Maryland-Real-Estate-Salesperson Maryland Real Estate Salesperson Examination Questions and Answers

In the deed section of the pre-licensing course, learners are taught that the full covenant and warranty deed (often called a general warranty deed) provides the broadest protection for the grantee because the grantor warrants good title, free from encumbrances, and defends the title against all claims, whether they arose before or during the grantor’s ownership. The deed typically carries the full set of common law covenants (seisin, right to convey, against encumbrances, quiet enjoyment, further assurances, and warranty). By contrast, a quitclaim deed offers no warranties, a bargain and sale deed implies ownership but gives limited or no warranties, and executor’s or personal representative deeds convey title on behalf of an estate without full warranties.

In a seller-agency relationship, the agent owes the client (seller) fiduciary duties, which include loyalty, obedience (lawful instructions), disclosure, confidentiality, accounting, and reasonable care. Practical responsibilities include advising the seller on pricing and marketing strategy, actively marketing the property, presenting offers, and negotiating in the seller’s best interests. Duties owed to buyers (customers) are limited to honesty and disclosure of material facts, not advocacy. Therefore, “Market and sell the property” reflects the seller’s agent’s core duty; negotiating for the buyer or representing the buyer would conflict with loyalty to the seller unless properly disclosed and permitted as dual agency under Maryland law.

A special agent (also called a limited agent) is authorized to perform a single, specific act or transaction—such as assisting in the purchase or sale of a property.

Real estate brokers and salespersons generally act as special agents, with limited authority defined in the brokerage agreement.

They may not bind their clients to contracts without express permission.

This principle appears in the Law of Agency module and is contrasted with general agents (brokers’ affiliated licensees) and universal agents (power-of-attorney representatives).

Reference (Maryland Source):

– Maryland 60-Hour Principles and Practices Course, Law of Agency section.

– Business Occupations and Professions Article §17-530 – §17-534.

The course states that an exclusive right-to-sell listing is a brokerage employment agreement between the seller and the listing brokerage (through the authorized broker), not with the buyer. The listing contract authorizes the brokerage to market the property and earn compensation upon a sale during the listing term, regardless of who procures the buyer. Therefore, the parties are the seller (Chuck) and the listing brokerage (Nevin’s brokerage).

Agency may be created expressly (by written or oral agreement) or by implication through the conduct of the parties. When a licensee and consumer act as though an agency relationship exists—advice, advocacy, and services consistent with representation—without a signed agreement, this is implied agency. Maryland emphasizes avoiding unintended implied agency by using timely written agreements and required disclosures.

Puffery refers to subjective statements of opinion or sales talk that a reasonable person would not take as a factual representation.

Phrases like “best views,” “dream home,” or “finest neighborhood” are considered puffing, not misrepresentation.

Maryland’s pre-licensing course distinguishes puffery (legally permissible) from misrepresentation, which involves false statements of material fact that can lead to disciplinary action or liability.

Reference (Maryland Source):

– Maryland 60-Hour Principles and Practices Course, Ethical Conduct and Misrepresentation section.

– Maryland Business Occupations and Professions Article §17-322 (Grounds for Disciplinary Action).

Within Brokerage Operations and Advertising Compliance, the course explains that while state license laws prohibit false, misleading, or deceptive advertising, at the federal level the Lanham Act allows businesses to bring civil actions against competitors for false or misleading advertising that misrepresents the nature, characteristics, or qualities of goods or services. This is distinct from consumer protection frameworks (e.g., FTC Act) and privacy/financial statutes (e.g., Gramm–Leach–Bliley Act and the Privacy Act), which do not create the same competitor-to-competitor false advertising claim.

In the valuation module, the course explains bracketing as an appraisal technique where the appraiser selects comparables that are both superior and inferior to the subject on key characteristics (e.g., gross living area, condition, lot size, age, quality, transaction price) to “bracket” the likely value range. Proper bracketing strengthens the sales comparison approach and supports a credible reconciliation by demonstrating the subject’s position within a range indicated by the market.

In Maryland practice, standard residential contracts (e.g., the Maryland REALTORS® Residential Contract of Sale) require parties to initial and date each page. This page-by-page acknowledgment demonstrates that both buyer and seller reviewed and consented to the specific terms on every page, reducing disputes over omitted or altered provisions. Final signatures execute the agreement, but initials and dates on each page evidence assent to the entire document as presented.

