Missouri Finance
Practice Questions & Answers (2026)

Finance questions on the Missouri real estate exam cover mortgage types, loan-to-value ratios, qualifying ratios, and federal lending laws. The Missouri 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. Missouri 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 MO 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.

Practice Questions

Missouri Finance — Practice Questions & Answers

144 questions on Finance from the Missouri real estate question bank. First 10 are free — sign up to unlock all 144.

Q1. A Missouri borrower takes out a $240,000 mortgage at 6.75% annual interest. What is the approximate first month's interest?

A.$1,350
B.$1,620
C.$1,800
D.$1,012

Explanation

Monthly interest = $240,000 × (6.75% ÷ 12) = $240,000 × 0.005625 = $1,350.

Q2. A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is best described as:

A.A fixed-rate second mortgage with equal monthly payments
B.A revolving line of credit secured by the equity in a home
C.A government-guaranteed loan for home improvements
D.A bridge loan to cover the gap between two property purchases

Explanation

A HELOC is a revolving line of credit secured by the homeowner's equity. The borrower can draw funds up to a credit limit, repay, and borrow again — similar to a credit card but secured by real estate.

Q3. In Missouri, USDA Rural Development loans are designed to:

A.Finance only agricultural land and equipment
B.Help low-to-moderate income borrowers purchase homes in eligible rural areas
C.Refinance existing FHA loans in urban areas
D.Provide commercial real estate loans to Missouri businesses

Explanation

USDA Rural Development loan programs assist eligible low-to-moderate income borrowers in purchasing homes in designated rural areas with no down payment and favorable terms.

Q4. When a Missouri borrower assumes an existing mortgage, they:

A.Must obtain a new mortgage at current rates
B.Take over responsibility for the existing mortgage under its original terms, subject to lender approval
C.Are not liable if the original borrower defaults later
D.Automatically receive title free and clear

Explanation

In a loan assumption, the buyer takes over the seller's existing mortgage and becomes personally liable for the debt under the original loan terms. Lender approval is typically required.

Q5. The Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) requires federally regulated financial institutions to:

A.Offer below-market rates to all first-time buyers
B.Meet the credit needs of all segments of their communities, including low-income areas
C.Approve all loan applications regardless of creditworthiness
D.Dedicate 10% of profits to affordable housing

Explanation

The CRA requires federally insured depository institutions to help meet the credit needs of the communities in which they operate, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, while maintaining safe and sound banking practices.

Q6. In Missouri, a deed of trust differs from a mortgage primarily because:

A.A deed of trust has no interest charges
B.A deed of trust involves a trustee and allows non-judicial foreclosure
C.A mortgage cannot be used for commercial property
D.A deed of trust does not require a promissory note

Explanation

Missouri uses deeds of trust. The borrower conveys title to a trustee who holds it as security for the lender. If the borrower defaults, the trustee can foreclose non-judicially (without court action) through a power of sale.

Q7. What is the primary purpose of private mortgage insurance (PMI) in Missouri?

A.To protect the buyer from foreclosure
B.To protect the lender if the borrower defaults on a low down payment loan
C.To insure the property against damage
D.To guarantee the seller receives full price

Explanation

PMI protects the lender—not the borrower—against losses if the borrower defaults. It is typically required when the down payment is less than 20% of the purchase price.

Q8. A Missouri homebuyer obtains an FHA loan with 3.5% down. The home is priced at $250,000. What is the down payment?

A.$5,000
B.$7,500
C.$8,750
D.$12,500

Explanation

Down payment = $250,000 × 3.5% = $8,750. FHA loans allow down payments as low as 3.5% for borrowers with qualifying credit scores.

Q9. Under RESPA, a lender must provide a Loan Estimate to a borrower within how many business days of receiving a loan application?

A.1 business day
B.3 business days
C.5 business days
D.7 business days

Explanation

RESPA requires lenders to provide a Loan Estimate within three business days of receiving a completed mortgage loan application.

Q10. The Truth in Lending Act (TILA) requires lenders to disclose the:

A.Appraised value
B.Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
C.Seller's net proceeds
D.Commission paid to agents

Explanation

TILA (Regulation Z) requires lenders to disclose the Annual Percentage Rate (APR), finance charges, and other loan terms so borrowers can compare loan offers.

Q11. A Missouri borrower has a 30-year fixed mortgage at 6% on a $200,000 loan. If they pay $1,199 per month, approximately how much of the first payment is interest?

A.$600
B.$800
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