Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large Accelerated Filer	Non-accelerated filer  x
Accelerated Filer	Smaller reporting company

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes x                     No

 

Aggregate market value of voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates:   Not applicable.

 

There were 1,406,196 shares of Class B common stock outstanding as of March 30, 2009.

 

There are no documents required to be incorporated by reference to this Annual Report on Form 10K.

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ITEM NO.	DESCRIPTION	PAGE NO.
PART I
1.	BUSINESS	3
1A.	RISK FACTORS	7
1B.	UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS	16
2.	PROPERTIES	16
3.	LEGAL PROCEEDINGS	16
4.	SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS	17
PART II
5.	MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES	17
6.	SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA	17
7.	MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS	20
7A.	QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK	50
8.	FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA	50
9.	CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE	50
9A.(T)	CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES	51
9B.	OTHER INFORMATION	52
PART III
10.	DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT	52
11.	EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION	55
12.	SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS	56
13.	CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE	58
14.	PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES	60
PART IV
15.	EXHIBITS AND  FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES	61

 

 

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SPECIAL NOTE REGARD FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

Certain statements contained in this report, including information with respect to our future business plans, constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “33 Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “34 Act”).  For this purpose, any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements, subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ significantly from those described in this report.  These forward-looking statements include statements regarding, among other things, our business strategy and operations, future expansion plans, future prospects, financial position, anticipated revenues or losses and projected costs, and objectives of management.  Without limiting the foregoing, the words “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative of such terms and other comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements.  There are a number of important factors that could cause our results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements.  These factors include, but are not limited to, changes in economic conditions generally and the real estate and bond markets specifically, legislative/regulatory changes (including changes to laws governing the taxation of real estate investment trusts (“REITs”)), possible sales of assets, the acquisition restrictions placed on the Company by an affiliated entity Berkshire Multifamily Value Fund II, LP, (“BVF II” or “Fund II”), availability of capital, interest rates and interest rate spreads, changes in accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and policies and guidelines applicable to REITs, those factors set forth herein in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” and other risks and uncertainties as may be detailed from time to time in our public announcements and our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

 

The risks listed here are not exhaustive.  Other sections of this report may include additional factors that could adversely affect our business and financial performance.  Moreover, we operate in a competitive and rapidly changing environment.  New risk factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for management to predict all such risks factors, nor can it assess the impact of all such risk factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.  Given these risks and uncertainties, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results.

 

As used herein, the terms “we”, “us”, “BIR” or the “Company” refer to Berkshire Income Realty, Inc., a Maryland corporation, incorporated on July 19, 2002.  The Company is in the business of acquiring, owning, operating and renovating multifamily apartment communities.  Berkshire Property Advisors, L.L.C. (“Berkshire Advisor” or “Advisor”) is an affiliated entity we have contracted with to make decisions relating to the day-to-day management and operation of our business, subject to the Board of Directors (“Board”) oversight.  Refer to Part III, Item 13 – Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence and Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 12 –Related Party Transactions of this Form 10-K for additional information about the Advisor.

 

PART I

 

ITEM 1.                      BUSINESS

 

Executive Summary

 

In 2008 BIR adjusted its property holdings with the acquisition of one property, Executive House in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for approximately $50,205,000, while selling its interest in four properties, Century (“Century”) for $52,000,000, St Marin / Karrington (“St. Marin”) for $61,750,000, Westchester West (“Westchester West ”) for $49,500,000 and Berkshires at Westchase (“Westchase”) for $12,400,000.  Executive House represents the Company’s entry into a new submarket with its first acquisition in the City of Philadelphia.  Additionally, the Company funded the final $2,327,749 of its $23,400,000 capital commitment Berkshire Multifamily Value Fund, LP, (“BVF”), a limited partnership, and affiliate of the Company, bringing the Company’s funding to 100% of its total commitment.

 

During 2008 the Company furthered its strategy of assessing outstanding mortgage debt to aggressively finance, refinance and add supplemental debt to its portfolio to help minimize the effects of rising mortgage interest rates and maximize the cash available for capital investments.  Due to financing and refinancing activities in prior years, which have resulted in the majority of the portfolio being financed at favorable rates and maturity periods, and changes in the capital and debt markets, which substantially curtailed the acquisition activity of the Company, the Company only refinanced one loan that matured during the year and assumed a first and second mortgage related to the only property acquired during the year.

 

 

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The Company obtained a fixed rate first mortgage of $13,200,000 on Briarwood Village to replace existing debt that matured during the year at a rate of 6.43% for a term of 10 years and first and second mortgages totaling approximately $30,655,000 were assumed on the acquisition of Executive House, at an average interest rate of approximately 5.75% for an average term of approximately 6 years.

 

Occupancy levels remained stable in the low to mid 90% range which, approximate average occupancy levels from the prior year at the Company’s Same Portfolio Properties (“Same Store”).  Occupancy levels benefited from the Company’s rental rate setting strategy which, in general, attempts to balance occupancy with rental increases to achieve market level occupancy rates.  As in past years when the rental market exhibits signs of softness, BIR will offer short-term rental concessions to new and renewing tenants at properties within markets experiencing the slowdown to maintain occupancy without producing significant fluctuations in market rental rates.  The Company employs revenue management software that tracks market rents on a daily basis using various data points and has the functionality to price for amenities that may be specific to units within a property (i.e. end unit with a fireplace).  This information allows property management to react timely to changes in market conditions by setting rents for new and renewal leases based on current market conditions and unit amenities.  The use of the system has resulted in a curtailment in the use of rent concessions as a means to react to market conditions although the use of concessions remains a part of the leasing strategy, but to a lesser degree, at properties using the software.  The administration of the system is carried out at the property and overseen by a newly created centralized administrative function that provides training and support to the field. The system continues to be rolled out to all properties within the portfolio meeting a minimum unit threshold.

 

The Company continues to employ a strategy of increasing the value of its portfolio by implementing property management efficiencies and physical asset improvements at its properties. As has been the practice in past years, the Company’s efforts executing this strategy continued to result in the desired operating results during the year. The Seasons of Laurel Apartments in Maryland underwent a utility conversion and window replacement renovation project that was completed during the year that resulted in the transfer of electrical costs to the tenants resulting from the installation of individual apartment unit electric meters.  Costs previously absorbed by the Company were converted to tenant pay and resulted in savings in utility expenses during the year.  The project is now complete and 100% of the tenants are now responsible for their individual apartment unit’s utility costs.  This project, in addition to other renovation and rehabilitation projects at other properties in the portfolio continue to result in positive operating returns when completed.  The Company will continue to assess properties and institute renovation projects as circumstances dictate.

 

In 2009, the Company intends to manage the portfolio through the challenging economic environment we currently face and adjust our operations to best position the Company for continued successful operations thru the current recessionary downturn.  The Company will continue to take advantage of investment opportunities, both acquisitions and dispositions, that present themselves and achieve desired investment returns.  The Company will continue to consider the adjustment of the portfolio holdings to a higher quality product utilizing sourcing strategies that include market, non-market/seller direct, bank and lender owned real estate and foreclosure auctions within the limitations of the currently strained credit and equity markets. The Company intends to continue to invest funds as they become available in qualifying investment opportunities, if any, in the form of new acquisitions, new development projects and the renovation of established properties.  The Company does not currently anticipate selling any properties in the portfolio but will reassess its plans as the markets adjust during the year.

 

 

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BUSINESS

 

In 2002, the Company filed a registration statement on Form S-11 with the SEC with respect to its offers (the “Offering”) to issue its 9% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (“Preferred Shares”) in exchange for interests (“Interests”) in various mortgage funds (collectively, the “Mortgage Funds”).  For each Interest in the Mortgage Funds validly tendered and not withdrawn in the Offering, the Company offered to issue its Preferred Shares based on an exchange ratio applicable to each Mortgage Fund.  The registration statement was declared effective on January 9, 2003.  Offering costs incurred in connection with the Offering have been reflected as a reduction of Preferred Shares reflected in the financial statements of the Company.  On April 4, 2003 and April 18, 2003, the Company issued 2,667,717 and 310,393 Preferred Shares, respectively, with a $25.00 liquidation preference per share. Simultaneously with the completion of the Offering on April 4, 2003, KRF Company, L.L.C. (“KRF Company”), an affiliate of the Company, contributed its ownership interests in five multifamily apartment communities (the “Properties”) to our operating partnership, Berkshire Income Realty – OP, L.P. (the “Operating Partnership”), in exchange for common limited partner interests in the Operating Partnership.  KRF Company then contributed an aggregate of $1,283,213, or 1% of the fair value of the total net assets of the Operating Partnership, to the Company, which together with the $100 contributed prior to the Offering, resulted in the issuance of 1,283,313 shares of common stock of the Company to KRF Company.  This amount was contributed by the Company to its wholly owned subsidiary, BIR GP, L.L.C., who then contributed the cash to the Operating Partnership in exchange for the sole general partner interest in the Operating Partnership.

 

The Company’s financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its subsidiary, the Operating Partnership, as well as the various subsidiaries of the Operating Partnership.  The Company owns preferred and general partner interests in the Operating Partnership.  The remaining common limited partnership interests in the Operating Partnership owned by KRF Company and affiliates are reflected as Minority Interest in Operating Partnership in the financial statements of the Company.

 

On April 28, 2008, the Operating Partnership completed the sale of 100% of its interest in St. Marin/Karrington Apartments in Coppell, Texas.  On May 6, 2008, the Board of Directors (“Board”) authorized the general partner of the Operating Partnership to distribute a portion of the proceeds from the sale of St. Marin/Karrington to the common general and common limited partners as a special distribution in the amount of $10,000,000, payable on May 15, 2008.  On the same day, the Board also declared a common dividend of $0.169960 per share on the Company’s Class B common stock payable concurrently with the Operating Partnership distribution. The Company retained the balance of the sale proceeds in its operating account for its operating use. The operating results of St. Marin/Karrington have been presented in the consolidated statement of operations as discontinued operations in accordance with FAS 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long Lived Assets.”

 

On May 29, 2008, the Operating Partnership completed the sale of 100% of its interest in Westchase Apartments in Houston, Texas.  The proceeds from the sale of Westchase were deposited in the Company’s operating account for its operating use.  The operating results of Berkshire at Westchase have been presented in the consolidated statement of operations as discontinued operations in accordance with FAS 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long Lived Assets.”

On June 19, 2008, the Company through its wholly owned subsidiary BIR Blackrock, L.L.C., entered into a subscription agreement to invest in the Leggat McCall Hingham Mezzanine Loan LLC, a Massachusetts Limited Liability Company.  Under the terms of the agreement, the Company agreed to invest up to $1,425,000, or approximately 41%, of the total capital of the investment in order to subscribe for 14.25 units.  The Company has funded $855,000 or 60%, of its commitment as of December 31, 2008.

 

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On September 18, 2008, the Company’s Operating Partnership, through a newly formed and wholly owned subsidiary, BIR Executive House, L.P., completed the acquisition of 100% of the partnership interests in Executive House Associates, the owner of Executive House Apartments, a 302 unit multifamily apartment community located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from an unaffiliated third party.  The purchase price of $50,000,000 and related closing costs consisted of a cash payment of $20,148,140 plus the assumption of the outstanding mortgage debt secured by the property.  The purchase was subject to normal operating pro rations.  The cash portion of the purchase price and related closing costs were funded through a $10,000,000 advance from the revolving credit facility available from an affiliate and available cash.   The acquisition of Executive House is intended to be the qualified replacement property in connection with the sale of the Westchester West property, which was identified for replacement pursuant to a transaction structured to comply with the requirements of a reverse 1031 Exchange under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, (the “Tax Code”).  As required by the Tax Code, a qualified 1031 Exchange intermediary was retained to execute the Executive House acquisition and the Westchester West sale transactions.  As of December 31, 2008, the purchase price allocation was final and no further adjustment is contemplated.

On October 29, 2008, the Operating Partnership completed the sale of 100% of its interest in Century Apartments in Cockeysville, Maryland.  The Company’s share of the proceeds from the sale of Century Apartments were deposited in the Company’s operating account for its operating use.  The operating results of Century Apartments have been presented in the consolidated statement of operations as discontinued operations in accordance with FAS 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of long lived Assets.”

 

On December 30, 2008, the Operating Partnership completed the sale of 100% of its interest in Westchester West Apartments in Silver Spring, Maryland.  The proceeds from the sale of Westchester West were deposited in an escrow account with a qualified institution pursuant to a transaction structured to comply with a 1031 Exchange under the Tax Code.  Subsequently, the proceeds were distributed from the qualified intermediary and deposited in the Company’s operating account for its operating use.  The operating results of Westchester West have been presented in the consolidated statement of operations as discontinued operations in accordance with FAS 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long Lived Assets.”

 

The Company does not have any employees.  Its day-to-day business is managed by Berkshire Advisor, an affiliate of KRF Company, the holder of the majority of our common stock, which has been retained pursuant to the advisory services agreement described under Part III, Item 13 – Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence.  Our properties were managed by BRI OP Limited Partnership pursuant to property management agreements described under Part III, Item 13 – Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence until December 31, 2004.  As of January 1, 2005, Berkshire Advisor assumed property management responsibilities under the various property management agreements.

 

Our principal executive offices are located at One Beacon Street, Suite 1500, Boston, Massachusetts 02108 and our telephone number at that address is (617) 523-7722.

 

We are required to file annual, quarterly, and current reports, and other documents with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The public may read and copy any materials that we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549.  The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.  Also, the SEC maintains an Internet website that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers, including the Company, that file electronically with the SEC.  The public can obtain any documents that we file with the SEC at http://www.sec.gov.  The Company voluntarily provides, free of charge, paper or electronic copies of all filings upon request.  Additionally, all filings are available free of charge on our website.  Our Internet address is http://www.berkshireincomerealty.com.

 

 

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ITEM 1A.                      RISK FACTORS

 

RISK FACTORS

 

The following risk factors should be read carefully in connection with evaluating our business and the forward-looking statements contained in this report and other statements we or our representatives make from time to time.  Any of the following risks could materially adversely affect our business, our operating results, our financial condition and the actual outcome of matters as to which forward-looking statements are made in this report.  In connection with the forward-looking statements that appear in this report, you should also carefully review the cautionary statement referred to herein under “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

 

 

Risk Factors Relating to Our Business

 

 

Operating risks and lack of liquidity may adversely affect our investments in real property.

 

Varying degrees of risk affect real property investments.  The investment returns available from equity investments in real estate depend in large part on the amount of income earned and capital appreciation generated by the related properties as well as the expenses incurred.  If our assets do not generate revenue sufficient to meet operating expenses, including debt service and capital expenditures, our income and ability to service our debt and other obligations could be adversely affected.  Some significant expenditures associated with an investment in real estate, such as mortgage and other debt payments, real estate taxes and maintenance costs, generally are not reduced when circumstances cause a reduction in revenue from the investment.  In addition, income from properties and real estate values are also affected by a variety of other factors, such as interest rate levels, governmental regulations and applicable laws and the availability of financing.

 

Equity real estate investments, such as ours, are relatively illiquid.  This illiquidity limits our ability to vary our portfolio in response to changes in economic or other conditions.  We cannot be certain that we will recognize full value for any property that we are required to sell for liquidity reasons.  Our inability to respond rapidly to changes in the performance of our investments could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our properties are subject to operating risks common to apartment ownership in general.  These risks include: our ability to rent units at the properties; competition from other apartment communities; excessive building of comparable properties that might adversely affect apartment occupancy or rental rates; increases in operating costs due to inflation and other factors, which increases may not necessarily be offset by increased rents; increased affordable housing requirements that might adversely affect rental rates; inability or unwillingness of residents to pay rent increases; and future enactment of rent control laws or other laws regulating apartment housing, including present and possible future laws relating to access by disabled persons or the right to convert a property to other uses, such as condominiums or cooperatives.  If operating expenses increase, the local rental market may limit the extent to which rents may be increased to meet increased expenses without decreasing occupancy rates.  If any of the above were to occur, our ability to meet our debt service and other obligations could be adversely affected.

 

In order to achieve or enhance our desired financial results we may make investments that involve more risk than market rate core and core-plus acquisitions.

 

In many of the markets where we may seek to acquire multifamily apartment communities we may face significant competition from well capitalized real estate investors, including private investors, publicly traded REITs and institutional investors.  This competition can result in sellers obtaining premiums on their real estate, which sometimes pushes the price beyond what we may consider to be a prudent purchase price.  To mitigate these factors our sourcing strategy includes non-market/seller direct deals, bank and lender owned real estate and foreclosure auctions.  Some of these acquisition strategies can involve more risk than market rate core and core-plus acquisitions, but may allow the Company to realize higher returns if the underlying assumptions are achieved.  However, if the underlying assumptions are not achieved, the additional risks associated with these broader sourcing strategies could result in lower profits, or higher losses, than would be realized in market rate acquisitions.

 

 

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We may renovate our properties, which could involve additional operating risks.

 

We expect to be working on the renovation of multifamily properties that we may acquire.  We may also acquire completed multifamily properties.  The renovation of real estate involves risks in addition to those involved in the ownership and operation of established multifamily properties, including the risks that specific project approvals may take longer to obtain than expected, that construction may not be completed on schedule or budget and that the properties may not achieve anticipated rent or occupancy levels.

 

We may not be able to pay the costs of necessary capital improvements on our properties, which could adversely affect our financial condition.

 

We anticipate funding any required capital improvements on our properties using cash flow from operations, cash reserves or additional financing if necessary.  However, the anticipated sources of funding may not be sufficient to make the necessary improvements.  If our cash flow from operations and cash reserves proves to be insufficient, we might have to fund the capital improvements by borrowing money.  If we are unable to borrow money on favorable terms, or at all, we may not be able to make necessary capital improvements, which could harm our financial condition.

 

Our tenants-in-common or future venture partners may have interests or goals that conflict with ours, which may restrict our ability to manage some of our investments and adversely affect our results of operations.

 

One or more of our properties that we acquire may be owned through tenancies-in-common or by venture partnerships between us and the seller of the property, an independent third party or another investment entity sponsored by our affiliates.  Our investment through tenancies-in-common or in venture partnerships that own properties may, under certain circumstances, involve risks that would not otherwise be present.  For example, our tenant-in-common or venture partner may experience financial difficulties and may at any time have economic or business interests or goals that are inconsistent with our economic or business interests or our policies or goals.  In addition, actions by, or litigation involving, any tenant-in-common or venture partner might subject the property owned through a tenancy-in-common or by the venture to liabilities in excess of those contemplated by the terms of the tenant-in-common or venture agreement.  Also, there is a risk of impasse between the parties since generally either party may disagree with a proposed transaction involving the property owned through a tenancy-in-common or venture partnership and impede any proposed action, including the sale or other disposition of the property.

 

Our inability to dispose of a property we may acquire in the future without the consent of a tenant-in-common or venture partner would increase the risk that we could be unable to dispose of the property, or dispose of it promptly, in response to economic or other conditions.  The inability to respond promptly to changes in performance of the property could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

We may face significant competition and we may not compete successfully.

 

We may face significant competition in seeking investments including competition from our affiliate BVF II.  We may be unable to acquire a desired property because of competition from other well capitalized real estate investors, such as publicly traded REIT’s, institutional investors and other investors, including companies that may be affiliated with the Advisor.  When we are successful in acquiring a desired property, competition from other real estate investors may significantly increase our purchase price. Some of our competitors may have greater financial and other resources than us and may have better relationships with lenders and sellers, and we may not be able to compete successfully for investments.

 

 

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We plan to borrow, which may adversely affect our return on our investments and may reduce income available for distribution.

 

Where possible, we may seek to borrow funds to increase the rate of return on our investments and to allow us to make more investments than we otherwise could.  Borrowing by us presents an element of risk if the cash flow from our properties and other investments is insufficient to meet our debt service and other obligations.  A property encumbered by debt increases the risk that the property will operate at a loss and may ultimately be forfeited upon foreclosure by the lender.  Loans that do not fully amortize during the term, such as “bullet” or “balloon-payment” loans, present refinancing risks.  Variable rate loans increase the risk that the property may become unprofitable in adverse economic conditions.  Loans that require guaranties, including full principal and interest guaranties, master leases, debt service guaranties and indemnities for liabilities such as hazardous waste, may result in significant liabilities for us.

 

Under our current investment policies, we may not incur indebtedness if by doing so our ratio of debt to total assets, at fair market value, exceeds 75%. However, we may reevaluate our borrowing policies from time to time, and the Board may change our investment policies without the consent of our stockholders.  At December 31, 2008 and 2007, our ratio of debt to total assets, at fair value, was 70.15% and 61.45%, respectively.

 

Our insurance on our real estate may not cover all losses.

 

We carry comprehensive liability, fire, terrorism, extended coverage and rental loss insurance covering all of our properties, with policy specifications and insured limits that we believe are adequate and appropriate under the circumstances.  Many insurance carriers are excluding asbestos-related claims and mold remediation-related claims from standard policies, pricing asbestos and mold remediation endorsements at prohibitively high rates or adding significant restrictions to this coverage.  Because of our inability to obtain specialized coverage at rates that correspond to the perceived level of risk, we have not obtained insurance for asbestos-related claims or mold remediation-related risks.  We continue to evaluate the availability and cost of additional insurance coverage from the insurance market.  If we decide in the future to purchase coverage for asbestos or mold remediation insurance, the cost could have a negative impact on our results of operations.  If an uninsured loss or a loss in excess of insured limits occurs on a property, we could lose our capital invested in the property, as well as the anticipated future revenues from the property and, in the case of debt that is recourse to us, we would remain obligated for any mortgage debt or other financial obligations related to the property.  Any loss of this nature could adversely affect us.

 

Additionally, the policy specifications of our insurance coverage on our properties include deductibles related to an insured loss.  The deductibles applicable to an insured loss caused by “Named Storms”, as defined in the insurance policy, which are usually in the form of a hurricane, at certain of the properties we operate, are higher than deductibles for other insured losses covered by the policy.  Specifically, the deductibles for “Named Storms” are based on a percentage of the insured property value with a specific minimum amount.  Both the percentage and the related minimum amounts are higher than the standard policy deductibles for insured losses caused by a “Named Storm” in certain higher risk counties of certain states, including Florida, North Carolina, Texas and Virginia and even higher amounts for insured losses caused by a “Named Storm” in the counties of Dade, Broward and Palm Beach, Florida. Losses resulting from “Named Storms” could adversely affect us.

 

Environmental compliance costs and liabilities with respect to our real estate may adversely affect our results of operations.

 

Our operating costs may be affected by our obligation to pay for the cost of complying with existing environmental laws, ordinances and regulations, as well as the cost of complying with future legislation with respect to the assets, or loans collateralized by assets, with environmental problems that materially impair the value of assets.  Under various federal, state or local environmental laws, ordinances and regulations, an owner of real property may be liable for the costs of removal or remediation of hazardous or toxic substances located on or in the property.  These laws often impose liability without regard to whether the owner knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of the hazardous or toxic substances.

 

 

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The costs of any required remediation or removal of these substances may be substantial.  In addition, the owner’s liability as to any property is generally not limited under these laws, ordinances and regulations and could exceed the value of the property and/or the aggregate assets of the owner.  The presence of hazardous or toxic substances, or the failure to remediate properly, may also adversely affect the owner’s ability to sell or rent the property or to borrow using the property as collateral.  Under these laws, ordinances and regulations, an owner or any entity who arranges for the disposal of hazardous or toxic substances, such as asbestos, at a disposal facility may also be liable for the costs of any required remediation or removal of the hazardous or toxic substances at the facility, whether or not the facility is owned or operated by the owner or entity.  In connection with the ownership of any of our properties, or participation in ventures, or the disposal of hazardous or toxic substances, we may be liable for any of these costs.

 

Other federal, state and local laws may impose liability for the release of hazardous material, including asbestos-containing materials, into the environment, or require the removal of damaged asbestos containing materials in the event of remodeling or renovation, and third parties may seek recovery from owners of real property for personal injury associated with exposure to released asbestos-containing materials or other hazardous materials.  We do not currently have insurance for asbestos-related claims.

 

Recently there has been an increasing number of lawsuits against owners and managers of multifamily properties alleging personal injury and property damage caused by the presence of mold in residential real estate.  Some of these lawsuits have resulted in substantial monetary judgments or settlements.  We do not currently have insurance for all mold-related risks.  Environmental laws may also impose restrictions on the manner in which a property may be used or transferred or in which businesses may be operated, and these restrictions may require additional expenditures.  In connection with the ownership of properties, we may be potentially liable for any of these costs.  The cost of defending against claims of liability or remediating contaminated property and the cost of complying with environmental laws could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

 

We have been notified of the presence of asbestos in certain structural elements in our properties, which we are addressing in accordance with various operations and maintenance plans.  The asbestos operations and maintenance plans require that all structural elements that contain asbestos not be disturbed.  In the event the asbestos containing elements are disturbed either through accident, such as a fire, or as a result of planned renovations at the property, those elements would require removal by a licensed contractor, who would provide for containment and disposal in an authorized landfill.  The property managers of our properties have been directed to work proactively with licensed ablation contractors whenever there is any question regarding possible exposure.

 

We are not aware of any environmental liability relating to our properties that we believe would have a material adverse effect on our business, assets or results of operations.  Nevertheless, it is possible that there are material environmental liabilities of which we are unaware with respect to our properties.  Moreover, we cannot be certain that future laws, ordinances or regulations will not impose material environmental liabilities or that the current environmental condition of our properties will not be affected by residents and occupants of our properties, by the uses or condition of properties in the vicinity of our properties, such as leaking underground storage tanks, or by third parties unaffiliated with us.

 

Our failure to comply with various regulations affecting our properties could adversely affect our financial condition.

 

Various laws, ordinances, and regulations affect multifamily residential properties, including regulations relating to recreational facilities, such as activity centers and other common areas. We believe that each of our properties has all material permits and approvals to operate its business.

 

Our multifamily residential properties must comply with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (the “ADA”) to the extent that such properties are public accommodations and/or commercial facilities as defined by the ADA. Compliance with the ADA requires removal of structural barriers to handicapped access in certain public areas of our properties where such removal is readily achievable. The ADA does not, however, consider residential properties to be public accommodations or commercial facilities, except to the extent portions of such facilities, such as a leasing office, are open to the public. We believe that our properties comply in all material respects with all current requirements under the ADA and applicable state laws. Noncompliance with the ADA could result in imposition of fines or an award of damages to private litigants. The cost of defending against any claims of liability under the ADA or the payment of any fines or damages could adversely affect our financial condition.

 

The Fair Housing Act (the “FHA”) requires, as part of the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988, apartment communities first occupied after March 13, 1990 to be accessible to the handicapped.  Noncompliance with the FHA could result in the imposition of fines or an award of damages to private litigants.  We believe that our properties that are subject to the FHA are in compliance with such law.  The cost of defending against any claims of liability under the FHA or the payment of any related fines or damages could adversely affect our financial condition.

 

 

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We face risks associated with property acquisitions.

 

We intend to acquire additional properties in the future, either directly or by acquiring entities that own properties.  These acquisition activities are subject to many risks.  We may acquire properties or entities that are subject to liabilities or that have problems relating to environmental condition, state of title, physical condition or compliance with zoning laws, building codes, or other legal requirements.  In each case, our acquisition may be without any recourse, or with only limited recourse, with respect to unknown liabilities or conditions.

 

As a result, if any liability were asserted against us relating to those properties or entities, or if any adverse condition existed with respect to the properties or entities, we might have to pay substantial sums to settle or cure it, which could adversely affect our cash flow and operating results.  However, some of these liabilities may be covered by insurance.  In addition, we intend to perform customary due diligence regarding each property or entity we acquire.  We also intend to obtain appropriate representations and indemnities from the sellers of the properties or entities we acquire, although it is possible that the sellers may not have the resources to satisfy their indemnification obligations if a liability arises.  Unknown liabilities to third parties with respect to properties or entities acquired might include:  liabilities for clean-up of undisclosed environmental contamination; claims by tenants, vendors or other persons dealing with the former owners of the properties; liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business; and claims for indemnification by general partners, directors, officers and others indemnified by the former owners of the properties.

 

We may acquire multifamily apartment communities through foreclosure auctions, which limit our ability to perform due diligence.

 

One of our acquisition strategies seeks to acquire multifamily apartment communities through foreclosure auctions.  Generally when a property is foreclosed on by a lender, there is minimal time between the announcement of foreclosure and the auction to dispose of the property and access to the property for due diligence is either severely limited or unavailable. The lack of time and access for due diligence can result in only limited knowledge of problems, including environmental issues, that are identified after the acquisition has taken place.  While the Company generally includes provisions for unforeseen problems into its underwriting models, there is no assurance that these provisions will be sufficient to remediate all of the issues identified after closing.  If significant issues are identified after closing, which were not provided for during the underwriting, this sourcing strategy could result in lower profits, or higher losses, than would be realized in market rate acquisitions, where full due diligence is available.

Development risks could affect available capital and operating profitability.

 

We intend to develop new apartment units on property that we own or may acquire in the future.  These development projects are subject to many risks including governmental approvals, which we have no assurance will be obtained.  We may develop properties that have problems relating to environmental conditions, compliance with zoning laws, building codes, or other legal requirements or may be subject to unknown liabilities to third parties with respect to undisclosed environmental contamination, claims by vendors or claims by other persons.  The cost to construct the projects may require capital in excess of projected amounts and possibly render the economic viability of the project unfeasible.  The apartment units in the completed project may command rents and occupancy rates at less that anticipated levels and result in operating expenses at higher than forecasted levels.

We face valuation and liquidity risk.

The Company may invest in real estate and real estate related investments for which no liquid market exists. The market prices for such investments may be volatile and may not be readily ascertainable.  In addition, there continues to be significant disruptions in the global capital, credit and real estate markets.  These disruptions have led to, among other things, a significant decline in the volume of transaction activity, in the fair value of many real estate and real estate related investments, and a significant contraction in short-term and long-term debt and equity funding sources.  This contraction in capital includes sources that the Company may depend on to finance certain investments.  The decline in prices of real estate and real estate related investments, as well as the availability of observable transaction data and inputs, may have made it more difficult to determine the fair value of such investments.  As a result, amounts ultimately realized by the Company from investments sold may differ from the fair values presented, and the differences could be material.

 

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We face financing risk.

There is no guarantee that the Company's borrowing arrangements or other arrangements for obtaining leverage will continue to be available, or if available, will be available on terms and conditions acceptable to the Company.  Unfavorable economic conditions also could increase funding costs, limit access to the capital markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to the Company.  In addition, a decline in market value of the Company's assets may have particular adverse consequences in instances where the Company borrowed money based on the fair value of those assets.  A decrease in market value of those assets may result in the lender requiring the Company to post additional collateral or otherwise sell assets at a time when it may not be in the Company's best interest to do so.  In the event the Company is required to liquidate all or a portion of its portfolio quickly, the Company may realize significantly less than the value at which it previously recorded those investments.  As of December 31, 2008 the Company does not have significant exposure to financing in which the lender can require the Company to post additional collateral or otherwise sell assets to settle the financing obligations.

We face loan covenant risk.

In the normal course of business, the Company enters into loan agreements with certain lenders to finance its real estate investment transactions.  These loan agreements contain, among other conditions, events of default and various covenants and representations.  The Company believes it was in compliance with all these covenants during 2008.  However, if the lenders determine we were not in compliance, the lenders may decide to curtail or limit extension of credit, and the Company may be forced to repay its loans.  For the year ended December 31, 2008, no loan agreements were terminated as a result of non-compliance with covenants. In the event the Company's current credit facilities are not extended and/or the Company is forced to repay its loans, the Company may be required to sell assets at potentially unfavorable prices.  In addition, if the Company is required to liquidate all or a portion of its portfolio quickly, the Company may realize significantly less than the value at which it previously recorded those investments.

We face development financing risk.

