NC Agency Contracts (Sales) and Related Practices Flashcards
(93 cards)
A home has a guesthouse out back with a kitchen, bath, and bedroom. The size is about 600 square feet. How should it be reported per the North Carolina Real Estate Commission guidelines?
A)
List it as “additional space,” but do not combine it with the house’s square footage
B)
Add it to the house’s square footage
C)
All of these; no set guideline
D)
Not shown at all
A)
List it as “additional space,” but do not combine it with the house’s square footage
Explanation
The guideline is to report the square footage of the guesthouse separately. It is not part of the main house.
Reference: Agency Contracts (Sales) and Related Practices
If the first substantial contact with a prospective seller or buyer occurs by telephone or other electronic means that make it impractical to give the person the written brochure, the licensee is required to mail or otherwise transmit a copy of the Working with Real Estate Agents Disclosure form in no event later than
A)
7 calendar days.
B)
5 calendar days.
C)
10 calendar days.
D)
3 calendar days.
D)
3 calendar days.
Explanation
The disclosure form must be transmitted no later than three calendar days to the prospect. The agent should review the disclosure form at the earliest possible time of meeting the prospect. However, if first substantial contact occurs during the initial conversation, the agent is still required to review the content and concepts of the disclosure form and then follow that up with providing the contact the disclosure form within three calendar days.
Reference: Agency Contracts (Sales) and Related Practices
When must a nonexclusive buyer agency relationship be reduced to writing?
A)
Before prequalifying the buyer
B)
Before showing the buyer properties
C)
Before presentation of the first offer
D)
Before writing an offer for the buyer
C)
Before presentation of the first offer
Explanation
The rules allow nonexclusive buyer agency to be verbally established first; the agency agreement must be reduced to writing before presentation of the first offer.
Reference: Agency Contracts (Sales) and Related Practices
If an agent in North Carolina is working with both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction, is that dual agency?
A)
Only if the agent has representation agreements with both
B)
Yes, always
C)
No, not if the parties said they’d be unrepresented
D)
It’s illegal
A)
Only if the agent has representation agreements with both
Explanation
To be a dual agent, the licensee must have agency agreements with both parties.
Reference: Agency Contracts (Sales) and Related Practices
The type of listing in which the broker and the seller are LEAST likely to know the amount of money that will be received as commission for the sale of the property is
A)
an open listing.
B)
a multiple listing.
C)
a net listing.
D)
an exclusive authorization to sell.
C)
a net listing.
Explanation
In a net listing, the broker will receive an amount in excess of an agreed-on sales price. Net listings are legal in North Carolina as long as the agreement meets the requirements of agency agreements. Net listings are not recommended because the commission amount is not an agreed-upon percentage or amount.
Reference: Agency Contracts (Sales) and Related Practices
A home being marketed by a real estate broker is located next door to a registered sex offender. In North Carolina, who must disclose this information?
A)
No one must disclose this information.
B)
Both agents are held to disclose this information to any prospective buyer.
C)
The listing agent must disclose this information.
D)
The selling agent must disclose this information.
A)
No one must disclose this information.
Explanation
This is not a material fact in North Carolina.
Reference: Agency Contracts (Sales) and Related Practices
In which document can the details of the broker/firm’s commission be found for a sales transaction?
A)
The Residential Property and Owners’ Association Disclosure Statement
B)
The Standard Form 2-T
C)
The Exclusive Right-to-Sell Listing Agreement
D)
The Professional Services Disclosure and Election Form
C)
The Exclusive Right-to-Sell Listing Agreement
Explanation
The listing agreement is the contract between the seller and the firm that outlines the responsibilities of both parties, including the negotiated commission. The standard for 2-T is a prohibited form having any provision regarding the payment of commission to any broker or firm.
Reference: Agency Contracts (Sales) and Related Practices
Brokerage commission fees are
A)
always negotiable.
B)
set by the local association.
C)
set by the market.
D)
set by the Commission.
A)
always negotiable.
Explanation
According to the Sherman Antitrust Act, commissions may not be set. License law specifically prohibits the North Carolina Real Estate Commission from setting rates or arbitrating commission disputes.
Reference: Agency Contracts (Sales) and Related Practices
A real estate provisional broker might lawfully accept an extra commission in a difficult sale from
A)
a thankful buyer.
B)
a broker-employer.
C)
a mortgage lender.
D)
an appreciative seller.
B)
a broker-employer.
Explanation
A provisional broker cannot receive compensation directly from anyone other than his broker-employer. Although the extra commission may be paid by the principal, it must flow through the broker-employer to the provisional broker.
Reference: Agency Contracts (Sales) and Related Practices
Which of the following agency agreements must be in writing at first substantial contact?
