PA RE Broker study guide
PA RE Broker · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Pennsylvania Real Estate Broker license is a credential for experienced real estate professionals who want to operate at a higher level: owning or managing a brokerage, supervising licensees, handling trust funds, and taking responsibility for compliance. In Pennsylvania, broker licensure builds on prior salesperson experience, so candidates typically arrive already fluent in transactions and now need to master brokerage-level judgment, not just transaction mechanics. The PA RE Broker study guide has 17 sections and about 4,953 words.
01Real Estate Law
This domain tests the legal hierarchy a Pennsylvania broker applies daily: constitutional and statutory law, Real Estate Commission regulations, common-law agency and contract doctrine, and local ordinances. Expect questions asking which rule controls when a licensing regulation, a standard form, and a client instruction conflict.
318 words, about 2 min02Rules and Regulations
Rules and Regulations covers the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission’s licensing, education, renewal, advertising, and disciplinary framework. Questions often turn on who must be licensed, what a salesperson may do without a broker, and what conduct triggers sanctions.
300 words, about 2 min03Agency
Agency tests how representation is created, the fiduciary duties owed, the permitted agency models in Pennsylvania, and how agency terminates. Expect fact patterns about dual agency, designated agency, transaction licensees, and confidentiality after termination.
305 words, about 2 min04Brokerage Relationships and Disclosure
This domain focuses on Pennsylvania’s required disclosures before and during representation: the Consumer Notice, agency disclosure, seller’s property disclosure, and material defect disclosure. Questions test timing, content, and who must sign.
314 words, about 2 min05Listing and Buyer Agency Agreements
This domain tests the formation, content, and termination of listing and buyer agency contracts, including exclusive right to sell, exclusive agency, open listings, and buyer agency agreements. Expect questions about commissions, protection periods, and withdrawal.
352 words, about 2 min06Real Estate Financing and Mortgages
Real Estate Financing and Mortgages tests loan instruments, lien priority, foreclosure, loan types, and consumer financing disclosures. Expect questions that distinguish the note from the mortgage and identify which lien wins.
286 words, about 1 min07Settlement, Closing Costs and RESPA
Settlement, Closing Costs and RESPA tests the closing process, cost allocations, prorations, and federal disclosure rules. Questions often ask which charges appear on the Closing Disclosure and which RESPA practices are prohibited.
299 words, about 1 min08Property Ownership
Property Ownership tests estates, co-ownership, encumbrances, fixtures, and the rights that run with land. Expect questions about how title is held and what happens on death or sale.
284 words, about 1 min09Deeds and Title Transfer
Deeds and Title Transfer tests deed validity, deed types, recording, title insurance, and adverse possession. Questions ask whether a deed conveys marketable title and who prevails between competing claimants.
286 words, about 1 min10Leases
Leases tests leasehold estates, lease formation, assignment and sublease, and the landlord’s and tenant’s rights. Expect questions about term, rent, security deposits, and transfer of the leasehold.
308 words, about 2 min11Landlord-Tenant Law and Property Management
Landlord-Tenant Law and Property Management tests Pennsylvania statutory duties, eviction procedure, security deposits, habitability, and licensing of property managers. Questions often combine agency and landlord-tenant rules.
291 words, about 1 min12Contracts and Contract Law
Contracts and Contract Law tests formation, enforceability, performance, breach, and remedies in real estate transactions. Expect questions about the Agreement of Sale, contingencies, and the statute of frauds.
253 words, about 1 min13Valuation, Market Analysis and Appraisal Basics
Valuation, Market Analysis and Appraisal Basics tests the difference between a CMA and an appraisal, the three valuation approaches, and the forces that affect value. Expect questions about highest and best use and reconciliation.
268 words, about 1 min14Fair Housing
Fair Housing tests federal and Pennsylvania protected classes, prohibited acts, advertising rules, reasonable accommodation, and exemptions. Questions often use facts about families, disabilities, or steering.
271 words, about 1 min15Consumer Protection and Ethics
Consumer Protection and Ethics tests advertising, misrepresentation, unfair trade practices, privacy, and professional conduct. Questions ask whether a statement or practice is deceptive or unethical.
265 words, about 1 min16Brokerage Operations, Trust Accounts and Supervision
Brokerage Operations, Trust Accounts and Supervision tests the broker’s responsibility for escrow funds, records, supervision, advertising, and office operations. Questions often ask who is accountable when a salesperson mishandles money.
263 words, about 1 min17Pennsylvania Municipalities, Zoning and Land Use
Pennsylvania Municipalities, Zoning and Land Use tests local government structure, zoning authority, subdivision and land development, variances, and nonconforming uses. Questions ask which approval a project needs.
290 words, about 1 min