Chapter 5 Quiz Promulgated Contract Forms Flashcards
1. A contract is described as: A. Mutually binding B. Legally enforceable C. An agreement between two or more parties to do or not do something. D. All of the above
The correct answer is D.
A contract is an agreement between two or more parties to do or not do
something. It is mutually binding and legally enforceable.
- In a real estate transaction, the legal description is NOT:
A. Lot and block
B. Metes and bounds
C. A street address
D. A description of the property from a surveyor’s field notes
The correct answer is C.
The legal descriptions in Texas are: Lot and block, and metes and bounds
(sometimes also called surveyor’s field notes). A street address is NOT a legal description.
3. Earnest money: A. Constitutes the consideration B. Is used to make the offer more enticing to the seller C. Is required in the contract D. Always equals 1% of the sales price
The correct answer is B.
Earnest money is a gesture of good faith and is used to make the offer more
enticing to the seller. It can be any amount that the Buyer wishes to offer, and the Seller is willing to
accept.
- Standard forms of TREC must be used unless:
A. A broker or salesperson wishes to use a different form.
B. A principal in the transaction requests a different form to be used.
C. The listing broker disagrees with certain language in the contract.
D. A lender requires a different form to be used.
The correct answer is B.
Standard TREC forms must be used in real estate transactions. However, a principal in the transaction can request a different form be used. A principal is considered to be either
Buyer, Seller, Landlord, or Tenant. Builders (as Sellers) typically use their own contact form
- Any changes to the original contract once it is finalized and receipted must be done:
A. At the title company on the original contract
B. Using the Amendment
C. On the Third-Party Financing Addendum
D. On a real estate change form
The correct answer is B.
Once a contract has been signed and agreed to by all parties, and receipted
by the escrow agent, any and all changes must be done using an Amendment. The original contract
stays with the escrow agent.
- Time is of the essence means that certain items in the contract must be performed:
A. As specified in the contract
B. As verbally agreed between buyer and seller
C. As verbally agreed between the sales agents representing buyers and sellers
D. None of the above
The correct answer is A.
Time is of the essence refers to any specific time that is inherent in the
contract – i.e. number of days in an option period or the specific closing date written into the contract.
- Once a contract is finalized and receipted:
A. It cannot be changed.
B. It can be amended only one time.
C. It can be amended multiple times if all parties agree.
D. It can only be amended by the buyer.
The correct answer is C.
There is no limit to the number of amendments that can be used in a
transaction. A party can amend a previous amendment as well as the contract.
- The TREC promulgated Seller Financing Addendum states that if the buyer does not furnish the
required qualifying documentation within the time limit allowed:
A. Seller may terminate the contract and keep the earnest money.
B. Seller may terminate the contract but must return the earnest money.
C. Seller must tell Buyer why he is terminating.
D. Buyer will be liable for the cost of the credit report.
The correct answer is A. I
n a Seller Financed contract, the Seller acts as the bank. Seller can ask for
the same qualifying documents to be provided that a bank or mortgage company requires. If the Buyer
agrees to furnish these documents and fails to do so in the allotted time, the Seller can end the contract
is allowed to keep the earnest money (per the terms of the contract).
- How does the Texas Real Estate License Act define the first face-to-face meeting which requires
agency disclosure?
A. When a licensee first meets a prospect
B. When a prospect is ready to sign an agreement
C. Only when a specific property is being shown
D. When substantive dialogue about a specific real property occurs
The correct answer is D.
Once a prospect enquires about a specific real property, the agent is required
to inform the prospect who represents whom in a transaction (Agency law). The easiest way to do so is
to use the Information About Brokerage Services form which describes the agency representation
available to each party.
- In Texas:
A. Dual agency is legal.
B. An agent may represent both buyer and seller without any agreement from either.
C. A Broker may represent both buyer and seller under signed intermediary agreements.
D. A Broker may not, under any circumstance, represent both Buyer and Seller.
The correct answer is C.
