Missouri Real Estate Exams — State Portion Missouri Real Estate Salesperson Practice Exam

1. Which of the following is the best example of the protection offered by fair housing laws to a person with a disability?

Answer: C

Explanation:

A person who is blind and uses a seeing eye dog must be allowed to rent in a building that does not allow pets.

Fair housing laws provide specific protections to individuals with disabilities, ensuring they have equal access to housing. This includes reasonable accommodations for service animals, such as seeing eye dogs, even in no-pet policies.

A) An addict using an illegal drug must be allowed to rent.

This statement is incorrect as fair housing laws do not protect individuals who are currently engaging in illegal drug use. The law distinguishes between individuals with disabilities and those whose illegal activities do not qualify for protection.

B) A person with a mental disability, regardless of the degree of disability, must be allowed to rent.

While fair housing laws do protect individuals with mental disabilities, this option lacks specificity regarding reasonable accommodations or requirements that must be met, making it less representative of the protections offered compared to the correct answer.

C) A person who is blind and uses a seeing eye dog must be allowed to rent in a building that does not allow pets.

This option exemplifies the protections provided under fair housing laws, which require landlords to make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, such as allowing service animals in no-pet housing.

D) A lessor must make modifications to a rental unit to allow any person with a physical disability to rent.

While landlords are required to allow reasonable modifications for individuals with disabilities, this statement is overly broad and does not accurately reflect the specific rights and protections conferred by fair housing laws, especially regarding financial responsibility for modifications.

Conclusion

The correct answer, C, clearly demonstrates the specific protection for individuals with disabilities regarding the use of service animals in housing situations where pets are typically not allowed. In contrast, other options either misinterpret the protections offered by fair housing laws or lack the necessary specificity to accurately represent the law's intent.

2. Which of the following conditions must a seller's agent in a residential transaction disclose to all parties?

Answer: A

Explanation:

A seller's agent must disclose that a qualified home inspector reported a minor natural gas leak in the furnace.

In a residential transaction, the seller's agent is obligated to disclose any known defects or issues with the property that could affect the buyer's decision. The report of a natural gas leak, even if minor, poses a safety concern that must be communicated to all parties involved.

A) The agent is aware that a qualified home inspector reported a minor natural gas leak in the furnace after an inspection a month ago for a transaction that did not close. As far as the agent knows, no repairs have been completed.

This option is correct because the agent has knowledge of a potential safety hazard—namely, a natural gas leak. This information is critical for the buyer’s safety and decision-making process, and thus must be disclosed to all parties.

B) A house a block away that the agent listed and sold was tested for Radon gas and was found to have Radon gas in the basement at a level higher than the EPA suggested 'action level.'

While this situation may indicate a broader issue in the neighborhood, it does not directly pertain to the property in question. The seller's agent is not required to disclose issues related to other properties, making this option incorrect.

C) The house has been on the market for over six months and the neighbors believe this is because the previous owner's spouse died in the house after a long illness.

Although this information may be of interest to buyers, it does not constitute a material defect of the property itself. The agent is not legally obligated to disclose such personal history, rendering this option incorrect.

D) The sellers have shared with the agent that they must move due to a job transfer and they are very motivated to make the sale even at a reduced price.

This information relates to the sellers' personal circumstances rather than any defects or hazards associated with the property. Thus, it does not need to be disclosed to buyers, making this option incorrect as well.

Conclusion

The correct answer is option A, as it involves a known safety issue that must be disclosed to protect the buyer’s interests. Options B, C, and D do not present material defects or hazards that require disclosure, which is why they are not considered necessary to share with all parties involved in the transaction. The obligation to disclose safety concerns is a fundamental principle in real estate transactions to ensure transparency and buyer safety.

3. Two years ago, a house sold for $100,000. Research shows that in this region, houses have been appreciating in value at the rate of 9% per year. What is the indicated value that should be used to establish a listing price?

Answer: D

Explanation:

The indicated value that should be used to establish a listing price is $118,810.

To determine the appropriate listing price for the house, we must calculate its appreciated value over the past two years at an annual rate of 9%. This calculation results in an indicated value of $118,810.