In order to fund new real estate investments, as well as refurbish and improve existing investments, both the Company as well as potential owners must periodically spend money.  The availability of funds for new investments and maintenance of existing investments depends in large measure on capital markets and liquidity factors over which management can exert little control.  Events over the past several months, including recent failures and near failures of a number of large financial service companies, have made the capital markets increasing volatile.  As a result, many current and prospective owners are finding financing to be increasingly expensive and difficult to obtain.  In addition, such bankruptcies may prevent some projects that are in construction or development from drawing on existing financing commitments, and replacement financing may not be available or may only be available on less favorable terms.  Delays, increased costs and other impediments to restructuring such projects may affect our ability to execute our investment strategy in connection with such projects.  This contraction in capital sources has not had a significant adverse impact on the Company's liquidity position, results of operations and financial condition but may adversely impact the Company if market conditions continue to deteriorate.

We face diversification risk.

The assets of the Company are concentrated in the real estate sector.  Accordingly, the investment portfolio of the Company may be subject to more rapid change in value than would be the case if the Company were to maintain a wide diversification among investments or industry sectors. Furthermore, even within the real estate sector, the investment portfolio may be relatively concentrated in terms of geography and type of real estate investment. This lack of diversification may subject the investments of the Company to more rapid change in value than would be the case if the assets of the Company were more widely diversified.

We face concentrations of market, interest rate and credit risk.

Concentrations of market, interest rate and credit risk may exist with respect to the Company's investments and its other assets and liabilities.  Market risk is a potential loss the Company may incur as a result of changes in the fair value of its investment.  The Company may also be subject to risk associated with concentrations of investments in geographic regions and industries.  Interest rate risk includes the risk associated with changes in prevailing interest rates.  These derivatives are predominantly used for managing risk associated with the Company's portfolio of investments.  Credit risk includes the possibility that a loss may occur from the failure of counterparties or issuers to make payments according to the terms of a contract.  The Company's exposure to credit risk at any point in time is generally limited to amounts recorded as assets on the statement of assets and liabilities.

 

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Certain Federal Income Tax Risks

 

Our failure to qualify as a REIT would result in higher taxes and reduced cash available for distribution to our stockholders.

 

We intend to operate in a manner to allow us to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes.  Although we believe that we have been organized and will operate in this manner, we cannot be certain that we will be able to operate so as to qualify as a REIT under the Tax Code, or to remain so qualified.  Qualification as a REIT involves the application of highly technical and complex provisions of the Code for which there are only limited judicial or administrative interpretations.  The determination of various factual matters and circumstances not entirely within our control may affect our ability to qualify as a REIT.

 

The complexity of these provisions and of the applicable income tax regulations under the Code is greater in the case of a REIT that holds its assets through a partnership, as we do.  Moreover, our qualification as a REIT depends upon the qualification of certain of our investments as REITs.  In addition, we cannot be certain that legislation, new regulations, administrative interpretations or court decisions will not significantly change the tax laws with respect to the qualification as a REIT or the federal income tax consequences of this qualification.  We are not aware of any proposal currently being considered by Congress to amend the tax laws in a manner that would materially and adversely affect our ability to operate as a REIT.

 

If for any taxable year we fail to qualify as a REIT, we would not be allowed a deduction for distributions to our stockholders in computing our taxable income and would be subject to federal income tax (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) on our taxable income at regular corporate rates.  In addition, we would normally be disqualified from treatment as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year of losing our REIT status.  This would likely result in significant increased costs to us.  Any corporate tax liability could be substantial and would reduce the amount of cash available for distribution to our stockholders and for investment, which in turn could have an adverse impact on the value of, and trading prices for, our publicly traded securities.

 

Although we intend to operate in a manner designed to qualify as a REIT, future economic, market, legal, tax or other considerations may cause our Board and the holders of our common stock to determine that it is in the best interests of the Company and our stockholders to revoke our REIT election.

 

We believe that our operating partnership will be treated for federal income tax purposes as a partnership and not as a corporation or an association taxable as a corporation.  If the Internal Revenue Service were to determine that our operating partnership were properly to be treated as a corporation, our operating partnership would be required to pay federal income tax at corporate rates on its net income, its partners would be treated as stockholders of the operating partnership and distributions to partners would constitute dividends that would not be deductible in computing the operating partnership’s taxable income.  In addition, we would fail to qualify as a REIT, with the resulting consequences described above.

 

REIT distribution requirements could adversely affect our liquidity.

 

To obtain the favorable tax treatment for REITs qualifying under the Code, we generally are required each year to distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our real estate investment trust taxable income, determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and by excluding net capital gains.  We are subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the amount, if any, by which distributions paid by us with respect to any calendar year are less than the sum of: (1) 85% of our ordinary income for the calendar year; (2) 95% of our capital gain net income for the calendar year, unless we elect to retain and pay income tax on those gains; and (3) 100% of our undistributed amounts from prior years.

 

Failure to comply with these requirements would result in our income being subject to tax at regular corporate rates.

 

We intend to distribute our income to our stockholders in a manner intended to satisfy the distribution requirement and to avoid corporate income tax and the 4% excise tax. Differences in timing between the recognition of income and the related cash receipts or the effect of required debt amortization payments could require us to borrow money or sell assets to distribute enough of our taxable income to satisfy the distribution requirement and to avoid corporate income tax and the 4% excise tax in a given year.

 

Legislative or regulatory action could adversely affect holders of our securities.

 

In recent years, numerous legislative, judicial and administrative changes have been made to the federal income tax laws applicable to investments in REITs and similar entities.  Additional changes to tax laws are likely to continue to occur in the future, and we cannot be certain that any such changes will not adversely affect the taxation of a holder of our securities.

 

 

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Risk Factors Relating to Our Management

 

We are dependent on Berkshire Advisor and may not find a suitable replacement at the same cost if Berkshire Advisor terminates the advisory services agreement.

 

We have entered into a contract with Berkshire Advisor (which we refer to as the advisory services agreement) under which Berkshire Advisor is obligated to manage our portfolio and identify investment opportunities consistent with our investment policies and objectives, as the Board may adopt from time to time.

 

Although the Board has continuing exclusive authority over our management, the conduct of our affairs and the management and disposition of our assets, the Board initially has delegated to Berkshire Advisor, subject to the supervision and review of our Board, the power and duty to make decisions relating to the day-to-day management and operation of our business.  We generally utilize officers of Berkshire Advisor to provide our services and employ only a few individuals as our officers, none of whom are compensated by us for their services to us as our officers. We believe that our success depends to a significant extent upon the experience of Berkshire Advisor’s officers, whose continued service is not guaranteed. We have no separate facilities and are completely reliant on Berkshire Advisor, which has significant discretion as to the implementation of our operating policies and strategies. We face the risk that Berkshire Advisor could terminate the advisory services agreement and we may not find a suitable replacement at the same cost with similar experience and ability. However, we believe that so long as KRF Company, which is an affiliate of Berkshire Advisor, continues to own a significant amount of our common stock, Berkshire Advisor will not terminate the advisory services agreement. Although KRF Company currently owns most of our common stock, we cannot be certain that KRF Company will continue to do so.

 

Our relationship with Berkshire Advisor may lead to general conflicts of interest that adversely affect the interests of holders of our Series A Preferred Stock.

 

Berkshire Advisor is an affiliate of KRF Company, which owns the majority of our common stock. All of our directors and executive officers, other than our three independent directors, are also officers or directors of Berkshire Advisor. As a result, our advisory services agreement with Berkshire Advisor was not negotiated at arm’s-length and its terms, including the fees payable to Berkshire Advisor, may not be as favorable to us as if it had been negotiated with an unaffiliated third party. Asset management fees and acquisition fees for new investments are payable to Berkshire Advisor under the advisory services agreement regardless of the performance of our portfolio and may create conflicts of interest.  Conflicts of interest also may arise in connection with any decision to renegotiate, renew or terminate our advisory services agreement. In order to mitigate these conflicts, the renegotiation, renewal or termination of the advisory services agreement requires the approval of the Audit Committee (which committee is comprised of our three directors who are independent under applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and the American Stock Exchange).

 

Through December 31, 2004, our property manager, an affiliate of Berkshire Advisor, in most cases provided on-site management services for our properties.  Our directors who are affiliates of our property manager might be subject to conflicts of interest in their dealings with our property manager.  In order to mitigate these conflicts, the renegotiation, renewal or termination of the property management agreements requires the approval of the Audit Committee (which committee is comprised of our three directors who are independent under applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and the American Stock Exchange).  As of January 1, 2005, Berkshire Advisor assumed the role of property manager for our properties, under the same terms as the agreements with the prior property manager.

 

 

Berkshire Advisor and its affiliates may engage in other businesses and business ventures, including business activities relating to real estate or other investments, whether similar or dissimilar to those made by us, or may act as advisor to any other person or entity (including other REITs).  The ability of Berkshire Advisor and its officers and employees to engage in these other business activities may reduce the time Berkshire Advisor spends managing us.  Berkshire Advisor and its affiliates may have conflicts of interest in the allocation of management and staff time, services and functions among us and its other investment entities presently in existence or subsequently formed.  However, under our advisory services agreement with Berkshire Advisor, Berkshire Advisor is required to devote sufficient resources as may be required to discharge its obligations to us under the advisory services agreement.

 

Our advisory services agreement with Berkshire Advisor provides that neither Berkshire Advisor nor any of its affiliates is obligated to present to us all investment opportunities that come to their attention, even if any of those opportunities might be suitable for investment by us. It is within the sole discretion of Berkshire Advisor to allocate investment opportunities to us as it deems advisable. However, it is expected that, to the extent possible, the resolution of conflicting investment opportunities between us and others will be based upon differences in investment objectives and policies, the makeup of investment portfolios, the amount of cash and financing available for investment and the length of time the funds have been available, the estimated income tax effects of the

 

 

 

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investment, policies relating to leverage and cash flow, the effect of the investment on diversification of investment portfolios and any regulatory restrictions on investment policies.

 

We have adopted policies to ensure that Berkshire Advisor does not enter into investments on our behalf involving its affiliates that could be less favorable to us than investments involving unaffiliated third parties. For example, any transaction between us and Berkshire Advisor or any of its affiliates requires the prior approval of the Audit Committee (which committee is comprised of our three directors who are independent under applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and the American Stock Exchange). Members of our Audit Committee are also required under our bylaws to be unaffiliated with Berkshire Advisors and its affiliates.  We cannot be certain that these policies will be successful in eliminating the influence of any conflicts.

 

 

Our Board of Directors has approved investment guidelines for Berkshire Advisor, but might not approve each multifamily residential property investment decision made by Berkshire Advisor within those guidelines.

 

Berkshire Advisor is authorized to follow investment guidelines adopted from time to time by the Board in determining the types of assets it may decide to recommend to the Board as proper investments for us. The Board periodically reviews our investment guidelines and our investment portfolio. In conducting periodic reviews, the Board relies primarily on information provided by Berkshire Advisor.  However, Berkshire Advisor may make investments in multifamily residential property on our behalf within the Board approved guidelines without the approval of the Board.

 

 

We may change our investment strategy without stockholder consent, which could result in our making different and potentially riskier investments.

 

We may change our investment strategy at any time without the consent of our stockholders, which could result in our making investments that are different from, and possibly riskier than, our initial plan to primarily acquire, own and operate multifamily residential properties.  In addition, the methods of implementing our investment policies may vary as new investment techniques are developed. A change in our investment strategy may increase our exposure to interest rate and real estate market fluctuations.

 

 

 

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ITEM 1B                      UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 

None.

 

 

ITEM 2.                      PROPERTIES

 

A summary of the multifamily apartment communities in which the Company had an interest as of December 31, 2008 is presented below.  Schedule III included in Item 15 to this report contains additional detailed information with respect to individual properties consolidated by the Company in the financial statements contained herein and is incorporated by reference herein.

 

Description		Location		Year Acquired		Total Units (Unaudited)		Ownership Interest		2008 Occupancy (1) (Unaudited)
Berkshires of Columbia		Columbia, Maryland		1983		316		91.38%		92.97%
Seasons of Laurel		Laurel, Maryland		1985		1,088		100.00%		92.32%
Walden Pond/Gables		Houston, Texas		1983/2003		556		100.00%		87.69%
Laurel Woods		Austin, Texas		2004		150		100.00%		96.29%
Bear Creek		Dallas, Texas		2004		152		100.00%		95.48%
Bridgewater		Hampton, Virginia		2004		216		100.00%		95.44%
Arboretum		Newport News, Virginia		2004		184		100.00%		95.49%
Silver Hill		Newport News, Virginia		2004		153		100.00%		91.41%
Arrowhead		Palatine, Illinois		2004		200		58.00%		93.83%
Moorings		Roselle, Illinois		2004		216		58.00%		95.66%
Country Place I		Burtonsville, Maryland		2004		192		58.00%		95.33%
Country Place II		Burtonsville, Maryland		2004		120		58.00%		95.33%
Yorktowne		Millersville, Maryland		2004		216		100.00%		93.72%
Berkshires on Brompton		Houston, Texas		2005		362		100.00%		96.36%
Riverbirch		Charlotte, North Carolina		2005		210		100.00%		90.28%
Lakeridge		Hampton, Virginia		2005		282		100.00%		93.96%
Berkshires at Citrus Park		Tampa, Florida		2005		264		100.00%		92.16%
Briarwood Village		Houston, Texas		2006		342		100.00%		96.00%
Chisholm Place		Dallas, Texas		2006		142		100.00%		95.31%
Standard at Lenox Park		Atlanta, Georgia		2006		375		100.00%		90.88%
Berkshires at Town Center (formerly Hampton House)		Towson, Maryland		2007		196		100.00%		88.54%
Sunfield Lakes		Sherwood, Oregon		2007		200		100.00%		93.21%
Executive House		Philadelphia, Pennsylvania		2008		302		100.00%		91.80%
Total						6,434

 

All of the properties in the above table are encumbered by mortgages as of December 31, 2008.

 

As of January 1, 2007, the Company became subject to the revised franchise tax calculation in Texas.

 

(1) – Represents the average year-to-date physical occupancy.

 

ITEM 3.                      LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

The Company is currently party to a legal proceeding initiated by a seller/developer from whom the Company acquired a property in 2005.  The dispute involves the interpretation of certain provisions of the purchase and sales agreement related to post acquisition construction activities.  Specifically, the purchase and sales agreement provided that if certain conditions were met, the seller/developer would develop a vacant parcel of land contiguous to the acquired property with 18 new residential apartment units (the “New Units”) for the benefit of the Company at an agreed-upon price.  The purchase and sales agreement also provided the opportunity for the seller/developer to build a limited number of garages (the “Garages”) for the existing apartment units for the benefit of the Company at an agreed-upon price.

 

 

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In 2006, the Company accrued $190,000 with respect to the New Units matter based on a settlement offer extended to the plaintiff, which was not accepted at that time.  On November 9, 2007, the judge issued a summary judgment against the Company with respect to the construction of the New Units.  On February 13, 2008, the court entered judgment related to the New Units on the seller/developer’s behalf awarding them a judgment in the amount of $774,292 for costs and damages.  The Company believes that there are reasonable grounds for appeal of this ruling and is pursuing an appeal of the judgment awarded by the court.

 

As of December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively, the Company did not increase its accrual of $190,000 related to the New Units matter as it is moving forward with an appeal of the judgment awarded by the court.  Based on the court’s award of damages in the amount of $774,292, if the appeal were to be unsuccessful, the Company would record an additional cost of $584,292 related to the New Units matter, the amount in excess of the $190,000 accrued as of December 31, 2008.

 

The Company settled the matter related to the Garages and executed a contract with the seller/developer for the construction of 48 Garages at an aggregate cost of $740,000.  As of December 31, 2008, the garage construction project was completed.

 

The Company and our properties are not subject to any other material pending legal proceedings.

 

ITEM 4.                      SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

None.

 

 

 

PART II

 

ITEM 5.                      MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER REPURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITES

 

There is no established public trading market for the outstanding common stock of the Company, the majority of which is held by KRF Company.  As of March 30, 2009, there were approximately 0 and 3 holders of shares of our Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, respectively.  During 2008 the Company declared a cash dividend on its common stock for each of the quarters ended March 31, June 30 and September 30 in the per share amount of $0.016996 and a special dividend in the amount of $0.169963 per share on May 15, 2008.  During 2007, the Company declared a cash dividend on its common stock for each of the quarters ended March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31, in the per share amount of $0.016996.  The Company did not declare a dividend on its common stock for the quarter ended December 31, but plans to declare cash dividends on its outstanding common stock in the future as operations allow.  Refer to Declaration of Dividends and Distributions in Part II Item 7- Management’s Discussion and Analysis of financial Condition and Results of Operations of Berkshire Income Realty, Inc.

 

Refer to Part III Item 12 – Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters herein for disclosures relating to the Company's equity compensation plans.

 

During the period October 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008, no purchases of any of the Company’s securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the 34 Act, were made by or on behalf of the Company or any affiliated purchaser.

 

ITEM 6.                      SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

The following table sets forth selected financial data regarding the financial position and operating results of the Company.  See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of Berkshire Income Realty, Inc. for a discussion of the entities that comprise the Company.  The following financial data should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of Berkshire Income Realty, Inc.” and the financial statements of the Company (including the related notes contained therein).  See the “Index to Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedule” on page 59 to this report.

 

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Selected financial data for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, 2005 and 2004 have been revised to reflect the sale of Century, St. Marin/Karrington, Westchester West and Westchase in 2008, Dorsey’s Forge (“Dorsey’s”) and Trellis at Lee’s Mill (“Trellis”) in 2007 and Windward Lakes in 2005.  The operating results of Century, St. Marin/Karrington  and Westchester West from 2005 through 2008, Dorsey’s for 2004 through 2006, Trellis for 2004 through 2006, and Berkshire at Westchase from 2005 through 2008,  have been reclassed to discontinued operations to provide comparable information to 2008.  The operating results of Windward Lakes for 2004 have been reclassed to discontinued operations to provide comparable information to 2005.

 

		Berkshire Income Realty, Inc.
		December 31,
		2008				2007				2006				2005				2004
Operating Data:
Total Revenue		$	70,137,260			$	65,816,268			$	53,878,152			$	43,509,879			$	20,249,940
Equity in income of Mortgage Funds			-				-				-				3,040,732				3,392,585
Depreciation			28,277,756				25,838,371				19,807,424				14,166,104				5,596,339
Income (loss) before minority interest in properties, equity in loss of Multifamily Venture and Limited Partnership, equity in income of Mortgage Funds, minority common interest in Operating Partnership, discontinued operations and gain on transfer of property to Multifamily Venture			(18,950,782	)			(18,371,334	)			(12,912,153	)			(10,017,336	)			(3,749,910	)
Net income (loss) from continuing operations			(40,773,060	)			(27,262,576	)			(17,557,191	)			(14,347,441	)			(4,542,082	)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations			77,179,208				30,191,208				(2,439,590	)			20,736,187				(3,269,570	)
Net income (loss)			36,406,148				2,928,632				(19,996,781	)			6,388,747				(7,811,651	)
Net loss available to common shareholders			29,705,466				(3,772,160	)			(26,697,574	)			(312,049	)			(14,512,465	)
Net income (loss) from continuing operations per common share, basic and diluted		$	(33.76	)		$	(24.15	)		$	(17.25	)		$	(15.61	)		$	(8.77	)
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations per common share, basic and diluted		$	54.89			$	21.47			$	(1.73	)		$	15.37			$	(2.55	)
Net loss per common share – basic and diluted		$	21.12			$	(2.68	)		$	(18.98	)		$	(0.23	)		$	(11.31	)
Weighted average common shares outstanding,   basic and diluted			1,406,196				1,406,196				1,406,196				1,348,963				1,283,313
Cash dividends declared on common OP Units and Shares		$	12,000,000			$	4,000,000			$	12,000,000			$	7,500,000			$	1,000,000
Balance Sheet Data, at year end:
Real estate, before accumulated depreciation		$	555,681,036			$	608,505,122			$	594,268,122			$	510,957,049			$	374,508,276
Real estate, after accumulated depreciation			419,002,572				464,265,061				445,597,599				384,046,110				260,554,434
Cash and cash equivalents			24,227,615				22,479,937				15,393,249				22,134,658				31,913,045
Total assets			480,417,430				528,062,630				492,700,178				425,661,892				321,105,499
Total long term obligations			432,013,999				506,903,882				469,378,510				370,521,700				268,716,955
Minority interest in properties			293,650				-				-				7,003,446				7,422,481
Stockholders’ equity (deficit)			31,456,569				2,061,803				5,939,014				32,923,388				33,235,183
Other Data:
Total multifamily apartment communities (at end of year)			24				27				27				24				18
Total apartment units (at end of year)			6,434				7,869				7,900				7,347				5,836
Funds from operations (1)		$	7,648,325			$	6,983,249			$	6,633,510			$	8,203,365			$	6,532,120
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities		$	12,464,803			$	13,545,647			$	15,123,243			$	14,115,221			$	9,638,906
Cash flows (used in) provided by investing activities			21,304,954				(30,113,455	)			(83,385,159	)			(109,371,965	)			(76,698,381	)
Cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities			(32,022,079	)			23,654,496				61,520,507				85,478,357				56,826,573

 

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 (1) - The Company has adopted the revised definition of Funds from Operations (“FFO”) adopted by the Board of Governors of the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (“NAREIT”). Management considers FFO to be an appropriate measure of performance of an equity REIT. We calculate FFO by adjusting net income (loss) (computed in accordance with GAAP, including non-recurring items), for gains (or losses) from sales of properties, real estate related depreciation and amortization, and adjustment for unconsolidated partnerships and ventures. Management believes that in order to facilitate a clear understanding of the historical operating results of the Company, FFO should be considered in conjunction with net income (loss) as presented in the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere herein. Management considers FFO to be a useful measure for reviewing the comparative operating and financial performance of the Company because, by excluding gains and losses related to sales of previously depreciated operating real estate assets and excluding real estate asset depreciation and amortization (which can vary among owners of identical assets in similar condition based on historical cost accounting and useful life estimates), FFO can help one compare the operating performance of a company’s real estate between periods or as compared to different companies.

 

The Company’s calculation of FFO may not be directly comparable to FFO reported by other REITs or similar real estate companies that have not adopted the term in accordance with the current NAREIT definition or that interpret the current NAREIT definition differently. FFO is not a GAAP financial measure and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss), the most directly comparable financial measure of our performance calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP, as an indication of our performance.  FFO does not represent cash generated from operating activities determined in accordance with GAAP and is not a measure of liquidity or an indicator of our ability to make cash distributions. We believe that to further understand our performance; FFO should be compared with our reported net income (loss) and considered in addition to cash flows in accordance with GAAP, as presented in our consolidated financial statements.

 

The following table presents a reconciliation of net income (loss) to FFO for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006:

 

		December 31,
		2008				2007				2006
Net income (loss)		$	36,406,148			$	2,928,632			$	(19,996,781	)
Add:
Depreciation of real property			24,618,377				26,460,337				22,007,364
Depreciation of real property included in results of discontinued operations			3,335,613				528,907				-
Minority interest in Operating Partnership			12,689,300				3,904,400				11,713,200
Minority interest in properties			5,528,481				2,031,195				1,555,595
Amortization of acquired in-place leases and tenant relationships			474,258				1,111,431				1,012,875
Amortization of acquired in-place leases and tenant relationships included in results of discontinued operations			-				21,564				154,994
Equity in loss of Multifamily Venture			3,696,790				2,955,647				-
Funds from operations of Multifamily Venture			1,319,657				100,308				-
Less:
Equity in income of Multifamily Venture			-				-				(8,623,757	)
Funds from operations of Multifamily Venture			-				-				(250,674	)
Minority interest in properties share of funds from operations			(932,812	)			(947,933	)			(939,306	)
Gain on disposition of real estate assets			(79,487,487	)			(32,111,239	)			-
Funds from Operations		$	7,648,325			$	6,983,249			$	6,633,510

 

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FFO for the year ended December 31, 2008 increased as compared to FFO for the year ended December 31, 2007.  The increase is due mainly to increases in net Operating Income of the properties, due to increased rental revenues in the comparable periods, which was partially offset by increases in interest expense related to increased debt balances in the comparable periods.

ITEM 7.                            MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF BERKSHIRE INCOME REALTY, INC.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation of Berkshire Income Realty, Inc. is intended to facilitate an understanding of the Company’s business and results of operations.  It should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements, the accompanying notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and the selected data included in this Form 10K.  This Form 10K, including the following discussion, contains forward looking statements regarding future events or trends as described more fully under “Special Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements” on page 3.  Actual results could differ materially from those projected in such statements as a result of the risk factors described in Part I item 1A, Risk Factors, of this Form 10K.

 

Overview

 

The Company is engaged primarily in the ownership, acquisition and rehabilitation of multifamily apartment communities in the Baltimore/Washington D.C., Southeast, Southwest, Northwest and Midwest areas of the United States.  We conduct substantially all of our business and own, either directly or through subsidiaries, substantially all of our assets through the Operating Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership.  The Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, BIR GP, L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company, is the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership.  As of March 30, 2009, the Company is the owner of 100% of the preferred limited partner units of the Operating Partnership, whose terms mirror the terms of the Company’s Preferred Shares and, through BIR GP, L.L.C., owns 100% of the general partner interest of the Operating Partnership, which represents approximately 2.39% of the common economic interest of the Operating Partnership.

 

Our general and limited partner interests in the Operating Partnership entitle us to share in cash distributions from, and in the profits and losses of, the Operating Partnership in proportion to our percentage interest therein.  The other partners of the Operating Partnership are affiliates that contributed their direct or indirect interests in certain properties to the Operating Partnership in exchange for common units of limited partnership interest in the Operating Partnership.

 

Our highlights of the year ended December 31, 2008 included the following:

 

On January 25, 2008, the Company closed on $13,650,000 of fixed rate mortgage debt on the development project of the Reserve at Arboretum Place.  The proceeds of the borrowing will be used to build multifamily buildings on a parcel of pre-purchased land adjacent to the Arboretum Place Apartments.  The loan will be a non-drawn mortgage note with a fixed interest rate of 6.20% and a term of 7 years.

•	On February 13, 2008, the Company had a judgment ordered against it by the court in a legal proceeding initiated by a seller/developer from whom the Company acquired a property in 2005.  The judgment was for $774,292 and represented costs and damages in the case.  The Company has appealed the judgment.  If the appeal were to be unsuccessful, the Company would record an additional cost of $584,292 related to the judgment, the amount in excess of the $190,000 accrued as of September 30, 2008.  A second part of the proceeding related to the construction of garages on the property was dismissed, and the Company executed a contract for the construction of 48 garages at an aggregate cost of $740,000.  The garage construction project was completed in the fourth quarter of 2008.
•	On April 10, 2008, the Company paid off the outstanding mortgage balance on the Briarwood property in the amount of $8,600,333 on its maturity date.  $5,000,000 of the payment was funded from a draw on the revolving credit facility and $3,600,333 of the payment was funded from available operating capital.
•	On April 28, 2008, the Operating Partnership completed the sale of 100% of its interest in St. Marin/Karrington Apartments in Coppell, Texas.  The Company retained the balance of the proceeds in its operating account for its operating use. The operating results of St. Marin/Karrington have been presented in the consolidated statement of operations as discontinued operations in accordance with FAS 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long Lived Assets.”
•	On May 6, 2008, the Board authorized the general partner of the Operating Partnership to distribute a portion of the proceeds from the sale of St. Marin/Karrington to the common general and common limited partners as a special distribution in the amount of $10,000,000, payable on May 15, 2008.  On the same day, the Board also declared a common dividend of $0.169960 per share on the Company’s Class B common stock payable concurrently with the Operating Partnership distribution.
•	On May 29, 2008, the Operating Partnership completed the sale of 100% of its interest in Berkshires at Westchase Apartments in Houston, Texas.  The proceeds from the sale of Berkshires at Westchase were deposited in the Company’s operating account for its operating use.  The operating results of Berkshires at Westchase have been presented in the consolidated statement of operations as discontinued operations in accordance with FAS 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long Lived Assets.”
•	On June 19, 2008, the Company through its wholly owned subsidiary BIR Blackrock, L.L.C., entered into a subscription agreement to invest in the Leggat McCall Hingham Mezzanine Loan LLC, a Massachusetts Limited Liability Company.  Under the terms of the agreement, the Company agreed to invest up to $1,425,000, or approximately 41%, of the total capital of the investment in order to subscribe for 14.25 units.  The Company has funded $855,000 or 60%, of its commitment as of December 31, 2008.
•	On September 12, 2008, the Company received notice of an additional call of capital from BVF.  The tenth investment of $700,075, or 3.0% of the total BIR commitment, was paid on September 26, 2008.  After the payment, the Company has invested $21,772,326 or approximately 93.0% of its total commitment of $23,400,000 to BVF.

 

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•	On September 13, 2008, the Company sustained varying degrees of damage from Hurricane Ike to four of its Houston area properties.  The Walden Pond property suffered the greatest damage estimated at approximately $2.5 million of which the Company will be responsible for a $570,000 insurance deductible.  Brompton, Briarwood and Gables all suffered minimal damage estimated at approximately $50,000 each.
•	On September 18, 2008, the Company acquired 100% of the partnership interests in Executive House Associates, the owner of Executive House Apartments for $50,000,000, from an unaffiliated seller.  The high rise residential property is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and has 302 units.  The purchase price of $50,000,000 and related closing costs consisted of a cash payment of $20,148,140 plus the assumption of the outstanding mortgage debt secured by the property. The purchase was subject to normal operating pro rations.  The cash portion of the purchase price and related closing costs were funded through a $10,000,000 advance from the revolving credit facility available from an affiliate and available cash.  The property has been designated as a qualified replacement property in the reverse 1031 exchange transaction with the sale of Westchester West.
•	On September 25, 2008, The Company closed on the sale of the Hampton House liquor license at a price of $275,000.  The license, which was acquired as part of the acquisition of the property, was sold as it was determined it was no longer needed for operations at the property. The proceeds from the sale were reduced by the costs relating to the sale including a 10% broker’s commission.
•	On October 29, 2008, the Operating Partnership completed the sale of 100% of its interest in Century Apartments in Cockeysville, Maryland.  The Company’s share of the proceeds from the sale of Century Apartments were deposited in the Company’s operating account for its operating use.  The operating results of Century Apartments have been presented in the consolidated statement of operations as discontinued operations in accordance with FAS 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long Lived Assets.”
•	On December 5, 2008, the Company received notice of the final capital call by BVF.  The capital call represented 7.0%, or $1,627,674, of the total $23,400,000 capital committed to BVF by the Company.  The contribution was paid to BVF on December 19, 2008 and brought the total direct investment by the Company in BVF to 100.0% of the total committed capital amount of $23,400,000.
•	On December 30, 2008, the Operating Partnership completed the sale of 100% of its interest in Westchester West Apartments in Silver Spring, Maryland.  The proceeds from the sale of Westchester West were deposited in an escrow account with a qualified institution pursuant to a transaction structured to comply with a 1031 Exchange under the Tax Code.  Subsequently, the proceeds were distributed from the qualified intermediary and deposited in the Company’s operating account for its operating use.  The operating results of Westchester West have been presented in the consolidated statement of operations as discontinued operations in accordance with FAS 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long Lived Assets.”

 

Acquisition Strategy

 

The Company continues to seek out market rate core and core-plus acquisitions as it grows its portfolio.  However, it is facing significant competition in many of the markets where it intends to invest.  To broaden the scope of its acquisition sourcing efforts the Company continues to seek non-market/seller direct deals, bank and lender owned real estate and foreclosure auctions.  We believe that this broadened approach will provide additional opportunities to acquire multifamily apartment communities that otherwise would not exist in the highly competitive markets in which we are seeking to buy.

 

 

Financing and Capital Strategy

 

In select instances the Company evaluates opportunities available through venture relationships with institutional real estate investors on certain acquisitions.  We believe this strategy allows the Company to enhance its returns on core and core-plus properties, without increasing the risk that is otherwise inherent in real estate investments.  We believe a venture strategy allows us to acquire more multifamily apartment communities than our current capital base would allow, thereby achieving greater diversification and a larger portfolio to support the operating overhead inherent in a public company.