In Maryland, a redeemable ground rent (ground lease) allows the leasehold tenant to redeem (buy out) the ground rent by paying the statutory redemption amount to the ground rent holder, typically with advance written notice (often 30 days) after a minimum period has elapsed. An irredeemable ground rent cannot be bought out by the tenant. The question’s facts—15 years of payments and the tenant giving 30 days’ notice to buy out—match the characteristics of a redeemable ground lease.

Interest is the cost of borrowing money, expressed as a rate applied to the outstanding principal. Principal is the loan amount itself. Discount points are prepaid finance charges used to adjust the loan’s yield/interest rate. Usury refers to charging an illegally high interest rate, not the ordinary charge itself.

Maryland agency law requires fiduciary duties to each client—loyalty, confidentiality, disclosure, obedience, reasonable care—but it does not prohibit a licensee from showing the same property to multiple buyer clients. A licensee must avoid disclosing one client’s confidential information (e.g., willingness to pay more) and provide fair, diligent service to each, but there is no exclusivity right entitling a buyer to first refusal unless contractually agreed. Therefore, no violation occurred when Renae showed the property to more than one client.

The appraisal principle of supply and demand explains market power: when supply increases relative to demand (more homes on the market), conditions shift toward a buyer’s market, where buyers hold greater negotiating power and prices tend to soften rather than rise. Sellers generally cannot demand more in a high-supply environment.

Under Maryland’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, licensees must act with honesty, integrity, and reasonable skill and care.

If a licensee lacks experience in a specialized area, they must disclose that fact to the client and either refer the client or seek assistance from a qualified professional—with the client’s informed consent.

By being transparent and collaborating with an experienced commercial broker, Manny fulfills his ethical obligation of competence and disclosure while protecting his client’s interests.

Reference (Maryland Source):

– Maryland 60-Hour Principles and Practices Course, Ethics and Professional Conduct section.

– COMAR 09.11.02.01 – Code of Ethics for Real Estate Licensees.

– Business Occupations and Professions Article §17-322.

When a life estate is measured by the life of a life tenant (Jacob) and the grantor (Janice) specifies that, upon the life tenant’s death, the property passes to a third party, that third party holds a remainder interest (a present, non-possessory future interest). If the property were set to return to the grantor instead, the grantor would hold a reversionary interest.

Bulk zoning regulates the intensity of land use—controlling density through standards such as lot size, setbacks, height limits, floor-area ratio (FAR), and open-space requirements. Its primary purpose is to restrict density and prevent overcrowding, not to group similar uses (which is the role of traditional/Euclidean zoning). This is taught in the course’s Land Use Controls and Property Development section.

Bracketing is an appraisal technique used in the sales comparison approach.

An appraiser selects comparables (“comps”) that are both superior and inferior to the subject property in key features (size, amenities, condition, etc.) to ensure the subject’s value falls within a supported range.

This method provides a balanced and realistic market value estimate.

The Maryland pre-licensing course explains bracketing in the “Real Estate Appraisal and Valuation” section to prepare students for both state and national exam questions on comparative analysis.

Under Maryland agency law, a real estate licensee represents a client—the party with whom the licensee has an express, written brokerage agreement. A customer is an unrepresented party who may receive ministerial acts and required disclosures but is not owed fiduciary duties of representation. Who pays compensation does not determine representation; the written agreement does.

In real property conveyance, certain interests and transfers occur by operation of law and therefore supersede contrary provisions in a will. Common examples include joint tenancy with right of survivorship, tenancy by the entirety, life estates with a named remainderman, and properly created transfer-on-death/beneficiary designations. These interests vest automatically at death and are not controlled by the decedent’s will.

“Intestate” refers to dying without a valid will and does not itself take precedence over a will. The heirs’ wishes have no legal effect against properly vested interests. Therefore, where applicable, operation of law controls over will terms regarding those interests.

In dual agency (and Maryland’s intra-company/dual agency framework), an agent cannot provide undivided loyalty to both clients in the same transaction. Maryland requires written, informed consent and limits the fiduciary duty of loyalty because representing opposing interests precludes undivided advocacy. The agent still owes honesty, disclosure of material facts, reasonable skill and care, and confidentiality (within statutory limits), but undivided loyalty is expressly curtailed in dual agency.

