{ "source": { "name": "WA broker exam — 30-question mock", "exam": "Washington State real estate BROKER licensing exam — state portion (PSI)", "jurisdiction": "Washington State, USA", "question_count": 30, "mirror_of": "https://livinginmaricopa.com/wa-quiz.html", "formats": { "interactive": "https://livinginmaricopa.com/wa-quiz.html", "html": "https://livinginmaricopa.com/wa-quiz-source.html", "text": "https://livinginmaricopa.com/wa-quiz-source.txt", "json": "https://livinginmaricopa.com/wa-quiz-data.json" }, "note": "Study aid. Not legal advice. Verify every citation against current RCW/WAC before relying on it." }, "questions": [ { "id": 1, "category": "Ops", "stem": "A broker receives an earnest money check from a buyer on Monday. By when must the broker deliver it to the designated broker?", "choices": { "A": "By the next banking day", "B": "Within 2 business days", "C": "Within 3 business days", "D": "Immediately upon mutual acceptance" }, "answer": { "letter": "B", "text": "Within 2 business days" }, "explanation": "Licensee → firm is 2 business days. The next-banking-day rule is the firm's deposit duty, a different actor.", "citation": "WAC 308-124E / RCW 18.85.285" }, { "id": 2, "category": "Ops", "stem": "A firm holds pooled trust deposits. Interest earned on deposits of $10,000 or under is distributed how?", "choices": { "A": "100% to the depositing client", "B": "50% housing trust fund / 50% education", "C": "75% housing trust fund / 25% real estate education account", "D": "100% to the real estate commission account" }, "answer": { "letter": "C", "text": "75% housing trust fund / 25% real estate education account" }, "explanation": "75% housing trust fund, 25% real estate education account.", "citation": "RCW 18.85.285" }, { "id": 3, "category": "Ops", "stem": "Buyer and seller both claim the earnest money. The designated broker holds it. Under RCW 18.85.285(9), the DB must give written notification to all contracting parties that includes a disbursement date no later than:", "choices": { "A": "10 consecutive days after the notification date", "B": "15 consecutive days after the notification date", "C": "30 consecutive days after the notification date", "D": "60 consecutive days after the notification date" }, "answer": { "letter": "C", "text": "30 consecutive days after the notification date" }, "explanation": "30 consecutive days after the notification date. This is the DB's license-law duty.", "citation": "RCW 18.85.285(9)" }, { "id": 4, "category": "Ops", "stem": "A title company holding funds in a residential transaction receives a written demand for release. Under RCW 64.04.220 it has how long to notify, release, or interplead?", "choices": { "A": "10 days", "B": "15 days", "C": "20 days", "D": "Interpleader is not available in Washington" }, "answer": { "letter": "B", "text": "15 days" }, "explanation": "15 days to notify, release, or interplead. D is the trap the first delta sheet planted — interpleader is expressly available, and under subsection (8) at any time.", "citation": "RCW 64.04.220" }, { "id": 5, "category": "Ops", "stem": "Before closing, a seller asks the firm to release the earnest money to him because he believes the buyer defaulted. The purchase agreement does not address termination. The firm may disburse only if:", "choices": { "A": "The designated broker documents a good-faith determination", "B": "There is a written release from both the purchaser and the seller", "C": "Fourteen days pass with no objection from the buyer", "D": "The seller signs an indemnity agreement" }, "answer": { "letter": "B", "text": "There is a written release from both the purchaser and the seller" }, "explanation": "Written release from both. Exceptions are termination per the agreement's own terms, or funds to the designated closing escrow agent — neither applies here.", "citation": "WAC 308-124E-110(3)" }, { "id": 6, "category": "Ops", "stem": "How long must a Washington firm retain transaction records?", "choices": { "A": "2 years", "B": "3 years", "C": "5 years", "D": "7 years" }, "answer": { "letter": "B", "text": "3 years" }, "explanation": "3 years. C is Arizona's five.", "citation": "WAC 308-124" }, { "id": 7, "category": "Ops", "stem": "A property manager holds tenant security deposits in a trust account. Interest on that account:", "choices": { "A": "Goes 75/25 to the housing trust fund and education account", "B": "Is exempt from the interest-bearing housing-trust-fund requirement", "C": "Must always be paid to the tenant", "D": "Must be split evenly between owner and firm" }, "answer": { "letter": "B", "text": "Is exempt from the interest-bearing housing-trust-fund requirement" }, "explanation": "PM trust accounts