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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] 
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Note 3 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

In order to conform with generally accepted accounting principles, management, in preparation of our consolidated financial statements, is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of September 30, 2011, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the nine month and three month periods ended September 30, 2011 and 2010. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates include the valuation of deferred taxes and a related allowance, and these significant estimates, as well as other estimates and assumptions, may change in the near term.

Investments in Equipment

Our investments in equipment assets are reported at cost.

Depreciation expense for furniture, fixtures and equipment is computed using the straight-line method based on useful lives of 3 to 7 years. The equipment was fully depreciated in 2010.

Cash

We maintain our cash in bank accounts that are federally insured.

Marketable Securities

Our marketable securities consist of publicly traded shares of real estate companies that are valued at quoted prices in active markets as of the balance sheet date. We account for our investment in marketable securities as available-for-sale, which are recorded at fair value. Unrealized holding gains and losses are excluded from earnings and are reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income.

Other Assets

As of September 30, 2011, other assets of $2,205 are $1,677 prepaid insurance and $528 dividends receivable from marketable securities.

Revenue Recognition

Revenues include interest and dividends earned on cash balances and marketable securities.

 

Stock Based Compensation

The Company accounts for stock based compensation in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 718 (“ASC 718”), Compensation – Stock Compensation, which addresses the accounting for stock-based payment transactions in which an enterprise receives employee services in exchange for (a) equity instruments of the enterprise or (b) liabilities that are based on the fair value of the enterprise’s equity instruments or that may be settled by the issuance of such equity instruments. ASC 718 generally requires that these transactions be accounted for using a fair-value-based method. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine the fair-value of stock-based awards.

Income Taxes

Because we have not elected to be taxed as a Real Estate Investment Trust (“REIT”) for federal income tax purposes, we account for income taxes using the liability method under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the period in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. We intend to take advantage of our tax loss carryforwards before qualifying to be a REIT again.

At September 30, 2011, we have a net operating loss, and at December 31, 2010, we had net operating losses totaling approximately $2.3 million. While the loss created a deferred tax asset, a valuation allowance was applied against the asset because of the uncertainty of whether we will be able to use these loss carryforwards, which will expire in varying amounts through the year 2030.

We are also subject to certain state and local income, excise and franchise taxes. The provision for state and local taxes has been reflected in general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of operations and has not been separately stated due to its insignificance.