National Contracts Flashcards
(138 cards)
The sales contract says the buyer will purchase the property only if an attorney approves the sale by the following Saturday. The attorney’s approval is
A)
a warranty.
B)
a consideration.
C)
a lis pendens.
D)
a contingency.
The sales contract says the buyer will purchase the property only if an attorney approves the sale by the following Saturday. The attorney’s approval is
A)
a warranty.
Incorrect Answer
B)
a consideration.
Incorrect Answer
C)
a lis pendens.
Incorrect Answer
D)
a contingency.
Correct Answer
Explanation
A contingency requires something to happen or the contract can be terminated and the earnest money returned. A lis pendens is notice of a pending lawsuit. A warranty promises that certain stated facts are true. Consideration is one of the essential elements of the contract to make it valid and is something of value offered in exchange for something from another.
Reference: Contracts > Contract Clauses, Including Amendments and Addenda
Which of these is NOT required to create a valid sales contract?
A)
Signatures
B)
Consideration
C)
Offer and acceptance
D)
Earnest money
Which of these is NOT required to create a valid sales contract?
A)
Signatures
Incorrect Answer
B)
Consideration
Incorrect Answer
C)
Offer and acceptance
Incorrect Answer
D)
Earnest money
Correct Answer
Explanation
Earnest money is not consideration and is not necessary to create a binding contract.
Reference: Contracts > General Concepts
A seller sold a residential dwelling to a buyer for $1,000,000. The buyer obtained financing from a major institutional lender for $800,000 and had sufficient assets to put $100,000 towards a down payment. To assist the buyer, the seller extended $100,000 in credit towards the purchase price. Title transferred immediately to the buyer at the close of escrow. All of the following terms describe this scenario EXCEPT
A)
land contract.
B)
seller carry-back.
C)
seller financing.
D)
purchase money mortgage.
A seller sold a residential dwelling to a buyer for $1,000,000. The buyer obtained financing from a major institutional lender for $800,000 and had sufficient assets to put $100,000 towards a down payment. To assist the buyer, the seller extended $100,000 in credit towards the purchase price. Title transferred immediately to the buyer at the close of escrow. All of the following terms describe this scenario EXCEPT
A)
land contract.
Correct Answer
B)
seller carry-back.
Incorrect Answer
C)
seller financing.
Incorrect Answer
D)
purchase money mortgage.
Incorrect Answer
Explanation
In a land contract (a.k.a. an installment sales contract), title to the property is only conveyed from the seller to the buyer when the land contract is paid in full. Here, title to the property transferred immediately to the buyer at the close of escrow. All of these terms relate to the seller financing described in the test question.
Note: A purchase money mortgage is any loan that is used to purchase a property. In this test question, the $800,000 loan from a major institutional lender and the $100,000 seller carry-back loan would both be considered purchase money mortgages.
Reference: Contracts > Installment Sales Contracts (Equitable Title)
A contract that exchanges a promise for performance is
A)
unilateral.
B)
bilateral.
C)
executory.
D)
implied.
A contract that exchanges a promise for performance is
A)
unilateral.
Correct Answer
B)
bilateral.
Incorrect Answer
C)
executory.
Incorrect Answer
D)
implied.
Incorrect Answer
Explanation
In a unilateral contract, such as an option, the seller promises to sell if the buyer decides to buy (perform). Bilateral contracts have both parties promising to each other. An implied contract is created by actions and an executory contract is yet to be performed.
Reference: Contracts > General Concepts
A real estate contract with a minor is
A)
voidable.
B)
unilateral.
C)
illegal.
D)
void.
A real estate contract with a minor is
A)
voidable.
Correct Answer
B)
unilateral.
Incorrect Answer
C)
illegal.
Incorrect Answer
D)
void.
Incorrect Answer
Explanation
Duress, fraud, misrepresentation, and minors always make contracts voidable. A promise exchanged for performance is a unilateral contract. A void contract lacks an essential element an illegal contract lacks a lawful purpose so is also void.
