Massachusetts Escrow & Title
Practice Questions & Answers (2026)
Escrow, title, and closing questions on the Massachusetts exam test how real estate transactions are closed, how title is transferred, and what happens at settlement. Massachusetts requires a licensed attorney to conduct real estate closings — unlike escrow states — which shapes how these questions are framed on the MA exam. Title insurance, title searches, and the difference between standard and extended coverage policies are tested, as are the specific closing costs that are customarily paid by buyers vs. sellers under Massachusetts practice.
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Massachusetts Escrow & Title — Practice Questions & Answers
107 questions on Escrow & Title from the Massachusetts real estate question bank. First 10 are free — sign up to unlock all 107.
Q1. In Massachusetts, an attorney must typically be present at a real estate closing because:
Explanation
Massachusetts is an attorney-state for real estate closings. A licensed attorney must conduct the closing, examine the title, and certify that the seller has good and marketable title.
Q2. Which type of deed offers the GREATEST protection to a buyer?
Explanation
A general warranty deed offers the greatest protection because the grantor warrants title against all defects, whether they arose before or during the grantor's ownership.
Q3. Title insurance protects the insured against:
Explanation
Title insurance protects against losses arising from title defects, liens, encumbrances, or errors that existed prior to the policy date but were unknown at the time of purchase.
Q4. A lis pendens recorded against a property signals to prospective buyers that:
Explanation
A lis pendens ('suit pending') is a recorded notice that warns anyone dealing with the property that a lawsuit is pending that may affect the title or ownership.
Q5. In Massachusetts, the attorney conducting a real estate closing represents:
Explanation
In Massachusetts closings, the closing attorney typically represents the lender. Buyers and sellers are strongly advised to retain their own attorneys for independent representation of their interests.
Q6. A title search in Massachusetts reviews records in the Registry of Deeds going back:
Explanation
A title examination in Massachusetts traces the chain of title typically for a minimum of 50 years (per Massachusetts Marketable Title Act) or back to an acceptable root of title, examining all recorded documents affecting ownership.
Q7. A quitclaim deed in Massachusetts:
Explanation
A quitclaim deed conveys whatever interest the grantor has (if any) with no warranties whatsoever. It offers the least protection to the grantee and is often used in divorce settlements or tax sales.
Q8. A buyer's title insurance policy (owner's policy) protects:
Explanation
An owner's title insurance policy protects the buyer against losses from pre-existing title defects (forgeries, undisclosed heirs, recording errors, etc.) that were unknown at the time of closing.
Q9. In Massachusetts, 'closing costs' paid by the buyer typically include all of the following EXCEPT:
Explanation
The deed excise (transfer) tax in Massachusetts is customarily paid by the seller, not the buyer. Buyer closing costs include loan fees, title insurance, prepaid items (insurance, taxes, interest), and recording fees.
Q10. The 'chain of title' refers to:
Explanation
The chain of title is the documented history of property ownership and transfers from the original grant to the present owner. A clear chain of title is essential for marketable title.
Q11. Which type of deed is most commonly used in Massachusetts residential real estate sales?
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