Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2014 |
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
Basis of Presentation | Basis of Presentation |
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The accompanying consolidated financial statements include our consolidated accounts and the accounts of our wholly owned subsidiaries. We also consolidate other entities in which we have a controlling financial interest or other entities (referred to as variable interest entities or “VIEs”) where we are determined to be the primary beneficiary. VIEs, as defined by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), are generally entities that lack sufficient equity to finance their activities without additional financial support from other parties or whose equity holders lack adequate decision making ability. The primary beneficiary is required to consolidate a VIE for financial reporting purposes. The determination of the primary beneficiary requires management to make significant estimates and judgments about our rights, obligations, and economic interests in such entities as well as the same of the other owners. See Note 6, “Variable Interest Entities” for further information about our VIEs. For entities in which we have less than a controlling financial interest or entities with respect to which we are not deemed to be the primary beneficiary, the entities are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Accordingly, our share of the net earnings or losses of these entities is included in consolidated net income. See Note 7, “Other Assets” for further information on our unconsolidated investment. All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. |
Consolidation | The accompanying consolidated financial statements include our consolidated accounts and the accounts of our wholly owned subsidiaries. We also consolidate other entities in which we have a controlling financial interest or other entities (referred to as variable interest entities or “VIEs”) where we are determined to be the primary beneficiary. VIEs, as defined by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), are generally entities that lack sufficient equity to finance their activities without additional financial support from other parties or whose equity holders lack adequate decision making ability. The primary beneficiary is required to consolidate a VIE for financial reporting purposes. The determination of the primary beneficiary requires management to make significant estimates and judgments about our rights, obligations, and economic interests in such entities as well as the same of the other owners. See Note 6, “Variable Interest Entities” for further information about our VIEs. For entities in which we have less than a controlling financial interest or entities with respect to which we are not deemed to be the primary beneficiary, the entities are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Accordingly, our share of the net earnings or losses of these entities is included in consolidated net income. See Note 7, “Other Assets” for further information on our unconsolidated investment. All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. |
Real Estate and Other Related Intangibles | Real Estate and Other Related Intangibles |
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Acquisitions |
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For real estate properties acquired by us or our Co-Investment Ventures classified as business combinations, we determine the purchase price, after adjusting for contingent consideration and settlement of any pre-existing relationships. We record the acquired assets and liabilities based on their fair values, including tangible assets (consisting of land, any associated rights, buildings and improvements), identified intangible assets and liabilities, asset retirement obligations, assumed debt, other liabilities and noncontrolling interests. Identified intangible assets and liabilities primarily consist of the fair value of in-place leases and contractual rights. Goodwill is recognized as of the acquisition date and measured as the aggregate fair value of the consideration transferred and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired. Likewise, a bargain purchase gain is recognized in current earnings when the aggregate fair value of the consideration transferred and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree are less than the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired. |
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The fair value of any tangible real estate assets acquired is determined by valuing the property as if it were vacant, and the “as-if-vacant” value is then allocated to land, buildings and improvements. Land values are derived from appraisals, and building values are calculated as replacement cost less depreciation or estimates of the relative fair value of these assets using net operating income capitalization rates, discounted cash flow analyses or similar methods. When we acquire rights to use land or improvements through contractual rights rather than fee simple interests, we determine the value of the use of these assets based on the relative fair value of the assets after considering the contractual rights and the fair value of similar assets. Assets acquired under these contractual rights are classified as intangibles and amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the contractual term or the estimated useful life of the asset. Contractual rights related to land or air rights that are substantively separated from depreciating assets are amortized over the life of the contractual term or, if no term is provided, are classified as indefinite-lived intangibles. Intangible assets are evaluated at each reporting period to determine whether the indefinite and finite useful lives are appropriate. |
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We determine the value of in-place lease values and tenant relationships based on our evaluation of the specific characteristics of each tenant’s lease and our overall relationship with that respective tenant by applying a fair value model. The estimates of fair value of in-place leases include an estimate of carrying costs during the expected lease up periods for the respective leasable area considering current market conditions. In estimating fair value of in-place leases, we consider items such as real estate taxes, insurance, leasing commissions, tenant improvements and other operating expenses to execute similar deals as well as projected rental revenue and carrying costs during the expected lease up period. The estimate of the fair value of tenant relationships also includes our estimate of the likelihood of renewal. We amortize the value of in-place leases acquired to expense over the remaining term of the leases. The value of tenant relationship intangibles will be amortized to expense over the initial term and any anticipated renewal periods, but in no event will the amortization period for intangible assets exceed the remaining depreciable life of the building. The in-place leases are amortized over the remaining term of the in-place leases, approximately a six month term for multifamily in-place leases and terms ranging from three to 20 years for retail in-place leases. |