A) $101,808

This value represents a minimal increase and does not accurately reflect the appreciation rate over two years. If calculated, $101,808 would imply a much lower rate of appreciation than 9%, making this option incorrect.

B) $109,000

While this value shows some increase, it still falls short of the correct appreciation calculation. It does not account for the compounded growth over the two-year period at the specified rate of 9%, and therefore is not an accurate listing price.

C) $118,000

Although this value is closer to the correct answer, it does not properly account for the full compounded growth over two years at the 9% rate. The calculation that leads to $118,000 neglects the additional appreciation that occurs in the second year, making it an insufficient amount for the listing price.

D) $118,810

This is the correct answer as it accurately reflects the compounded appreciation of the house over two years at a rate of 9% per year. The calculation follows the formula: $100,000 * (1 + 0.09)^2, resulting in an appropriate listing price that reflects current market conditions.

Conclusion

The correct answer, $118,810, accurately incorporates the compounded appreciation rate of 9% applied over the two-year period, making it the most suitable listing price. All other options fail to meet this calculation, either underestimating the appreciation or not accounting for the compounding effect, thus validating the choice of $118,810 as the indicated value.

4. Quality Supermarkets has taken occupancy of a retail building and has a long-term lease. As part of their fit-up, they bolted to the floor their meat and dairy coolers, shelves and check-out stands. When Quality Supermarkets vacates the property at the end of the lease, will Quality Supermarkets be legally entitled to remove these fixtures?

Answer: D

Explanation:

Yes, if removed prior to the end of the lease

Quality Supermarkets will be legally entitled to remove the fixtures, such as the bolted meat and dairy coolers, shelves, and check-out stands, as long as they are removed before the end of the lease. This is because they are considered trade fixtures, which are typically removable by the tenant.

A) No, because they are trade fixtures

This option is incorrect because trade fixtures are generally meant to be removed by the tenant at the end of the lease. While they may be affixed to the property, the tenant retains the right to remove them unless there are specific agreements stating otherwise.

B) Yes, because they are appurtenances

This option is incorrect as appurtenances typically refer to rights or privileges associated with a property, not removable fixtures. The classification of the items as appurtenances does not grant Quality Supermarkets the right to retain or remove them upon vacating the premises.

C) No, because they are bolted to the floor

Although the fixtures are bolted to the floor, this does not prevent Quality Supermarkets from removing them as long as the removal occurs before the lease ends. The bolting signifies a temporary connection rather than a permanent fixture, allowing for their removal.

D) Yes, if removed prior to the end of the lease

This option is correct as it aligns with the understanding that trade fixtures, which include the bolted items in question, can be removed by the tenant before the lease expires. This acknowledges the tenant's right to take their property with them when they vacate.

Conclusion

The correct answer is D because it accurately reflects the legal rights of tenants regarding trade fixtures. While the other options present misunderstandings about the nature of these fixtures and tenant rights, D confirms that as long as the removal is completed before the lease concludes, Quality Supermarkets can legally take their fixtures with them.

5. A Missouri licensee is showing a property that is listed by another company to a prospective buyer. Under the presumption of transaction brokerage, whom does the licensee represent?

Answer: D

Explanation:

The licensee represents neither the buyer nor the seller.

In a transaction brokerage scenario, the licensee does not represent either party in the transaction. Instead, the licensee facilitates the transaction without fiduciary duties to either the buyer or the seller.

A) the buyer

This option is incorrect because transaction brokerage does not entail representation of the buyer. The licensee acts as a facilitator and does not owe fiduciary duties to the buyer, meaning they do not represent the buyer's interests in the transaction.

B) the seller

This option is incorrect as well. The licensee, under transaction brokerage, does not represent the seller either. The role of a transaction broker is to assist in the process without advocating for the seller’s interests.

C) both the buyer and seller

This option is also incorrect. While a transaction broker assists both parties, they do not represent them. The absence of fiduciary duties means that the licensee does not act in a representative capacity for either the buyer or seller.

D) neither the buyer nor the seller

This option is correct because in transaction brokerage, the licensee serves as a neutral facilitator without representing the interests of either party. This arrangement allows for a more impartial process, focusing on the transaction itself rather than on the parties' individual interests.

