EX-99.1 2 tm221667d3_ex99-1.htm EXHIBIT 99.1

 Exhibit 99.1

 

 

[          ]

 

Dear Bluerock Residential Stockholder:

 

I am pleased to inform you that on [      ], the board of directors of Bluerock Residential Growth REIT, Inc., a Maryland corporation (“Bluerock Residential”), declared a distribution of the outstanding shares of common stock and Class C common stock of Bluerock Homes Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation (“Bluerock Homes”), which will be an externally managed, publicly traded real estate investment trust (“REIT”) and hold a portfolio of Bluerock Residential’s Single-Family Properties (as hereinafter defined) and certain other assets (collectively with the Single-Family Properties, the “Bluerock Homes Business”).

 

The distribution of shares of Bluerock Homes common stock and Bluerock Homes Class C common stock (the “Distribution”) is expected to occur prior to the closing of the merger of Bluerock Residential with and into Badger Merger Sub LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a wholly owned subsidiary (“Merger Sub”) of Badger Parent LLC (“Badger Parent”), pursuant to an agreement and plan of merger, dated as of December 20, 2021, by and among Bluerock Residential, Badger Parent and Merger Sub (as amended from time to time, the “Merger Agreement”). Badger Parent and Merger Sub are affiliates of Blackstone Real Estate Partners IX L.P., an affiliate of Blackstone Inc. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, following the completion of the Distribution, Bluerock Residential will merge with and into Merger Sub (the “Merger”), with Merger Sub continuing as the surviving company in the Merger. Completion of the Distribution is one of a number of conditions to completion of the Merger, and the Distribution is contingent upon a number of other conditions having been satisfied or waived.

 

Prior to the Distribution and the effective time of the Merger (the “Merger Effective Time”), Bluerock Residential will contribute certain single-family properties and other assets, which are held through investments in the general and limited partner interests in the operating partnership of Bluerock Residential, to Bluerock Homes, on the terms and subject to the conditions of a separation and distribution agreement (the “Separation,” and such properties, the “Single-Family Properties”).

 

The Distribution is expected to occur on [      ], by way of a pro rata special dividend to Bluerock Residential common stockholders. Assuming that the conditions to the Distribution are satisfied, holders of each share of Bluerock Residential common stock or Bluerock Residential Class C common stock as of the close of business on [           ], the expected record date for the Distribution, will be entitled to receive [      ] share[s] of Bluerock Homes common stock or Class C common stock, as applicable. The Distribution is expected to be treated as a taxable distribution to such Bluerock Residential stockholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

Bluerock Residential stockholders are not required to approve the Distribution, and you are not required to take any action to receive your shares of Bluerock Homes common stock and/or Bluerock Homes Class C common stock. The number of shares of Bluerock Residential stock that you own prior to the Distribution will not change as a result of the Distribution. We expect that Bluerock Homes common stock will be listed on the New York Stock Exchange American under the symbol “BHM.” Bluerock Homes Class C common stock will not be listed on a securities exchange.

 

The enclosed information statement is being made available to all holders of shares of Bluerock Residential common stock that are expected to receive shares of Bluerock Homes common stock in the Distribution. The information statement describes the Separation and the Distribution in detail and contains important information about Bluerock Homes, its business, financial condition and results of operations, as well as certain risks related to its business. You are urged to read the information statement carefully.

 

I want to thank you for your continued support of Bluerock Residential, and we look forward to your future support of Bluerock Homes.

 

Sincerely,
  
  [                      ]
   
  R. Ramin Kamfar
  Chief Executive Officer and Chairman

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Dear Bluerock Homes Stockholder:

 

It is my pleasure to welcome you as a stockholder of our company, Bluerock Homes Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation (“Bluerock Homes”). Following the distribution of all of the shares of Bluerock Homes common stock and Class C common stock by Bluerock Residential Growth REIT, Inc., Bluerock Homes will be an externally managed, publicly traded real estate investment trust (“REIT”) that will own and operate high-quality single-family properties located in attractive markets in the United States.

 

We believe the creation of a REIT focused on first-ring suburban single-family rental homes positions us to benefit from anticipated healthy long-term demand fundamentals for single-family rentals with upgraded amenities. We intend to focus on the knowledge-economy and high quality of life regions of the Sunbelt and the West, utilizing our two primary investment strategies – Scattered-Site Aggregation and Build-to-Rent Development – to drive growth in funds from operations and net asset value at our properties in order to maximize returns to our investors.

 

We further believe that our management team’s extensive experience and proven track record in residential real estate, as well as its in-depth market knowledge and network of experienced regional owner-operators across the nation, will enable us to successfully execute our business strategy and generate attractive risk-adjusted returns and long-term value for our stockholders. We expect that Bluerock Homes common stock will be listed on the New York Stock Exchange American under the symbol “BHM.” Bluerock Homes Class C common stock will not be listed on a securities exchange.

 

I invite you to learn more about Bluerock Homes by carefully reviewing the enclosed information statement, which describes the distribution of Bluerock Homes common stock and Class C common stock in detail and contains important information about Bluerock Homes, our business, financial condition and results of operations, as well as certain risks related to our business. The information statement also explains how you will receive your shares of Bluerock Homes common stock and/or Class C common stock. We look forward to your support as a stockholder of Bluerock Homes.

 

Sincerely,
  
  [                      ]
   
  R. Ramin Kamfar
  Chief Executive Officer and Chairman
  Bluerock Homes Trust, Inc.

 

 

 

 

Information contained herein is subject to completion or amendment. A Registration Statement on Form 10 relating to these securities has been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

PRELIMINARY AND SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED MARCH 9, 2022

 

INFORMATION STATEMENT

 

Bluerock Homes Trust, Inc.

 

This information statement is being furnished in connection with the distribution (the “Distribution”) by Bluerock Residential Growth REIT, Inc., a Maryland corporation (“Bluerock Residential”), to its common stockholders as of the close of business on [      ], the expected record date for the distribution, of all of the outstanding shares of common stock and Class C common stock of Bluerock Homes Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation (“Bluerock Homes”) and until the Distribution Date (as defined below) a wholly owned subsidiary of Bluerock Residential. The Distribution is expected to occur prior to the closing of the merger of Bluerock Residential with and into Badger Merger Sub LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a wholly owned subsidiary (“Merger Sub”) of Badger Parent LLC (“Badger Parent”) pursuant to an agreement and plan of merger, dated as of December 20, 2021, by and among Bluerock Residential, Merger Sub and Badger Parent (as amended from time to time, the “Merger Agreement”). Badger Parent and Merger Sub are affiliates of Blackstone Real Estate Partners IX L.P., an affiliate of Blackstone Inc. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, following the completion of the Distribution, Bluerock Residential will merge with and into Merger Sub (the “Merger”), with Merger Sub continuing as the surviving company in the Merger. Completion of the Distribution is one of a number of conditions to completion of the Merger, and the Distribution is contingent upon a number of other conditions having been satisfied or waived.

 

Prior to the Distribution and the effective time of the Merger (the “Merger Effective Time”), Bluerock Residential will contribute certain single-family properties and other assets to Bluerock Homes, which are held through investments in the general and limited partner interests in the operating partnership of Bluerock Residential, on the terms and conditions of a separation and distribution agreement (the “Separation,” and such properties, the “Single-Family Properties”). Following the Separation, Bluerock Homes will be an externally managed, publicly traded real estate investment trust (“REIT”), consisting of a portfolio of Single-Family Properties and certain other assets previously owned by Bluerock Residential (collectively with the Single-Family Properties, the “Bluerock Homes Business”).

 

The Distribution will be conducted pursuant to the terms of a separation and distribution agreement (the “Separation and Distribution Agreement”). The Distribution is subject to certain conditions, described under the heading “The Separation and the Distribution.”

 

We expect that the shares of Bluerock Homes common stock will be distributed by Bluerock Residential to Bluerock Residential common stockholders on [      ] (the “Distribution Date”). In the Distribution, Bluerock Residential will distribute all of the outstanding shares of Bluerock Homes common stock to Bluerock Residential common stockholders on a pro rata basis, in a transaction that is expected to be a taxable distribution for U.S. federal income tax purposes. For each share of Bluerock Residential common stock or Bluerock Residential Class C common stock held of record by Bluerock Residential stockholders as of the close of business on [      ], the expected record date for the Distribution, such stockholder will receive [         ] share[s] of Bluerock Homes common stock or Bluerock Homes Class C common stock, as applicable. Bluerock Residential stockholders will receive cash in lieu of any fractional shares of Bluerock Homes common stock that such holders would have otherwise received as a result of the Distribution.

 

As discussed under “The Separation and the Distribution—Trading Before the Distribution Date,” if you sell your shares of Bluerock Residential common stock in the “regular-way” market beginning on or shortly before the record date and continuing up to and through the Distribution Date you also will be selling your right to receive shares of Bluerock Homes common stock in connection with the Distribution. However, if you sell your shares of Bluerock Residential common stock in the “ex-distribution” market during the same period, you will retain your right to receive shares of Bluerock Homes common stock in connection with the Distribution.

 

There is no current trading market for Bluerock Homes common stock, although we expect that a limited market, commonly known as a “when-issued” trading market, will develop on or shortly before the record date for the Distribution, and we expect “regular-way” trading of Bluerock Homes common stock to begin on the first trading day following the completion of the Distribution. We expect that our common stock will be listed on the New York Stock Exchange American (the “NYSE American”) under the symbol “BHM.”

 

We intend to elect and qualify to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes commencing with our initial taxable year ending December 31, 2022. Shares of our common stock will be subject to limitations on ownership and transfer that, among other purposes, are intended to assist us in qualifying as a REIT. Our charter (the “Bluerock Homes Charter”) will contain certain restrictions relating to the ownership and transfer of our common stock, including, subject to certain exceptions, a 9.8% limit, in value or by number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, on the ownership of outstanding shares of our common stock and a 9.8% limit, in value, on the ownership of shares of all classes and series of our outstanding stock. For more information, see “Description of Our Capital Stock — Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer.”

 

Following the Distribution, we expect to be an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”), and, as such, are allowed to provide in this information statement more limited disclosure than an issuer that would not so qualify. In addition, for so long as we remain an emerging growth company, we may also take advantage of certain limited exceptions from investor protection laws such as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended, and the Investor Protection and Securities Reform Act of 2010, for limited periods.

 

Bluerock Residential stockholders are not required to approve the Distribution, and you are not required to take any action to receive your shares of Bluerock Homes common stock and/or Class C common stock.

 

In reviewing this information statement, you should carefully consider the matters described under the caption “Risk Factors” beginning on page 22.

 

Neither the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved these securities or determined if this information statement is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

This information statement does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities.

 

The date of this information statement is [           ].

 

This information statement was first made available to Bluerock Residential stockholders on or about [           ].

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE DISTRIBUTION 1
INFORMATION STATEMENT SUMMARY 10
RISK FACTORS 22
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 65
THE SEPARATION AND THE DISTRIBUTION 67
DIVIDEND POLICY 77
CAPITALIZATION 78
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 79
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED BALANCE SHEET AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2021 81
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021 82
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 83
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 87
BUSINESS AND PROPERTIES 102
OUR MANAGER AND MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT 123
MANAGEMENT 134
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS 147
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT 150
DESCRIPTION OF MATERIAL INDEBTEDNESS 151
DESCRIPTION OF OUR CAPITAL STOCK 152
MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES 163
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE 193
PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT 194
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION 204
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS F-1

 

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Presentation of Information

 

Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this information statement to “Bluerock Homes,” “our company,” “the Company,” “us,” “our” and “we” refer to Bluerock Homes Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries. References to “Bluerock Residential Holdings” or our “Operating Partnership” refer exclusively to Bluerock Residential Holdings, L.P., a Maryland limited partnership of which we will be the general partner following the Separation. Following the Separation, Bluerock Residential Holdings will function as the operating partnership of Bluerock Homes.

 

References to the “Merger” refer exclusively to the merger of Bluerock Residential with and into Merger Sub. Badger Parent and Merger Sub are affiliates of Blackstone Real Estate Partners IX L.P., an affiliate of Blackstone Inc. References to Bluerock Homes’ historical business and operations refer to the Single-Family Properties and certain other operations of Bluerock Residential that will be transferred to Bluerock Homes in connection with the Separation.

 

Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this information statement to “Bluerock Residential” refer to Bluerock Residential Growth REIT, Inc., a Maryland corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries prior to the consummation of the Merger and references to “common stock” of Bluerock Residential refer to Class A common stock of Bluerock Residential, and references to Bluerock Homes “common stock” refer to Class A common stock of Bluerock Homes. Except as otherwise indicated or unless the context otherwise requires, all references to Bluerock Homes per share data assume a distribution ratio of [      ] share[s] of Bluerock Homes common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Bluerock Homes common stock”), for each share of Bluerock Residential common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Distribution Ratio”).

 

References to “Bluerock” refer to Bluerock Real Estate, L.L.C. and its affiliates. Bluerock is a private equity real estate investment and asset management firm that is an affiliate of Bluerock Homes Manager, LLC (our “Manager”).

 

As used herein, all references to “tenants” of Bluerock Homes refer to tenants who have entered into lease agreements with Bluerock Homes or its subsidiaries.

 

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE DISTRIBUTION

 

What is Bluerock Homes, and why is Bluerock Residential separating the Bluerock Homes Business and distributing Bluerock Homes common stock? Bluerock Homes was formed primarily to hold the Single-Family Properties of Bluerock Residential.  The Separation of the Bluerock Homes Business from Bluerock Residential and the Distribution of shares of Bluerock Homes common stock is expected to enable Bluerock Homes to pursue our distinct business strategy focused on our Single-Family Properties.  After consideration of strategic alternatives, Bluerock Homes and Bluerock Residential expect that the Separation and the Distribution will provide an opportunity for our experienced management team to implement and execute our growth strategy and for us to enhance investor transparency and better highlight our attributes.  For more information, see “The Separation and the Distribution — Background” and “The Separation and the Distribution — Reasons for the Separation and the Distribution.”
   
Why am I receiving this document? You are receiving this document because you are a holder of shares of Bluerock Residential common stock.  If you are a holder of Bluerock Residential common stock as of the close of business on [         ], the expected record date for the Distribution, you will be entitled to receive [         ] shares of Bluerock Homes common stock for each share of Bluerock Residential common stock that you hold at the close of business on such date (and cash in lieu of any fractional shares).  The Distribution is expected to occur on [         ].
   
What is the Separation of the Bluerock Homes Business from Bluerock Residential?

Prior to the Distribution and the Merger Effective Time, Bluerock Residential will effect an internal reorganization and will contribute certain single-family properties and other assets to Bluerock Homes, which are held through investments in the general and limited partner interests in the operating partnership of Bluerock Residential, on the terms and subject to the conditions of the Separation and Distribution Agreement. Following the Separation, Bluerock Homes will own the Single-Family Properties and certain other assets previously owned by Bluerock Residential.

 

Bluerock Homes will operate as an UPREIT. This means that an operating partnership of our company will hold substantially all of the properties, conduct substantially all of the business and generate substantially all of the revenues of our company.

 

Bluerock Residential currently operates as an UPREIT through its Operating Partnership, Bluerock Residential Holdings. Pursuant to the Separation, Bluerock Residential Holdings will form a lower-tier limited partnership or limited liability company treated as a disregarded entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes (the “New LP”). Bluerock Residential Holdings will then contribute its interests in Bluerock Residential’s multi-family residential real estate business and certain other assets to the New LP. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Bluerock Residential Holdings will distribute the New LP to Bluerock Residential in exchange for a redemption of 25,210,092 of Bluerock Residential’s common units in Bluerock Residential Holdings and all of Bluerock Residential’s outstanding preferred interests. Duff & Phelps, a Kroll Business operating as Kroll, LLC (“Duff & Phelps”) delivered an opinion on this consideration to the Bluerock Residential board of directors in connection with the execution of the Merger Agreement. After consideration of this opinion and other documents and presentations, the non-management directors of the Bluerock Residential board of directors approved this exchange. Pursuant to the Separation, Bluerock Residential will then contribute its remaining interest in Bluerock Residential Holdings (including the general partnership interest) to Bluerock Homes, which will then become the Operating Partnership of Bluerock Homes, through which Bluerock Homes will operate substantially all of its business after the Distribution.
   
What assets will Bluerock Homes own following the Separation? Bluerock Homes will own the Single-Family Properties and certain other assets formerly held by Bluerock Residential.
   
What is the Distribution and how will the Distribution work? To accomplish the Distribution, Bluerock Residential will distribute all of the outstanding shares of Bluerock Homes common stock to Bluerock Residential common stockholders on a pro rata basis. Holders of each share of Bluerock Residential common stock or Bluerock Residential Class C common stock as of the close of business on the record date will be entitled to receive [      ] share[s] of Bluerock Homes common stock or Class C common stock, as applicable.
   
What is the record date for the Distribution? The record date for the Distribution is [      ].
   
When will the Distribution occur? It is expected that the shares of Bluerock Homes common stock will be distributed by Bluerock Residential on [      ] to holders of record of Bluerock Residential common stock at the close of business on the record date, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of all conditions to the Distribution set forth in the Separation and Distribution Agreement.
   
What do Bluerock Residential stockholders need to do to participate in the Distribution? Common stockholders of Bluerock Residential as of the record date will not be required to take any action to receive shares of Bluerock Homes common stock in the Distribution.  No stockholder approval of the Distribution is required and you are not being asked for a proxy.  You will not be required to make any payment, surrender or exchange your Bluerock Residential common stock, or take any other action to receive your shares of Bluerock Homes common stock.  
   
How will shares of Bluerock Homes common
stock be issued?

You will receive shares of Bluerock Homes common stock through the same channels that you currently use to hold or trade shares of Bluerock Residential common stock, whether through a brokerage account, 401(k) plan or other channels. Receipt of shares of Bluerock Homes common stock will be documented for you in the same manner that you typically receive stockholder updates, such as monthly broker statements and 401(k) statements. 

 

 

 

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  If you own shares of Bluerock Residential common stock as of the close of business on the record date, Bluerock Residential, with the assistance of Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (“CTC”), the distribution agent, will electronically distribute shares of Bluerock Homes common stock to you or to your bank or brokerage firm on your behalf in book-entry form. CTC will mail to you a book-entry account statement that reflects your shares of Bluerock Homes common stock, or your bank or bank or brokerage firm will credit your account for the shares. CTC will also mail you or your bank or brokerage firm a check for any cash in lieu of fractional shares you are entitled to receive. 
   
How many Bluerock Homes shares will I receive in the Distribution? For each share of Bluerock Residential common stock or Bluerock Residential Class C common stock held of record by you as of the close of business on [      ], the expected record date for the Distribution, you will receive [      ] share[s] of Bluerock Homes common stock or Bluerock Homes Class C common stock, as applicable. Based on approximately [      ] shares of Bluerock Residential common stock outstanding as of [           ], a total of approximately [           ] shares of Bluerock Homes common stock will be distributed. Based on approximately [            ] shares of Bluerock Residential Class C common stock outstanding as of [      ], a total of approximately [      ] shares of Bluerock Homes Class C common stock will be distributed. The foregoing amounts do not reflect any equity issued by Bluerock Residential after [      ]. You will receive cash in lieu of any fractional shares of Bluerock Homes common stock that you would have otherwise received as a result of the Distribution.
   
Will Bluerock Homes issue fractional shares in the Distribution? Bluerock Homes will not distribute fractional shares of its common stock in the Distribution.  Instead, all fractional shares that Bluerock Residential stockholders would otherwise have been entitled to receive will be aggregated into whole shares and sold in the open market by CTC.  We expect CTC, acting on behalf of Bluerock Residential, to take  several weeks after the Distribution Date to fully distribute the aggregate net cash proceeds of these sales on a pro rata basis (based on the fractional share such holder would otherwise be entitled to receive) to those stockholders who would otherwise have been entitled to receive fractional shares.  Recipients of cash in lieu of fractional shares will not be entitled to any interest on the amounts of payment made in lieu of fractional shares.
   
What are the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Distribution to U.S. holders of Bluerock Residential common stock?

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Distribution, taken together with the receipt of cash pursuant to the Merger, is expected to be treated as a distribution in complete liquidation of Bluerock Residential and a fully taxable transaction. In general, you will recognize capital gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes in an amount equal to the difference, if any, between (1) the sum of (A) the amount of cash received with respect to your Bluerock Residential shares in the Merger plus (B) the fair market value, determined when the Distribution occurs, of the Bluerock Homes shares received in the Distribution, and (2) your adjusted tax basis in your Bluerock Residential shares. However, under certain circumstances, withholding may be required with respect to the Distribution (and the cash consideration payable in the Merger) under applicable tax laws, including in the case of distributions made to certain non-U.S. holders (as defined below) under the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980, as amended, which we refer to as “FIRPTA.” For a more detailed discussion, see “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences — Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Distribution.” 

 

 

 

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  Tax matters can be complicated, and the tax consequences of the Distribution (and the Merger) will depend on a holder’s particular situation. You are urged to consult your tax advisor as to the specific tax consequences of the Distribution (and the Merger) to you in light of your particular circumstances, including the effect of any state, local or non-U.S. tax laws and of changes in applicable tax laws.
   
What will my tax basis and holding period be for shares of Bluerock Homes common stock I receive in the Distribution for U.S. federal income tax purposes? Your tax basis in the Bluerock Homes shares received by you in the Distribution will equal the fair market value of such shares on the distribution date.  Your holding period for such shares will begin the day after the distribution date.  For a more detailed discussion, see “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences — Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Distribution.”
   
What are the conditions to the Distribution?