A corporation is a single legal entity, separate from its shareholders. When it holds title to real property, ownership is in severalty, meaning “sole” ownership by one legal person. Unlike joint tenancy or tenancy in common, there are no co-owners in severalty; the corporate entity alone holds all rights of ownership. This principle is highlighted in the ownership portion of the Maryland pre-licensing curriculum.

In the buyer representation section, the course contrasts common forms:

Exclusive right to represent: the brokerage is owed compensation if the buyer purchases during the term, regardless of who finds the property.

Exclusive agency: the brokerage is the only broker engaged, but the buyer reserves the right to purchase without the broker and owe no commission if the buyer self-procures the property.

For recordation in Maryland, a deed must be acknowledged (typically before a notary or other authorized officer). Acknowledgment authenticates the grantor’s execution of the instrument, satisfying recording requirements. “Conveyed” and “transferred” describe the act of alienation, not the statutory prerequisite to recording; “verified” is not the recording standard.

For pre-1978 residential properties, federal law (Title X) requires disclosure of any known lead-based paint or hazards, provision of the EPA pamphlet, and a 10-day inspection opportunity (unless waived). Licensees must ensure required disclosure forms are completed and disclose known material facts, but they must not state lead exists if they do not actually know. Licensees are not responsible for abatement and must never assist in concealing hazards.

The principle of regression states that a property of higher value may decrease in worth when located near or among lower-quality properties. Conversely, the principle of progression means a lower-valued property can gain value by proximity to higher-quality ones.

This concept is emphasized in the Maryland pre-licensing module “Real Estate Appraisal and Valuation” to explain how neighborhood characteristics influence market value.

A condominium is a form of ownership, not a type of structure.

It typically consists of multiple units (multi-family or multi-unit buildings) in which each owner holds title to their individual unit and shares ownership of common areas (e.g., hallways, pools, grounds) through the condominium association.

This differs from a cooperative (co-op), where residents hold shares and a proprietary lease.

A reference to a recorded plat (lot and block system) is a form of legal description, an essential element that precisely identifies the property being conveyed. Consideration is the value exchanged; the granting clause (words of conveyance) shows intent to transfer; the habendum clause defines the estate being granted (e.g., “to have and to hold…”).

In the “Real Property and the Law” segment, the course distinguishes between real property (land, improvements, and appurtenances) and personal property (movable items not affixed to land). Emblements—also called fructus industriales—are annually cultivated crops (e.g., corn, wheat, vegetables) produced through tenant labor and industry. These are treated as personal property belonging to the person who planted them, typically the tenant, even if the crops mature after the tenancy ends. By contrast, fructus naturales (e.g., trees, shrubs, perennial plants) are part of the land and therefore real property until severed.

References (Course Outline/Study Topics): Maryland 60-Hour Principles and Practices of Real Estate — “Real Property and the Law” (Real vs. personal property; fructus industriales/emblements vs. fructus naturales).

Maryland licensees may use pre-approved or attorney-drafted forms in the course of their duties.

However, they may not draft legal documents or interpret legal implications, as doing so constitutes unauthorized practice of law.

The Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC) allows licensees to fill in the blanks of standard forms approved by the Maryland Association of REALTORS® (MAR) or by legal counsel, but all legal interpretations must be referred to an attorney.

An encumbrance is any claim, charge, or liability attached to real property that burdens the title or limits use, including monetary interests (e.g., liens, such as mortgages, tax liens, mechanic’s liens) and non-monetary/physical interests (e.g., easements, encroachments, deed restrictions). Encumbrances do not necessarily prevent transfer, but they run with the land and affect marketability.

In practice and per course guidance, the buyer is responsible for initiating and completing the loan application, arranging the appraisal through the lender, ordering the home inspection, and securing homeowners insurance prior to closing. Although lenders order the appraisal to comply with appraisal independence rules, the buyer is the party who applies for financing and is responsible for ensuring the appraisal, inspection, and insurance are in place to meet loan and contract conditions by closing.

Fair housing education emphasizes that inclusive, diverse neighborhoods support opportunity, stability, and equity—values aligned with the federal Fair Housing Act and Maryland fair housing objectives. In pre-licensing training, learners are taught that promoting diversity (and avoiding steering, blockbusting, or discriminatory practices) is both an ethical obligation and a legal requirement.