Reference: Contracts > Types of Contracts
One contract was substituted for another contract, and there was a release of liability from the original contract. The term that defines the release is
A)
assignment.
B)
novation.
C)
exchange.
D)
alienation.
One contract was substituted for another contract, and there was a release of liability from the original contract. The term that defines the release is
A)
assignment.
Incorrect Answer
B)
novation.
Correct Answer
C)
exchange.
Incorrect Answer
D)
alienation.
Incorrect Answer
Explanation
Novation is a new contract replacing the old with the full release of liability. The transfer of rights duties, but not the liabilities, from one person to another person, is an assignment. Alienation is the process of transferring ownership via a deed.
Reference: Contracts > General Concepts
During the period of time after a real estate sales contract is signed, but before title actually passes, the status of the contract is
A)
voidable.
B)
executed.
C)
unilateral.
D)
executory.
During the period of time after a real estate sales contract is signed, but before title actually passes, the status of the contract is
A)
voidable.
Incorrect Answer
B)
executed.
Incorrect Answer
C)
unilateral.
Incorrect Answer
D)
executory.
Correct Answer
Explanation
A contract is in executory status when its terms of agreement have not yet been carried out. When it has been carried out, it is said to be executed. A unilateral contract binds only one party to act. A voidable contract is one that is able to be voided because of duress, fraud, misrepresentation, or because one party to the contract is a minor.
Reference: Contracts > General Concepts
A contract that may be rescinded by one party due to duress, fraud, misrepresentation, or because one party is a minor, is also known as
A)
a voidable contract.
B)
a void contract.
C)
a novation.
D)
valid.
A contract that may be rescinded by one party due to duress, fraud, misrepresentation, or because one party is a minor, is also known as
A)
a voidable contract.
Correct Answer
B)
a void contract.
Incorrect Answer
C)
a novation.
Incorrect Answer
D)
valid.
Incorrect Answer
Explanation
A contract is voidable if only one party may enforce or rescind it against the other party. Valid contracts contain all the essential elements and are binding and enforceable. Void contracts lack an essential element and are not binding. Novation is a new contact replacing an old one.
Reference: Contracts > General Concepts
A listing broker presents an offer to her client, a seller, with a selling price much lower than what the seller is asking for the property. The offer allows the seller 24 hours to accept. The broker recommends that the seller counter the offer and leaves a blank counter with the seller. The seller emails the broker in the morning saying that based on the wishes of her children, who are not on the title, she has accepted the offer. It this case, the offer
A)
gives the buyer possession until closing.
B)
may be a voidable contract due to duress.
C)
is a valid contract, which may be voidable due to fraud.
D)
is void due to undue influence by the children.
A listing broker presents an offer to her client, a seller, with a selling price much lower than what the seller is asking for the property. The offer allows the seller 24 hours to accept. The broker recommends that the seller counter the offer and leaves a blank counter with the seller. The seller emails the broker in the morning saying that based on the wishes of her children, who are not on the title, she has accepted the offer. It this case, the offer
A)
gives the buyer possession until closing.
Incorrect Answer
B)
may be a voidable contract due to duress.
Correct Answer
C)
is a valid contract, which may be voidable due to fraud.
Incorrect Answer
D)
is void due to undue influence by the children.
Incorrect Answer
Explanation
The seller would have to claim her children forced her to accept the buyer’s offer under duress in order to terminate the contract or make it voidable. Void contracts lack one or all of the essential elements of a contract. A contract must be entered into freely and voluntarily by each party, without undue influence. Duress, undue influence, misrepresentation, fraud, or a minor party entering into a contract are all circumstances that may create a contract that is voidable by the injured party.
Reference: Contracts > Types of Contracts
A real estate professional has found a buyer for a seller’s home. The buyer has indicated in writing a willingness to buy the property for $1,000 less than the asking price and has deposited $5,000 in earnest money with the real estate professional. The seller is out of town for the weekend, and the real estate professional has been unable to inform the seller of the signed document. At this point, the buyer has
A)
a voidable contract.