The Distribution is subject to the satisfaction (or waiver by Bluerock Residential) of the following conditions in accordance with the Separation and Distribution Agreement:

 

·      the consummation of the Separation in all material respects;

·      the SEC declaring effective the registration statement of which this information statement forms a part, with no stop order in effect with respect thereto, and no proceeding for such purpose pending before, or threatened by, the SEC;

·      this information statement having been made available to Bluerock Residential stockholders;

 

·      the receipt of the opinion of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., to the effect that, beginning with our short taxable year ending December 31, 2022, we will be organized in conformity with the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the U.S. federal income tax laws, and our intended method of operation will enable us to qualify as a REIT under the U.S. federal income tax laws for our taxable year ending December 31, 2022 and thereafter;

 

·      the Bluerock Residential board of directors having received one or more opinions from one or more nationally recognized valuation or accounting firms or investment banks reasonably acceptable to Bluerock Residential and Badger Parent as to the solvency of Bluerock Homes after the completion of the Distribution, and such opinion(s) having not been withdrawn or rescinded;

·      no order, injunction, or decree issued by any court of competent jurisdiction or other legal restraint or prohibition preventing the consummation of the Separation, the Distribution or any of the related transactions being in effect;

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·      all necessary permits and authorizations under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act relating to the issuance and trading of shares of Bluerock Homes common stock having been obtained and being in effect; the Bluerock Homes common stock to be distributed having been approved for listing on the NYSE American, subject to official notice of distribution;

·      all actions or filings necessary or appropriate under applicable U.S. federal, state or other securities or blue sky laws and the rules and regulations thereunder having been taken and, where applicable, having become effective or been accepted by the applicable governmental entity;

·      the execution of ancillary agreements by us and Bluerock Residential, including a Tax Matters Agreement; and

·      no other event or development existing or having occurred that, in the judgment of Bluerock Residential’s board of directors, in its sole and absolute discretion, makes it inadvisable to effect the Separation, the Distribution and the other related transactions (except that the consent of Badger Parent would be required for Bluerock Residential to rely on the condition described in this bullet as a basis for not completing the Distribution).

 

Bluerock Residential and Bluerock Homes cannot assure you that any or all of these conditions will be met. Bluerock Residential can, subject to the rights of Badger Parent under the Merger Agreement, decline at any time to go forward with the Distribution. Under the Merger Agreement, Bluerock Residential has agreed with Badger Parent that, subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, Bluerock Residential will use commercially reasonable efforts to consummate the Separation and the Distribution. In addition, the completion of the Separation and the Distribution is a condition to the Merger under the Merger Agreement. Accordingly, the Merger will not be completed unless and until the Separation and the Distribution are completed. For a complete discussion of all of the conditions to the Distribution, please refer to “The Separation and the Distribution — The Separation and Distribution Agreement — Conditions to the Distribution.” 

   
Can Bluerock Residential unilaterally decide to cancel the Distribution even if all the conditions have been met? Until the Distribution has occurred, the Bluerock Residential board of directors has the right to terminate the Distribution, even if all of the conditions are satisfied, subject to the rights of Badger Parent under the Merger Agreement. Under the Merger Agreement, Bluerock Residential has agreed with Blackstone that, subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, Bluerock Residential will use commercially reasonable efforts to consummate the Separation and the Distribution. In addition, the completion of the Separation and the Distribution is a condition to the Merger under the Merger Agreement. Accordingly, the Merger will not be completed unless and until the Separation and the Distribution are completed.
   
What is the expected date of completion of the Distribution? The completion and timing of the Distribution are dependent upon a number of conditions, including the conditions listed above.  It is expected that the shares of Bluerock Homes common stock will be distributed by Bluerock Residential on [          ], the expected Distribution Date, to the holders of record of shares of Bluerock Residential common stock at the close of business on the record date.  However, no assurance can be provided as to the timing of the Distribution or that all conditions to the Distribution will be met.

 

 

 

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What if I want to sell my Bluerock Residential common stock or my Bluerock Homes common stock? If you would like to sell your Bluerock Residential common stock or Bluerock Homes common stock, you should consult with your financial advisors, such as your stockbroker, bank or tax advisor.
What is “regular-way” and “ex distribution” trading of Bluerock Residential stock?

Beginning on or shortly before the record date and continuing up to and through the Distribution Date, it is expected that there will be two markets in Bluerock Residential common stock: a “regular-way” market and an “ex-distribution” market.

 

Shares of Bluerock Residential common stock that trade on the “regular-way” market will trade with an entitlement to shares of Bluerock Homes common stock distributed in the Distribution. Shares of Bluerock Residential common stock that trade on the “ex-distribution” market will trade without an entitlement to shares of Bluerock Homes common stock distributed pursuant to the Distribution.

 

If you decide to sell any Bluerock Residential common stock before the Distribution Date, you should make sure your stockbroker, bank or other nominee understands whether you want to sell your Bluerock Residential common stock with or without your entitlement to shares of Bluerock Homes common stock in the Distribution.

 

Will the shares of Bluerock Homes common stock be listed on an exchange? Bluerock Homes expects its common stock to be listed on the NYSE American under the symbol “BHM.” Bluerock Homes anticipates that trading in shares of its common stock will begin on a “when-issued” basis on or shortly before the record date and will continue up to and through the Distribution Date and that “regular-way” trading in Bluerock Homes common stock will begin on the first trading day following the completion of the Distribution.  If trading begins on a “when-issued” basis, you may purchase or sell Bluerock Homes common stock up to and through the Distribution Date, but your transaction will not settle until after the Distribution Date.  Bluerock Homes cannot predict the trading prices for its common stock before, on or after the Distribution Date.
What will happen to the listing of Bluerock Residential common stock? Immediately after the Distribution of Bluerock Homes common stock, Bluerock Residential common stock will continue to trade on the NYSE American, but as a result of the Merger with Merger Sub, Bluerock Residential common stock will be delisted from the NYSE American.
Will the number of shares of Bluerock Residential common stock that I own change as a result of the Distribution? The number of shares of Bluerock Residential common stock you own will not change as a result of the Distribution.  However, as a result of Bluerock Residential’s Merger with Merger Sub, each share of Bluerock Residential common stock, subject to certain exceptions, will be converted into the right to receive $24.25 in cash as merger consideration.
What is a REIT? Bluerock Homes intends to qualify and elect to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Code, commencing with Bluerock Homes’ initial taxable year ending December 31, 2022.  As a REIT, Bluerock Homes generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on its taxable income that it distributes to its stockholders.  A company’s qualification as a REIT depends on its ability to meet, on a continuing basis, through actual investment and operating results, various complex requirements under the Code relating to, among other things, the sources of its gross income, the composition and values of its assets, its distribution levels and the diversity of ownership of its shares. Bluerock Homes believes that, after the Distribution, it will be organized in conformity with the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code, and that its intended manner of operation will enable it to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT.  For a discussion of the U.S. federal income taxation of REITs and the tax treatment of distributions to stockholders of Bluerock Homes, please refer to “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences — Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations Regarding Bluerock Homes’ Taxation as a REIT.”

 

 

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What debt will Bluerock Homes have after the Separation? As a result of the Separation, we will own the Single Family Properties, subject to approximately $[       ] million of existing secured property-level indebtedness, based on principal balances as of [       ]. Following the completion of the Separation, we expect to have approximately $[       ] million in consolidated outstanding indebtedness, $[       ] million in cash, and $[       ] million of availability under our expected future $[       ] million revolving credit facility.
What will Bluerock Homes’ relationship be with Bluerock Residential following the Distribution?

Bluerock Homes and Bluerock Residential will be independent companies following the Distribution. As of or prior to the Distribution, Bluerock Homes will enter into the Separation and Distribution Agreement with Bluerock Residential. In addition, as of or prior to the Distribution, Bluerock Homes will enter into various other agreements to effect the Separation and the Distribution and provide a framework for its relationship with Bluerock Residential after the Separation and the Distribution, such as the Tax Matters Agreement.

 

For additional information regarding the Separation and Distribution Agreement and other transaction agreements, please refer to the sections entitled “Risk Factors — Risks Related to the Separation and the Distribution” and “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions.”

 

Who will manage Bluerock Homes after the Distribution?

After the Distribution, Bluerock Homes will be externally managed and advised by Bluerock Homes Manager, LLC (our “Manager”) pursuant to a Management Agreement. Upon the completion of the Separation and the Distribution, R. Ramin Kamfar will be the Chief Executive Officer of our Manager and also a member of the board of directors of Bluerock Homes, and Jordan Ruddy, Ryan S. MacDonald, James G. Babb, III, Christopher J. Vohs, Michael DiFranco, Steven Siptrott and Jason Emala, current members of the executive management team of Bluerock Residential and its affiliates, will serve as our Manager’s other executive officers. In addition, upon the completion of the Separation and the Distribution, employees currently employed by Bluerock Residential and/or its affiliates will transition to become employees of our Manager or an affiliate thereof. For additional information regarding Bluerock Homes’ management, please refer to “Our Manager and Management Agreement.”

 

 

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Are there risks associated with owning shares of Bluerock Homes common stock? Yes.  Ownership of shares of Bluerock Homes common stock is subject to both general and specific risks related to Bluerock Homes’ business, the industry in which it operates, its ongoing contractual relationships with Bluerock Residential and its status as a separate, publicly traded company.  Ownership of Bluerock Homes common stock is also subject to risks relating to the Separation.  These risks are described in the “Risk Factors” section of this information statement beginning on page 22.  You are encouraged to read that section carefully.
Does Bluerock Homes plan to pay dividends?

Bluerock Homes generally intends to pay dividends in an amount at least equal to the amount that will be required for Bluerock Homes to qualify as a REIT and to avoid current entity level U.S. federal income taxes. To qualify as a REIT, Bluerock Homes must distribute annually to its stockholders at least 90% of Bluerock Homes’ REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction and excluding net capital gains. Please refer to “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences — Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations Regarding Bluerock Homes’ Taxation as a REIT.”

 

Dividends paid by Bluerock Homes will be authorized and determined by Bluerock Homes’ board of directors, in its sole discretion, out of legally available funds, and will be dependent upon a number of factors, including restrictions under applicable law and other factors described under “Dividend Policy.” Bluerock Homes may pay dividends from sources other than cash flow from operations or funds from operations (“FFO”), which may reduce the amount of capital available for operations, may have negative tax implications, and may have a negative effect on the value of your shares under certain conditions. Bluerock Homes cannot assure you that its dividend policy will remain the same in the future, or that any estimated dividends will be paid or sustained.

 

Who will be the distribution agent for the Bluerock Homes common stock?

The distribution agent for the Bluerock Homes common stock will be CTC. For questions relating to the transfer or mechanics of the Distribution, you should contact:

 

Regular Mail Delivery:

 

Computershare

Attn: Alternative Investment Operations

P.O. Box 43007

Providence, RI 02940-3007

 

Overnight Delivery:

 

Computershare

Attn: Alternative Investment Operations

150 Royall Street - Suite 101

Canton, MA 02021

 

If your shares of Bluerock Residential are held by a bank, broker or other nominee, you may call the information agent for the Distribution, CTC, toll free at (866) 574-5492 or (781) 575-2879 if located outside the United States. Banks and brokers should call (866) 567-5704.

 

 

 

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Who will be the transfer agent for Bluerock Homes common stock? The transfer agent for the Bluerock Homes common stock will be CTC.
Where can I find more information about Bluerock Residential and Bluerock Homes?

Before the Distribution, if you have any questions relating to Bluerock Residential’s business performance, you should contact:

 

Bluerock Residential Growth REIT, Inc.
1345 Avenue of the Americas, 32nd Floor
New York, NY 10105
Attention: Investor Relations
(888) 558-1031
www.bluerockresidential.com

 

 

After the Distribution, Bluerock Homes stockholders who have any questions relating to Bluerock Homes’ business performance should contact Bluerock Homes at:

 

Bluerock Homes Trust, Inc.
1345 Avenue of the Americas, 32nd Floor
New York, NY 10105
Attention: Investor Relations
(212) 843-1601
www.bluerockhomes.com

 

  The Bluerock Homes investor website is expected to be operational as of [          ].
  The websites of Bluerock Residential and Bluerock Homes are not incorporated by reference into this information statement.

 

 

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INFORMATION STATEMENT SUMMARY

 

The following is a summary of material information discussed in this information statement. This summary may not contain all of the details concerning the Separation, the Distribution or other information that may be important to you. To better understand the Separation, the Distribution and Bluerock Homes’ business and financial position, you should carefully review this entire information statement. Except as otherwise indicated or unless the context otherwise requires, the information included in this information statement assumes the completion of all of the transactions referred to in this information statement in connection with the Separation and the Distribution. Following the Separation and the Distribution, we will conduct our business as an UPREIT, in which our properties will be owned and operated directly or indirectly by our Operating Partnership. Following the Separation, we will be the sole general partner of Bluerock Residential Holdings and own approximately [             ]% of the limited partnership units in Bluerock Residential Holdings. In the future, we may issue common operating partnership units of Bluerock Residential Holdings (“OP units”) or preferred operating partnership units of Bluerock Residential Holdings (“preferred units”) from time to time in connection with acquisitions of properties or for financing, compensation or other reasons.

 

References in this information statement to Bluerock Homes’ historical assets, liabilities, businesses or activities are generally intended to refer to the historical assets, liabilities, businesses or activities of the transferred businesses as the businesses were conducted as part of Bluerock Residential and its subsidiaries prior to the Separation.

 

Our Company

 

We are an externally managed REIT formed to assemble a portfolio of infill first-ring suburban single-family rental homes in knowledge-economy and high quality of life growth markets across the United States, targeting middle-market single-family home renters in the Sunbelt and the West, which we expect should have healthy long-term demand fundamentals for single-family rentals. Our principal business objective is to generate attractive risk-adjusted investment returns by assembling a portfolio of pre-existing single-family rental homes and developing build-to-rent communities. We utilize two primary investment strategies to drive growth in FFO and net asset value (“NAV”) to maximize returns to our investors:

 

·Scattered-Site Aggregation – Aggregation of single-asset and small portfolios of scattered-site homes at above market unlevered yields relative to private and public market valuations; and

 

·Build-to-Rent Development – Development of Build-to-Rent communities at attractive, stabilized, unlevered yields.

 

Our target renter pool includes the large cohort of rental-biased millennials, among others, who are reaching their peak household-formation age, have a bias for renting for lifestyle or flexibility reasons, and/or who do not want or cannot afford the upfront and ongoing financial commitments of home ownership.

 

We invest primarily through control positions in joint ventures (typically with a 90% economic interest in the joint venture) with a network of established private, regional owner-operators in proprietary, off-market transactions across a broad market footprint, enabling us to execute our strategies across multiple markets and strategies. Where appropriate, we may seek to increase our ownership of the venture to 100%, subsequent to the execution of the initial business plan for each property.

 

For more information, see “Business and Properties — Our Company.”

 

Our Portfolio

 

Our portfolio consists of scattered-site single family homes and build-to-rent communities. We generally target scattered-site single family homes that are between 15 and 40 years old located in first ring suburban markets with quality school systems and direct access to large metropolitan areas. Our scattered-site single family homes are typically a core part of our aggregation strategy and our value-add renovation strategy. We source potential investments in scattered-site single family homes through a variety of channels, including our existing relationships and those developed by our network, real estate brokers, auctions and marketed portfolio sales. Our build-to-rent communities are typically developed by our partners with expertise in development utilizing capital which we provide in a variety of structures, including through common equity, preferred equity and mezzanine loans. Our build-to-rent communities are typically located in first ring suburban markets as part of a larger community with other rental homes. These homes are specifically designed to be rented and are typically amenitized with larger floorplans ranging between two and four bedrooms and consist of both attached and detached homes.

 

As of December 31, 2021, our portfolio consisted of interests in approximately 3,800 homes, comprised of 1,800 operating homes, of which roughly 1,400 and 400 are scattered-site and build-to-rent, respectively, as well as 2,000 additional homes held through preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments, of which 500 are stabilized and 1,500 are under development. As of December 31, 2021, our properties, exclusive of our development properties, were approximately 93% occupied.

 

For more information, see “Business and Properties — Our Portfolio.”

 

 

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Our Target Markets

 

We focus on knowledge-economy and high quality of life (“Knowledge/Quality”) markets with strong job growth, expanding populations and favorable quality of life characteristics. These Knowledge/Quality markets are typically non-gateway regions, with access to good healthcare, highly-rated school systems, lower crime rates, robust infrastructure, good affordability and a growing economic base. They are generally anchored by major universities, technology, healthcare, trade, next-generation high value-add manufacturing or government industries as well as right to work laws, growing populations, and strong household formations.

 

Because employment growth is highly correlated with rental demand, we generally select markets with job growth above the national average. In addition, because income growth is highly correlated with ability to deliver rent growth, we select markets with exposure to industries with attractive and growing compensation levels. We believe our approach of focusing on Knowledge/Quality markets with employment and income growth should not only contribute to achieving strong rental demand and occupancy but should also enable us to achieve revenue growth to deliver attractive risk-adjusted returns within our portfolio.

 

Geographically, the majority of our existing portfolio is positioned in the Sunbelt. According to a study by John Burns Real Estate Consulting conducted in 2021 and a study by the Cooper Center at the University of Virginia published in 2018, the Sunbelt is home to approximately 40% of all U.S. households and is expected to experience average population growth in excess of 10% between 2020 to 2030. Additional existing markets include high-growth areas of the West (excluding California) and other markets with similar attractive demographics as warranted. We believe that the diverse balance of larger and smaller markets within our core footprint, along with a strong current cash flow base and value-add upside, will enable us to deliver attractive investment returns across a full economic cycle.

 

We select and continuously evaluate our target markets through an analysis of demographic data at both the market and submarket levels, which may include the following:

 

·Strong Economic Drivers. Economy characterized by growth industries and jobs of the future such as healthcare and technology, signaling near- and long-term employment growth, relatively low housing affordability and low rent-to-income ratios that allow for future rent increases.

 

·Favorable Business Climate. Regulatory conditions that attract, retain, and foster job growth and new business development including lower tax rates and right-to-work states.

 

·Robust Infrastructure. Growing economic base driven by the presence of technology centers, major colleges and universities, healthcare, trade, next-generation high value-add manufacturing, government industries, and modern transportation facilities and networks.

 

·Renter Demographics. The presence of a younger, more educated workforce with a high population of renters by choice.

 

·High Quality of Life. Areas with abundant recreation, leisure, cultural, and entertainment options, highly rated school systems that appeal to young parents, and plentiful social opportunities including ample recreation and open space, all of which foster population growth and retention. Within our target markets, we focus on submarkets where members of our network have established relationships, transaction history, market knowledge and potential access to off-market investments, as well as an ability to direct property management and leasing operations efficiently.

 

For more information, see “Business and Properties — Our Target Markets.”

 

 

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Our Network Strategy

 

We believe the most important elements in successful investing in single-family real estate are the ability to access attractive, proprietary deal flow, deep local market knowledge to underwrite appropriately, as well as operational expertise and infrastructure to provide execution of the operating and value creation strategies.

 

For this reason, we invest primarily through controlling positions in joint ventures (typically with a 90% economic interest in the joint venture) with members of our network, representing experienced regional owner-​operators across the nation. These relationships provide a wealth of seasoned market knowledge, along with access to a substantial, often proprietary, transaction pipeline, extensive operating infrastructure, and the ability to execute in our target markets without the cost and logistical burdens of maintaining our own local infrastructure across a broad footprint. Benefits of our network strategy include the following:

 

·Force multiplier sourcing effect that provides access to a sizable pool of attractive, off-market investment opportunities;

 

·Deep intellectual capital and track record of success, enabling us to deliver a knowledge-based underwriting of the transaction;

 

·Extensive operational infrastructure enabling us to deliver execution across multiple investment strategies and markets, without the cost and logistical burdens of maintaining our own infrastructure for those markets and strategies;

 

·Substantial capital to invest alongside us, ensuring our partners’ interests are aligned with ours, particularly in terms of delivering returns for our investors; and

 

·Opportunity to achieve ambitious growth and diversification goals via rapid deployment of capital and elimination of delays establishing a robust on-the-ground presence in each new market we enter.

 

The in-house asset management team of our Manager and its affiliates works in tandem with our network members to oversee the implementation of each asset’s business plan, including budgeting, capital expenditures, tenant improvements and financial performance. We believe that our network partners, given their significant co-investment in the projects, provide superior management execution versus third-party fee-only management companies. Notwithstanding the investments of each member of our network, we expect to maintain substantial control over these ventures, including with respect to strategic decision-making.

 

For more information, see “Business and Properties — Our Network Strategy.”

 

Our Competitive Strengths

 

We believe that our investment strategy and operating model distinguishes us from other owners, operators, and acquirors of single-family rental real estate in several important ways.

 

Our Key Principals. Our team offers significant breadth and depth in real estate operating and investment experience. Our team has successfully sourced, structured, acquired and managed more than 50 million square feet of residential real estate investments in our target markets, totaling approximately $13 billion in value, and bring an average of 30 years’ experience across multiple real estate and credit cycles. We believe this experience will provide a competitive advantage, enabling us to grow the company and generate attractive risk-adjusted returns for our stockholders. Our principals’ competitive strengths include:

 

·Expertise Across Our Target Markets. Our principals have significant experience structuring and investing in properties successfully in our target markets, through multiple financial and real estate investment cycles, providing a breadth and depth of operating and investment experience to help steer our investment strategy wisely;

 

 

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·Expertise Creating Value Across Our Investment Strategies and Various Capital Structures. Our principals have substantial experience executing transactions and creating value across our value-add and development investment strategies, and across capital structures — equity, preferred equity, and mezzanine — providing substantial flexibility to create value in transactions, subject to qualifying and maintaining our qualification as a REIT;

 

·Expertise in Corporate and Portfolio Transactions to Create Value. Our principals have executed large corporate and portfolio transactions, including the rollup of assets to create multiple public companies, the creation of multiple asset management platforms, and the purchase of distressed assets and/or companies out of bankruptcy, demonstrating a sophisticated structuring capability and an ability to execute complex capital markets transactions, which experience will assist us in growing the company and delivering attractive risk-adjusted returns to our stockholders; and

 

·Expertise in Financing and Structuring Transactions. Our investment team has substantial expertise structuring and financing transactions, enabling us to evaluate and access the most efficient capital structures for our acquisitions. In addition, our investment team has extensive experience structuring development transactions with network partners to capture significant value while minimizing inherent risks and/or guarantees associated with such transactions.