There is no dual agency in the State of Texas. However, it is possible for a
Broker to represent both the buyer and seller under intermediary. Agreement from the parties needs to
be in writing for Intermediary to be allowed.
- Intermediary requires:
A. Disclosure of who represents whom in a transaction
B. Written agreement by both seller and buyer
C. Involvement of only one company
D. All the above
The correct answer is D. Intermediary requires involvement of only one company with written
agreement from all parties, and a disclosure of who represents whom in the transaction. Buyer and
Seller in a sales transaction; Landlord and Tenant in a lease transaction.
12. The Information About Brokerage Services (IABS) states the broker may represent: A. The owner B. The buyer C. Both owner and buyer as intermediary D. All the above
The correct answer is D.
n a transaction the IBS (Information About Brokerage Services) states that a
Broker may represent the Owner, the Buyer, and both the owner and buyer in an Intermediary position.
- According to The Real Estate License Act of Texas (TRELA), which one of the following actions
is a fair and impartial act for an Intermediary?
A. Appointing associated licensees to work with the parties
B. Appointing subagents to work with the parties
C. Agreeing to represent only the owner
D. Agreeing to represent only the buyer
The correct answer is A.
The Texas Real Estate Licensing Act states that to be fair and impartial the
Broker may appoint a licensee associated with the Broker to represent the Seller and a different
associated licensee to represent the Buyer.
14. Chapter 531 Canons of Professional Ethics and Conduct includes: A. Fidelity B. Integrity C. Competency D. All of the above
The correct answer is D. Fidelity,
Integrity and Competency are all a part of Canons of Professional
Ethics.
15. In the Buyer Agreement, Intermediary is in Paragraph 8. The paragraph is the same in the Buyer Agreement and in the: A. Listing Agreement B. Sales contract C. Inspecting report D. Seller’s Disclosure
The correct answer is A.
The written agreements that allow intermediary are the Buyer/Tenant agency
agreement on the buyer’s side, and the Listing Agreement on the seller’s side.
- A broker may not disclose any confidential information unless:
A. The broker is given permission in writing by the client.
B. It is required by law.
C. Confidentially is not required in real estate.
D. Both A and B
The correct answer is D.
Confidential information received from a client to their agent may not be disclosed unless the agent has been given written permission to disclose, or if the disclosure is
required by law.
- If an Agent receives confidential information from a Client while the agency agreement is in force,
that agent may:
A. Share that information once the agreement expires
B. Share that information if the Client authorizes the agent to share it
C. Never share the information with another client
D. Share the information, but only to another agent
The correct answer is B.
An example of confidential information is when a Seller informs the agent that
they are willing to accept any reasonable offer but asks the agent not to share it. The confidentiality
extends beyond the expiration of the listing agreement unless, at that time, the Seller gives written permission to share it.
- A Buyer/Tenant Representation Agreement is:
A. Only available through the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC)
B. Only available through the Texas Association of REALTORS® (TAR)
C. Sometimes available through local REALTOR® Boards
D. Available to the public on the TREC website
The correct answer is C.
The Texas Real Estate Commission does not have a promulgated form for Buyer/Tenant Representation Agreement. Those are available from TAR or also can be available
through the agent’s local REALTOR® board.
- In Paragraph 3B of the sales contract, the ‘sum of all financing:”
A. Includes the earnest money deposited at the time the contract is executed
B. Includes the closing costs
C. Excludes any loan funding fee or mortgage insurance premium
D. All the above
The correct answer is C.
The sum of all financing applies to the amount of the loan. It does not include
any closing costs. The FHA mortgage insurance and the VA funding fee are part of the closing costs
and can be financed, but these are handled separately by the loan company.
20. The sales price in Paragraph 3: A. Is determined by adding the down payment (3A) and the loan amount (3B) B. Does not include closing costs C. Can be all cash D. All the above
The correct answer is D.
