The New York salesperson exam is 75 multiple-choice questions in 90 minutes, and you need 70% to pass β at least 53 correct. Below are ten exam-style questions with a full explanation on every answer, covering the areas that decide most results: licence law, agency, fair housing, math and NYC-specific topics.
These are practice questions written to mirror the format and difficulty of the state exam. They are not copies of real exam questions β nobody legitimately has those.
10 exam-style questions with answers
A salesperson wants to be paid directly by a seller at closing. Is this permitted in New York?
- Yes, if the seller agrees in writing
- Yes, if the broker is notified
- No β compensation must flow through the sponsoring broker
- No, unless the salesperson holds an associate broker licence
Show answer
C. No β compensation must flow through the sponsoring broker
A salesperson may only be compensated by their sponsoring broker. The seller pays the broker, and the broker pays the salesperson. This holds even if every party agrees otherwise.
An agent representing the seller learns the seller will accept far less than asking price. A buyer, who is a customer, asks what the seller will take. What must the agent do?
- Disclose it, because agents owe honesty to all parties
- Keep it confidential β it is owed to the client
- Disclose only if the buyer asks in writing
- Refer the buyer to the seller directly
Show answer
B. Keep it confidential β it is owed to the client
Confidentiality is owed to the client, and it survives even direct questions from a customer. Honesty to a customer means not lying about material facts, not revealing the client's negotiating position.
When must the NY agency disclosure form be presented?
- At the first substantive contact
- At the time an offer is written
- At closing
- Within 5 days of showing a property
Show answer
A. At the first substantive contact
The form is presented at first substantive contact β the point where a real discussion about the transaction begins, not at offer or closing.
An agent tells a buyer, "You'd probably be happier in a neighbourhood with more families like yours." What is this?
- Puffing
- Steering
- Blockbusting
- Permissible if the buyer asked
Show answer
B. Steering
Steering is channelling a buyer toward or away from an area based on a protected class. It is a violation even when the agent believes they are being helpful and even where the buyer raised it.
Which class is protected under New York law but NOT under the federal Fair Housing Act?
- Race
- Religion
- Lawful source of income
- National origin
Show answer
C. Lawful source of income
New York protects lawful source of income, which includes housing vouchers. Refusing a tenant because they pay with a voucher is unlawful in New York.
A home sells for $385,000 at a 5% total commission. Brokerages split 50/50 and the selling agent receives 60% of their brokerage's share. What does the agent earn?
- $5,775
- $9,625
- $11,550
- $19,250
Show answer
A. $5,775
Total commission = $385,000 x 0.05 = $19,250. The selling brokerage receives half = $9,625. The agent's 60% = $5,775.
A buyer obtains a $340,000 loan on a property appraised at $400,000. What is the LTV?
- 75%
- 80%
- 85%
- 90%
Show answer
C. 85%
LTV = loan / value = $340,000 / $400,000 = 85%. Above 80%, a conventional loan generally requires private mortgage insurance.
A rectangular lot measures 130 feet by 180 feet. How many acres is it?
- 0.42 acres
- 0.54 acres
- 0.68 acres
- 1.20 acres
Show answer
B. 0.54 acres
Area = 130 x 180 = 23,400 sq ft. One acre is 43,560 sq ft, so 23,400 / 43,560 = 0.54 acres.
A home is assessed at $180,000 with a mill rate of 24. What is the annual tax?
- $432
- $4,320
- $43,200
- $7,500
Show answer
B. $4,320
Tax = assessed value x mill rate / 1,000 = $180,000 x 24 / 1,000 = $4,320. One mill is $1 per $1,000 of assessed value.
A buyer purchases shares in a corporation and receives a proprietary lease. What did they buy?
- A condominium
- A co-op
- A townhouse
- A condop
Show answer
B. A co-op
A co-op buyer receives shares plus a proprietary lease β personal property, not real property. A condominium buyer receives a deed to real property.
Want these as a PDF?
Our free download page has printable PDFs β a math formula sheet, a 161-term glossary, a New York quick reference, a 4-week study plan and an exam day checklist. No account needed.
Where to get more practice questions
- Free timed practice exam β full-length, exam conditions
- 484 free flashcards β no login required
- Free math quiz β 10 questions
- Free fair housing quiz
- Free agency quiz
Questions students ask
Are these the actual questions on the NY exam?
No. The state does not release its question bank, and any site claiming to sell real exam questions is either mistaken or lying. These are exam-style questions built from the same material the exam is drawn from.
How many questions do I need right to pass?
70% of 75 is 52.5, so you need at least 53 correct.
Is there a free NY real estate exam questions PDF?
Yes β see the free PDF downloads. The formula sheet and glossary are the two most students print.
How much math is on the exam?
Usually around 8 to 12 questions. Our guide to exam math and the 12-formula cheat sheet cover what is tested.
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