are exempt from the interest-bearing housing-trust-fund requirement. A is the reflex answer and is wrong.", "citation": "WAC 308-124E-115" }, { "id": 8, "category": "Ops", "stem": "A firm's property management trust account holds security deposits for several owners. Which is prohibited?", "choices": { "A": "Withdrawing PM commissions monthly by one check to the firm", "B": "Maintaining a supporting schedule for commission withdrawals", "C": "Preauthorized recurring disbursements from the account", "D": "Performing a monthly trial balance" }, "answer": { "letter": "C", "text": "Preauthorized recurring disbursements from the account" }, "explanation": "No preauthorized recurring disbursements where the account holds security deposits or multiple clients' funds. The others are all required or permitted.", "citation": "WAC 308-124E" }, { "id": 9, "category": "Ops", "stem": "A broker wants to pay a $500 thank-you to an unlicensed friend who found her a listing lead and also sat in on the listing appointment. This is:", "choices": { "A": "Permitted if disclosed in writing to the seller", "B": "Permitted if the fee is under $600", "C": "Prohibited — the friend performed brokerage services", "D": "Permitted if paid by the firm rather than the broker" }, "answer": { "letter": "C", "text": "Prohibited — the friend performed brokerage services" }, "explanation": "She performed brokerage services (attended the listing appointment), so no payment is lawful — disclosure and routing do not cure it.", "citation": "RCW 18.85.301" }, { "id": 10, "category": "Ops", "stem": "A broker buys a rental house through an LLC she controls. She does not tell the seller she holds a real estate license. Under RCW 18.85.361(21) this is:", "choices": { "A": "Permitted — the LLC, not the broker, is the buyer", "B": "Permitted — the duty applies only when acting as an agent", "C": "Prohibited — licensee status must be disclosed in writing", "D": "Permitted if she is not paid a commission" }, "answer": { "letter": "C", "text": "Prohibited — licensee status must be disclosed in writing" }, "explanation": "Licensee status must be disclosed in writing when buying or selling any interest — entity purchases and leasing included. Broader than Arizona.", "citation": "RCW 18.85.361(21)" }, { "id": 11, "category": "Ops", "stem": "A team inside a firm wants to be called \"Cascade Summit Realty Group.\" The designated broker approves it in writing in advance. Is the name acceptable?", "choices": { "A": "Yes — advance written DB approval is the only requirement", "B": "No — a team name may not contain \"realty\"", "C": "Yes, if the firm name also appears on all advertising", "D": "No — team names are prohibited in Washington" }, "answer": { "letter": "B", "text": "No — a team name may not contain \"realty\"" }, "explanation": "A team name may not contain \"realty\" (nor \"real estate\", \"firm\", or an entity suffix). DB approval does not cure a prohibited word.", "citation": "WAC 308-124B-210(2)" }, { "id": 12, "category": "Ops", "stem": "A client demands the return of documents and funds. The licensee does not respond. After how long is this prima facie evidence of conversion?", "choices": { "A": "10 days", "B": "20 days", "C": "30 days", "D": "60 days" }, "answer": { "letter": "C", "text": "30 days" }, "explanation": "30 days after demand is prima facie conversion.", "citation": "RCW 18.85.361(5)" }, { "id": 13, "category": "Ops", "stem": "A firm opens an additional office two miles away, serving the whole county. What is required?", "choices": { "A": "Nothing — offices within 35 miles are always exempt", "B": "A branch office license, with a managing broker as branch manager", "C": "A branch license, but any active broker may manage it", "D": "Only a notice to the department within 10 days" }, "answer": { "letter": "B", "text": "A branch office license, with a managing broker as branch manager" }, "explanation": "The 35-mile exemption applies only where activity is confined to one subdivision or tract. Serving the county defeats it. Branch manager must be a managing broker.", "citation": "RCW 18.85 / WAC 308-124" }, { "id": 14, "category": "Licensing", "stem": "Which activity requires a Washington real estate license?", "choices": { "A": "Preparing a broker price opinion for a fee", "B": "An owner selling their own home", "C": "An attorney performing services within their practice", "D": "A resident manager renting units in a building where they live" }, "answer": { "letter": "A", "text": "Preparing a broker price opinion for a fee" }, "explanation": "BPOs are expressly inside the definition of activities requiring a license. B, C and D are statutory exemptions.", "citation": "RCW 