The cost approach to appraisal is based on the principle of substitution, which assumes that a buyer will not pay more for a property than it would cost to purchase a similar site and construct a comparable building with equal utility.

The process involves:

Estimating the value of the land as if vacant,

Estimating the current cost to reproduce or replace the improvements,

Subtracting depreciation (physical, functional, or external), and

Adding the land value to the depreciated improvement cost.Thus, the cost approach measures the cost to acquire the land and construct a reproduction or replacement of the improvements—making option A correct.

A tax-deferred exchange, also known as a 1031 exchange, allows investors to exchange one qualifying investment or business property for another “like-kind” property and defer payment of capital gains taxes until the new property is sold.

This provision falls under Internal Revenue Code §1031.

In the Maryland pre-licensing curriculum, this is explained under the “Real Estate Financing and Investment” section to show how investors legally postpone capital gains recognition by following IRS guidelines.

Property taxes are levied by local governments to generate revenue that funds essential community services such as public education, police and fire protection, road maintenance, sanitation, and other municipal infrastructure projects. The Maryland course stresses that these taxes are a key component of a stable community and ensure that property owners contribute proportionally to maintaining public amenities.

An 80/20 loan structure means the borrower finances 80% of the purchase price through a first mortgage and 20% through a second mortgage, leaving no down payment.

For a $600,000 property:

80% × $600,000 = $480,000 (first loan)

20% × $600,000 = $120,000 (second loan)Total financing = $480,000 + $120,000 = $600,000.Therefore, Carson is financing $480,000 through the first loan, corresponding to the “80%” part referenced in the question’s options.

A real property exchange, often called a 1031 exchange, allows investors to defer paying capital gains taxes when swapping one investment property for another of like kind. However, if the transaction does not meet IRS requirements or if “boot” (cash or non-like-kind property) is received, the gain becomes taxable. The Maryland course identifies taxable gains as the main drawback when the exchange fails to fully qualify for deferral.

A license is a personal, revocable privilege to perform some act on another person’s land without any possessory right or ownership interest. Unlike an easement, a license does not transfer with the land and can be revoked at any time by the licensor. Examples include permission to hunt, park, or attend an event on private property.

In Maryland’s pre-licensing course, this concept is taught under “Interests in Real Estate” as a type of encumbrance that affects property use but not ownership.

The standard net-to-seller calculation is:

Net to seller = Sales price × (100% − commission rate) − closing costs.

Thus, the missing element is Sales price. (Commission is calculated on the sales price, then other seller-paid closing costs are subtracted to arrive at net.)

Tenancy by the entirety is a special form of ownership available only to married couples in Maryland. It provides each spouse with an equal, undivided interest and includes the right of survivorship—if one spouse dies, the surviving spouse automatically owns the entire property.

However, when the couple divorces, the marriage relationship—essential for this ownership form—no longer exists. The law automatically converts the ownership to tenancy in common, unless otherwise specified in the divorce decree or a subsequent agreement.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) accepts complaints related to false, misleading, or deceptive advertising practices and can investigate, mediate, or forward concerns to regulatory agencies.

The Maryland pre-licensing course advises licensees that maintaining truthful and transparent advertising is an ethical and legal requirement under both Maryland Real Estate Commission regulations and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rules.

Consumers may also contact the Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC) for license law violations, but general deceptive ad complaints typically begin with the BBB.

Reference (Maryland Source):

– Maryland 60-Hour Principles and Practices Course, Ethical Advertising and Consumer Protection section.

– COMAR 09.11.02.01 – Ethical Standards of Advertising.

– Federal Trade Commission Act, 15 U.S.C. §45.

Courts commonly consider (1) method of attachment (annexation), (2) adaptation to the property’s use, and (3) agreement of the parties to determine whether an item is a fixture (real property) or personal property. “Acknowledgement,” “accessory,” and “reimbursement” are not part of the legal fixture tests.

In Maryland pre-licensing, licensees are taught to help buyers—especially first-time purchasers or those with recent credit challenges—understand appropriate, suitable financing options (fixed vs. adjustable rates, government-backed loans, down payment assistance, points, APR, mortgage insurance, qualifying ratios), and to avoid steering to high-risk or predatory products. This aligns with consumer-protection principles, agency duties, and federal disclosure frameworks (TILA/RESPA) covered in the financing module.

