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Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Significant Accounting Policies  
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of NetREIT and its subsidiaries, NetREIT Advisors, LLC and Dubose Advisors LLC (collectively, the “Advisors”), NetREIT Dubose Model Home REIT, Inc., and NetREIT National City Partners, LP. The consolidated financial statements also include the results of the NetREIT Partnerships, the Model Home Partnerships, and for 2013, the Income Funds. As used herein, references to the “Company” include references to NetREIT, its subsidiaries, the Advisors, the Partnerships and the Income Funds. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The Company classifies the noncontrolling interests in the Partnerships as part of consolidated net loss in 2014 and 2013, and includes the accumulated amount of noncontrolling interests as part of equity from the Partnerships inception in February 2010. If a change in ownership of a consolidated subsidiary results in loss of control and deconsolidation, any retained ownership interest will be remeasured, with the gain or loss reported in the statement of operations. Management has evaluated the noncontrolling interests and determined that they do not contain any redemption features.

Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant estimates include the allocation of purchase price paid for property acquisitions between land, building and intangible assets acquired including their useful lives; valuation of long-lived assets, and the allowance for doubtful accounts, which is based on an evaluation of the tenants’ ability to pay. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

Real Estate Assets and Lease Intangibles. Land, buildings and improvements are recorded at cost, including tenant improvements and lease acquisition costs (including leasing commissions, space planning fees, and legal fees). The Company capitalizes any expenditure that replaces, improves, or otherwise extends the economic life of an asset, while ordinary repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. The Company allocates the purchase price of acquired properties between the acquired tangible assets and liabilities (consisting of land, building, tenant improvements, land purchase options, and long-term debt) and identified intangible assets and liabilities (including the value of above-market and below-market leases, the value of in-place leases, unamortized lease origination costs and tenant relationships), based in each case on their respective fair values.

The Company allocates the purchase price to tangible assets of an acquired property based on the estimated fair values of those tangible assets assuming the building was vacant. Estimates of fair value for land, building and building improvements are based on many factors including, but not limited to, comparisons to other properties sold in the same geographic area and independent third party valuations. 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 values of the tangible and intangible assets and liabilities acquired.

The value allocated to acquired lease intangibles is based on management’s evaluation of the specific characteristics of each tenant’s lease. Characteristics considered by management in allocating these values include the nature and extent of the existing business relationships with the tenant, growth prospects for developing new business with the tenant, the remaining term of the lease and the tenant’s credit quality, among other factors.

The value allocable to the above-market or below-market component of an acquired in-place lease is determined based upon the present value (using a market discount rate) of the difference between (i) the contractual rents to be paid pursuant to the lease over its remaining term, and (ii) management’s estimate of rents that would be paid using fair market rates over the remaining term of the lease. The amounts allocated to above or below-market leases are amortized on a straight-line basis as an increase or reduction of rental income over the remaining non-cancelable term of the respective leases. Amortization of above and below-market rents resulted in a net reduction in rental income of approximately $156,000 and $197,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

The value of in-place leases, unamortized lease origination costs and tenant relationships are amortized to expense over the remaining term of the respective leases, which range from less than a year to ten years. The amount allocated to acquire in-place leases is determined based on management’s assessment of lost revenue and costs incurred for the period required to lease the “assumed vacant” property to the occupancy level when purchased. The amount allocated to unamortized lease origination costs is determined by what the Company would have paid to a third party to secure a new tenant reduced by the expired term of the respective lease. The amount allocated to tenant relationships is the benefit resulting from the likelihood of a tenant renewing its lease. Amortization expense related to these assets was approximately $362,000 and $456,000 for years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Impairment of Real Estate Assets. The Company reviews the carrying value of each property to determine if circumstances that indicate impairment in the carrying value of the investment exist or that depreciation periods should be modified. If circumstances support the possibility of impairment, the Company prepares a projection of the undiscounted future cash flows, without interest charges, of the specific property and determines if the investment in such property is recoverable. If impairment is indicated, the carrying value of the property is written down to its estimated fair value based on the Company’s best estimate of the property’s discounted future cash flows. During fiscal 2013, the Company determined that an impairment existed in two of its properties and, as a result, recorded asset impairment charges of $2.0 million. During fiscal 2014, the Company determined that an additional impairment existed in one of its properties and, as a result, recorded an asset impairment of $950,000.

Intangible Assets. Intangible assets, including goodwill and lease intangibles, are comprised of finite-lived and indefinite-lived assets. Lease intangibles represents the allocation of a portion of the purchase price of a property acquisition representing the estimated value of in-place leases, unamortized lease origination costs, tenant relationships and land purchase options. Intangible assets that are not deemed to have an indefinite useful life are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Indefinite-lived assets are not amortized. Amortization expense of intangible assets that are not deemed to have an indefinite useful life was approximately $608,000 and $531,000, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 and is included in depreciation and amortization in the accompanying consolidated statements of operation.