Conclusion

The correct answer is that the licensee represents neither the buyer nor the seller, which aligns with the principles of transaction brokerage. This structure is designed to allow the licensee to facilitate the deal without taking sides, distinguishing it from traditional agency roles where representation is a key component. All other options incorrectly assign representation to one or both parties, which contradicts the nature of transaction brokerage.

6. A seller was able to go to the closing and sign the paperwork to sell a parent's property while the parent was still in the hospital. How could this be possible?

Answer: B

Explanation:

The parent may have had a power of attorney drawn up making the seller the attorney-in-fact.

A power of attorney allows a designated person, known as the attorney-in-fact, to act on behalf of another individual regarding legal and financial matters. In this case, the seller could sign the paperwork to sell the parent's property because they were granted this authority through a legally established power of attorney.

A) The seller may have been named an executor of the parent's will

While being named an executor allows an individual to manage the estate after the parent's passing, it does not grant authority to conduct transactions such as selling property while the parent is still alive. Therefore, this option does not apply to the scenario described.

B) The parent may have had a power of attorney drawn up making the seller the attorney-in-fact

This option is correct as it directly addresses the ability of the seller to sign documents on behalf of the parent. A power of attorney is a legal document that empowers one person to act on another's behalf, which would enable the seller to proceed with the closing despite the parent's hospitalization.

C) The seller and the parent may own the property as joint tenants, so that the seller may sign as owner

Ownership as joint tenants does allow one owner to act on behalf of another in certain situations; however, this situation involves the parent being incapacitated in the hospital. Without explicit legal authority, the seller cannot sign for the parent simply based on joint ownership.

D) The parent's surgeon recommended that this be permitted to alleviate stress regarding this pending transaction

Medical recommendations do not grant legal authority to sign documents. While alleviating stress might be a valid concern, it does not constitute a legal basis for the seller to conduct a transaction on the parent's behalf without proper legal documentation.

Conclusion

The definitive answer is that a power of attorney enables the seller to act legally on behalf of the parent, allowing for the signing of the paperwork during the parent's hospitalization. Other options either misinterpret legal authority or lack the necessary documentation, making them insufficient in this context.

7. What type of loan would allow homeowners to utilize the equity built up in their home without having to sell?

Answer: D

Explanation:

A reverse mortgage allows homeowners to utilize the equity built up in their home without having to sell.

A reverse mortgage is a financial product designed specifically for homeowners, typically aged 62 or older, that enables them to convert a portion of their home equity into cash while still retaining ownership of their home.

A) accelerated mortgage

An accelerated mortgage is a repayment plan that allows borrowers to pay off their mortgage faster by making larger payments. This option does not provide homeowners with access to their home equity without selling; rather, it focuses on reducing the overall mortgage balance.

B) graduated payment

A graduated payment mortgage is structured with lower initial payments that gradually increase over time. While this option can assist with affordability, it does not facilitate access to home equity without selling the home, which is the primary consideration in the context of the question.

C) sale-and-leaseback

A sale-and-leaseback arrangement involves selling a property and then leasing it back from the new owner. This option does allow access to cash but requires the homeowner to relinquish ownership of the property, which contradicts the requirement of utilizing equity without selling.

D) reverse mortgage

A reverse mortgage enables homeowners to tap into their home equity while continuing to live in and own their home. This type of loan provides financial flexibility for retirees by allowing them to receive funds without the obligation to sell their property.

Conclusion

The reverse mortgage is definitively the correct answer as it uniquely allows homeowners to access equity in their home without selling it, thereby maintaining ownership and residence. In contrast, all other options either do not provide access to equity without selling, or fundamentally alter home ownership status, failing to meet the requirements of the question.

8. The common area of a condominium development is owned by

Answer: D

Explanation:

All owners as tenants in common.

In a condominium development, the common areas are jointly owned by all unit owners as tenants in common, meaning that each owner has an undivided interest in the shared spaces.

A) its duly elected Board of Directors.

This option is incorrect because the Board of Directors does not own the common areas; rather, they are responsible for managing and overseeing the maintenance and operations of the condominium on behalf of all owners.

