2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Principles of Consolidation. Our consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of other subsidiaries and joint ventures (including partnerships and limited liability companies) over which we have control. All intercompany transactions, balances, and profits have been eliminated in consolidation. Investments acquired or created are continuously evaluated based on the accounting guidance relating to variable interest entities (“VIEs”), which requires the consolidation of VIEs in which we are considered to be the primary beneficiary. If the investment is determined not to be a VIE, then the investment is evaluated for consolidation (primarily using a voting interest model) under the remaining consolidation guidance relating to real estate entities. If we are the general partner of a limited partnership, or manager of a limited liability company, we also consider the consolidation guidance relating to the rights of limited partners (non-managing members) to assess whether any rights held by the limited partners overcome the presumption of control by us.

Allocations of Purchase Price. Upon acquisition of real estate, we allocate the fair value between tangible and intangible assets, which includes land, buildings (as-if-vacant), furniture and fixtures, the value of in-place leases, including above and below market leases, and acquired liabilities. In allocating these values, we apply methods similar to those used by independent appraisers of income-producing property. Upon the acquisition of a controlling interest of an investment in an unconsolidated joint venture, such joint venture is consolidated and our initial equity investment is remeasured to fair value at the date the controlling interest is acquired; any difference between the carrying value of the previously held equity investment is recognized in earnings at the time of obtaining control. Transaction costs associated with the acquisition of operating real estate assets are expensed. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the remaining useful lives of the related tangible assets. The value of in-place leases and above or below market leases is amortized over the estimated average remaining life of leases in place at the time of acquisition. The unamortized value of in-place leases and the unamortized value of above or below market leases at December 31, 2012 was approximately $2.6 million and $0.7 million, respectively, and are included in other assets and other liabilities in our condensed consolidated balance sheet, respectively. There was no unamortized value of in-place leases or above or below market leases at December 31, 2011. Amortization expense related to the value of in-place leases for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was approximately $13.1 million, $3.9 million, and $1.1 million, respectively. We recognized approximately $1.4 million of revenues related to the value of above or below market leases during the year ended December 31, 2012. There were no revenues related to the value of above or below market leases recognized during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010. Estimates of fair value of acquired debt are based upon interest rates available for the issuance of debt with similar terms and remaining maturities.

Asset Impairment. Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Impairment exists if estimated future undiscounted cash flows associated with long-lived assets are not sufficient to recover the carrying value of such assets. We consider projected future discounted and undiscounted cash flows, trends, strategic decisions regarding future development plans, and other factors in our assessment of whether impairment conditions exist. When impairment exists, the long-lived asset is adjusted to its fair value. While we believe our estimates of future cash flows are reasonable, different assumptions regarding a number of factors, including market rents, economic conditions, and occupancies could significantly affect these estimates. In estimating fair value, management uses appraisals, management estimates, and discounted cash flow calculations which maximize inputs from a marketplace participant’s perspective.

In addition, we evaluate our equity investments in joint ventures and if we believe there is an other than temporary decline in market value of our investment below our carrying value, we will record an impairment charge.

The value of our properties under development depends on market conditions, including estimates of the project start date as well as estimates of demand for multifamily communities. We have reviewed market trends and other marketplace information and have incorporated this information as well as our current outlook into the assumptions we use in our impairment analyses. Due to the judgment and assumptions applied in the impairment analyses, it is possible actual results could differ substantially from those estimated.

We believe the carrying value of our operating real estate assets, properties under development, and land is currently recoverable. However, if market conditions deteriorate or if changes in our development strategy significantly affect any key assumptions used in our fair value estimates, we may need to take material charges in future periods for impairments related to existing assets. Any such material non-cash charges could have an adverse effect on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.

Cash and Cash Equivalents. All cash and investments in money market accounts and other highly liquid securities with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase are considered to be cash and cash equivalents. We maintain the majority of our cash and cash equivalents at major financial institutions in the United States and deposits with these financial institutions may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits; however, we regularly monitor the financial stability of these financial institutions and believe we are not currently exposed to any significant default risk with respect to these deposits.