 

 

 

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On January 28, 2005, the Board approved the investment of up to $25,000,000 in, or 10% of the total equity raised by the Fund.  The investment was also approved by the Audit Committee, which is composed solely of directors who are independent under applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and the American Stock Exchange.  The Fund, which was sponsored by our affiliate, Berkshire Advisors, was formed in August of 2005 and successfully raised equity in excess of expectations.  The Company has committed to invest $23,400,000, or approximately 7%, in the Fund and has made all contributions of its commitment of $23,400,000 as of December 31, 2008.  The Company has evaluated its investment in the Fund and concluded that the investment, although subject to the requirements of FIN 46R “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities”, does not require the Company to consolidate the activity of the Fund.  Additionally, the Company has determined, pursuant to the guidance promulgated in EITF Issue No. 04-5, “Investors Accounting for an Investment in a Limited Partnership When the Investor is the Sole General Partner and the Limited Partners Have Certain Rights”, that the Company does not have a controlling interest in the Multifamily Limited Partnership and is not required to consolidate the activity of the Fund.  The Company accounts for its investment in the Fund under Statement of Position 78-9, Accounting for Investments in Real Estate (“SOP 78-9”), as an equity method investment.

 

BVF II, an investment fund formed during 2007, was sponsored by our affiliate, Berkshire Advisors.  The Company did not make an investment in BVF II, but as an affiliate, is subject to certain investment restrictions.  The investment objectives of BVF II are similar to those of the Company and under the terms of BVF II, Berkshire Advisors is generally required to present investment opportunities, which meet BVF II’s investment criteria, only to BVF II. Under the terms of BVF II, the Company has the right to acquire assets that: (i) satisfy the requirements of Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code for like-kind exchanges for properties held by the Company or (ii) involve less than $8,000,000 of equity capital in any 12-month period if such capital is generated as a result of refinancing of debts of the Company.  The restrictions of BVF II are only applicable during the commitment phase of BVF II and the $8,000,000 equity capital limit can be carried over from any prior 12-month period and can accumulate to a total of $16,000,000.

 

The Company is in the latter stages of developing one of the two parcels of vacant land that it owns.  The project, to be known as the Reserves at Arboretum, was approved as of November 1, 2007 and construction of the 143 units and clubhouse began in early 2008.  The project cost is estimated at $17,000,000 and the project is expected to be completed by mid-2009.  As of December 31, 2008, the project costs were approximately $14,299,000 and is projected to be on budget.  Interest costs are capitalized on the development until construction is substantially complete.  There was $395,613 and $107,267 of interest capitalized in the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  No development plans are currently in the works for the other vacant parcel.

 

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Critical Accounting Policies

The discussion below describes what we believe are the critical accounting policies that affect the Company’s more significant judgments and the estimates used in the preparation of its financial statements.  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities in the Company’s financial statements and related notes.  We believe that the following critical accounting policies affect significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of the Company’s financial statements.

 

Purchase Accounting for Acquisition of Real Estate

 

The Company accounts for its acquisitions of investments in real estate in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 141, Business Combinations, which requires the fair value of the real estate acquired to be allocated to the acquired tangible assets, consisting of land, building, furniture, fixtures and equipment and identified intangible assets and liabilities, consisting of the value of the above-market and below-market leases, the value of in-place leases and value of other tenant relationships, based in each case on their fair values.  The Company considers acquisitions of operating real estate assets to be businesses as that term is contemplated in Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 98-3, Determining Whether a Nonmonetary Transaction Involves Receipt of Productive Assets or of a Business.

 

The Company allocates purchase price to the fair value of the tangible assets of an acquired property (which includes land, building, furniture, fixtures and equipment) determined by valuing the property as if it were vacant.  The as-if-vacant value is allocated to land and buildings, furniture, fixtures and equipment based on management’s determination of the relative fair values of these assets.

 

Above-market and below market in-place lease values for acquired properties are recorded based on the present value (using an interest rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the in-place leases and (ii) management’s estimate of fair market lease rates for the corresponding in-place leases, measured over a period equal to the remaining non-cancelable term of the lease.  The capitalized above-market lease values are amortized as a reduction of rental income over the remaining non-cancelable terms of the respective leases.  The capitalized below-market lease values are amortized as an increase to rental income over the initial term and any fixed-rate renewal periods in the respective leases.

 

Management may engage independent third-party appraisers to perform these valuations and those appraisals use commonly employed valuation techniques, such as discounted cash flow analyses.  Factors considered in these analyses may include estimates of carrying costs during hypothetical expected lease-up periods considering current market conditions, and costs to execute similar leases.  The Company also considers information obtained about each property as a result of its pre-acquisition due diligence, marketing and leasing activities in estimating the fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired.  In estimating carrying costs, management also includes real estate taxes, insurance and other operating expenses and estimates of lost rentals at market rates during the expected lease-up periods depending on specific local market conditions and depending on the type of property acquired.

 

The total amount of other intangible assets acquired is further allocated to in-place leases and tenant relationships, which includes other tenant relationship intangible values based on management’s evaluation of the specific characteristics of the residential leases and the Company’s tenant retention history.  The value of in-place leases and tenant relationships are amortized over the initial term of the respective leases and any expected renewal period.

 

 

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Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

The Company reviews its long-lived assets used in operations for impairment when there is an event or change in circumstances that indicates an impairment in value.  If such impairment is present, an impairment loss is recognized based on the excess of the carrying amount of the asset over its fair value.  The evaluation of anticipated cash flows is highly subjective and is based in part on assumptions regarding future rental occupancy, rental rates and capital requirements that could differ materially from actual results in future periods.  No such losses have been recognized to date.

 

Impairment of Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

 

Our investments in unconsolidated joint ventures are reviewed for impairment periodically and we record impairment charges when events or circumstances change indicating that a decline in the fair values below the carrying values has occurred and such decline is other-than-temporary.  The ultimate realization of our investment in unconsolidated joint ventures is dependent on a number of factors, including the performance of each investment and market conditions.  We will record an impairment charge if we determine that a decline in the value of an investment in an unconsolidated joint venture is other-than-temporary.  No such impairment charges have been recognized to date.

 

Accounting for Disposition of Real Estate

 

The Company considers real estate assets held for sale upon the approval of a sale by management, the execution of a purchase and sale agreement and the satisfaction and resolution of significant contingencies related to the transaction.  The satisfaction of the conditions are often complete at the time of closing on the sale of the property.

 

 

Pursuant to Financial Accounting Standard 66 (“FAS 66”), “Accounting for Sales of Real Estate”, the Company recognizes profit on real estate transactions by the full accrual method when the promulgated criteria of the FAS 66 have been met for the transaction.  Specifically, the Company recognizes profit by the full accrual method of accounting on the sale of real estate when a sale is consummated, usually at closing, the buyer has paid for the property, the Company’s receivable from the transaction, if any, is not subject to future subordination and the Company has transferred the usual risk and rewards of ownership to the buyer and does not continue to have a substantial involvement with the property.

 

 

Capital Improvements

 

The Company’s policy is to capitalize costs related to the acquisition, rehabilitation and improvement of properties.  Capital improvements are costs that increase the value and extend the useful life of an asset.  Ordinary repair and maintenance costs that do not extend the useful life of the asset are expensed as incurred.  Costs incurred on a lease turnover due to normal wear by the resident are expensed on the turn.  Recurring capital improvements typically include items such as appliances, carpeting, flooring, HVAC equipment, kitchen and bath cabinets, site improvements and various exterior building improvements.  Non-recurring upgrades include kitchen and bath upgrades, new roofs, window replacements and the development of on-site fitness, business and community centers.

 

The Company is required to make subjective assessments as to the useful lives of its properties and improvements for purposes of determining the amount of depreciation to reflect on an annual basis.  These assessments have a direct impact on the Company’s net income.

 

 

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Revenue Recognition

 

The properties are leased under terms of leases that are generally one year or less.  Rental revenue is recognized when earned.  Recoveries from tenants for utility expenses are recognized in the period the applicable costs are incurred.  Other income, which consists primarily of income from damages, laundry, cable, phone, pool, month to month tenants, relet fees and pet fees, are recognized when earned.

 

Investments in Multifamily Venture and Multifamily Limited Partnership

 

The Company’s investments in the Multifamily Venture, Multifamily Limited Partnership, or ownership arrangements with unaffiliated third parties, were evaluated pursuant to the requirements of FIN46R “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” and none were determined to require the Company to consolidate the operating results of the investee.  Additionally, the Company has determined, pursuant to the guidance promulgated in EITF Issue No. 04-5, “Investors Accounting for an Investment in a Limited Partnership When the Investor is the Sole General Partner and the Limited Partners Have Certain Rights”, that the Company does not have a controlling interest in the Multifamily Limited Partnership and is not required to consolidate the activity of the Fund.  The Company has accounted for the investments in accordance with Statement of Position 78-9, Accounting for Investments in Real Estate (“SOP 78-9”) as an equity method investment.  The investments are carried as an asset on the balance sheet as Investment in Multifamily Venture and Limited Partnership and the Company’s equity in the income or loss of the venture is reflected as a single line item in the income statement as Equity in loss of Multifamily Venture and Limited Partnership.

 

Corporate Governance

 

Since the incorporation of our Company, we have implemented the following corporate governance initiatives to address certain legal requirements promulgated under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as well as American Stock Exchange corporate governance listing standards:

 

•	We have elected annually three independent directors, Messrs. Robert Kaufman, Richard Peiser and Randolph Hawthorne, each of whom the Board determined to be independent under applicable SEC and American Stock Exchange rules and regulations;
•	The Board has determined annually that Robert Kaufman, the Chairman of our Audit Committee, qualifies as an "audit committee financial expert" under applicable rules and regulations of the SEC;
•	The Board’s Audit Committee adopted our Audit and Non-Audit Services Pre-Approval Policy, which sets forth the procedures and the conditions pursuant to which permissible services to be performed by our independent public accountants must be pre-approved;
•	The Board’s Audit Committee established "Audit Committee Complaint Procedures" for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters, including the anonymous submission by employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters;
•	The Board adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, which governs business decisions made and actions taken by our directors, officers and employees. A copy of this Code is available in print to stockholders upon written request addressed to the Company, c/o Investor Relations, One Beacon Street, Suite 1500, Boston, MA 02108;
•	The Board established an Ethics Hotline that employees may use to anonymously report possible violations of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, including concerns regarding questionable accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters.

 

 

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”).   SFAS No. 157 provides guidance for, among other things, the definition of fair value and the methods used to measure fair value. The provisions of SFAS No. 157 are effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. In February 2008, the FASB deferred the effective date of SFAS No. 157 until January 1, 2009 for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis.  The Company adopted SFAS No. 157 as of January 1, 2008.  The Company has assessed the impact of SFAS No. 157 and has determined that the adoption of SFAS No. 157 did not have a material impact on the financial position or operating results of the Company.

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159 “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities – Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115” (“SFAS No. 159”).   SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value.  The provisions of SFAS No. 159 are effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company adopted SFAS No. 159 as of January 1, 2008 and has not opted to fair value any assets or liabilities as of December 31, 2008.  The Company has assessed the impact of SFAS No. 159 and determined that the adoption of SFAS No. 159 did not have a material impact on the financial position or operating results of the Company.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), Business Combinations (“SFAS 141R”), which is intended to improve reporting by creating greater consistency in the accounting and financial reporting of business combinations.  SFAS No. 141R establishes principles and requirements for how the acquiring entity shall recognize and measure in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed, any non-controlling interest in the acquired entity and goodwill acquired in a business combination.  This statement is effective for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008.  The Company is assessing the potential impact that the adoption of SFAS No. 141R may have on its financial position and results of operations.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – an amendment of ARB No. 51 (“SFAS No. 160”), which is intended to improve the relevance, comparability, and transparency of financial information provided to investors by establishing and expanding accounting and reporting standards for minority interests in a subsidiary.  This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008.  The Company is currently assessing the potential impact that the adoption of SFAS No. 160 may have on its financial position and results of operations.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Cash and Cash Flows

 

As of December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, the Company had approximately, $24,227,615, $22,479,937 and $15,393,249 of cash and cash equivalents, respectively.

 

		Year ended December 31,
		2008				2007				2006
Cash provided by operating Activities		$	12,464,803			$	13,545,647			$	15,123,243
Cash used in investing activities			21,304,954				(30,113,455	)			(83,385,159	)
Cash provided by financing activities			(32,022,079	)			23,654,496				61,520,507

 

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During the year ended December 31, 2008, cash increased by $1,747,678. The main component of the overall increase was due in part to $21,304,954 of cash provided by the Company’s investing activities.  The activities relate mainly to proceeds from the sale of four properties of $72,281,539 which were partially offset by the acquisition of Executive House for $20,148,140, capital expenditures related to the rehabilitation of the Company’s properties of $30,854,958, including $13,365,537 for the development of the Arboretum Land, partially offset by withdrawals of $3,344,208 from replacement reserves held by lenders and the final investment of capital in BVF of $3,182,750.  The cash provided by investing activities was offset by use of cash of $32,022,079 for financing activities which include the payment of principal on existing mortgage loans, $12,319,867, prepayment of the mortgage on the Briarwood property, $6,433,293, distributions to common and preferred shareholders, $20,700,682 and distributions to minority owners in the properties, $4,066,181, which were partially offset by proceeds from new first mortgage debt secured on the Briarwood property of $13,200,000.  Additionally, the net cash used by the financing and investing activities of the Company was further offset by an increase in cash of $12,464,803 provided by the operating activities of the Company.

 

The Company’s principal liquidity demands are expected to be distributions to our preferred shareholders, distributions to common shareholders and Operating Partnership unitholders, subject to sufficient liquidity, capital improvements, rehabilitation projects and repairs and maintenance for the properties, acquisition of additional properties within the investment restrictions placed on it by BVF II and, debt repayment.  Additionally, the mortgage loan outstanding on the Berkshires at Citrus Park property matures in November 2009 at which time the Company intends to repay the balance of approximately $15,720,000 with new first mortgage financing.

 

The Company intends to meet its short-term liquidity requirements through net cash flows provided by operating activities and advances from the revolving credit facility. The Company considers its ability to generate cash to be adequate to meet all operating requirements and make distributions to its preferred stockholders in accordance with the provisions of the Tax Code, applicable to REITs.  Funds required to make distributions to our preferred and common shareholders and Operating Partnership unitholders that are not provided by operating activities will be supplemented by property debt financing and refinancing activities.  Depending on the availability of funds, the Board may vote to forgo quarterly distributions to the Company’s common shareholders and Operating Partnership unitholders as circumstances dictate.

 

The Company intends to meet its long-term liquidity requirements through property debt financing and refinancing.  The Company has one mortgage, in the amount of $15,720,000, that matures in 2009.  The Company is currently assessing various options in an effort to replace the maturing debt including the possibility of seeking an extension of the upcoming maturity date or incurring new mortgage debt to replace it.  The Company may seek to expand its purchasing power through the use of venture relationships with other companies.

There is no guarantee that the Company's borrowing arrangements or other arrangements for obtaining liquidity will continue to be available, or if available, will be available on terms and conditions acceptable to the Company.  Unfavorable economic conditions also could increase funding costs, limit access to the capital markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to the Company.  In addition, a decline in market value of the Company's assets may have particular adverse consequences in instances where the Company borrowed money based on the fair value of those assets.  A decrease in market value of those assets may result in the lender requiring the Company to post additional collateral  at a time when it may not be in the Company's best interest to do so.  .  As of December 31, 2008 the Company does not have significant exposure to financing in which the lender can require the Company to post additional collateral or otherwise sell assets to settle the financing obligations.

 

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As of December 31, 2008, the Company has obtained fixed interest rate mortgage financing on all of the properties in the portfolio.  First and second mortgage fixed interest rate debt on Executive House was assumed during the year ended December 31, 2008.  The assumption of debt totaled $30,665,374 and was executed concurrently with the acquisition of the property.  The Company also financed the debt on the Briarwood property that matured in April.  The new financing provided additional liquidity of approximately $6,800,000.

The Company has a $20,000,000 revolving credit facility in place with an affiliate of the Company. The facility provides for interest on borrowings at a rate of 5% above the 30 day LIBOR rate, as announced by Reuter’s, and fees based on borrowings under the facility and various operational and financial covenants, including a maximum leverage ratio and a maximum debt service ratio.  The facility provides for a 60-day notice of termination by which the lender can affect a termination of the commitment under the facility and render all outstanding amounts due and payable.  Additionally, the facility also contains a clean-up requirement which requires the borrower to repay in full all outstanding loans and have no outstanding obligations under the Agreement for a 14 consecutive day period during each 365-day period.  During the twelve months ended December 31, 2008, the Company borrowed $15,000,000 from the credit facility, which it later repaid, for the acquisition of Executive House and the payment of the Briarwood mortgage when it matured in April 2008, prior to obtaining permanent financing.  There were no borrowings outstanding on the credit facility as of December 31, 2008.

Indebtedness

 

The following table provides summary information with respect to the mortgage debt incurred by the Company during the year ended December 31, 2008:

 

Property Name		Previous Balance				New Balance			Closing Date		Interest Rate			Term
Fixed Rate Mortgages:
Arboretum Land (1)			-				-		January 28, 2008			6.20	%	7 Years
Briarwood			8,548,735				13,200,000		October 20, 2008			6.43	%	10 Years
Executive House #1			-				27,000,000		September 18,2008			5.52	%	8 Years
Executive House #2			-				3,665,374		September 18,2008			5.99	%	4 Years
		$	8,575,364			$	43,865,374

(1)

The loan is a construction loan for 2 years and permanent financing for 5 years.  The total amount available under the construction loan is $13,650,000.  There were no advances under the loan as of December 31, 2008.  Draws against the construction loan amount available have been made to the lender and are expected to be funded in the near future.

Capital Expenditures

 

The Company incurred $5,114,990 and $5,271,024 in recurring capital expenditures during the year ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Recurring capital expenditures typically include items such as appliances, carpeting, flooring, HVAC equipment, kitchen and bath cabinets, site improvements and various exterior building improvements.

 

The Company incurred $23,986,829 and $13,843,374 in renovation-related and development capital expenditures during the year ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Renovation related capital expenditures generally include capital expenditures of a significant non-recurring nature, including construction management fees payable to an affiliate of the Company, where the Company expects to see a financial return on the expenditure or where the Company believes the expenditure preserves the status of a property within its sub-market.

 

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In September 2008, the Company sustained varying degrees of damage from Hurricane Ike to four of its Houston area properties.  The Walden Pond property suffered the greatest damage estimated at approximately $2.5 million of which the Company will be responsible for a $570,000 insurance deductible.  Brompton, Briarwood and Gables all suffered minimal damage estimated at approximately $50,000 each.  As of December 31, 2008, the Company has incurred $1,753,139 of costs associated with rebuilding and repairs related to Hurricane Ike which have been recorded as capital expenditures during 2008.

 

In December 2006, the Company, as part of the decision to acquire the Standard at Lenox Park property, approved a rehabilitation project at the 375-unit property of approximately $5,000,000 for interior and exterior improvements.  As of December 31, 2008, the project, which includes rehabilitation of the kitchens, bathrooms, lighting and fixtures, was 94% complete as 352 of the 375 units had been completed, of which 337 units, or 97% have been leased.

 

During 2007 the Company, as part of the decision to acquire the Hampton House property, contemplated a rehabilitation project at the 196-unit property of approximately $6,150,000 for interior and exterior renovation improvements.  As part of the 2008 capital budgeting process, the funding for the project was approved and work began in early 2008.  The project includes rehabilitation of interior common areas including the lobby and central utility systems and replacement of all windows and painting of the exterior.

The Company is in the latter stages of developing one of the two parcels of vacant land that it owns.  The property, to be known as the Reserves at Arboretum, was approved as of November 1, 2007 and construction of the 143 units and clubhouse began in early 2008.  The project cost is estimated at $17,000,000 and is expected to be completed by mid-2009.  As of December 31, 2008, the project costs incurred were approximately $14,299,000 and are projected to be on budget.  Interest costs are capitalized on the development until construction is substantially complete.  There was $395,613 and $107,267 of interest capitalized in the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  No development plans are currently in the works for the other vacant parcel.

 

Pursuant to terms of the mortgage debt on certain properties in the Company’s portfolio, lenders require the Company to fund repair or replacement escrow accounts.  The funds in the escrow accounts are disbursed to the Company upon completion of the required repairs or renovations activities.  The Company is required to provide to the lender documentation evidencing the completion of the repairs, and in some cases, are subject to inspection by the lender.  Refer to Part IV Item 15 - Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, Footnote 10 – Commitments and Contingencies.

 

The Company’s capital budgets for 2009 anticipate spending approximately $9,600,000 for ongoing rehabilitation, including the Hampton House project and development of current portfolio properties, including the Arboretum Land development project during the year.  As of December 31, 2008, the Company has not committed to any new significant rehabilitation projects.

 

 

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Acquisitions and Dispositions

 

Discussion of acquisitions for the year ended December 31, 2008

 

On September 18, 2008, the Company’s Operating Partnership, through a newly formed and wholly owned subsidiary, BIR Executive House, L.P., completed the acquisition of 100% of the partnership interests in Executive House Associates, the owner of Executive House Apartments, a 302 unit multifamily apartment community located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from an unaffiliated third party.  The purchase price of $50,000,000 and related closing costs consisted of a cash payment of $20,148,140 plus the assumption of the outstanding mortgage debt secured by the property.  The purchase was subject to normal operating pro rations.  The cash portion of the purchase price and related closing costs were funded through a $10,000,000 advance from the revolving credit facility available from an affiliate and available cash.   The acquisition of Executive House is intended to be the qualified replacement property in connection with the sale of the Westchester West property, which was identified for replacement pursuant to a transaction structured to comply with the requirements of a reverse 1031 Exchange under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, (the “Tax Code”).  As required by the Tax Code, a qualified 1031 Exchange intermediary was retained to execute the Executive House acquisition and the Westchester West sale transactions.  As of December 31, 2008, the purchase price allocation was final and no further adjustment is contemplated.

 

Discussion of dispositions for the year ended December 31, 2008

 

On April 28, 2008, the Operating Partnership completed the sale of 100% of its interest in St. Marin/Karrington Apartments in Coppell, Texas.  The Company retained the balance of the sale proceeds in its operating account for its operating use. The operating results of St. Marin/Karrington have been presented in the consolidated statement of operations as discontinued operations in accordance with FAS 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long Lived Assets.”

 

On May 29, 2008, the Operating Partnership completed the sale of 100% of its interest in Berkshire at Westchase Apartments in Houston, Texas.  The proceeds from the sale of Berkshires at Westchase were deposited in the Company’s operating account for its operating use.  The operating results of Berkshires at Westchase have been presented in the consolidated statement of operations as discontinued operations in accordance with FAS 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long Lived Assets.”

On October 29, 2008, the Operating Partnership completed the sale of 100% of its interest in Century Apartments in Cockeysville, Maryland.  The Company’s share of the proceeds from the sale of Century Apartments were deposited in the Company’s operating account for its operating use.  The operating results of Century Apartments for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 have been presented in the consolidated statement of operations as discontinued operations in accordance with FAS 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long Lived Assets.”

 

On December 30, 2008, the Operating Partnership completed the sale of 100% of its interest in Westchester West Apartments in Silver Spring, Maryland.  The proceeds from the sale of Westchester West were deposited in an escrow account with a qualified institution pursuant to a transaction structured to comply with a 1031 Exchange under the Tax Code.  Subsequently, the proceeds were distributed from the qualified intermediary and deposited in the Company’s operating account for its operating use.  The operating results of Westchester West for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 have been presented in the consolidated statement of operations as discontinued operations in accordance with FAS 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long Lived Assets.”

 

 

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Contractual Obligations and Other Commitments

 

On January 25, 2008, the Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary BIR Arboretum Development L.L.C., executed a fixed rate first mortgage note for $13,650,000, which is collateralized by the related property.  The proceeds of the loan will be used to build a multifamily apartment community on a parcel of land adjacent to the Arboretum Place Apartments, a multifamily apartment community also owned by the Company. The interest rate on the note is fixed at 6.20% and has a term of 7 years, including a 2 year construction period and 5 years of permanent financing.  The loan is a non-drawn mortgage note and was granted with equity requirements that provide for the Company to make an equity investment of $5,458,671, inclusive of land equity of $2,150,000, in the project. On September 12, 2008, the Company submitted the first construction loan draw to the lender for the Arboretum Land development project totaling $3,371,836.  As of December 31, 2008, there have been no advances on this mortgage

 

On September 18, 2008, the Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary, BIR Executive House, L.P., in connection with the acquisition of Executive House Apartments, assumed a first and second non-recourse mortgage note payable with then outstanding balances of $27,000,000 and $3,665,374, which are collateralized by the related property. The interest rates on the notes are fixed at 5.515% and 5.99%, respectively, for terms of approximately 8 and 4 years, respectively.  The first mortgage note requires monthly payments of $153,557 of principal and interest after seven payments of interest only and the second mortgage note requires monthly payments of $22,160 of principal and interest. In accordance with FAS 141, “Business Combinations”, the Company recorded the mortgages at their carrying value as the fair value, which was determined by calculating the present value of the future payments at current interest rates, approximated carrying value.

On October 20, 2008, the Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary, BIR Briarwood Limited Partnership, executed a non-recourse mortgage note payable on the Briarwood Village Apartments property for $13,200,000, which is collateralized by the related property.  The interest rate on the note is fixed at 6.43% for a term of 10 years.  The note requires interest only payments for 24 months and matures on October 1, 2018, at which time the remaining principal and accrued interest is due. The note may be prepaid, subject to a prepayment penalty, at anytime with 30 days of notice.  The new mortgage debt replaces financing that was assumed at the time of purchase of the property and which matured in April 2008.

 

The Company expects to continue to take advantage of the low interest rate mortgage environment as it acquires additional properties. The Company expects to use leverage amounts up to 75% of the fair market value on a portfolio basis.

 

The primary obligations of the Company relate to its borrowings under the mortgage notes payable.  The $432,013,999 in mortgage notes payable has varying maturities ranging from 1 to 18 years.  The following table summarizes our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2008:

 

		2009 (3)				2010				2011				2012				2013				Thereafter
Long Term Debt (1)		$	18,723,558			$	3,372,626			$	3,539,266			$	7,444,714			$	75,141,327			$	323,792,508
Capital Lease Obligations			-				-				-				-				-				-
Operating Lease Obligations			-				-				-				-				-				-
Purchase Obligations (2)			-				-				-				-				-				-
Other Long-Term Liabilities Reflected on Balance Sheet under GAAP			-				-				-				-				-				-

 

(1) – Amounts include principal payments only.  The Company will pay interest on outstanding indebtedness based on the rates and terms as summarized in Part IV Item 15 - Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, Footnote 7 – Mortgage Notes Payable.

 

(2) - The Company has obligations under numerous contracts with various service providers at its properties.  None of these contracts are for periods greater than one year or are material either individually or in aggregate to the Company’s operations.

 

(3) - The mortgage outstanding and secured by the Berkshires at Citrus Park property in the amount of $15,720,000 matures in November 2009.  The Company is currently assessing various options in an effort to replace the maturing debt including the possibility of seeking an extension of the upcoming maturity date or incurring new mortgage debt to replace it.

 

The Company has obligations under numerous contracts with various service providers at its properties

 

 

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Competition

 

The Company competes with other multifamily apartment community owners and operators and other real estate companies in seeking properties for acquisition and in attracting potential residents.  The Company’s properties are in developed areas where there are other properties of the same type, which directly compete for residents.  The Company believes that its focus on resident service and satisfaction gives it a competitive advantage when competing against other communities for tenants.

 

 

Market Environment

 

The United States is currently in the midst of what has been characterized as one of the worst recessions since the 1930’s.  Unemployment has risen past 8% while single family home prices have dropped leaving many homeowners with homes worth less than their mortgage balances, leaving many on the brink of foreclosure.  The Company both believes and recognizes that real estate goes through cycles and while the drivers of these cycles can vary greatly from cycle to cycle, the outcome is generally the same with periods of improving values and profit growth followed by periods of stagnant or declining values and profit stagnation.  The Company, however, recognizes that real estate investing requires a long-term perspective and, as history suggests, a company’s ability to remain resilient during tough economic times will often lead to opportunities.  In general, multifamily real estate fundamentals of well located quality real estate have remained relatively steady during the recent economic downturn.  Occupancy rates continue to hover in the low to mid-90% range for well located, well managed properties though continued weakness in the economy and/or increasing employment rates could have a negative impact on both occupancy and rent levels.  Credit worthy borrowers in the multifamily sector have continued to be able to access capital through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac through 2008 and into early 2009 at attractive rates.  Though there is no assurance that under existing or future regulatory restrictions this source of capital, unique to multifamily borrowers, will continue to be available.  While the Company believes that 2009 will be a challenging year, with increased competition for price conscious residents, the possibility for continued tight credit markets and illiquidity in the transaction markets, we feel that many of our previous assumptions about future trends will be delayed for a period of time.  The Company continues to believe that projected demographic trends will favor the multifamily sector, driven primarily by the continued flow of echo boomers (children of baby boomers, age 20 to 29), the fastest growing segment of the population, and an increasing number of immigrants who are often renters by necessity.  In many cases, the current economic climate has delayed many would be residents from entering the rental market and instead choosing to remain at home or to share rental units instead of renting their own space.  This trend may be creating a backlog of potential residents who will enter the market as the economy begins to rebound and unemployment rates begin to trend back to historical norms.  The Company’s properties are generally located in markets where zoning restrictions, scarcity of land and high construction costs create significant barriers to new development.  The Company believes it is well positioned to manage its portfolio

 

 

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through the remainder of this economic downturn and is prepared to take advantage of opportunities that present themselves during such times.

 

 

Declaration of Dividends and Distributions on Class B Common Stock

 

On May 16, 2007, the Board authorized the general partner of the Operating Partnership to distribute quarterly distributions of $1,000,000 each, in the aggregate, from its operating cash flows to common general and common limited partners, payable on August 15, 2007 and November 15, 2007. On the same day, the Board also declared a common dividend of $0.016996 per share on the Company’s Class B common stock payable concurrently with the Operating Partnership distributions.

 

Also on November 15, 2007, the Board authorized the general partner of the Operating Partnership to distribute quarterly distributions of $1,000,000 from its operating cash flows to common general and common limited partners, payable on February 15, 2008 and May 15, 2008. On the same day, the Board also declared a common dividend of $0.016996 per share on the Company’s Class B common stock payable concurrently with the Operating Partnership distributions.

 

On May 6, 2008, the Board authorized the general partner of the Operating Partnership to distribute quarterly distributions of $1,000,000 each, in the aggregate, from its operating cash flows to common general and common limited partners, payable on August 15, 2008 and November 15, 2008. On the same day, the Board also declared a common dividend of $0.016996 per share on the Company’s Class B common stock payable concurrently with the Operating Partnership distributions.

 

Also on May 6, 2008, the Board authorized the general partner of the Operating Partnership to distribute a special distribution of $10,000,000 from its operating cash flows to common general and common limited partners, payable on May 15, 2008. On the same day, the Board also declared a common dividend of $0.169962 per share on the Company’s Class B common stock payable concurrently with the Operating Partnership distribution.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company declared a total of $12,000,000 and $4,000,000 respectively, of distributions to common shareholders. Of the dividends declared in 2007, $1,000,000 was payable and included on the balance sheet in Dividends and Distributions Payable at December 31, 2007.  There was no dividend payable outstanding at December 31, 2008.

 

The Company’s policy to provide for distributions on the Class B Common Stock is based on available cash and Board approval.

 

 

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Results of Operations and Financial Condition

 

During 2008, the Company’s portfolio decreased by a net of three properties in total to 24 properties, which reflected the acquisition of 1 property and the sale of 4 properties (the “Total Portfolio”) during the year.  As a result of changes in the Total Portfolio over time, including the change in the portfolio holdings during 2008, the financial statements show considerable changes in revenue and expenses from period to period.  The Company does not believe that its period-to-period financial data are comparable.  Therefore, the comparison of operating results for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 reflect changes attributable to the properties that were owned by the Company throughout each period presented (the “Same Property Portfolio”).

