In the income approach for appraisals, what is the first step?

In the income approach for appraisals, the first step is to calculate the annual gross income. This is important because the income approach values a property based on the income it generates. By determining the total potential income that a property can earn, the appraiser establishes a baseline for further calculations related to property valuation.

Calculating the annual gross income involves estimating the total income generated by the property, which could include rents from tenants and any other forms of income, like fees for services or utilities. This figure gives a clear picture of the property's earning potential before any expenses or deductions are considered. Once the annual gross income is established, it can then be used as a starting point to determine effective gross income, account for operational expenses, and ultimately estimate the property's value through capitalization.