Real Estate Basics
Laws, Rules, and Regulations
Local Market Knowledge
Philly RE Trivia
100

What is the minimum age to obtain a PA real estate license?

18

100

What federal law requires disclosure of lead-based paint in homes built before 1978?

Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act (1992)

100

In August 2025, the median listing price for Philadelphia homes as reported by Realtor.com was about this amount—up 1.8% year-over-year.

$279,900

100

This 1,113-foot skyscraper, completed in 2018, is Philadelphia’s tallest building—and the tallest in the U.S. outside NYC and Chicago.

Comcast Technology Center

200

What body regulates real estate licensing throughout the state of Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission

200

According to PA law, how long must a broker maintain transaction records?

3 years (minimum)

200

In Philadelphia County during July 2025, homes were on the market for an average of this many days.

45

200

This neighborhood was the priciest in Philadelphia in 2024, with a median home sale price of approximately $751,000.

Chestnut Hill

300

How many pre-licensing education hours are required for a PA salesperson license?

75

300

Pennsylvania agents may only accept referral fees from this type of party—and must do so with full disclosure.

another licensed individual or broker

300

As of early 2025, Philadelphia was ranked this number among the nation’s “hottest” housing markets according to Zillow.

5th

300

Once the tallest habitable building in the world, this Philadelphia landmark is still the largest municipal building in the U.S. by floor area.

City Hall

400

How often (and in what month) must PA real estate licenses be renewed?

Every two years in May

400

When advertising on Facebook, Instagram, or other digital platforms, Pennsylvania agents must still follow this same rule that applies to print flyers.

disclosure of the broker’s licensed name

400

According to Redfin in July 2025, homes in Philadelphia sold for roughly this percentage of their list price—indicating a modest seller’s advantage.

98%

400

These twin skyscrapers, built in the late 1980s, broke the “gentlemen’s agreement” that no building would be taller than William Penn’s statue on City Hall.

One and Two Liberty Place

500

How many continuing education hours must PA agents complete to renew their license each cycle?

14

500

Under this 1974 U.S. law, real estate professionals must not give or receive referral fees for mortgage‐related business unless services were actually performed.

the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA)

500

Philadelphia’s home listings inventory remains this much lower than pre-pandemic levels, despite a modest 5.5% year-over-year increase.

46% lower

500

Often called “America’s oldest residential street,” this historic block has homes dating back to 1703.

Elfreth’s Alley