 

Our Network. We invest primarily through controlling positions in joint ventures with members of our network, which allows us to draw on the collective relationships and market knowledge and experience of significant private owner-operators in the nation who invest alongside us in transactions, in order to source, underwrite and execute attractive transactions. We believe our network provides us access to a substantial, often proprietary, transaction pipeline, along with extensive infrastructure and ability to execute across our target markets without the cost and logistical burdens associated with maintaining our own infrastructure and pipeline in these markets.

 

Disciplined “Broad and Deep” Underwriting. By leveraging our network, we are able to execute a rigorous underwriting process, which we believe improves our ability to evaluate risk and create value in our transactions. To begin, our network partners conduct underwriting and due diligence for our transactions, enabling us to leverage intellectual capital and local experience acquired through their years of experience in the market. At the same time, our team of investment professionals implements our disciplined underwriting and due diligence process, with a focus on value relative to other potential opportunities within our target markets. The ability to review investment opportunities broadly (across markets), as well as deeply (within the target market), greatly improves our ability to source and execute attractive transactions for our portfolio.

 

Scalable Operating Model. Our relationships enable us to tap into what we believe to be the substantial, often proprietary, transaction flow of our network, allowing for rapid deployment of available capital. Our extensive network provides us the ability to scale our operations quickly, enabling us to allocate and reallocate capital across multiple target markets and along multiple strategies, and to invest in or divest of properties rapidly without the time delay associated with building infrastructure across multiple markets, and without burdening us with excessive operating and overhead costs.

 

For more information, see “Business and Properties — Our Competitive Strengths.”

 

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Growth Strategies

 

Our principal business objective is to generate attractive risk-adjusted investment returns by assembling a portfolio of pre-existing single-family rental homes and developing build-to-rent communities. These will be located across a diverse group of growth markets and will target a growing pool of middle-income renters seeking the single-family lifestyle without the upfront and ongoing investments associated with home ownership. By implementing our investment strategies and our institutional-quality management, we expect to be able to achieve sustainable long-term growth in both our FFO and NAV.

 

Value Creation Execution. We acquire single-family rental properties with potential for long-term value creation for our stockholders. We utilize the following internal and external growth strategies to drive growth in FFO and NAV for our investors:

 

·Scattered-Site Aggregation. Currently, there is a high level of fragmentation in the single-family rental home market. We believe we can generate economies of scale and enable transaction efficiencies by targeting individual or small portfolios of quality, scattered, single-family rental homes with strong and stable cash flows and aggregate them into larger portfolios. We look for middle-market rents that deliver attractive unlevered yields relative to private market portfolio and public market dividend yields. To date, we have acquired scattered-site homes at year one nominal cap rates exceeding 5% and gross rental yields exceeding 9%. We see an opportunity to replicate this strategy across our markets utilizing our network as a force multiplier on the sourcing and execution fronts.
   
·Build-to-Rent. We develop build-to-rent communities at attractive stabilized unlevered yields, investing selectively in target markets that we believe will enable us to capture development premiums on completion. We may use a convertible loan or convertible preferred equity structure to provide income during the development stage and/or the ability to capture development premiums at completion by exercising our conversion rights to take ownership.

 

·Value-Add Renovation. We see significant potential for capital appreciation through renovation of existing assets. Our value-add strategy focuses on working with our local experts to reposition lower-quality, less current assets and drive rent growth and expand margins, increasing net operating income ("NOI") and maximizing our return on investment.

 

·Institutional Property Management / NOI Margin Expansion. We expect to improve margins at our operating properties by deploying institutional management approaches across the portfolio - including professional management, investment in technology platforms, and leveraging economies of scale - to best position the portfolio for optimal rental growth. Through the aggregation of multiple scattered homes, we seek to address operational inefficiencies, revenue management and deferred capital maintenance at scale and to grow underlying cashflow through substantial NOI margin expansion at stabilized properties. We will also provide an aggressive asset management presence, working alongside our network partners to ensure optimal execution of the asset management plan, enabling us to drive rent growth and values.
   
·Technology-Aided Platform. We have implemented a data warehouse, which provides us with real-time visibility into leasing, inventory, maintenance and renovation metrics, allowing us to quickly react to changes in current operational performance and monitor trends across our portfolio. Further, we believe we will be able to utilize our data warehouse technology as a building block in the design and implementation of a portfolio-wide revenue management system to further drive NOI and margin expansion. In addition, we utilize various PropTech solutions to both acquire and maximize operational efficiency. Operational PropTech solutions include focus on streamlining value-add initiatives, integrating smart-home technology, automating the lease process and providing robust and coordinated maintenance services.

 

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Harvest and Redeploy Capital Selectively. On an opportunistic basis and subject to compliance with REIT restrictions, we intend to sell properties when we have executed our value creation plans and when we believe the investment has limited additional upside relative to other opportunities. This allows us to harvest profits and reinvest proceeds to maximize stockholder value.

 

For more information, see “Business and Properties — Growth Strategies.”

 

Market and Investment Opportunity

 

The single-family rental industry has historically been more resilient to economic cycles than the multi-family sector and is currently benefiting from significant industry tailwinds that have accelerated during the pandemic. We believe industry dynamics present a compelling investment opportunity for us, including:

 

·Supply at accessible price points remains extremely tight, with little new affordable rental product coming on-line over the last decade. These supply and affordability gaps have been in place and intensifying since the wind-down of the Great Recession, with rental prices continuing to increase in step with home price appreciation.

 

·Limited institutional ownership of single-family rental stock, currently estimated to be approximately 2%, creates potential for outsized growth. Our institutionally operated properties benefit from experienced regional owner-operators and a technology-aided platform, delivering not only a competitive market advantage but also operating growth potential that can benefit investors.

 

·Demand fundamentals are strong and strengthening further, particularly from rental-biased and debt-burdened millennials now reaching peak single-family house consumption age. We believe that a continued upswing in propensity to rent, coupled with the limited and depleting supply at the middle-income range, signals significant opportunity.

 

For more information, see “Business and Properties — Market and Investment Opportunity.”

 

Our Environmental, Social and Governance Policies

 

Environmental: Improvements with the Environment in Mind. In keeping with Bluerock Homes’ Environmental Sustainability Policy, we undertake a variety of environmental sustainability initiatives, including the installation of energy- and water-conserving fixtures at many of our upgraded properties. Our value-add investment model generates a continually replenishing opportunity for us to improve the environmental impact of older, less sustainable properties throughout the U.S., while our ground-up, build-to-rent developments incorporate environmentally sound principles from inception. Our due diligence process incorporates evaluation of environmental impacts, which are factored into our projections for acquisition or investment, affording us the functional and financial flexibility to develop or retrofit homes to operate more responsibly in a changing environment.

 

Social: Social Responsibility. Consistent with Bluerock Homes’ Human Rights Policy, we strive to respect and promote all human rights, consistent with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. We maintain a diverse board of directors, both by ethnicity and gender, and remain committed to ensuring the preservation of human rights in our relationships with our employees, partners and tenants.

 

In the creation of our portfolio, we are especially proud that we are able to address a critical and growing need for quality, well-managed and affordable homes in desirable communities, striving to demonstrate the possibility of embracing both people and profits. As we discuss below, according to a study by the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University conducted in 2020, rent-burdened households are on the rise across the U.S., with more than 10 million renters (one in four) paying more than half of their income on rent and nearly half spending more than the recommended 30% of income on rent and utilities. Through our focus on the middle-income renter with our scattered-site investment strategy, we are seeking to deliver a supply of affordable, well-maintained, single-family housing options, both for renters by choice as well as by necessity.

 

Governance: Corporate Governance. We have established a governance framework that fosters effective stewardship of investor and shareholder capital, promotes an ethical and transparent approach to doing business, and encourages board diversity. We are committed to operating our business under strong and accountable corporate governance practices and have structured our corporate governance in a manner that we believe aligns our interests with those of our stockholders.

 

For more information, see “Business and Properties — Our Environmental, Social and Governance Policies.”

 

The Separation and the Distribution

 

On December 20, 2021, Bluerock Residential, Badger Parent and Merger Sub entered into the Merger Agreement, pursuant to which, on the terms and conditions set forth therein, Bluerock Residential will merge with and into Merger Sub, with Merger Sub continuing as the surviving company in the Merger. Under the Merger Agreement, Bluerock Residential has agreed with Badger Parent that, subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, Bluerock Residential will use commercially reasonable efforts to consummate the Separation and the Distribution. In addition, the completion of the Separation and the Distribution is a condition to the Merger under the Merger Agreement. Accordingly, the Merger will not be completed unless and until the Separation and the Distribution are completed.

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The Distribution is expected to occur on [      ], subject to the satisfaction or waiver of all conditions to the Distribution set forth in the Separation and Distribution Agreement, by way of a special dividend to Bluerock Residential common stockholders. In the Distribution, holders of each share of Bluerock Residential common stock or Bluerock Residential Class C common stock will be entitled to receive [            ] share[s] of Bluerock Homes common stock or Bluerock Homes Class C common stock, as applicable, for each share of Bluerock Residential common stock held at the close of business on the record date. Bluerock Residential stockholders will not be required to make any payment, surrender or exchange their Bluerock Residential common stock, or take any other action to receive their shares of Bluerock Homes common stock and/or Class C common stock in the Distribution. The Distribution of Bluerock Homes common stock and Class C common stock as described in this information statement is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, including consummation of the Separation in all material respects.

 

The foregoing assumes that the holder does not transfer any shares prior to the record date for the Distribution. For more information, see “The Separation and Distribution — Trading Before the Distribution Date.”

 

We were formed on December 16, 2021 in Maryland as a wholly owned subsidiary of Bluerock Residential. Following the Distribution, we will operate as an externally managed, publicly traded UPREIT in which our properties will be owned and operated by Bluerock Residential Holdings and its subsidiaries. Prior to the Distribution and the Merger Effective Time, Bluerock Residential will complete the Separation to separate the Single-Family Properties and certain other assets such that these businesses and assets are owned and operated by Bluerock Residential Holdings and its subsidiaries.

 

Following the Separation, Bluerock Homes will be the sole general partner of Bluerock Residential Holdings and own approximately [         ]% of the limited partnership units in Bluerock Residential Holdings.

 

The following transactions, among others, are expected to occur in advance of the Distribution:

 

·Bluerock Residential Holdings will form the New LP. Bluerock Residential Holdings will contribute its interests in Bluerock Residential’s multi-family residential real estate business and certain other assets to the New LP;

 

·Bluerock Residential Holdings will distribute the New LP to Bluerock Residential in exchange for a redemption of 25,210,092 of Bluerock Residential’s common units in Bluerock Residential Holdings and all of Bluerock Residential’s outstanding preferred interests. Duff & Phelps delivered an opinion on this consideration to the Bluerock Residential board of directors in connection with the execution of the Merger Agreement. After consideration of this opinion and other documents and presentations, the non-management directors of the Bluerock Residential board of directors approved this exchange;

 

·Bluerock Residential will then contribute its remaining interest in Bluerock Residential Holdings (including the general partnership interest) to Bluerock Homes;

 

·As a result of the Separation, we will own the Single Family Properties, subject to approximately $[       ] million of existing secured property-level indebtedness, based on principal balances as of [       ];

 

·To provide additional liquidity and facilitate growth, and in connection with the Separation, Bluerock Residential Holdings expects to enter into a $[         ] million line of credit for financing of acquisitions and refinancing of existing properties;

 

·We and Bluerock Residential will separate our respective assets and liabilities as set forth in the Separation and Distribution Agreement; and

 

·In addition to the Separation and Distribution Agreement, as of or prior to the Distribution, we and Bluerock Residential will enter into a tax matters agreement (the “Tax Matters Agreement”).

 

 

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Set forth below are diagrams that graphically illustrate, in simplified form, the existing corporate structure of Bluerock Residential, Bluerock Homes and Bluerock Residential Holdings, and the corporate structure of Bluerock Homes, Bluerock Residential Holdings, and the Bluerock Homes Manager immediately following the Separation and the Distribution.

 

Existing Structure

 

 

 

Structure Following the Separation and the Distribution

 

 

 

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Ownership Structure

 

As a result, at the effective time of the Distribution:

 

·The holders of Bluerock Residential common stock as of the record date will own the same pro rata percentage of Bluerock Homes common stock that they held in Bluerock Residential common stock as of such record date;

 

·Bluerock Homes’ percentage ownership of OP units will be approximately [         ]%, with the remaining [         ]% being held by the persons who are limited partners (other than Bluerock Residential) of Bluerock Residential Holdings; and

 

·No preferred units of Bluerock Residential Holdings will be outstanding.

 

Bluerock Homes’ Post-Distribution Relationship with Bluerock Residential

 

We will enter into a Separation and Distribution Agreement with Bluerock Residential as of or prior to the Distribution. In addition, as of or prior to the Distribution, we will enter into various other agreements to effect the Separation and the Distribution, which will provide a framework for our post-Distribution relationship with Bluerock Residential, such as the Tax Matters Agreement. For more information, see “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions.” These agreements will provide for the allocation between us and Bluerock Residential of Bluerock Residential’s assets, liabilities and obligations (including its investments, property, employee, benefits and tax-related assets and liabilities) attributable to periods prior to, at and after the Distribution, and will govern certain relationships between us and Bluerock Residential after the Distribution and the Merger.

 

For additional information regarding the Separation and Distribution Agreement and other transaction agreements, please refer to the sections entitled “Risk Factors — Risks Related to the Separation and the Distribution,” beginning on page 51 and “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions.”

 

Reasons for the Separation and the Distribution

 

The Bluerock Residential board of directors believes that the Separation and the Distribution are in the best interests of Bluerock Residential and its stockholders for a number of reasons, including the following:

 

·Create a focused company executing a distinct business strategy. Historically, Bluerock Residential has focused on both its multi-family residential real estate business, as well as its single-family residential real estate business. By separating the Bluerock Homes Business into a stand-alone REIT, our company will have a distinct business strategy focused on our Single-Family Properties.

 

·Provide an opportunity for our experienced management team to implement and execute our growth strategy.  Separating the Bluerock Homes Business from the remainder of Bluerock Residential’s business will allow our management team to focus on the Bluerock Homes Business, which will allow these assets to realize their full potential.

 

·Enhance investor transparency and better highlight our attributes.  The Separation and the Distribution will enable current and potential investors and the financial community to evaluate the Bluerock Homes Business independently of the multi-family residential real estate business and better assess the distinctive merits, performance and future prospects of the Bluerock Homes Business. The Separation and the Distribution will allow individual investors to better control their asset allocation decisions, providing investors the opportunity to invest in a well-capitalized REIT that is positioned to take advantage of the single-family housing sector.

 

The Bluerock Residential board of directors also considered a number of potentially negative factors in evaluating the Separation and the Distribution, including the following:

 

·Assumption of certain costs and liabilities. We will bear certain costs and liabilities previously borne by the combined business of Bluerock Residential prior to the Separation, such as the costs associated with being a public company.

 

·One-time costs of the Separation. Each of Bluerock Residential and Bluerock Homes will incur costs in connection with our transition to being a separate, stand-alone public company, which may include accounting, tax, legal and other professional services costs and costs to separate information systems.

 

·Inability to realize anticipated benefits of the Separation. We may not achieve the anticipated benefits of the Separation for a variety of reasons, including: (i) following the Separation, we may be more susceptible to market fluctuations and other adverse events than if we were still a part of Bluerock Residential; and (ii) following the Separation, Bluerock Homes’ business will be less diversified than Bluerock Residential’s business prior to the Separation.

 

·Taxability of the Distribution. The Distribution is expected to be taxable to Bluerock Residential common stockholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

The Bluerock Residential board of directors concluded that the potential benefits of the Separation and the Distribution outweighed these factors. For more information, see “The Separation and the Distribution — Reasons for the Separation and the Distribution.”

 

Agreements to Be Entered into in Connection with the Separation and the Distribution

 

Separation and Distribution Agreement with Bluerock Residential

 

Prior to the Distribution, we and Bluerock Residential will enter into the Separation and Distribution Agreement, which will set forth, among other things, our agreements with Bluerock Residential regarding the principal transactions necessary to separate us from Bluerock Residential. It will also set forth other agreements that govern certain aspects of our relationship with Bluerock Residential after the Distribution Date. For more information, see “The Separation and the Distribution — The Separation and Distribution Agreement” and “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions — Agreements with Bluerock Residential.”

 

Tax Matters Agreement with Bluerock Residential

 

As of or prior to the Distribution, we and Bluerock Residential will enter into a Tax Matters Agreement that will govern the respective rights, responsibilities and obligations of Bluerock Residential and us after the Distribution with respect to tax liabilities and benefits, tax attributes, the preparation and filing of tax returns, and certain other tax matters. For more information, see “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions — Agreements with Bluerock Residential.”

 

Sublease with Bluerock Residential

 

The interests of Bluerock Residential under that certain Sublease, dated as of February 15, 2019, between AllianceBernstein L.P., as Sublandlord, and Bluerock Real Estate L.L.C. (“BRE”) and Bluerock Residential, collectively, as Subtenant, for a portion of the 32nd Floor, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York (the “Sublease”) will be assigned (subject to any required consents of Sublandlord and Landlord) to Bluerock Homes, including all of Bluerock Residential’s liabilities associated therewith, except Badger Parent will pay to Bluerock Homes $2.5 million of the remaining rent as of the consummation of the Distribution at the consummation of the Merger. We expect that this office space at 32nd Floor, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York will serve as our corporate offices following the Distribution. For more information, see “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions — Agreements with Bluerock Residential.”

 

 

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Corporate Information

 

We were formed on December 16, 2021 in Maryland as a wholly owned subsidiary of Bluerock Residential. Prior to the contribution of the Bluerock Homes Business to us, which will occur in connection with the Separation prior to the Distribution, we will have no operations and no assets other than nominal cash from our initial capitalization. The address of our principal executive office is 1345 Avenue of the Americas, 32nd Floor, New York, NY 10105. Our telephone number is (212) 843-1601.

 

Commencing shortly prior to the Distribution, we will also maintain an Internet website at www.bluerockhomes.com. Our website and the information contained therein or connected thereto will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference herein, and you should not rely on any such information in making an investment decision.

 

Reason for Furnishing This Information Statement

 

This information statement is being furnished solely to provide information to common stockholders of Bluerock Residential who will receive Bluerock Homes stock in the Distribution. It is not and should not be construed as an inducement or encouragement to buy or sell any of Bluerock Homes’ securities. The information contained in this information statement is believed by us to be accurate as of the date set forth on its cover. Changes may occur after that date and neither we nor Bluerock Residential will update the information, except in the normal course of our and its respective disclosure obligations and practices.

 

Risks Associated with Bluerock Homes’ Business and the Separation and the Distribution

 

Risks Related to our Business, Properties and Industry

 

·Our business, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows may be adversely affected by pandemics and outbreaks of infectious disease, particularly the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

 

·Our current portfolio consists of interests in the Single Family Properties, located primarily in markets in the Southern United States. Any adverse developments in local economic conditions or the demand for single-family properties in these markets may negatively impact our results of operations.

 

·We may not be successful in identifying and consummating suitable investment opportunities.

 

·Adverse economic conditions may negatively affect our results of operations and, as a result, our ability to make distributions to our stockholders or to realize appreciation in the value of our properties.

 

·We have very limited sources of capital other than proceeds from future mortgage debt financings for acquisition and/or development projects, cash generated from operating activities and our expected future $[       ] million revolving credit facility.

 

·You will have limited control over changes in our policies and day-to-day operations, which limited control increases the uncertainty and risks you face as a stockholder. In addition, our board of directors may change our major operational policies without your approval.

 

·The ownership by our executive officers, of interests representing a significant portion of our common stock on a fully diluted basis could allow our executive officers to exert significant influence over our company in a manner that may not be in the best interests of our other stockholders.

 

·If mortgage debt is unavailable at reasonable rates, it may make it difficult for us to finance or refinance properties, which could reduce the number of properties we can acquire, our cash flows from operations and the amount of cash distributions we can make.

 

 

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Risks Related to Our Management and Relationships with Our Manager

 

·Our Manager may not be successful in identifying and consummating suitable investment opportunities.

 

·The inability of our Manager to retain or obtain key personnel could delay or hinder implementation of our investment strategies, which could impair our ability to make distributions and could reduce the value of your investment.

 

·Because we will be dependent upon our Manager and its affiliates to conduct our operations, any adverse changes in the financial health of our Manager or its affiliates or our relationship with them could hinder our operating performance and the return on your investment.

 

·Our board of directors will approve very broad investment guidelines for our Manager and will not approve each investment and financing decision made by our Manager unless required by our investment guidelines.

 

·We may have conflicts of interest with our Manager and other affiliates, which could result in investment decisions that are not in the best interests of our stockholders.

 

Risks Related to the Separation and Distribution

 

·We have no operating history as an independent company, and our historical and pro forma financial information is not necessarily representative of the results that we would have achieved as a separate, publicly traded company and may not be a reliable indicator of our future results.

 

·The distribution of Bluerock Homes shares in the Distribution will not qualify for tax-deferred treatment and will be treated as a taxable transaction to Bluerock Residential common stockholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

·We may not achieve some or all of the expected benefits of the Separation and the Distribution, and the Separation and the Distribution may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

·Substantial sales of our common stock may occur in connection with the Distribution, which could cause our share price to decline.

 

·No market currently exists for the Bluerock Homes common stock, and we cannot be certain that an active trading market for our common stock will develop or be sustained after the Distribution. The price of our common stock may be volatile or may decline.

 

Risks Related Our Status as a REIT

 

·Failure to qualify as a REIT would materially and adversely affect us and the value of our common shares.

 

·In certain circumstances, we may be subject to certain U.S. federal, state and local taxes despite our qualification as a REIT, which would reduce our cash available for distribution to you.

 

·If Bluerock Residential failed to qualify as a REIT during certain periods prior to the Distribution, we would be prevented from electing to qualify as a REIT.

