Minnesota Contracts
Practice Questions & Answers (2026)
Contract law questions on the Minnesota real estate exam test both general contract principles and Minnesota-specific transaction requirements. The Minnesota Department of Commerce tests how Minnesota contract law applies to purchase agreements, counteroffers, contingencies, and earnest money disputes. Pay close attention to offer and acceptance mechanics, how counteroffers extinguish prior offers, and the specific timelines under Minnesota law for earnest money handling and contingency resolution. These are areas where candidates who studied nationally often apply the right concept but the wrong MN-specific timeframe or rule.
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Minnesota Contracts — Practice Questions & Answers
132 questions on Contracts from the Minnesota real estate question bank. First 10 are free — sign up to unlock all 132.
Q1. A Minnesota purchase agreement is considered an executory contract until:
Explanation
An executory contract is one in which obligations remain to be performed. A purchase agreement remains executory until closing, when all obligations — deed delivery, payment, etc. — are fulfilled.
Q2. Which clause in a Minnesota purchase agreement allows the buyer to back out if they cannot obtain financing?
Explanation
A financing contingency (mortgage contingency) allows the buyer to terminate the contract and recover their earnest money if they are unable to obtain satisfactory financing within the specified period.
Q3. A Minnesota seller who accepts a backup offer while under contract with a primary buyer should:
Explanation
A seller may accept a backup offer as a contingent contract that takes effect only if the primary contract is cancelled. The seller remains bound by the primary contract until it is properly terminated.
Q4. In Minnesota, specific performance is a remedy available to a buyer when:
Explanation
Specific performance is a court order requiring a party to fulfill their contractual obligations. Because real property is considered unique, courts may grant specific performance to a buyer when a seller wrongfully refuses to convey title.
Q5. The parol evidence rule prevents a party to a written contract from:
Explanation
The parol evidence rule bars the introduction of prior oral or written agreements to contradict, vary, or add to the terms of a complete and final written contract.
Q6. A Minnesota listing agreement that does not specify an expiration date is:
Explanation
Minnesota law requires listing agreements to have a definite expiration date. A listing agreement without a specified termination date is generally unenforceable.
Q7. Under Minnesota contract law, an offer becomes a binding contract when:
Explanation
A contract is formed when the offeree accepts the offer and communicates that acceptance to the offeror. In Minnesota real estate, this typically occurs when the seller signs and the buyer is notified of acceptance.
Q8. A counteroffer in Minnesota real estate transactions legally:
Explanation
A counteroffer legally terminates the original offer and substitutes a new offer. The original offeror is under no obligation to accept and may choose to walk away.
Q9. In Minnesota, an option contract gives the optionee:
Explanation
An option contract gives the optionee (prospective buyer) the exclusive right — but not the obligation — to purchase the property at a specified price within a defined time period, in exchange for consideration paid.
Q10. Which element is NOT required for a valid Minnesota real estate contract?
Explanation
Valid contracts require mutual consent, competent parties, lawful object, and consideration. Notarization is not required for a contract to be valid, though it may be required for recording deeds.
Q11. A Minnesota purchase agreement contingency that states 'Buyer must sell existing home by June 1' is a:
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