The sales price is the cash down payment plus the loan amount (which does
not include any closing costs). 3A (down payment) + 3B (loan amount, if any) = 3C (sales price). If the
offer is all cash, then 3B will be zero because there will be no loan involved.
- The Seller contracts to furnish the buyer an existing survey, but neglects to furnish an “affidavit”
within the time specified. The lender requests a new survey be furnished. Who pays for the new
survey?
A. If the existing survey is rejected, then whoever is stated in the contract pays.
B. The title company can approve the existing survey and override the lender.
C. The buyer
D. The seller
The correct answer is D.
When the Seller is furnishing the existing survey, the survey must be
accompanied by the Real Property Affidavit which is signed in front of a notary. The affidavit states that
since the survey was performed (date on survey) there have been no changes. Any changes will be
noted by the seller on the affidavit. If the Seller fails to provide the affidavit, then the Seller will pay for a
new survey.
22. Within \_\_\_\_ days after the title company receives a copy of the contract, Seller shall furnish to Buyer a Commitment for title insurance. A. 10 B. 5 C. 20 D. 30
The correct answer is C.
On behalf of the Seller, the escrow office will issue a title commitment within
20 days after receiving a copy of the finalized contract. The title commitment contains information about the property’s title, plus will list any issues that must be cleared before they can provide a title policy
insuring a clear title for the purchaser.
- According to the TREC 1-4 Residential Contract (Resale), who is responsible for paying the
owner policy of title insurance fee?
A. The buyer
B. The seller
C. The title company named in the contract.
D. The party stipulated in the contract.
The correct answer is D.
The party stipulated means the party that is named in the contract to complete
the item required by the contract. In this case, it is the party who will pay for the owners’ title policy.
- Which of the following is NOT promulgated by TREC?
A. Unimproved Property Contract
B. Residential Lease Contract
C. Farm and Ranch Contract
D. New Home Contract (Complete Construction)
The correct answer is B.
The residential lease contract is not promulgated by TREC. That means the
tenant and landlord can use any form they choose to agree to the terms of the lease. A Residential
Lease Contract is available through Texas Association of REALTORS® and also many Boards of
REALTORS®. Also, a real estate attorney can draw up a lease agreement between Landlord and
Tenant.
- When a “fixture” in a property does not remain for the buyer, how do we inform the buyer of that
fact and make sure the item does not convey with the property?
A. List the item as not included in the Listing Agreement
B. List the item on the “Seller’s Disclosure Notice”
C. List the item on the “Residential Contract”
D. List the item on the “Amendment” form
The correct answer is C.
Paragraph 2D of the 1-4 Family Residential Contract allows the Seller to list any items that are considered “fixtures” (attached to the property) to exclude those items from the sale.
It MUST be listed on the contract itself to avoid any confusion about what doesn’t remain in the
property.
- The Third-Party Financing Addendum allows the buyer:
A. To finance his/her closing costs
B. A certain number of days to obtain loan approval
C. The right to terminate the contract at any time prior to closing
D. To have automated underwriting for the loan
The correct answer is B.
The Third-Party Financing addendum allows a certain number of days to
obtain loan approval. If that deadline is passed, then the contract is no longer subject to the buyer
obtaining financing.
- What is the status of a contract if the seller does not make the buyer aware of a property being
located within a municipal utility district?
A. The contract is voidable by the buyer.
B. The contract is void.
C. The contract is voidable by the seller.
D. The contract is voidable by the buyer or the seller.
The correct answer is A.
The Seller is obligated to inform the buyer that the subject property is located
within a MUD (municipal utility district). MUDs have the power to impose taxes plus create certain
restrictions or obligations for properties within their boundaries. The buyer must be informed of such.
- If there is an existing survey on the property, what does the seller take to the title company and
the lender?