 

·If certain of our subsidiaries, including our Operating Partnership, fail to qualify as partnerships or disregarded entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we would cease to qualify as a REIT and suffer other material adverse consequences.

 

·Legislative or other actions affecting REITs could have a negative effect on us or our investors.

 

 

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Risks Related to Ownership of Our Common Stock

 

·A limit on the percentage of our capital stock and common stock a person may own may discourage a takeover or business combination, which could prevent our common stockholders from realizing a premium price for their common stock.

 

·Maryland law may limit the ability of a third party to acquire control of us.

 

·Your percentage of ownership may become diluted if we issue new shares of stock or other securities, and issuances of preferred stock or other securities by us may further subordinate the rights of the holders of our common stock.

 

·Our ability to pay dividends is limited by the requirements of Maryland law.

 

·We will incur increased costs as a result of operating as a public company. If we fail to maintain proper and effective internal controls, our ability to produce accurate and timely financial statements could be impaired, which could result in sanctions or other penalties that would harm our business.

 

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RISK FACTORS

 

You should carefully consider the following risks and other information in this information statement in evaluating our company and our common stock. Any of the following risks could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Risks Related to Our Business, Properties and Industry

 

Our business, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows may be adversely affected by pandemics and outbreaks of infectious disease, particularly the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

 

Pandemics, such as the current Covid-19 pandemic, and outbreaks of infectious disease may adversely impact our business, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows. The ongoing Covid-19 outbreak in the United States has led entities directed by, or notionally affiliated with, the federal government as well as certain states and cities, including those in which we own properties and where our principal places of business are located, to impose and continue to implement measures intended to control the spread of Covid-19, including instituting quarantines, restrictions on travel, “shelter in place” rules, and restrictions on types of business that may continue to operate. We depend on rental revenues and other property income from residents for substantially all of our revenues. The Covid-19 outbreak, as well as continuing measures taken by governmental authorities and private actors to limit the spread of this virus or mitigate its impact, are interfering with the ability of some of our residents to meet their lease obligations and make their rent payments on time or at all.

 

In addition, entities directed by, or notionally affiliated with, the federal government as well as some state and local jurisdictions across the United States, have imposed temporary eviction moratoriums in connection with the Covid-19 outbreak if certain criteria are met by residents, are allowing residents to defer missed rent payments without incurring late fees, and are prohibiting rent increases. Jurisdictions and other local and national authorities may expand or extend measures imposing restrictions on our ability to enforce residents’ contractual rental obligations and limiting our ability to increase rents. While such measures are likely to enable residents to stay in their homes despite an inability to pay because of financial or other hardship stemming from the pandemic, they are likely to continue to result in loss of rental income and other property income. We cannot predict if states, municipalities, local, and/or national authorities will expand existing restrictions, if additional states or municipalities will implement similar restrictions, or when restrictions currently in place will expire.

 

Additionally, Covid-19 and related containment measures may also continue to interfere with the ability of our associates, suppliers, and other business partners to carry out their assigned tasks or supply materials, services, or funding at ordinary levels of performance relative to the conduct of our business.

 

Business continuity and disaster recovery issues which may result from the current Covid-19 pandemic or any future pandemic could materially interrupt our business operations. In accordance with phased re-opening guidelines and the ongoing spread of Covid-19 cases in certain states where we operate, the majority of our associates based at our headquarters and local offices continue working remotely. An extended period of remote work arrangements could strain our business continuity plans, introduce operational risk, including, but not limited to, cybersecurity risks, and impair our ability to manage our business.

 

A significant outbreak of infectious disease in the human population or pandemic may result, and the Covid-19 pandemic has resulted, in a widespread health crisis adversely affecting the economies and financial markets of many countries, resulting in an economic downturn that could negatively affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

 

The Covid-19 pandemic, or a future pandemic, could also have material and adverse effects on our ability to successfully operate our business and on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows due to, among other factors:

 

·demand for single-family rental properties decreasing substantially and/or occupancy decreasing materially;

 

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·inability of our residents to meet their lease obligations has reduced and may continue to reduce our cash flows, and the resulting impact on rental and other property income could impact our ability to make all required debt service payments and to pay dividends to our stockholders. For example, our future securitized financings may require that monthly cash collections from their respective property collateral pools be controlled by the servicer until monthly debt service payments and property management fees are paid and escrow reserves are funded. So long as we remain in compliance with certain covenants contained in the underlying loan agreements, after such monthly payments are made the servicer will release all residual net cash flow to us. If the property collateral pools experience higher rates of resident defaults or delinquencies, these covenants may not be achieved. This would result in the servicer holding all residual net cash flow from any collateral pool that does not meet the covenant requirements, net of a monthly funding to us for budgeted operating expenses, in blocked collateral accounts for the benefit of the securitized lender rather than being made available to us. Our lack of access to the net cash flow from securitized collateral pools could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition;

 

·a general decline in business activity and demand for real estate transactions could adversely affect (1) our ability to acquire or dispose of single-family homes on terms that are attractive or at all and (2) the value of our homes and our business such that we may recognize impairment on the carrying value of our investments in single-family residential properties and other assets subject to impairment review, including, but not limited to, goodwill;

 

·difficulty accessing debt and equity capital on attractive terms, or at all, impacts to our credit ratings, and a severe disruption of, and/or instability in, the global financial markets or deteriorations in credit and financing conditions may affect our access to capital necessary to fund business operations, including acquisitions, or address maturing liabilities on a timely basis;

 

·the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic could negatively impact our future compliance with financial covenants of our expected future credit facility and/or other debt agreements and may result in a default and potentially an acceleration of indebtedness, which non-compliance could negatively impact our ability to make additional borrowings or to exercise extension options thereunder;

 

·a deterioration in our ability to operate in affected areas or delays in the supply of products or services by vendors that are needed for our efficient operations; and

 

·the potential negative consequences for the health of our associates, particularly if a significant number of them are impacted, could result in a deterioration in our ability to ensure business continuity during this disruption.

 

The extent to which the Covid-19 pandemic ultimately impacts our operations depends on ongoing developments, which remain highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence, including the scope, severity, and duration of the pandemic, variants of Covid-19 (including Delta and Omicron), the extent and duration of actions taken to contain the pandemic or mitigate its impact, the availability of an effective vaccine and therapeutic drugs and the effectiveness of the distribution of any such vaccines and therapeutic drugs, and the direct and indirect economic effects of the pandemic, containment measures, monetary and/or fiscal policies implemented to provide support or relief to businesses and/or residents, and other government, regulatory, and/or legislative changes precipitated by the Covid-19 pandemic, among others.

 

The ongoing development and fluidity of this situation precludes any prediction as to the full adverse impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, the Covid-19 pandemic presents material uncertainty and risk with respect to our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and performance. While we have taken steps to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on our results of operations, there can be no assurance that these efforts will be successful.

 

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We face numerous risks associated with the real estate industry that could adversely affect our results of operations through decreased revenues or increased costs.

 

As a real estate company, we are subject to various changes in real estate conditions, and any negative trends in such real estate conditions may adversely affect our results of operations through decreased revenues or increased costs. These conditions include:

 

·changes in national, regional and local economic conditions, which may be negatively impacted by concerns about inflation, deflation, government deficits, high unemployment rates, decreased consumer confidence and liquidity concerns, particularly in markets in which we have a high concentration of properties;

 

·fluctuations and relative increases in interest rates, which could adversely affect our ability to obtain financing on favorable terms or at all;

 

·the inability of tenants to pay rent;

 

·the existence and quality of the competition, such as the attractiveness of our properties as compared to our competitors’ properties based on considerations such as convenience of location, rental rates and safety record;

 

·increased operating costs, including increased real property taxes, HOA fees, maintenance, insurance and utilities costs;

 

·weather conditions that may increase or decrease energy costs and other weather-related expenses;

 

·oversupply of single-family housing or a reduction in demand for real estate in the markets in which our properties are located;

 

·costs and time period required to convert acquisitions to rental homes;

 

·a favorable interest rate environment that may result in a significant number of potential residents of our properties deciding to purchase homes instead of renting;

 

·rules, regulations and/or policy initiatives by government and private actors, including HOAs, to discourage or deter the purchase of single-family properties by entities owned or controlled by institutional investors;

 

·construction of new supply;

 

·changes in, or increased costs of compliance with, laws and/or governmental regulations, including those governing usage, zoning, the environment and taxes; and

 

·rent control or stabilization laws, or other laws regulating rental housing, which could prevent us from raising rents to offset increases in operating costs.

 

Moreover, other factors may adversely affect our results of operations, including potential liability under environmental and other laws and other unforeseen events, many of which are discussed elsewhere in the following risk factors. Any or all of these factors could materially adversely affect our results of operations through decreased revenues or increased costs.

 

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Our current portfolio consists of interests in the Single Family Properties, located primarily in markets in the Southern United States. Any adverse developments in local economic conditions or the demand for single-family properties in these markets may negatively impact our results of operations.

 

Our current portfolio of properties consists primarily of single-family properties geographically concentrated in the Southern United States, and our portfolio going forward may consist primarily of the same. As such, we are currently susceptible to local economic conditions and the supply of and demand for single-family properties in these markets. If there is a downturn in the economy or an oversupply of or decrease in demand for single-family properties in these markets, our business could be materially adversely affected to a greater extent than if we owned a real estate portfolio that was more diversified in terms of both geography and industry focus.

 

We are employing a business model with a limited track record, which may make our business difficult to evaluate.

 

Until recently, the single-family rental business consisted primarily of private and individual investors in local markets and was managed individually or by small, non-institutional owners and property managers. Our business strategy involves purchasing, renovating, maintaining, and managing a large number of residential properties and leasing them to qualified residents. Entry into this market by large, well-capitalized investors is a relatively recent trend, so few peer companies exist and none have yet established long-term track records that might assist us in predicting whether our business model and investment strategy can be implemented and sustained over an extended period of time. It may be difficult for you to evaluate our potential future performance without the benefit of established long-term track records from companies implementing a similar business model. We may encounter unanticipated problems as we continue to refine our business model, which may adversely affect our results of operations and ability to make distributions to our stockholders and cause our stock price to decline significantly.

 

We have a limited operating history and may not be able to operate our business successfully or generate sufficient cash flows to make or sustain distributions to our stockholders.

 

We have a limited operating history. As a result, an investment in our common stock may entail more risk than an investment in the common stock of a real estate company with a substantial operating history. If we are unable to operate our business successfully, we would not be able to generate sufficient cash flow to make or sustain distributions to our stockholders, and you could lose all or a portion of the value of your ownership in our common stock. Our ability to successfully operate our business and implement our operating policies and investment strategy depends on many factors, including:

 

·our ability to effectively manage renovation, maintenance, marketing, and other operating costs for our properties;

 

·economic conditions in our markets, including changes in employment and household earnings and expenses, as well as the condition of the financial and real estate markets and the economy, in general;

 

·our ability to maintain high occupancy rates and target rent levels;

 

·the availability of, and our ability to identify, attractive acquisition opportunities consistent with our investment strategy;

 

·our ability to compete with other investors entering the single-family rental industry;

 

·costs that are beyond our control, including title litigation, litigation with residents or tenant organizations, legal compliance, property taxes, HOA fees, and insurance;

 

·judicial and regulatory developments affecting landlord-tenant relations that may affect or delay our ability to dispossess or evict occupants or increase rental rates;

 

·reversal of population, employment, or homeownership trends in our markets; and

 

·interest rate levels and volatility, which may affect the accessibility of short-term and long-term financing on desirable terms.

 

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In addition, we face significant competition in acquiring attractive properties on advantageous terms, and the value of the properties that we acquire may decline substantially after we purchase them.

 

A significant portion of our costs and expenses are fixed and we may not be able to adapt our cost structure to offset declines in our revenue.

 

Many of the expenses associated with our business, such as property taxes, HOA fees, insurance, utilities, acquisition, renovation and maintenance costs, and other general corporate expenses are relatively inflexible and will not necessarily decrease with a reduction in revenue from our business. Some components of our fixed assets depreciate more rapidly and require ongoing capital expenditures. Our expenses and ongoing capital expenditures are also affected by inflationary increases, and certain of our cost increases may exceed the rate of inflation in any given period or market. Our rental income is affected by many factors beyond our control, such as the availability of alternative rental housing and economic conditions in our markets. In addition, state and local regulations may require us to maintain properties that we own, even if the cost of maintenance is greater than the value of the property or any potential benefit from renting the property, or pass regulations that limit our ability to increase rental rates. As a result, we may not be able to fully offset rising costs and capital spending by increasing rental rates, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and cash available for distribution.

 

A significant number of our residential properties are part of HOAs and we and our residents are subject to the rules and regulations of such HOAs, which are subject to change and which may be arbitrary or restrictive, and violations of such rules may subject us to additional fees and penalties and litigation with such HOAs, which would be costly.

 

A significant number of our properties are located within HOAs, which are private entities that regulate the activities of owners and occupants of, and levy assessments on, properties in a residential subdivision. The HOAs in which we own our properties may have enacted or may from time to time enact onerous or arbitrary rules that restrict our ability to restore, market, lease, or operate our properties in accordance with our investment strategy, or require us to restore or maintain such properties at standards or costs that are in excess of our planned budgets. Some HOAs impose limits on the number of property owners who may lease their homes, which, if met or exceeded, would cause us to incur additional costs to sell the property and opportunity costs from lost rental revenue. Furthermore, we may have residents who violate HOA rules and incur fines for which we may be liable as the property owner and for which we may not be able to obtain reimbursement from the resident. Additionally, the governing bodies of the HOAs in which we own property may not make important disclosures about the properties or may block our access to HOA records, initiate litigation, restrict our ability to sell our properties, impose assessments, or arbitrarily change the HOA rules. We may be unaware of or unable to review or comply with HOA rules before purchasing a property, and any such excessively restrictive or arbitrary regulations may cause us to sell such property at a loss, prevent us from leasing such property, or otherwise reduce our cash flow from such property, which would have an adverse effect on our returns on these properties. Several states have enacted laws that provide that a lien for unpaid monies owed to an HOA may be senior to our ownership interests and/or the priority of mortgage liens on properties, which, if not cured, may give rise to events of default under certain of our indebtedness or which otherwise could have a material adverse impact on us.

 

Increasing property taxes, HOA fees, and insurance costs may negatively affect our financial results.

 

As a result of our substantial real estate holdings, the cost of property taxes and insuring our properties is a significant component of our expenses. Our properties are subject to real and personal property taxes that may increase as tax rates change and as the real properties are assessed or reassessed by taxing authorities. As the owner of our properties, we are ultimately responsible for payment of the taxes to the applicable government authorities. If real property taxes increase, our expenses will increase. If we fail to pay any such taxes, the applicable taxing authority may place a lien on the real property and the real property may be subject to a tax sale.

 

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In addition, a significant portion of our properties are located within HOAs and we are subject to HOA rules and regulations. HOAs have the power to increase monthly charges and make assessments for capital improvements and common area repairs and maintenance. Property taxes, HOA fees, and insurance premiums are subject to significant increases, which can be outside of our control. If the costs associated with property taxes, HOA fees and assessments, or insurance rise significantly and we are unable to increase rental rates due to rent control laws or other regulations to offset such increases, our results of operations would be negatively affected.

 

Our investments are and will continue to be concentrated in our markets and in the single-family properties sector of the real estate industry, which exposes us to seasonal fluctuations in rental demand and downturns in our markets or in the single-family properties sector.

 

Our investments in real estate assets are and will continue to be concentrated in our markets and in the single-family properties sector of the real estate industry. A downturn or slowdown in the rental demand for single-family housing caused by adverse economic, regulatory, or environmental conditions, or other events, in our markets may have a greater impact on the value of our properties or our operating results than if we had more fully diversified our investments. We believe that there are seasonal fluctuations in rental demand with demand higher in the spring and summer than in the late fall and winter. Such seasonal fluctuations may impact our operating results. The Covid-19 pandemic, or a future pandemic, could also result in demand for single-family rental properties decreasing substantially and/or occupancy decreasing materially. See “— Our business, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows may be adversely affected by pandemics and outbreaks of infectious disease, particularly the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.”

 

In addition to general, regional, national, and international economic conditions, our operating performance will be impacted by the economic conditions in our markets. We base a substantial part of our business plan on our belief that property values and operating fundamentals for single-family properties in our markets will continue to improve over the near to intermediate term. However, these markets have experienced substantial economic downturns in recent years and could experience similar or worse economic downturns in the future. Additionally, a significant outbreak of infectious disease in the human population or pandemic may result, and the Covid-19 pandemic has resulted, in a widespread health crisis adversely affecting the economies and financial markets of many countries, resulting in an economic downturn that could negatively affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition. See “— Our business, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows may be adversely affected by pandemics and outbreaks of infectious disease, particularly the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.” We can provide no assurance as to the extent property values and operating fundamentals in these markets will improve, if at all. If the recent economic downturn in these markets returns or if we fail to accurately predict the timing of economic improvement in these markets, the value of our properties could decline and our ability to execute our business plan may be adversely affected to a greater extent than if we owned a real estate portfolio that was more geographically diversified, which could adversely affect our financial condition, operating results, and ability to make distributions to our stockholders and cause the value of our common stock to decline.

 

We may not be able to effectively control the timing and costs relating to the renovation and maintenance of our properties, which may adversely affect our operating results and ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

 

Our properties may require some level of renovation either immediately upon their acquisition or in the future following expiration of a lease or otherwise. We may acquire properties that we plan to extensively renovate. We may also acquire properties that we expect to be in good condition only to discover unforeseen defects and problems that require extensive renovation and capital expenditures. To the extent properties are leased to existing residents, renovations may be postponed until the resident vacates the premises, and we will pay the costs of renovating. In addition, from time to time, we may perform ongoing maintenance or make ongoing capital improvements and replacements and perform significant renovations and repairs that resident deposits and insurance may not cover. Because our portfolio consists of geographically dispersed properties, our ability to adequately monitor or manage any such renovations or maintenance may be more limited or subject to greater inefficiencies than if our properties were more geographically concentrated.

 

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Our properties have infrastructure and appliances of varying ages and conditions. Consequently, we routinely retain independent contractors and trade professionals to perform physical repair work and are exposed to all of the risks inherent in property renovation and maintenance, including potential cost overruns, increases in labor and materials costs, delays by contractors in completing work, delays in the timing of receiving necessary work permits, certificates of occupancy, and poor workmanship. Additionally, Covid-19 and related containment measures may also continue to interfere with the ability of our associates, suppliers, and other business partners to carry out their assigned tasks or supply materials, services, or funding at ordinary levels of performance relative to the conduct of our business. See “— Our business, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows may be adversely affected by pandemics and outbreaks of infectious disease, particularly the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.” If our assumptions regarding the costs or timing of renovation and maintenance across our properties prove to be materially inaccurate, our operating results and ability to make distributions to our stockholders may be adversely affected.

 

We have in the past and may from time to time in the future acquire some of our homes through the auction process, which could subject us to significant risks that could adversely affect us.

 

We have in the past and may from time to time in the future acquire some of our homes through the auction process, including auctions of homes that have been foreclosed upon by third-party lenders. Such auctions may occur simultaneously in a number of markets, including monthly auctions on the same day of the month in certain markets. As a result, we may only be able to visually inspect properties from the street and will purchase these homes without a contingency period and in “as is” condition with the risk that unknown defects in the property may exist. Upon acquiring a new home, we may have to evict residents who are in unlawful possession before we can secure possession and control of the home. The holdover occupants may be the former owners or residents of a property or others who are illegally in possession. Securing control and possession from these occupants can be both costly and time-consuming or generate negative publicity for our business and harm our reputation.

 

Allegations of deficiencies in auction practices could result in claims challenging the validity of some auctions, potentially placing our claim of ownership to the properties at risk. Since we may not have obtained title insurance policies for properties we acquired through the auction process, such instances or such proceedings may result in a complete loss without compensation.

 

Title defects could lead to material losses on our investments in our properties.

 

Our title to a property may be challenged for a variety of reasons, and in such instances title insurance may not prove adequate. For example, while we do not lend to homeowners and accordingly do not foreclose on a home, our title to properties we acquire at foreclosure auctions may be subject to challenge based on allegations of defects in the foreclosure process undertaken by other parties. In addition, we have in the past, and may from time to time in the future, acquire a number of our properties on an “as is” basis, at auctions or otherwise. When acquiring properties on an “as is” basis, title commitments are often not available prior to purchase and title reports or title information may not reflect all senior liens, which may increase the possibility of acquiring houses outside predetermined acquisition and price parameters, purchasing residences with title defects and deed restrictions, HOA restrictions on leasing, or purchasing the wrong residence without the benefit of title insurance prior to closing. Although we use various policies, procedures, and practices to assess the state of title prior to purchase and obtain title insurance if an acquired property is placed into a securitization facility in connection with a mortgage loan financing, there can be no assurance that these policies and procedures will be effective, which could lead to a material if not complete loss on our investment in such properties.

 

For properties we acquire at auction, we similarly may not obtain title insurance prior to purchase, and we are not able to perform the type of title review that is customary in acquisitions of real property. As a result, our knowledge of potential title issues will be limited, and title insurance protection may not be in place. This lack of title knowledge and insurance protection may result in third parties having claims against our title to such properties that may materially and adversely affect the values of the properties or call into question the validity of our title to such properties. Without title insurance, we are fully exposed to, and would have to defend ourselves against, such claims. Further, if any such claims are superior to our title to the property we acquired, we risk loss of the property purchased.

 

Increased scrutiny of title matters could lead to legal challenges with respect to the validity of the sale. In the absence of title insurance, the sale may be rescinded, and we may be unable to recover our purchase price, resulting in a complete loss. Title insurance obtained subsequent to purchase offers little protection against discoverable defects because they are typically excluded from such policies. In addition, any title insurance on a property, even if acquired, may not cover all defects or the significant legal costs associated with obtaining clear title.

 

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Any of these risks could adversely affect our operating results, cash flows, and ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

 

We are subject to certain risks associated with bulk portfolio acquisitions and dispositions.