Cost Capitalization. Real estate assets are carried at cost plus capitalized carrying charges. Carrying charges are primarily interest and real estate taxes which are capitalized as part of properties under development. Capitalized interest is generally based on the weighted average interest rate of our unsecured debt. Expenditures directly related to the development and improvement of real estate assets are capitalized at cost as land and buildings and improvements. Indirect development costs, including salaries and benefits and other related costs directly attributable to the development of properties, are also capitalized. We begin capitalizing development, construction, and carrying costs when the development of the future real estate asset is probable and activities necessary to get the underlying real estate asset ready for its intended use have been initiated. All construction and carrying costs are capitalized and reported in the balance sheet as properties under development until the apartment homes are substantially completed. Upon substantial completion of the apartment homes, the total capitalized development cost for the apartment homes and the associated land is transferred to buildings and improvements and land, respectively.

As discussed above, carrying charges are principally interest and real estate taxes capitalized as part of properties under development. Capitalized interest was approximately $12.5 million, $8.8 million, and $5.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. Capitalized real estate taxes were approximately $2.8 million, $1.4 million, and $0.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

Where possible, we stage our construction to allow leasing and occupancy during the construction period, which we believe minimizes the duration of the lease-up period following completion of construction. Our accounting policy related to properties in the development and leasing phase is to expense all operating expenses associated with completed apartment homes. We capitalize renovation and improvement costs we believe extend the economic lives of depreciable property. Capital expenditures subsequent to initial construction are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives.

Depreciation and amortization is computed over the expected useful lives of depreciable property on a straight-line basis with lives generally as follows:



	Estimated Useful Life
Buildings and improvements	5-35 years
Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other	3-20 years
Intangible assets (in-place leases and above and below market leases)	underlying lease term

Discontinued Operations. A property is classified as a discontinued operation when (i) the operations and cash flows of the property can be clearly distinguished and have been or will be eliminated from our ongoing operations; (ii) the property has either been disposed of or is classified as held for sale; and (iii) we will not have any significant continuing involvement in the operations of the property after the disposal transactions. Significant judgments are involved in determining whether a property meets the criteria for discontinued operations reporting and the period in which these criteria are met. A property is classified as held for sale when (i) management commits to a plan to sell and it is actively marketed; (ii) it is available for immediate sale in its present condition and the sale is expected to be completed within one year; and (iii) it is unlikely significant changes to the plan will be made or the plan will be withdrawn.

The results of operations for properties sold during the period or classified as held for sale at the end of the current period are classified as discontinued operations in the current and prior periods. The property-specific components of earnings classified as discontinued operations include separately identifiable property-specific revenues, expenses, depreciation, and interest expense, if any. The gain or loss resulting from the eventual disposal of the held for sale properties is also classified within discontinued operations. Real estate assets held for sale are measured at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell and are presented separately in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Subsequent to classification of a property as held for sale, no further depreciation is recorded. Properties sold by our unconsolidated entities are not included in discontinued operations and related gains or losses are reported as a component of equity in income (loss) of joint ventures.

Gains on sale of real estate are recognized using the full accrual or partial sale methods, as applicable, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), provided various criteria relating to the terms of sale and any subsequent involvement with the real estate sold are satisfied.

Fair Value. For financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, fair value is the price we would receive to sell an asset, or pay to transfer a liability, in an orderly transaction with a market participant at the measurement date. In the absence of such data, fair value is estimated using internal information consistent with what market participants would use in a hypothetical transaction.

In determining fair value, observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our market assumptions; preference is given to observable inputs. These two types of inputs create the following fair value hierarchy:


•	Level 1: Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.


•	Level 2: Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.


•	Level 3: Significant inputs to the valuation model are unobservable.

Recurring Fair Value Disclosures. The following describes the valuation methodologies we use to measure different financial instruments at fair value on a recurring basis:

Deferred Compensation Plan Investments. The estimated fair values of investment securities classified as deferred compensation plan investments are based on quoted market prices utilizing public information for the same transactions. Our deferred compensation plan investments are recorded in other assets in our consolidated balance sheets.

Derivative Financial Instruments. The estimated fair values of derivative financial instruments are valued using widely accepted valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and volatility. The fair values of interest rate swaps and caps are estimated using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted fixed cash payments and the discounted expected variable cash receipts. The variable cash receipts are based on an expectation of interest rates (forward curves) derived from observable market interest rate curves. In addition, credit valuation adjustments, which consider the impact of any credit enhancements to the contracts, are incorporated in the fair values to account for potential nonperformance risk, including our own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk. The fair value of interest rate caps is determined using the market standard methodology of discounting the future expected cash receipts which would occur if variable interest rates rise above the strike rate of the caps. The variable interest rates used in the calculation of projected receipts on the cap are based on an expectation of future interest rates derived from observed market interest rate curves and volatilities.

