<Page>
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Filed by the Registrant /X/
Filed by a party other than the Registrant / /
Check the appropriate box:
/ / Preliminary Proxy Statement
/ / CONFIDENTIAL, FOR USE OF THE COMMISSION ONLY (AS PERMITTED BY RULE
14a-6(e)(2))
/ / Definitive Proxy Statement
/X/ Definitive Additional Materials
/ / Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-12
AMERICAN RESIDENTIAL INVESTMENT TRUST, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
/X/ No fee required.
/ / Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1)
and 0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(5) Total fee paid:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
/ / Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
/ / Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number,
or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Filing Party:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) Date Filed:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
<Page>
PRESS RELEASE
AMERICAN MORTGAGE NETWORK STREAMLINES LENDING PROCESS
FOR MORTGAGE BROKERS
-- NEW WEB SITE OFFERS LATEST TECHNOLOGY --
San Diego, CA, July 3, 2002 -- American Mortgage Network (AmNet), a taxable REIT
subsidiary of American Residential Investment Trust, Inc. (NYSE: INV), announced
today that it has launched a new web site to streamline the lending process for
mortgage brokers. The site can be accessed at www.amnetmortgage.com.
Mortgage brokers, who are approved to do business with AmNet, can quickly find
available loan programs to satisfy unique requirements, look at rate options and
submit forward rate locks in a matter of seconds. Brokers can view underwriting
and closing conditions for submitted loans, eliminating the need for
time-consuming telephone calls and saving time when markets are moving and rates
are changing.
The AmNet web site interfaces directly with the Company's proprietary loan
origination and servicing system. All data is protected by SSL encryption, so
brokers can safely review the status of loans in their pipeline. This eliminates
the need for any duplication of data input and provides consistent information.
The AmNet origination system can automatically provide all required, industry
standard VMP loan documents.
In commenting on new web site features, Randall A. Myres, Senior Vice President
and Chief Information Officer, said, "We continue to make improvements based on
the recommendations of our broker customers. Our goal is to use technology to
expedite the back-end process and allow brokers to do what they do best -
service their customers."
Myres added, "The next phase will include the ability to upload loan data
directly from the broker's origination system in FannieMae Desktop Underwriter
format, submit the loan for automated approval and view underwriting conditions.
Brokers will also be able to review and change applicable broker fees as well as
request that close documents for approved loans be sent via e-mail to settlement
agents."
<Page>
The AmNet web site also includes information on how to become an approved
broker, a product matrix with an overview of available loan products, regional
center and satellite office locations and a link to American Residential
Investment Trust's web site to access investor information.
AmNet is currently approved to do business in 25 states either by license or
exemption. It expects to be approved to do business in 40 states by license or
exemption by the end of 2002. AmNet has regional centers in Ontario, California;
Sacramento, California; San Diego, California; New Haven, Connecticut; Atlanta,
Georgia; and Portland, Oregon. Satellite offices are located in Mission Viejo,
California; Tampa, Florida; and Kirkland, Washington.
ABOUT AMERICAN MORTGAGE NETWORK
Headquartered in San Diego, California, American Mortgage Network is a taxable
REIT subsidiary of American Residential Investment Trust, Inc., a real estate
investment trust (REIT). AmNet originates loans for the national mortgage broker
community through its network of regional centers and over the Internet. For
more information, visit AmNet's web site at www.amnetmortgage.com.
Certain matters discussed in this press release may constitute forward-looking
statements within the meaning of federal securities laws. Forward-looking
statements include statements regarding future web site enhancements and
anticipated approval of state licenses. Actual results and the timing of certain
events could differ materially from those projected in or contemplated by these
forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including but not limited
to: general economic conditions; mortgage loan prepayment rates; credit losses;
overall interest rates; the shape of the yield curve; the availability of
suitable mortgage assets; the availability of financing for the origination,
acquisition or securitization of mortgage assets; the impact of leverage; the
Company's liquidity position and other risk factors outlined in American
Residential Investment Trust's SEC reports.
<Page>
Contact:
American Residential Investment Trust, Inc.
Investor and Analyst Relations
Judith Berry (858) 909-1230
Chief Financial Officer
jberry@amnetmortgage.com
or
Clay Strittmatter (858) 909-1340
Senior Vice President, Finance
cstrittmatter@amnetmortgage.com
or
Forti Communications Inc.
Media Relations
Corinne Forti
President
forticomm@aol.com