North Carolina Finance
Practice Questions & Answers (2026)
Finance questions on the North Carolina real estate exam cover mortgage types, loan-to-value ratios, qualifying ratios, and federal lending laws. The North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC) 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. North Carolina 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 NC 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.
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North Carolina Finance — Practice Questions & Answers
134 questions on Finance from the North Carolina real estate question bank. First 10 are free — sign up to unlock all 134.
Q1. A conventional loan is best described as:
Explanation
A conventional loan is a mortgage that is not insured or guaranteed by a government agency such as FHA, VA, or USDA. These loans typically require higher credit scores and down payments.
Q2. Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is typically required on conventional loans when the down payment is less than:
Explanation
PMI is typically required on conventional loans when the buyer's down payment is less than 20% of the purchase price. PMI protects the lender if the borrower defaults.
Q3. A deed of trust differs from a mortgage primarily because it:
Explanation
A deed of trust involves three parties: the borrower (trustor), the lender (beneficiary), and a neutral third party (trustee) who holds title until the loan is repaid. A mortgage involves only two parties.
Q4. Which type of mortgage allows the borrower to pay only interest during the loan term, with the full principal due at maturity?
Explanation
An interest-only loan requires the borrower to pay only the interest during the loan term. The full principal balance remains due at the end of the term (balloon payment).
Q5. A North Carolina buyer's monthly payment is $1,800 and their gross monthly income is $5,400. What is their front-end (housing) ratio?
Explanation
Front-end ratio = Housing payment / Gross monthly income = $1,800 / $5,400 = 0.333 or approximately 33%.
Q6. What is the purpose of RESPA (Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act) in a North Carolina transaction?
Explanation
RESPA requires lenders to provide a Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure and prohibits kickbacks and unearned fees in the settlement process.
Q7. A borrower in North Carolina has a gross monthly income of $5,500 and monthly debts of $800. What is the maximum monthly housing payment allowed under a 28% front-end DTI ratio?
Explanation
$5,500 x 28% = $1,540 maximum monthly housing payment under the front-end ratio.
Q8. An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) in North Carolina typically has an initial rate that is:
Explanation
ARMs typically offer a lower initial interest rate compared to fixed-rate mortgages, making them attractive for buyers who plan to move or refinance before the rate adjusts.
Q9. Discount points on a mortgage loan are used to:
Explanation
Each discount point equals 1% of the loan amount and is paid upfront to reduce (buy down) the interest rate on the loan.
Q10. A North Carolina buyer is purchasing a $300,000 home with 5% down. What is the loan amount?
Explanation
Down payment = $300,000 x 5% = $15,000. Loan amount = $300,000 - $15,000 = $285,000.
Q11. What is the purpose of Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) in a conventional loan?
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