1. What is `mezzanine financing` in real estate?
A. A type of loan secured by the roof of a building.
B. A hybrid of debt and equity financing, often used to fill the gap between senior debt and equity.
C. Government subsidies for low-income housing.
D. Loans specifically for interior design and renovation.
2. What is a `lien` in real estate?
A. A type of insurance policy
B. A legal claim against a property as security for a debt
C. A government tax on real estate transactions
D. A restriction on property usage
3. What is the difference between `fixed-rate mortgage` and `adjustable-rate mortgage` (ARM)?
A. Fixed-rate mortgage has a constant interest rate, while ARM has a rate that can change over time.
B. Fixed-rate mortgage is for commercial properties, while ARM is for residential properties.
C. Fixed-rate mortgage is shorter term, while ARM is longer term.
D. Fixed-rate mortgage requires a larger down payment than ARM.
4. What does `ROI` stand for in real estate investment?
A. Rate of Inspection
B. Return on Investment
C. Real Ownership Index
D. Risk of Inflation
5. What is the significance of `FAR` (Floor Area Ratio) in urban planning?
A. It determines the maximum floor area that can be built on a plot of land relative to the lot size.
B. It measures the amount of sunlight a building receives.
C. It calculates the annual property tax rate.
D. It assesses the environmental impact of a development project.
6. Which term describes the legal right to use another person`s land for a specific purpose?
A. Encroachment
B. Easement
C. Eminent domain
D. Equity
7. What is `cap rate compression`?
A. When cap rates increase due to rising interest rates.
B. When cap rates decrease due to increased demand and higher property values.
C. When operating expenses decrease, leading to higher net operating income.
D. When the supply of available properties significantly increases.
8. What is `capitalization rate` (cap rate) used for in real estate?
A. To calculate the annual property taxes
B. To estimate the potential rate of return on an investment property
C. To determine the cost of property insurance
D. To measure the depreciation of a building
9. What is `eminent domain`?
A. The right of the government to take private property for public use, with compensation
B. The process of dividing a property into smaller lots
C. The assessment of property taxes
D. The marketing of properties to potential buyers
10. In real estate, what does `escrow` refer to?
A. A type of mortgage insurance
B. A neutral third party holding funds or documents
C. A government agency regulating real estate
D. A real estate agent`s commission
11. What is a `balloon payment` in a mortgage?
A. A large, lump-sum payment due at the end of a mortgage term.
B. A payment made when the borrower misses multiple payments.
C. A payment for property insurance.
D. A small, extra payment made each month to reduce the principal faster.
12. What is the difference between `gross lease` and `net lease`?
A. Gross lease covers all expenses, while net lease requires the tenant to pay some expenses.
B. Gross lease is for residential properties, while net lease is for commercial properties.
C. Gross lease is shorter term, while net lease is longer term.
D. Gross lease is for developed land, while net lease is for undeveloped land.
13. Which of the following terms best describes the process of determining the value of a property?
A. Depreciation
B. Appraisal
C. Amortization
D. Valuation
14. What is `right of first refusal`?
A. The right to be the first to inspect a property.
B. The right to match the terms of an offer before it`s accepted from another party.
C. The right to negotiate the initial listing price.
D. The right to demand repairs before closing.
15. What does `seller disclosure` entail?
A. The seller`s financial history.
B. The seller`s marketing strategy for the property.
C. The seller`s obligation to reveal known defects about the property.
D. The seller`s preferred closing date.
16. What is the primary purpose of a `title search` in a real estate transaction?
A. To assess the property`s structural integrity
B. To verify the legal ownership of the property
C. To determine the property`s market value
D. To negotiate the purchase price
17. What is the `loan-to-value` (LTV) ratio?
A. The ratio of a loan amount to the appraised value of the property
B. The ratio of monthly loan payments to monthly income
C. The ratio of a property`s value to its annual property taxes
D. The ratio of a borrower`s credit score to the interest rate on the loan
18. What is a `contingency` in a real estate contract?
A. A clause that allows the buyer to terminate the contract under certain conditions
B. A fee paid to the real estate agent
C. A government tax on real estate transactions
D. A type of insurance policy
19. What does `HOA` stand for in real estate?
A. Home Owners Association
B. Housing Opportunity Agency
C. Home Office Assessment
D. Housing Oversight Authority
20. What is `fair market value`?
A. The price a seller hopes to receive for a property
B. The price a willing buyer and seller agree upon under normal market conditions
C. The assessed value of a property for tax purposes
D. The original purchase price of a property
21. What is the role of a `real estate broker`?
A. To provide legal advice to buyers and sellers
B. To manage properties on behalf of owners
C. To act as an intermediary between buyers and sellers in real estate transactions
D. To assess the value of properties for tax purposes
22. What is the meaning of `due diligence` in the context of real estate transactions?
A. The final price negotiation between buyer and seller
B. A comprehensive investigation of a property to assess its value and potential risks
C. The process of obtaining a mortgage loan
D. The act of signing the purchase agreement
23. Which of the following is NOT typically included in closing costs?
A. Appraisal fees
B. Home inspection fees
C. Earnest money deposit
D. Title insurance
24. What does `zoning` refer to in real estate?
A. The process of dividing a property into smaller lots
B. Regulations that govern how land can be used in specific areas
C. The assessment of property taxes
D. The marketing of properties to potential buyers
25. What is the function of a `property manager`?
A. To assess property values for tax purposes.
B. To oversee the day-to-day operations and maintenance of a property on behalf of the owner.
C. To provide legal advice during real estate transactions.
D. To secure financing for property development.
26. What is `ground lease`?
A. Leasing land for agricultural purposes.
B. Leasing land with the intention of constructing a building.
C. Leasing a property with ground-floor access.
D. A lease agreement where the tenant is responsible for all ground maintenance.
27. What does `REIT` stand for?
A. Real Estate Investment Trust
B. Residential Energy Improvement Tax
C. Regional Economic Investment Team
D. Rental Equity Income Transfer
28. In real estate, what does `vacancy rate` indicate?
A. The rate at which properties are being sold
B. The percentage of unoccupied units in a rental property or area
C. The rate of increase in property values
D. The percentage of properties with code violations
29. What is `amortization` in the context of a mortgage?
A. The process of insuring a mortgage against default
B. The gradual repayment of a loan principal over time
C. The assessment of property value for tax purposes
D. The process of refinancing a mortgage
30. What is a `1031 exchange`?
A. A government program to assist first-time homebuyers.
B. A tax-deferred exchange of like-kind properties.
C. A type of mortgage with a 10.31% interest rate.
D. A fund for property renovations.