North Dakota Practice TestEscrow & Title

North Dakota Escrow & Title
Practice Questions & Answers (2026)

Escrow, title, and closing questions on the North Dakota exam test how real estate transactions are closed, how title is transferred, and what happens at settlement. North Dakota uses title companies or settlement agents to handle closings, and candidates must understand the closing process, settlement statement, and title insurance requirements under North Dakota law. 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 North Dakota practice.

Practice Questions

North Dakota Escrow & Title — Practice Questions & Answers

111 questions on Escrow & Title from the North Dakota real estate question bank. First 10 are free — sign up to unlock all 111.

Q1. A special warranty deed provides that the grantor:

A.Warrants title against all defects in the property's history
B.Warrants title only against defects that arose during the grantor's period of ownership
C.Conveys no warranties of any kind
D.Warrants only that the property is free of mortgage liens

Explanation

A special warranty deed limits the grantor's warranty to defects that arose only during their period of ownership. It does not warrant against defects that existed before they owned the property.

Q2. In North Dakota, escrow is best described as:

A.The down payment paid directly to the seller
B.A neutral third-party arrangement where funds or documents are held until conditions of a transaction are met
C.A type of insurance policy protecting against title defects
D.The recording fee paid at closing

Explanation

Escrow is a neutral arrangement where a third party holds funds, documents, or other items until the conditions specified in the agreement are fulfilled, at which point they are delivered to the appropriate parties.

Q3. A lis pendens recorded against a property means:

A.The property taxes are delinquent
B.A lawsuit has been filed that may affect the title to the property
C.The property is in foreclosure
D.The property is in a flood zone

Explanation

A lis pendens (Latin for 'suit pending') is a recorded notice that a lawsuit has been filed that may affect the title to the property. It warns potential buyers and lenders of the pending litigation.

Q4. Which of the following is TRUE about recording a deed?

A.Recording is required for a deed to be valid between buyer and seller
B.Recording provides constructive notice of ownership to the public
C.A deed must be recorded within 30 days of signing in North Dakota
D.Recording transfers title from seller to buyer

Explanation

Recording a deed in the public records provides constructive notice of ownership to the world. While recording is not required for the deed to be valid between parties, it protects the buyer against subsequent claims from third parties.

Q5. A general warranty deed provides the buyer with:

A.Protection against defects that arose only during the seller's ownership
B.No warranties of any kind
C.The broadest protection — the grantor warrants the title against all defects in history
D.Protection against liens recorded after closing

Explanation

A general warranty deed (also called a full warranty deed) provides the broadest protection. The grantor warrants the title against ALL defects throughout the entire history of ownership, not just their period of ownership.

Q6. A quitclaim deed:

A.Provides full warranty of title
B.Conveys whatever interest the grantor has, if any, with no warranties
C.Is used only to transfer property to a trust
D.Requires title insurance to be valid

Explanation

A quitclaim deed conveys whatever interest the grantor has in the property with no warranties whatsoever. If the grantor has no interest, the grantee receives nothing. It is often used to clear title defects.

Q7. Title insurance protects against:

A.Future physical damage to the property
B.Hidden defects in the title that existed before the closing
C.Environmental contamination found after closing
D.Future zoning changes that affect the property

Explanation

Title insurance protects against losses arising from defects in the title that existed before the policy's effective date, such as forged documents, undisclosed heirs, recording errors, or prior liens.

Q8. Chain of title refers to:

A.The series of recorded documents that trace the transfer of title from the original owner to the present owner
B.The list of liens on a property
C.The sequence of inspections conducted before closing
D.The order in which closing documents are signed

Explanation

Chain of title is the chronological sequence of recorded documents that traces the history of ownership from the original grant to the present owner. A break in the chain can cloud title.

Q9. An abstract of title is:

A.A guarantee that the title is free and clear
B.A condensed history of all recorded documents affecting the title to a property
C.A type of title insurance policy
D.A preliminary title search report

Explanation

An abstract of title is a condensed history (summary) of all recorded documents in the public record that affect the title to a specific parcel of land. An attorney examines the abstract to render a title opinion.

Q10. A mechanic's lien can be filed against a property by:

A.A lender who holds the mortgage
B.A contractor or supplier who provided labor or materials for improvements but was not paid
C.A neighbor disputing a boundary line
D.The county for unpaid property taxes

Explanation

A mechanic's lien (materialman's lien) is filed by contractors, subcontractors, or suppliers who provided labor or materials for improvements to real property but have not been paid.

Q11. RESPA (Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act) prohibits:

A.Buyer representation agreements
B.Kickbacks and unearned fees in connection with federally related mortgage transactions
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