A. The existing survey
B. The existing survey and a notarized affidavit stating if there have been any changes in
the survey since the time the existing survey was completed
C. A copy of the deed and the existing survey
D. The seller’s appraisal and a copy of the survey
The correct answer is B.
Both the lender and the title company, as well as the buyer, need to know if
there have been any changes since the provided survey was done (date on the survey). Any change to
the surveyed property may affect the loan and also the title and may delay or prevent the closing.
- If the Buyer does not give notice to the Seller that he/she cannot obtain credit approval within the
number of days stated in the contract:
A. The contract will no longer be subject to the buyer’s credit approval.
B. The contract will automatically terminate.
C. The property is no longer subject to property approval by the lender.
D. The time limit automatically extends 5 days.
The correct answer is A.
Buyer must give notice to Seller that they cannot obtain the loan they are
seeking within the number of days stated in the contract. If they don’t, then the contract is no longer
subject to credit approval.
- Failure on the part of the broker/sales associate to advise the purchaser in writing to have an
abstract of title examined by an attorney or obtain a title insurance policy:
A. Is not a violation of the Texas Real Estate License Act
B. Is the normal practice in Texas
C. May be cause to have the agent’s license suspended or revoked, and precludes
receiving any commissions or agreed fees associated with the sale
D. Is the correct action as this is clearly a legal matter
The correct answer is C.
Broker/Agent must inform the buyer that they have the right to a title policy or
an abstract of title. Failure to do so has consequences.
- If a Seller has furniture he would like to sell, and the buyer would like to purchase, how should
this be handled?
A. This information should be written in Paragraph #11, Special Provisions.
B. A list should be given to the title company and they will draw up a document to address the
sale.
C. Simply attach a list of the items and the price to be paid to the original contract.
D. Use the Non-Realty Item Addendum to address the sale.
The correct answer is D.
Any personal property that the Seller intends to leave behind with or without
compensation from the buyer, should be listed in detail on the Non-Realty Item addendum.
- In Paragraph #14 of the Residential Contract (Casualty Loss), if a seller cannot complete the
repairs within the time limit, the buyer has the option of:
A. Terminating the contract
B. Extending the closing
C. Accepting the property in the damaged condition with an assignment of insurance proceeds
D. Any of the above
The correct answer is D. If required repairs are not completed before closing, then the Buyer has the
right to terminate, extend the closing, accept the condition of the property without the repairs, accept
any insurance proceeds if damage was insurable, or be able to come to an agreement for the repairs to
be done after closing.
- Broker’s fees are:
A. Included in the One to Four Family Residential Contract (Resale) between the Buyer and the
Seller
B. Determined by writing in the Information About Brokerage Services
C. Determined by writing in the Listing Agreement
D. Both B and C
The correct answer is C. Broker fees are agreed in the listing agreement between the Seller and the
Broker. The Broker has the ability to share those fees with an agent from an outside company who
works with a buyer.
- Broker’s fees are:
A. Included in the One to Four Family Residential Contract (Resale) between the Buyer and the
Seller
B. Determined by writing in the Information About Brokerage Services
C. Determined by writing in the Listing Agreement
D. Both B and C
The correct answer is C.
Broker fees are agreed in the listing agreement between the Seller and the
Broker. The Broker has the ability to share those fees with an agent from an outside company who
works with a buyer.
- If a Buyer wants the Seller to pay some or all their closing costs, it should be added to the One to
Four Family Residential Contract (Resale) in:
A. Paragraph #11 (Special Provisions)
B. Paragraph #12 (Seller Participation in Buyer’s Costs)
C. Third-Party Financing Addendum
D. All the above
The correct answer is B.
Paragraph 12A.(1)(b) allows a seller to pay a portion of the buyers’ closing
costs.
36. On the Seller’s default, what should happen to the earnest money? A. It belongs to the Broker. B. It should be returned to the Buyer. C. The Seller should retain it. D. The title company should keep it.
The correct answer is B.