A)
Buyer agency agreement
B)
Dual agency agreement
C)
Tenant representation agreement
D)
Listing agreement
D)
Listing agreement
Explanation
All listing agreements in North Carolina must be in writing from their inception. When representing the buyers, dual agency agreements may be oral, but they must be in writing no later than the time of presentation of the first offer. When representing sellers, dual agency agreements must be signed by the sellers when the agent undertakes dual agency.
Reference: Agency Contracts (Sales) and Related Practices
A broker may provide for which of the following in an exclusive listing contract?
A)
An automatic continuation of the term of the listing beyond the final termination date specified in the contract
B)
Permission to post a sign on the property being listed
C)
Permission to conceal presence of radon
D)
Permission for the licensee to show the listing only to U.S. citizens
B)
Permission to post a sign on the property being listed
Explanation
Courts do not favor automatic extension provisions in listings, especially because many unsophisticated sellers end up having to pay two commissions. For example, an owner thinks the 90-day listing has expired and so signs a new listing with broker B. When B finds the buyer, A also claims a commission under the earlier exclusive listing that had never been canceled in writing by the owner. Radon is a material fact the broker must disclose to the buyer.
Reference: Agency Contracts (Sales) and Related Practices
A listing agent is listing a house and needs to know the square footage. What is the MOST accurate means of determining square footage?
A)
Listing agent needs to measure the house personally
B)
By consulting tax records
C)
By asking the seller
D)
By checking the previous listing agreement
A)
Listing agent needs to measure the house personally
Explanation
If the listing agent uses any other number and it is wrong, then the North Carolina Real Estate Commission will consider that the listing agent did not use reasonable efforts and the listing agent can be disciplined. Although the North Carolina Real Estate Commission does not require an agent to report square footage, if the agent chooses to do so (or is required per the local MLS), then the Commission expects the agent to accurately measure the home.
Reference: Agency Contracts (Sales) and Related Practices
An agent will usually be entitled to receive a commission if the agent
A)
presents a written offer to purchase during the term of a valid listing.
B)
holds an exclusive agency listing contract and the property is sold by the seller.
C)
is the procuring cause of the sale.
D)
has an open listing and the property is sold by another broker with an open listing.
C)
is the procuring cause of the sale.
Explanation
The written offer must be either on the listing terms or acceptable to the seller. Note, however, that under an exclusive right-to-sell listing, the listing agent is assured a commission no matter who sells the property or is the procuring cause. An open or exclusive agency listing would require proof of procuring cause. Finally, note that in all cases the agent must have an active license at the time of the offer to receive a commission. Inactive licensees may not act on behalf of others in real estate transactions in North Carolina.
Reference: Agency Contracts (Sales) and Related Practices
All written listing agreements in North Carolina must include
A)
a definite period.
B)
a photo of the property.
C)
a listing period of at least 180 days.
D)
an automatic right of renewal.
A)
a definite period.
Explanation
All written listing agreements in North Carolina must include a definite period in which they are valid. Automatic right of renewal is not allowed in North Carolina, except under specific conditions in property management agreements.
Reference: Agency Contracts (Sales) and Related Practices
The North Carolina Real Estate Commission residential square-footage guidelines advise the calculation of square footage by measuring
A)
the exterior of the heated, contiguous living areas and subtracting any area that is not adequately cooled by the central HVAC system.
B)
the interior rooms and adding the areas together to obtain the total.
C)
all areas, including decks and porches and other living areas, and adding them to the square footage of the house.
D)
the exterior of the home and subtracting the nonliving areas, such as the garage, from the total.
D)
the exterior of the home and subtracting the nonliving areas, such as the garage, from the total.
Explanation
The exterior of the home minus nonheated areas comprise the square footage; only heated, contiguous living area, including walls, floors and ceilings, finished in like-kind quality and workmanship counts as square footage. There is no requirement in the guidelines for cooling, only heating of the residence.
Reference: Agency Contracts (Sales) and Related Practices
The acceptable method for obtaining the square footage of a home is which of the following?
A)
Use what the last listing agent used
B)
Get your assistant to measure it
C)
Use what the seller tells you
D)
Measure it in accordance with the North Carolina Square Footage Guidelines
D)
Measure it in accordance with the North Carolina Square Footage Guidelines
Explanation
Using other’s numbers is not acceptable unless the agent has hired an appraiser to measure for that transaction. Otherwise, the agent must measure it.
Reference: Agency Contracts (Sales) and Related Practices
All of the following are requirements for a listing contract EXCEPT
A)
it must be for a definite period of time.
B)
it must include the broker’s license number.
C)
it must be signed by all parties no later than presentation of offers to the seller.