B) those owners who were original owners of the units.

This choice is incorrect as it suggests that only the original owners have ownership of the common areas. In reality, all current unit owners, regardless of when they purchased their units, have ownership rights in the common areas.

C) any individuals who pay a prorated share of the taxes and maintenance.

This option is misleading because merely paying taxes and maintenance fees does not confer ownership rights. Ownership of the common areas is based on being a unit owner in the condominium, not just on financial contributions.

D) all owners as tenants in common.

This is the correct answer as it accurately describes the legal structure of ownership in a condominium. Each owner holds a proportionate interest in the common areas, allowing them shared rights and responsibilities.

Conclusion

The correct understanding of condominium ownership indicates that all unit owners collectively share ownership of the common areas as tenants in common. This distinguishes them from the other options, which either misrepresent ownership or incorrectly limit it to specific groups. Thus, option D is the only accurate representation of how common areas in a condominium are owned.

9. Which of the following listing agreements states that if anyone other than the owner sells the property, the listing broker is due a commission?

Answer: A

Explanation:

The exclusive right-to-sell listing states that if anyone other than the owner sells the property, the listing broker is due a commission.

An exclusive right-to-sell listing guarantees that the listing broker earns a commission regardless of who sells the property, including the owner themselves or another party. This type of agreement provides the broker with the most protection and ensures their efforts are compensated.

A) exclusive right-to-sell listing

This option is correct because an exclusive right-to-sell listing explicitly states that the broker will receive a commission on the sale of the property, no matter who sells it. This arrangement incentivizes the broker to market the property aggressively and ensures the owner does not inadvertently forfeit their commission by selling to someone else.

B) exclusive agency listing

An exclusive agency listing is incorrect because, in this type of agreement, the owner retains the right to sell the property independently without paying a commission to the broker. If the owner sells the property themselves, the broker does not earn a commission, which contrasts with the terms of an exclusive right-to-sell listing.

C) net listing

A net listing is also incorrect as it is based on the seller receiving a predetermined amount from the sale, with the broker keeping any excess as their commission. While it involves commission, it does not guarantee that the broker earns a commission if another party sells the property, making it different from the exclusive right-to-sell listing.

D) open listing

An open listing is not correct because this type of agreement allows multiple brokers to market the property, and only the broker who actually sells the property earns the commission. The owner can sell the property without owing a commission to any broker, which does not align with the commission guarantee of an exclusive right-to-sell listing.

Conclusion

The exclusive right-to-sell listing is the only option that guarantees a commission to the broker regardless of who sells the property, making it the most comprehensive agreement for protecting the broker's commission. All other options either allow the owner to sell without incurring a commission or do not provide the same level of security for the broker's earnings.

10. A licensee faxes a list of available properties to prospective buyers. Which of the following is true?

Answer: A

Explanation:

The fax must contain an opt-out provision for future communications.

When a licensee communicates with prospective buyers via fax, it is essential that the fax includes an opt-out provision to comply with regulations regarding unsolicited communications.

A) The fax must contain an opt-out provision for future communications.

This option is correct because regulations, such as the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), require that any unsolicited facsimile communication must provide recipients with a clear and conspicuous opt-out notice. This allows recipients to easily request not to receive further faxes in the future, thus protecting their rights.

B) The licensee must include only a phone number to reply.

This option is incorrect as it misrepresents the requirements for communication. While a phone number may be included, it is not sufficient by itself. The law mandates more comprehensive information, including the need for an opt-out provision, which this option fails to mention.

C) The licensee's company's name does not need to be listed.

This option is also incorrect. The licensee is required to include the name of their company on any communication, including faxes. This transparency is essential for compliance with legal standards and for maintaining professional integrity.

D) The licensee must mail an identical list to all parties.

This option is incorrect as there are no such requirements necessitating the mailing of identical lists to all parties. The method of communication may vary, and such a requirement does not apply to fax communications.

Conclusion

The correct answer is A, as it highlights the necessity for an opt-out provision in fax communications to prospective buyers. All other options either misrepresent the requirements or fail to include critical information that aligns with legal obligations, thus making them incorrect.