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We determine the value of above-market and below-market in-place leases for acquired properties based on the present value (using an interest rate that reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between (1) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the in-place leases and (2) estimates of current market lease rates for the corresponding in-place leases, measured over a period equal to (i) the remaining non-cancelable lease term for above-market leases, or (ii) the remaining non-cancelable lease term plus any fixed rate renewal options for below-market leases. We record the fair value of above-market and below-market leases as intangible assets or intangible liabilities, respectively, and amortize them as an adjustment to rental income over the above determined lease term. Given the short-term nature of multifamily leases, the value of above-market or below-market in-place leases are generally not material. |
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We determine the value of other contractual rights based on our evaluation of the specific characteristics of the underlying contracts and by applying a fair value model to the projected cash flows or usage rights that considers the timing and risks associated with the cash flows or usage. We amortize the value of finite contractual rights over the remaining contract period. Indefinite-lived contractual rights are not amortized but are evaluated for impairment. |
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We determine the fair value of assumed debt by calculating the net present value of the scheduled debt service payments using interest rates for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities that management believes we could obtain. Any difference between the fair value and stated value of the assumed debt is recorded as a discount or premium and amortized over the remaining life of the loan. |
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Initial valuations are subject to change until our information is finalized, which is no later than 12 months from the acquisition date. We have had no significant valuation changes for acquisitions prior to December 31, 2014. |
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Developments |
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We capitalize project costs related to the development and construction of real estate (including interest, real estate taxes, insurance, and other direct costs associated with the development) as a cost of the development. Indirect project costs not clearly related to development and construction are expensed as incurred. Indirect project costs that clearly relate to development and construction are capitalized and allocated to the developments to which they relate. For each development, capitalization begins when we determine that the development is probable and significant development activities are underway. We suspend capitalization at such time as significant development activity ceases, but future development is still probable. We cease capitalization when the developments or other improvements, including any portion, are completed and ready for their intended use, or if the intended use changes such that capitalization is no longer appropriate. Developments or improvements are generally considered ready for intended use when the certificates of occupancy have been issued and the units become ready for occupancy. |
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Depreciation |
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Buildings are depreciated over their estimated useful lives ranging from 25 to 35 years using the straight-line method. Improvements are depreciated over their estimated useful lives ranging from 3 to 15 years using the straight-line method. Properties classified as held for sale are not depreciated. Depreciation of developments begins when the development is substantially completed and ready for its intended use. |
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Repairs and Maintenance |
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Expenditures for ordinary repairs and maintenance costs are charged to expense as incurred. |
Investment in Unconsolidated Real Estate Joint Venture | Investment in Unconsolidated Real Estate Joint Venture |
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We and our Co-Investment Ventures account for investments in unconsolidated real estate joint ventures using the equity method of accounting because we exercise significant influence over, but do not control, these entities. These investments are initially recorded at cost, including any acquisition costs, and are adjusted for our share of equity in earnings and distributions. We report our share of income and losses based on our economic interests in the entities. |
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We capitalize interest expense to investments in unconsolidated real estate joint ventures for our share of qualified expenditures during their development phase. We did not capitalize any interest expense related to investments in unconsolidated real estate joint ventures for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 or 2012. |
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We amortize any excess of the carrying value of our investments in joint ventures over the book value of the underlying equity over the estimated useful lives of the underlying operating property, which represents the assets to which the excess is most clearly related. |
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When we or our Co-Investment Ventures acquire a controlling interest in a previously noncontrolled investment, a gain or loss on revaluation of equity is recognized for the differences between the investment’s carrying value and fair value. |
Impairment of Real Estate Related Assets and Investments in Unconsolidated Real Estate Joint Ventures | Impairment of Real Estate Related Assets and Investments in Unconsolidated Real Estate Joint Ventures |
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If events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the property may not be recoverable, we make an assessment of the property’s recoverability by comparing the carrying amount of the asset to our estimate of the undiscounted future operating cash flows expected to be generated over the holding period of the asset including its eventual disposition. If the carrying amount exceeds the aggregate undiscounted future operating cash flows, we recognize an impairment loss to the extent the carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value of the property. In addition, we evaluate indefinite-lived intangible assets for possible impairment at least annually by comparing the fair values with the carrying values. The fair value of intangibles is generally estimated by valuation of similar assets. |
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For real estate we own through an investment in an unconsolidated real estate joint venture or other similar real estate investment structure, at each reporting date we compare the estimated fair value of our real estate investment to the carrying value. An impairment charge is recorded to the extent the fair value of our real estate investment is less than the carrying amount and the decline in value is determined to be other than a temporary decline. |
Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations | Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations |
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Prior to January 1, 2014, when we had no involvement after the sale of a multifamily community, the multifamily community sold was reported as a discontinued operation. Effective as of January 1, 2014, we adopted the revised guidance regarding discontinued operations as further discussed in Note 3, “New Accounting Pronouncements.” For sales of real estate or assets classified as held for sale after January 1, 2014, we evaluate whether the disposition will have a major effect on our operations and financial results and will therefore qualify as a strategic shift. If the disposition represents a strategic shift, it will be classified as discontinued operations in our consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented. If the disposition does not represent a strategic shift, it will be presented in continuing operations in our consolidated statements of operations. |
Cash and Cash Equivalents | Cash and Cash Equivalents |
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We consider investments in bank deposits, money market funds and highly-liquid cash investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. |
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As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, cash and cash equivalents include $42.0 million and $25.6 million, respectively, held by the Master Partnership and individual Co-Investment Ventures that are available only for use in the business of the Master Partnership and the related Co-Investment Venture. Cash held by individual Co-Investment Ventures is not restricted to specific uses within those entities. However, the terms of the joint venture agreements limit the ability to distribute those funds to us or use them for our general corporate purposes. Cash held by individual Co-Investment Ventures is distributed from time to time to the Company and to the other Co-Investment Venture partners in accordance with the applicable Co-Investment Venture governing agreement, which may not be the same as the stated effective ownership interest. Cash distributions received by the Company from the individual Co-Investment Ventures are then available for our general corporate purposes. |
Noncontrolling Interests | Noncontrolling Interests |
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Redeemable noncontrolling interests are comprised of our consolidated Co-Investment Venture partners’ interests in multifamily communities where we believe it is probable that we will be required to purchase the partner’s noncontrolling interest. We record obligations under the redeemable noncontrolling interest initially at the higher of (a) fair value or (b) the redemption value with subsequent adjustments. The redeemable noncontrolling interests are temporary equity not within our control and are presented in our consolidated balance sheet outside of permanent equity between debt and equity. The determination of the redeemable classification requires analysis of contractual provisions and judgments of redemption probabilities. |
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Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests are comprised of our consolidated Co-Investment Venture partners’ interests in multifamily communities as well as preferred cumulative, non-voting membership units (“Preferred Units”) issued by subsidiary REITs. We record these noncontrolling interests at their initial fair value, adjusting the basis prospectively for their share of the respective consolidated investments’ net income or loss or equity contributions and distributions. These noncontrolling interests are not redeemable by the equity holders and are presented as part of permanent equity. |
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Income and losses are allocated to the noncontrolling interest holder based on its economic interests. |
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Transactions involving a partial sale or acquisition of a noncontrolling interest that does not result in a change of control are recorded at carrying value with no recognition of gain or loss. Any differences between the cash received or paid (net of any direct expenses) and the change in noncontrolling interest is recorded as a direct charge to additional paid-in capital. Transactions involving a partial sale or acquisition of a controlling interest resulting in a change in control are recorded at fair value with recognition of a gain or loss. |
Other Assets | Other Assets |
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Other assets primarily include notes receivable, deferred financing costs, equity method investments, accounts receivable, restricted cash, interest rate caps, prepaid assets and deposits. We evaluate whether notes receivable are loans, investments in joint ventures or acquisitions of real estate based on a review of any rights to participate in expected residual profits and other equity and loan characteristics. Deferred financing costs are recorded at cost and are amortized using a straight-line method that approximates the effective interest method over the life of the related debt. As of and for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, all of our notes receivable were appropriately accounted for as loans. We account for our derivative financial instruments, all of which are interest rate caps, at fair value. We use interest rate cap arrangements to manage our exposure to interest rate changes. We have not designated any of these derivatives as hedges for accounting purposes, and accordingly, changes in fair value are recognized in earnings. |
Revenue Recognition | Revenue Recognition |
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Rental income related to leases is recognized on an accrual basis when due from residents or commercial tenants, generally on a monthly basis. Rental revenues for leases with uneven payments and terms greater than one year are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Any deferred revenue is classified as a liability on the consolidated balance sheet and recognized on a straight-line basis as income over its contractual term. |
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Interest income is generated primarily on notes receivable and cash balances. Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis as earned. |
Acquisition Costs | Acquisition Costs |
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Acquisition costs for business combinations, which are expected to include most consolidated property acquisitions other than land acquisitions, are expensed when it is probable that the transaction will be accounted for as a business combination and the purchase will be consummated. Our acquisition costs related to investments in unconsolidated real estate joint ventures are capitalized as a part of our basis in the investment. Acquisition costs related to unimproved or non-operating land, primarily related to developments, are capitalized. Through June 30, 2014, pursuant to our advisory management agreement, Behringer was obligated to reimburse us for all investment-related expenses that the Company pursued but ultimately did not consummate. Prior to the determination of its status, amounts incurred were recorded in other assets. |