 

We have acquired and disposed of, and may continue to acquire and dispose of, properties we acquire or sell in bulk from or to other owners of single-family homes, banks, and loan servicers. When we purchase properties in this manner, we often do not have the opportunity to conduct interior inspections or conduct more than cursory exterior inspections on a portion of the properties. Such inspection processes may fail to reveal major defects associated with such properties, which may cause the amount of time and cost required to renovate and/or maintain such properties to substantially exceed our estimates. Bulk portfolio acquisitions are also more complex than single-family home acquisitions, and we may not be able to implement this strategy successfully. The costs involved in locating and performing due diligence (when feasible) on portfolios of homes as well as negotiating and entering into transactions with potential portfolio sellers could be significant, and there is a risk that either the seller may withdraw from the entire transaction for failure to come to an agreement or the seller may not be willing to sell us the bulk portfolio on terms that we view as favorable. In addition, a seller may require that a group of homes be purchased as a package even though we may not want to purchase certain individual assets in the bulk portfolio.

 

Moreover, to the extent the management and leasing of such properties has not been consistent with our property management and leasing standards, we may be subject to a variety of risks, including risks relating to the condition of the properties, the credit quality and employment stability of the residents, and compliance with applicable laws, among others. In addition, financial and other information provided to us regarding such portfolios during our due diligence may be inaccurate, and we may not discover such inaccuracies until it is too late to seek remedies against such sellers. To the extent we pursue such remedies, we may not be able to successfully prevail against the seller in an action seeking damages for such inaccuracies. If we conclude that certain individual properties purchased in bulk portfolio sales do not fit our target investment criteria, we may decide to sell, rather than renovate and lease, such properties, which could take an extended period of time and may not result in a sale at an attractive price.

 

From time to time we engage in bulk portfolio dispositions of properties consistent with our business and investment strategy. With respect to any such disposition, the purchaser may default on payment or otherwise breach the terms of the relevant purchase agreement, and it may be difficult for us to pursue remedies against such purchaser or retain or resume possession of the relevant properties. To the extent we pursue such remedies, we may not be able to successfully prevail against the purchaser.

 

We depend on our residents and their willingness to meet their lease obligations and renew their leases for substantially all of our revenues. Poor resident selection, defaults, and nonrenewals by our residents may adversely affect our reputation, financial performance, and ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

 

We depend on rental income from residents for substantially all of our revenues. As a result, our success depends in large part upon our ability to attract and retain qualified residents for our properties. Our reputation, financial performance, and ability to make distributions to our stockholders would be adversely affected if a significant number of our residents fail to meet their lease obligations or fail to renew their leases. For example, residents may default on rent payments, make unreasonable and repeated demands for service or improvements, make unsupported or unjustified complaints to regulatory or political authorities, use our properties for illegal purposes, damage or make unauthorized structural changes to our properties that are not covered by security deposits, refuse to leave the property upon termination of the lease, engage in domestic violence or similar disturbances, disturb nearby residents with noise, trash, odors, or eyesores, fail to comply with HOA regulations, sublet to less desirable individuals in violation of our lease, or permit unauthorized persons to live with them. Additionally, the Covid-19 outbreak, as well as continuing measures taken by governmental authorities and private actors to limit the spread of this virus or mitigate its impact, are interfering with the ability of some of our residents to meet their lease obligations and make their rent payments on time or at all. Furthermore, entities directed by, or notionally affiliated with, the federal government as well as some state and local jurisdictions across the United States, have imposed temporary eviction moratoriums in connection with the Covid-19 outbreak if certain criteria are met by residents, are allowing residents to defer missed rent payments without incurring late fees, and are prohibiting rent increases. Jurisdictions and other local and national authorities may expand or extend measures imposing restrictions on our ability to enforce residents’ contractual rental obligations and limiting our ability to increase rents. See “— Our business, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows may be adversely affected by pandemics and outbreaks of infectious disease, particularly the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.”

 

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Damage to our properties may delay re-leasing after eviction, necessitate expensive repairs, or impair the rental income or value of the property resulting in a lower than expected rate of return. Increases in unemployment levels and other adverse changes in economic conditions in our markets could result in substantial resident defaults. In the event of a resident default or bankruptcy, we may experience delays in enforcing our rights as landlord at that property and will incur costs in protecting our investment and re-leasing the property.

 

Our leases are relatively short-term, exposing us to the risk that we may have to re-lease our properties frequently, which we may be unable to do on attractive terms, on a timely basis, or at all.

 

Substantially all of our new leases have a duration of one to two years. As such leases permit the residents to leave at the end of the lease term, we anticipate our rental revenues may be affected by declines in market rental rates more quickly than if our leases were for longer terms. Short-term leases may result in high turnover, which involves costs such as restoring the properties, marketing costs, and lower occupancy levels. Our resident turnover rate and related cost estimates may be less accurate than if we had more operating data upon which to base such estimates. If the rental rates for our properties decrease or our residents do not renew their leases, our operating results and ability to make distributions to our stockholders could be adversely affected. Alternatively, to the extent that a lease term exceeds one year, we may lose the opportunity to raise rents in an appreciating market and be locked into a lower rent until such lease expires.

 

Climate change may adversely affect our business.

 

To the extent that significant changes in the climate occur in areas where our communities are located, we may experience extreme weather and/or changes in precipitation and temperature, all of which may result in physical damage to, or a decrease in demand for, properties located in these areas or affected by these conditions. Should the impact of climate change be material in nature, including significant property damage to or destruction of our properties, or occur for lengthy periods of time, our financial condition or results of operations may be adversely affected. In addition, changes in federal, state, and local legislation and regulation based on concerns about climate change could result in increased capital expenditures on our existing properties (for example, to improve their energy efficiency and/or resistance to inclement weather) without a corresponding increase in revenue, resulting in adverse impacts to our results of operations.

 

Eminent domain could lead to material losses on our investments in our properties.

 

Governmental authorities may exercise eminent domain to acquire the land on which our properties are built in order to build roads and other infrastructure. Any such exercise of eminent domain would allow us to recover only the fair value of the affected properties. In addition, “fair value” could be substantially less than the real market value of the property for a number of years, and we could effectively have no profit potential from properties acquired by the government through eminent domain.

 

Tenant relief laws, including laws regulating evictions, rent control laws, and other regulations that limit our ability to increase rental rates may negatively impact our rental income and profitability.

 

As the landlord of numerous properties, we are involved from time to time in evicting residents who are not paying their rent or who are otherwise in material violation of the terms of their lease. Eviction activities impose legal and managerial expenses that raise our costs and expose us to potential negative publicity. The eviction process is typically subject to legal barriers, mandatory “cure” policies, our internal policies and procedures, and other sources of expense and delay, each of which may delay our ability to gain possession and stabilize the property. Additionally, state and local landlord-tenant laws may impose legal duties to assist residents in relocating to new housing, or restrict the landlord’s ability to remove the resident on a timely basis or to recover certain costs or charge residents for damage residents cause to the landlord’s premises. Because such laws vary by state and locality, we must be familiar with and take all appropriate steps to comply with all applicable landlord-tenant laws, and need to incur supervisory and legal expenses to ensure such compliance. To the extent that we do not comply with state or local laws, we may be subjected to civil litigation filed by individuals, in class actions or actions by state or local law enforcement and our reputation and financial results may suffer. We may be required to pay our adversaries’ litigation fees and expenses if judgment is entered against us in such litigation or if we settle such litigation.

 

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Furthermore, state and local governmental agencies may introduce rent control laws or other regulations that limit our ability to increase rental rates, which may affect our rental income. Especially in times of recession and economic slowdown, rent control initiatives can acquire significant political support. If rent controls unexpectedly became applicable to certain of our properties, our revenue from and the value of such properties could be adversely affected.

 

The Covid-19 pandemic in the United States has led entities directed by, or notionally affiliated with, the federal government as well as certain states and cities, including those in which we own properties and where our principal places of business are located, to impose and continue to implement measures intended to control the spread of Covid-19, including instituting quarantines, restrictions on travel, “shelter in place” rules, and restrictions on types of business that may continue to operate. Entities directed by, or notionally affiliated with, the federal government as well as some state and local jurisdictions across the United States, have imposed temporary eviction moratoriums in connection with the Covid-19 outbreak if certain criteria are met by residents, are allowing residents to defer missed rent payments without incurring late fees, and are prohibiting rent increases. Jurisdictions and other local and national authorities may expand or extend measures imposing restrictions on our ability to enforce residents’ contractual rental obligations and limiting our ability to increase rents. While such measures are likely to enable residents to stay in their homes despite an inability to pay because of financial or other hardship stemming from the pandemic, they are likely to continue to result in loss of rental income and other property income. We cannot predict if states, municipalities, local, and/or national authorities will expand existing restrictions, if additional states or municipalities will implement similar restrictions, or when restrictions currently in place will expire. See “— Our business, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows may be adversely affected by pandemics and outbreaks of infectious disease, particularly the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.”

 

We may become a target of legal demands, litigation (including class actions), and negative publicity by tenant and consumer rights organizations, which could directly limit and constrain our operations and may result in significant litigation expenses and reputational harm.

 

Numerous tenant rights and consumer rights organizations exist throughout the country and operate in our markets, and we may attract attention from some of these organizations and become a target of legal demands, litigation, and negative publicity. Many such consumer organizations have become more active and better funded in connection with mortgage foreclosure-related issues, and with the increased market for homes arising from displaced homeownership, some of these organizations may shift their litigation, lobbying, fundraising, and grassroots organizing activities to focus on landlord-resident issues. While we intend to conduct our business lawfully and in compliance with applicable landlord-tenant and consumer laws, such organizations might work in conjunction with trial and pro bono lawyers in one or multiple states to attempt to bring claims against us on a class action basis for damages or injunctive relief and to seek to publicize our activities in a negative light. We cannot anticipate what form such legal actions might take or what remedies they may seek.

 

Additionally, such organizations may lobby local county and municipal attorneys or state attorneys general to pursue enforcement or litigation against us, may lobby state and local legislatures to pass new laws and regulations to constrain or limit our business operations, adversely impact our business, or may generate negative publicity for our business and harm our reputation. If they are successful in any such endeavors, they could directly limit and constrain our operations and may impose on us significant litigation expenses, including settlements to avoid continued litigation or judgments for damages or injunctions.

 

We may not be successful in identifying and consummating suitable investment opportunities.

 

Our investment strategy requires us to identify suitable investment opportunities compatible with our investment criteria. We may not be successful in identifying suitable opportunities that meet our criteria or in consummating investments, including those identified as part of our investment pipeline, on satisfactory terms or at all. Our ability to make investments on favorable terms may be constrained by several factors including, but not limited to, competition from other investors with significant capital, including other publicly traded REITs and institutional investment funds, which may significantly increase investment costs; and/or the inability to finance an investment on favorable terms or at all. The failure to identify or consummate investments on satisfactory terms, or at all, may impede our growth and negatively affect our cash available for distribution to our stockholders.

 

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Adverse economic conditions may negatively affect our results of operations and, as a result, our ability to make distributions to our stockholders or to realize appreciation in the value of our properties.

 

Our operating results may be adversely affected by market and economic challenges, which may negatively affect our returns and profitability and, as a result, our ability to make distributions to our stockholders or to realize appreciation in the value of our properties. These market and economic challenges include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

·any future downturn in the U.S. economy and high unemployment could result in tenant defaults under leases, vacancies in our properties and concessions or reduced rental rates under new leases due to reduced demand. In addition, such downturns could result in reduced demand for homes, which may reduce home prices and make home purchases more affordable as an alternative to renting, which also may materially adversely reduce the demand for rental homes;

 

·the rate of household formation or population growth in our target markets or a continued or exacerbated economic slow-down experienced by the local economies where our properties are located or by the real estate industry generally may result in changes in supply of or demand for our homes; and

 

·the failure of the real estate market to attract the same level of capital investment in the future that it attracted at the time of our purchases or a reduction in the number of companies seeking to acquire properties may result in the value of our investments not appreciating or decreasing, possibly significantly, below the amount we pay for these investments.

 

The length and severity of any economic slow-down or downturn cannot be predicted. Our operations and, as a result, our ability to make distributions to our stockholders and/or our ability to realize appreciation in the value of our properties could be materially and adversely affected to the extent that an economic slow-down or downturn is prolonged or becomes severe.

 

Our revenues are significantly influenced by demand for single-family home rental properties generally, and a decrease in such demand will likely have a greater adverse effect on our revenues than if we owned a more diversified real estate portfolio.

 

Our current portfolio is focused predominately on single-family home properties, and we expect that our portfolio going forward will focus predominately on the same. As a result, we are subject to risks inherent in investments in a single industry, and a decrease in the demand for single-family home rentals would likely have a greater adverse effect on our rental revenues than if we owned a more diversified real estate portfolio.

 

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The properties in our investment pipeline are subject to contingencies that could delay or prevent acquisition or investment in those properties.

 

At any given time, we are generally in discussions regarding a number of properties for acquisition or investment, which we refer to as our investment pipeline. However, we may not have completed our diligence process on these properties or development projects or have definitive investment or purchase and sale agreements, as applicable, and several other conditions may be required to be met in order for us to complete these acquisitions or developments, including approval by our investment committee or board of directors. If we are planning to use proceeds of an offering of our securities to fund these acquisitions or investments and are unable to complete the acquisition of the interests or investment in any of these properties or experience significant delays in executing any such acquisition or investment, we will have issued securities in an offering without realizing a corresponding current or future increase in earnings and cash flow from acquiring those interests or developing those properties, and may incur expenses in connection with our attempts in consummating such acquisition or investment, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, to the extent the uses of proceeds from an offering are designated for the acquisition of or investment in these properties, we will have no specific designated use for the net proceeds from the offering allocated to the purchase or development and investors will be unable to evaluate in advance the manner in which we will invest, or the economic merits of the properties we may ultimately acquire or develop with such proceeds.

 

Our expenses may remain constant or increase, even if our revenues decrease, causing our results of operations to be adversely affected.

 

Costs associated with our business, such as mortgage payments, real estate taxes, insurance premiums and maintenance costs, are relatively inflexible and generally do not decrease, and may increase, when homes are not occupied, rental rates decrease, tenants fail to pay rent or other circumstances cause a reduction in property revenues. As a result, if revenues drop, we may not be able to commensurately reduce our expenses, which would adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Competition in identifying and acquiring our properties could adversely affect our ability to implement our business and growth strategies, which could materially and adversely affect us.

 

In acquiring our properties, we compete with a variety of institutional investors, including other REITs, specialty finance companies, public and private funds, savings and loan associations, banks, mortgage bankers, insurance companies, institutional investors, investment banking firms, financial institutions, governmental bodies, and other entities. We also compete with individual private home buyers and small scale investors.

 

Certain of our competitors may be larger in certain of our markets and may have greater financial or other resources than we do. Some competitors may have a lower cost of funds and access to funding sources that may not be available to us. In addition, any potential competitor may have higher risk tolerances or different risk assessments and may not be subject to the operating constraints associated with qualification for taxation as a REIT, which could allow them to consider a wider variety of investments. Competition may result in fewer investments, higher prices, a broadly dispersed portfolio of properties that does not lend itself to efficiencies of concentration, acceptance of greater risk, lower yields and a narrower spread of yields over our financing costs. In addition, competition for desirable investments could delay the investment of our capital, which could adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows. As a result, there can be no assurance that we will be able to identify and finance investments that are consistent with our investment objectives or to achieve positive investment results, and our failure to accomplish any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on us and cause the value of our common stock to decline.

 

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Our investments will be dependent on tenants for revenue, and tenant failure to pay in a timely manner could reduce our revenues from rents, resulting in the decline in the value of your investment.

 

The underlying value of our properties and the ability to make distributions to you depend upon the ability of the tenants of our properties to generate enough income to pay their rents in a timely manner, and the success of our investments depends upon the occupancy levels, rental income and operating expenses of our properties and our company. Tenants’ inability to timely or fully pay their rents may be impacted by their employment prospects and/or other constraints on their personal finances, including debts, purchases and other factors. These and other changes beyond our control may adversely affect our tenants’ ability to make their required lease payments. In the event of a tenant default or bankruptcy, we may experience delays in enforcing our rights as landlord and may incur costs in protecting our investment and re-leasing our property. We may be unable to re-lease the property for the rent previously received. We may be unable to sell an unoccupied property without incurring a loss. These events and others could cause us to reduce any amount of distributions we plan to make to stockholders and may also cause the value of your investment to decline.

 

Our operating results and distributable cash flow depend on our ability to generate revenue from leasing our properties to tenants on terms favorable to us.

 

Our operating results depend, in large part, on revenues derived from leasing our single-family properties. We are subject to the credit risk of our tenants, and to the extent our tenants default on their leases or fail to make their required rental payments we may suffer a decrease in our revenue. In addition, if a tenant does not fully pay its rent, we may not be able to enforce our rights as landlord without delays and we may incur substantial legal costs. We are also subject to the risk that, upon the expiration of leases, leases may not be renewed, the homes may not be re-leased or the terms of renewal or re-leasing (including the cost of required renovations or concessions to tenants) may be less favorable to us than current lease terms. If vacancies continue for a long period of time, we may suffer reduced revenues resulting in decreased distributions to our stockholders. In addition, the resale value of such affected properties could be diminished. Further, costs associated with real estate investment, such as real estate taxes and maintenance costs, generally are not reduced when circumstances cause a reduction in revenue. These events would cause a significant decrease in net revenues and could cause us to reduce the amount of distributions to our stockholders.

 

As the owner of real property, we could become subject to liability for asbestos-containing building materials in the buildings on our properties.

 

Some of our properties may contain asbestos-containing materials. Environmental laws typically require that owners or operators of buildings with asbestos-containing building materials properly manage and maintain these materials, adequately inform or train those who may come in contact with asbestos and undertake special precautions, including removal or other abatement, in the event that asbestos is disturbed during building renovation or demolition. These laws may impose fines and penalties on building owners or operators for failure to comply with these requirements. In addition, third parties may be entitled to seek recovery from owners or operators for personal injury associated with exposure to asbestos-containing building materials.

 

In addition, many insurance carriers are excluding asbestos-related claims from standard policies, pricing asbestos endorsements at prohibitively high rates or adding significant restrictions to this coverage. Because of our difficulty in obtaining specialized coverage at rates that correspond to the perceived level of risk, we may not obtain insurance for asbestos-related claims. We will continue to evaluate the availability and cost of additional insurance coverage from the insurance market. If we purchase insurance for asbestos, the cost could have a negative impact on our results of operations.

 

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Costs associated with addressing indoor air quality issues, moisture infiltration and resulting mold remediation may be costly.

 

As a general matter, concern about indoor exposure to mold or other air contaminants has been increasing as such exposure has been alleged to have a variety of adverse effects on health. Some of our properties may contain microbial matter such as mold and mildew. The terms of our property and general liability policies generally exclude certain mold-related claims. Should an uninsured loss arise against us, we would be required to use our funds to resolve the issue, including litigation costs. We can offer no assurance that liabilities resulting from indoor air quality, moisture infiltration and the presence of or exposure to mold will not have a future impact on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

A change in the United States government policy with regard to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could impact our financial condition.

 

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are a major source of financing for the single-family real estate sector. We and other companies in the single-family real estate sector depend frequently on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to finance growth by purchasing or guarantying single-family real estate loans. Prior initiatives in the recent past, including proposed legislation, have sought to wind down Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Any decision by the government to eliminate or downscale Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, to reduce their acquisitions or guarantees of single-family real estate mortgage loans, or to reduce government support for single-family housing more generally, may adversely affect interest rates, capital availability, development of single-family communities and our ability to refinance our existing mortgage obligations as they come due and to obtain additional long-term financing for the acquisition of additional single-family communities on favorable terms or at all.

 

If we are not able to cost-effectively maximize the life of our properties, we may incur greater than anticipated capital expenditure costs, which may adversely affect our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

 

While many of the existing properties we acquire have undergone substantial renovations since they were constructed, older properties may carry certain risks including unanticipated repair costs associated with older properties, increased maintenance costs as older properties continue to age, and cost overruns due to the need for special materials and/or fixtures specific to older properties. Although we take a proactive approach to property preservation, utilizing a preventative maintenance plan, and selective improvements that mitigate the cost impact of maintaining exterior building features and aging building components, if we are not able to cost-effectively maximize the life of our properties, we may incur greater than anticipated capital expenditure costs which may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and/or ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

 

Any uninsured losses or high insurance premiums will reduce our net income and the amount of our cash distributions to stockholders.

 

We will attempt to ensure adequate insurance is obtained to cover significant areas of risk to us as a company and to our properties. However, there are types of losses at the property level, generally catastrophic in nature, such as losses due to wars, acts of terrorism, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, pollution or environmental matters, which are uninsurable or not economically insurable, or may be insured subject to limitations, such as large deductibles or co-payments. We may not have adequate insurance coverage for such losses. If any of our properties incurs a casualty loss that is not fully insured, the value of our assets will be reduced by any such uninsured loss. In addition, other than any working capital reserve or other reserves we may establish for a particular property, we could have no source of funding to repair or reconstruct any uninsured damaged property. Also, to the extent we must pay unexpectedly large amounts for insurance, we could suffer reduced cash flow that would result in lower distributions to stockholders.

 

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We may have difficulty selling real estate investments, and our ability to distribute all or a portion of the net proceeds from such sale to our stockholders may be limited.

 

Real estate investments are relatively illiquid. We will have a limited ability to vary our portfolio in response to changes in economic or other conditions. We will also have a limited ability to sell assets in order to fund working capital and similar capital needs. When we sell any of our properties, we may not realize a gain on such sale. We may not elect to distribute any proceeds from the sale of properties to our stockholders; for example, we may use such proceeds to:

 

·purchase additional properties;

 

·fund capital commitments to our joint ventures;

 

·repay debt, if any;

 

·buy out interests of any co-venturers or other partners in any joint venture in which we are a party;

 

·create working capital reserves; and/or

 

·make repairs, maintenance, tenant improvements or other capital improvements or expenditures to our remaining properties.