 

Net Operating Income (“NOI”) falls within the definition of a “non-GAAP financial measure” as stated in Item 10(e) of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC.  The Company believes NOI is a measure of operating results that is useful to investors to analyze the performance of a real estate company because it provides a direct measure of the operating results of the Company’s multifamily apartment communities. The Company also believes it is a useful measure to facilitate the comparison of operating performance among competitors.  The calculation of NOI requires classification of income statement items between operating and non-operating expenses, where operating items include only those items of revenue and expense which are directly related to the income producing activities of the properties.  We believe that to achieve a more complete understanding of the Company’s performance, NOI should be compared with our reported net income (loss).  Management uses NOI to evaluate the operating results of properties without reflecting the effect of capital decisions such as the issuance of mortgage debt and investments in capital items, in turn these capital decisions have an impact on interest expense and depreciation and amortization.

 

The most directly comparable financial measure of our NOI, calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP, is net income (loss), shown on the statement of operations.  For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, the net income (loss) was $36,406,148, $2,928,632 and $(19,996,781), respectively.  A reconciliation of our NOI to net income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 are presented as part of the following tables on pages 37 and 42.

 

 

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Comparison of year ended December 31, 2008 to the year ended December 31, 2007

 

The tables below reflect selected operating information for the Same Property Portfolio and the Total Property Portfolio for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007.  The Same Property Portfolio consists of the 21 properties acquired or placed in service on or prior to January 1, 2007 and owned through December 31, 2008.  The Total Property Portfolio includes the effect of the change in the 4 properties sold and 1 property acquired during the year.  (The 2007 activity for the Century, St Marin, Westchester West, Westchase, Dorsey’s and Trellis has been removed from the presentation as the results have been reflected as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations.)

 

		Same Property Portfolio
		Years ended December 31,
		2008				2007				Increase/ (Decrease)				% Change
Revenue:
Rental		$	60,269,466			$	58,089,828			$	2,179,638				3.75	%
Interest, utility reimbursement and other			3,628,118				3,400,716				227,402				6.69	%
Total revenue			63,897,584				61,490,544				2,407,040				3.91	%
Operating expenses:
Operating			15,220,067				15,884,589				(664,522	)			(4.18	)%
Maintenance			3,971,232				3,746,444				224,788				6.00	%
Real estate taxes			6,834,238				5,956,021				878,217				14.75	%
General and administrative			1,175,514				1,190,164				(14,650	)			(1.23	)%
Management fees			2,550,377				2,408,128				142,249				5.91	%
Total operating expenses			29,751,428				29,185,346				566,082				1.94	%
Net operating income			34,146,156				32,305,198				1,840,958				5.70	%
Non-operating expenses:
Depreciation			25,113,006				24,347,200				765,806				3.15	%
Interest			20,606,777				20,139,595				467,182				2.32	%
Loss on extinguishment of debt			-				316,702				(316,702	)			(100.00	)%
Amortization of acquired in-place leases and tenant relationships			91,022				606,413				(515,391	)			(84.99	)%
Total non – operating expenses			45,810,805				45,409,910				400,895				0.88	%
Loss before minority interest in properties, equity in loss of Multifamily Venture and Limited  Partnership,  minority common interest in Operating Partnership, gain on disposition of real estate assets and income from discontinued operations			(11,664,649	)			(13,104,712	)			1,440,063				10.99	%
Minority interest in properties			-				-				-				-
Equity in loss of Multifamily Venture and Limited Partnership			-				-				-				-
Minority common interest in Operating Partnerships			-				-				-				-
Gain on disposition of real estate assets			-				-				-				-
Income from discontinued operations			-				-				-				-
Net income (loss)		$	(11,664,649	)		$	(13,104,712	)		$	1,440,063				10.99	%

 

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		Total Property Portfolio
		Years ended December 31,
		2008				2007				Increase/ (Decrease)				%Change
Revenue:
Rental		$	65,441,106			$	61,097,846			$	4,343,260				7.11	%
Interest, utility reimbursement and other			4,696,154				4,718,422				(22,268	)			(0.47	)%
Total revenue			70,137,260				65,816,268				4,320,992				6.57	%
Operating expenses:
Operating			17,483,627				17,483,962				(335	)			0.00	%
Maintenance			4,377,041				3,977,859				399,182				10.04	%
Real estate taxes			7,608,716				6,258,985				1,349,731				21.56	%
General and administrative			3,008,333				2,959,250				49,083				1.66	%
Management fees			4,487,677				4,208,626				279,051				6.63	%
Total operating expenses			36,965,394				34,888,682				2,076,712				5.95	%
Net operating income			33,171,866				30,927,586				2,244,280				7.26	%
Non-operating expenses:
Depreciation			28,277,756				25,838,371				2,439,385				9.44	%
Interest			23,370,634				22,032,415				1,338,219				6.07	%
Loss on extinguishment of debt			-				316,703				(316,703	)			(100.00	)%
Amortization of acquired in-place leases and tenant relationships			474,258				1,111,431				(637,173	)			(57.33	)%
Total non – operating expenses			52,122,648				49,298,920				2,823,728				5.73	%
Loss before minority interest in properties, equity in loss of Multifamily Venture and Limited  Partnership,  minority common interest in Operating Partnership, gain on disposition of real estate assets and income from discontinued operations			(18,950,782	)			(18,371,334	)			(579,448	)			3.15	%
Minority interest in properties			(5,528,481	)			(2,031,195	)			(3,497,286	)			172.18	%
Equity in income (loss) of Multifamily Venture and Limited Partnership			(3,696,790	)			(2,955,647	)			(741,143	)			25.08	%
Equity in income (loss) of Mezzanine Loan Limited Liability Company			92,293				-				92,293				100.00	%
Minority common interest in Operating Partnerships			(12,689,300	)			(3,904,400	)			(8,784,900	)			225.00	%
Income from discontinued operations			77,179,208				30,191,208				46,988,000				155.65	%
Net income (loss)		$	36,406,148			$	2,928,632			$	33,477,516				1143.11	%

 

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Comparison of the year ended December 31, 2008 to the year ended December 31, 2007 (Same Property Portfolio).

 

Revenue

 

Rental Revenue

 

Rental revenue of the Same Property Portfolio increased for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2008 in comparison to the similar period of 2007. The majority of the increase is attributable to properties that have completed major renovations in 2007 and are leasing the newly renovated units at premium rent levels and with rising the occupancy levels at the properties following the completion of the rehabilitation projects.  Properties experiencing increased post rehabilitation rent levels include the Berkshire of Columbia in Maryland, Berkshire on Brompton in Texas and Berkshires at Lenox Park in Atlanta.  Market conditions remain favorable in the majority of the sub-markets in which the Company owns and operates apartments however the current economic environment has resulted in increased bad debts at certain properties in the portfolio.  The Company continues to benefit from its focus on resident retention and property rehabilitation projects at various properties in the Same Property Portfolio where successful projects improve the consumer appeal and historically have yielded increased rental revenues as rehabilitated units become available for occupancy at the incrementally higher rental rates than the pre-rehabilitation levels.  Given current economic conditions, the Company is prioritizing the retention of quality tenants in properties throughout the portfolio.

 

Interest, utility reimbursement and other revenue

Same Property Portfolio interest, utility reimbursement and other revenues increased for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2008 as compared to the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2007.  Utility reimbursement increased, primarily due to normal fluctuations. Miscellaneous revenues increased due to revenues from the fees charged to tenants and potential tenants, including late fees, valet trash and other similar revenue items.

Operating Expenses

Operating

Overall operating expenses decreased in the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2008 as compared to the same period of 2007.  The decrease is due mainly to normal fluctuations.  The Company continued to realize savings from improved insurance premium levels when it renewed its property insurance coverage for the portfolio for the policy period as of May 1, 2007 when it was able to achieve modest cost reductions in premiums for its property insurance coverage.  Further insurance cost reductions were achieved in 2008.  The savings were partially offset by increases in some utilities, including electric and water and sewer, advertising publications and rubbish removal.  The Seasons of Laurel property has historically contributed significantly to the Company’s overall utility expense as the electricity charges at the property have been paid by the Company and were not billed directly to tenants for usage of their apartment unit.  The Company has substantially completed a project to modify the utility infrastructure to allow for direct billing of electric costs by individual apartment unit.  The changes to the infrastructure were completed in the fourth quarter of 2008 with the related direct billing to tenants as of the end of 2008.  As a result of the individual apartments units being migrated to a direct tenant billing the Company has realized a reduction in electricity expense at Season’s and anticipates the reductions and related comparative savings to continue going forward.

 

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Maintenance

 

Maintenance expense increased in the twelve-months ended December 31, 2008 as compared to the same period of 2007 and is due mainly to higher unit turn over costs including painting, cleaning and non-recurring repairs and maintenance in an effort to make units as attractive as possible and to maintain occupancy.  Management continues to employ a proactive maintenance rehabilitation strategy at its apartment communities and considers the strategy an effective program that preserves and in some cases increases, its occupancy levels through improved consumer appeal of the apartment communities, from both an interior and exterior perspective.

Real Estate Taxes

Real estate taxes increased for the twelve-months ended December 31, 2008 from the comparable period of 2007. The increase is due mainly to increased costs at numerous properties including the payment of a prior year liability for a property that was split into two separate parcel billings, one of which was not received and paid until the current year.  Additionally, the Company continues to see a trend of escalation in assessed property valuations for properties across the portfolio as renovation projects are completed resulting in new values and the effects of continued reliance placed on local and state property tax revenues.  The Company continually scrutinizes the assessed values of its properties and avails itself of arbitration or similar forums made available by the taxing authority for increases in assessed values that the Company considers to be unreasonable. The Company has had success in achieving tax abatements for certain of its properties based on challenges made to the assessed values and anticipates continued success with certain future challenges given the current economic climate.

General and Administrative

General and administrative expenses decreased slightly in the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2008 compared to 2007.  The overall decrease is due mainly to normal operating expense fluctuations experienced throughout the properties of the Same Property Portfolio including legal expense related to tenant issues.  In addition, OneSite Payments expense, fees related to the administration of online rent payment processing has increased significantly due to higher volume of payments through OneSite as compared to the same period of 2007.

Management Fees

Management fees of the Same Property Portfolio increased in the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2008 compared to the same period of 2007 based on a proportionate increased level of revenues in the comparative periods.  Property management fees are assessed on the revenue stream of the properties managed by an affiliate of the Company.

Non Operating Expenses

Depreciation

 

Depreciation expense of the Same Property Portfolio increased for the twelve-months ended December 31, 2008 as compared to the same period of 2007. The increased expense is related to the additions to the basis of fixed assets in the portfolio driven by substantial rehabilitation projects ongoing at the Seasons of Laurel, Hannibal Grove, Standard of Lenox and the Hampton House properties and to a lesser degree, normal recurring capital spending activities over the remaining properties in the Same Property Portfolio.

 

 

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Interest

 

Interest expense for the twelve-months ended December 31, 2008 increased slightly over the comparable period of 2007. The majority of the increase is attributable to the refinancing of a mortgage on the Berkshires on Brompton property at an incrementally higher principal level than the related paid-off loan, which was partially offset by the reduced interest rate obtained on the new debt.  Additionally, new second mortgage debt on two properties that was not in place in the comparative period of 2007 also contributed to the increased interest expense.

Amortization of acquired in-place leases and tenant relationships

Amortization of acquired in-place-leases and tenant relationships decreased significantly in the twelve-months ended December 31, 2008 as compared to the same period of 2007.  The decrease is related mainly to the completion of amortization of the acquired-in-place lease intangible assets booked at acquisition and amortized over a 12 month period which did not extend into the twelve-months period ended December 31, 2008.  The decreases were partially offset by the amortization of acquired in-place-leases and tenant relationships related to the new property, Executive House, which was acquired during the quarter ended December 31, 2008.

 

Comparison of the twelve months ended December 31, 2008 to the twelve months ended December 31, 2007  (Total Property Portfolio)

 

In general, increases in revenues, operating expenses, non-operating expenses and the related losses of the Total Property Portfolio for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008 as compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2007 are due mainly to the change in the mix of properties owned by the Company and the related periods of ownership of those properties in the comparative periods presented and to the increase in the level of mortgage and revolving credit debt outstanding during the comparative periods.

 

 

 

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Comparison of year ended December 31, 2007 to the year ended December 31, 2006.

 

The tables below reflect selected operating information for the Same Property Portfolio and the Total Property Portfolio.  The Same Property Portfolio consists of the 18 properties acquired or placed in service on or prior to January 1, 2006 and owned through December 31, 2007.  The Total Property Portfolio includes the effect of the additional rental properties acquired after January 1, 2006.  (The 2007 and 2006 activity for the Century, St Marin, Westchester West, Westchase, Dorsey’s Forge and Trellis properties have been removed from the presentation as the results have been reflected as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations.)

 

		Same Property Portfolio
		Years ended December 31,
		2007				2006				Increase/ (Decrease)				%Change
Revenue:
Rental		$	51,007,872			$	48,512,052			$	2,495,820				5.14	%
Interest utility reimbursement and other			2,955,123				2,722,015				233,108				8.56	%
Total revenue			53,962,995				51,234,067				2,728,928				5.33	%
Operating expenses:
Operating			13,621,148				12,962,536				658,612				5.08	%
Maintenance			3,218,140				3,624,299				(406,159	)			(11.21	)%
Real estate taxes			5,074,794				5,120,974				(46,180	)			(0.90	)%
General and administrative			941,783				885,485				56,298				6.36	%
Management fees			2,116,363				2,084,655				31,708				1.52	%
Total operating expenses			24,972,228				24,677,949				294,279				1.19	%
Net operating income			28,990,767				26,556,118				2,434,649				9.17	%
Non-operating expenses:
Depreciation			20,169,329				18,766,356				1,402,973				7.48	%
Interest			17,146,975				14,632,110				2,514,865				17.19	%
Loss on extinguishment of debt			316,702				1,540,851				(1,224,149	)			(79.45	)%
Amortization of acquired in-place leases and tenant relationships			63,692				676,513				(612,821	)			(90.59	)%
Total non – operating expenses			37,696,698				35,615,830				2,080,868				5.84	%
Loss before minority interest in properties, equity in loss of Multifamily Venture and Limited Partnership, minority common interest in Operating Partnership and income from discontinued operations			(8,705,931	)			(9,059,712	)			353,781				3.90	%
Minority interest in properties			-				-				-				-
Equity in loss of Multifamily Venture and Limited Partnership			-				-				-				-
Minority common interest in Operating Partnerships			-				-				-				-
Income from discontinued operations			-				-				-				-
Net income (loss)		$	(8,705,931	)		$	(9,059,712	)		$	353,781				3.90	%

 

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		Total Property Portfolio
		Years ended December 31,
		2007				2006				Increase/ (Decrease)				%Change
										`
Revenue:
Rental		$	61,097,846			$	50,232,295			$	10,865,551				21.63	%
Interest utility reimbursement and other			4,718,422				3,645,857				1,072,565				29.42	%
Total revenue			65,816,268				53,878,152				11,938,116				22.16	%
Operating expenses:
Operating			17,483,962				13,922,874				3,561,088				25.58	%
Maintenance			3,977,859				3,727,139				250,720				6.73	%
Real estate taxes			6,258,985				5,347,193				911,792				17.05	%
General and administrative			2,959,250				2,417,161				542,089				22.43	%
Management fees			4,208,626				3,729,447				479,179				12.85	%
Total operating expenses			34,888,682				29,143,814				5,744,868				19.71	%
Net operating income			30,927,586				24,734,338				6,193,248				25.04	%
Non-operating expenses:
Depreciation			25,838,371				19,807,424				6,030,947				30.45	%
Interest			22,032,416				15,285,340				6,747,076				44.14	%
Loss on extinguishment of debt			316,702				1,540,851				(1,224,149	)			(79.45	)%
Amortization of acquired in-place leases and tenant relationships			1,111,431				1,012,876				98,555				9.73	%
Total non – operating expenses			49,298,920				37,646,491				11,652,429				30.95	%
Loss before minority interest in properties, equity in loss of Multifamily Venture and Limited  Partnership, equity in income of Mortgage Funds,  minority common interest in Operating Partnership and income from discontinued operations			(18,371,334	)			(12,912,153	)			(5,459,181	)			42.28	%
Minority interest in properties			(2,031,195	)			(1,555,595	)			(475,600	)			30.57	%
Equity in income (loss) of Multifamily Venture and Limited Partnership			(2,955,647	)			8,623,757				(11,579,404	)			(134.27	)%
Minority common interest in Operating Partnerships			(3,904,400	)			(11,713,200	)			7,808,800				66.67	%
Income from discontinued operations			30,191,208				(2,439,590	)			32,630,798				1337.55	%
Net income (loss)		$	2,928,632			$	(19,996,781	)		$	22,925,413				114.65	%

 

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Comparison of the year ended December 31, 2007 to the year ended December 31, 2006 (Same Property Portfolio).

Revenue

Rental Revenue

 

Rental revenue of the Same Property Portfolio increased for the year ended December 31, 2007 in comparison to the same period of 2006. The majority of the increase is attributable to properties that completed major renovations in late 2006 and early 2007 and leasing the newly renovated units at premium rent levels and raising the occupancy levels at the properties following the completion of the rehabilitation projects.  Properties experiencing increased post rehabilitation rent levels include the Seasons of Laurel property in Maryland and the Berkshires on Brompton and Chisholm Place properties in Texas.  Market conditions remain favorable in the majority of the sub-markets in which the Company operates.  The Company continues to benefit from ongoing property rehabilitation projects at various properties in the Same Property Portfolio where successful results generally yield enhanced rental revenues as rehabilitated units are placed back into service with incrementally higher rental rates than pre-rehabilitation levels.

 

Interest, utility reimbursement and other revenue

 

Same Property Portfolio interest, utility reimbursement and other revenues increased for the year ended December 31, 2007 as compared to the similar period ended December 31, 2006.  Utility reimbursements increased, mainly due to increased usage of bill back programs to tenants, period over period and were partially offset by decreases in interest and other miscellaneous revenues. Miscellaneous revenues consist primarily of the fees charged to tenants and potential tenants, including late fees, parking fees, pet fees, laundry fees, application fees and other similar items.

 

Operating Expenses

Operating

Overall operating expenses increased in the year ended December 31, 2007 as compared to the same period of 2006.  Property insurance expense saw the largest increase in costs during the period as compared to the year earlier comparative period. As anticipated, increases in premium levels for property insurance coverage, which were effective on July 1, 2006, continues to exceed costs incurred in the comparative period of the prior year, with the largest increases realized in the Florida and Texas markets.  The Company renewed its property insurance coverage for the portfolio for the upcoming policy period as of May 1, 2007, and was able to achieve modest cost reductions in premiums for its property insurance coverage.  Decreases in payroll and related benefits, due to position vacancies at various properties, and some utilities, including gas, were the main contributors in offsetting the increase in insurance premiums.  The Seasons of Laurel property contributes significantly to the Company’s overall utility expense as the electricity charges at the property are paid by the Company and are not currently billed directly to tenants for usage of their apartment unit.  The Company undertook steps necessary to modify the utility infrastructure to allow for the passing of the individual apartment unit utility costs directly to its tenants and implemented system changes to allow for direct billing by unit.  We have seen a reduction in utility expense at Season’s in 2008, with full program implementation in 2009.

 

 

 

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Maintenance

 

Maintenance expense increased slightly in the year ended December 31, 2007 as compared to the same period of 2006 and is due mainly to normal operating fluctuations including normal maintenance activities including cleaning, interior painting and landscaping.  Management continues to employ a proactive maintenance plan at its multifamily apartment communities within its Same Store portfolio and considers it an effective program that contributes to preserving, and in some cases increasing, its occupancy levels.

 

Real Estate Taxes

Real estate taxes decreased for the year ended December 31, 2007 from the comparable period of 2006. The decrease is due mainly to an adjustment of prior year taxes assessed on two properties and recognized in the current period.   The savings were partially offset by the continued escalation of assessed property valuations for other properties in the Same Property Portfolio.  The Company scrutinizes the assessed values of its properties and avails itself of arbitration or similar forums made available by the taxing authority for increases in assessed value that it considers to be unreasonable. The Company has been successful in achieving tax abatements for certain of its properties based on challenges made to the assessed values. The Company anticipates a continued upward trend in real estate tax expense as local and state taxing agencies continue to place significant reliance on property tax revenue.  Additionally, during 2006, the Company received a refund of approximately $88,500 of real estate taxes paid in a prior period on the Country Place I and II properties related to an exemption initiated by the tax authority.

 

General and Administrative

General and administrative expenses increased in the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to 2006.  The overall increase was due mainly to normal operating expense fluctuations experienced throughout the properties of the Same Property Portfolio including increases in legal fees related to ongoing property related issues and projects at certain properties in the Same Store portfolio as well as legal fees related to tenant issues including those related to rent collection at various properties in the Same Store portfolio.  Additionally, expenses related to the updating of computer software increased during the year.

 

Management Fees

Management fees of the Same Property Portfolio increased slightly in the year period ended December 31, 2007 compared to the same period of 2006 based on increased levels of revenue of the Same Property Portfolio. Property management fees are assessed on the revenue stream of the properties managed by an affiliate of the Company.

 

Non Operating Expenses

 

Depreciation

 

Depreciation expense of the Same Property Portfolio increased for the year ended December 31, 2007 as compared to the same period of 2006. The increased expense is related to the additions to the basis of fixed assets in the portfolio driven by substantial rehabilitation projects ongoing at the Yorktowne, Seasons of Laurel, Brompton and Berkshire of Columbia properties and to a lesser degree, normal recurring capital spending activities over the remaining properties in the Same Property Portfolio.

 

Interest

 

Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2007 increased over the comparable period of 2006. The increase is attributable to the refinancing of mortgages on properties at an incrementally higher principal level than the related paid-off loan, with the majority of the additional debt obtained on the Seasons of Laurel property, which was partially offset by the reduced interest rate obtained on the new debt.

 

 

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The Company also obtained new second mortgage debt on seven other properties that was not in place in the comparative period of 2006.  Additionally, during the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2007, supplemental debt in the form of two second mortgages were obtained and contributed to the increased interest expense.

 

Loss on the extinguishment of debt

 

Loss on the extinguishment of debt decreased significantly for the year ended December 31, 2007 as compared to the same period of 2006.  The decrease is generally related to the size of the of the loan activity that is refinanced in the particular period.   During 2007, the Berkshires on Brompton loan, totaling $6,400,000, was refinanced compared to the Seasons of Laurel loan of $69,900,000 in 2006.

 

Amortization of acquired in-place leases and tenant relationships

 

Amortization of acquired in-place-leases and tenant relationships decreased significantly in the year ended December 31, 2007 as compared to the same period of 2006.  The decrease is related mainly to the completion of amortization of the acquired-in-place lease intangible assets booked at acquisition and amortized over a 12 month period which did not extend into the twelve-months period ended December 31, 2007.

 

Comparison of the year ended December 31, 2007 to the year ended December 31, 2006 (Total Property Portfolio).

 

In general, increases in revenues, operating expenses, non-operating expenses and the related losses of the Total Property Portfolio for the twelve months ended December 31, 2007 as compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2006 are due mainly, in addition to the reasons discussed above, to the fluctuations in the actual properties owned, as the number of properties remained consistent, by the Company in the comparative periods presented and to the increase in the level of mortgage and revolving credit debt outstanding during the comparative periods.

 

Mortgage Debt to Fair Value of Real Estate Assets

 

The Company’s total mortgage debt summary and debt maturity schedule, as of December 31, 2008 is as follows:

 

Mortgage Debt Summary		Balance				Weighted Average Rate
Collateralized – Fixed Rate		$	432,013,999				5.64	%
Debt Maturity Schedule
Year		Balance				% of total
2009  (1)		$	18,723,558				4.33	%
2010			3,372,626				0.78	%
2011			3,539,266				0.82	%
2012			7,444,714				1.72	%
2013			75,141,327				17.39	%
Thereafter			323,792,508				74.96	%
Total		$	432,013,999				100.00	%

 

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(1) - The mortgage outstanding and secured by the Berkshires at Citrus Park property in the amount of $15,720,000 matures in November 2009.  The Company is currently assessing various options in an effort to replace the maturing debt including the possibility of seeking an extension of the upcoming maturity date or incurring new mortgage debt to replace it.

The Company’s “Debt-to-Fair Value of Real Estate Assets” as of December 31, 2008 is presented in the following table. Fair value of real estate assets is based on management’s best estimate. As with any estimate, management’s estimate of the fair value of properties represents only its good faith opinion as to that value, and there can be no assurance that the actual value that might, in fact, be realized for any such property would approximate that fair value.

In establishing management’s estimate of fair value of real estate assets management examines relevant market and operating data including, but not limited to, recent transactions in each market, operating results for each property, macro and micro-economic data from respected external sources at both a national and local level as well as actual local knowledge.  Fair values are generally determined by using a number of analytical calculations, including discounting projected future cash flow, applying estimated market capitalization rates (“Cap-Rates”) to current pro forma operating information and comparing per unit results with current replacement cost estimates.  In the latter part of 2008, transaction volume dropped off dramatically from earlier in the year as well as in comparison to prior years.  Actual transactions are often used as a base line for determining Cap-Rates, however, with the drop in actual transactions especially late in the year, there was limited relevant actual data available for use in management’s analysis.  Management used verifiable third party data and its own market knowledge, taking into consideration the location of the property, recent renovation activity, the quality of the asset, its operating cash flows, its age and currently available long-term financing rates to arrive at the estimated Cap-Rates used in its fair value analysis.  Management generally applies lower Cap-Rates to high-rise than to garden style communities.   Managements estimated comparative average Cap-Rate as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, were 6.92% and 5.54%, respectively.  The increase in Cap-Rates from 2007 to 2008 is reflective of lack of buyer demand, lack of liquidity in the market, the economic downturn and the increase in interest rates on available mortgage debt, as well as changes in the availability of capital for purchasing multifamily real estate, especially late in 2008.  The impact of rising Cap-Rates on our portfolio was offset somewhat by increases in net operating income for 2008 at our properties.

The following information is presented in lieu of information regarding the Company’s “Debt-to-Total Market Capitalization Ratio”, which is a commonly used measure in our industry, because the Company’s market capitalization is not readily determinable since there was no public market for its common equity during the periods presented in this report.

 

The Board has established investment guidelines under which management may not incur indebtedness such that at the time we incur the indebtedness our ratio of debt to total assets exceeds 75%.  This measure is calculated based on the fair value of the assets determined by management as described above.

 

The information regarding “Debt-to-Fair Value of Real Estate Assets” is presented to allow investors to calculate our loan-to-value ratios in a manner consistent with those used by management and others in our industry, including those used by our current and potential lenders. Management uses this information when making decisions about financing or refinancing properties. Management also uses fair value information when making decisions about selling assets as well as evaluating acquisition opportunities within markets where we have assets.

 

 

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Fair Value of Real Estate Assets is not a GAAP financial measure and should not be considered as an alternative to net book value of real estate assets, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP.  At December 31, 2008 and 2007, the aggregate net book value of our real estate assets was $419,002,572 and $464,265,061, respectively, as compared to the fair values at December 31, 2008 and 2007 of $615,887,000 and $824,920,000, respectively, and is presented on the balance sheet as multifamily apartment communities, net of accumulated depreciation.  The decrease in the net book value of the portfolio is related to the sale of four properties during the year and was partially offset by the acquisition of one property during the year.

 

The decrease in the fair values is also related to the economic forces placing downward pressure on property valuations during the current recessionary market and results in a higher debt-to-fair value of real estate assets ratio at December 31, 2008.

 

The following table reconciles the fair value of our real estate assets to the net book value of real estate assets as of December 31, 2008 and 2007.

 

Debt-to-Fair Value of Real Estate Assets

		2008				2007
Net book value of multifamily apartment communities		$	419,002,572			$	464,265,061
Accumulated depreciation			136,678,464				144,240,061
Historical cost			555,681,036				608,505,122
Increase in fair value over historical cost			60,205,964				216,414,878
Fair Value – estimated		$	615,887,000			$	824,920,000
Mortgage Debt		$	432,013,999			$	506,903,882
Debt-to-Fair Value of Real Estate Assets			70.15	%			61.45	%

The debt-to-fair value of real estate assets does not include any outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility available from an affiliate of the Company, which were $0 at December 31, 2008 and 2007. The revolving credit facility available from an affiliate of the Company contains covenants that require the Company to maintain certain financial ratios, including an indebtedness to value ratio not to exceed 75%.  If the Company were to be in violation of these covenants, we would be unable to draw advances from our line which could have a material impact on our ability to meet our short-term liquidity requirements.  Further, if we were unable to draw on the line, we may have to slow or temporarily stop our rehabilitation projects, which could have a negative impact on our results of operations and cash flows.  As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company was in compliance with the covenants of the revolving credit facility available from an affiliate of the Company.  Fair value of the real estate assets is based on the management most current valuation of properties, which was computed for all properties owned at December 31, 2008 and 2007.

 

The fair values are based on management’s best estimate of current value for properties owned as of December 31, 2008 and 2007.  Capital discounts rates used in management’s estimates range from a low of 6.15% to a high of 7.55%.  Estimated values of individual properties within the portfolio range from $6,426,000 to $130,943,000.

 

 

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Funds From Operations

 

The Company has adopted the revised definition of Funds from Operations (“FFO”) adopted by the Board of Governors of the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (“NAREIT”). FFO falls within the definition of a “non-GAAP financial measure” as stated in Item 10(e) of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC.  Management considers FFO to be an appropriate measure of performance of an equity REIT. We calculate FFO by adjusting net income (loss) (computed in accordance with GAAP, including non-recurring items), for gains (or losses) from sales of properties, real estate related depreciation and amortization, and adjustment for unconsolidated partnerships and ventures. Management believes that in order to facilitate a clear understanding of the historical operating results of the Company, FFO should be considered in conjunction with net income (loss) as presented in the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere herein.  Management considers FFO to be a useful measure for reviewing the comparative operating and financial performance of the Company because, by excluding gains and losses related to sales of previously depreciated operating real estate assets and excluding real estate asset depreciation and amortization (which can vary among owners of identical assets in similar condition based on historical cost accounting and useful life estimates), FFO can help one compare the operating performance of a company’s real estate between periods or as compared to different companies.

 

The Company’s calculation of FFO may not be directly comparable to FFO reported by other REITs or similar real estate companies that have not adopted the term in accordance with the current NAREIT definition or that interpret the current NAREIT definition differently. FFO is not a GAAP financial measure and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss), the most directly comparable financial measure of our performance calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP, as an indication of our performance.  FFO does not represent cash generated from operating activities determined in accordance with GAAP and is not a measure of liquidity or an indicator of our ability to make cash distributions. We believe that to further understand our performance; FFO should be compared with our reported net income (loss) and considered in addition to cash flows in accordance with GAAP, as presented in our consolidated financial statements.

 

The following table presents a reconciliation of GAAP net income (loss) to FFO for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006:

 

		December 31,
		2008				2007				2006
Net income (loss)		$	36,406,148			$	2,928,632			$	(19,996,781	)
Add:
Depreciation of real property			24,618,377				26,460,337				22,007,364
Depreciation of real property included in results of discontinued operations			3,335,613				528,907				-
Minority interest in Operating Partnership			12,689,300				3,904,400				11,713,200
Minority interest in properties			5,528,481				2,031,195				1,555,595
Amortization of acquired in-place leases and tenant relationships			474,258				1,111,431				1,012,875
Amortization of acquired in-place leases and tenant relationships included in results of discontinued operations			-				21,564				154,994
Equity in loss of Multifamily Venture			3,696,790				2,955,647				-
Funds from operations of Multifamily Venture			1,319,657				100,308				-
Less:
Equity in income of Multifamily Venture			-				-				(8,623,757	)
Funds from operations of Multifamily Venture			-				-				(250,674	)
Minority interest in properties share of funds from operations			(932,812	)			(947,933	)			(939,306	)
Gain on disposition of real estate assets			(79,487,487	)			(32,111,239	)			-
Funds from Operations		$	7,648,325			$	6,983,249			$	6,633,510

 

 

Environmental Issues

 

There are no recorded amounts resulting from environmental liabilities because there are no known contingencies with respect to environmental liabilities.  The Company obtains environmental audits, through various sources including lender evaluations and acquisition due diligence, for each of its properties at various intervals throughout a property’s life.  The Company has not been advised by any third party as to the existence of, nor has it identified on its own, any material liability for site restoration or other costs that may be incurred with respect to any of its properties.  The Company reevaluates potential environmental liabilities on an annual basis by reviewing the current properties in the portfolio at year end as the portfolio continues to change with the sale and acquisition of properties.

