California Real Estate Broker ExaminationValuation and AppraisalMedium

A commercial property has an effective gross income of $150,000 and operating expenses of $60,000. If the capitalization rate for similar properties in the area is 10%, what is the estimated value of the property using the income approach?

  1. A$2,100,000
  2. B$1,500,000
  3. C$600,000
  4. D$900,000
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D. $900,000

The income approach uses Net Operating Income (NOI). NOI = Effective Gross Income - Operating Expenses = $150,000 - $60,000 = $90,000. Property Value = NOI / Capitalization Rate = $90,000 / 0.10 = $900,000.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. Incorrect, adds EGI and Operating Expenses before dividing.
  • B. Incorrect, uses EGI directly ($150,000 / 0.10 = $1,500,000) instead of NOI.
  • C. Incorrect, uses only operating expenses or a miscalculation.

Income Approach (Capitalization)

The income approach estimates the value of income-producing property by converting its expected future income stream into a present value, using a capitalization rate.

  • Formula: Value = Net Operating Income (NOI) / Capitalization Rate.
  • Net Operating Income (NOI) is Effective Gross Income minus Operating Expenses.
  • Primarily used for commercial and investment properties.

Memory trick: N-O-I over Cap Rate gets you Value, like a 'N-O-I-C' value.

More Valuation and Appraisal questions