North Dakota Real Estate Practice Exam

Which statement about public officers is correct in relation to real estate transactions?

1. They must be licensed as real estate brokers

2. They can perform duties without being classified as brokers or salespersons

3. They are prohibited from executing real estate transactions

4. Their actions must always be approved by the real estate commission

The correct answer is: They can perform duties without being classified as brokers or salespersons

The statement regarding public officers performing duties in real estate transactions without being classified as brokers or salespersons is correct because many public officers, such as government employees or officials, have specific roles that allow them to engage in activities related to real estate without requiring the same licensing that applies to real estate professionals. This exemption exists because these officers may be acting in their official capacity for the government, managing public property, or executing duties aligned with government policy and does not necessarily correlate with traditional buying or selling real estate as a broker or salesperson would. Public officers often handle transactions related to land acquisition, zoning, or administrative functions, which do not require them to hold a real estate license. This ability enables them to ensure that real estate dealings involving government property are conducted appropriately and efficiently, facilitating processes that serve public interests. In contrast, other options suggest misconceptions about the role and authority of public officers in real estate transactions, such as the necessity for licensing or the requirement for prior approval from a real estate commission, which does not apply in the same manner as it does for licensed real estate professionals.