D)
it must include anti-discrimination language.
C)
it must be signed by all parties no later than presentation of offers to the seller.
Explanation
It must be signed at the time of its formation.
Reference: Agency Contracts (Sales) and Related Practices
If the North Carolina Residential Property and Owners’ Association Disclosure Statement is delivered to the purchaser before or at the time the purchaser makes an offer, the purchaser
A)
has no right under the law to cancel any resulting sales contract.
B)
can void the contract.
C)
has rights under the law to cancel any resulting sales contract.
D)
can sue the seller.
A)
has no right under the law to cancel any resulting sales contract.
Explanation
The law says that the purchaser does not have the right under the law to cancel any resulting contract after receiving the document within the time frame specified by law.
Reference: Agency Contracts (Sales) and Related Practices
A homeowner tells the listing broker he thinks the covenants for his neighborhood have expired. What obligations will the listing broker have for disclosure of this fact?
A)
Ask the seller to truthfully complete the property disclosure and homeowners association addendum. This puts the liability on the seller if the covenants are still in effect.
B)
Ask the seller to contact the homeowners association and ask for copies of all current covenants. The broker can also check public records or ask an attorney to search at the register of deeds for a copy of any recorded documents.
C)
Put on the MLS and other advertising that a buyer’s agent should verify the existence of restrictive covenants.
D)
Tell any prospective buyers that it is their responsibility to find a copy of the restrictive covenants.
B)
Ask the seller to contact the homeowners association and ask for copies of all current covenants. The broker can also check public records or ask an attorney to search at the register of deeds for a copy of any recorded documents.
Explanation
The broker can also check public records or ask an attorney to search at the register of deeds for a copy of any recorded documents. The North Carolina Association of REALTORS®/North Carolina Bar Association, North Carolina’s standard exclusive right-to-sell listing agreement, and the Offer to Purchase and Contract (NCAR/NCBA) all obligate the seller and the listing agent to provide this information to a buyer.
Reference: Agency Contracts (Sales) and Related Practices
Which of the following agency relationships may be oral before being reduced to writing?
A)
An exclusive right-to-sell agreement
B)
An exclusive buyer agency agreement
C)
An exclusive agency listing agreement
D)
A nonexclusive buyer agency agreement
D)
A nonexclusive buyer agency agreement
Explanation
Per North Carolina license law, all exclusive agreements must be in writing at the onset of the relationship. An oral buyer agency agreement must be reduced to writing before presentation of the first offer. An oral buyer agency agreement is not exclusive.
Reference: Agency Contracts (Sales) and Related Practices
If the firm wishes to bind the buyer to the firm and restrict the buyer, then
A)
an oral buyer agency agreement is allowed.
B)
a written buyer agency agreement is required.
C)
any of these will restrict the buyer.
D)
a dual agency agreement is required.
B)
a written buyer agency agreement is required.
Explanation
An oral buyer agency agreement cannot bind the buyer and firm.
Reference: Agency Contracts (Sales) and Related Practices
A recently listed home was the scene of a brutal murder. Who must disclose this information to a prospective buyer?
A)
The listing agent must disclose this information.
B)
No one must disclose this information.
C)
The selling agent must disclose this information.
D)
Both brokers are held to disclose this information to any prospective buyer.
B)
No one must disclose this information.
Explanation
This is not a material fact in North Carolina. A buyer’s agent may disclose if she thinks it will make a difference in the buyer’s decision to purchase.
Reference: Agency Contracts (Sales) and Related Practices
A buyer has asked the listing broker if the price of the home is negotiable. What would be the BEST way for the listing broker to respond to the buyer?
A)
The price is very negotiable.
B)
The seller really needs to sell and close by the end of the month.
C)
The seller will not take one cent less than asking price.
D)
I will take the seller any offer you would like me to write up.
D)
I will take the seller any offer you would like me to write up.
Explanation
A listing agent may not insinuate that a price is or is not negotiable without the permission of the principal. Simply offering to write an offer is not a breach of agency responsibilities.
Reference: Agency Contracts (Sales) and Related Practices
An agent with a valid listing is generally considered to have earned a commission
A)
only if title is transferred.
B)
only when the principal signs a contract of sale.
C)
when a ready, willing, and able buyer who offers to buy on the principal’s listing terms, or other terms the seller finds acceptable, has been produced.
D)
when an offer has been secured from a prospective buyer.
C)
when a ready, willing, and able buyer who offers to buy on the principal’s listing terms, or other terms the seller finds acceptable, has been produced.
Explanation
Even if the principal decided not to sign, the broker who was the procuring cause may have.
Reference: Agency Contracts (Sales) and Related Practices