Maryland Real Estate Exam Topics: Full Breakdown

Maryland Real Estate Exam Topics

The Maryland salesperson exam is 110 questions (80 national + 30 state). Here is a complete breakdown of what each section covers, based on PSI's published content outline.

National Section Topics (80 Questions)

1. Property Ownership (~8%) — Types of ownership, estates in land, water rights, air rights, mineral rights.

2. Land Use Controls and Regulations (~5%) — Zoning classifications, eminent domain, deed restrictions, environmental regulations.

3. Valuation and Market Analysis (~7%) — Three approaches to value (sales comparison, cost, income); market value vs. market price; CMA.

4. Financing (~10%) — Mortgage types (conventional, FHA, VA), loan terms, RESPA, TILA, PMI, qualifying ratios, foreclosure.

5. General Principles of Agency (~13%) — Fiduciary duties, types of agency, disclosure obligations, dual agency, buyer agency.

6. Property Disclosures (~6%) — Seller disclosure obligations, lead paint disclosure (pre-1978), radon, environmental hazards.

7. Contracts (~17%) — Purchase and sale agreements, listing agreements, buyer agency agreements, contingencies, breach, Statute of Frauds.

8. Transfer of Title (~8%) — Types of deeds, title search, title insurance, closing process, recording.

9. Practice of Real Estate (~13%) — License law overview, antitrust, advertising, NAR Code of Ethics overview.

10. Real Estate Calculations (~10%) — Commission math, proration, property tax, GRM, loan calculations.

State Section Topics (30 Questions)

Maryland's 30 state questions cover content unique to Maryland law:

MREC Structure — 9 members, jurisdiction under Department of Labor, licensing authority, disciplinary powers.

Maryland License Law — Business Occupations & Professions Article, Title 17; 60-hour pre-license requirement; 2-year renewal; 15 CE hours per cycle.

Maryland Agency Law — Written buyer agency disclosure at first substantial contact; Intra-Company Agent designation (allows one firm to represent both parties with disclosure); brokerage agreements in writing; designated agency.

Maryland Disclosure Requirements — Residential Property Disclosure and Disclaimer Statement; seller may disclaim instead of disclose; when disclosure must be provided.

Maryland Transfer Tax — State rate 0.5%; county rates vary; combined approximately 1.5% in many counties; who pays and exemptions.

Lead Paint Risk Reduction Act — Applies to pre-1978 rental properties; inspection and certification requirements for landlords; disclosure to new tenants.

Maryland Fair Housing — Federal 7 classes plus Maryland additions: marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, source of income (in some jurisdictions).

Maryland Contract Rules — Brokerage agreements in writing; rescission rights (HOA disclosures); buyer agency agreement content requirements.

Study Priority

Allocate the most study time to: 1. Contracts (17% of national section) 2. Agency (13% of national + tested heavily in state section) 3. Maryland Transfer Tax (state section, math-based, frequently tested) 4. Maryland agency disclosure timing (state section) 5. Lead Paint Risk Reduction Act (state section)

Practice by Topic

[CARealestate.com/states/maryland](https://carealestate.com/states/maryland) has topic-organized practice questions for every area on the Maryland outline. 5 free questions — no signup needed.