Vermont Finance
Practice Questions & Answers (2026)

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

Vermont Finance — Practice Questions & Answers

139 questions on Finance from the Vermont real estate question bank. First 10 are free — sign up to unlock all 139.

Q1. A mortgage in Vermont creates which type of interest in the property for the lender?

A.Fee simple ownership until the loan is repaid
B.A lien on the property as security for the debt
C.A trust interest managed by a neutral trustee
D.A leasehold interest for the loan term

Explanation

Vermont is a lien theory state where a mortgage gives the lender a lien on the property as security for the debt. The borrower retains title and possession. This differs from title theory states where the lender holds title.

Q2. The purpose of a loan-to-value ratio (LTV) requirement by a lender is to:

A.Ensure the borrower has sufficient income to repay the loan
B.Protect the lender's security interest by limiting the loan relative to property value
C.Calculate the borrower's monthly payment
D.Determine the appropriate interest rate for the borrower

Explanation

The LTV ratio protects the lender by ensuring the loan does not exceed a percentage of the property's value. If the borrower defaults, the lender wants sufficient equity in the property to recover the loan through foreclosure.

Q3. Which of the following is an example of seller financing?

A.The seller pays discount points on the buyer's new mortgage
B.The seller carries back a purchase money mortgage from the buyer
C.The seller credits the buyer for closing costs at settlement
D.The seller's bank provides a bridge loan to the buyer

Explanation

Seller financing (purchase money mortgage) occurs when the seller acts as the lender and accepts a promissory note secured by a mortgage from the buyer instead of receiving all cash at closing. This is often used when conventional financing is unavailable.

Q4. A wraparound mortgage is a form of seller financing in which:

A.The seller pays off the existing mortgage before conveying title
B.The seller creates a new mortgage that includes the existing mortgage balance, and continues making payments on the underlying loan
C.The buyer assumes the seller's existing mortgage directly
D.The lender wraps the closing costs into the loan amount

Explanation

A wraparound mortgage is a junior mortgage that 'wraps around' the existing first mortgage. The seller collects payments from the buyer on the larger wraparound amount and continues paying the original lender. The buyer does not assume the original loan.

Q5. Vermont does NOT have which of the following, making it one of the more borrower-friendly states for mortgage lending?

A.Homestead protection
B.A statutory right of redemption after foreclosure
C.Transfer taxes on real estate
D.Recording requirements for mortgages

Explanation

Vermont does not have a statutory right of redemption after foreclosure (unlike some other states), which means once the foreclosure process is complete, the borrower cannot reclaim the property by paying the debt. Vermont uses judicial foreclosure.

Q6. Vermont's Land Gains Tax applies to:

A.All real estate transfers in Vermont
B.Short-term gains from the sale of Vermont land held for less than 6 years
C.Agricultural land conversions to residential use
D.Commercial property sales over $500,000

Explanation

Vermont's Land Gains Tax is a state tax on the gain from selling Vermont land held for a short period. The tax rate decreases with the length of ownership and is designed to discourage rapid speculative sales of land.

Q7. In Vermont, which of the following is a common trigger for a prepayment penalty on a mortgage?

A.Paying more than the required monthly payment
B.Paying off the full loan balance significantly before the scheduled payoff date
C.Making payments late more than three times
D.Refinancing within the first year after origination

Explanation

Prepayment penalties are fees charged when a borrower pays off their loan significantly ahead of schedule. Not all Vermont mortgages have prepayment penalties, but when they exist, they are triggered by early payoff of the outstanding balance.

Q8. The Truth in Lending Act (TILA) requires lenders to disclose which of the following to Vermont mortgage borrowers?

A.The lender's cost of funds and profit margin
B.The annual percentage rate (APR) and total finance charge
C.The property's appraised value
D.The borrower's credit score used in underwriting

Explanation

TILA requires lenders to clearly disclose the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) and total finance charge so borrowers can compare loan costs across lenders. The APR includes interest rate plus certain fees, giving a more complete picture of loan cost.

Q9. A Vermont first-time homebuyer obtains an FHA loan. Which of the following is a requirement specific to FHA loans?

A.A minimum down payment of 10%
B.Mortgage insurance premium (MIP) regardless of loan-to-value ratio
C.The property must be in a rural area
D.The borrower must have a credit score of at least 750

Explanation

FHA loans require mortgage insurance premiums (MIP) — both an upfront premium and annual premiums — regardless of the loan-to-value ratio. This protects the lender in case of default. FHA loans typically require a minimum 3.5% down payment.

Q10. A Vermont borrower's gross monthly income is $7,500. Their proposed monthly housing costs (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) total $2,100. What is their front-end debt-to-income ratio?

A.21%
B.28%
C.36%
D.43%

Explanation

Front-end DTI = Housing costs ÷ Gross monthly income = $2,100 ÷ $7,500 = 0.28 = 28%. This is the housing ratio, which many conventional lenders prefer to be 28% or lower.

Q11. The secondary mortgage market allows:

A.Borrowers to take out a second mortgage on their property
B.Lenders to sell mortgages to investors, freeing up capital to make new loans
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