Interest rate swap contract

3 Months Ended

Jan. 31, 2013

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Interest rate swap contract

Note 4 - Interest rate swap contract: 

On December 26, 2012, Damascus Centre, LLC refinanced its $15 million construction loan with a variable rate $25 million mortgage loan of which $20 million has been drawn. The new loan will mature on January 3, 2023. (See Note 9 for more details.) In connection herewith, on December 26, 2012, FREIT entered into an interest rate swap contract to reduce the impact of interest rate fluctuations on the LIBOR based variable rate mortgage. At January 31, 2013, the derivative financial instrument has a notional amount of approximately $19,972,000 and a current maturity date of January 2023. The contract effectively converts the LIBOR based variable rate to a fixed rate of 3.81%. In accordance with ASC 815, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (formerly known as FAS 133), FREIT is accounting for this interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge and marks to market its fixed pay interest rate swap, taking into account present interest rates compared to the contracted fixed rate over the life of the contract. As of January 31, 2013, FREIT has recorded $277,000 in comprehensive income representing the fair value of the swap, along with a corresponding asset. The fair value, which is based on observable inputs, has been characterized as level 2 in the fair value hierarchy as provided by authoritative guidance.