Free Massachusetts State Real Estate Laws and Real Estate Board Rules — Salesperson Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the Massachusetts State Real Estate Laws and Real Estate Board Rules — Salesperson practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1A verified complaint alleges that a Massachusetts salesperson mishandled transaction records. What may the Board do while investigating?

   1. A. Require production of relevant books and papers by summons
   2. B. Review only records the salesperson offers voluntarily
   3. C. Request records only after a final disciplinary order
   4. D. Inspect documents only through a registry of deeds

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Section 87BBB says the Board may require by summons "the production of books and papers." It may therefore compel relevant transaction records during its investigation.

   Reference: General Law - Part I, Title XVI, Chapter 112, Section 87BBB — Section 87BBB(A), investigations and hearings

2. 2Within what period must a Massachusetts licensee report a criminal conviction to the Board?

   1. A. Within 7 days
   2. B. Within 10 days
   3. C. Within 30 days
   4. D. Within 90 days

   Answer: C

   Explanation: The rule says a broker or salesperson "shall report to the Board within 30 days his or her conviction of any crime." The reporting period is 30 days.

   Reference: 254 CMR 3 — 254 CMR 3.00

3. 3A salesperson wants to advertise a seller's property solely under the salesperson's personal name. Is that permitted?

   1. A. Yes, whenever the property owner has given oral consent to the advertisement
   2. B. Yes, when the advertisement appears only on a social-media platform
   3. C. No, a salesperson cannot advertise real property under the salesperson's own name
   4. D. No, unless the advertisement involves residential rather than commercial property

   Answer: C

   Explanation: The regulation says, "Salespeople are prohibited from advertising" covered real-property transactions under their own name. The medium does not alter the rule.

   Reference: 254 CMR 3 — 254 CMR 3.00

4. 4A Massachusetts listing broker receives a written offer far below the asking price. What is the broker's duty?

   1. A. Reject it because it does not meet the listing terms
   2. B. Convey it promptly to the property owner
   3. C. Hold it until the stated expiration time approaches
   4. D. Submit it only after verifying conventional financing

   Answer: B

   Explanation: The regulation says all submitted offers "shall be conveyed forthwith to the owner of such real property." Price does not authorize withholding.

   Reference: 254 CMR 3 — 254 CMR 3.00

5. 5Under 940 CMR 3.16(2), which threshold makes omission of a known property fact an unfair or deceptive practice?

   1. A. The fact appears in a municipal record available to the buyer
   2. B. The fact may have influenced the buyer not to enter the transaction
   3. C. The fact reduces assessed value by at least ten percent
   4. D. The fact can be discovered during an ordinary visual showing

   Answer: B

   Explanation: The Massachusetts rule reaches a known fact "the disclosure of which may have influenced the buyer or prospective buyer not to enter into the transaction." That stated influence threshold controls.

   Reference: 940 CMR 3 — 940 CMR 3.16

6. 6For a Massachusetts home built before 1978, when must the seller provide the Property Transfer Lead Paint Notification to the buyer?

   1. A. After the parties complete the transaction closing
   2. B. Before the buyer signs the purchase and sale agreement
   3. C. After an inspector first confirms a lead hazard
   4. D. When the completed deed is presented for recording

   Answer: B

   Explanation: 105 CMR 460.720 requires the notification "Prior to the signing of a purchase and sale agreement or lease with an option to purchase." The disclosure therefore precedes the buyer's signature.

   Reference: 105 CMR 460 — 105 CMR 460.720(A)

7. 7Which characteristic is protected by Massachusetts housing law but is not one of the seven classes named in the federal Fair Housing Act?

   1. A. Race
   2. B. Color
   3. C. Age
   4. D. National origin

   Answer: C

   Explanation: M.G.L. c. 151B, § 4 includes "age, genetic information, ancestry, or marital status" in its housing protections. Age is not one of the seven federal Fair Housing Act classes.

   Reference: General Law - Part I, Title XXI, Chapter 151B, Section 4 — Section 4(7)(a)

8. 8What is the maximum conventional security deposit a Massachusetts residential landlord may require at the start of a tenancy?

   1. A. One-half month's rent
   2. B. One month's rent
   3. C. Two months' rent
   4. D. Three months' rent

   Answer: B

   Explanation: Section 15B permits "a security deposit equal to the first month's rent." One month's rent is the conventional-deposit maximum.

   Reference: General Law - Part II, Title I, Chapter 186, Section 15B — Section 15B(1)(b)(iii)

9. 9A Massachusetts deed conveys land to two unrelated people but does not state joint tenancy or survivorship. What estate is created by default?

   1. A. Tenancy by the entirety
   2. B. Tenancy in common
   3. C. Joint tenancy
   4. D. Life estate

   Answer: B

   Explanation: Section 7 says a conveyance to two or more persons "shall create an estate in common and not in joint tenancy" unless a contrary intent is expressed.

   Reference: General Law - Part II, Title I, Chapter 184, Section 7 — Section 7

10. 10Which broker records does 254 CMR 3.00 expressly make subject to inspection by the Massachusetts Board or its agents?

    1. A. Federal tax returns kept outside the brokerage files
    2. B. Escrow funds records and the related checks
    3. C. Personal correspondence unrelated to licensed activity
    4. D. Personnel records for workers who perform no brokerage

    Answer: B

    Explanation: The rule states, "All such funds and records shall be subject to inspection by the Board or its agents." That sentence covers the escrow records and checks.

    Reference: 254 CMR 3 — 254 CMR 3.00