Unit 5 - 8 Flashcards
A buyer has given her right under a sales contract to a third party but has not been released of the liability under the contract. This is called
Answer Choices:
A. Novation
B. Transference
C. Assignment
D. Fraud
Correct Answer: C. Assignment
Response Feedback:
The answer is assignment. Assignment refers to a transfer of rights or duties under a contract. The obligations may be delegated to a third party, but the original party remains primarily liable unless specifically released. Learning Objective 5.1
Substitution of a new contract for an existing contract is called
Answer Choices:
A. Substitution
B. Assignment
C. Transfer by proxy
D. Novation
Correct Answer: D. Novation
Response Feedback:
The answer is novation. The new agreement may be between the same parties, or a new party may be substituted for either party. The parties’ intent must be to discharge the old obligation. Learning Objective 5.1
A contract may be discharged or terminated when which of the following occurs?
Answer Choices:
A. Statute of performance
B. Redemption
C. Unilateral transfer by proxy
D. Impossibility of performance
Correct Answer: D. Impossibility of performance
Response Feedback:
The answer is impossibility of performance. This occurs when an act required by the contract cannot be legally accomplished. Learning Objective 5.1
The law that requires that contracts be in writing and signed to be enforceable in a court of law is the statute of
Answer Choices:
A. Contracts
B. Frauds
C. Enforceability
D. Limitations
Correct Answer: B. Frauds
Response Feedback:
The answer is frauds. A real estate broker cannot sue for their commissions unless the sales contract states the amount or rate of commission, is signed by both parties, and is in writing. Learning Objective 5.1
Contracts may be discharged or terminated whenever the parties agree, along with a written acceptance, that the work performed is close enough to completion and that the contract is discharged even if some minor elements remain unperformed. This is called
Answer Choices:
A. Partial performance
B. Substantial performance
C. Mutual agreement
D. Operation of law
Correct Answer: A. Partial performance
Response Feedback:
The answer is partial performance. Discharge or termination requires written acceptance by the party for whom the acts have not been done or to whom money is owed. Learning Objective 5.1
When all of the parties to a contract agree to terminate, it is said to be terminated by
Answer Choices:
A. Novation
B. Codicil
C. Severalty
D. Mutual agreement
Correct Answer: D. Mutual agreement
Response Feedback:
The answer is mutual agreement. All of the parties to an agreement may agree to terminate a contract. Learning Objective 5.1
One party canceling or terminating a contract as though it had never been made is
Answer Choices:
A. Revocation
B. Rescission
C. Cancellation
D. Statutory reenactment
Correct Answer: B. Rescission
Response Feedback:
The answer is rescission. Rescission returns the parties to their original positions before the contract, so any monies exchanged must be returned. Learning Objective 5.1
One party canceling or terminating a contract without a return to the original position is
Answer Choices:
A. Rescission
B. Statutory reenactment
C. Revocation
D. Cancellation
Correct Answer: D. Cancellation
Response Feedback:
The answer is cancellation. The parties are not returned to their original positions, so any monies exchanged do not have to be returned. Learning Objective 5.1
If, upon the receipt of an offer to purchase a property subject to certain conditions, the seller makes a counteroffer, the prospective buyer is
Answer Choices:
A. Relieved of the original offer
B. Bound by the original offer
C. Bound to accept the counteroffer
D. Bound by whichever offer is lower
Correct Answer: A. Relieved of the original offer
Response Feedback:
The answer is relieved of the original offer. An offer to purchase remains an offer until it has been delivered and accepted by the seller. Learning Objective 5.1
When preprinted forms promulgated or approved by TREC do not sufficiently cover special provisions in a transaction, the license holder should
Answer Choices:
A. Provide an explanation in the special provisions section of the sales contract
B. Have his attorney draft some language as a codicil to the sales contract
C. Have the parties consult their own attorneys to draft language acceptable to both
D. Have his supervising broker write a new contract to cover the special provisions
Correct Answer: C. Have the parties consult their own attorneys to draft language acceptable to both
Response Feedback:
The answer is to have the parties consult their own attorneys to draft language acceptable to both. Learning Objective 5.2
A listing under which a broker’s commission is the difference between the sales proceeds and an amount desired by the seller is
Answer Choices:
A. Net listing
B. Exclusive agency listing
C. Exclusive right to sell agreement
D. Open listing
