UPDATED ACTUAL Exam Questions and
CORRECT Answers
Abstract of Title - CORRECT ANSWER - The condensed history of the recorded
ownership of a particular parcel of real estate, consisting of a summary of the original grant and
all subsequent conveyances and encumbrances affecting the property and a certification by the
abstractor that the history is complete and accurate.
Accelerated cost recovery system (ACRS) - CORRECT ANSWER - Method for claiming
tax deductions for certain property pruchased before 1987 in which it was possible to claim
greater deductions in the early years of ownership, gradually reducing the amount deducted in
each year of useful life.
Acceleration Clause - CORRECT ANSWER - The clause in a mortgage or deed of trust
that can be enforced to make the entire debt due immediately if the borrower defaults on an
installment payment or other obligation.
Accession - CORRECT ANSWER - Acquiring title to additions or improvements to real
property as a result of the annexation of fixtures or the accretion of alluvial deposits along the
banks of streams.
Accretion - CORRECT ANSWER - The increase or addition of land by the deposit of sand
or soil washed up naturally from a river, lake, or sea.
Accrued Depreciation - CORRECT ANSWER - Loss in a property's value resulting from
physical deterioration, external depreciation, and functional obsolescence.
Accrued Items - CORRECT ANSWER - On a closing statement, items of expense that are
incurred but not yet payable, such as interest on a mortgage loan or taxes on real property
, Acknowledgment - CORRECT ANSWER - A formal declaration made before a duly
authorized officer, usually a notary public, by a person who has signed a document.
Acre - CORRECT ANSWER - A measure of land equal to 43,560 square feet, 4,840
square yards, 4,047 square meters, 160 square rods, of 0.4047 hectares.
Action to quiet title - CORRECT ANSWER - A court action that establishes ownership
when ownership cannot be traced through an unbroken chain of title
actual eviction - CORRECT ANSWER - The legal process that results in a tenant's being
physically removed from leased premises
actual notice - CORRECT ANSWER - Express information or fact; that which is known;
direct knowledge.
ad valorem tax - CORRECT ANSWER - A tax levied according to value, generally used
to refer to real estate tax. Also called the general tax.
addendum - CORRECT ANSWER - Any provision added to an existing contract without
altering the content of the original. Must be signed by all parties.
adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) - CORRECT ANSWER - A loan characterized by a
fluctuating interest rate, usually one tied to a bank or savings and loan association cost-of-funds
index.
administrative law judge - CORRECT ANSWER - The official who presides over a
hearing involving a government agency and someone affected by a decision of that agency. The
ALJ hears evidence, including the testimonyof o witnesses, and renders a decision.
administrator - CORRECT ANSWER - A court-selected person who assists with the
settlement of an estate of a person who died without leaving a will. A woman might be called an