New York Real Estate Salesperson ExaminationReal Estate CalculationsHard

A developer purchased a 10-acre parcel of land for $250,000. They plan to subdivide it into 25 equal lots. Road and utility installation costs are estimated at $75,000. If the developer wants to make a 25% profit on the total project cost, what is the minimum selling price per lot?

  1. A$15,000
  2. B$18,750
  3. C$13,000
  4. D$16,250
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D. $16,250

First, calculate the total project cost: $250,000 (land) + $75,000 (improvements) = $325,000. Next, calculate the desired profit: $325,000 * 0.25 = $81,250. Then, calculate the total sales needed: $325,000 + $81,250 = $406,250. Finally, divide the total sales needed by the number of lots: $406,250 / 25 lots = $16,250 per lot. The land acreage is irrelevant.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. This is a common miscalculation of profit or total sales needed.
  • B. This incorrectly calculates profit on only the land cost or miscalculates the total.
  • C. This calculates the project cost per lot without including profit.

Subdivision Profit Calculation

The process of determining the required selling price per lot in a subdivision to cover all costs (acquisition, development) and achieve a desired profit margin.

  • Includes land acquisition cost and all development expenses.
  • Profit is typically calculated on the total project cost.
  • The selling price per unit must cover a pro-rata share of total costs plus profit.

Memory trick: Total costs first, then add profit's thirst, divide by lots, best price burst.

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