 

Inflation and Economic Conditions

 

Substantially all of the leases at the initial properties are for a term of one year or less, which enables the Company to seek increased rents for new leases or upon renewal of existing leases.  These short-term leases minimize the potential adverse effect of inflation on rental income, although residents may leave without penalty at the end of their lease terms and may do so if rents are increased significantly.

 

The United States is currently in the midst of what has been characterized as one of the worst recessions since the 1930’s.  Unemployment has risen past 8% while single family home prices have dropped leaving many homeowners with homes worth less than their mortgage balances, leaving many on the brink of foreclosure.  The Company both believes and recognizes that real estate goes through cycles and while the drivers of these cycles can vary greatly from cycle to cycle, the outcome is generally the same with periods of improving values and profit growth followed by periods of stagnant or declining values and profit stagnation.  The Company, however, recognizes that real estate investing requires a long-term perspective and, as history suggests, a company’s ability to remain resilient during tough economic times will often lead to opportunities.  In general, multifamily real estate fundamentals of well located quality real estate have remained relatively steady during the recent economic downturn.  Occupancy rates continue to hover in the low to mid-90% range for well located, well managed properties though continued weakness in the economy and/or increasing employment rates could have a negative impact on both occupancy and rent levels.  Credit worthy borrowers in the multifamily sector have continued to be able to access capital through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac through 2008 and into early 2009 at attractive rates.  Though there is no assurance that under existing or future regulatory restrictions this source of capital, unique to multifamily borrowers, will continue to be available.  While the Company believes that 2009 will be a challenging year, with increased competition for price conscious residents, the possibility for continued tight credit markets and illiquidity in the transaction markets, we feel that many of our previous assumptions about future trends will be delayed for a period of time.  The Company continues to believe that projected demographic trends will favor the multifamily sector, driven primarily by the continued flow of echo boomers (children of baby boomers, age 20 to 29), the fastest growing segment of the population, and an increasing number of immigrants who are often renters by necessity.  In many cases, the current economic climate has delayed many would be residents from entering the rental market and instead choosing to remain at home or to share rental units instead of renting their own space.  This trend may be creating a backlog of potential residents who will enter the market as the economy begins to rebound and unemployment rates begin to trend back to historical norms.  The Company’s properties are generally located in markets where zoning restrictions, scarcity of land and high construction costs create significant barriers to new development.  The Company believes it is well positioned to manage its portfolio through the remainder of this economic downturn and is prepared to take advantage of opportunities that present themselves during such times.

 

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ITEM 7A.                      QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

The tables below provide information about the Company’s financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in interest rates, specifically debt obligations.  The tables present principal cash flows and related weighted average interest rates by expected maturity dates for mortgage notes payable as of December 31, 2008 and 2007.

 

The following table reflects the mortgage notes payable as of December 31, 2008.

 

		2009				2010				2011				2012				2013				Thereafter				Total
Fixed Rate Debt		$	18,723,558			$	3,372,626			$	3,539,266			$	7,444,714			$	75,141,327			$	323,792,508			$	432,013,999
Average Interest Rate			5.19	%			5.25	%			5.24	%			5.62	%			5.14	%			5.82	%			5.64	%

 

The following table reflects the mortgage notes payable as of December 31, 2007.

 

		2008				2009				2010				2011				2012				Thereafter				Total
Fixed Rate Debt		$	12,691,809			$	20,257,150			$	4,779,543			$	5,088,624			$	34,317,623			$	429,769,133			$	506,903,882
Average Interest Rate			5.63	%			5.20	%			5.15	%			5.16	%			4.95	%			5.52	%			5.52	%

 

The level of market rate interest risk decreased during 2008. The decrease relates mainly to incrementally lower levels of outstanding mortgage debt payable of $432,013,999 at December 31, 2008 from $506,903,886 at December 31, 2007.  Additionally, the decrease was offset partially by increases in the average interest rate on the outstanding debt over the same period.  The rate increase is due mainly to higher interest rate levels on debt acquired and assumed during 2008. The Company manages its interest rate risk on mortgage debt by monitoring the funding markets and the related changes in prevailing mortgage debt interest levels.  Financing on new acquisitions, if applicable, is obtained at prevailing market rates while mortgage debt interest rates on existing properties is monitored to determine if refinancing at current prevailing rates would be appropriate.  The Company has been successful in obtaining mortgage debt during the 2008 which has been challenged by economic conditions affecting the debt markets as well as declines in property values and tightening of lending guidelines.  The Company continues to take advantage of all opportunities to lock in long term debt at favorable interest rates via first mortgage refinancing, supplemental mortgage financing and assumption of debt with favorable terms pursuant to the acquisition of new properties.

 

As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, there was no variable interest rate debt outstanding.

 

 

ITEM 8.                      FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

See “Index to Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedule” on page 66 to this report.

 

ITEM 9.

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 

None.

 

 

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ITEM 9A(T).  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Based on their evaluation, required by the Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(b) and 15d-15(b), the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) were effective as of December 31, 2008 to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms and were effective as of December 31, 2008 to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)).  Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the Company’s financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

The Company’s management, with oversight and input from the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008.  The Company’s management based its assessment on the framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.  Based on its evaluation under that framework, the Company’s management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2008.  

 

This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting.  The Company’s management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company’s registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to provide only it’s management’s report in this annual report.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There were no other changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)), identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of  the Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a -15 or 15d-15 that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2008 that affected, or were reasonably likely to affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

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ITEM 9B.  OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

 

PART III

 

ITEM 10.                      DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

 

The Company’s executive officers and directors are as follows:

 

Name and age		Position or Offices Held
Douglas Krupp (62)		Chairman of the Board of Directors
David C. Quade (65)		President, Chief Financial Officer and Director
Randolph G. Hawthorne (59)		Director
Robert M. Kaufman (59)		Director
Richard B. Peiser (60)		Director
Frank Apeseche (51)		Vice President and Treasurer
Christopher M. Nichols (44)		Vice President, Controller and Assistant Secretary
Mary Beth Bloom (35)		Vice President and Secretary

 

Douglas Krupp, Director and Chairman of the Board of Berkshire Income Realty, Inc. since January 28, 2005.  Mr. Krupp is also the co-founder and Vice-Chairman of our affiliate, the Berkshire Group, an integrated real estate and financial services firm engaged in real estate acquisitions, property management and investment sponsorship.  The Berkshire Group was established as The Krupp Companies in 1969.  Mr. Krupp served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of both Krupp Government Income Trust I & Krupp Government Income Trust II from 1991 – 2005.  Formerly, Mr. Krupp served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Berkshire Realty Company, Inc. and Harborside Healthcare Company, two publicly traded companies on the New York Stock Exchange.Mr. Krupp is a member of the Anti-Defamation League's National Executive Committee, a member of its Board of Trustees and Vice President of the ADL Foundation.Mr. Krupp is on the Board of Directors for The Commonwealth Shakespeare Company, a Member of the Corporation of Partners HealthCare System and a past member of the Board of Directors for Brigham & Women's Hospital.  Mr. Krupp is a graduate of Bryant College.  In 1989, he received an Honorary Doctorate of Science in Business Administration from this institution and was elected trustee in 1990.

 

David C. Quade, Director, President and Chief Financial Officer of Berkshire Income Realty, Inc. since July 19, 2002.  Since December of 1998, Mr. Quade has been Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of The Berkshire Group and Berkshire Property Advisors, LLC, both affiliates of Berkshire Income Realty.  During that period, he led the efforts to acquire, finance and asset manage the initial properties contributed by KRF Company in connection with the Offering.  Previously, Mr. Quade was a Principal and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Leggat McCall Properties from 1981-1998, where he was responsible for strategic planning, corporate and property financing and asset management.  Before that, Mr. Quade worked in senior financial capacities for two New York Stock Exchange listed real estate investment trusts, North American Mortgage Investors and Equitable Life Mortgage and Realty Investors.  He also worked at Coopers & Lybrand, LLP (now known as PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP), an international accounting and consulting firm.  He has a Professional Accounting Program degree from Northwestern University Graduate School of Business.  Mr. Quade also holds a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Business Administration degree from Central Michigan University.  Mr. Quade also serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Marblehead/Swampscott YMCA and Director of the North Shore YMCA.

 

 

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Randolph G. Hawthorne, Director of Berkshire Income Realty, Inc. since October 15, 2002.  Mr. Hawthorne is currently the Principal of a private investment and consulting firm known as RGH Ventures and has served as such since January of 2001.  Mr. Hawthorne is a member of the Multifamily Council Blue Flight of the Urban Land Institute, and is active in the National Multi Housing Council, which he led as the Chairman from 1996-1997.  He also presently serves on the Board of Directors of the National Housing Conference and previously served as an independent member of the Advisory Board of Berkshire Mortgage Finance, a former affiliate of the Berkshire Income Realty, Inc.  Mr. Hawthorne has previously served as President of the National Housing and Rehabilitation Association and has served on the Editorial Board of the Tax Credit Advisor and Multi-Housing News.  From 1973-2001, Mr. Hawthorne was a Principal and Owner of Boston Financial, a full service real estate firm, which was acquired in 1999 by Lend Lease, a major global real estate firm, which at that time was the largest U.S. manager of tax-exempt real estate assets.  During his 28 years with Boston Financial and then Lend Lease, Mr. Hawthorne served in a variety of senior leadership roles including on the Boston Financial Board of Directors.  Mr. Hawthorne holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Science degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.  Mr. Hawthorne is a Trustee of The Berkshire Theatre Festival, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Celebrity Series of Boston and The Boston Home.

 

Robert M. Kaufman, Director of Berkshire Income Realty, Inc. since October 15, 2002.  Mr. Kaufman is currently the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Outcome Sciences, Inc., which is the leading provider of strategies and solutions to meet the needs of the post-approval market.  Mr. Kaufman was formerly the President and Chief Operating Officer of Oakley Investment, Inc. (formerly Phoenix Ltd.), a private investment firm, and held this position from November of 2003 thru March of 2007.  Mr. Kaufman was a founder and the Chief Executive Officer of Medeview, Inc., a healthcare technology company, from 2000-2002.  From 1996-1999, Mr. Kaufman served as Chief Executive Officer of a senior housing company known as Carematrix Corp. and in 1999 served as a consultant to Carematrix Corp.  Prior to that, Mr. Kaufman worked for Coopers & Lybrand, LLP (now known as PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP), an international accounting and consulting firm, from 1972-1996.  During his tenure at Coopers & Lybrand, he was a partner from 1982-1996 primarily servicing real estate and healthcare industry clients and served as a member of the National Board of Partners.  In addition, while a partner at Coopers & Lybrand, Mr. Kaufman was a member of the Mergers and Acquisitions and Real Estate Groups, the Associate Chairman of the National Retail and Consumer Products Industry Group and was a National Technical Consulting Partner.  Mr. Kaufman received his Bachelor of Arts from Colby College and his Master of Business Administration degree from Cornell University.

 

Richard B. Peiser, Director of Berkshire Income Realty, Inc. since October 15, 2002.  Mr. Peiser is currently the Michael D. Spear Professor of Real Estate Development at Harvard University and has worked in that position since 1998.  Mr. Peiser is also a member of the Department of Urban Planning and Design in the Harvard University Graduate School of Design and has served as such since 1998.  Mr. Peiser also serves as Director of the university-wide Real Estate Academic Initiative at Harvard University.  Before joining the faculty of Harvard University in 1998, Mr. Peiser served as Director of the Lusk Center of Real Estate Development from 1987-1998 as well as Founder and Academic Director of the Master of Real Estate Development Program at the University of Southern California from 1986—1998.  Mr. Peiser has also worked as a real estate developer and consultant since 1978.  In addition, Mr. Peiser has published numerous articles relating to various aspects of the real estate industry.  Mr. Peiser taught at Southern Methodist University from 1978-1984, the University of Southern California from 1985-1998 and at Stanford University in the fall of 1981.  Mr. Peiser has been a trustee of the Urban Land Institute since1997, a Faculty Associate of the Eliot House since 1998 and a Director of the firm American Realty Advisors since 1998.  Additionally, Mr. Peiser served as a faculty representative on the Harvard University Board of Overseer’s Committee on Social Responsibility from 1999-2002 and was co-editor of the Journal of Real Estate Portfolio Management during 2002.  Mr. Peiser holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale University, a Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard University and a Ph.D. in land economics from Cambridge University.

 

 

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Frank Apeseche, Vice President and Treasurer of Berkshire Income Realty, Inc. since July 19, 2002.  Mr. Apeseche is also President and Managing Partner of The Berkshire Group, an affiliate of Berkshire Income Realty, Inc.  Mr. Apeseche was President and Chief Executive Officer of our affiliate, BG Affiliate, from 1995-2000.  Mr. Apeseche was Chief Financial Officer of The Berkshire Group from 1993-1995 and Vice President and Treasurer of Berkshire Realty Company, Inc. from 1993-1994.  Mr. Apeseche was the Chief Planning Officer of the Berkshire Group from 1986-1993.  Before joining The Berkshire Group in 1986, Mr. Apeseche was a manager with ACCENTURE (formerly Andersen Consulting) where he specialized in providing technology solutions to Fortune 500 clients.  Mr. Apeseche received a Bachelor of Arts degree with distinction from Cornell University and a Master of Business Administration degree with Honors from the University of Michigan.

 

Christopher M. Nichols, Vice President, Controller and Assistant Secretary of Berkshire Income Realty, Inc. since July 19, 2002.  Mr. Nichols currently holds the position of Vice President, Controller and Assistant Secretary of Berkshire Income Realty, Inc.  Mr. Nichols is also the Company’s Principal Accounting Officer.  Mr. Nichols joined The Berkshire Group in 1999 as the Assistant Corporate Controller.  Before joining the Company, Mr. Nichols served as the Accounting Manager and then as the Corporate Controller for Mac-Gray Corporation from 1997-1999, a New York Stock Exchange listed company.  At Mac-Gray, Mr. Nichols had primary oversight of the accounting and financial reporting systems.  Mr. Nichols worked as a Senior Staff Auditor for Mullen & Company from 1994-1997.  Mr. Nichols has a Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy from Bentley College as well as Associate Degrees in Computer Information Systems and in Electrical Engineering.  Mr. Nichols is a Certified Public Accountant.

 

Mary Beth Bloom, Vice President and Secretary of Berkshire Income Realty, Inc. since August 9, 2005.  Ms. Bloom currently serves and has served as Vice President and General Counsel to The Berkshire Group, an affiliate of Berkshire Income Realty, Inc, since 2005.  From 2000 - 2005, Ms. Bloom served as the Assistant General Counsel to The Berkshire Group and from 2003 - 2005, she served as Assistant Secretary to Berkshire Income Realty, Inc.  Prior to joining The Berkshire Group, Ms. Bloom was an attorney with John Hancock Financial Services.  She received a Bachelor of Arts from the College of the Holy Cross and a Juris Doctor from New England School of Law.  Ms. Bloom is admitted to practice law in Massachusetts and New York and is a member of the American, Massachusetts and New York Bar Associations.

 

The Board has determined that Robert Kaufman, Randolph Hawthorne and Richard Peiser, a majority of our directors, are independent under applicable SEC and American Stock Exchange rules and regulations.  Such persons act as the Company's Audit Committee.  The Board has determined that Robert Kaufman qualifies as an "audit committee financial expert" under applicable SEC rules and regulations.

 

The Company does not currently have a nominating committee as the Board has determined, given its relatively small size, that Robert Kaufman, Randolph Hawthorne and Richard Peiser, (the “Independent Directors”) shall perform this function. Nominees for positions on the Board are identified and recommended by a majority of the Independent Directors on the Board (as defined in the American Stock Exchange listing requirements).  Director candidates, including Directors up for re-election and those nominated by Shareholders entitled to vote for the election of directors, are considered based upon various criteria, including broad-based business and professional skills and experience, personal integrity, sound business judgment, community involvement, and time available to devote to Board activities.  The 5 nominees approved by the Board are Directors standing for re-election.  The Company has not paid a fee to any third party to identify or evaluate or assist in identifying or evaluating potential nominees.  The Board did not receive a Director candidate recommendation from a shareholder that beneficially owned more than 5% of the Company’s common voting shares or from a group of shareholders that beneficially owned, in the aggregate, more than 5% of the Company’s common voting shares.  The Board will consider Director candidates recommended by shareholders entitled to vote for the election of directors.

 

 

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A shareholder entitled to vote for the election of directors, who wishes to recommend a prospective nominee for the Board should notify the Company's Secretary in writing at One Beacon Street, Suite 1500, Boston, MA 02108 with the identity of the nominator and nominee, the biographical information for each nominee, a description of business and personal experience for each nominee, a written consent from the nominee to serve as a Director if so elected and any other information that the voting shareholder considers appropriate at least 90 days prior to the annual meeting at which Directors are to be elected.

 

The Company has adopted a code of ethics (the "Code") that applies to all of its employees (including its principal executive officers, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer) and directors. The Company intends to satisfy the disclosure requirement under Item 10 of Form 8-K regarding an amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of the Code applicable to certain enumerated executive officers by posting such information on its website at http://www.berkshireincomerealty.com. The Company shall provide to any person without charge, upon request, a copy of the Code.  Any such request must be made in writing to the Company, c/o James Juliano, One Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108.

 

 

SECTION 16 (a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

 

Based solely on a review of reports furnished to the Company or written representations from the Company's directors, executive officers and 10% stockholders, during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 and prior fiscal years none of the Company's directors, executive officers and 10% stockholders failed to file on a timely basis any reports required to be filed pursuant to Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

 

ITEM 11.                      EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

The Company does not currently have a compensation committee as the Board has determined that in light of the fact that except for our independent directors identified below, our executive officers and directors are not compensated by us for their services to us as officers and directors.  However, certain of our officers and directors are compensated by our advisor, Berkshire Advisor, for their services to Berkshire Advisor.

 

 

Name and Principal Position

Year

Salary ($)

Bonus ($)

Stock Awards ($)

Option Awards ($)

Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($)

Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings($)

All Other Compensation ($)

Total ($)

N/a

n/a

$

-

$

-

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

 

 

The Board has determined that Robert Kaufman, Randolph Hawthorne and Richard Peiser, a majority of our directors, are independent under applicable SEC and American Stock Exchange rules and regulations.  The Board has determined that the independent directors will be compensated at the rate of $30,000 per year, payable in cash, for their service as directors and receive reimbursement for their travel expenses incurred in connection with Board duty.  There were no other arrangements to compensate the directors for Board or committee involvement in 2008.

 

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ITEM 12.                      SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 

The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of our equity securities as of December 31, 2008 by (1) each person who is known by us to beneficially own five percent or more of any class of our equity securities, (2) each of our directors and executive officers and (3) all of our directors and executive officers as a group.  The address for each of the persons named in the table is One Beacon Street, Suite 1500, Boston, Massachusetts 02108.

 

 

Title of Class		Name and Address of Beneficial Owner (1)		Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership			Percent of Class
Class B Common Stock		Douglas Krupp		1,283,313	(2)		91%
Class B Common Stock		George Krupp		1,283,313	(3)		91%
Class B Common Stock		Douglas Krupp 1980 Family Trust		1,283,313	(4)		91%
Class B Common Stock		George Krupp 1980 Family Trust		1,283,313	(5)		91%
Class B Common Stock		Krupp Family Limited Partnership-94		1,283,313	(6)		91%
Class B Common Stock		KRF Company		1,283,313			91%
Class B Common Stock		Thomas Shuler		63,560			5%
Class B Common Stock		David Olney		59,323			4%
Class B Common Stock		All directors and executive officers as a group		1,406,196	(7)		100%
Preferred Shares		Robert M. Kaufman		71,873	(8)		2%
Preferred Shares		Thomas Shuler		6,780			*
Preferred Shares		Randolph G. Hawthorne		2,500			*
Preferred Shares		David C. Quade		874			*
Preferred Shares		Mary Beth Bloom		350			*
Preferred Shares		Richard B. Peiser		805			*

 

* - Represents less than 1% of shares outstanding in class.

 

(1)	c/o The Berkshire Group, One Beacon Street, Suite 1500, Boston, MA 02108.

 

(2)  Includes 1,283,313 shares owned by KRF Company.  The Krupp Family Limited Partnership-94 owns 100% of the limited liability company interests in KRF Company. The general partners of Krupp Family Limited Partnership-94 are George Krupp and Douglas Krupp, who each own 50% of the general partnership interests in Krupp Family Limited Partnership-94.  By virtue of their interests in the Krupp Family Limited Partnership-94, George Krupp and Douglas Krupp may each be deemed to beneficially own the 1,283,313 shares of Class B common stock owned by KRF Company.  Douglas Krupp is also a director of the Company.  George Krupp is a former director of the Company.

 

(3)	Includes 1,283,313 shares owned by KRF Company that may be deemed to be beneficially owned by George Krupp, as described in Footnote (2).

 

 

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(4)  Includes 1,283,313 shares owned by KRF Company.  The Krupp Family Limited Partnership-94 owns 100% of the limited liability company interests in KRF Company.  The Douglas Krupp 1980 Family Trust owns 50% of the limited partnership interests in Krupp Family Limited Partnership-94.  By virtue of its interest in The Krupp Family Limited Partnership-94, The Douglas Krupp 1980- Family Trust may be deemed to beneficially own the 1,283,313 shares of Class B common stock owned by KRF Company.  The trustee of the Douglas Krupp 1980 Family Trust is Robert Dombroff.  The trustee controls the power to dispose of the assets of the trust and thus may be deemed to beneficially own the 1,283,313 shares of Class B common stock owned by KRF Company; however, the trustee disclaims beneficial ownership of all of those shares that are or may be deemed to be beneficially owned by Douglas Krupp or George Krupp.

 

(5)

Includes 1,283,313 shares owned by KRF Company.  The Krupp Family Limited Partnership-94 owns 100% of the limited liability company interests in KRF Company.  The George Krupp 1980 Family Trust owns 50% of the limited partnership interests in Krupp Family Limited Partnership-94.  By virtue of its interest in The Krupp Family Limited Partnership-94, The George Krupp 1980 Family Trust may be deemed to beneficially own the 1,283,313 shares of Class B common stock owned by KRF Company. The trustee of the George Krupp 1980 Family Trust is Robert Dombroff.  The trustee controls the power to dispose of the assets of the trust and thus may be deemed to beneficially own the 1,283,313 shares of Class B common stock owned by KRF Company; however, the trustee disclaims beneficial ownership of all of those shares that are or may be deemed to be beneficially owned by Douglas Krupp or George Krupp.

 

(6)

Includes 1,283,313 shares owned by KRF Company. Krupp Family Limited Partnership-94 owns 100% of the limited liability company interests in KRF Company. By virtue of its interest in KRF Company, Krupp Family Limited Partnership-94 is deemed to beneficially own the 1,283,313 shares of Class B common stock owned by KRF Company.

 

(7)	Includes 1,283,313 shares owned by KRF Company that may be deemed to be beneficially owned by Douglas Krupp, as described in Footnote (2).

 

(8)	Robert M. Kaufman does not own shares of Class B common stock.  Mr. Kaufman does own 65,873 shares of the Preferred Shares of the Company.  Additionally, 6,000 shares of the Preferred Shares are owned Mr. Kaufman’s spouse and may be deemed to be beneficially owned by Mr. Kaufman.

 

Under our charter, we are authorized to issue 10,000,000 shares of our common stock, of which 5,000,000 shares have been classified as Class A Common Stock and 5,000,000 shares have been classified as Class B Common Stock.  As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, we had 1,406,196 shares of our Class B common stock outstanding, the majority of which is owned by KRF Company, and no outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock.

 

Each share of Class B Common Stock entitles the holder to ten votes per share, and each share of Class A Common Stock entitles the holder to one vote per share, on all matters to be submitted to the stockholders for vote.  Each share of Class B Common Stock is convertible, at the option of the holder at any time, into one share of Class A Common Stock.  The exclusive voting power of the Company’s stockholders for all purposes (including amendments to the charter) is vested in the holders of our common stock.  We may not issue shares of our Class A Common Stock unless the issuance has been approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of our outstanding Class B Common Stock.

 

The holders of our common stock are entitled to receive ratably such distributions as may be authorized from time to time on our common stock by the Board in its discretion from funds legally available for such distribution.  In the event our liquidation, dissolution, winding-up or termination, after payment of all debt and other liabilities, each holder of our common stock is entitled to receive, ratably with each other holder of our common stock, all our remaining assets available for distribution to the holders of our common stock.  Holders of our common stock have no subscription, redemption, appraisal or preemptive rights.

 

 

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Under Maryland law, a Maryland corporation generally cannot dissolve, amend it charter, merge, sell all or substantially all of its assets, engage in a share exchange or engage in similar transactions outside the ordinary course of business, unless approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders holding at least two thirds of the shares entitled to vote on the matter.  However, a Maryland corporation may provide in its charter for approval of these matters by a lesser percentage, but not less than a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter.  Our charter provides for approval of these matters by the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter.

 

The holders of our common stock have the exclusive right (except as otherwise provided in our charter) to elect or remove directors.  The outstanding shares of our common stock are fully paid and nonassessable.

 

 

Equity Compensation Plan Information

 

The following table sets forth information as of December 31, 2008 about shares of our equity securities outstanding and available for issuance under equity compensation plans.  The Company does not have equity securities outstanding or available for issuance under an equity compensation plan as of December 31, 2008.

 

Plan Category		Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights			Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights			Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))
		Column (a)			Column (b)			Column (c)
Equity compensation plan approved by security holders		$	-		$	-		$	-
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders			-			-			-
Total		$	-		$	-		$	-

 

ITEM 13.                      CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

 

Management Fees

 

We have entered into an advisory services agreement with Berkshire Advisor.  Douglas Krupp, one of our directors, together with his brother George Krupp (formerly a director of the Company and former Chairman of the Board), indirectly own substantially all of the member interests in Berkshire Advisor.  Under the advisory services agreement, the Company will pay Berkshire Advisor an annual asset management fee equal to 0.40%, up to a maximum of $1,600,000 in any calendar year, as per an amendment to the management agreement, of the purchase price of real estate properties owned by us, as adjusted from time to time to reflect the then current fair market value of the properties.  The purchase price is defined as the capitalized basis of an asset under GAAP including renovation of new construction costs, costs of acquisition or other items paid or received that would be considered an adjustment to basis.  The purchase price does not include acquisition fees and capital costs of a recurring nature.  Berkshire Advisor may propose adjustments to the asset management fee, subject to the approval of the Audit Committee (which committee is comprised of directors who are independent under applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and American Stock Exchange).

 

The asset management fees payable to Berkshire Advisor are payable quarterly, in arrears, and may be paid only after all distributions currently payable on the Company’s Preferred Shares have been paid.    Berkshire Advisor earned asset management fees of $1,673,441, $1,673,441 and $1,673,446 during 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

 

 

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 The amounts in excess of the $1,600,000 maximum payable by the Company represent fees incurred and paid by the minority partners in the properties.  As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, $418,360 and $418,362 of the asset management fees are payable to Berkshire Advisor.

 

During 2008, 2007 and 2006, Berkshire Advisor, an affiliate of The Berkshire Group, acted as property manager under property management agreements between the Company and Berkshire Advisor.  Under the property management agreement, Berkshire Advisor is entitled to receive a property management fee, payable monthly, equal to 4% of the gross rental receipts, including rentals and other operating income, received each month with respect to all managed properties.  The total amount of property management fees paid and accrued to Berkshire Advisor under the property management agreements was $3,335,681, $3,374,992 and $2,995,596 for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, $572,801 and $828,962 of the 2008 and 2007 property management fees are payable to Berkshire Advisor.

 

Berkshire Advisor is also entitled to receive an acquisition fee equal to 1% of the purchase price (as defined above) of any new property acquired directly or indirectly by us.  Berkshire Advisor may propose adjustments to the acquisition fee, subject to the approval of the Audit Committee of the Board (which committee is comprised of directors who are independent under applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and American Stock Exchange).  Berkshire Advisor received acquisition fees for 2008, 2007 and 2006 as follows:

 

		Acquisition Fee				Acquisition Fee				Acquisition Fee
Acquisition		2008				2007				2006
Executive House		$	500,000			$	-			$	-
Hampton House			-				205,000				-
Sunfield Lakes			-				242,250				-
Briarwood Village			-				-				138,167
Chisholm Place			-				-				96,250
Standard at Lenox Park			-				-				471,000
		$	500,000			$	447,250			$	705,417

 

All acquisition fees have been capitalized and are included in the caption “Multifamily apartment communities” in Part IV Item 15 – Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

As of January 1, 2005, the Company pays a construction management fee to an affiliate, Berkshire Advisor, for services related to the management and oversight of renovation and rehabilitation projects at its properties.  The Company paid or accrued $612,312, 808,024 and $849,490 in construction management fees for the year ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  The fees are capitalized as part of the project cost in the year they are incurred.

 

The Company pays development fees to an affiliate for property development services.  As of December 31, 2008, the Company has one property under development and has incurred fees totaling $700,000 since inception of the project during the year.  The fees, of which $270,750 is related to predevelopment activities and $429,250 is related to the development phase, are based on the project’s development/construction costs.  As of December 31, 2008, $700,000 has been paid to the affiliate and construction is ongoing.

 

Under the advisory services agreement and the property management agreements, Berkshire Advisor is reimbursed at cost for all out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them, including the actual cost of goods, materials and services that are used in connection with the management of us and our properties.

 

 

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Berkshire Advisor also is reimbursed for administrative services rendered by it that are necessary for our prudent operation, including legal, accounting, data processing, transfer agent and other necessary services.  Expense reimbursements paid were $195,900, $250,596 and $316,060 for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  Salary reimbursements paid were $8,795,648, $9,380,153 and $7,963,168 for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

 

In addition to the fees listed above, the Multifamily Venture paid or accrued property management fees of $42,864 to Berkshire Advisor 2006. Also the Multifamily Limited Partnership Venture paid construction management fees of $3,118,380, $2,313,745 and $1,630,024, property management fees of $5,637,868, $3,692,478 and $1,854,329 and asset management fees of $3,282,256, $2,362,104 and $2,364,778 to Berkshire Advisor during 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

 

 Related party arrangements are approved by the independent directors of the Company and are evidenced by a written agreement between the Company and the affiliated entity providing the services.

 

 

Director Independence

 

The Board has determined that Robert Kaufman, Randolph Hawthorne and Richard Peiser, a majority of our directors, are independent under applicable SEC and American Stock Exchange rules and regulations.  Such persons act as the Company's Audit Committee, which does not included any non-independent directors of the Company.

 

ITEM 14.                      PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

 

Audit Fees

 

The aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by our independent registered public accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers L.L.P., was $345,500 and $355,000 for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements included in the Company’s Form 10K and review of financial statements included in the Company’s Forms and 10-Q.

 

Audit-Related Fees

 

The aggregate fees billed for assurance and related services by our independent registered public accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers, L.L.P., was $13,652 and $88,254 for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively for Sarbanes-Oxley readiness procedures and  the audit of certain subsidiaries.

 

Tax Fees

 

The aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by our independent registered public accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers, L.L.P., was $51,600 and $60,000 for the years December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning.