Although we have determined the majority of the inputs used to value our derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with our derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads, to evaluate the likelihood of default. However, we have assessed the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of our derivative positions and have determined the credit valuation adjustments are not significant to the overall valuation of our derivatives. As a result, we have determined our derivative valuations in their entirety are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Financial Instrument Fair Value Disclosures. In calculating the fair value of our notes payable, interest rate and spread assumptions used in our calculations reflect our current credit worthiness and market conditions available for the issuance of notes payable with similar terms and remaining maturities. These financial instruments utilize Level 2 inputs.

Non-recurring Fair Value Disclosures. Certain assets are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. These assets are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis, but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances. These assets primarily include long-lived assets which are recorded at fair value when they are impaired. The fair value methodologies used to measure long-lived assets are described above at "Asset Impairment." The inputs associated with the valuation of long-lived assets are generally included in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Income Recognition. Our rental and other property revenue is recorded when due from residents and is recognized monthly as it is earned. Other property revenue consists primarily of utility rebillings and administrative, application, and other transactional fees charged to our residents. Our apartment homes are rented to residents on lease terms generally ranging from six to fifteen months, with monthly payments due in advance. All other sources of income, including interest and fee and asset management income, are recognized as earned. Nine of our properties are subject to rent control. Operations of multifamily properties acquired are recorded from the date of acquisition in accordance with the acquisition method of accounting. In management’s opinion, due to the number of residents, the types and diversity of submarkets in which our properties operate, and the collection terms, there is no significant concentration of credit risk.

Insurance. Our primary lines of insurance coverage are property, general liability, and health and workers’ compensation. We believe our insurance coverage adequately insures our properties against the risk of loss attributable to fire, earthquake, hurricane, tornado, flood, and other perils and adequately insures us against other risks. Losses are accrued based upon our estimates of the aggregate liability for claims incurred using certain actuarial assumptions followed in the insurance industry and based on our experience.

Other Assets, Net. Other assets in our consolidated financial statements include investments under deferred compensation plans, deferred financing costs, non-real estate leasehold improvements and equipment, prepaid expenses, the value of in-place leases net of related accumulated amortization, available-for-sale investments, and other miscellaneous receivables. Investments under deferred compensation plans are classified as trading securities and are adjusted to fair market value at period end. See further discussion of our investments under deferred compensation plans in Note 11, “Share-based Compensation and Benefit Plans.” Deferred financing costs are amortized no longer than the terms of the related debt on the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method. Corporate leasehold improvements and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method over the shorter of the expected useful lives or the lease terms which range from three to ten years. Our available-for-sale investments are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a separate component of shareholders’ equity.

Reportable Segments. Our multifamily communities are geographically diversified throughout the United States, and management evaluates operating performance on an individual property level. As each of our apartment communities has similar economic characteristics, residents, and products and services, our apartment communities have been aggregated into one reportable segment. Our multifamily communities generate rental revenue and other income through the leasing of apartment homes, which comprised approximately 98%, 98%, and 97% of our total property revenues and total non-property income, excluding income on deferred compensation plans, for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

Restricted Cash. Restricted cash consists of escrow deposits held by lenders for property taxes, insurance and replacement reserves, cash required to be segregated for the repayment of residents’ security deposits, and escrowed amounts related to our development and acquisition activities. Substantially all restricted cash is invested in demand and short-term instruments.

Share-based Compensation. Compensation expense associated with share-based awards is recognized in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income using the grant-date fair values. Compensation cost for all share-based awards, including options, requires measurement at estimated fair value on the grant date and recognition of compensation expense over the requisite service period for awards expected to vest. The fair value of stock option grants is estimated using the Black-Scholes valuation model. Valuation models require the input of assumptions, including judgments to estimate the expected stock price volatility, expected life, and forfeiture rate. The compensation cost for share-based awards is based on the market value of the shares on the date of grant.

Use of Estimates. In the application of GAAP, management is required to make estimates and assumptions which affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, results of operations during the reporting periods, and related disclosures. Our more significant estimates include estimates supporting our impairment analysis related to the carrying values of our real estate assets, and estimates related to the valuation of our investments in joint ventures. These estimates are based on historical experience and other assumptions believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Future events rarely develop exactly as forecasted, and the best estimates routinely require adjustment.