Maryland Practice TestFinance (alternative)

Maryland Finance (alternative)
Practice Questions & Answers (2026)

Finance questions on the Maryland real estate exam cover mortgage types, loan-to-value ratios, qualifying ratios, and federal lending laws. The Maryland Real Estate Commission tests both the mechanics of real estate financing and the regulatory framework — particularly RESPA, TILA (Truth in Lending), and the TRID rules that govern loan disclosures. Maryland candidates often lose points on financing questions because they understand the concept but miss the specific numerical thresholds or disclosure timing requirements that appear on the MD exam. Pay particular attention to ARM vs. fixed-rate mortgage distinctions, the calculation of LTV ratios, and what information must appear in specific disclosure documents.

Updated May 2026 · Maryland Real Estate Commission exam outline

Practice Questions

Maryland Finance (alternative) — Practice Questions & Answers

73 questions on Finance (alternative) from the Maryland real estate question bank. First 10 are free — sign up to unlock all 73.

Q1. In Maryland, a 'blanket mortgage' covers:

A.All loans made by one lender to one borrower
B.Multiple parcels of land under a single mortgage instrument
C.A mortgage that covers both the land and the building
D.A government-guaranteed mortgage program

Explanation

A blanket mortgage covers two or more parcels of real property under one mortgage. Developers commonly use them to finance multiple lots with a 'release' clause for individual lots as they are sold.

Q2. The Maryland Homebuyer Education requirement for certain state mortgage programs requires borrowers to complete:

A.A 4-hour online course only
B.An approved homebuyer education course covering budgeting, credit, and the homebuying process
C.A course taught by their real estate agent
D.A MREC-approved pre-license class

Explanation

Maryland's state mortgage programs (such as the Maryland Mortgage Program) typically require borrowers to complete a HUD-approved homebuyer education course before closing.

Q3. In Maryland, the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) was designed to:

A.Help investors buy distressed properties
B.Help struggling homeowners modify their mortgage payments to affordable levels and avoid foreclosure
C.Provide new purchase mortgages at below-market rates
D.Compensate real estate agents for short sales

Explanation

HAMP (now expired) was a federal program that helped eligible homeowners in Maryland and nationwide modify their mortgage terms — reducing interest rates and extending terms — to prevent foreclosure.

Q4. In Maryland, a borrower's PITI payment includes:

A.Principal and interest only
B.Principal, interest, taxes, and insurance (homeowners and possibly PMI)
C.Principal, interest, taxes, and income tax
D.Principal, insurance, title, and inspection fees

Explanation

PITI = Principal + Interest + property Taxes + Insurance (homeowners insurance and PMI if applicable). Lenders use PITI to calculate the front-end debt-to-income ratio.

Q5. Maryland's predatory lending laws are designed to protect borrowers from:

A.Mortgage lenders with AAA credit ratings
B.Abusive loan terms, excessive fees, and deceptive practices that harm borrowers
C.Government-backed lenders
D.Fixed-rate mortgage products

Explanation

Maryland has enacted laws to combat predatory lending practices — excessive points and fees, loan flipping, negative amortization without disclosure, and other harmful practices targeting vulnerable borrowers.

Q6. A Maryland borrower seeking a reverse mortgage must be at least:

A.55 years old
B.62 years old
C.65 years old
D.70 years old

Explanation

FHA Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs) — the most common type of reverse mortgage — require borrowers to be at least 62 years old.

Q7. A Maryland borrower using an FHA loan is required to pay Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP). The MIP differs from PMI because it:

A.Is lower than PMI
B.Is charged upfront and as an annual premium regardless of equity level and protects the lender
C.Is only required for the first 2 years
D.Is paid by the seller

Explanation

FHA MIP includes both an upfront premium and an annual premium. Unlike conventional PMI, FHA MIP typically continues for the life of the loan (for low down payment loans), regardless of equity.

Q8. In Maryland, a 'portfolio loan' is one that:

A.Conforms to Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac guidelines
B.A lender originates and holds in their own portfolio rather than selling in the secondary market
C.Is only available for investment properties
D.Requires no income verification

Explanation

Portfolio loans are originated and held by the lender (not sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac), allowing more flexible underwriting. Maryland community banks often offer portfolio products for unique properties or borrowers.

Q9. In Maryland, the APR on a mortgage will be equal to the stated interest rate when:

A.The loan is a 30-year fixed
B.There are no additional costs or fees associated with obtaining the loan
C.The loan is FHA insured
D.The buyer pays cash

Explanation

The APR equals the stated rate only when there are zero additional costs. In practice, there are always fees, so APR is virtually always higher than the stated interest rate.

Q10. In Maryland, a 'construction loan' for a new home is typically converted to a:

A.Cash purchase after construction
B.Permanent mortgage (end loan) upon completion of construction
C.Line of credit
D.Commercial loan

Explanation

Construction loans fund the building process and are typically converted to a permanent 'end loan' (standard mortgage) upon completion of construction and issuance of a certificate of occupancy.

Q11. Maryland's Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program is administered by:

A.MREC
B.Local housing authorities throughout Maryland
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