Correct Answer: A. Net listing
Response Feedback:
The answer is a net listing. A “net listing” is a listing agreement in which the broker’s commission is the difference (“net”) between the sales proceeds and an amount desired by the owner of the real property. Learning Objective 5.2
All of the following are written agreements used by license holders EXCEPT
Answer Choices:
A. Real estate sales contracts
B. Business opportunity contracts
C. Leases
D. Property management agreements
Correct Answer: B. Business opportunity contracts
Response Feedback:
The answer is business opportunity contracts. The sale of a business opportunity is not regulated by the Texas Real Estate Commission. Learning Objective 5.2
A situation in which a seller is retaining title to the property until full payment is made by the buyer is
Answer Choices:
A. For Sale by Owner
B. Contract to own
C. Land contract
D. Owelty contract
Correct Answer: C. Land contract
Response Feedback:
The answer is a land contract. There is no mortgage; the buyer makes installment payments over time until the amount owed is paid. Once paid, the seller will deliver title to the buyer. Learning Objective 5.2
An agreement where one broker is given the exclusive right and authorization to represent the seller in marketing the seller’s property is called
Answer Choices:
A. Net listing
B. Exclusive-agency listing
C. Exclusive-right-to-sell listing
D. Commission-certain listing
Correct Answer: C. Exclusive-right-to-sell listing
Response Feedback:
The answer is an exclusive-right-to-sell listing. The seller would pay the broker-agent a commission regardless of who sells the property. Learning Objective 5.3
An agreement where the seller gives the exclusive right of representation to a broker-agent to market the seller’s property but reserves the right to sell the property, without obligation to pay the broker a commission, is called
Answer Choices:
A. Exclusive-agency listing
B. Exclusive right-to-sell listing
C. Open listing
D. Net listing
Correct Answer: A. Exclusive-agency listing
Response Feedback:
The answer is an exclusive-agency listing. In this type of listing, the broker-agent is authorized to act as the exclusive agent of the principal, but the seller retains the right to sell the property without obligation to the broker. Learning Objective 5.3
A seller listed her residence with a broker. The broker brought an offer at full price and terms of the listing from buyers who are ready, willing, and able to pay cash for the property. However, the seller rejected the buyer’s offer. In this situation, the seller
Answer Choices:
A. Must sell her property
B. Is liable to the buyers for specific performance
C. Owes a commission to the broker
D. Is liable to the buyers for compensatory damages
Correct Answer: C. Owes a commission to the broker
Response Feedback:
The answer is that the seller owes a commission to the broker. The broker’s obligation is to bring a “ready, willing, and able” buyer with an offer of the sales price and terms stated in the listing agreement. Learning Objective 5.3
The type of listing that allows the broker to offer the property at any price greater than the total amount the seller wants is the
Answer Choices:
A. Exclusive-right-to-sell listing
B. Exclusive-agency listing
C. Open listing
D. Net listing
Correct Answer: D. Net listing
Response Feedback:
The answer is net listing. This type of listing is prohibited in some states due to potential conflicts of interest. Learning Objective 5.3
Who are the parties of a listing agreement?
Answer Choices:
A. The broker, the listing agent, and the owner
B. The listing agent and the owner
C. The broker and the owner
D. All of these
Correct Answer: C. The broker and the owner
Response Feedback:
The answer is the broker and the owner. This agreement establishes the rights and obligations of the broker as agent and the seller (owner) as principal. Learning Objective 5.3
A broker should discuss all of the following issues with a buyer before signing a buyer representation agreement EXCEPT
Answer Choices:
A. The services to be provided to the buyer
B. The different forms of agency available
C. The source of compensation determines the agency relationship
D. The rights of the parties under each type of agency
Correct Answer: C. The source of compensation determines the agency relationship
Response Feedback:
The answer is the source of compensation does not determine the agency relationship. A buyer’s agent may be compensated by either the buyer or the seller. Learning Objective 5.4
A listing or buyer representation agreement is technically an employment agreement between a client (buyer or seller) and a
Answer Choices:
A. Local multiple listing service
B. Broker
C. Sales agent
D. Broker and sales agent
Correct Answer: B. Broker
Response Feedback:
The answer is broker. The broker has the responsibility of supervising the activities of the sales agent. Learning Objective 5.4
Which of the following does NOT have legal title to real property?