 

All Other Fees

 

The aggregate fees billed for other services rendered by our independent registered public accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers, L.L.P. was $0 for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

 

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Before the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers, L.L.P., is engaged by the Company or its subsidiaries to render audit services, the engagement is approved by the Audit Committee, which is comprised solely of directors who are independent under applicable SEC and American Stock Exchange rules.  All audit-related fees, tax fees and other fees are pre-approved by such Audit Committee and are subject to a fee cap, which cannot exceed 5% of the total amount of the Company’s revenues.

 

The percentage of services described above in the captions “Audit-Related Fees,” “Tax Fees” and “All Other Fees” that were approved by the Audit Committee is 100%.

 

 

 

PART IV

 

ITEM 15.                      EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

(a)           See “Index to Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedule” on page 66 to this report.

 

(b)           Exhibits:

 

Number and Description Under Regulation S-K

 

3.1	Articles of Amendment and Restatement of the Registrant (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 3.1 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-11 (Registration No. 333-98571)).
3.2	By laws of the Registrant (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 3.2 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-11 (Registration No. 333-98571)).
10.1	Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Berkshire Income Realty - OP, L.P. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.1 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-11 (Registration No. 333-98571)).
10.2	Contribution and Sale Agreement among KRF Company, L.L.C., KRF GP, Inc., Berkshire Income Realty - OP, L.P. and BIR Sub, L.L.C.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.2 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-11 (Registration No. 333-98571)).
10.3	Advisory Services Agreement between the Registrant and Berkshire Real Estate Advisors, L.L.C. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.3 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-11 (Registration No. 333-98571)).
10.4	Property Management Agreement between KRF3 Acquisition Company, L.L.C. and BRI OP Limited Partnership dated January 1, 2002  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.4 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-11 (Registration No. 333-98571)).
10.5	Property Management Agreement between Walden Pond Limited Partnership and BRI OP Limited Partnership dated January 1, 2002  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.5 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-11 (Registration No. 333-98571)).
10.6	Property Management Agreement between KRF5 Acquisition Company, L.L.C. and BRI OP Limited Partnership dated January 1, 2002. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.6 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-11 (Registration No. 333-98571)).

 

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10.7	Property Management Agreement between KRF3 Acquisition Company, L.L.C. and BRI OP Limited Partnership dated January 1, 2002  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.7 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-11 (Registration No. 333-98571)).
10.8	Property Management Agreement between Seasons of Laurel, L.L.C. and BRI OP Limited Partnership dated January 1, 2002. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.8 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-11 (Registration No. 333-98571)).
10.9	Letter Agreement between Georgeson Shareholder Communications Inc., Georgeson Shareholder Securities Corporation and the Registrant  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.9 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-11 (Registration No. 333-98571)).
10.10	Waiver and Standstill Agreement, dated as of August 22, 2002, by and among Krupp Government Income Trust, Krupp Government Income Trust II, the Registrant and Berkshire Income Realty-OP, L.P.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.10 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-11 (Registration No. 333-98571)).

10.11	Letter amending Waiver and Standstill Agreement, dated March 5, 2003, among Krupp Government Income Trust, Krupp Government Income Trust II, the Registrant and Berkshire Income Realty-OP, L.P.   (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.11 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).
10.12	Letter Agreement, dated November 1, 2002, by and among Aptco Gen-Par, L.L.C., WXI/BRH Gen-Par, L.L.C., BRE/Berkshire GP L.L.C and BRH Limited Partner, L.P.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.12 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-11 (Registration No. 333-98571)).
10.13	Amended and Restated Voting Agreement among Krupp Government Income Trust, Krupp Government Income Trust II and Berkshire Income Realty, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.13 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-11 (Registration No. 333-98571)).
10.14	Purchase and Sale Agreement dated September 2, 2004, between F.C. Trellis Associates, L.P. and BIR Trellis, L.L.C.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 17, 2004).
10.15	Purchase and Sale Agreement dated September 2, 2004, between F.C. Bridgewater Associates, L.P. and BIR Bridgewater, L.L.C.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 17, 2004).
10.16	Purchase and Sale Agreement dated September 2, 2004, between F.C. Arboretum Associates, L.P. and BIR Arboretum, L.L.C.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.3 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 17, 2004).
10.17	Purchase and Sale Agreement dated September 2, 2004, between F.C. Silver Hill Associates, L.P. and BIR Silver Hill, L.L.C.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.4 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 17, 2004).
10.18	Purchase and Sale Agreement dated September 2, 2004, between F.C. Arboretum Land Associates, L.P. and BIR Arboretum Development, L.L.C.   (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.5 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 17, 2004).

 

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10.19	Purchase and Sale Agreement dated September 14, 2004, related to Arrowhead Apartments Associates Limited Partnership, between Capital Realty Investors-II Limited Partnership, C.R.H.C., Incorporated, BIR/ERI LP Arrowhead, L.L.C. and BIR/ERI GP Arrowhead, L.L.C. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 21, 2004).
10.20	Purchase and Sale Agreement dated September 14, 2004, related to Blackburn Limited Partnership, between Capital Realty Investors-II Limited Partnership, CRICO Limited Partnership of Burtonsville, BIR/ERI LP Country Place I, L.L.C. and CIR/ERI GP Country Place I, L.L.C. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 21, 2004).
10.21	Purchase and Sale Agreement dated September 14, 2004, related to Second Blackburn Limited Partnership, between Capital Realty Investors-II Limited Partnership, CRICO Limited Partnership of Burtonsville, BIR/ERI LP Country Place II, L.L.C. and CIR/ERI GP Country Place II, L.L.C. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.3 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 21, 2004).

10.22	Purchase and Sale Agreement dated September 14, 2004, related to Moorings Apartments Associates Limited Partnership, between Capital Realty Investors-II Limited Partnership, C.R.H.C., Incorporated, BIR/ERI LP The Moorings, L.L.C. and BIR/ERI GP The Moorings, L.L.C. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.4 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 21, 2004).
10.23	Purchase and Sale Agreement dated December 9, 2004, between BRH Westchester, L.L.C., BRI OP Limited Partnership, Berkshire Income Realty - OP, L.P. and BIR Westchester, L.L.C.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 15, 2004).
10.24	Real Estate Sale Agreement dated December 15, 2004, between EQR - Yorktowne Vistas, Inc. and BIR Yorktowne, L.L.C.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 21, 2004).
10.25	Contract of Sale between Trivest Westpark L.P., as seller, and Berkshire Income Realty, Inc., as buyer, dated February 24, 2005. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 2, 2005).
10.26	Reinstatement and First Amendment to Contract of Sale dated March 18, 2005. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 23, 2005).
10.27	Purchase and Sale Agreement between Berkshire Income Realty – OP, L.P. and Lake Ridge Apartments, LLC dated May 24, 2005. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 31, 2005).
10.28	Purchase and Sale Agreement between McNab KC 3 Limited Partnership and Bay Pompano Beach, LLC dated May 26, 2005. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 31, 2005).
10.29	Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of June 30, 2005 among Berkshire Income Realty- OP, L.P., as the Borrower, Krupp Capital Associates, as the Lender, The Other Lenders Party Hereto and Krupp Capital Associates, as Administrative Agent.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 7, 2005).

 

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10.30	Purchase and Sale Agreement between SCP Apartments, L.L.C., and Madison - Clinton - Tampa, L.L.C., each an Alabama limited liability company and Berkshire Income Realty – OP, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership or its nominee, dated August 3, 2005.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 9, 2005).
10.31	Agreement of Limited Partnership of Berkshire Multifamily Value fund, L.P., dated August 12, 2005. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on November 14, 2005).
10.32	Subscription Agreement between Berkshire Multifamily Value Fund, L.P., and Berkshire Income realty, Inc. dated August 12, 2005. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.4 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on November 14, 2005).
10.33	Letter agreement between Berkshire Multifamily Value Fund, L.P., and Berkshire Income Realty, Inc. dated August 12, 2005. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.5 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on November 14, 2005).

10.34	Purchase and Sale Agreement between Marina Mile, LLC and BIR I, LLC (individually and collectively, as applicable, “Seller”) and Metro Real Estate Group, Inc. dated January 3, 2006.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 10, 2006).
10.35	Second Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement between Marina Mile, LLC and BIR I, LLC (collectively, “Seller”) and Metro Real Estate Group, Inc. dated February 8, 2006.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 17, 2006).
10.36	Purchase and Sale Agreement between ING U.S.- Residential Fund, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership; and Berkshire Income Realty – OP, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, dated November 10, 2006. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 16, 2006).
10.37	Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of June 30, 2005 among Berkshire Income Realty- OP, L.P., as the Borrower, Krupp Capital Associates, as the Lender, The Other Lenders Party Hereto and Krupp Capital Associates, as Administrative Agent.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 6, 2007).
10.38	Purchase and Sale Agreement between St. Marin/Karrington Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership and Williams Asset Management, LLC, a Georgia limited liability company, dated February 26, 2008 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 2, 2008).
10.39	Purchase and Sale Agreement by and among EHGP, Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation , Eric Blumenfeld, an individual, EHA Acquisition, L.P., a Pennsylvania limited partnership, BIR Executive GP, L.L.C. and BIR Executive LP, L.L.C.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 99.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 13, 2008).
10.40	Purchase and Sale Agreement by and among Anthony W. Packer, an individual, Jerome D. Winnick, an individual, Shoreline/Marin LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, BIR Executive GP, L.L.C. and BIR Executive LP, L.L.C. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 99.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 13, 2008).

 

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10.41	Purchase and Sale Agreement between BRI Westchester Limited Partnership, a Maryland limited partnership, and Home Properties, L.P., a New York limited partnership, dated September 10, 2008 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 99.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 16, 2008).
21.1	Subsidiaries of the Registrant  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 21.1 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-11 (Registration No. 333-98571)).
31.1	Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2	Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32	Principal Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32	Principal Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

(c)	Financial Statement Schedules

 

 

The information required by this item is set forth below in the financial statements included herein.

 

 

 

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BERKSHIRE INCOME REALTY, INC.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND  FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm-----------------------------	65
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2008 and 2007-------------------------	66
Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) for the Years Ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006-----------------------------------------------------------------------	67
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity / Deficit for the Years Ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006--------------------------------------	68
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006-------------------------------------------------------------------------------	69-70
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements----------------------------------------------	71-96
Schedule III – Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation at December 31, 2008--	97-98
All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto

 

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Berkshire Income Realty, Inc.:

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Berkshire Income Realty, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) at December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with the Standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

 

Boston, Massachusetts

 

March 30, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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BERKSHIRE INCOME REALTY, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

		December 31,
		2008				2007
ASSETS
Multifamily apartment communities, net of accumulated depreciation of $136,678,464 and $144,240,061, respectively		$	419,002,572			$	464,265,061
Cash and cash equivalents			24,227,615				22,479,937
Cash restricted for tenant security deposits			1,851,400				1,953,503
Replacement reserve escrow			5,952,952				7,760,738
Prepaid expenses and other assets			9,314,446				11,026,329
Investment in Multifamily Venture and Limited Partnership			15,425,410				16,794,450
Investment in Mezzanine Loan Limited Liability Company			947,293				-
Acquired in place leases and tenant relationships, net of accumulated amortization of $888,254 and $7,136,556, respectively			388,935				201,002
Deferred expenses, net of accumulated amortization of $1,244,326 and $1,045,194, respectively.			3,306,807				3,581,610
Total assets		$	480,417,430			$	528,062,630
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Liabilities:
Mortgage notes payable		$	432,013,999			$	506,903,882
Due to affiliates			2,291,250				1,952,547
Dividend and distributions payable			837,607				1,837,607
Accrued expenses and other liabilities			11,724,250				13,351,402
Tenant security deposits			1,800,105				1,955,389
Total liabilities			448,667,211				526,000,827
Commitments and Contingencies			-				-
Minority interest in properties			293,650				-
Minority interest in Operating Partnership			-				-
Stockholders’ equity:
Series A 9% Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, no par value, $25 stated value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, 2,978,110 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively			70,210,830				70,210,830
Class A common stock, $.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized; 0 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively			-				-
Class B common stock, $.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized; 1,406,196 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively			14,062				14,062
Excess stock, $.01 par value, 15,000,000 shares authorized, 0 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively			-				-
Accumulated deficit			(38,768,323	)			(68,163,089	)
Total stockholders’ equity			31,456,569				2,061,803
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$	480,417,430			$	528,062,630

 

 

 

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BERKSHIRE INCOME REALTY, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS)

		For the year ended December 31,
		2008				2007				2006
Revenue:
Rental		$	65,441,106			$	61,097,846			$	50,232,295
Interest			605,703				1,112,953				954,110
Utility reimbursement			1,365,137				1,036,912				816,975
Other			2,725,314				2,568,557				1,874,772
Total revenue			70,137,260				65,816,268				53,878,152
Expenses:
Operating			17,483,627				17,483,962				13,922,874
Maintenance			4,377,041				3,977,859				3,727,139
Real estate taxes			7,608,716				6,258,985				5,347,193
General and administrative			3,008,333				2,959,250				2,417,161
Management fees			4,487,677				4,208,626				3,729,447
Depreciation			28,277,756				25,838,371				19,807,424
Interest			23,370,634				22,032,416				15,285,340
Loss on extinguishment of debt			-				316,702				1,540,851
Amortization of acquired in-place leases and tenant relationships			474,258				1,111,431				1,012,876
Total expenses			89,088,042				84,187,602				66,790,305
Loss before minority interest in properties, equity in income (loss) of Multifamily Venture and Limited Partnership, gain on disposition of real estate assets, minority common interest in Operating Partnership and discontinued operations			(18,950,782	)			(18,371,334	)			(12,912,153	)
Minority interest in properties			(5,528,481	)			(2,031,195	)			(1,555,595	)
Minority common interest in Operating Partnership			(12,689,300	)			(3,904,400	)			(11,713,200	)
Equity in income (loss) of Multifamily Venture and Limited Partnership			(3,696,790	)			(2,955,647	)			8,623,757
Equity in income (loss) of Mezzanine Loan Limited    Liability Company			92,293				-				-
Net loss from continuing operations			(40,773,060	)			(27,262,576	)			(17,557,191	)
Discontinued operations:
Loss from discontinued operations			(2,308,279	)			(1,920,031	)			(2,439,590	)
Gain on disposition of real estate asset			79,487,487				32,111,239				-
Income (loss) from discontinued operations			77,179,208				30,191,208				(2,439,590	)
Net income (loss)		$	36,406,148			$	2,928,632			$	(19,996,781	)
Preferred dividend			(6,700,682	)			(6,700,792	)			(6,700,793	)
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders		$	29,705,466			$	(3,772,160	)		$	(26,697,574	)
Net loss from continuing operations per common share, basic and diluted		$	(33.76	)		$	(24.15	)		$	(17.25	)
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations per common share, basic and diluted		$	54.89			$	21.47			$	(1.73	)
Net loss per common share, basic and diluted		$	21.12			$	(2.68	)		$	(18.98	)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, basic and diluted			1,406,196				1,406,196				1,406,196
Dividends declared per common share		$	0.20			$	0.07			$	0.20

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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BERKSHIRE INCOME REALTY, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY/DEFICIT

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008, 2007AND 2006

		Preferred Series A Stock					Class B Common Stock					Accumulated Deficit			Total Stockholders’ equity/(deficit)
.		Shares		Amount			Shares		Amount
Balance at December 31, 2005		2,978,110		$	70,210,830		1,406,196		$	14,062		$	(37,301,504)		$	32,923,388
Net loss		-			-		-			-			(19,996,781)			(19,996,781)
Distributions to preferred shareholders		-			-		-			-			(6,700,793)			(6,700,793)
Distributions to common shareholders		-			-		-			-			(286,800)			(286,800)
Balance at December 31, 2006		2,978,110			70,210,830		1,406,196			14,062			(64,285,878)			5,939,014
Net Income		-			-		-			-			2,928,632			2,928,632
Distributions to minority owners / partners		-			-		-			-			(9,451)			(9,451)
Distributions to preferred shareholders		-			-		-			-			(6,700,792)			(6,700,792)
Distributions to common shareholders		-			-		-			-			(95,600)			(95,600)
Balance at December 31, 2007		2,978,110			70,210,830		1,406,196			14,062			(68,163,089)			2,061,803
Net Income (Loss)		-			-		-			-			36,406,148			36,406,148
Distributions to preferred shareholders		-			-		-			-			(6,700,682)			(6,700,682)
Distributions to common shareholders		-			-		-			-			(310,700)			(310,700)
Balance at December 31, 2008		2,978,110		$	70,210,830		1,406,196		$	14,062		$	(38,768,323)		$	31,456,569

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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BERKSHIRE INCOME REALTY, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

		For the year ended December 31,
		2008				2007				2006
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)		$	36,406,148			$	2,928,632			$	(19,996,781	)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Amortization of deferred financing costs			536,398				444,901				457,241
Amortization of acquired in-place leases and tenant relationships			474,258				1,132,994				1,167,869
Depreciation			32,458,939				32,709,887				27,229,072
Loss on extinguishment of debt			613,061				288,253				324,940
Minority interest in properties			5,528,481				2,031,195				1,555,594
Equity in loss of Multifamily Venture and Limited Partnership			3,696,790				2,955,647				(8,623,757	)
Equity in income of Mezzanine Loan Limited Liability Company			(92,293	)			-				-
Minority interest in Operating Partnership			12,689,300				3,904,400				11,713,200
Gain on real estate assets related to hurricane and fire			(699,940	)			(467,145	)			-
Gain on disposition of real estate assets			(79,487,487	)			(32,111,239	)			-
Increase (decrease) in cash attributable to changes in assets and liabilities:
Tenant security deposits, net			(454,677	)			(578,431	)			(244,371	)
Prepaid expenses and other assets			2,516,217				(1,060,994	)			157,519
Due to/from affiliates			338,703				572,075				870
Accrued expenses and other liabilities			(2,059,095	)			795,472				1,381,847
Net cash provided by operating activities			12,464,803				13,545,647				15,123,243
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital improvements			(30,854,954	)			(19,114,398	)			(18,114,850	)
Acquisition of multifamily apartment communities			(20,148,140	)			(45,009,930	)			(61,637,916	)
Deposits to replacement reserve			(63,549	)			(1,855,101	)			(5,079,391	)
Interest earned on replacement reserves			(71,400	)			(82,333	)			-
Withdrawals from replacement reserve			3,344,208				-				1,019,053
Distributions from investment in Multifamily Venture and Limited Partnership			-				141,802				11,765,850
Investment in Multifamily Venture and Limited Partnership			(2,327,750	)			(8,890,950	)			(10,745,218	)
Investment in Mezzanine Loan Limited Liability Company			(855,000	)			-				-
Proceeds from sale of assets			72,281,539				44,697,455				-
Acquisition of in-place leases and tenant relationships			-				-				(592,687	)
Net cash provided by (used) in investing activities			21,304,954				(30,113,455	)			(83,385,159	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings from mortgage notes payable			13,200,000				73,090,000				161,094,000
Principal payments on mortgage notes payable			(12,319,867	)			(29,171,254	)			(1,977,019	)
Borrowings from revolving credit facility – affiliate			15,000,000				37,500,000				7,000,000
Principal payments on revolving credit facility – affiliate			(15,000,000	)			(37,500,000	)			(7,000,000	)
Good faith deposits on mortgages			341,250				(341,250	)			-
Distributions paid to tax authority on behalf of partners			(875,000	)			(9,451	)			-
Prepayments on mortgage notes payable			(6,433,293	)			(6,393,374	)			(69,218,989	)
Deferred financing costs			(874,656	)			(788,188	)			(1,117,652	)
Distributions to holder of minority interest in properties			(4,359,831	)			(2,031,195	)			(8,559,040	)
Distributions on common operating partnership units			(14,000,000	)			(4,000,000	)			(12,000,000	)
Distributions to preferred shareholders			(6,700,682	)			(6,700,792	)			(6,700,793	)
Net cash provided by (used) in financing activities			(32,022,079	)			23,654,496				61,520,507
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents			1,747,678				7,086,688				(6,741,409	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year			22,479,937				15,393,249				22,134,658
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year		$	24,227,615			$	22,479,937			$	15,393,249

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

 

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BERKSHIRE INCOME REALTY, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued)

		2008				2007				2006
Supplemental disclosure:
Cash paid for interest		$	28,128,711			$	27,962,604			$	19,935,126
Capitalization of interest		$	395,514			$	107,267			$	-
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Dividends declared and payable to preferred shareholders		$	837,607			$	837,607			$	837,607
Dividends and distributions declared and payable on common operating partnership units and shares		$	-			$	1,000,000			$	1,000,000
Capital improvements included in accrued expenses and other liabilities		$	604,296			$	465,491			$	274,084
Mortgage debt assumed by buyer			100,002,097				-				-
Write-off of real estate assets – hurricane and fire damage			1,206,363				-				-
Insurance proceeds receivable – hurricane and fire damage			1,317,693				529,570				-
Acquisition of multifamily apartment communities:
Assets purchased:
Multifamily apartment communities		$	(50,205,199	)		$	(45,040,527	)		$	(70,618,165	)
Acquired in-place leases and tenant relationships			(662,187	)			(615,003	)			(377,113	)
Escrows			-				-				(14,848	)
Prepaid expenses			(640,758	)			-				(197,822	)
Deferred expenses			-				(346,568	)			(17,000	)
Liabilities assumed:
Mortgage notes payable			30,665,374				-				8,958,818
Accrued expenses			293,134				737,089				532,797
Tenant security deposits			401,496				255,079				95,417
Net cash used for acquisition of Multifamily apartment communities		$	(20,148,140	)		$	(45,009,930	)		$	(61,637,916	)
Sale of real estate:
Gross selling price		$	175,650,000			$	45,450,000			$	-
Payoff of mortgage note payable			(6,433,293	)			-				-
Assumption of mortgage notes payable			(92,566,152	)			-				-
Cost of sale			(4,369,016	)			(752,545	)			-
Cash flows from sale of real estate assets		$	72,281,539			$	44,697,455			$	-

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

 

 

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BERKSHIRE INCOME REALTY, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1.	ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

Berkshire Income Realty, Inc., (the “Company”), a Maryland corporation, was incorporated on July 19, 2002 and 100 Class B common shares were issued upon organization.  The Company is in the business of acquiring, owning, operating and rehabilitating multifamily apartment communities.  The Company conducts its business through Berkshire Income Realty – OP, L.P. (the “Operating Partnership).

 

The Company’s consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its subsidiary, the Operating Partnership, as well as the various subsidiaries of the Operating Partnership.  The Company owns preferred and general partner interests in the Operating Partnership.  The remaining common limited partnership interests in the Operating Partnership owned by KRF Company and affiliates are reflected as Minority Interest in Operating Partnership in the financial statements of the Company.

 

Properties

 

A summary of the multifamily apartment communities in which the Company owns an interest at December 31, 2008 is presented below:

 

Description		Location		Year Acquired		(Unaudited) Total Units		Ownership Interest		(Unaudited) 2008 Occupancy (1)
Berkshires of Columbia		Columbia, Maryland		1983		316		91.38%		92.97%
Seasons of Laurel		Laurel, Maryland		1985		1,088		100.00%		92.32%
Walden Pond/Gables		Houston, Texas		1983/2003		556		100.00%		87.69%
Laurel Woods		Austin, Texas		2004		150		100.00%		96.29%
Bear Creek		Dallas, Texas		2004		152		100.00%		95.48%
Bridgewater		Hampton, Virginia		2004		216		100.00%		95.44%
Arboretum		Newport News, Virginia		2004		184		100.00%		95.49%
Silver Hill		Newport News, Virginia		2004		153		100.00%		91.41%
Arrowhead		Palatine, Illinois		2004		200		58.00%		93.83%
Moorings		Roselle, Illinois		2004		216		58.00%		95.66%
Country Place I		Burtonsville, Maryland		2004		192		58.00%		95.33%
Country Place II		Burtonsville, Maryland		2004		120		58.00%		95.33%
Yorktowne		Millersville, Maryland		2004		216		100.00%		93.72%
Berkshires on Brompton		Houston, Texas		2005		362		100.00%		96.36%
Riverbirch		Charlotte, North Carolina		2005		210		100.00%		90.28%
Lakeridge		Hampton, Virginia		2005		282		100.00%		93.96%
Savannah at Citrus Park		Tampa, Florida		2005		264		100.00%		92.16%
Briarwood Village		Houston, Texas		2006		342		100.00%		96.00%
Chisholm Place		Dallas, Texas		2006		142		100.00%		95.31%
Standard at Lenox Park		Atlanta, Georgia		2006		375		100.00%		90.88%
Berkshires at Town Center (formerly Hampton House)		Towson, Maryland		2007		196		100.00%		88.54%
Sunfield Lakes		Sherwood, Oregon		2007		200		100.00%		93.21%
Executive House		Philadelphia, Pennsylvania		2008		302		100.00%		91.80%
Total						6,434

 

(1) – Represents the average year-to-date physical occupancy.

 

 

 

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Discussion of dispositions for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

 

On April 18, 2006, the Operating Partnership completed the sale of 100% of its interest in The Berkshires at Marina Mile property (“Marina Mile”) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  The Company’s share of the proceeds from the sale of Marina Mile were deposited in an escrow account with a qualified institution pursuant to a transaction structured to comply with a Section 1031 tax deferred exchange (“1031 Exchange”) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended,  (the “Tax Code”).  The Company reinvested the proceeds from the sale of its interests in Marina Mile in the acquisitions of Chisholm Place and Briarwood Village Apartments, which the Company completed the acquisition of on June 28, 2006 and August 30, 2006, respectively.  The operating results of Marina Mile have not been presented in the consolidated statement of operations as discontinued operations in accordance with FAS 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long Lived Assets” as those results were not previously reported as part of continuing operations as the results were accounted for under the Equity Method of accounting.

 

On May 30, 2007, the Operating Partnership completed the sale of 100% of its interest in Trellis at Lee’s Mill (“Trellis”) in Newport News, Virginia.  The proceeds from the sale of Trellis in the amount of $5,324,664 were deposited in an escrow account with a qualified institution pursuant to a transaction structured to comply with a 1031 Exchange under the Tax Code.  The Company reinvested its share of proceeds from the sale of Trellis by purchasing qualified replacement property.  The operating results of Trellis have been presented in the consolidated statement of operations as discontinued operations in accordance with FAS 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long Lived Assets.”

 

On June 22, 2007, the Operating Partnership completed the sale of 100% of its interest in Dorsey’s Forge (“Dorsey’s”) in Columbia, Maryland.  The Company’s share of the proceeds from the sale of Dorsey’s in the amount of $13,137,316 were deposited in an escrow account with a qualified institution pursuant to a transaction structured to comply with a 1031 Exchange under the Tax Code.  The Company reinvested its share of the proceeds from the sale of Dorsey’s by purchasing qualified replacement property.  The operating results of Dorsey’s have been presented in the consolidated statement of operations as discontinued operations in accordance with FAS 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long Lived Assets.”

 

On April 28, 2008, the Operating Partnership completed the sale of 100% of its interest in St. Marin/Karrington Apartments (“St. Marin”) in Coppell, Texas.  The selling price was $61,750,000 and subject to normal closing costs and operating prorations.  The Company retained the balance of the sale proceeds in its operating account for its operating use. The operating results of St. Marin have been presented in the consolidated statement of operations as discontinued operations in accordance with FAS 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long Lived Assets.”

 

On May 29, 2008, the Operating Partnership completed the sale of 100% of its interest in Berkshires at Westchase Apartments (“Westchase”) in Houston, Texas.  The selling price was $12,400,000 and subject to normal closing costs and operating prorations.  The proceeds from the sale of Westchase were deposited in the Company’s operating account for its operating use.  The operating results of Westchase have been presented in the consolidated statement of operations as discontinued operations in accordance with FAS 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long Lived Assets.”

 

On October 29, 2008, the Operating Partnership completed the sale of 100% of its interest in Century Apartments (“Century”) in Cockeysville, Maryland.  The selling price was $52,000,000 and subject to normal closing costs and operating prorations.  The Company’s portion of the net proceeds from the sale of Century was deposited in the Company’s operating account for its operating use.

 

On December 30, 2008, the Operating Partnership completed the sale of 100% of its interest in Westchester West Apartments (“Westchester West”) in Silver Spring, Maryland.

 

 

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The selling price was $49,500,000 and subject to normal closing costs and operating prorations.  The proceeds from the sale of Westchester West were deposited in an escrow account with a qualified institution pursuant to a transaction structured to comply with a 1031 Exchange under the Tax Code.  Subsequently, the proceeds were distributed from the qualified intermediary and deposited in the Company’s operating account for its operating use.  The operating results of Westchester West for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 have been presented in the consolidated statement of operations as discontinued operations in accordance with FAS 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long Lived Assets.”

 

 

2.           SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Principles of combination and consolidation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly-owned subsidiaries and entities which it controls including those entities subject to Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 46 (R), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities.”  Variable interest entities (“VIEs”) are entities in which the equity investors do not have a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support. In accordance with FIN No. 46 (R), the Company consolidates VIEs for which it has a variable interest (or a combination of variable interests) that will absorb a majority of the entity’s expected losses, receive a majority of the entity’s expected residual returns, or both, based on an assessment performed at the time the Company becomes involved with the entity. The Company reconsiders this assessment only if the entity’s governing documents or the contractual arrangements among the parties involved change in a manner that changes the characteristics or adequacy of the entity’s equity investment at risk, some or all of the equity investment is returned to the investors and other parties become exposed to expected losses of the entity, the entity undertakes additional activities or acquires additional assets beyond those that were anticipated at inception or at the last reconsideration date that increase its expected losses, or the entity receives an additional equity investment that is at risk, or curtails or modifies its activities in a way that decreases its expected losses.

 

For entities not deemed to be VIEs, the Company consolidates those entities in which it owns a majority of the voting securities or interests, except in those instances in which the minority voting interest owner effectively participates through substantive participative rights, as discussed in Emerging Issues Task Force No. 96-16 and Statement of Position No. 78-9. Substantive participatory rights include the ability to select, terminate, and set compensation of the investee’s management, the ability to participate in capital and operating decisions of the investee (including budgets), in the ordinary course of business.

 

The Company also evaluates its ownership interests in entities not deemed to be VIEs, including partnerships and limited liability companies, to determine if its economic interests result in the Company controlling the entity as promulgated in EITF 04-05, Determining Whether a General Partner, or the General Partners as a Group, Controls a Limited Partnership or Similar Entity When the Limited Partners Have Certain Rights.

 

Real estate

 

Real estate assets are recorded at depreciated cost. Costs related to the acquisition, development, rehabilitation and improvement of properties are capitalized. Interest costs are capitalized on development projects until construction is substantially complete.  There was $395,613, $107,267 and $0 of interest capitalized in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Recurring capital improvements typically include appliances, carpeting, flooring, HVAC equipment, kitchen and bath cabinets, site improvements and various exterior building improvements. Non-recurring upgrades include kitchen and bath upgrades, new roofs, window replacements and the development of on-site fitness, business and community centers.

 

 

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The Company accounts for its acquisitions of investments in real estate in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 141, Business Combinations, which requires the fair value of the real estate acquired to be allocated to the acquired tangible assets, consisting of land, building, furniture, fixtures and equipment and identified intangible assets and liabilities, consisting of the value of the above-market and below-market leases, the value of in-place leases and value of other tenant relationships, based in each case on their fair values. The Company considers acquisitions of operating real estate assets to be businesses as that term is contemplated in Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 98-3, Determining Whether a Nonmonetary Transaction Involves Receipt of Productive Assets or of a Business.

 

The Company allocates purchase price to the fair value of the tangible assets of an acquired property (which includes land, building, furniture, fixtures and equipment) determined by valuing the property as if it were vacant. The as-if-vacant value is allocated to land and buildings, furniture, fixtures and equipment based on management’s determination of the relative fair values of these assets.

 

Above-market and below market in-place lease values for acquired properties are recorded based on the present value (using an interest rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the in-place leases and (ii) management’s estimate of fair market lease rates for the corresponding in-place leases, measured over a period equal to the remaining non-cancelable term of the lease. The capitalized above-market lease values are amortized as a reduction of rental income over the remaining non-cancelable terms of the respective leases. The capitalized below-market lease values are amortized as an increase to rental income over the initial term and any fixed-rate renewal periods in the respective leases.