A legal description precisely identifies a parcel of real estate so it can be uniquely located and distinguished from other property. In Maryland, deeds typically include one of several accepted types of legal descriptions: metes and bounds, lot and block, or rectangular survey (where applicable).

Metes and bounds describe the property boundaries using directions, distances, and reference points (monuments).

This ensures that the property can be clearly identified for conveyance and recording purposes.

Items such as the county clerk’s name, developer name, or title abstract are not part of the deed’s legal description.

The escrow agent (often the broker, title company, or attorney) is the fiduciary who receives and holds trust money in a regulated escrow account until contract terms are fulfilled. In Maryland, the broker is responsible for maintaining escrow records and depositing all trust money promptly in accordance with COMAR 09.11.02.19. “Escrow master” and “mortgage agent” are not legal titles under Maryland law, and “special agent” refers to the agency relationship, not handling of funds.

A land trust is a type of living trust in which real property is the only asset placed into the trust.

Under a land trust, the trustee (fiduciary) holds legal title to the property, while the beneficiary retains the rights to control, manage, and receive income or proceeds from the property.

The Maryland pre-licensing course explains that land trusts are commonly used for privacy, estate planning, and avoiding probate, since the property is owned and transferred through the trust rather than by individual deed.

A federally related transaction is defined as any real estate-related financial transaction that involves a federal financial institution regulator, such as the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), Federal Reserve, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), or any transaction intended for sale to a government-sponsored enterprise like Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

Under the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 (FIRREA), federal agencies require that real estate appraisals used in federally related transactions be performed by state-licensed or state-certified appraisers.

In Maryland’s 60-Hour Pre-Licensing Course, this concept is taught within the “Real Estate Appraisal and Valuation” topic to ensure future licensees understand when a certified appraisal is legally mandated. The course emphasizes that federally related transactions generally include:

The sale, lease, purchase, investment, or exchange of real property.

The financing, refinancing, or use of real property as security for a loan.

Transactions regulated by federal financial agencies.

Therefore, the correct definition of a federally related transaction is a real estate transaction in which a federal financial agency or regulatory authority is involved.

Reference (Maryland and Federal Sources):

Maryland 60-Hour Principles and Practices of Real Estate Pre-Licensing Course – “Real Estate Appraisal and Valuation” Module (Appraisal Standards Section)

Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 (FIRREA), Title XI – Appraisal Standards

12 U.S.C. § 3350 – Definitions (Federally Related Transaction)

In the Environmental Issues and Disclosures section, the course teaches that radon is a naturally occurring, colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that results from the decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water. Radon can migrate into buildings through foundation cracks and openings and accumulate to levels that pose health risks. Licensees must understand radon basics, testing options, mitigation methods, and disclosure responsibilities in transactions.

The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR) is the state agency responsible for enforcing fair housing laws within Maryland.

Under the Maryland Fair Housing Act (found in Title 20 of the State Government Article), the MCCR investigates complaints of discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability.

The MCCR’s duties include:

Receiving and investigating housing discrimination complaints.

Attempting conciliation between parties when possible.

Referring cases to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) when they fall under federal jurisdiction.

Enforcing penalties and ensuring compliance with both state and federal fair housing standards.

In the Maryland 60-Hour Principles and Practices of Real Estate Pre-Licensing Course, this information is covered under the “Maryland Fair Housing and Ethics Requirements” module, emphasizing that licensees must understand and comply with both federal Fair Housing Act provisions and Maryland’s additional protected classes enforced by the MCCR.

Reference (Maryland Source):

Maryland 60-Hour Principles and Practices of Real Estate Pre-Licensing Course – “Maryland Fair Housing and Ethics Requirements” Module

Annotated Code of Maryland, State Government Article, Title 20 – Human Relations, §§ 20-701 to 20-711 (Maryland Fair Housing Act).

A contract assignment occurs when a buyer (the assignor) transfers his or her contractual rights to another party (the assignee) before closing.

However, this is only allowed if the original purchase contract permits assignment—that is, if it includes an assignability clause or does not prohibit assignment.

If the contract specifically states “non-assignable” or “assignment requires seller consent,” the assignor must comply with those terms.

This concept appears in the Contracts and Transaction Procedures section of the course.

Reference (Maryland Source):

– Maryland 60-Hour Principles and Practices Course, Real Estate Contracts and Assignments section.