B)
an offer.
C)
an executory contract.
D)
an implied contract.
A real estate professional has found a buyer for a seller’s home. The buyer has indicated in writing a willingness to buy the property for $1,000 less than the asking price and has deposited $5,000 in earnest money with the real estate professional. The seller is out of town for the weekend, and the real estate professional has been unable to inform the seller of the signed document. At this point, the buyer has
A)
a voidable contract.
Incorrect Answer
B)
an offer.
Correct Answer
C)
an executory contract.
Incorrect Answer
D)
an implied contract.
Incorrect Answer
Explanation
Until the seller accepts the offer and the buyer is notified of the acceptance, there is no contract, only an offer.
Reference: Contracts > General Concepts
A seller has received an offer. The seller crossed out a number of items, wrote in the changes the seller wanted, initialed them, and returned the document to the buyer. The original offer the offeror gave the seller is considered
A)
binding only on the original offeror.
B)
a partial termination with conditional acceptance of the offer.
C)
terminated and countered.
D)
a partial acceptance of the original offer.
A seller has received an offer. The seller crossed out a number of items, wrote in the changes the seller wanted, initialed them, and returned the document to the buyer. The original offer the offeror gave the seller is considered
A)
binding only on the original offeror.
Incorrect Answer
B)
a partial termination with conditional acceptance of the offer.
Incorrect Answer
C)
terminated and countered.
Correct Answer
D)
a partial acceptance of the original offer.
Incorrect Answer
Explanation
The counteroffer effectively terminates the original offer and creates a new offer. Therefore, the original offer is not valid, accepted, or binding.
Reference: Contracts > Sales Contract
An optionee has communicated to the optionor that the optionee will purchase the property. This option contract is now exercised and is BEST described as
A)
an executory unilateral purchase contract.
B)
an executed unilateral purchase contract.
C)
an executed bilateral purchase contract.
D)
an executory bilateral purchase contract.
An optionee has communicated to the optionor that the optionee will purchase the property. This option contract is now exercised and is BEST described as
A)
an executory unilateral purchase contract.
Incorrect Answer
B)
an executed unilateral purchase contract.
Incorrect Answer
C)
an executed bilateral purchase contract.
Incorrect Answer
D)
an executory bilateral purchase contract.
Correct Answer
Explanation
When the buyer informs the seller that he is going to purchase the property, the option is exercised, and an executory bilateral purchase contract exists.
Reference: Contracts > Option Contracts
A legally enforceable agreement under which both parties promise to do something for each other is called
A)
an option agreement.
B)
an escrow agreement.
C)
a bilateral contract.
D)
a legal pledge.
A legally enforceable agreement under which both parties promise to do something for each other is called
A)
an option agreement.
Incorrect Answer
B)
an escrow agreement.
Incorrect Answer
C)
a bilateral contract.
Correct Answer
D)
a legal pledge.
Incorrect Answer
Explanation
Bilateral contracts are created by the parties both making promises. Escrow agreements set the terms for closing. An option is a unilateral contract.
Reference: Contracts > Types of Contracts
A buyer signed a purchase agreement, but then the seller decided not to sell. The buyer sued the seller successfully and was able to purchase the house. What was the contract remedy if the seller was in default?
A)
Unilateral rescission
B)
Mutual agreement
C)
Specific performance
D)
Liquidated damages
A buyer signed a purchase agreement, but then the seller decided not to sell. The buyer sued the seller successfully and was able to purchase the house. What was the contract remedy if the seller was in default?
A)
Unilateral rescission
Incorrect Answer
B)
Mutual agreement
Incorrect Answer
C)
Specific performance
Correct Answer
D)
Liquidated damages
Incorrect Answer
Explanation
The buyer does not have the option of liquidated damages because the seller has not brought any earnest money to the contract. Mutual agreement is when the parties terminate and return all items of value to each party as if the contract did not exist. Unilateral rescission is one party terminating.