 

Management may engage independent third-party appraisers to perform these valuations and those appraisals may use commonly employed valuation techniques, such as discounted cash flow analyses. Factors considered in these analyses include an estimate of carrying costs during hypothetical expected lease-up periods considering current market conditions, and costs to execute similar leases. The Company also considers information obtained about each property as a result of its pre-acquisition due diligence, marketing and leasing activities in estimating the fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired. In estimating carrying costs, management also includes real estate taxes, insurance and other operating expenses and estimates of lost rentals at market rates during the expected lease-up periods depending on specific local market conditions and depending on the type of property acquired.

 

The total amount of other intangible assets acquired is further allocated to in-place leases, which includes other tenant relationship intangible values based on management’s evaluation of the specific characteristics of the residential leases and the Company’s tenant retention history.

 

The value of in-place leases and tenant relationships are amortized over the specific expiration dates of the in-place leases over a period of 12 months and the tenant relationships are based on the straight line method of amortization over a 24 month period. The following condensed table provides the amounts assigned to each major balance sheet asset caption for the 2008 acquisitions as of the acquisition date:

 

Property		Multifamily Apartment Communities				Acquired In-Place Leases				Tenant Relationships				Total booked at acquisition date
Executive House		$	50,205,199			$	503,388			$	118,799			$	50,827,386

 

The purchase of Executive House was subject to the assumption of the existing mortgage debt on the property at the time of closing of $27,000,000 and $3,665,374, which are collateralized by the related property. The interest rates on the notes are fixed at 5.515% and 5.99%, respectively, for terms of approximately 8 and 4 years, respectively.

 

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The first mortgage note requires monthly payments of $153,557 of principal and interest after seven payments of interest only and the second mortgage note requires monthly payments of $22,160 of principal and interest. In accordance with FAS 141, “Business Combinations”, the Company recorded the mortgages at their carrying value as the fair value, which was determined by calculating the present value of the future payments at current interest rates, approximated carrying value.

 

Expenditures for ordinary maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred.  Depreciation is computed on the straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, as follows:

 

Rental property	25 to 27.5 years
Improvements	5 to 20 years
Appliances and equipment	3 to 8 years

 

 

When a property is sold, its costs and related depreciation are removed from the accounts with the resulting gains or losses reflected in net income or loss for the period.

 

Pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Opinion No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, management reviews its long-lived assets used in operations for impairment when there is an event or change in circumstances that indicates impairment in value. An asset is considered impaired when the undiscounted future cash flows are not sufficient to recover the asset’s carrying value. If such impairment is present, an impairment loss is recognized based on the excess of the carrying amount of the asset over its fair value. The evaluation of anticipated cash flows is highly subjective and is based in part on assumptions regarding future rental occupancy, rental rates and capital requirements that could differ materially from actual results in future periods. No such impairment losses have been recognized to date.

 

Our investments in unconsolidated joint ventures are reviewed for impairment periodically and we record impairment charges when events or circumstances change indicating that a decline in the fair values below the carrying values has occurred and such decline is other-than-temporary.  The ultimate realization of our investment in unconsolidated joint ventures is dependent on a number of factors, including the performance of each investment and market conditions.  We will record an impairment charge if we determine that a decline in the value of an investment in an unconsolidated joint venture is other than temporary.  No such impairment charges have been recognized to date.

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

The Company participates in centralized cash management whereby cash receipts are deposited in specific property operating accounts and are transferred to the Company’s central operating account.  Bills are paid from a central disbursement account maintained by an affiliate of the Company, which is reimbursed from the Company’s central operating accounts.  In management’s opinion, the cash and cash equivalents presented in the consolidated financial statements are available and required for normal operations.

 

The Company invests its cash primarily in deposits and money market funds with commercial banks. All short-term investments with maturities of three months or less from the date of acquisition are included in cash and cash equivalents. The cash investments are recorded at cost, which approximates current market values.

 

Concentration of credit risk

 

The Company maintains cash deposits with major financial institutions, which from time to time may exceed federally insured limits. The Company does not believe that this concentration of credit risk represents a material risk of loss with respect to its financial position as the Company invests with creditworthy institutions including national banks and major financial institutions.

 

 

 

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Investments

 

The Company accounts for its investments in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities.” At the time of purchase, fixed maturity securities are classified based on intent, as held-to-maturity, trading, or available-for-sale. In order for the security to be classified as held-to-maturity, the Company must have positive intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity. Securities held-to-maturity are stated at cost adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts. Securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term are classified as trading. Securities that do not meet this criterion are classified as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are carried at aggregate fair value with changes in unrealized gains or losses reported as a component of comprehensive income. Fair values for publicly traded securities are obtained from external market quotations. All security transactions are recorded on a trade date basis.

 

The Company’s accounting policy for impairment requires recognition of an other-than-temporary impairment write-down on a security if it is determined that the Company is unable to recover all amounts due under the contractual obligations of the security. In addition, for securities expected to be sold, an other-than-temporary impairment charge is recognized if the Company does not expect the fair value of a security to recover to cost or amortized cost prior to the expected date of sale. Once an impairment charge has been recorded, the Company then continues to review the other-than-temporarily impaired securities for additional impairment, if necessary.

 

Cash restricted for tenant security deposits

 

Cash restricted for tenant security deposits represents security deposits held by the Company under the terms of certain tenant lease agreements.

 

Replacement reserve escrows

 

Certain lenders require escrow accounts for capital improvements. The escrows are funded from operating cash, as needed.

 

Deferred expenses

 

Fees and costs incurred to obtain long-term financing have been deferred and are being amortized over the terms of the related loans, on a method which approximates the effective interest method.

 

Minority Interest in Properties

 

Unaffiliated third parties have ownership interests in five of the Company’s multifamily apartment communities at December 31, 2008.  Such interests are accounted for as “Minority Interest in Properties” in the accompanying financial statements.  Allocations of earnings and distributions are made to minority holders based upon their respective share allocations.  Losses in excess of minority holders’ investment basis are allocated to the Company.  Distributions from operations to the minority holders in excess of their investment basis are recorded in the Company’s statement of operations as Minority Interest in Properties as there is typically no legal obligation for such investors to restore deficit capital accounts.  See Recent Accounting Pronouncements for additional information on SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – an amendment of ARB No. 51.

 

Minority Interest in Operating Partnership

 

In accordance with the Emerging Issues Task Force Issue (“EITF”) No. 94-2, Treatment of Minority Interest in Certain Real Estate Investment Trusts, KRF Company and affiliates’ common limited partnership interest in the Operating Partnership is being reflected as “Minority Interest in Operating Partnership” in the financial statements of the Company.

 

 

 

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 The net equity to the common and general partner interests in the Operating Partnership is less than zero after an allocation to the Company and affiliates’ preferred interest in the Operating Partnership.  Further, KRF Company and affiliates have no obligation to fund such deficit.  Accordingly, for financial reporting purposes, KRF Company and affiliates’ minority interest in the Operating Partnership has been reflected as zero with common stockholders’ equity being reduced for the deficit amount.  See Recent Accounting Pronouncements for additional information on SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – an amendment of ARB No. 51.

 

In accordance with the guidance in EITF No. 95-7, Implementation Issues Related to the Treatment of Minority Interests in Certain Real Estate Investment Trusts, earnings of the Operating Partnership are first being allocated to the preferred interests held by the Company.  The remainder of earnings, if any, are allocated to the Company’s general partner and KRF Company and affiliates’ common limited partnership interests in accordance with their relative ownership percentages.  The excess of the allocation of income to KRF Company and affiliates over cash distributed to them will be credited directly to the Company’s equity (with a corresponding debit to minority interest) until the minority interest deficit that existed upon the completion of the Offering is eliminated.  Distributions to the minority holders in excess of their investment basis are recorded in the Company’s statement of operations as Minority Interest in Operating Partnership.

 

Stockholders' equity/ deficit

 

Capital contributions, distributions and profits and losses are allocated in accordance with the terms of the individual partnership and or limited liability company agreements. Distributions and dividends are accrued and recorded in the period declared.

 

Equity offering costs

 

Underwriting commissions and offering costs have been reflected as a reduction of proceeds from issuance of the Preferred Shares.

 

Debt extinguishment costs

 

In accordance with FAS 145, the Company has determined that debt extinguishment costs do not meet the criteria for classification as extraordinary pursuant to APB Opinion No. 30. Accordingly, costs associated with the early extinguishment of debt are included in the caption “loss on extinguishment of debt” and/or  “discontinued operations” in the Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006.

 

Rental revenue

 

The properties are leased with terms of generally one year or less. Rental revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the related lease term.  As a result, deferred rents receivable are created when rental revenue is recognized during the concession period of certain negotiated leases and amortized over the remaining term of the lease.  Recoveries from tenants for utility expenses are recognized in the period the applicable costs are incurred.

 

Other income

 

Other income, which consists primarily of income from damages, laundry, cable, phone, pool, month to month tenants, relet fees and pet fees, is recognized when earned.

 

Income taxes

 

The Company elected to be treated as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) under Section 856 of the Tax Code (the "Code"), with the filing of its first tax return. As a result, the Company generally is not subject to federal corporate income tax on its taxable income that is distributed to its stockholders.

 

 

 

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A REIT is subject to a number of organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement that it currently distribute at least 90% of its annual taxable income. The Company's policy is to make sufficient distributions of its taxable income to meet the REIT distribution requirements.

 

The Company must also meet other operational requirements with respect to its investments, assets and income. The Company monitors these various requirements on a quarterly basis and believes that as of and for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, it was in compliance on all such requirements. Accordingly, the Company has made no provision for federal income taxes in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.  Also as of January 1, 2007, the Company became subject to the revised franchise tax calculation in Texas.

 

The net difference between the tax basis and the reported amounts of the Company's assets and liabilities is approximately $61,384,770 and $51,066,407 as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The Company believes that due to its structure and the terms of the partnership agreement of the Operating Partnership, if the net difference is realized under the Code, any impact would be substantially realized by the common partners of the Operating Partnership and the impact on the common and preferred shareholders would be negligible.

 

The Company monitors the impact of FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an Interpretation of FASB Statement 109”, which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the Company’s financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.”  As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company has determined it does not have a liability related to a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return and therefore has not recorded any adjustments to its financial statements.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”).   SFAS No. 157 provides guidance for, among other things, the definition of fair value and the methods used to measure fair value. The provisions of SFAS No. 157 are effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. In February 2008, the FASB deferred the effective date of SFAS No. 157 until January 1, 2009 for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis.  The Company adopted SFAS No. 157 as of January 1, 2008.  The Company has assessed the impact of SFAS No. 157 and has determined that the adoption of SFAS No. 157 did not have a material impact on the financial position or operating results of the Company.

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159 “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities – Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115” (“SFAS No. 159”).   SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value.  The provisions of SFAS No. 159 are effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company adopted SFAS No. 159 as of January 1, 2008 and has not opted to fair value any assets or liabilities as of December 31, 2008.  The Company has assessed the impact of SFAS No. 159 and determined that the adoption of SFAS No. 159 did not have a material impact on the financial position or operating results of the Company.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), Business Combinations (“SFAS 141(R)”), which is intended to improve reporting by creating greater consistency in the accounting and financial reporting of business combinations.  SFAS No. 141(R) establishes principles and requirements for how the acquiring entity shall recognize and measure in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed, any non-controlling interest in the acquired entity and goodwill acquired in a business combination.  This statement is effective for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008.  The Company is assessing the potential impact that the adoption of SFAS No. 141(R) may have on its financial position and results of operations.

 

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In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – an amendment of ARB No. 51 (“SFAS No. 160”), which is intended to improve the relevance, comparability, and transparency of financial information provided to investors by establishing and expanding accounting and reporting standards for minority interests in a subsidiary.  This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008.  The Company is currently assessing the potential impact that the adoption of SFAS No. 160 may have on its financial position and results of operations.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, comprehensive income (loss) equaled net income (loss). Therefore, the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income and Loss required to be presented has been omitted from the consolidated financial statements.

 

Use of estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, contingent assets and liabilities at the date of financial statements and revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Such estimates include the amortization of acquired in-place leases and tenant relationships, the allowance for depreciation and the fair value of the accrued participating note interest. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

3.	MULTIFAMILY APARTMENT COMMUNITIES

 

The following summarizes the carrying value of the Company’s multifamily apartment communities:

 

		December 31,
		2008				2007
Land		$	56,100,766			$	63,636,289
Buildings, improvements and personal property			499,580,270				544,868,833
Multifamily apartment communities			555,681,036				608,505,122
Accumulated depreciation			(136,678,464	)			(144,240,061	)
Multifamily apartment communities, net		$	419,002,572			$	464,265,061

 

 

The results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2007 have been restated to reflect the comparative results of operations of the Century, St Marin, Westchester West and Westchase properties as discontinued operations pursuant to FASB 144 – Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.  The results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2006 have been restated to reflect the comparative results of operations of the Century, St Marin, Westchester West, Westchase, Dorsey’s and  Trellis properties as discontinued operations pursuant to FASB 144 – Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.

 

Discontinued Operations

 

On May 30, 2007, the Operating Partnership completed the sale of 100% of its interest in Trellis at Lee’s Mill (“Trellis”) in Newport News, Virginia.  The proceeds from the sale of Trellis in the amount of $5,324,664 were deposited in an escrow account with a qualified institution pursuant to a transaction structured to comply with a 1031 Exchange under the Tax Code.  The Company reinvested its share of proceeds from the sale of Trellis by purchasing qualified replacement property.  The operating results of Trellis have been presented in the consolidated statement of operations as discontinued operations in accordance with FAS 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long Lived Assets.”

 

 

 

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On June 22, 2007, the Operating Partnership completed the sale of 100% of its interest in Dorsey’s Forge (“Dorsey’s”) in Columbia, Maryland.  The Company’s share of the proceeds from the sale of Dorsey’s in the amount of $13,137,316 were deposited in an escrow account with a qualified institution pursuant to a transaction structured to comply with a 1031 Exchange under the Tax Code.  The Company reinvested its share of the proceeds from the sale of Dorsey’s by purchasing qualified replacement property.  The operating results of Dorsey’s have been presented in the consolidated statement of operations as discontinued operations in accordance with FAS 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long Lived Assets.”

 

On April 28, 2008, the Operating Partnership completed the sale of 100% of its interest in St. Marin/Karrington Apartments (“St. Marin”) in Coppell, Texas.  The selling price was $61,750,000 and subject to normal closing costs and operating prorations.  The Company retained the balance of the sale proceeds in its operating account for its operating use. The operating results of St. Marin have been presented in the consolidated statement of operations as discontinued operations in accordance with FAS 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long Lived Assets.”

 

On May 29, 2008, the Operating Partnership completed the sale of 100% of its interest in Berkshires at Westchase Apartments (“Westchase”) in Houston, Texas.  The selling price was $12,400,000 and subject to normal closing costs and operating prorations.  The proceeds from the sale of Westchase were deposited in the Company’s operating account for its operating use.  The operating results of Westchase have been presented in the consolidated statement of operations as discontinued operations in accordance with FAS 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long Lived Assets.”

 

On October 29, 2008, the Operating Partnership completed the sale of 100% of its interest in Century Apartments (“Century”) in Cockeysville, Maryland.  The selling price was $52,000,000 and subject to normal closing costs and operating prorations.  The Company’s portion of the net proceeds from the sale of Century was deposited in the Company’s operating account for its operating use.

 

On December 30, 2008, the Operating Partnership completed the sale of 100% of its interest in Westchester West Apartments (“Westchester West”) in Silver Spring, Maryland.  The selling price was $49,500,000 and subject to normal closing costs and operating prorations.  The proceeds from the sale of Westchester West were deposited in an escrow account with a qualified institution pursuant to a transaction structured to comply with a 1031 Exchange under the Tax Code.  Subsequently, the proceeds were distributed from the qualified intermediary and deposited in the Company’s operating account for its operating use.  The operating results of Westchester West for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 have been presented in the consolidated statement of operations as discontinued operations in accordance with FAS 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long Lived Assets.”

 

 

 

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The operating results of discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 are summarized as follows:

 

		2008				2007				2006
Revenue:
Rental		$	12,171,539			$	20,127,808			$	21,580,520
Interest			5,511				8,543				20,116
Utility reimbursement			373,906				440,420				379,824
Other			499,956				917,722				951,311
Total revenue			13,050,912				21,494,493				22,931,771
Expenses:
Operating			2,672,508				4,658,228				5,476,461
Maintenance			1,079,529				1,536,971				1,715,551
Real estate taxes			1,303,033				2,441,803				2,682,655
General and administrative			357,622				381,530				415,132
Management fees			521,445				839,807				939,595
Depreciation			4,181,183				6,871,514				7,421,649
Interest			3,986,525				6,096,816				6,565,324
Loss on extinguishment of debt			1,257,346				566,291				-
Amortization of acquired in-place leases and tenant relationships			-				21,564				154,994
Total expenses			15,359,191				23,414,524				25,371,361
Loss from discontinued operations		$	(2,308,279	)		$	(1,920,031	)		$	(2,439,590	)

 

4.	INVESTMENT IN MULTIFAMILY VENTURE

 

Effective May 1, 2004, the Company consummated the Limited Liability Company Agreement of JV Marina Mile (“Multifamily Venture”) with a partner, whereby each of the parties to the agreement agreed to participate, on a pro rata basis, in the economic benefits of the ownership of The Berkshires at Marina Mile Apartments (“Marina Mile”). Under the terms of the Multifamily Venture agreement governing the entity, the partner contributed, in cash, 65% of the total venture equity in exchange for a 65% interest in the Multifamily Venture. The Operating Partnership contributed its interest in Marina Mile, L.L.C., the fee simple owner of the property, in exchange for a 35% interest in the Multifamily Venture and a cash distribution of approximately $3,594,693 net of $387,236 of additional capital invested by the Operating Partnership. Both parties are entitled to proportional distributions of available cash up to the effective 10% Preferred Return. After payment of the Preferred Return and the return of each party’s capital contribution, the Operating Partnership is entitled to additional distributions equal to approximately 30% of the distributions otherwise payable to the venture partner. The Operating Partnership is the managing member of the Multifamily Venture. The Company evaluated its investment in the Multifamily Venture and concluded that the investment did not fall under the requirements of FIN 46R as the Multifamily Venture partner retains a majority control over the Multifamily Venture through the decision-making authority granted in the Limited Liability Company Agreement consistent with its economic interests; therefore, the Company accounted for the investment under Statement of Position 78-9, Accounting for Investments in Real Estate (“SOP “78-9”), as an equity method investment.

 

On April 18, 2006, Marina Mile was sold to an unrelated party.  According to the provisions of the Limited Liability Company Agreement, the Company’s overall ownership interest in the proceeds from the sale of Marina Mile increased from 35.00% to 45.52% and pursuant to additional agreements executed in relation to the sale, this increase was effective as of February 1, 2006.  The Company evaluated the change in the ownership interests in the Multifamily Venture and has determined that the increased ownership interests do not materially change the economic interests of the Multifamily Venture partners and would not result in the Company controlling the Multifamily Venture as promulgated in EITF 04-05, Determining Whether a General Partner, or the General Partners as a Group, Controls a Limited Partnership or Similar Entity When the Limited Partners Have Certain Rights.

 

 

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Pursuant to the Operating Partnership’s completion of the sale of 100% of the interest in the Marina Mile property, the net proceeds from the sale in the amount of $11,073,818 were held in an escrow account at a qualified institution pursuant to a transaction structured to comply with a 1031 Exchange under the Code, as amended.  As of December 31, 2006, the Company had reinvested the total proceeds from the sale of interests in Marina Mile in the acquisition of Chisholm Place Apartments and Briarwood Village Apartments, which were completed on June 28, 2006 and August 30, 2006, respectively.  The Company believes the acquisitions of Chisholm Place and Briarwood Village fulfill the purchase requirement under the 1031 Exchange.  The Company received the final distribution of $141,802 from the Multifamily Venture on September 7, 2007 at which time the Multifamily Venture was liquidated.

 

The summarized balance sheet of the Company’s investment in Marina Mile as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 has not been presented because Marina Mile was liquidated.

 

The summarized statement of operations of the Multifamily Venture for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 are presented in the following table.

 

		Year Ended December 31,
		2008				2007				2006
Revenue		$	-			$	-			$	1,143,145
Expenses			-				13,256				1,527,488
Net loss			-				(13,256	)			(384,343	)
Gain on sale of real estate assets			-				-				19,788,884
Net income (loss) attributable to investment		$	-			$	(13,256	)		$	19,404,541
Equity in income (loss) of Multifamily Venture		$	-			$	(6,034	)		$	8,832,947
Adjustment of carrying value							1,313				1,088,210
Equity in income (loss) of Multifamily Venture (1)		$	-			$	(4,721	)		$	9,921,157

 

(1)	As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, this amount represented the Company’s share of the net income of the Multifamily Venture if computed using the Company’s 45.52% ownership percentage, pursuant to the increase in ownership interest related to the sale of the property.

 

 

5.	INVESTMENT IN MULTIFAMILY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP VENTURE

 

On August 12, 2005, the Company, together with affiliates and other unaffiliated parties, entered into a subscription agreement to invest in the Berkshire Multifamily Value Fund, L.P. (“BVF”), an affiliate of Berkshire Property Advisors, L.L.C. (“Berkshire Advisor” or the “Advisor”). Under the terms of the agreement and the related limited partnership agreement, the Company and its affiliates agreed to invest up to $25,000,000, or approximately 7%, of the total capital of the partnership. The Company’s final commitment under the subscription agreement with BVF totals $23,400,000.  BVF’s investment strategy is to acquire middle-market properties where there is an opportunity to add value through repositioning or rehabilitation. Under the terms of the BVF partnership agreement, the Company’s ability to acquire additional properties is restricted to the two following conditions: (1) the Company can invest up to $8,000,000 per year in new properties from available cash or cash generated from the refinancing of existing properties, for a period of up to thirty-nine months, at which time such restriction will lapse, and  (2) the Company is authorized to sell existing properties and reinvest those proceeds through transactions structured to comply with 1031 Exchanges under the Tax Code, without limit.

 

 

 

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The managing partner of BVF is an affiliate of the Company.  The Company has evaluated its investment in BVF and concluded that the investment, although subject to the requirements of FIN 46R, will not require the Company to consolidate the activity of BVF as the Company has determined that it is not the primary beneficiary of the venture as defined in FIN 46R.

 

In relation to its investment in BVF, the Company has elected to adopt a three-month lag period in which it recognizes its share of the equity earnings of BVF in arrears.  The lag period is allowed under the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 18 (As Amended) – The Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock Statement of Position 78-9 and is necessary in order for the Company to consistently meet it regulatory filing deadlines.  As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company has accounted for its share of the equity in BVF operating activity through September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

On September 12, 2008, the Company received notice of the tenth capital call by BVF.  The capital call represented 3.0%, or $700,075, of the total $23,400,000 capital committed to BVF by the Company.  The contribution was paid to BVF on September 26, 2008 and brought the total direct investment by the Company in BVF to $21,772,326, or 93.0% of the total committed capital amount of $23,400,000.

 

On December 5, 2008, the Company received notice of the final capital call by BVF.  The capital call represented 7.0%, or $1,627,674, of the total $23,400,000 capital committed to BVF by the Company.  The contribution was paid to BVF on December 19, 2008 and brought the total direct investment by the Company in BVF to 100.0% of the total committed capital amount of $23,400,000.

 

The summarized statement of assets, liabilities and partners’ capital of BVF is as follows:

 

		September 30,				September 30,
ASSETS		2008				2007
Multifamily apartment communities, net		$	1,209,859,485			$	997,654,798
Cash and cash equivalents			10,135,705				6,649,923
Other assets			28,524,544				39,121,557
Total assets		$	1,248,519,734			$	1,043,426,278
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ CAPITAL
Mortgage notes payable		$	939,696,802			$	736,027,766
Revolving credit facility			61,900,000				69,000,000
Other liabilities			24,103,571				24,014,923
Minority interest			34,363,160				19,121,730
Partners’ capital			188,456,201				195,261,859
Total liabilities and partners’ capital		$	1,248,519,734			$	1,043,426,278
Company’s share of partners’ capital		$	13,193,341			$	13,669,787
Basis differential (1)			2,232,069				3,124,663
Carrying value of the Company’s investment in  Multifamily Limited Partnership		$	15,425,410			$	16,794,450

 

(1)

This amount represents the difference between the Company’s investment in BVF and its share of the underlying equity in the net assets of BVF (adjusted to conform with GAAP) including the timing of the lag period, as described above.  At December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the differential related mainly to the contribution of capital made by the Operating Partnership, in the amount of $1,627,674 and $2,520,269, to BVF during the fourth quarter of 2008 and 2007, respectively. Additionally, $583,240 represents the Company’s share of syndication costs incurred by BVF of which the Company was not required to fund via a separate capital call.

 

 

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The summarized statement of operations of the BVF Multifamily Venture for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 is as follows:

 

		September 30,				September 30,				September 30,
		2008				2007				2006
Revenue		$	133,627,658			$	83,430,010			$	31,230,693
Expenses			(201,169,088	)			(130,090,181	)			(51,791,748	)
Minority interest			9,559,684				4,508,590				2,024,840
Gain on sale of properties			5,176,090				-				-
Net loss attributable to investment		$	(52,805,655	)		$	(42,151,581	)		$	(18,536,215	)
Equity in loss of Multifamily Limited Partnership		$	(3,696,790	)		$	(2,950,926	)		$	(1,297,400	)

6.           INVESTMENT IN MEZZANINE LOAN LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

 

On June 19, 2008, the Company through its wholly owned subsidiary BIR Blackrock, L.L.C., entered into a subscription agreement to invest in the Leggat McCall Hingham Mezzanine Loan LLC, a Massachusetts Limited Liability Company (the “Mezzanine Loan LLC”).  Under the terms of the agreement, the Company agreed to invest up to $1,425,000, or approximately 41%, of the total capital of the investment in order to subscribe for 14.25 units of Mezzanine Loan LLC.  The Company has funded $855,000, or 60% of its commitment as of December 31, 2008.  During the period ended December 31, 2008, the Company recorded $92,293 of equity in income of the Mezzanine Loan LLC.  The carrying value of the Company’s investment in the Mezzanine Loan LLC was $947,293 at December 31, 2008.

The Company has evaluated its investment in Mezzanine Loan LLC and concluded that the investment, although subject to the requirements of FIN 46R, will not require the Company to consolidate the activity of Mezzanine Loan LLC as the Company has determined that it is not the primary beneficiary of the venture as defined in FIN 46R.  The Company accounted for its investment in Mezzanine Loan LLC under the equity method of accounting in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 19 of APB No.18.

 

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7.           MORTGAGE NOTES PAYABLE

 

Mortgage notes payable consists of the following at December 31, 2008 and 2007:

 

Collateralized Property	Original Principal Balance			Principal December 31, 2008			Annual Interest Rate at December 31, 2008 (4)		Final Maturity Date		Monthly Payment			Principal December 31, 2007
Berkshires of Columbia	$	26,600,000		$	25,746,938		4.86%		2013		$	140,527		$	26,150,327
Berkshires of Columbia (2nd note)		4,563,000			4,396,831		6.12%		2013			27,711			4,453,870
Seasons of Laurel		99,200,000			99,200,000		6.10%		2021			521,076			99,200,000
Laurel Woods		4,100,000			4,035,481		5.17%		2015			22,443			4,091,024
Bear Creek		3,825,000			3,825,000		5.83%		2016			19,203			3,825,000
Walden Pond		12,675,000			11,589,844		4.86%		2013			66,962			11,814,714
Gables of Texas		5,325,000			4,869,106		4.86%		2013			28,132			4,970,907
Bridgewater		14,212,500			13,813,547		5.11%		2013			77,254			14,017,173
Silver Hill (1)		4,010,241			3,570,181		5.37%		2026			26,237			3,686,722
Arboretum (1)		6,894,193			6,121,399		5.37%		2026			45,388			6,326,653
Arrowhead		5,510,000			5,351,939		5.00%		2014			29,579			5,432,587
Arrowhead (2nd note)		3,107,305			3,039,236		6.45%		2014			19,618			3,074,101
Moorings		5,775,000			5,609,337		5.00%		2014			31,001			5,693,864
Moorings (2nd note)		3,266,654			3,195,095		6.45%		2014			20,624			3,231,747
Country Place I & II		15,520,000			15,093,799		5.01%		2015			83,410			15,319,621
Country Place (2nd note)		9,676,278			9,463,393		6.43%		2015			60,965			9,572,427
Yorktowne		16,125,000			15,710,780		5.13%		2015			87,848			15,939,050
Yorktowne  (2nd note)		7,050,000			6,890,483		6.12%		2015			42,814			6,999,005
Brompton		18,600,000			18,600,000		5.71%		2014			91,455			18,600,000
Riverbirch		5,750,000			5,750,000		5.57%		2015			27,579			5,750,000
Lakeridge		13,130,000			12,887,938		5.07%		2014			71,047			13,071,037
Lakeridge (2nd note)		12,520,000			12,289,653		5.08%		2014			67,824			12,463,893
Savannah at Citrus Park		15,720,000			15,720,000		5.21%		2009			70,526			15,720,000
Briarwood		13,200,000			13,200,000		6.43%		2018			73,088			8,620,941
Briarwood (1) (2)		8,958,818			-										-
Chisholm		6,953,000			6,953,000		6.25%		2016			37,421			6,953,000
Standard at Lenox		35,000,000			35,000,000		5.80%		2016			174,806			35,000,000
Berkshires at Town Center		20,000,000			20,000,000		5.77%		2017			99,372			20,000,000
Sunfield Lakes		19,440,000			19,440,000		6.29%		2017			105,295			19,440,000
Executive House (1)		27,000,000			27,000,000		5.52%		2016			153,642			-
Executive House (2nd note)(1)		3,700,000			3,651,019		5.99%		2012			22,160			-
Century (3)		29,520,000			-		4.87%		2013			156,133			29,021,950
Century (2nd note) (3)		3,417,000			-		6.12%		2013			20,751			3,335,278
St. Marin/Karrington (3)		32,500,000			-		4.90%		2012			172,486			31,544,748
Westchester West (3)		29,500,000			-		5.03%		2015			158,904			29,165,857
Westchester West (2nd note) (3)		8,000,000			-		5.89%		2015			47,400			7,947,514
Westchase		6,500,000			-		5.08%		2015			35,212			6,470,872
Total	$	556,843,989		$	432,013,999									$	506,903,882

 

(1) – Represents assumed balance of the mortgage note payable as adjusted to its fair value as required by FAS 141 “Business Combinations.”  Annual interest rate at December 31, 2008 reflects interest rate used to calculate fair value of the debt when assumed.

 

(2)  – Mortgage matured and was outstanding balance was paid during the year ended December 31, 2008.

 

(3)  – Property sold and mortgage balance assumed by buyer during the year ended December 31, 2008.

 

(4)  – All interest rates are fixed as of December 31, 2008.

 

 

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All mortgage notes are collateralized by the referenced property, which are all multifamily residential apartment communities.  All payments on the outstanding mortgage notes have been made timely and all mortgage loans were current as of December 31, 2008 and 2007.  Also, there were no amounts of principal on the notes that were subject to delinquent principal or interest as of December 31, 2008.