Answer Choices:
A. Grantee
B. Lessee
C. Devisee
D. Grantor
Correct Answer: B. Lessee
Response Feedback:
The answer is lessee. A lessee is a tenant and is granted the right of possession, not ownership. Learning Objective 5.5
All of the following are requirements of a valid lease EXCEPT
Answer Choices:
A. Contractual third-party consideration
B. Offer and acceptance
C. Legal conjecture
D. Consideration
Correct Answer: C. Legal conjecture
Response Feedback:
The answer is legal conjecture. The requirements of a valid lease include capacity to contract, offer and acceptance, legal objective, and consideration. Learning Objective 5.6
A person with a disability has signed a lease and wants to remodel the space to make it more accessible. Regarding this situation, which of the following statements is FALSE?
Answer Choices:
A. The landlord has the right to refuse any modifications if this is the landlord’s standard policy
B. The tenant must be permitted to make reasonable modifications to the property at her own expense
C. If the modifications will interfere with a future tenant’s use, the landlord may require that the premises be restored to the original condition at the end of the lease term
D. The landlord does not have to pay for the tenant’s modifications to the property
Correct Answer: A. The landlord has the right to refuse any modifications if this is the landlord’s standard policy
Response Feedback:
The answer is the landlord has the right to refuse any modifications if this is the landlord’s standard policy. The landlord cannot refuse modifications. Learning Objective 5.6
The right the lessee has to occupy the premises without interference from the owner or anyone else is the
Answer Choices:
A. Police power
B. Mandatory security provision of state law
C. Covenant of quiet enjoyment
D. Notice to quit legislation
Correct Answer: C. Covenant of quiet enjoyment
Response Feedback:
The answer is covenant of quiet enjoyment. The lease usually stipulates the conditions under which the landlord may enter the property to perform maintenance, make repairs, or for other stated purposes. Learning Objective 5.6
When a landlord leases unimproved land to a tenant who agrees to erect a building on the land, the lease is usually called a
Answer Choices:
A. Ground lease
B. Sandwich lease
C. Development lease
D. Gross lease
Correct Answer: A. Ground lease
Response Feedback:
The answer is ground lease. The ground lease is most often used in commercial property development and typically has long terms. Learning Objective 5.7
Some leases allow for increases in the rental charges during the lease periods. This type of lease is called a
Answer Choices:
A. Percentage lease
B. Net lease
C. Variable lease
D. Fixed indexed lease
Correct Answer: C. Variable lease
Response Feedback:
The answer is variable lease. This allows a landlord to offer a lower rate initially while allowing rent increases over time. Learning Objective 5.7
A lease where the rent is based on a minimum fixed rental fee plus a percentage of the gross income received by the tenant doing business on the leased property is called a
Answer Choices:
A. Gross lease
B. Percentage lease
C. Net lease
D. Fixed lease
Correct Answer: B. Percentage lease
Response Feedback:
The answer is percentage lease. This type of lease is generally used for retail business leases. Learning Objective 5.7
When a tenant has subleased their leased space to another tenant, the original lease between the original tenant and the landlord is called a
Answer Choices:
A. Sub-lessee lease
B. Variable lease
C. Net lease
D. Sandwich lease
Correct Answer: D. Sandwich lease
Response Feedback:
The answer is sandwich lease. This type of lease arrangement typically requires the landlord’s approval and special lease terms. Learning Objective 5.7
A man is interested in purchasing a home but has credit issues that prevent him from getting a mortgage. A seller decides to provide owner’s financing to allow the buyer to purchase the home now while the man cleans up his credit. Under the contract terms, the seller will deliver title to the man once the contract has been paid in full. This is a
Answer Choices:
A. Mortgage contract
B. Voidable contract
C. Land contract
D. Lease purchase contract
Correct Answer: C. Land contract
Response Feedback:
The answer is land contract. The buyer (vendee) takes possession and gains equitable title, while the seller (vendor) retains legal title until the contract is paid in full. Learning Objective 5.8
A buyer obtains possession of a property under a contract, and the seller is not obligated to execute and deliver a deed to the buyer until the terms of the contract have been satisfied. This is
Answer Choices:
A. Sales contract
B. Novation contract
C. Subrogation contract
D. Installment contract
Correct Answer: D. Installment contract
Response Feedback:
The answer is installment contract. An installment contract (also known as a contract for deed or land contract) withholds the title until all contract terms, such as payments, are fulfilled. Learning Objective 5.8
In which of the following does the seller retain legal title?
