CHCP Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CHCP facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. In the context of CHCP certification, what is the most important consideration when implementing mortgage processing & underwriting? → Ensuring alignment with established standards, stakeholder needs, and best practices
2. Which party typically pays the owner's title insurance premium in states where there is no established custom? → It is negotiable between buyer and seller
3. What is the purpose of the Fair Housing Act? → Prohibit housing discrimination
4. Which form of property ownership gives the owner the most complete bundle of rights with no conditions or limitations? → Fee simple absolute
5. A notice of lis pendens provides constructive notice that: → Litigation is pending that may affect title to the property
6. Which of the following best describes a key competency required for property survey & boundary issues in CHCP practice? → Strong analytical skills combined with effective communication and ethical judgment
7. When a couple holds property as joint tenants with right of survivorship, what happens upon the death of one joint tenant? → The surviving joint tenant automatically inherits the deceased's share outside of probate
8. Which deed is most commonly used between family members or to resolve title defects? → Quitclaim deed
9. If a property is sold at a foreclosure sale, which lien(s) are typically extinguished? → Only the foreclosing lien and liens junior to it; senior liens survive
10. On the Closing Disclosure, the cash to close amount reflects: → Total closing costs minus lender credits plus down payment adjustments
11. A deed restriction that limits a property to residential use only is an example of which type of encumbrance? → Covenant or deed restriction
12. Under RESPA, a kickback or unearned fee split between a title company and real estate agent for referring settlement service business is: → Prohibited and subject to criminal penalties under Section 8
13. Which document replaced the HUD-1 Settlement Statement for most residential mortgage transactions after October 3, 2015? → Closing Disclosure (CD)
14. For a deed to be legally valid and recordable, it must include all of the following EXCEPT: → The grantee's signature
15. At closing, an origination charge paid to the lender for making a loan is classified as a: → Section A fee
16. When a closing agent discovers an outstanding judgment lien against the seller, the most common resolution at closing is to: → Pay off the lien from the seller's proceeds and obtain a release
17. A mechanic's lien is filed by which party? → A contractor or supplier who has not been paid for labor or materials
18. A bargain and sale deed without covenants transfers property: → With no warranties about the quality of the title
19. What is the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA)? → Requires disclosure of settlement costs
20. An easement appurtenant differs from an easement in gross in that an easement appurtenant: → Benefits a specific adjacent parcel of land and transfers with it
21. Which of the following best describes a key competency required for commercial closing differences in CHCP practice? → Strong analytical skills combined with effective communication and ethical judgment
22. A property tax lien holds what priority position relative to other liens in most US states? → It has the highest (superior) lien priority
23. When a buyer pays discount points at closing, each point equals what percentage of the loan amount? → 1%
24. Who typically pays for title insurance in a real estate transaction? → Buyer usually pays lender’s policy
25. Which type of deed is most commonly used in California and other western states as an alternative to the general warranty deed? → Grant deed
26. In the context of CHCP certification, what is the most important consideration when implementing commercial closing differences? → Ensuring alignment with established standards, stakeholder needs, and best practices
27. How can clear documentation improve communication? → Provides clarity and reference
28. What is an owner’s title insurance policy? → Protection for property owners
29. Which document helps verify compliance with legal requirements? → Closing disclosures and affidavits
30. What is required under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA)? → Prohibits credit discrimination