Reference: Contracts > General Concepts
A buyer signs a contract under which he is given the right to purchase a property for $130,000 anytime in the next six months. The buyer pays the current owner $500 at the time that contract is signed. Which of these BEST describes this agreement?
A)
A bilateral executory sales contract
B)
A bilateral contingency contract
C)
An installment land contract binding both parties
D)
A unilateral option contract binding the seller
A buyer signs a contract under which he is given the right to purchase a property for $130,000 anytime in the next six months. The buyer pays the current owner $500 at the time that contract is signed. Which of these BEST describes this agreement?
A)
A bilateral executory sales contract
Incorrect Answer
B)
A bilateral contingency contract
Incorrect Answer
C)
An installment land contract binding both parties
Incorrect Answer
D)
A unilateral option contract binding the seller
Correct Answer
Explanation
The buyer has the right to buy in the future but is not bound to buy, which creates an option contract.
Reference: Contracts > Option Contracts
A buyer makes an offer on a house, and the seller accepts the offer. At this point, the buyer has what type of title to the property?
A)
Equitable
B)
Voidable
C)
Possessionary
D)
Legal
A buyer makes an offer on a house, and the seller accepts the offer. At this point, the buyer has what type of title to the property?
A)
Equitable
Correct Answer
B)
Voidable
Incorrect Answer
C)
Possessionary
Incorrect Answer
D)
Legal
Incorrect Answer
Explanation
On formation of the contract between both parties, the contract is now an executory contract, with the buyer having equitable title. Voidable is a term used to describe a contract that is able to be voided because of duress, fraud, misrepresentation, or because one party to the contract is a minor. In the executory stage, the seller holds legal title and possession until closing, unless a different time of possession is negotiated.
Reference: Contracts > General Concepts
The buyer’s offer stipulates that the closing must take place by April 15 or the contract is null and void. The buyer may refuse to purchase on April 16 if the contract contained
A)
a settlement clause.
B)
a contingency clause.
C)
a time is of the essence clause.
D)
a transfer clause.
The buyer’s offer stipulates that the closing must take place by April 15 or the contract is null and void. The buyer may refuse to purchase on April 16 if the contract contained
A)
a settlement clause.
Incorrect Answer
B)
a contingency clause.
Incorrect Answer
C)
a time is of the essence clause.
Correct Answer
D)
a transfer clause.
Incorrect Answer
Explanation
Time is of the essence means that if the requirement is not met, the contract has been breached.
Reference: Contracts > Contract Clauses, Including Amendments and Addenda
A purchase agreement would likely be voidable under all of these circumstances EXCEPT
A)
the seller signed under duress.
B)
the buyer didn’t read or understand the contract.
C)
the purchaser is a minor.
D)
the seller made a material misrepresentation to the buyer.
A purchase agreement would likely be voidable under all of these circumstances EXCEPT
A)
the seller signed under duress.
Incorrect Answer
B)
the buyer didn’t read or understand the contract.
Correct Answer
C)
the purchaser is a minor.
Incorrect Answer
D)
the seller made a material misrepresentation to the buyer.
Incorrect Answer
Explanation
Part of due diligence on the part of a buyer and a seller is to fully read and understand all legal documents they are signing or consult an attorney or other advisor for help. Duress, fraud, misrepresentation, and minors always make contracts voidable.
Reference: Contracts > Types of Contracts
A broker has found a buyer for a seller’s home. The buyer has indicated in writing a willingness to buy the property by signing a written agreement. The seller is out of town for the weekend, and the broker has been unable to inform the seller of the signed document. At this point, the buyer has signed
A)
a voidable contract.
B)
an implied contract.
C)
an offer.
D)
an executory contract.
A broker has found a buyer for a seller’s home. The buyer has indicated in writing a willingness to buy the property by signing a written agreement. The seller is out of town for the weekend, and the broker has been unable to inform the seller of the signed document. At this point, the buyer has signed
A)
a voidable contract.
Incorrect Answer
B)
an implied contract.
Incorrect Answer
C)
an offer.