 

Combined aggregate principal maturities of mortgage notes payable at December 31, 2008 are as follows:

 

2009		$	18,723,558
2010			3,372,626
2011			3,539,266
2012			7,444,714
2013			75,141,327
Thereafter			323,792,508
		$	432,013,999

The Company determines the fair value of the mortgage notes payable based on the discounted future cash flows at a discount rate that approximates the Company's current effective borrowing rate for comparable loans.  For purposes of determining fair value the Company groups its debt by similar maturity date for purposes of obtaining comparable loan information in order to determine fair values.  In addition, the Company also considers the loan-to-value percentage of individual loans to determine if further stratification of the loans are appropriate in the valuation model.   If the loan-to-value percentage for any particular loan is in excess of the majority of the debt pool, debt in excess of 80% loan-to-value will be treated as mezzanine debt and valued using a larger interest spread than the average debt pool. Based on this analysis, the Company has determined that the fair value of the mortgage notes payable approximates $416,730,000 and $500,472,100 at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively

 

8.	REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY - AFFILIATE

 

On June 30, 2005, the Company obtained new financing in the form of a revolving credit facility. The revolving credit facility in the amount of $20,000,000 was provided by an affiliate of the Company. The facility provides for interest on borrowings at a rate of 5% above the 30 day LIBOR rate, as announced by Reuter’s, and fees based on borrowings under the facility and various operational and financial covenants, including a maximum leverage ratio and a maximum debt service ratio. The agreement has a maturity date of December 31, 2006, with a one-time six-month extension available at the option of the Company. The terms of the facility were agreed upon through negotiations and were approved by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”), which is comprised solely of directors who are independent under applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the American Stock Exchange.

 

On October 30, 2006, the Company exercised its contractual option to extend the maturity date on the revolving credit facility available from the affiliate.  The Company sent notice to the affiliate of its intent, pursuant to the credit agreement, to extend the maturity date of the revolving credit facility by six months, until June 30, 2007.

 

On May 31, 2007, the Company executed an amendment to the Agreement.  The amendment provides for an extension of the maturity date by replacing the current maturity date of June 30, 2007 with a 60-day notice of termination provision by which the lender can affect a termination of the commitment under the Agreement and render all outstanding amounts due and payable.  The amendment also adds a clean-up requirement to the Agreement, which requires the borrower to repay in full all outstanding loans and have no outstanding obligations under the Agreement for a 14 consecutive day period during each 365-day period.  The clean-up requirement has been satisfied for the initial 365-day period starting on June 1, 2007.

 

 

 

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During the year ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company borrowed a total of $15,000,000 pursuant to two separate advances during 2008 and a total of $37,500,000 pursuant to three separate advances during 2007, respectively, related to the acquisition activities of the Company and repaid total advances of $15,000,000 and $37,500,000, respectively, during the same periods.  There were no borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2008 or December 31, 2007.  The Company incurred interest and fees of $122,648 and $676,400 related to the facility during the year ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

 

9.           DECLARATION OF DIVIDEND AND DISTRIBUTIONS

 

 

On March 25, 2003, the Board declared a dividend at an annual rate of 9%, on the stated liquidation preference of $25 per share of the outstanding Preferred Shares which is payable quarterly in arrears, on February 15, May 15, August 15, and November 15 of each year to shareholders of record in the amount of $0.5625 per share per quarter.  The first quarterly dividend paid on May 15, 2003 was prorated to reflect the issue date of the Preferred Shares.  For the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company’s aggregate dividends totaled $6,700,792 and $6,700,792, respectively, of which $837,607 were payable and included on the balance sheet in Dividends and Distributions Payable as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

On May 16, 2007, the Board authorized the general partner of the Operating Partnership to distribute quarterly distributions of $1,000,000 each, in the aggregate, from its operating cash flows to common general and common limited partners, payable on August 15, 2007 and November 15, 2007. On the same day, the Board also declared a common dividend of $0.016996 per share on the Company’s Class B common stock payable concurrently with the Operating Partnership distributions.

 

Also on November 15, 2007, the Board authorized the general partner of the Operating Partnership to distribute quarterly distributions of $1,000,000 from its operating cash flows to common general and common limited partners, payable on February 15, 2008 and May 15, 2008. On the same day, the Board also declared a common dividend of $0.016996 per share on the Company’s Class B common stock payable concurrently with the Operating Partnership distributions.

 

On May 6, 2008, the Board authorized the general partner of the Operating Partnership to distribute quarterly distributions of $1,000,000 each, in the aggregate, from its operating cash flows to common general and common limited partners, payable on August 15, 2008 and November 15, 2008. On the same day, the Board also declared a common dividend of $0.016996 per share on the Company’s Class B common stock payable concurrently with the Operating Partnership distributions.

 

Also on May 6, 2008, the Board authorized the general partner of the Operating Partnership to distribute a special distribution of $10,000,000 from its operating cash flows to common general and common limited partners, payable on May 15, 2008. On the same day, the Board also declared a common dividend of $0.169962 per share on the Company’s Class B common stock payable concurrently with the Operating Partnership distribution.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company declared a total of $12,000,000 and $4,000,000 respectively, of distributions to common shareholders. Of the dividends declared in 2007, $1,000,000 was payable and included on the balance sheet in Dividends and Distributions Payable at December 31, 2007.  There was no dividend payable outstanding at December 31, 2008.

 

The Company’s policy to provide for common distributions is based on available cash and Board approval.

 

Holders of the Company’s stock receiving distributions are subject to tax on the dividends received and must report those dividends as either ordinary income, capital gains, or non-taxable return of capital.

 

 

 

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The Company paid $2.25 of distributions per preferred share (CUSIP 84690205) and approximately $0.24 per Class B common share, which is not publicly traded, during the year ended December 31, 2008.  Pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 857 (b) (3) (C), for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, the Company determined the taxable composition of the following cash distributions as set forth in the following table:

		Tax Year Ended December 31,
		Dividend				%				Dividend				%				Dividend				%
		2008				2008				2007				2007				2006				2006
Preferred Stock:
Taxable ordinary dividend paid per share		$	-				0.0	%		$	2.18				96.8	%		$	2.19				97.3	%
Taxable capital gain dividend paid per share			2.25				100.0	%			-				0.0	%			-				0.0	%
Non-taxable distributions paid per share			-				0.0	%			0.07				3.2	%			0.06				2.7	%
Total		$	2.25				100.0	%		$	2.25				100.0	%		$	2.25				100.0	%
Common Stock:
Taxable ordinary dividend paid per share		$	-				0.0	%		$	-				0.0	%		$	-				0.0	%
Taxable capital gain dividend paid per share			0.237948				100.0	%			-				0.0	%			-				0.0	%
Non-taxable dividend paid per share			-				0.0	%			0.067985				100.0	%			0.203955				100.0	%
Total		$	0.237948				100.0	%		$	0.067985				100.0	%		$	0.203955				100.0	%

 

Refer to note 2 for additional information regarding the tax status of the Company

 

10.	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

The Company is party to certain legal actions arising in the ordinary course of its business, such as those relating to tenant issues. All such proceedings taken together are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company. While the resolution of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes that the final outcome of such legal proceedings and claims will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s liquidity, financial position or results of operations.

 

On April 26, 2007, the Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary, BIR Hampton L.L.C., executed a non-recourse mortgage note payable on the Hampton House Apartments for $20,000,000, which is collateralized by the related property.  As a condition of obtaining the mortgage, the lender required a guarantee of $6,180,000 from the Company to ensure the completion of specific capital improvements to the property and required that a deposit of $1,550,000 be placed in escrow to be released when the specified rehabilitation activities have been completed.   As of December 31, 2008 the rehabilitation project is ongoing and the Company currently anticipates satisfying the guarantee per the mortgage requirements.

 

On August 15, 2007, the Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary, BIR Sunfield L.L.C., executed a non-recourse mortgage note payable on the Sunfield Lakes Apartments for $19,440,000, which is collateralized by the related property.  As a condition of obtaining the mortgage, the lender required a guarantee of $1,326,000 from the Company to ensure the completion of specific capital improvements to the property.  As of December 31, 2008 the rehabilitation project is moving forward and the Company currently anticipates satisfying the guarantee per the mortgage requirements.

 

On January 25, 2008, the Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary BIR Arboretum Development L.L.C., executed a fixed rate first mortgage note for $13,650,000, which is collateralized by the related property.  The proceeds of the loan will be used to build a multifamily apartment community on a parcel of land adjacent to the Arboretum Place Apartments, a multifamily apartment community also owned by the Company. The interest rate on the note is fixed at 6.20% and has a term of 7 years, including a 2 year construction period and 5 years of permanent financing.  The loan is a non-drawn mortgage note and was granted with equity requirements that provide for the Company to make an equity investment of $5,458,671, inclusive of land equity of $2,150,000, in the project. On September 12, 2008, the Company submitted the first construction loan draw to the lender for the Arboretum Land development project totaling $3,371,836.  As of December 31, 2008, there have been no advances on this mortgage.

 

 

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Business Risks and Uncertainties

 

During 2008 and expected to continue through 2009, many regions of the United States are experiencing varying degrees of economic recession resulting in negative job growth for both the country as a whole and in many of the Company’s markets.

The credit crisis, which began in earnest in mid-2007, and the subsequent economic downturn, has had an impact on the Company’s business and financial results. The market deterioration has led to reduced levels of liquidity available to finance our operations. It has impacted the Company’s secured credit spreads and increased our cost of funds.

 

Due to the economic crisis and constrictions in the credit markets which occurred in 2008 and are assumed to continue all of 2009, the Company plans to aggressively manage capital in various aspects of its operations, including limiting acquisitions, development and capital expenditures.

Specific to 2009, and in response to the constrictions in the credit market, the Company will be pursuing certain initiatives:  The Company is evaluating refinancing alternatives for the existing loan which matures in October 2009.  The Company currently anticipates it will be able to refinance substantially all of the outstanding balance.

 

 

 

11.           MINORITY INTERESTS

 

Minority Interest in Properties

 

Three of the Company’s properties, Dorsey’s, Hannibal Grove Apartments and Century II Apartments, are owned with a third party.  The Company’s interest in each of Dorsey’s and Hannibal Grove Apartments is 91.382% and its interest in Century II Apartments is 75.82%.  The Dorsey’s property was sold on June 22, 2007 and the interests of the Company and the minority position of that property was reduced to $0.  The Century II Apartments property was sold on October 28, 2008 and the interests of the Company and the minority position of that property was adjusted to $293,650.

 

Effective September 24, 2004, the Company consummated the JV BIR/ERI, L.L.C. multifamily venture agreement (“JV BIR/ERI”) with Equity Resources Investments, L.L.C. (“ERI”), an unrelated third party, whereby each of the parties to the agreement agreed to participate, on a pro rata basis, in the economic benefits of the venture. Under the terms of the limited liability company agreement, the Company owns a 58% interest as the managing member and ERI owns the remaining 42% interest. The Company evaluated its investment in JV BIR/ERI and concluded that the investment did not fall under the requirements of FIN 46R because it did not meet the conditions set forth in the FASB interpretation.  Therefore the Company accounted for the investment under Accounting Research Bulletin 51, Consolidated Financial Statements based on its controlling interest in the subsidiary.

 

During 2008 and 2007, normal operating distributions of $1,600,000, respectively were made to the JV BIR/ERI partners based on their ownership interests in the venture.  The distributions represent funds accumulated from the normal operations of the properties owned by JV BIR/ERI.

 

During 2008 and 2007 the activity of JV BIR/ERI resulted in a net loss position and reduced the minority interest in the properties to zero as there was no positive basis in the properties at December 31, 2008 or December 31, 2007.  Minority interest in the JV BIR/ERI properties is carried at zero on the balance sheet due to the minority interest having no obligation to fund losses/deficits.

 

 

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Minority Interest in Operating Partnership

 

The following table sets forth the calculation of minority common interest in the Operating Partnership at December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006:

 

		2008				2007				2006
Net income (loss)		$	36,406,148			$	2,928,632			$	(19,996,781	)
Add:
Minority common interest in Operating Partnership			12,689,300				3,904,400				11,713,200
Income (loss) before minority interest in Operating Partnership			49,095,448				6,833,032				(8,283,581	)
Preferred Dividend			(6,700,682	)			(6,700,792	)			(6,700,793	)
Income (loss) available to common equity			42,394,766				132,240				(14,984,374	)
Common Operating Partnership units of minority interest			97.61	%			97.61	%			97.61	%
Minority common interest in Operating Partnership		$	41,381,531			$	129,080			$	(14,626,247	)

 

Although the 2008 and 2007 activities resulted in a net income position, due to the sale of Century, St. Marin/Karrington, Westchester West and Westchase in 2008 and Dorsey’s and Trellis in 2007, there was only positive basis related to the Century property as of December 31, 2008, and continues to be no positive basis, in the Operating Partnership at December 31, 2008 related to the other properties. There was no allocation to the Minority Common Interest in Operating Partnership at December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, except to the extent distributions were paid or accrued.

 

 

The following table sets forth a summary of the items affecting the Minority common interest in the Operating Partnership:

 

	Minority				Company’s
	Common Interest				Interest in
	in Operating				Operating				Total Common
	Partnership				Partnership				Owners’ Deficit
Balance at December 31, 2007		$	(68,477,186	)		$	158,106			$	(68,319,080	)
Minority common interest in Operating Partnership			41,381,531				1,013,235				42,394,766
Distributions to common interest in Operating Partnership			(12,689,300	)			(310,700	)			(13,000,000	)
Balance at December 31, 2008 (1)		$	(39,784,955	)		$	860,641			$	(38,924,314	)

 

(1)	Minority common interest in Operating Partnership is carried at zero on the balance sheet due to the minority interest having no obligation to fund losses/deficits.

 

As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Minority common interest in the Operating Partnership consisted of 5,242,223 Operating Partnership units held by parties other than the Company.

 

 

12.	RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

The Company pays property management fees to an affiliate for property management services.  The fees are payable at a rate of 4% of gross income.

 

 

 

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The Company pays asset management fees to an affiliate for asset management services.  These fees are payable quarterly, in arrears, and may be paid only after all distributions currently payable on the Company’s Preferred Shares have been paid.  Effective April 4, 2003, under the advisory services agreement, the Company will pay Berkshire Advisor an annual asset management fee equal to 0.40%, up to a maximum of $1,600,000 in any calendar year, as per an amendment to management agreement, of the purchase price of real estate properties owned by the Company, as adjusted from time to time to reflect the then current fair market value of the properties.  The purchase price is defined as the capitalized basis of an asset under GAAP, including renovation or new construction costs, costs of acquisition or other items paid or received that would be considered an adjustment to basis.  Prior to April 4, 2003, asset management fees paid by the Predecessor were based on fees specified under the terms of the agreements governing the various Predecessor entities.  The Company also reimburses affiliates for certain expenses incurred in connection with the operation of the properties, including administrative expenses and salary reimbursements.

 

The Company pays acquisition fees to an affiliate for acquisition services.  These fees are payable upon the closing of an acquisition of real property.  The fee is equal to 1% of the purchase price of any new property acquired directly and indirectly by the Company.  The purchase price is defined as the capitalized basis of an asset under GAAP, including renovations or new construction costs, cost of acquisition or other items paid or received that would be considered an adjustment to basis.  The purchase price does not include acquisition fees and capital costs of a recurring nature.  During the year ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, the Company incurred fees on the following acquisitions:

 

 

		Acquisition Fee				Acquisition Fee				Acquisition Fee
Acquisition		2008				2007				2006
Executive House		$	500,000			$	-			$	-
Hampton House			-				205,000				-
Sunfield Lakes			-				242,250				-
Briarwood Village			-				-				138,167
Chisholm Place			-				-				96,250
Standard at Lenox Park			-				-				471,000
		$	500,000			$	447,250			$	705,417

All acquisition fees have been capitalized and are included in the caption “Multifamily apartment communities” in the accompanying balance sheet.

 

The Company pays a construction management fee to an affiliate, Berkshire Advisor, for services related to the management and oversight of renovation and rehabilitation projects at its properties.  The Company paid or accrued $612,312 and $808,024 in construction management fees for the year ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The fees are capitalized as part of the project cost in the year they are incurred.

 

The Company pays development fees to an affiliate for property development services.  As of December 31, 2008, the Company has one property under development and has incurred fees totaling $700,000 since inception of the project during the year.  The fees, of which $270,750 is related to predevelopment activities and $429,250 is related to the development phase, are based on the project’s development/construction costs.  As of December 31, 2008, $700,000 has been paid to the affiliate and construction is ongoing.

 

 

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Amounts accrued or paid to the Company’s affiliates for the year ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:

		2008				2007				2006
Property management fees		$	3,335,681			$	3,374,992			$	2,995,596
Expense reimbursements			195,900				250,596				316,060
Salary reimbursements			8,795,648				9,380,153				7,963,168
Asset management fees			1,673,441				1,673,441				1,673,446
Acquisition fees			500,000				447,250				705,417
Construction management fees			612,312				808,024				849,490
Development fees			300,000				400,000				-
Interest on revolving credit facility			122,648				676,400				3,860
Total		$	15,535,630			$	17,010,856			$	14,507,037

 

Expense reimbursements due to affiliates of $2,920,573 and $2,891,791 are included in due to affiliates at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

Expense reimbursements due from affiliates of $629,322 and $939,244 are included in due to affiliates at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

Amounts due to affiliates of $2,291,250 and $1,952,547 at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, represent intercompany development fees, expense reimbursements and shared services.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company borrowed a total of $15,000,000 pursuant to two separate advances during 2008 and a total of $37,500,000 pursuant to three separate advances during 2007, respectively, related to the acquisition activities of the Company and repaid total advances of $15,000,000 and $37,500,000, respectively, during the same periods.  There were no borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively.  The Company incurred interest and fees of $122,648 and $676,400 related to the facility during the year ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

In addition to the fees listed above, the Multifamily Venture paid or accrued property management fees of $0, $42,864 and $136,895 to Berkshire Advisor during 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Also the Multifamily Limited Partnership Venture paid construction management fees of $3,118,380, $2,313,745 and $1,630,024, property management fees of $5,637,868, $3,692,478 and $1,854,329 and asset management fees of $3,282,256, $2,362,104 and $2,364,778 to Berkshire Advisor during 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

 

 

Related party arrangements are approved by the independent directors of the Company and are evidenced by a written agreement between the Company and the affiliated entity providing the services.

 

On September 12, 2008, the Company received notice of the tenth capital call by BVF, an affiliate of the Company.  The capital call represented 3.0%, or $700,075, of the total $23,400,000 capital committed to BVF by the Company.  The contribution was paid to BVF on September 26, 2008 and brought the total direct investment by the Company in BVF to $21,772,326, or 93.0% of the total committed capital amount of $23,400,000.

 

On December 5, 2008, the Company received notice of the final capital call by BVF, an affiliate of the Company.  The capital call represented 7.0%, or $1,627,674, of the total $23,400,000 capital committed to BVF by the Company.  The contribution was paid to BVF on December 19, 2008 and brought the total direct investment by the Company in BVF to 100.0% of the total committed capital amount of $23,400,000.

 

 

 

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13.	SELECTED INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

 

The operating results have been revised to reflect the sale of Century, St. Marin/Karrington, Westchester West and Westchase in 2008, Dorsey’s and Trellis in 2007.  The operating results for all quarters have been reclassed to discontinued operations to provide comparable information.

 

		2008 Quarter Ended
		March 31,				June 30,				September 30,				December 31,
Total revenue		$	16,829,057			$	17,249,858			$	17,459,764			$	18,598,581
Loss before minority interest in properties, equity in loss of Multifamily Venture and Limited Partnership, minority common interest in Operating Partnership, income from discontinued operations and gain on transfer of assets to Multifamily Venture			(5,220,538	)			(4,449,870	)			(4,827,391	)			(5,157,237	)
Income (loss) from continuing operations			(6,913,544	)			(16,407,828	)			(7,030,722	)			(11,125,220	)
Discontinued operations
Net income (loss) from operations			(528,446	)			(1,114,181	)			(114,427	)			(546,911	)
Gain on disposition of real estate assets			-				27,031,898				3,591				52,451,998
Income (loss) from discontinued operations			(528,446	)			25,917,717				(110,836	)			51,905,087
Gain on disposition of real estate assets			-				129,146				-				570,794
Net income (loss)			(7,441,990	)			9,639,035				(7,141,558	)			41,350,661
Preferred dividend			(1,675,197	)			(1,675,197	)			(1,675,144	)			(1,675,144	)
Income (loss) available to common shareholders		$	(9,117,187	)		$	7,963,838			$	(8,816,703	)		$	39,675,518
Basic and diluted earnings per share:
Loss from continuing operations		$	(6.11	)		$	(12.70	)		$	(6.19	)		$	(8.76	)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations			(0.38	)			18.43			$	(0.08	)			36.92
Income (loss) available to common shareholders			(6.49	)			5.73				(6.27	)			28.16
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding			1,406,196				1,406,196				1,406,196				1,406,196

 

 

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		2007 Quarter Ended
		March 31,				June 30,				September 30,				December 31,
Total revenue		$	15,342,000			$	16,335,137			$	16,960,326			$	17,178,805
Loss before minority interest in properties, equity in loss of Multifamily Venture and Limited Partnership, minority common interest in Operating Partnership, income from discontinued operations and gain on transfer of assets to Multifamily Venture			(4,633,541	)			(4,862,116	)			(4,896,732	)			(4,446,090	)
Income (loss) from continuing operations			(6,441,485	)			(7,999,333	)			(6,780,230	)			(6,508,673	)
Discontinued operations
Net income (loss) from operations			(466,711	)			(1,004,251	)			(199,907	)			(249,164	)
Gain on disposition of real estate assets			-				32,122,606				(11,365	)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations			(466,711	)			31,118,355				(211,272	)			(249,164	)
Gain on disposition of real estate assets			-				809				3,862				462,474
Net income (loss)			(6,908,196	)			23,119,831				(6,987,641	)			(6,295,363	)
Preferred dividend			(1,675,199	)			(1,675,198	)			(1,675,197	)			(1,675,198	)
Income (loss) available to common shareholders		$	(8,583,395	)		$	21,444,632			$	(8,662,838	)		$	(7,970,559	)
Basic and diluted earnings per share:
Loss from continuing operations		$	(5.77	)		$	(6.88	)		$	(6.01	)		$	(5.82	)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations			(0.33	)			22.13				(0.15	)			(0.18	)
Income (loss) available to common shareholders			(6.10	)			15.25				(6.16	)			(5.67	)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding			1,406,196				1,406,196				1,406,196				1,406,196

 

 

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14.           PROFORMA CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

 

During the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company did not acquire any properties deemed to the individually significant in accordance with Regulation S-X, Rule 3-14 “Special Instructions for Real Estate Operations to be Acquired”.  As there were no individually significant acquisitions during 2008 or 2007, no proforma condensed financial information is presented.

 

The following unaudited proforma information for the year ended December 31, 2006 is presented as if the 2006 acquisition of The Standard at Lenox Park had occurred as of the beginning of the period.  The unaudited proforma information does not purport to represent what the actual results of operations of the Company would have been had the above occurred, nor does it purport to predict the results of operations of future periods.

 

		2006
Revenue		$	80,180,563
Loss before minority interest in properties, equity in loss of Multifamily Venture and Limited Partnership, minority common interest in Operating Partnership, income from discontinued operations and gain on transfer of assets to Multifamily Venture			(18,046,376	)
Loss from continuing operations			(22,691,414	)
Discontinued operations
Net loss from operations			-
Gain on disposition of real estate assets			-
Income from discontinued operations			-
Net loss			(22,691,414	)
Preferred dividend			(6,700,793	)
Loss available to common Shareholders		$	(29,392,207	)
Basic and diluted earnings per share:
Loss from continuing operations		$	(20.90	)
Net income from discontinued operations		$	-
Loss available to common Shareholders		$	(20.90	)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding			1,406,196

 

15.           DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

 

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments:

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

For those cash equivalents with maturities of three months or less from the date of acquisition, the carrying amount of the investment is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

 

Mortgage notes payable

 

Market fixed rate mortgage notes payable - For fixed rate mortgages that have been obtained in the open market, the fair value is based on the borrowing rates currently available to the Company with similar terms and average maturities.  The Company believes that the carrying amounts of the mortgages are reasonable estimates of fair value.

 

 

 

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Assumed fixed rate mortgage notes payable – For fixed rate mortgage notes payable that the Company has assumed as part of various property acquisitions, the net present value of future cash flows method was used to determine the fair value of the liabilities when recorded by the Company.  At December 31, 2008 and 2007 the carrying amount is the fair value of the assumed mortgage notes payable less any principal amortization since assumption.

 

 

16.	LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

The Company is currently party to a legal proceeding initiated by a seller/developer from whom the Company acquired a property in 2005.  The dispute involves the interpretation of certain provisions of the purchase and sales agreement related to post acquisition construction activities.  Specifically, the purchase and sales agreement provided that if certain conditions were met, the seller/developer would develop a vacant parcel of land contiguous to the acquired property with 18 new residential apartment units (the “New Units”) for the benefit of the Company at an agreed upon price.  The purchase and sales agreement also provided the opportunity for the seller/developer to build a limited number of garages (the “Garages”) for the existing apartment units, for the benefit of the Company at an agreed upon price.

 

In 2006, the Company accrued $190,000 with respect to the new units based on a settlement offer extended to the plaintiff.  On November 9, 2007, the judge issued a summary judgment with respect to the construction of the New Units.  The judgment was against the Company, but did not specify damages, which the plaintiff will be required to demonstrate at trial.  On February 13, 2008, the court entered judgment on the seller/developer’s behalf awarding them a judgment in the amount of $774,292 for costs and damages.  The Company believes that there are reasonable grounds for appeal of this ruling and intends to pursue an appeal of the Judgment awarded by the court.

 

As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, the Company did not increase its accrual of $190,000 related to this matter as it is moving forward with an appeal of the judgment awarded by the court.  Based on the court’s award of damages in the amount of $774,292, if the appeal were to be unsuccessful, the Company would record an additional cost of $584,292, the amount in excess of the $190,000 accrued as of December 31, 2008.

 

The Company settled the matter related to the construction of the Garages and has executed a contract with the seller/developer which is contingent on the Company obtaining lender approval.

 

The Company and our properties are not subject to any other material pending legal proceedings and we are not aware of any such proceedings contemplated by governmental authorities.

 

 

17.	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

On February 23, 2009, the Company closed on $5,181,000 of fixed rate supplemental mortgage debt on the Berkshires of Columbia property.  The loan will be an unsecured third mortgage note collateralized by the property with a fixed interest rate of 6.37% and a term which is coterminous with the existing first mortgage note.

 

On February 24, 2009, the Company, through the Operating Partnership, entered into a Joint Venture Agreement to acquire 90% of the ownership interests in a 201 unit multifamily mid rise community in Los Angeles, California.  The initial contribution of partnership commitment capital totaled $12,580,314.

 

On February 26, 2009, the Company closed on $1,900,000 of fixed rate supplemental mortgage debt on the Laurel Woods property.  The loan will be an unsecured second mortgage note collateralized by the property with a fixed interest rate of 7.14% and a term which is coterminous with the existing first mortgage note.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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BERKSHIRE INCOME REALTY, INC.

 

SCHEDULE III – REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION

 

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2008

 

Description		Encumbrances		Initial Costs Buildings and Land		Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition		Total Costs at December 31, 2008		Accumulated Depreciation			Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation		Year Acquired		Depreciable Lives
Berkshires of Columbia	$	30,143,769	$	13,320,965	$	9,519,855	$	22,840,820	$	12,463,687		$	10,377,133		1983		(1)
Seasons of Laurel		99,200,000		63,083,489		25,248,837		88,332,326		51,344,235			36,988,091		1985		(1)
Walden Pond / Gables		16,458,950		28,357,253		350,370		28,707,623		14,118,790			14,588,833		1983/2003		(1)
Laurel Woods		4,035,481		5,216,275		756,967		5,973,242		1,507,046			4,466,196		2004		(1)
Bear Creek		3,825,000		4,845,550		765,826		5,611,376		1,417,970			4,193,406		2004		(1)
Bridgewater		13,813,547		18,922,831		458,899		19,381,730		3,760,561			15,621,169		2004		(1)
Silver Hill		3,570,181		4,885,312		498,639		5,383,951		1,091,422			4,292,529		2004		(1)
Arboretum		6,121,399		11,460,551		745,470		12,206,020		2,446,112			9,759,908		2004		(1)
Arboretum Land		-		1,529,123		14,313,802		15,842,925		-			15,842,925		2004		(1)
Arrowhead		8,391,175		8,655,532		1,101,506		9,757,038		2,004,441			7,752,597		2004		(1)
Moorings		8,804,432		9,147,765		1,142,395		10,290,160		2,059,454			8,230,706		2004		(1)
Country Place I		14,734,315		13,844,787		1,363,929		15,208,716		2,885,886			12,322,830		2004		(1)
Country Place II		9,822,877		8,657,461		946,216		9,603,676		1,756,406			7,847,270		2004		(1)
Yorktowne		22,601,263		21,616,443		6,805,606		28,422,049		6,999,211			21,422,838		2004		(1)
Berkshires on Brompton		18,600,000		14,500,528		7,742,472		22,243,000		6,026,685			16,216,315		2005		(1)
Riverbirch		5,750,000		8,198,193		2,273,208		10,471,401		2,116,466			8,354,935		2005		(1)
Lakeridge		25,177,591		34,411,075		1,329,978		35,741,053		5,730,186			30,010,867		2005		(1)
Savannah at Citrus Park		15,720,000		27,601,083		1,105,469		28,706,552		4,492,096			24,214,456		2005		(1)
Briarwood Village		13,200,000		13,929,396		1,983,135		15,912,531		2,206,922			13,705,609		2006		(1)
Chisholm Place		6,953,000		9,600,527		1,941,918		11,542,445		1,732,526			9,809,919		2006		(1)
Berkshires at Lenox Park		35,000,000		47,040,404		5,148,351		52,188,754		5,862,440			46,326,314		2006		(1)
Berkshires at Town Center		20,000,000		20,254,316		5,603,926		25,858,242		2,104,483			23,753,759		2007		(1)
Sunfield Lakes		19,440,000		23,870,677		1,168,479		25,039,159		1,954,699			23,084,460		2007		(1)
Executive House		30,651,019		50,205,196		211,049		50,416,248		596,740			49,819,507		2008		(1)
Total	$	432,013,999	$	463,154,732	$	92,526,302	$	555,681,037	$	136,678,464		$	419,002,572

 

 

(1) Depreciation of the buildings and improvements are calculated over the lives ranging from 3 – 27.5 years.

 

 

 

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A summary of activity for real estate and accumulated depreciation is as follows:

 

Real Estate	2008				2007				2006
Balance at beginning of year		$	608,505,122			$	594,268,122			$	510,957,049
Acquisitions and improvements			81,198,958				64,346,332				88,778,106
Write-off of fully depreciated assets			-				(26,300,331	)			-
Dispositions			(134,023,044	)			(23,809,001	)			(5,467,033	)
Balance at end of year		$	555,681,036			$	608,505,122			$	594,268,122
Accumulated Depreciation	2008				2007				2006
Balance at beginning of year		$	144,240,061			$	148,670,523			$	126,910,939
Depreciation expense			30,171,355				32,709,886				27,229,069
Write-off of fully depreciated assets			-				(26,300,331	)			-
Dispositions			(37,732,952	)			(10,840,017	)			(5,469,485	)
Balance at end of year		$	136,678,464			$	144,240,061			$	148,670,523

 

The aggregate cost of the Company’s multifamily apartment communities for federal income tax purposes was $459,441,537, $511,394,602 and $490,976,787 as of December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively and the aggregate accumulated depreciation for federal income tax purposes was, $101,823,733, $98,195,945 and $72,895,489 as of December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

 

 

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Berkshire Income Realty, Inc. has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

	BERKSHIRE INCOME REALTY, INC.
March 31, 2009	BY: /s/ David C. Quade
	NAME: David C. Quade
	TITLE: President

 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of Berkshire Income Realty, Inc. and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

 

Signature		Title		Date
/s/ Douglas Krupp
Douglas Krupp		Chairman of the Board of Directors		March 31, 2009
/s/ David C. Quade
David C. Quade		President, Chief Financial Officer and		March 31, 2009
		Director  (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Robert M. Kaufman
Robert M. Kaufman		Director		March 31, 2009
/s/ Randolph G. Hawthorne
Randolph G. Hawthorne		Director		March 31, 2009
/s/ Richard B. Peiser
Richard B. Peiser		Director		March 31, 2009
/s/ Christopher M. Nichols
Christopher M. Nichols		Vice President and Controller		March 31, 2009
		(Principal Accounting Officer)

 

 

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