18.85.011(17); .151" }, { "id": 15, "category": "Licensing", "stem": "An unlicensed person refers a buyer to a broker. Which fact pattern keeps the referral fee lawful?", "choices": { "A": "They helped fill in the offer but were paid a flat fee", "B": "They were not involved in negotiation or documents, and the fee is not contingent on the licensee being paid", "C": "They were paid 25% of the broker's commission at closing", "D": "They attended the closing but did not speak" }, "answer": { "letter": "B", "text": "They were not involved in negotiation or documents, and the fee is not contingent on the licensee being paid" }, "explanation": "Both conditions required: no involvement in negotiation or documents, and the fee not contingent on the licensee being paid. C fails the contingency test.", "citation": "RCW 18.85.151(8)" }, { "id": 16, "category": "Licensing", "stem": "To qualify as a managing broker, an applicant needs:", "choices": { "A": "2 years of experience and 30 hours of education", "B": "3 years full-time experience within the preceding 5 years, and 90 hours in three 30-hour courses within 3 years", "C": "5 years of experience and a bachelor's degree", "D": "3 years of experience and passage of the national portion only" }, "answer": { "letter": "B", "text": "3 years full-time experience within the preceding 5 years, and 90 hours in three 30-hour courses within 3 years" }, "explanation": "3 years full-time within the preceding 5; 90 hours as three 30-hour blocks within 3 years.", "citation": "RCW 18.85" }, { "id": 17, "category": "Licensing", "stem": "May one person serve as designated broker for two different firms?", "choices": { "A": "No — a designated broker may serve only one firm", "B": "Yes, with a designated broker endorsement", "C": "Only if the firms are commonly owned", "D": "Only with written consent of the director" }, "answer": { "letter": "B", "text": "Yes, with a designated broker endorsement" }, "explanation": "Yes — a DB may serve more than one firm. A is the Arizona answer.", "citation": "RCW 18.85" }, { "id": 18, "category": "Licensing", "stem": "A broker's license expired 14 months ago and was never renewed. Its status is:", "choices": { "A": "Inactive", "B": "Suspended", "C": "Canceled", "D": "Expired but renewable with back fees only" }, "answer": { "letter": "C", "text": "Canceled" }, "explanation": "Not renewed within 1 year of expiration = canceled. Reinstatement within 2 years of cancellation needs 60 hours (≥30 law), back fees and a $100 penalty.", "citation": "RCW 18.85" }, { "id": 19, "category": "Licensing", "stem": "Standard continuing education for a Washington license renewal is:", "choices": { "A": "24 hours every 2 years", "B": "30 hours every 2 years, including 3 core and 3 fair housing", "C": "30 hours every year", "D": "90 hours every 2 years" }, "answer": { "letter": "B", "text": "30 hours every 2 years, including 3 core and 3 fair housing" }, "explanation": "30 hours / 2 years, incl. 3 core + 3 fair housing, ≥15 within 24 months. A is Arizona's 24.", "citation": "RCW 18.85" }, { "id": 20, "category": "Licensing", "stem": "A broker on inactive status for four years wants to reactivate. What is required?", "choices": { "A": "Nothing — inactive licensees are exempt from CE", "B": "A 30-hour course completed within 1 year before reactivating", "C": "Retaking the state exam", "D": "60 hours including 30 in real estate law" }, "answer": { "letter": "B", "text": "A 30-hour course completed within 1 year before reactivating" }, "explanation": "Inactive more than 3 years → a 30-hour course within 1 year before reactivating. A is true only while inactive.", "citation": "RCW 18.85" }, { "id": 21, "category": "Licensing", "stem": "A broker leaves a firm. The designated broker refuses to surrender her license until she returns a company laptop. This is:", "choices": { "A": "Permitted — the firm holds the license", "B": "Permitted if the laptop is worth more than $500", "C": "Improper — the DB must surrender without delay and may not condition surrender", "D": "Permitted for up to 10 days" }, "answer": { "letter": "C", "text": "Improper — the DB must surrender without delay and may not condition surrender" }, "explanation": "The firm holds the license, but the DB must surrender without delay and may not condition surrender on anything.", "citation": "RCW 18.85" }, { "id": 22, "category": "General", "stem": "Who has authority to adopt rules and discipline licensees in Washington?", "choices": { "A": "The Real Estate Commission", "B": "The director, with the commission's advice and approval", "C": "The commission by majority vote, subject to the governor's veto", "D": "The Attorney