The Company is required to perform a test for impairment of goodwill and other definite and indefinite lived assets at least annually, and more frequently as circumstances warrant. Impairment is recognized only if the carrying amount of the intangible asset is considered to be unrecoverable from its undiscounted cash flows and is measured as the difference between the carrying amount and the estimated fair value of the asset. Based on the review, no impairment was deemed to exist at December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Depreciation and Amortization. The Company records depreciation and amortization expense using the straight-line method over the useful lives of the respective assets. The cost of buildings are depreciated over estimated useful lives ranging from 30 to 55 years, the costs of improvements are amortized over the shorter of the estimated life of the asset or term of the tenant lease (which range from 1 to 10 years), and the cost of furniture, fixtures and equipment are depreciated over 4 to 5 years. Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $5.0 million and $4.5 million, respectively.

Cash and Cash Equivalents. The Company considers all short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to cash and have an original maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Items classified as cash equivalents include money market funds. At December 31, 2014, the Company had approximately $2.7 million in deposits in financial institutions that were above the federally insurable limits.

Restricted Cash. Restricted cash consists of funds held in escrow for Company lenders for properties held as collateral by the lenders. The funds in escrow are primarily for escrow funds for payment of property taxes.

Tenant Receivables. The Company periodically evaluates the collectability of amounts due from tenants and maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of tenants to make required payments under lease agreements. In addition, the Company maintains an allowance for deferred rent receivable that arises from straight-lining of rents. The Company exercises judgment in establishing these allowances and considers payment history and current credit status of its tenants in developing these estimates. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the balance of allowance for possible uncollectible tenant receivables included in other assets, net was $66,000 and $115,000, respectively.

Deferred Leasing Costs. Costs incurred in connection with successful property leases are capitalized as deferred leasing costs and amortized to leasing commission expense on a straight-line basis over the terms of the related leases which generally range from one to five years. Deferred leasing costs consist of third party leasing commissions. Management re-evaluates the remaining useful lives of leasing costs as the creditworthiness of the tenants and economic and market conditions change. If management determines the estimated remaining life of the respective lease has changed, the amortization period is adjusted. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had net deferred leasing costs of approximately $1,333,000 and $1,465,000, respectively, which are included in deferred leasing and financing costs, net in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Total amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was approximately $393,000 and $321,000, respectively and is included in interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations.

Deferred Financing Costs. Costs incurred, including legal fees, origination fees, and administrative fees, in connection with debt financing are capitalized as deferred financing costs and are amortized using the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method, over the contractual term of the respective loans. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, deferred financing costs were approximately $1,748,000 and $1,148,000, respectively, which are included in deferred leasing and financing costs, net in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Total amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was approximately $417,000 and $192,000, respectively, and is included in interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Income Taxes. The Company has elected to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Code, for federal income tax purposes. To qualify as a REIT, the Company must distribute annually at least 90% of adjusted taxable income, as defined in the Code, to its stockholders and satisfy certain other organizational and operating requirements. As a REIT, no provision is made for federal income taxes on income resulting from those sales of real estate investments which have or will be distributed to stockholders within the prescribed limits. However, taxes are provided for those gains which are not anticipated to be distributed to stockholders unless such gains are deferred pursuant to Section 1031. In addition, the Company is subject to a federal excise tax which equals 4% of the excess, if any, of 85% of the Company’s ordinary income plus 95% of the Company’s capital gain net income over cash distributions, as defined. The Company believes that it has met all of the REIT distribution and technical requirements for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Earnings and profits that determine the taxability of distributions to stockholders differ from net income reported for financial reporting purposes due to differences in estimated useful lives and methods used to compute depreciation and the carrying value (basis) on the investments in properties for tax purposes, among other things. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, because of net losses, all distributions were considered return of capital to the stockholders and therefore non-taxable.

The Company has concluded that there are no significant uncertain tax positions requiring recognition in its financial statements. Neither the Company nor its subsidiaries have been assessed any significant interest or penalties for tax positions by any major tax jurisdictions.

Fair Value Measurements. Certain assets and liabilities are required to be carried at fair value, or if long-lived assets are deemed to be impaired, to be adjusted to reflect this condition. The guidance requires disclosure of fair values calculated under each level of inputs within the following hierarchy:

Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date.

Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted process that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

Fair value is defined as the price at which an asset or liability is exchanged between market participants in an orderly transaction at the reporting date. The Company’s cash equivalents, mortgage notes receivable, accounts receivable and payables and accrued liabilities all approximate fair value due to their short term nature. Management believes that the recorded and fair values of notes payable are approximately the same as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Sales of Real Estate Assets. Gains from the sale of real estate assets are not recognized under the full accrual method until certain criteria are met. Gain or loss (the difference between the sales value and the cost of the real estate sold) shall be recognized at the date of sale if a sale has been consummated and the following criteria are met:

  • The buyer is independent of the seller;
  • Collection of the sales price is reasonably assured; and
  • The seller is not required to support the operations of the property or its related obligations to an extent greater than its proportionate interest.

