EstatePass
Math & StatsHARD15% of exam

An investment property is expected to generate $50,000 annually for 10 years, with a discount rate of 8%. What is the approximate present value of this income stream?

Correct Answer

B) $335,500

Using the present value of annuity formula with an 8% discount rate over 10 years, the factor is approximately 6.71, resulting in $50,000 × 6.71 = $335,500.

Answer Options
A
$500,000
B
$335,500
C
$463,200
D
$400,000

Why This Is the Correct Answer

Option B is correct because it properly applies the present value of annuity formula: PV = PMT × [(1 - (1 + r)^-n) / r]. With $50,000 annual payment, 8% discount rate, and 10 years, the present value factor is 6.7101, resulting in $50,000 × 6.7101 = $335,505, which rounds to $335,500. This calculation properly accounts for the time value of money by discounting each future payment back to present value.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Option A: $500,000

$500,000 represents the simple sum of all payments ($50,000 × 10 years) without any discounting, completely ignoring the time value of money principle.

Option C: $463,200

$463,200 appears to use an incorrect discount rate or calculation method, possibly confusing present value with future value calculations or using wrong annuity factors.

Option D: $400,000

$400,000 suggests an arbitrary calculation that doesn't follow proper present value methodology, possibly representing an incorrect averaging or estimation approach.

PAF-DIM Method

PAF-DIM: Payment × Annuity Factor = Discounted Income Money. Remember that the annuity factor for common rates: 8% for 10 years ≈ 6.7, 10% for 10 years ≈ 6.1, 12% for 10 years ≈ 5.7.

How to use: When you see an annuity problem, immediately identify: P (Payment amount), A (Annuity factor from tables), F (multiply these together), then D-I-M reminds you this gives Discounted Income Money (present value).

Exam Tip

Memorize key present value annuity factors for common discount rates (8%, 10%, 12%) and time periods (5, 10, 15, 20 years) to quickly eliminate wrong answers without full calculations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • -Adding up all payments without discounting (ignoring time value)
  • -Using future value formula instead of present value
  • -Confusing discount rate with capitalization rate in calculations

Concept Deep Dive

Analysis

This question tests the fundamental concept of present value of an annuity, which is crucial for income approach valuations in real estate appraisal. The present value calculation discounts future cash flows back to today's dollars using a specified discount rate, accounting for the time value of money. This concept is essential for analyzing investment properties where income streams need to be converted to current value for comparison and valuation purposes. The calculation requires understanding both the mathematical formula and the practical application of discount rates in real estate investment analysis.

Background Knowledge

Present value of annuity calculations are fundamental to the income approach in real estate appraisal, requiring knowledge of financial mathematics and time value of money principles. Appraisers must understand how to discount future income streams using appropriate discount rates to determine current market value.

Real-World Application

Appraisers use this calculation when valuing rental properties, analyzing lease agreements, or determining the present worth of future rental income streams for investment property valuations in the income approach.

present valueannuitydiscount ratetime value of moneyincome approach

More Math & Stats Questions

People Also Study

Practice More Appraiser Questions

Access all practice questions with progress tracking and adaptive difficulty to pass your Appraiser exam.

Start Practicing