Answer Choices:
A. Land sales contract
B. Contract for deed
C. Installment contract
D. All of these
Correct Answer: D. All of these
Response Feedback:
The answer is all of these. Real estate can be sold under a land contract, also called a contract for deed, an installment contract, or a land sales contract, where the seller retains legal title. Learning Objective 5.8
What type of title does the buyer get in a land sales contract?
Answer Choices:
A. Equitable title
B. Legal title
C. Quitclaim title
D. The buyer will not receive title until the lien is paid in full
Correct Answer: A. Equitable title
Response Feedback:
The answer is equitable title. The buyer (vendee) takes possession and gets equitable title to the property, with responsibilities like paying taxes, insurance, and upkeep. Learning Objective 5.8
Which of the following is TRUE with a contract for deed?
Answer Choices:
A. The seller retains possession until the terms of the contract have been satisfied
B. The seller must execute and deliver the deed to make the agreement valid
C. Because Texas is a lien theory state, the seller must transfer the deed upon closing
D. The buyer generally could get a new mortgage loan and pay off the contract
Correct Answer: D. The buyer generally could get a new mortgage loan and pay off the contract
Response Feedback:
The answer is the buyer generally could get a new mortgage loan and pay off the contract. The seller is not obligated to deliver a deed until the contract terms are met. Learning Objective 5.8
A real estate sales contract contains the complete agreement between the
Answer Choices:
A. Buyer, the seller, and the agents
B. Buyer, the seller, the agents, the mortgage company, and the title company
C. Buyer, the seller, the agents, the mortgage company, the title company, the appraiser, and the inspector
D. Buyer and the seller
Correct Answer: D. Buyer and the seller
Response Feedback:
The answer is buyer and the seller. A real estate sales contract outlines the complete agreement between a buyer and a seller. Learning Objective 6.2
A buyer and a seller agree to all the terms of a contract EXCEPT for who the title company is going to be. What is the result of this disagreement?
Answer Choices:
A. There is no contract
B. According to TREC, this is a “minor” term and can be waived by both the buyer’s title company and the seller’s title company
C. TREC-promulgated contracts do not address this issue
D. None of these results
Correct Answer: A. There is no contract
Response Feedback:
The answer is there is no contract. All terms must be agreed upon by both parties; there are no “minor” terms. Learning Objective 6.2
The agreement of the buyer and seller in a real estate transaction is established in what document?
Answer Choices:
A. Listing agreement
B. Contract of sale
C. Buyer representation agreement
D. TREC Commercial Sales Contract
Correct Answer: B. Contract of sale
Response Feedback:
The answer is contract of sale. This is the primary document detailing the buyer’s and seller’s agreement and their legal rights and obligations. Learning Objective 6.2
Which of the following sets out in detail the agreement between the buyer and the seller and establishes the legal rights and obligations of both parties?
Answer Choices:
A. Offer
B. Contract
C. Statutory law
D. Constitutional law
Correct Answer: B. Contract
Response Feedback:
The answer is contract. It includes sales price, property description, title details, terms, and conditions, establishing the legal rights of both parties. Learning Objective 6.2
Which of the following is a purchase agreement?
Answer Choices:
A. Offer to purchase
B. Contract of purchase and sale
C. Earnest money agreement
D. All of these
Correct Answer: D. All of these
Response Feedback:
The answer is all of these. This agreement may be called an offer to purchase, contract of purchase and sale, or earnest money agreement depending on the state or locality. Learning Objective 6.2
What is the Texas Real Estate Commission real estate purchase agreement called?
Answer Choices:
A. One to Four Family Residential Contract
B. Earnest Money Contract
C. Real Estate Purchase Agreement
D. Residential Purchase Agreement
Correct Answer: A. One to Four Family Residential Contract
Response Feedback:
The answer is One to Four Family Residential Contract, the most common Texas sales contract for real estate, published by TREC. Learning Objective 6.2
Once the offer has been accepted, each of the parties are to receive
Answer Choices:
A. A congratulatory letter
B. A copy of the final signed contract
C. An escrow acceptance letter
D. A demand for earnest money from the buyer
Correct Answer: B. A copy of the final signed contract
Response Feedback:
The answer is a copy of the final signed contract. In some states, a contract is not fully in force until a final signed copy is delivered to both parties. Learning Objective 6.1
A seller has listed her home at $250,000. A couple has made an offer to purchase the property for $230,000, including the seller’s washer and dryer. The seller counters with a sales price of $240,000 without the washer and dryer. The buyers counter again with a sales price of $234,000, including the washer and dryer. The seller makes no response for five days, and the buyers find another property. The buyers should
Answer Choices:
A. Tell their agent to withdraw their offer and have the agent put in an offer on the new property
B. Change agents and make an offer on the new property
C. Keep their offer on the first property but see if they can get a better deal on the new one
D. Wait and see what happens to their existing offer first because they have been in negotiations for so long with the first party
Correct Answer: A. Tell their agent to withdraw their offer and have the agent put in an offer on the new property
Response Feedback:
The answer is to tell their agent to withdraw their offer and submit an offer on the new property. An offer or counteroffer can be withdrawn before acceptance. Learning Objective 6.1
When a listing agent receives several offers on a property within one day, the agent must present the offers to the seller as quickly as is reasonable. The agent will
Answer Choices:
A. Show the first offer to the seller first because he must make a decision on it before he can consider the next offer. If the seller accepts the first offer, the agent tells the other buyers that a contract has already been accepted.
