1. Prospective renters who are protected from discrimination based on familial status include
A. a single college student renting an apartment with roommates.
B. an unmarried 25-year-old couple searching for a residential rental.
C. a person who is pregnant or is in the process of securing legal custody of a child. Correct
D. a person provided housing under any state or federal program designed to assist the elderly.
Explanation
Familial status is one of the seven federally protected classes under the Fair Housing Act, and Virginia follows the same definition. It specifically shields households with children under 18, pregnant women, and anyone in the process of obtaining legal custody (foster parents, adoptive parents, etc.). A single student or childless couple does not trigger this protection; they fall under other categories or none at all. The pregnant person or soon-to-be legal guardian is the only choice that squarely hits the statutory definition.
2. A salesperson who works out of a branch office of a realty company has committed an act which is in violation of the Virginia real estate license law. The salesperson's principal broker was aware of the violation, but did NOT participate in it. Could the principal broker's license be suspended or revoked and why or why not?
A. Yes, if the Board determines that the principal broker failed to take proper action to remedy the situation. Correct
B. Yes; the principal broker will automatically receive the same disciplinary action as the salesperson who committed the violation.
C. No, because the principal broker did not participate in the violation.
D. No, because the branch office broker is solely responsible for the acts of a salesperson working out of that branch office.
Explanation
Virginia law treats the principal broker as the 'captain of the ship.' The broker is legally responsible for adequate supervision of every licensee under their authority, regardless of branch location. Mere knowledge of a violation without corrective action (warning, training, termination, or self-reporting) is considered a failure to supervise under § 54.1-2108. The Board routinely disciplines brokers for 'should have known' or 'knew but did nothing' situations.
3. When a licensee wishes to represent both parties in a real estate transaction the licensee must ALWAYS obtain
A. the written, informed consent of each. Correct
B. an agreement that each will pay the agent's fee.
C. a release of liability from each.
D. a signed agency agreement.
Explanation
Dual agency creates an inherent conflict of interest: the agent cannot negotiate the best price for both sides simultaneously. Virginia law (§ 54.1-2139) therefore makes written, informed consent mandatory before dual representation can begin. This consent must explain the limitations of representation and be signed by all parties. Verbal consent or a standard agency agreement is insufficient.
4. Notification that a person is a licensed real estate agent is required EXCEPT
A. on all signs.
B. on websites and social media sites.
C. when advertising the sale of personal home.
D. when visiting open houses while on vacation. Correct
Explanation
Disclosure of license status is required whenever a licensee is acting in a professional capacity: advertising, signs, websites, or providing specific assistance to a potential client. Simply walking through an open house as a curious visitor on vacation is a purely personal activity with no professional implication, so no disclosure is required.
5. If an on-site sewage system is failing, a listing agent for a residential property must inform the seller to provide disclosure
A. in writing before the contract is ratified. Correct
B. following a home inspection.
C. orally to the buyer's agent.
D. after the closing.
Explanation
A failing septic system is a known material defect. The Virginia Residential Property Disclosure Act requires sellers to disclose known material defects in writing on the disclosure form delivered to the buyer before ratification. The listing agent has an affirmative duty to advise the seller of this requirement the moment the defect is known.