 

Our ability to sell our properties may also be limited by our need to avoid a 100% penalty tax that is imposed on gain recognized by a REIT from the sale of property characterized as held for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business. In order to ensure that we avoid such characterization, we may be required to hold our properties for the production of rental income for a minimum period of time, generally two years, and comply with certain other requirements in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). As such, we could be restricted from selling a property at an opportune time to maximize proceeds.

 

Representations and warranties made by us in connection with sales of our properties may subject us to liability that could result in losses and could harm our operating results and, therefore, distributions we make to our stockholders.

 

When we sell a property, we may be required to make representations and warranties regarding the property and other customary items. In the event of a breach of such representations or warranties, the purchaser of the property may have claims for damages against us, rights to indemnification from us or otherwise have remedies against us. In any such case, we may incur liabilities that could result in losses and could harm our operating results and, therefore distributions we make to our stockholders.

 

Our investments could be adversely affected if a member of our Bluerock operating partner network performs poorly at one or more of our projects, which could adversely affect returns to our stockholders.

 

In general, we expect to rely on members of our operating partner network for the day-to-day management and development of our real estate investments. Members of our network are not fiduciaries to us, and generally will have limited capital invested in a project, if any. One or more members of our network may perform poorly in managing our project investments for a variety of reasons, including failure to properly adhere to budgets or properly implement the property business plan. A member of our network may also underperform for strategic reasons related to projects or assets that the partner is involved in with a Bluerock affiliate but not our company. If a member of our network does not perform well, we may not be able to ameliorate the adverse effects of poor performance by terminating the partner and finding a replacement partner to manage our projects in a timely manner. In such an instance, the returns to our stockholders could be adversely affected.

 

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Actions of our joint venture partners could subject us to liabilities in excess of those contemplated or prevent us from taking actions which are in the best interests of our stockholders, which could result in lower investment returns to our stockholders.

 

We have entered into, and in the future intend to enter into, joint ventures with affiliates and other third parties, including with members of our operating partner network, to acquire or improve properties. We may also purchase properties in partnerships, co-tenancies or other co-ownership arrangements. Such investments may involve risks not otherwise present when acquiring real estate directly, including, for example:

 

·joint venturers may share certain approval rights over major decisions and reduce our flexibility to maximize project values or limit property costs;

 

·that such co-venturer, co-owner or partner may at any time have economic or business interests or goals which are or which become inconsistent with our business interests or goals, including inconsistent goals relating to the timing of the sale of properties held in the joint ventures and/or the timing of termination or liquidation of the joint ventures;

 

·the possibility that our co-venturer, co-owner or partner in an investment might become insolvent or bankrupt and thus be unable to fulfill its financial obligations to us in that investment;

 

·the possibility that we may incur liabilities as a result of an action or omission taken by our co-venturer, co-owner or partner;

 

·that such co-venturer, co-owner or partner may be in a position to take action contrary to our instructions or requests or contrary to our policies or objectives, including our policy with respect to qualifying and maintaining our qualification as a REIT;

 

·disputes between us and our joint venturers may result in litigation or arbitration that would increase our expenses and prevent our officers and directors from focusing their time and effort on our business and result in subjecting the properties owned by the applicable joint venture to additional risk; or

 

·under certain joint venture arrangements, neither venture partner may have the power to control the venture, and an impasse could be reached which might have a negative influence on the joint venture.

 

These events might subject us to costs or liabilities in excess of those contemplated and thus reduce your investment returns. If we have a right of first refusal or buy/sell right to buy out a co-venturer, co-owner or partner, we may be unable to finance such a buy-out if it becomes exercisable or we may be required to purchase such interest at a time when it might not otherwise be in our best interest to do so. If our ownership interest is subject to a buy/sell right, we may not have sufficient cash, available borrowing capacity or other capital resources to allow us to elect to purchase an interest of a co-venturer subject to the buy/sell right, in which case we may be forced to sell our interest as the result of the exercise of such right when we would otherwise prefer to keep our interest. Finally, we may not be able to sell our interest in a joint venture if or when we desire to exit the venture.

 

Your investment return may be reduced if we are required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act; if we are subject to registration under the Investment Company Act, we will not be able to continue our business.

 

Neither we, nor our Operating Partnership, nor any of our subsidiaries intend to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act. We are organized as a holding company that conducts its businesses primarily through the Operating Partnership, which in turn is a holding company conducting its business through its subsidiaries. We expect that our Operating Partnership’s and subsidiaries’ investments in real estate will represent the substantial majority of our total asset mix, which would not subject us to the Investment Company Act. In order to maintain an exemption from regulation under the Investment Company Act, we intend to engage, through our Operating Partnership and our wholly and majority owned subsidiaries, primarily in the business of buying real estate, and qualifying real estate investments must be made within a year after cash is received by us. If we are unable to invest a significant portion of cash proceeds in properties within one year of receipt, we may avoid being required to register as an investment company by temporarily investing any unused proceeds in government securities with low returns, which would reduce the cash available for distribution to stockholders and possibly lower your returns.

 

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We expect that most of our assets will continue to be held through wholly owned or majority owned subsidiaries of our Operating Partnership. We expect that most of these subsidiaries will be outside the definition of an investment company under Section 3(a)(1) of the Investment Company Act as they are generally expected to hold at least 60% of their assets in real property or in entities that they manage or co-manage that own real property. Section 3(a)(1)(A) of the Investment Company Act defines an investment company as any issuer that is or holds itself out as being engaged primarily in the business of investing, reinvesting or trading in securities. We believe that neither we nor the Operating Partnership will be considered an investment company under Section 3(a)(1)(A) of the Investment Company Act because neither we nor the Operating Partnership will engage primarily or hold itself out as being engaged primarily in the business of investing, reinvesting or trading in securities. Rather, through the Operating Partnership’s wholly-owned or majority owned subsidiaries, we and the Operating Partnership will be primarily engaged in the non-investment company businesses of these subsidiaries.

 

Section 3(a)(1)(C) of the Investment Company Act defines an investment company as any issuer that is engaged or proposes to engage in the business of investing, reinvesting, owning, holding or trading in securities and owns or proposes to acquire investment securities having a value exceeding 40% of the value of the issuer’s total assets (exclusive of U.S. government securities and cash items) on an unconsolidated basis, which we refer to as the 40% test. Excluded from the term “investment securities,” among other things, are U.S. government securities and securities issued by majority owned subsidiaries that are not themselves investment companies and are not relying on the exception from the definition of investment company set forth in Section 3(c)(1) or Section 3(c)(7) of the Investment Company Act. We believe that we, our Operating Partnership and most of the subsidiaries of our Operating Partnership will not fall within this definition of investment company as we invest primarily in real property, through our wholly or majority owned subsidiaries, the majority of which we expect to have at least 60% of their assets in real property or in entities that they manage or co-manage that own real property. Both we and our Operating Partnership intend to conduct our operations so that they comply with the 40% test. We will monitor our holdings to ensure continuing and ongoing compliance with this test.

 

In the event that the value of investment securities held by the subsidiaries of our Operating Partnership were to exceed 40%, we expect our subsidiaries to be able to rely on the exclusion from the definition of “investment company” provided by Section 3(c)(5)(C) of the Investment Company Act. Section 3(c)(5)(C), as interpreted by the staff of the SEC, requires each of our subsidiaries relying on this exception to invest at least 55% of its portfolio in “mortgage and other liens on and interests in real estate,” which we refer to as “qualifying real estate assets” and maintain at least 70% to 90% of its assets in qualifying real estate assets or other real estate-related assets. The remaining 20% of the portfolio can consist of miscellaneous assets.

 

What we buy and sell is therefore limited to these criteria. How we determine to classify our assets for purposes of the Investment Company Act will be based in large measure upon no-action letters issued by the SEC staff in the past and other SEC interpretive guidance. These no-action positions were issued in accordance with factual situations that may be substantially different from the factual situations we may face, and a number of these no-action positions were issued more than ten years ago. Pursuant to this guidance, and depending on the characteristics of the specific investments, certain joint venture investments may not constitute qualifying real estate assets and therefore investments in these types of assets may be limited. No assurance can be given that the SEC will concur with our classification of our assets. Future revisions to the Investment Company Act or further guidance from the SEC may cause us to lose our exclusion from registration or force us to re-evaluate our portfolio and our investment strategy. Such changes may prevent us from operating our business successfully.

 

In the event that we, or our Operating Partnership, were to acquire assets that could make either entity fall within the definition of investment company under Section 3(a)(1) of the Investment Company Act, we believe that we would still qualify for an exclusion from registration pursuant to Section 3(c)(6). Section 3(c)(6) excludes from the definition of investment company any company primarily engaged, directly or through majority owned subsidiaries, in one or more of certain specified businesses. These specified businesses include the real estate business described in Section 3(c)(5)(C) of the Investment Company Act. It also excludes from the definition of investment company any company primarily engaged, directly or through majority owned subsidiaries, in one or more of such specified businesses from which at least 25% of such company’s gross income during its last fiscal year is derived, together with any additional business or businesses other than investing, reinvesting, owning, holding, or trading in securities. Although the SEC staff has issued little interpretive guidance with respect to Section 3(c)(6), we believe that we and our Operating Partnership may rely on Section 3(c)(6) if 55% of the assets of our Operating Partnership consist of, and at least 55% of the income of our Operating Partnership is derived from, qualifying real estate assets owned by wholly owned or majority owned subsidiaries of our Operating Partnership.

 

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In addition, we believe that the nature of our assets and the sources of our income exclude us from the definition of an investment company pursuant to Rule 3a-1 under the Investment Company Act. Rule 3a-1 provides an exclusion from registration as an investment company if an issuer meets both an asset and an income test and is not otherwise primarily engaged in an investment company business by, among other things, holding itself out to the public as such or by taking controlling interests in companies with a view to realizing profits through subsequent sales of these interests. Generally, an issuer satisfies the asset test of Rule 3a - 1 if it has no more than 45% of the value of its total assets (exclusive of U.S. government securities and cash items) in the form of securities other than interests in majority owned subsidiaries and companies which it primarily controls. A company satisfies the income test of Rule 3a-1 if it has derived no more than 45% of its net income after taxes for its last four fiscal quarters combined from securities other than interests in majority owned subsidiaries and primarily controlled companies through which it engages primarily in a business other than investing in securities. We believe that as long as we control more than 25% of the voting power, which control is greater than any other person’s, of our Operating Partnership we may rely on Rule 3a-1.

 

To ensure that neither we, nor our Operating Partnership nor subsidiaries are required to register as an investment company, each entity may be unable to sell assets they would otherwise want to sell and may need to sell assets they would otherwise wish to retain. In addition, we, our Operating Partnership or our subsidiaries may be required to acquire additional income or loss-generating assets that we might not otherwise acquire or forego opportunities to acquire interests in companies that we would otherwise want to acquire. Although we, our Operating Partnership and our subsidiaries intend to monitor our respective portfolios periodically and prior to each acquisition or disposition, any of these entities may not be able to maintain an exclusion from registration as an investment company. If we, our Operating Partnership or our subsidiaries are required to register as an investment company but fail to do so, the unregistered entity would be prohibited from engaging in our business, and criminal and civil actions could be brought against such entity. In addition, the contracts of such entity would be unenforceable unless a court required enforcement, and a court could appoint a receiver to take control of the entity and liquidate its business.

 

Our internal control over financial reporting may not be effective, which could adversely affect our reputation, results of operations and stock price.

 

The accuracy of our financial reporting depends on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements and may not prevent or detect misstatements because of its inherent limitations. These limitations include the possibility of human error, inadequacy or circumvention of internal controls and fraud. If we do not attain and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting or implement controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance with respect to the preparation and fair presentation of our financial statements, we could be unable to file accurate financial reports on a timely basis, and our reputation, results of operations and stock price could be materially adversely affected.

 

We have very limited sources of capital other than proceeds from future mortgage debt financings for acquisition and/or development projects, cash generated from operating activities and our expected future $[   ] million revolving credit facility.

 

We have very limited sources of capital other than proceeds from future mortgage debt financings for acquisition and/or development projects, cash generated from operating activities and our expected future $[                 ] million revolving credit facility. As a result, we may not be able to pay our liabilities and obligations when they come due other than with the net proceeds of an offering. Depending on business conditions at the time we might not be able to effectuate an offering, which in either case may limit our ability to implement our business plan.

 

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You will have limited control over changes in our policies and day-to-day operations, which limited control increases the uncertainty and risks you face as a stockholder. In addition, our board of directors may change our major operational policies without your approval.

 

Our board of directors determines our major policies, including our policies regarding financing, growth, debt capitalization, REIT qualification and distributions. Our board of directors may amend or revise these and other policies without a vote of the stockholders. Under the MGCL and our charter, our stockholders have a right to vote only on limited matters. See “Description of Our Capital Stock.”

 

Our Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of our company and the selection and management of investments and has broad discretion over the use of proceeds from offerings of our securities. Accordingly, you should not purchase our securities unless you are willing to entrust all aspects of the day-to-day management and the selection and management of investments to our Manager, who will manage our company in accordance with the Management Agreement. In addition, our Manager may retain independent contractors to provide various services for our company, and you should note that such contractors will have no fiduciary duty to you or the other stockholders and may not perform as expected or desired.

 

In addition, while the section entitled “Business and Properties” and any applicable prospectus or prospectus supplement outlines our investment policies and generally describes our target portfolio, our board of directors may make adjustments to these policies based on, among other things, prevailing real estate market conditions and the availability of attractive investment opportunities. While we have no current intention of changing our investment policies, we may not forego an attractive investment merely because it does not fit within our targeted asset class or portfolio composition. We may use the proceeds of an offering to purchase or invest in any type of real estate which we determine is in the best interest of our stockholders. As such, our actual portfolio composition may vary substantially from the target portfolio described in the section entitled “Business and Properties” and the applicable prospectus or prospectus supplement.

 

Our Manager will manage our portfolio pursuant to very broad investment guidelines approved by our board of directors, which does not approve each investment and financing decision made by our management unless required by our investment guidelines.

 

Our Manager will be authorized to follow very broad investment guidelines established by our board of directors. Our board of directors will periodically review our investment guidelines and our portfolio of assets but will not, and will not be required to, review all of our proposed investments, except in limited circumstances as set forth in our investment guidelines. In addition, in conducting periodic reviews, our board of directors may rely primarily on information provided to them by our Manager. Furthermore, transactions entered into by our Manager may be costly, difficult or impossible to unwind by the time they are reviewed by our board of directors. Our Manager has great latitude within the broad parameters of our investment guidelines in determining the types and amounts of assets in which to invest on our behalf, including making investments that may result in returns that are substantially below expectations or result in losses, which would materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations, or may otherwise not be in the best interests of our stockholders.

 

We are highly dependent on information systems and therefore systems failures, cybersecurity incidents or other technology disruptions could negatively impact our business.

 

Our operations are highly dependent upon our information systems that support our business processes, including marketing, leasing, resident and vendor communication, property management and work order processing, finance and intracompany communications throughout our operations. Certain critical components of our information systems are dependent upon third-party providers and a significant portion of our business operations are conducted over the internet. These systems and websites require access to telecommunications or the internet, each of which is subject to system security risks, cybersecurity breaches, outages, and other risks. As a result, we could be severely impacted by a catastrophic occurrence, such as a natural disaster or a terrorist attack, or a circumstance that disrupted access to telecommunications, the internet or operations at our third-party providers, including viruses or experienced computer programmers that could penetrate network security defenses and cause system failures and disruptions of operations. We have implemented processes, procedures and internal controls to help mitigate cybersecurity risks and cyber intrusions, maintain the security and integrity of our information technology networks and related systems, and manage the risk of a security breach or disruption, but these measures, as well as our increased awareness of the nature and extent of a risk of a cyber incident, do not guarantee that our financial results, operations, business relationships or confidential information will not be negatively impacted by such an incident. In addition, while we believe we utilize appropriate duplication and back-up procedures, a significant outage in telecommunications, the internet or at our third-party providers could nonetheless negatively impact our operations.

 

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Our third-party service providers are primarily responsible for the security of their own information technology environments and in certain instances, we rely significantly on third-party service providers to supply and store our sensitive data in a secure manner. All such third-party vendors face risks relating to cybersecurity similar to ours which could disrupt their businesses and therefore adversely impact us. While we provide guidance and specific requirements in some cases, we do not directly control any of such parties’ information technology security operations, or the amount of investment they place in guarding against cybersecurity threats. Accordingly, we are subject to any flaws in or breaches to their information technology systems or those which they operate for us.

 

Although no material incidents have occurred to date, we cannot be certain that our security efforts and measures will be effective or that our financial results will not be negatively impacted by such an incident should one occur.

 

Security breaches and other disruptions could compromise our information and expose us to liability, which would cause our business and reputation to suffer.

 

Information security risks have generally increased in recent years due to the rise in new technologies and the increased sophistication and activities of perpetrators of cyber-attacks. In the ordinary course of our business we acquire and store sensitive data, including intellectual property, our proprietary business information and personally identifiable information of our prospective and current residents, our employees and third-party service providers in our offices and on our networks and website and on third-party vendor networks. We may share some of this information with vendors who assist us with certain aspects of our business. The secure processing and maintenance of this information is critical to our operations and business and growth strategies. Despite our security measures and those of our third-party vendors, our information technology and such infrastructure may be vulnerable to attacks by hackers or breached due to employee error, malfeasance or other disruptions. Any such breach could compromise our networks and the information stored there could be accessed, publicly disclosed, lost or stolen. Any such access, disclosure or other loss of information could result in legal claims or proceedings, liability under laws that protect the privacy of personal information, regulatory penalties, disruption to our operations and the services we provide to customers or damage our reputation, and thus could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations. In addition, a security breach could require that we expend significant additional resources to enhance our information security systems and could result in a disruption to our operations.

 

Conflicts of interest may exist or could arise in the future with our Operating Partnership and its limited partners, which may impede business decisions that could benefit our stockholders.

 

Conflicts of interest may exist or could arise as a result of the relationships between us and our affiliates, on the one hand, and our Operating Partnership or any member thereof, on the other. Our directors and officers have duties to our company and our stockholders under applicable Maryland law in connection with their management of our company. At the same time, we, as general partner of our Operating Partnership, have fiduciary duties to our Operating Partnership and to its limited partners under Delaware law in connection with the management of our Operating Partnership. Our duties to our Operating Partnership and its limited partners as the general partner may come into conflict with the duties of our directors and officers to our company and our stockholders. These conflicts may be resolved in a manner that is not in the best interest of our stockholders.

 

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Conflicts of interest exist between our interests and the interests of our Manager and its affiliates.

 

Examples of these potential conflicts of interest include:

 

·The possibility that certain of our officers and their respective affiliates will face conflicts of interest relating to the purchase and leasing of properties, and that such conflicts may not be resolved in our favor;

 

·The possibility that the competing demands for the time of certain of our officers may result in them spending insufficient time on our business, which may result in our missing investment opportunities or having less efficient operations, which could reduce our profitability and result in lower distributions to you; and

 

·Some of our current investments, generally in development projects, have been made through joint venture arrangements with various investment funds affiliated with affiliates of our Manager, which arrangements were not the result of arm’s-length negotiations of the type normally conducted between unrelated co-venturers, and which could result in a disproportionate benefit to affiliates of our Manager;

 

Any of these and other conflicts of interest could have a material adverse effect on the returns on our investments, our ability to make distributions to stockholders and the trading price of our stock.

 

The ownership by our executive officers of interests representing a significant portion of our common stock on a fully diluted basis could allow our executive officers to exert significant influence over our company in a manner that may not be in the best interests of our other stockholders.

 

As of the Distribution, our executive officers are expected to beneficially own interests representing approximately [     ]% of the total economic interest in our common stock and Class C common stock on a fully diluted basis, where “on a fully diluted basis” assumes that all outstanding OP units, C-OP units (as defined in “Partnership Agreement—Classes of Partnership Units”), LTIP units and C-LTIP units (as defined in “Partnership Agreement—Classes of Partnership Units”), whether vested or unvested, in each case are ultimately settled for common stock of Bluerock Homes. In addition, as of the Distribution, the aggregate voting power of our executive officers is expected to represent approximately [   ]% of the total voting power of our outstanding common stock and Class C common stock. As a result of our executive officers’ significant ownership in our company, our executive officers will have significant influence over our affairs and could exercise such influence in a manner that is not in the best interests of our other stockholders, including with respect to matters submitted to our stockholders for approval such as the election of directors and any merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our assets. Our executive officers may have interests that differ from our other stockholders, and may accordingly vote in ways that may not be consistent with the interests of those other stockholders.

 

Our executive officers will have competing demands on their time and attention.

 

Our executive officers have competing demands on their respective time and attention, principally with respect to the provision of services to affiliates of our Manager. Our executive officers are permitted to devote time to certain outside activities, so long as those duties and activities do not unreasonably interfere with the performance of their respective duties. We may use mortgage and other debt financing to acquire properties or interests in properties and otherwise incur other indebtedness, which increases our expenses and could subject us to the risk of losing properties in foreclosure if our cash flow is insufficient to make loan payments.

 

We are permitted to acquire real properties and other real estate-related investments, including entity acquisitions, by assuming either existing financing secured by the asset or by borrowing new funds. In addition, we may incur or increase our mortgage debt by obtaining loans secured by some or all of our assets to obtain funds to acquire additional investments or to pay distributions to our stockholders. We also may borrow funds if necessary to satisfy the requirement that we distribute at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gains, to our stockholders annually, or otherwise as is necessary or advisable to assure that we qualify and maintain our qualification as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

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There is no limit on the amount we may invest in any single property or other asset or on the amount we can borrow to purchase any individual property or other investment. If we mortgage a property and have insufficient cash flow to service the debt, we risk an event of default which may result in our lenders foreclosing on the properties securing the mortgage.

 

If we cannot repay or refinance loans incurred to purchase our properties, or interests therein, then we may lose our interests in the properties secured by the loans we are unable to repay or refinance.

 

High levels of debt or increases in interest rates could increase the amount of any future loan payments, which could reduce the cash available for distribution to stockholders.