Transition Expenses | Transition Expenses |
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Transition expenses include expenses directly and specifically related to our transition to self-management, primarily including legal, financial advisors, consultants, costs of the Company’s special committee of the board of directors, comprised of all of the Company’s independent directors (the “Special Committee”), general transition services (primarily related to staffing, name change, notices, transition-related insurance, information technology and facilities), expenses related to our listing on the NYSE and payments to Behringer in connection with the transition to self-management discussed further in Note 13, “Transition Expenses.” |
Income Taxes | Income Taxes |
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We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Code and have qualified as a REIT since the year ended December 31, 2007. To qualify as a REIT, we must meet a number of organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement that we distribute at least 90% of our REIT taxable income to our stockholders. As a REIT, we generally will not be subject to federal income tax at the corporate level. We intend to operate in such a manner as to continue to qualify for taxation as a REIT, but no assurance can be given that we will operate in a manner so as to remain qualified as a REIT. Beginning in 2013, taxable income from certain non-REIT activities is managed through a taxable REIT subsidiary (“TRS”) and is subject to applicable federal, state, and local income and margin taxes. We have no significant taxes associated with our TRS for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 or 2012. |
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We have evaluated the current and deferred income tax related to state taxes with respect to which we do not have a REIT exemption, and we have no significant tax liability or benefit as of December 31, 2014 or December 31, 2013. |
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The carrying amounts of our assets and liabilities for financial statement purposes differ from our basis for federal income taxes due to tax accounting in Co-Investment Ventures, fair value accounting for business combinations, straight lining of lease and related agreements and differing depreciation methods. The primary asset and liability balance sheet accounts with differences are real estate, intangibles, other assets, mortgages and notes payable and deferred revenues, primarily lease revenues, net. As a result of these differences, the carrying value for financial statement purposes exceeds our net federal income tax basis as of December 31, 2014 by approximately $6.1 million. |
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We recognize the financial statement benefit of an uncertain tax position only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more likely than not sustain the position following an audit. |
Concentration of Credit Risk | Concentration of Credit Risk |
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We invest our cash and cash equivalents among several banking institutions and money market accounts in an attempt to minimize exposure to any one of these entities. As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had cash and cash equivalents deposited in certain financial institutions in excess of federally-insured levels. We regularly monitor the financial condition of these financial institutions and believe that we are not exposed to any significant credit risk in cash and cash equivalents. |
Share-based Compensation | Share-based Compensation |
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We have a stock-based incentive award plan for our employees and directors. Compensation expense associated with restricted stock units is recognized in general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. We measure stock-based compensation at the estimated fair value on the grant date, net of estimated forfeitures, and recognize the amortization of compensation expense over the requisite service period. |
Earnings per Share | Earnings per Share |
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Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by adjusting basic earnings per share for the dilutive effect of the assumed exercise of securities, including the effect of shares issuable under our preferred stock and our stock-based incentive plans. Our unvested share-based awards are considered participating securities and are reflected in the calculation of diluted earnings per share. During periods of net loss, the assumed exercise of securities is anti-dilutive and is not included in the calculation of earnings per share. For all periods presented, any common stock equivalents were anti-dilutive. |
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For all periods presented, the preferred stock and the convertible stock, with respect to periods each were outstanding, were excluded from the calculation of earnings per share because the effect would not be dilutive. However, based on changing market conditions, the outstanding preferred stock could be dilutive in future periods. |
Redemptions of Common Stock | Redemptions of Common Stock |
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We account for the possible redemption of our shares by classifying securities that are convertible for cash at the option of the holder outside of equity. We do not reclassify the shares to be redeemed from equity to a liability until such time as the redemption has been formally approved by our board of directors. The portion of the redeemed common stock in excess of the par value is charged to additional paid-in capital. |
Reportable Segments | Reportable Segments |
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Our current business primarily consists of investing in and operating multifamily communities. Substantially all of our consolidated net income (loss) is from investments in real estate properties that we wholly own or own through Co-Investment Ventures, the latter of which may be accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Our management evaluates operating performance on an individual investment level. However, as each of our investments has similar economic characteristics in our consolidated financial statements, the Company is managed on an enterprise-wide basis with one reportable segment. |
Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements | Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements |
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The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts included in the financial statements and accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. These estimates include such items as: the purchase price allocations for real estate and other acquisitions; impairment of long-lived assets, notes receivable and equity-method real estate investments; fair value evaluations; earning recognition of noncontrolling interests and equity in earnings of investments in unconsolidated real estate joint ventures; depreciation and amortization; share-based compensation measurements; and recognition and timing of transition expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates. |