If a Seller defaults on the contract, the earnest money should be returned to
the Buyer. The buyer also has the right to sue for specific performance or for compensatory damages.
- All the following are covered by home warranty’s basic coverage EXCEPT:
A. Exhaust fans
B. Heating and electrical system components
C. Roof
D. Sump pump
The correct answer is C.
A Home Warranty covers the systems (HVAC, water heater, electric,
plumbing, etc.) but not the structure.
- In the event of buyer’s default, the seller may:
A. Terminate the contract
B. Receive the earnest money as liquidated damages
C. Enforce specific performance
D. Any of the above
The correct answer is D.
If Buyer defaults on the contract, the Seller has the right to terminate and
receive the earnest money, or sue for specific performance, or sue for compensatory damages.
- When electing to use the option paragraph of the contract, the buyer may, within the time
specified in the paragraph, do any of the following EXCEPT:
A. Complete the repairs himself before the end of the option period
B. Terminate the contract
C. Do nothing and proceed to closing
D. Amend the contract waiving the right to terminate
The correct answer is A.
The option money and time period give the buyer the right to terminate, to do
nothing and proceed to closing, or to amend the contract.
40. A voluntary dispute resolution is called: A. Litigation B. Mandatory arbitration C. Mediation D. Civil argument
The correct answer is C.
Residential real estate contracts call for mediation (a voluntary dispute
resolution). If parties agree to mediation, it does not take away their right to sue.
41. A title commitment spells out: A. The terms and conditions on which the title insurance underwriter will issue the title insurance B. The name of the underwriter C. The option paragraph D. Both A and C
The correct answer is A.
The commitment just says that if all these conditions and terms are met, then
we will agree to insure the title against any defects in the title
- A suit for specific performance is:
A. To force the buyer not to default on the contract
B. To force the seller not to default on the contract
C. To force either the buyer or the seller to perform on the terms of the contract
D. A lawsuit against the inspection company
The correct answer is C.
Either a buyer or a seller may sue the other party to force performance under
the terms of the signed and agreed contract.
- The right to terminate per Paragraph 23:
A. Is available to the seller as well as the buyer
B. Does not expire until the contract is closed
C. Requires a fee for a specified time
D. Is not available in the Condominium contract
The correct answer is C.
In order for the buyer to have the right to terminate under Paragraph 23, both
blanks must be filled out – dollar amount and number of days.
- Even though a buyer and/or seller agree to mediate:
A. They cannot do so within the promulgated contract.
B. They have agreed to mandatory arbitration.
C. They are not giving up their right to pursue relief through the courts.
D. The party who requested mediation will pay for the cost of the mediator.
The correct answer is C.
In other words, if seller/buyer cannot come to terms in mediation, they still
have the right to sue.
45. Who is designated as responsible for promptly sending a copy of the contract to any attorneys who are named in the contract? A. The title company B. The lender C. The broker D. The buyer
The correct answer is C.
It is the Broker’s responsibility to send a copy of the contract to any attorneys
named in the contract so that the attorney can accept or decline the job of reviewing the contract.
46. The statutory limit for statutory fraud is \_\_\_\_\_\_ years. A. 4 B. 10 C. There is no limit. D. 20
The correct answer is A.
The limit for statutory fraud is 4 years.
- In the Buyer’s Temporary Lease, who pays the utilities?
A. Seller because it is still their home.
B. The listing agent
C. Buyer and seller will prorate at closing.
D. Buyer
The correct answer is D.
TREC promulgated Buyer’s Temporary Lease prior to closing requires the
buyer-occupant to pay for the utilities.
- Use of the TREC promulgated One to Four Family Residential Contract (Resale):
A. Is allowed on the sale of a residential condominium
B. Can be used for a vacant residential lot
C. Covers single family, duplex, triplex, and fourplex transactions
D. All the above
The correct answer is C.
The TREC One to Four Family Residential Contract (Resale) covers single
family, duplex, triplex, and fourplex transactions.