 

Our policies do not limit us from incurring debt. For purposes of calculating our leverage, we will assume full consolidation of all of our real estate investments, whether or not they would be consolidated under GAAP, include assets we have classified as held for sale, and include any joint venture level indebtedness in our total indebtedness.

 

Higher debt levels will cause us to incur higher interest charges, resulting in higher debt service payments, and may be accompanied by restrictive covenants. Interest we pay reduces cash available for distribution to stockholders. Additionally, with respect to our variable rate debt, increases in interest rates increase our interest costs, which reduces our cash flow and our ability to make distributions to you. In addition, if we need to repay existing debt during periods of rising interest rates, we could be required to liquidate one or more of our investments in properties at times that may not permit realization of the maximum return on such investments and could result in a loss. In addition, if we are unable to service our debt payments, our lenders may foreclose on our interests in the real property that secures the loans we have entered into.

 

Our future variable rate debt may bear interest at a rate derived from SOFR. SOFR is a relatively new reference rate. The publication of SOFR began in April 2018, and, therefore, it has a very limited history. The future performance of SOFR cannot be predicted based on the limited historical performance. Since the initial publication of SOFR, changes in SOFR have, on occasion, been more volatile than changes in other benchmark or market rates, such as United States dollar LIBOR. Additionally, any successor rate to SOFR may not have the same characteristics as SOFR or LIBOR. As a result, the amount of interest we may pay on future variable rate debt indexed to SOFR is difficult to predict.

 

High mortgage rates may make it difficult for us to finance or refinance properties, which could reduce the number of properties we can acquire, our cash flow from operations and the amount of cash distributions we can make.

 

To qualify and maintain our qualification as a REIT, we will be required to distribute at least 90% of our REIT taxable income (determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gains) to our stockholders in each taxable year, and thus our ability to retain internally generated cash is limited. Accordingly, our ability to acquire properties or to make capital improvements to or remodel properties will depend on our ability to obtain debt or equity financing from third parties or the sellers of properties. If mortgage debt is unavailable at reasonable rates, we may not be able to finance the purchase of properties. If we place mortgage debt on properties, we run the risk of being unable to refinance the properties when the debt becomes due or of being unable to refinance on favorable terms. If interest rates are higher when we refinance the properties, our income could be reduced. We may be unable to refinance properties. If any of these events occurs, our cash flow would be reduced. This, in turn, would reduce cash available for distribution to you and may hinder our ability to raise capital by issuing more stock or borrowing more money.

 

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Lenders may require us to enter into restrictive covenants relating to our operations, which could limit our ability to make distributions to you.

 

When providing financing, a lender may impose restrictions on us that affect our distribution and operating policies and our ability to incur additional debt. Loan documents we enter into may contain covenants that limit our ability to further mortgage the property, discontinue insurance coverage or impose other limitations. These or other limitations may limit our flexibility and prevent us from achieving our operating plans.

 

If mortgage debt is unavailable at reasonable rates, it may make it difficult for us to finance or refinance properties, which could reduce the number of properties we can acquire, our cash flows from operations and the amount of cash distributions we can make.

 

If we are unable to borrow monies on terms and conditions that we find acceptable, we likely will have to reduce the number of properties we can purchase, and the return on the properties we do purchase may be lower. If we place mortgage debt on properties, we run the risk of being unable to refinance the properties when the debt becomes due or of being unable to refinance on favorable terms. If interest rates are higher when we refinance the properties, our income could be reduced. As such, we may find it difficult, costly or impossible to refinance indebtedness that is maturing. If any of these events occur, our interest cost would increase as a result, which would reduce our cash flow. This, in turn, could reduce cash available for distribution to our stockholders and may hinder our ability to raise capital by issuing more stock or borrowing more money. If we are unable to refinance maturing indebtedness with respect to a particular property and are unable to pay the same, then the lender may foreclose on such property.

 

Volatility in and regulation of the commercial mortgage-backed securities market has limited and may continue to impact the pricing of secured debt.

 

As a result of the past crisis in the residential mortgage-backed securities markets, the most recent global recession and some occasional market concerns over Bluerock Homes’ ability to refinance or repay existing commercial mortgage-backed securities as they come due, liquidity previously provided by the commercial mortgage-backed securities and collateralized debt obligations markets has significantly decreased. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act imposes significant new regulations related to the mortgage-backed securities industry and market participants, which has contributed to uncertainty in the market. The volatility in the commercial mortgage-backed securities market could result in the following adverse effects on our incurrence of secured debt, which could have a materially negative impact on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and cash available for distribution:

 

·higher loan spreads;

 

·tighter loan covenants;

 

·reduced loan-to-value ratios and resulting borrower proceeds; and

 

·higher amortization and reserve requirements.

 

Some of our mortgage loans may have “due-on-sale” provisions, which may impact the manner in which we acquire, sell and/or finance our properties.

 

We may obtain financing with “due-on-sale” and/or “due-on-encumbrance” clauses when financing our properties. Due-on-sale clauses in mortgages allow a mortgage lender to demand full repayment of the mortgage loan if the borrower sells the mortgaged property. Similarly, due-on-encumbrance clauses allow a mortgage lender to demand full repayment if the borrower uses the real estate securing the mortgage loan as security for another loan. In such event, we may be required to sell our properties on an all-cash basis, which may make it more difficult to sell the property or reduce the selling price.

 

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Lenders may be able to recover against our other properties under our mortgage loans.

 

In financing our property acquisitions, we will seek to obtain secured nonrecourse loans. However, only recourse financing may be available, in which event, in addition to the property securing the loan, the lender would have the ability to look to our other assets for satisfaction of the debt if the proceeds from the sale or other disposition of the property securing the loan are insufficient to fully repay it. Also, in order to facilitate the sale of a property, we may allow the buyer to purchase the property subject to an existing loan whereby we remain responsible for the debt.

 

If we are required to make payments under any “bad boy” carve-out guaranties that we may provide in connection with certain mortgages and related loans, our business and financial results could be materially adversely affected.

 

In obtaining certain nonrecourse loans, we may provide standard carve-out guaranties. These guaranties are only applicable if and when the borrower directly, or indirectly through agreement with an affiliate, joint venture partner or other third party, voluntarily files a bankruptcy or similar liquidation or reorganization action or takes other actions that are fraudulent or restricted (commonly referred to as “bad boy” guaranties). Although we believe that “bad boy” carve-out guaranties are not guaranties of payment in the event of foreclosure or other actions of the foreclosing lender that are beyond the borrower’s control, some lenders in the real estate industry have recently sought to make claims for payment under such guaranties. In the event such a claim were made against us under a “bad boy” carve-out guaranty following a foreclosure, and such claim were successful, our business and financial results could be materially adversely affected.

 

Interest-only indebtedness may increase our risk of default and ultimately may reduce our funds available for distribution to our stockholders.

 

We may finance our property acquisitions using interest-only mortgage indebtedness. During the interest-only period, the amount of each scheduled payment will be less than that of a traditional amortizing mortgage loan. The principal balance of the mortgage loan will not be reduced (except in the case of prepayments) because there are no scheduled monthly payments of principal during this period. After the interest-only period, we will be required either to make scheduled payments of amortized principal and interest or to make a lump-sum or “balloon” payment at maturity. These required principal or balloon payments will increase the amount of our scheduled payments and may increase our risk of default under the related mortgage loan. If the mortgage loan has an adjustable interest rate, the amount of our scheduled payments also may increase at a time of rising interest rates. Increased payments and substantial principal or balloon maturity payments will reduce the funds available for distribution to our stockholders because cash otherwise available for distribution will be required to pay principal and interest associated with these mortgage loans.

 

To hedge against interest rate fluctuations, we may use derivative financial instruments that may be costly and ineffective, may reduce the overall returns on your investment and may expose us to the credit risk of counterparties.

 

To the extent consistent with qualifying and maintaining our qualification as a REIT, we may use derivative financial instruments to hedge exposures to interest rate fluctuations on loans secured by our assets and investments in collateralized mortgage-backed securities. Derivative instruments may include interest rate swap contracts, interest rate cap or floor contracts, futures or forward contracts, options or repurchase agreements. Our actual hedging decisions will be determined in light of the facts and circumstances existing at the time of the hedge and may differ from time to time.

 

To the extent that we use derivative financial instruments to hedge against interest rate fluctuations, we will be exposed to financing, basis risk and legal enforceability risks. In this context, credit risk is the failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the derivative contract. If the fair value of a derivative contract is positive, the counterparty owes us, which creates credit risk for us. Basis risk occurs when the index upon which the contract is based is more or less variable than the index upon which the hedged asset or liability is based, thereby making the hedge less effective. Finally, legal enforceability risks encompass general contractual risks, including the risk that the counterparty will breach the terms of, or fail to perform its obligations under, the derivative contract. If we are unable to manage these risks effectively, our results of operations, financial condition and ability to make distributions to you will be adversely affected.

 

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Complying with REIT requirements may limit our ability to hedge risk effectively.

 

We must satisfy two gross income tests annually to qualify and maintain our qualification as a REIT. First, at least 75% of our gross income for each taxable year must consist of defined types of income that we derive, directly or indirectly, from investments relating to real property or mortgages on real property or qualified temporary investment income (the “75% Gross Income Test”). Second, at least 95% of our gross income for each taxable year must consist of income that is qualifying income for purposes of the 75% Gross Income Test, other types of interest and dividends, gain from the sale or disposition of shares or securities, or any combination of these (the “95% Gross Income Test”).

 

These and other REIT provisions of the Code may limit our ability to hedge the risks inherent to our operations. From time to time, we may enter into hedging transactions with respect to one or more of our assets or liabilities. Our hedging transactions may include entering into interest rate swaps, caps and floors, options to purchase these items, and futures and forward contracts. Any income or gain derived by us from transactions that hedge certain risks, such as the risk of changes in interest rates, will not be treated as gross income for purposes of either the 75% Gross Income Test or the 95% Gross Income Test if specific requirements are met. Such requirements include that the hedging transaction be properly identified within prescribed time periods and that the transaction either (1) hedge risks associated with indebtedness issued by us that is incurred to acquire or carry real estate assets, (2) manage the risks of currency fluctuations with respect to income or gain that qualifies under the 75% Gross Income Test or 95% Gross Income Test (or assets that generate such income), or (3) offset a transaction described in (1) or (2) if a portion of the hedge indebtedness is extinguished or the related property disposed of. To the extent that we do not properly identify such transactions as hedges, hedge with other types of financial instruments, or hedge other types of indebtedness, the income from those transactions is not likely to be treated as qualifying income for purposes of the 75% Gross Income Test and the 95% Gross Income Test. As a result of these rules, we may have to limit the use of hedging techniques that might otherwise be advantageous, which could result in greater risks associated with interest rate or other changes than we would otherwise incur.

 

You may not receive any profits resulting from the sale of one of our properties, or receive such profits in a timely manner, because we may provide financing for the purchaser of such property.

 

If we liquidate our company, you may experience a delay before receiving your share of the proceeds of such liquidation. In a forced or voluntary liquidation, we may sell our properties either subject to or upon the assumption of any then-outstanding mortgage debt or, alternatively, may provide financing to purchasers. We may take a purchase-money obligation secured by a mortgage as partial payment. We do not have any limitations or restrictions on our taking such purchase-money obligations. To the extent that we receive promissory notes or other property instead of cash from sales, such proceeds, other than any interest payable on those proceeds, will not be included in net sale proceeds until and to the extent the promissory notes or other property are actually paid, sold, refinanced or otherwise disposed of. In certain cases, we may receive initial down payments in the year of sale in an amount less than the selling price and subsequent payments may be spread over a number of years. In such cases, you may experience a delay in the distribution of the proceeds of a sale until such time.

 

We are subject to increasing scrutiny from investors with respect to the social and environmental impact of our business, which may adversely impact our business and ability to raise capital from such investors.

 

In recent years, certain investors have placed increasing importance on the implications of our business with respect to Environmental, Social, and Governance (“ESG”) matters. Investors’ increased focus and activism related to ESG and similar matters may constrain our business operations. In addition, investors may decide to refrain from investing in us as a result of their assessment of our approach to and consideration of the ESG factors.

 

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Risks Related to Our Management and Relationships with Our Manager

 

We are dependent on our Manager and its key personnel for our success.

 

We will be externally advised by our Manager and, pursuant to the Management Agreement, our Manager will not be obligated to dedicate any specific personnel exclusively to us, nor will its personnel be obligated to dedicate any specific portion of their time to the management of our business. As a result, we cannot provide any assurances regarding the amount of time our Manager will dedicate to the management of our business. Moreover, each of our officers will also be an employee of our Manager or one of its affiliates, and will have significant responsibilities for other investment vehicles currently managed by Bluerock affiliates, and may not always be able to devote sufficient time to the management of our business. Consequently, we may not receive the level of support and assistance that we otherwise might receive if we were internally managed.

 

In addition, we offer no assurance that our Manager will remain our manager or that we will continue to have access to our Manager’s principals and professionals. The initial term of our Management Agreement with our Manager extends until [          ], 2023 (the first anniversary of the Distribution Date), with automatic one-year renewals thereafter, and may be terminated earlier under certain circumstances. If the Management Agreement is terminated or not renewed and no suitable replacement is found to manage us, we may not be able to execute our business plan, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

 

Our Manager may not be successful in identifying and consummating suitable investment opportunities.

 

Our investment strategy will require us, through our Manager, to identify suitable investment opportunities compatible with our investment criteria. Our Manager may not be successful in identifying suitable opportunities that meet our criteria or in consummating investments, including those identified as part of our investment pipeline, on satisfactory terms or at all. Our ability to make investments on favorable terms may be constrained by several factors including, but not limited to, competition from other investors with significant capital, including other publicly-traded REITs and institutional investment funds, which may significantly increase investment costs; and/or the inability to finance an investment on favorable terms or at all. The failure to identify or consummate investments on satisfactory terms, or at all, may impede our growth and negatively affect our cash available for distribution to our stockholders.

 

The inability of our Manager to retain or obtain key personnel could delay or hinder implementation of our investment strategies, which could impair our ability to make distributions and could reduce the value of your investment.

 

Our Manager will be obligated to supply us with substantially all of our senior management team, including our chief executive officer, president, chief accounting officer and chief operating officer. Subject to investment, leverage and other guidelines or policies adopted by our board of directors, our Manager will have significant discretion regarding the implementation of our investment and operating policies and strategies. Accordingly, we believe that our success will depend significantly upon the experience, skill, resources, relationships and contacts of the senior officers and key personnel of our Manager and its affiliates. In particular, our success depends to a significant degree upon the contributions of Messrs. Kamfar, Ruddy, MacDonald, Babb, Vohs, DiFranco, Siptrott and Emala, all of whom are senior officers of our Manager. We will not have employment agreements with any of these key personnel and do not have key man life insurance on any of them. If any of Messrs. Kamfar, Ruddy, MacDonald, Babb, Vohs, DiFranco, Siptrott and Emala were to cease their affiliation with us or our Manager, our Manager may be unable to find suitable replacements, and our operating results could suffer. We believe that our future success will depend, in large part, upon our Manager’s ability to hire and retain highly skilled managerial, operational and marketing personnel. Competition for highly skilled personnel is intense, and our Manager may be unsuccessful in attracting and retaining such skilled personnel. If we lose or are unable to obtain the services of highly skilled personnel, our ability to implement our investment strategies could be delayed or hindered, and the value of your investment may decline.

 

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Our Manager’s limited operating history makes it difficult for you to evaluate this investment.

 

Our Manager has limited operating history and may not be able to successfully operate our business or achieve our investment objectives. We may not be able to conduct our business as described in our plan of operation.

 

Non-renewal of the Management Agreement, even for poor performance, could be difficult and costly, including as a result of termination fees, and may cause us to be unable to execute our business plan.

 

Non-renewal of the Management Agreement without cause, even for poor performance, could be difficult and costly. We may decline to renew the Management Agreement without cause upon the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of our independent directors that (1) there has been unsatisfactory performance by our Manager that is materially detrimental to us or (2) the Base Management Fee and Incentive Fee (each as defined in “Our Manager and Management Agreement—Management Agreement”) payable to our Manager are not, taken as a whole, in accordance with then-current market rates charged by asset management companies rendering services similar to those rendered by our Manager, subject to our Manager’s right to prevent such non-renewal by accepting a reduction of the fees agreed to by at least two-thirds of our independent directors. In such a case of non-renewal, our Manager will be paid a termination fee equal to 3.00 times the sum of the Base Management Fee and Incentive Fee earned, in each case, by our Manager during the 12-month period immediately preceding such non-renewal, calculated as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal quarter before the date of non-renewal. These provisions may substantially restrict our ability to not to renew the Management Agreement and would cause us to incur substantial costs in connection with such a non-renewal. Furthermore, in the event that our Management Agreement is not renewed, and we are unable to identify a suitable replacement to manage us, our ability to execute our business plan could be adversely affected.

 

Because we will be dependent upon our Manager and its affiliates to conduct our operations, any adverse changes in the financial health of our Manager or its affiliates or our relationship with them could hinder our operating performance and the return on your investment.

 

We will be dependent on our Manager and its affiliates to manage our operations and acquire and manage our portfolio of real estate assets. Under the direction of our board of directors, and subject to our investment guidelines, our Manager will make all decisions with respect to the management of our company. Our Manager will depend upon the fees and other compensation that it receives from us in connection with managing our company to conduct its operations. Any adverse changes in the financial condition of our Manager or its affiliates, or our relationship with our Manager, could hinder its ability to successfully manage our operations and our portfolio of investments, which would adversely affect us and our stockholders.

 

Our board of directors will approve very broad investment guidelines for our Manager and will not approve each investment and financing decision made by our Manager unless required by our investment guidelines.

 

Our Manager will be authorized to follow very broad investment guidelines established by our board of directors. Our board of directors will periodically review our investment guidelines and our portfolio of assets but will not, and will not be required to, review all of our proposed investments, except in limited circumstances as set forth in our investment policies, which are described under “Business and Properties.” In addition, in conducting periodic reviews, our board of directors may rely primarily on information provided to them by our Manager. Furthermore, transactions entered into by our Manager may be costly, difficult or impossible to unwind by the time they are reviewed by our board of directors. Our Manager will have great latitude within the broad parameters of our investment guidelines in determining the types and amounts of assets in which to invest on our behalf, including making investments that may result in returns that are substantially below expectations or result in losses, which would materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations, or may otherwise not be in the best interests of our stockholders.

 

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The Management Agreement with our Manager was not negotiated on an arm’s-length basis and may not be as favorable to us as if it had been negotiated with an unaffiliated third party.

 

Our executive officers, including one of our five directors, are executives of our Manager. Although the Bluerock Residential board of directors received an opinion from Robert A. Stanger & Company, Inc. that the terms of the Management Agreement are fair, from a financial point of view, to Bluerock Homes, and after consideration of this opinion and other documents and presentations, the non-management directors authorized Bluerock Homes to enter into the Management Agreement, our Management Agreement will be negotiated between related parties and its terms, including fees payable to our Manager, may not be as favorable to us as if it had been negotiated with an unaffiliated third party. In addition, we may choose not to enforce, or to enforce less vigorously, our rights under the Management Agreement because of our desire to maintain our ongoing relationship with Bluerock and its affiliates.

 

We may have conflicts of interest with our Manager and other affiliates, which could result in investment decisions that are not in the best interests of our stockholders.

 

There will be numerous conflicts of interest between our interests and the interests of our Manager, Bluerock and their respective affiliates, including conflicts arising out of allocation of personnel to our activities, allocation of investment opportunities between us and investment vehicles affiliated with Bluerock, purchase or sale of apartment properties, including from or to Bluerock or its affiliates and fee arrangements with our Manager that might induce our Manager to make investment decisions that are not in our best interests. Examples of these potential conflicts of interest include:

 

·Competition for the time and services of personnel that work for us and our affiliates;

 

·Compensation payable by us to our Manager and its affiliates for their various services, which may not be on market terms and is payable, in some cases, whether or not our stockholders receive distributions;

 

·The possibility that our Manager, its officers and their respective affiliates will face conflicts of interest relating to the purchase and leasing of properties and that such conflicts may not be resolved in our favor, thus potentially limiting our investment opportunities, impairing our ability to make distributions and adversely affecting the trading price of our stock;

 

·The possibility that if we acquire properties from Bluerock or its affiliates, the price may be higher than we would pay if the transaction were the result of arm’s-length negotiations with a third party;

 

·The possibility that our Manager will face conflicts of interest caused by its indirect ownership by Bluerock, some of whose officers are also our officers and one of whom is a director of ours, resulting in actions that may not be in the long-term best interests of our stockholders;

 

·Our Manager will have considerable discretion with respect to the terms and timing of our acquisition, disposition and leasing transactions, and the Incentive Fee payable by us to our Manager will be determined based on AFFO (as defined in “Our Manager and Management Agreement—Management Agreement”), which may create an incentive for our Manager to make investments that are risky or more speculative than would otherwise be in our best interests;

 

·The possibility that we may acquire or merge with our Manager, resulting in an internalization of our management functions; and

 

·The possibility that the competing demands for the time of our Manager, its affiliates and our officers may result in them spending insufficient time on our business, which may result in our missing investment opportunities or having less efficient operations, which could reduce our profitability and result in lower distributions to you.

 

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The Incentive Fee we pay our Manager may induce it to make riskier investments, which could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and the trading price of our stock.

 

The Incentive Fee payable by us to our Manager will be determined based on AFFO, which may create an incentive for our Manager to make investments that are risky or more speculative than would otherwise be in our best interests. In evaluating investments and other management strategies, the incentive fee structure may lead our Manager to place undue emphasis on the maximization of AFFO at the expense of other criteria, such as preservation of capital, in order to increase the Incentive Fee. Investments with higher yields generally have higher risk of loss than investments with lower yields, and could result in higher investment losses, particularly during cyclical economic downturns, which could adversely affect the trading price of our stock.