– Maryland Contract Law Principles (General Common Law on Assignability).

A short sale occurs when the lender agrees to accept less than the total amount owed on the mortgage to release its lien so that the property can be sold.

The lender must approve the sale before closing.

This typically happens when the market value of the property is less than the outstanding loan balance, but foreclosure is avoided.

In the pre-licensing course, short sales are discussed under Financing and Foreclosure Alternatives, highlighting licensees’ duties to disclose the short-sale status to buyers and comply with lender requirements.

Reference (Maryland Source):

– Maryland 60-Hour Principles and Practices Course, Financing and Foreclosure Alternatives section.

– Maryland Real Property Article §7-105.1 (Mortgage Default Remedies).

Under the Maryland Real Estate Brokers Act (Business Occupations and Professions Article, §17-613), it is unlawful for any person to engage in real estate brokerage activities without a valid Maryland license.

The Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC) may impose civil fines for unlicensed activity as follows:

Up to $5,000 for a first offense

Up to $15,000 for two offenses

Up to $25,000 for three or more offenses, but no more than $10,000 per violation

Therefore, for multiple offenses, the maximum fine per violation is $10,000.

The Closing Disclosure (CD) is a federally required document under the TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure Rule (TRID).

It must be provided to the borrower at least three business days prior to closing and itemizes loan terms, fees, and total closing costs.

The Loan Estimate (LE) is given earlier in the process—within three business days of loan application—while the Closing Disclosure confirms final figures.

Maryland licensees must understand both forms as part of the Closing and Settlement Procedures portion of their coursework.

Reference (Maryland Source):

– Maryland 60-Hour Principles and Practices Course, Closing Procedures and Federal Disclosure Requirements section.

– TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure Rule (TRID), 12 C.F.R. §1026.19(f).

The Property Management section of the Maryland pre-licensing course teaches that licensees must monitor their listings for fraudulent online activity, such as rental scams where criminals copy legitimate ads and re-post them with false contact details.

Setting up automated alerts through tools like Google Alerts or If This, Then That (IFTTT) can help licensees detect unauthorized use of their listings or identifying information.

These monitoring tools allow quick corrective action and protect both the brokerage and the public from scams.

Reference (Maryland Source):

– Maryland 60-Hour Principles and Practices Course, Property Management and Advertising Compliance section.

– Maryland Code of Ethics, COMAR 09.11.02.01–.02.

Regardless of who pays the commission, the client is the person named in the agency agreement—in this case, Sadie, the property owner.

The Maryland Real Estate Brokers Act defines the client as the party with whom the broker or salesperson has an agency relationship, not necessarily the one providing compensation.

Third-party payments do not alter the contractual relationship or fiduciary duties.

Maryland practice (as taught in pre-licensing) recognizes a customary 50/50 split of transfer and recordation taxes between buyer and seller, subject to local custom and negotiation. Parties may allocate differently in the contract, and some jurisdictions have varying defaults; however, exam-prep materials present 50/50 as the standard custom unless otherwise agreed.

Underground storage tanks (USTs), particularly older ones made of steel, may corrode and leak, releasing hazardous substances such as oil or fuel into the soil and groundwater.

Maryland environmental law and the 60-Hour Course emphasize that sellers must disclose known environmental hazards, and buyers should be aware of potential remediation costs.

The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) regulates USTs, requiring proper registration, maintenance, and closure procedures to prevent contamination.

In real estate terminology taught in the course:

Land = the earth’s surface down to the center and upward to infinity, including permanently attached natural objects (trees, minerals, water).

Real estate = land plus improvements (man-made attachments such as buildings, fences).

The brokerage operations/MLS compliance section explains that sensitive showing instructions—such as gate codes, lockbox combinations, alarm details, and security instructions—must not appear in public-facing remarks. With the seller’s written permission, these details, when necessary, may be placed only in “Private” (Agent) Remarks, which are visible to MLS participants/subscribers (licensees) but not to the public. This protects seller security and complies with MLS rules and professional standards on advertising and confidentiality.

References (Course Outline/Study Topics):

Maryland 60-Hour Principles and Practices of Real Estate Pre-Licensing Course — “Real Estate Brokerage Operations” (MLS usage and compliance: public vs. private/agent remarks, confidentiality, seller permissions for showing/access instructions).