B. Make a decision for the seller as to the best offer so as not to confuse the seller.
C. Hold the offers for a few days to see if better ones come in before taking up the seller’s time.
D. Go over all offers with the seller and discuss the merits of each to help the seller make a decision as to which offer he wishes to accept, reject, or counter, if any.
Correct Answer: D. Go over all offers with the seller and discuss the merits of each to help the seller make a decision as to which offer he wishes to accept, reject, or counter, if any.
Response Feedback:
The answer is to go over all offers with the seller and discuss the merits of each. All offers should be presented to the property owner as quickly as reasonably practical. Learning Objective 6.1
If a seller counters a buyer’s offer, what happens to the first offer?
Answer Choices:
A. The first offer is good until the buyer withdraws it
B. The first offer is no longer an offer; it terminates upon the signature of the seller on the counteroffer
C. If the buyer rejects the seller’s counter, the seller still has the right to accept the buyer’s first offer
D. If the buyer accepts the counteroffer and if the seller accepts the buyer’s first offer, then both offers are void
Correct Answer: B. The first offer is no longer an offer; it terminates upon the signature of the seller on the counteroffer
Response Feedback:
The answer is the first offer is no longer an offer; it terminates upon the seller’s counteroffer. Learning Objective 6.1
Which of the following is the BEST definition of a counteroffer?
Answer Choices:
A. An amendment to a contract
B. When a seller receives more than one offer on a property
C. When a transaction involves more than one sale
D. Any change by the seller to the terms proposed by the buyer
Correct Answer: D. Any change by the seller to the terms proposed by the buyer
Response Feedback:
The answer is any change by the seller to the terms proposed by the buyer. A counteroffer is a new offer that the buyer may accept or reject. Learning Objective 6.1
Which law requires certain types of contracts to be in writing in order to be enforceable?
Answer Choices:
A. Texas Real Estate License Act
B. Contract law
C. Statute of frauds
D. Agency law
Correct Answer: C. Statute of frauds
Response Feedback:
The answer is statute of frauds. This law requires specific contracts to be in writing for enforceability. Learning Objective 6.1
All of the following statements about contracts are true EXCEPT
Answer Choices:
A. A person cannot sue if a contract is oral, according to the statute of frauds
B. The courts hold that written contracts supersede parole evidence if there is a conflict
C. A person can sue anytime within a four-year period for a written contract
D. A contract for the sale of real property must be in writing to be enforceable
Correct Answer: A. A person cannot sue if a contract is oral, according to the statute of frauds
Response Feedback:
The answer is a person cannot sue if a contract is oral, according to the statute of frauds. Oral contracts may still be brought to court within a limited period. Learning Objective 6.1
The statute of frauds requires which of the following?
Answer Choices:
A. All contracts must be in writing to be enforceable
B. All leases must be in writing to be enforceable
C. All contracts that have fraud as an element are unenforceable
D. None of these are required
Correct Answer: D. None of these are required
Response Feedback:
The answer is none of these are required. The statute of frauds only mandates that certain contracts, such as real property contracts or leases over a year, be in writing to be enforceable. Learning Objective 6.1
Which of the following expenses are typically NOT prorated between the buyer and seller in a sales contract?
Answer Choices:
A. Real estate taxes
B. New loan payments
C. Rents
D. Maintenance fees
Correct Answer: B. New loan payments
Response Feedback:
The answer is new loan payments. Prorations usually cover taxes, rents, and maintenance fees, not new loan payments. Learning Objective 6.2