Gains relating to transactions which do not meet the criteria for full accrual method of accounting are deferred and recognized when the full accrual method of accounting criteria are met or by using the installment or deposit methods of profit recognition, as appropriate in the circumstances.

Revenue Recognition. The Company recognizes revenue from rent, tenant reimbursements, and other revenue once all of the following criteria are met:

  • Persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists;
  • Delivery has occurred or services have been rendered;
  • The amount is fixed or determinable; and
  • The collectability of the amount is reasonably assured.

Annual rental revenue is recognized in rental revenues on a straight-line basis over the term of the related lease. Estimated recoveries from certain tenants for their pro rata share of real estate taxes, insurance and other operating expenses are recognized as revenues in the period the applicable expenses are incurred or as specified in the leases. Other tenants pay a fixed rate and these tenant recoveries are recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the related leases.

Certain of the Company’s leases currently contain rental increases at specified intervals. The Company records as an asset, and include in revenues, deferred rent receivable that will be received if the tenant makes all rent payments required through the expiration of the initial term of the lease. Deferred rent receivable in the accompanying balance sheets includes the cumulative difference between rental revenue recorded on a straight-line basis and rents received from the tenants in accordance with the lease terms. Accordingly, Management determines to what extent the deferred rent receivable applicable to each specific tenant is collectible. The Company reviews material deferred rent receivable and takes into consideration the tenant’s payment history, the financial condition of the tenant, business conditions in the industry in which the tenant operates and economic conditions in the area in which the property is located. In the event that the collectability of deferred rent with respect to any given tenant is in doubt, we record an increase in the allowance for uncollectible accounts, the Company records a direct write-off of the specific rent receivable. No such reserves related to deferred rent receivables have been recorded as of December 31, 2014 or 2013.

Loss per common share. Basic loss per common share (Basic EPS) is computed by dividing net loss available to common shareholders (Numerator) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding (Denominator) during the period. Diluted loss per common share (Diluted EPS) is similar to the computation of Basic EPS except that the Denominator is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if the dilutive potential common shares had been issued. In addition, in computing the dilutive effect of convertible securities, the Numerator is adjusted to add back the after-tax amount of interest recognized in the period associated with any convertible debt. The computation of Diluted EPS does not assume exercise or conversion of securities that would have an anti-dilutive effect on net earnings per share.

Basic and diluted net loss per share are equivalent because the Company has incurred a net loss in all periods presented causing any potentially dilutive securities to be anti-dilutive. Dilutive securities include non-vested restricted shares issued under the Company’s share-based incentive plan, shares issuable under certain of the Company’s partnership arrangements and (for 2013) shares issuable under stock purchase warrants. The calculation of net loss per share excludes dilutive securities totaling 101,940 and 1,325,339 shares for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Subsequent Events. Management has evaluated subsequent events through the date that the accompanying financial statements were filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for transactions and other events which may require adjustment of and/or disclosure in such financial statements.

Reclassifications. Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year’s consolidated financial statements to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on previously reported results of consolidated operations or equity.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements. In January 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB issued an ASU which eliminates the concept of extraordinary items. Extraordinary items are events and transactions that are distinguished by their unusual nature and by the infrequency of their occurrence. Eliminating the extraordinary classification simplifies income statement presentation by altogether removing the concept of extraordinary items from consideration. The standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted provided that the guidance is applied from the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The Company does not believe the adoption of this standard will have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations or related financial statement disclosures.

In August 2014, the FASB, issued an ASU which requires management to evaluate whether there are conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, and to provide certain disclosures when it is probable that the entity will be unable to meet its obligations as they become due within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued. Since this guidance is primarily around certain disclosures to the financial statements, the Company anticipates no impact on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows from adopting this standard. Management is currently assessing the additional disclosure requirements, if any, of this ASU is effective for the Company’s fiscal year beginning January 1, 2017, with early adoption permitted.

In May 2014, the FASB issued an ASU which supersedes or replaces nearly all GAAP revenue recognition guidance. The new guidance establishes a new control-based revenue recognition model, changes the basis for deciding when revenue is recognized over time or at a point in time and will expand disclosures about revenue. The Company is assessing the impact of this ASU which is effective for the Company’s reporting period beginning January 1, 2017. Early adoption is not permitted.

In April 2014, the FASB issued an ASU which modifies the accounting and reporting for discontinued operations. Under this revised guidance, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations, such as a disposal of a major geographic area, a major line of business or a major equity method investment, will be presented as discontinued operations. This standard is effective for the Company’s fiscal year beginning January 1, 2015.