General" }, "answer": { "letter": "B", "text": "The director, with the commission's advice and approval" }, "explanation": "🔑 The director makes rules, licenses and disciplines. The commission is advisory only. A is the ADRE-shaped instinct and it is the single biggest general-rules trap.", "citation": "RCW 18.85" }, { "id": 23, "category": "General", "stem": "The Washington Real Estate Commission consists of:", "choices": { "A": "Nine members appointed by the director", "B": "The director as chair plus six members appointed by the governor to 6-year terms", "C": "Five members elected by licensees", "D": "Seven members appointed by the legislature" }, "answer": { "letter": "B", "text": "The director as chair plus six members appointed by the governor to 6-year terms" }, "explanation": "Director as chair plus six governor-appointed members, 6-year terms, ≥2 from each side of the Cascades, meets 4 times a year.", "citation": "RCW 18.85" }, { "id": 24, "category": "General", "stem": "Maximum fine per violation under RCW 18.235.110:", "choices": { "A": "$1,000", "B": "$2,500", "C": "$5,000", "D": "$10,000" }, "answer": { "letter": "C", "text": "$5,000" }, "explanation": "$5,000 per violation. $1,000/day is the separate unlicensed-practice penalty.", "citation": "RCW 18.235.110" }, { "id": 25, "category": "General", "stem": "A licensee is charged with a felony. He is not convicted. What must he do?", "choices": { "A": "Nothing until conviction", "B": "Notify the program within 20 days of the charge", "C": "Notify the program within 30 days of the charge", "D": "Notify only at the next renewal" }, "answer": { "letter": "B", "text": "Notify the program within 20 days of the charge" }, "explanation": "20 days, and a charge triggers it — conviction is not required.", "citation": "RCW 18.235 / 18.85" }, { "id": 26, "category": "Agency", "stem": "A buyer contacts a broker and begins touring homes. No written agreement is signed. The broker is:", "choices": { "A": "Working with a customer, with no agency relationship", "B": "The buyer's agent by operation of law", "C": "A subagent of the seller", "D": "A transaction broker until an agreement is signed" }, "answer": { "letter": "B", "text": "The buyer's agent by operation of law" }, "explanation": "Buyer's agent by operation of law. There is no customer status in Washington — A is the Arizona reflex.", "citation": "RCW 18.86.020" }, { "id": 27, "category": "Agency", "stem": "A Washington broker's duties to a principal are best described as:", "choices": { "A": "Common-law fiduciary duties", "B": "Statutory duties that supersede common-law fiduciary duty", "C": "Fiduciary duties supplemented by statute", "D": "Contractual duties only" }, "answer": { "letter": "B", "text": "Statutory duties that supersede common-law fiduciary duty" }, "explanation": "Duties are statutory and expressly supersede common-law fiduciary duty. If \"fiduciary\" appears, it is wrong.", "citation": "RCW 18.86.110" }, { "id": 28, "category": "Agency", "stem": "Two brokers in the same firm represent the buyer and the seller in one transaction. Who are the limited dual agents?", "choices": { "A": "The firm itself", "B": "Both appointed brokers", "C": "The designated broker and the supervising managing broker", "D": "No dual agency exists; each broker is a single agent and nothing more is required" }, "answer": { "letter": "C", "text": "The designated broker and the supervising managing broker" }, "explanation": "The designated broker and supervising managing broker are the limited dual agents; each appointed broker stays a single agent. A is the trap.", "citation": "RCW 18.86" }, { "id": 29, "category": "Agency", "stem": "A buyer services agreement is silent as to its term. It expires after:", "choices": { "A": "30 days", "B": "60 days", "C": "90 days", "D": "It does not expire until terminated in writing" }, "answer": { "letter": "B", "text": "60 days" }, "explanation": "60 days by default when the term is unspecified.", "citation": "RCW 18.86.080(7)" }, { "id": 30, "category": "Agency", "stem": "A commercial buyer will not sign a buyer services agreement. May the firm still be compensated?", "choices": { "A": "No — no services agreement, no compensation, without exception", "B": "Yes, via a written Compensation Disclosure under RCW 18.86.080(8)", "C": "Yes, by oral agreement if witnessed", "D": "Only if the seller agrees to pay" }, "answer": { "letter": "B", "text": "Yes, via a written Compensation Disclosure under RCW 18.86.080(8)" }, "explanation": "A commercial buyer may sign a written Compensation Disclosure instead. Also exempt: BPOs and referrals where the referring firm provided no brokerage services.", "citation": "RCW 18.86.080(8), (9)" } ] }