Correct Answer
D)
an executory contract.
Incorrect Answer
Explanation
A form that offers to buy property but has not been seen or acted on by the property owner is simply an offer. Even if the offer had been for full price, no contract or agreement would yet exist, and the offeror (buyer) would have no claim on the offeree (seller).
Reference: Contracts > Types of Contracts
Which of these gives the BEST evidence of the buyer’s intention to carry out the terms of the real estate purchase contract?
A)
The provision that “time is of the essence”
B)
The earnest money deposit
C)
The agreement to seek mortgage financing
D)
The “subject to” clause
Which of these gives the BEST evidence of the buyer’s intention to carry out the terms of the real estate purchase contract?
A)
The provision that “time is of the essence”
Incorrect Answer
B)
The earnest money deposit
Correct Answer
C)
The agreement to seek mortgage financing
Incorrect Answer
D)
The “subject to” clause
Incorrect Answer
Explanation
The earnest money deposit is customary in real estate transactions to provide evidence of a buyer’s intention to carry out the terms of the contract in good faith. It is also the seller’s only remedy in a liquidated damages contract. A buyer may pay cash and not require mortgage financing, so an earnest money deposit is the best evidence of the buyer’s intention to purchase, even though earnest money is not consideration and not required to have a valid sales contract. The “subject to” clause and the “time is of the essence” clause do not relate to the buyer’s intentions but are requirements of the contract.
Reference: Contracts > General Concepts
A contract between two or more parties, each making a promise to perform certain acts, is called
A)
an implied contract.
B)
a voidable contract.
C)
a bilateral contract.
D)
a unilateral contract.
A contract between two or more parties, each making a promise to perform certain acts, is called
A)
an implied contract.
Incorrect Answer
B)
a voidable contract.
Incorrect Answer
C)
a bilateral contract.
Correct Answer
D)
a unilateral contract.
Incorrect Answer
Explanation
Promises exchanged for promises define bilateral contracts. A promise exchanged for performance is a unilateral contract. Implied contracts are created by actions.
Reference: Contracts > Types of Contracts
A person approaches an owner and says, “I’d like to buy your house.” The owner says, “Sure,” and they agree on a price. What kind of contract is this?
A)
Void
B)
Implied
C)
No contract
D)
Unenforceable
A person approaches an owner and says, “I’d like to buy your house.” The owner says, “Sure,” and they agree on a price. What kind of contract is this?
A)
Void
Incorrect Answer
B)
Implied
Incorrect Answer
C)
No contract
Incorrect Answer
D)
Unenforceable
Correct Answer
Explanation
Until the parties put the agreement into writing, it is unenforceable, because under the statute of frauds, all transfers of real estate must be in writing.
Reference: Contracts > Types of Contracts
All of these are essential elements of a contract EXCEPT
A)
words of conveyance.
B)
lawful objective.
C)
mutual agreement.
D)
consideration.
All of these are essential elements of a contract EXCEPT
A)
words of conveyance.
Correct Answer
B)
lawful objective.
Incorrect Answer
C)
mutual agreement.
Incorrect Answer
D)
consideration.
Incorrect Answer
Explanation
The essential elements of a valid contract are the following: competent parties, mutual agreement, lawful objective, consideration, and in writing. Words of conveyance are required in deeds.
Reference: Contracts > General Concepts
Under the statute of frauds, all contracts for the sale of real estate must be
A)
accompanied by earnest money deposits.
B)
on preprinted forms.
C)
in writing to be enforceable.
D)
originated by a real estate professional.
Under the statute of frauds, all contracts for the sale of real estate must be
A)
accompanied by earnest money deposits.
Incorrect Answer
B)
on preprinted forms.
Incorrect Answer
C)
in writing to be enforceable.
Correct Answer
D)
originated by a real estate professional.
Incorrect Answer
Explanation
The statue of frauds requires all documents for the transfer of real estate be in writing; the exception is leases of 12 months or less.
Reference: Contracts > General Concepts