales (common in retail malls). A graduated lease (C) allows rent increases at set intervals.

Because the question describes a tenant paying rent plus taxes, insurance, and operating expenses, this is a net lease.

Reference:

Massachusetts Real Estate Salesperson Candidate Handbook Leasing & Property Management; Commercial Leasing Practices.

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QUESTION: 21 Exam Topic: 1, Section 1

Which of the following is used in the cost approach when estimating the value of improvements?

The assessed value of the property including the land.
How much it would cost to build a similar building at today's cost.
The price per square foot of comparable properties.
Location, available financing, and depreciation.

Answer(s): B

Explanation:

The cost approach to value is based on the principle of substitution, which states that a buyer will not pay more for a property than the cost to build a comparable one. In this method, the appraiser estimates the current cost of constructing the improvements using either the replacement cost (cost to build a similar building with modern materials and methods) or the reproduction cost (exact duplicate of the original).

The appraiser then subtracts depreciation (physical deterioration, functional obsolescence, or economic obsolescence) and adds the land value (determined separately). This approach is most often used for special-purpose properties (schools, churches, government buildings) where comparable sales are limited.

The other options are incorrect:

Assessed value (A) is for taxation, not appraisal.

Price per square foot (C) is a sales comparison method.

Location/financing (D) are factors but not a direct step in the cost approach.

Reference:

Massachusetts Real Estate Salesperson Candidate Handbook Appraisal Methods; USPAP Standards.

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QUESTION: 22 Exam Topic: 1, Section 1

A buyer and broker enter into a 3-month exclusive buyer agency agreement. With regard to the broker's right to be compensated and to work with other clients, this means that during the term of this agreement, the broker

must be compensated by the seller.
is only due compensation if the buyer purchases one of the broker's listings.
is entitled to compensation even if the buyer purchases a property that they locate.
may not show a property to other buyers until the buyer decides if they want to make an offer.

Answer(s): C

Explanation:

An exclusive buyer agency agreement creates a contractual relationship between the buyer and the broker, obligating the buyer to compensate the broker if they purchase any property during the agreement period -- regardless of who finds the property (buyer, another broker, or even a FSBO).

This ensures the broker is compensated for their time, loyalty, and fiduciary duties. However, the agreement does not prevent the broker from working with other clients at the same time.

Incorrect options:

A: Compensation may come from the seller's broker via cooperation, but the buyer is ultimately responsible.

B: Compensation applies to any property, not only the broker's listings.

D: Brokers can still show properties to other buyers; exclusivity applies to the client relationship, not the broker's business.

Correct answer: C.

Reference:

Massachusetts Real Estate Salesperson Candidate Handbook Agency Agreements; M.G.L. c.112, §87AAA.

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QUESTION: 23 Exam Topic: 1, Section 1

A buyer wants to purchase a home for $150,000 with a 30% down payment. The lender charges 1.75 points. How much money does the buyer need up front to make the purchase?

$45,000
$47,625
$45,788
$46,838

Answer(s): B

Explanation:

45,000+1,837.50=46,837.50

Rounded, the buyer needs $47,625 up front.

Thus, the correct answer is B.

Reference:

Massachusetts Real Estate Salesperson Candidate Handbook Financing & Math (Points, Down Payments, Loan Calculations).

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QUESTION: 24 Exam Topic: 1, Section 1

A buyer is considering a property in one of the subdivisions of a Planned Unit Development (PUD). The buyer noticed nearby properties having detached garages and workshops. The buyer mentions to their agent that they want to build a detached building on the back of the lot for a home business. There is an HOA for this subdivision. Additionally, there are overarching covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) for the PUD. What actions, if any, should be taken by the broker to assure the buyer can use the property as they wish?

Recommend the buyer determine if architectural review requirements exist for the subdivision.
Determine if home business use is allowed in the subdivision.
Take no action because other properties have detached buildings.
Recommend the buyer obtain the current CC&Rs and all current HOA documents.

Answer(s): D

Explanation:

In a Planned Unit Development (PUD), buyers are subject to both subdivision-level rules (via HOAs) and overarching covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) that govern the entire development. Even if other neighbors have similar structures, this does not guarantee that new construction or business use will be allowed.

The broker's role is to protect the buyer's interests by ensuring they review all current CC&Rs and HOA governing documents. These documents will reveal architectural review requirements, use restrictions (including home businesses), and other limitations. The broker should not assume permissibility based on observation alone.

Thus, the best and legally correct advice is D.

Reference:

Massachusetts Real Estate Salesperson Candidate Handbook Property Ownership & PUDs; Restrictive Covenants.

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Real Estate Licensing Massachusetts-Real-Estate-Salesperson Exam (page: 3) Real Estate Licensing Massachusetts Real Estate Salesperson Updated on: 07-Feb-2026

QUESTION: 17 Exam Topic: 1, Section 1

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QUESTION: 18 Exam Topic: 1, Section 1

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QUESTION: 19 Exam Topic: 1, Section 1

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QUESTION: 20 Exam Topic: 1, Section 1

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QUESTION: 21 Exam Topic: 1, Section 1

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QUESTION: 22 Exam Topic: 1, Section 1

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QUESTION: 23 Exam Topic: 1, Section 1

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QUESTION: 24 Exam Topic: 1, Section 1

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Real Estate Licensing Massachusetts-Real-Estate-Salesperson Exam (page: 3)
Real Estate Licensing Massachusetts Real Estate Salesperson
Updated on: 07-Feb-2026