The four economic characteristics necessary for real property to have value are:

Demand: There must be a desire or need for the property.

Utility: The property must serve a purpose or satisfy a need.

Scarcity: There must be a limited supply of similar properties.

Transferability: The ownership rights must be transferable from one party to another.

These four components form the acronym DUST and are foundational in property valuation. The correct answer is A.

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According to 21 NCAC 58A .0104(a), a written agency agreement in North Carolina must include the broker’s license number and a definite expiration date. These are required by the Commission to ensure regulatory clarity and accountability. A broker protection clause is optional and negotiated between parties. Automatic renewal clauses are prohibited in listing agreements. Therefore, the correct and required component is the broker’s license number.

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Under the NC Tenant Security Deposit Act, for leases longer than month-to-month, landlords may charge a maximum security deposit equal to two months’ rent. In this case:

$1,500 × 2 = $3,000 maximum allowed.

However, the correct answer option closest to this is C: $2,250. Let's re-check.

Upon review:

If the lease is longer than month-to-month (e.g., annual lease), the maximum deposit is 2 months' rent:

$1,500 × 2 = $3,000 → Correct answer is D.

Correct Answer: D

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The FHA (Federal Housing Administration) does not lend money directly to borrowers. Instead, FHA-insured loans are funded by approved private lenders such as banks, mortgage companies, or credit unions. The FHA insures the loan to protect the lender from default risk. HUD oversees the FHA but does not provide the funds. Fannie Mae is part of the secondary market. Therefore, the correct answer is A.

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Under North Carolina law, a property manager acts as a general agent for the property owner and owes fiduciary duties—including loyalty, obedience, accounting, and full disclosure—to the owner. While managers must comply with fair housing and other tenant-related laws, their primary duty is to the owner of the property.

Under the NCREC Rules and Code of Ethics, a broker may not interfere with another firm’s existing exclusive listing agreement. However, if a seller independently initiates a conversation, a broker is allowed to discuss the terms of a future agreement — but that agreement must begin only after the current listing expires. The broker must not suggest early termination or breach of contract. Therefore, option A accurately reflects what is legally and ethically permissible.

The primary mortgage market is where loans are originated. Lenders such as commercial banks, credit unions, mortgage bankers, and savings institutions interact directly with borrowers. The Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) and Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) operate in the secondary market, purchasing existing loans. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insures loans but does not lend directly. Therefore, the correct answer is A.

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