 

We may be obligated to pay our Manager quarterly Incentive Fees even if we incur a net loss during a particular quarter and our Manager will receive a Base Management Fee regardless of the performance of our portfolio.

 

Our Manager will be entitled to a quarterly Incentive Fee based on our pre-Incentive Fee AFFO, which will reward our Manager if our quarterly AFFO exceeds an 8% hurdle on our adjusted stockholders’ equity. Our AFFO for a particular quarter will exclude the effect of any unrealized gains, losses or other items during that quarter that do not affect realized net income, even if these adjustments result in a net loss on our statement of operations for that quarter. Thus, we may be required to pay our Manager an Incentive Fee for a fiscal quarter even if we incur a net loss for that quarter as determined in accordance with GAAP. In addition, our Manager will be entitled to receive a Base Management Fee based on a percentage of stockholders’ equity, regardless of our performance or its performance in managing our business. Our Manager will also receive reimbursement of expenses and fees incurred directly on our behalf regardless of its or our performance. As a result, even if our Manager does not identify profitable investment opportunities for us, it will still receive material compensation from us. This compensation structure may reduce our Manager’s incentive to devote time and effort to seeking profitable opportunities for our portfolio.

 

If we acquire properties from affiliates of our Manager, the price may be higher than we would pay if the transaction were the result of arm’s-length negotiations.

 

We may acquire properties or investments from Bluerock, our Manager, directors or officers, or their respective affiliates. The prices we pay for such properties will not be the subject of arm’s-length negotiations, which means that the acquisitions may be on terms less favorable to us than those negotiated in an arm’s-length transaction. Even though we expect to use an independent third-party appraiser to determine fair market value when acquiring properties from our Manager and its affiliates, we may pay more for particular properties than we would have in an arm’s-length transaction, which would reduce our cash available for investment in other properties or distribution to our stockholders.

 

If we internalize our management functions, we could incur other significant costs associated with being self-managed.

 

At any time, our board of directors may, but is not obligated to, pursue the internalization of the functions performed for us by our Manager through the acquisition of our Manager or similar transaction through which we would bring onboard our Manager’s management team. The method by which we could internalize these functions could take many forms, and may require agreement with the Manager. While we believe that there may be substantial benefits to internalization of management functions at the appropriate time, there is no assurance that internalization will be beneficial to us and our stockholders, and internalizing our management functions could reduce earnings per share and funds from operation per share. For example, we may not realize the perceived benefits or we may not be able to properly integrate a new staff of managers and employees or we may not be able to effectively replicate the services provided previously by our Manager or its affiliates. Internalization transactions involving the internalization of managers affiliated with entity sponsors have also, in some cases, been the subject of litigation. Even if these claims are without merit, we could be forced to spend significant amounts of money defending claims which would reduce the amount of funds available for us to invest in properties or other investments to pay distributions. All these factors could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and ability to pay distributions.

 

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Risks Related to the Separation and the Distribution

 

We have no operating history as an independent company, and our historical and pro forma financial information is not necessarily representative of the results that we would have achieved as a separate, publicly traded company and may not be a reliable indicator of our future results.

 

Our historical and pro forma financial information included in this information statement is derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of Bluerock Residential. Accordingly, the historical and pro forma financial information included in this information statement does not necessarily reflect the financial condition, results of operations or cash flows that we would have achieved as a separate, publicly traded company during the periods presented, or those that we will achieve in the future. Factors which could cause our results to materially differ from those reflected in such historical and pro forma financial information and which may materially and adversely impact our ability to achieve similar results in the future may include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

·the financial results in this information statement do not reflect all the expenses we will incur as a public company;

 

·prior to the Separation and the Distribution, portions of our business have been operated by Bluerock Residential and as part of its corporate organization. We will need to make investments to replicate or outsource from other providers certain facilities, systems, infrastructure and personnel to which we will no longer have access after the Distribution, which will be costly;

 

·after the Distribution, we will be unable to use Bluerock Residential’s economies of scope and scale in procuring various services and in maintaining vendor and tenant relationships. Likewise it may be more difficult for us to attract and retain desired tenants. This could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations following the completion of the Distribution;

 

·prior to the Separation and the Distribution, the working capital requirements and capital for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions, development, and capital expenditures, relative to the assets we will acquire in the Separation were satisfied as part of the corporation-wide cash management policies of Bluerock Residential. Following the Distribution, we may need to obtain additional financing from banks, through public offerings or private placements of debt or equity securities, strategic relationships or other arrangements, which may not be on terms as favorable as those obtained by Bluerock Residential, and the cost of capital for our business may be higher than Bluerock Residential’s cost of capital prior to the Separation and the Distribution, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations; and

 

·our cost structure, management, financing and business operations will be significantly different from that of Bluerock Residential as a result of our operating as an independent public company. These changes will result in increased costs on a comparable basis focused on assets under management, including, but not limited to, legal, accounting, compliance and other costs associated with being a public company with equity securities traded on the NYSE American.

 

Other significant changes may occur in our cost structure, management, financing and business operations as a result of our status as an independent company. For additional information about the past financial performance of our business assets and the basis of presentation of the historical combined financial statements and the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements of our business, please see “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the historical financial statements and accompanying notes included elsewhere in this information statement.

 

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Bluerock Residential may fail to perform under various transaction agreements that will be executed as part of the separation, or we may fail to have necessary systems and services in place when certain of the transaction agreements expire.

 

In connection with the Separation and prior to the Distribution, Bluerock Residential and Bluerock Homes will enter into the Separation and Distribution Agreement and will also enter into various other agreements, including the Tax Matters Agreement. The Separation and Distribution Agreement and the Tax Matters Agreement, together with the documents and agreements by which the internal reorganization will be effected, will determine the allocation of assets and liabilities between the companies following the Separation for those respective areas and will include any necessary indemnifications related to liabilities and obligations. Bluerock Homes will rely on Bluerock Residential to satisfy its performance and payment obligations under these agreements. If Bluerock Residential is unable or unwilling to satisfy its obligations under these agreements, including its indemnification obligations, we could incur operational difficulties and/or losses. If we do not have in place our own systems and services, or if we do not have agreements with other providers of these services once certain transaction agreements expire, we may not be able to operate our business effectively, and our profitability may decline. We are in the process of creating our own, or engaging third parties to provide, systems and services to replace many of the systems and services that Bluerock Residential currently provides to us. However, we may not be successful in implementing these systems and services in a timely manner or at all, we may incur additional costs in connection with, or following, the implementation of these systems and services, and we may not be successful in transitioning data from Bluerock Residential’s systems to ours.

 

The distribution of Bluerock Homes shares in the Distribution will not qualify for tax-deferred treatment and will be treated as a taxable transaction to Bluerock Residential common stockholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

The Distribution will not qualify for tax-deferred treatment for U.S. federal income tax purposes. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Distribution, taken together with the receipt of cash pursuant to the Merger, is expected to be treated as a distribution in complete liquidation of Bluerock Residential and a fully taxable transaction. In general, a holder of Bluerock Residential common stock will recognize capital gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes in an amount equal to the difference, if any, between (1) the sum of (A) the amount of cash received with respect to such holder’s Bluerock Residential shares in the Merger plus (B) the fair market value, determined when the Distribution occurs, of the Bluerock Homes shares received in the Distribution, and (2) such holder’s adjusted tax basis in its Bluerock Residential shares. However, under certain circumstances, withholding may be required with respect to the Distribution (and the cash consideration payable in the Merger) under applicable tax laws, including in the case of distributions made to certain non-U.S. holders under FIRPTA. Any such withholding would be satisfied by the applicable withholding agent withholding and selling a portion of the Bluerock Homes shares that otherwise would be distributable to the non-U.S. holder, by withholding from the cash consideration payable in the Merger to the non-U.S. holder, or by withholding from other property held in the non-U.S. holder’s account with the withholding agent.

 

There can be no assurance that the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) will agree with the treatment of the Distribution and Merger discussed above. If the IRS were to successfully challenge this treatment, it is possible that the Distribution would instead be treated as a taxable distribution separate from the deemed liquidation of Bluerock Residential pursuant to the Merger. In such case, an amount equal to the fair market value of Bluerock Homes common stock received by a Bluerock Residential stockholder will generally be treated as a taxable dividend to the extent of such Bluerock Residential stockholder’s ratable share of any current or accumulated earnings and profits of Bluerock Residential (including any earnings and profits attributable to gain recognized by Bluerock Residential in connection with the Separation, Distribution and the Merger), with the excess treated as a nontaxable return of capital to the extent of such Bluerock Residential stockholder’s tax basis in its shares of Bluerock Residential common stock and any remaining excess treated as capital gain. In addition, Bluerock Residential or other applicable withholding agents may be required or permitted to withhold at the applicable rate at all or a portion of the Distribution payable to non-U.S. holders.

 

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Although Bluerock Residential will be ascribing a value to the Bluerock Homes shares in the Distribution for tax purposes, this valuation is not binding on the IRS or any other taxing authority. These taxing authorities could ascribe a higher valuation to those shares, particularly if Bluerock Homes shares trade at prices significantly above the value ascribed to those shares by Bluerock Residential in the period following the Distribution. Such a higher valuation may cause such stockholders to recognize additional taxable income. Holders should consult their tax advisors as to the particular tax consequences of the Distribution to them, including the applicability and effect of any U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax laws.

 

Potential indemnification obligations owed to Bluerock Residential pursuant to the Separation and Distribution Agreement may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

The Separation and Distribution Agreement will provide for, among other things, the principal corporate transactions required to effect the Separation and the Distribution, certain conditions to the Separation and the Distribution and provisions governing our relationship with Bluerock Residential with respect to and following the Distribution. Among other things, the Separation and Distribution Agreement will provide for indemnification obligations designed to make us financially responsible for substantially all liabilities that may exist related to our business activities. If we are required to indemnify Bluerock Residential under the circumstances set forth in the Separation and Distribution Agreement, we may be subject to substantial liabilities, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Bluerock Residential may not be able to transfer its interests in certain properties in the Separation pursuant to certain agreements, due to the need to obtain the consent of third parties.

 

Certain covenants and other restrictions contained in debt agreements secured by certain of the legacy Bluerock Residential properties, may require Bluerock Residential to obtain lender consent in order for such properties to be transferred to us in the Separation. There is no assurance that Bluerock Residential will be able to obtain such consents on terms that it determines to be reasonable, or at all. Failure to obtain such consents could require Bluerock Residential to retain properties subject to these consents, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We may not achieve some or all of the expected benefits of the Separation and the Distribution, and the Separation and the Distribution may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We may not be able to achieve the full strategic and financial benefits expected to result from the Separation and the Distribution, or such benefits may be delayed due to a variety of circumstances, not all of which may be under our control. We may not achieve the anticipated benefits of the Separation and the Distribution for a variety of reasons, including, among others: (i) diversion of management’s attention from operating and growing our business; (ii) disruption of our ongoing business or inconsistencies in our services, standards, controls, procedures and policies, which could materially and adversely affect our ability to maintain relationships with tenants; (iii) increased susceptibility to market fluctuations and other adverse events following the Separation and the Distribution; and (iv) lack of diversification in our business, compared to Bluerock Residential’s businesses prior to the Separation and the Distribution. Failure to achieve some or all of the benefits expected to result from the Separation and the Distribution, or a delay in realizing such benefits, may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our agreements with Bluerock Residential in connection with the Separation and the Distribution involve conflicts of interest, and we might have received better terms from unaffiliated third parties than the terms we will receive in these agreements.

 

Because the Separation and the Distribution involve the combination and division of certain of Bluerock Residential’s existing businesses into an independent company, we expect to enter into certain agreements with Bluerock Residential to provide a framework for our relationship with Bluerock Residential following the Separation and the Distribution, including the Separation and Distribution Agreement and the Tax Matters Agreement. The terms of these agreements will be determined while portions of our business are still owned by Bluerock Residential and will be negotiated by persons who are at the time employees, officers or directors of Bluerock Residential or their subsidiaries and, accordingly, may have conflicts of interest. For example, during the period in which the terms of those agreements will be negotiated, we will not have a board of directors that will be independent of Bluerock Residential. In addition, certain of the terms in these agreements were provided for in, and were the result of negotiations between Bluerock Residential and Badger Parent in connection with, the Merger Agreement.  As a result of these factors, the terms of those agreements may not reflect terms that would have resulted from arm’s-length negotiations between unaffiliated third parties, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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No vote of the Bluerock Residential stockholders is required in connection with the Separation or the Distribution, so stockholder recourse is limited to divestiture.

 

No vote of the Bluerock Residential stockholders is required in connection with the Separation and the Distribution. Accordingly, if the Distribution occurs and you do not want to receive Bluerock Homes common stock in the Distribution, your only recourse will be to divest your shares of Bluerock Residential common stock prior to the record date for the Distribution.

 

Pursuant to the Separation and Distribution Agreement, Bluerock Residential will indemnify us for certain pre-Distribution liabilities and liabilities related to the legacy Bluerock Residential assets. However, there can be no assurance that these indemnities will be sufficient to insure us against the full amount of such liabilities, or that Bluerock Residential’s ability to satisfy its indemnification obligation will not be impaired in the future.

 

Pursuant to the Separation and Distribution Agreement, Bluerock Residential will indemnify us for certain liabilities. However, third parties could seek to hold us responsible for any of the liabilities that Bluerock Residential retains, and there can be no assurance that Bluerock Residential will be able to fully satisfy its indemnification obligations to us. Moreover, even if we ultimately succeed in recovering from Bluerock Residential any amounts for which we were held liable by such third parties, any indemnification received may be insufficient to fully offset the financial impact of such liabilities, or we may be temporarily required to bear these losses while seeking recovery from Bluerock Residential, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Substantial sales of our common stock may occur in connection with the Distribution, which could cause our share price to decline.

 

The common stock that Bluerock Residential intends to distribute to its stockholders generally may be sold immediately in the public market. Upon completion of the Distribution, we expect that we will have an aggregate of approximately [   ] million shares of common stock issued and outstanding, based on the number of issued and outstanding shares of Bluerock Residential common stock as of the record date. Shares of Bluerock Homes common stock following the Distribution will be freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (the “Securities Act”) unless the shares are owned by one of our “affiliates,” as that term is defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act.

 

Although we have no actual knowledge of any plan or intention on the part of any of our 5%-or-greater stockholders to sell their shares of Bluerock Homes common stock following the Distribution, it is possible that some of our large stockholders will sell our common stock that they receive in the Distribution. For example, our stockholders may sell our common stock because our concentration in single-family residential properties, our business profile or our market capitalization as an independent company does not fit their investment objectives, or because shares of our common stock are not included in certain indices after the Distribution. A portion of Bluerock Residential common stock is held by index funds, and if we are not included in these indices at the time of the Distribution, these index funds may be required to sell our shares. The sales of significant amounts of our common stock, or the perception in the market that this may occur, may result in the lowering of the market price of our shares, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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No market currently exists for the Bluerock Homes common stock, and we cannot be certain that an active trading market for our common stock will develop or be sustained after the Distribution. The price of our common stock may be volatile or may decline.

 

A public market for our common stock does not currently exist. We anticipate that beginning on or shortly before the record date, trading of our common stock will begin on a “when-issued” basis and will continue through the Distribution Date. However, we cannot guarantee that an active trading market will develop or be sustained for our common stock after the Distribution. Nor can we predict the prices at which our common stock may trade after the Distribution. The market price of our common stock may fluctuate widely as a result of a number of factors, many of which are outside of our control. In addition, the stock market is subject to fluctuations in share prices and trading volumes that affect the market prices of the shares of many companies. These fluctuations in the stock market may materially and adversely affect the market price of our common stock. Among the factors that could affect the market price of our common stock are:

 

·actual or anticipated quarterly fluctuations in our business, financial condition and operating results;

 

·changes in revenues or earnings estimates or publication of research reports and recommendations by financial analysts or actions taken by rating agencies with respect to our securities or those of other REITs;

 

·the ability of our tenants to pay rent to us and meet their other obligations to us under current lease terms;

 

·our ability to re-lease spaces as leases expire;

 

·our ability to refinance our indebtedness as it matures;

 

·any changes in our dividend policy;

 

·any future issuances of equity securities;

 

·strategic actions by us or our competitors, such as acquisitions or restructurings;

 

·general market conditions and, in particular, developments related to market conditions for the real estate industry; and

 

·domestic and international economic factors unrelated to our performance.

 

We cannot predict the prices at which our common stock may trade before the Distribution on a “when-issued” basis or after the Distribution. Until the market has fully evaluated our business as a stand-alone entity, the prices at which shares of our common stock trade may fluctuate more significantly than might otherwise be typical, even with other market conditions, including general volatility, held constant. The increased volatility of our stock price following the Distribution may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Risks Related to Our Status as a REIT

 

Failure to qualify as a REIT would materially and adversely affect us and the value of our common shares.

 

We intend to elect to be taxed as a REIT beginning with our initial taxable year ending December 31, 2022. We believe that, commencing with such taxable year we will be organized and operate in a manner as to qualify for taxation as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. We have not requested and do not plan to request a ruling from the IRS that we qualify as a REIT, and the statements in this information statement are not binding on the IRS or any court. Therefore, we cannot guarantee that we will qualify as a REIT or that we will remain qualified as such in the future.

 

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As a condition to the Distribution, we expect to receive an opinion from Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. to the effect that, beginning with our short taxable year ending December 31, 2022, we will be organized in conformity with the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the U.S. federal income tax laws, and our intended method of operation will enable us to qualify as a REIT under the U.S. federal income tax laws for our taxable year ending December 31, 2022 and thereafter. Vinson & Elkins L.L.P.’s opinion will be based upon customary assumptions, representations and undertakings made by us and Bluerock Residential as to factual matters, is conditioned upon certain representations made by us as to factual matters, including representations regarding the nature of our and Bluerock Residential’s assets and the conduct of our and Bluerock Residential’s business. Vinson & Elkins L.L.P.’s opinion will not be binding upon the IRS or any court, and will speak as of the date issued. In addition, Vinson & Elkins L.L.P.’s opinion will be based on existing U.S. federal income tax law governing qualification as a REIT, which is subject to change either prospectively or retroactively.

 

Moreover, our qualification and taxation as a REIT will depend upon our ability to meet on a continuing basis, through actual results, certain qualification tests set forth in the U.S. federal tax laws. Those qualification tests involve the percentage of income that we earn from specified sources, the percentage of our assets that falls within specified categories, the diversity of our capital stock ownership and the percentage of our earnings that we distribute. Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. will not review our compliance with those tests on a continuing basis. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that our actual results of operations for any particular taxable year will satisfy such requirements. Vinson & Elkins L.L.P.’s opinion will not foreclose the possibility that we may have to use one or more of the REIT savings provisions described below, which could require us to pay an excise or penalty tax (which could be material) in order for us to maintain our REIT qualification.

 

If we fail to qualify as a REIT or lose our REIT status, we will face significant tax consequences that would substantially reduce our cash available for distribution to our stockholders for each of the years involved because:

 

·we would not be allowed a deduction for dividends paid to stockholders in computing our taxable income and would be subject to regular U.S. federal corporate income tax;

 

·we could be subject to increased state and local taxes; and

 

·unless we are entitled to relief under applicable statutory provisions, we could not elect to be taxed as a REIT for four taxable years following the year during which we were disqualified.

 

Any such corporate tax liability could be substantial and would reduce our cash available for, among other things, our operations and distributions to stockholders. In addition, if we fail to qualify as a REIT, we will not be required to make distributions to our stockholders. As a result of all these factors, our failure to qualify as a REIT also could impair our ability to expand our business and raise capital, and could materially and adversely affect the trading price of our common shares.

 

Qualification as a REIT involves the application of highly technical and complex Code provisions for which there are only limited judicial and administrative interpretations. The determination of various factual matters and circumstances not entirely within our control may affect our ability to qualify as a REIT. In order to qualify as a REIT, we must satisfy a number of requirements, including requirements regarding the ownership of our common shares, requirements regarding the composition of our assets and requirements that certain percentages of our gross income in any year must be derived from qualifying sources, such as “rents from real property.” Also, we must make distributions to stockholders aggregating annually at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction and excluding net capital gains. See “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences  — Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations Regarding Bluerock Homes’ Taxation as a REIT — Taxation of Bluerock Homes.” In addition, legislation, new regulations, administrative interpretations or court decisions may materially and adversely affect our investors, our ability to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes or the desirability of an investment in a REIT relative to other investments.

 

Even if we qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we may be subject to some federal, state and local income, property and excise taxes on our income or property and, in certain cases, a 100% penalty tax on net income from any “prohibited transaction.” In addition, any taxable REIT subsidiaries (each a “TRS”) of ours will be subject to income tax as regular corporations in the jurisdictions in which they operate.

 

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In certain circumstances, we may be subject to certain U.S. federal,  state and local taxes despite our qualification as a REIT, which would reduce our cash available for distribution to you.

 

Even if we qualify and maintain our qualification as a REIT, we may be subject to certain U.S. federal, state and local taxes on our income and assets. For example, net income from any “prohibited transaction” will be subject to a 100% tax.  Any TRSs will be subject to U.S. federal income tax, and applicable state and local taxes, as regular corporations.  We may not be able to make sufficient distributions to avoid excise taxes applicable to REITs. We may also decide to retain income we earn from the sale or other disposition of our properties and pay income tax directly on such income. In that event, our stockholders would be treated as if they had earned that income and paid the tax on it directly, would be eligible to receive a credit or refund of the taxes deemed paid on the income deemed earned, and would increase the adjusted basis of their shares by the excess of such deemed income over the amount of taxes deemed paid. However, stockholders that are tax-exempt, such as charities or qualified pension plans, would have no benefit from their deemed payment of such tax liability. We may also be subject to state and local taxes on our income or property, either directly or at the level of the subsidiaries through which we indirectly own our assets. Any U.S. federal or state taxes we pay will reduce our cash available for distribution to you.

 

If Bluerock Residential failed to qualify as a REIT during certain periods prior to the Distribution, we would be prevented from electing to qualify as a REIT.

 

We believe that from the time of our formation until the date of the Distribution, we will be treated as a “qualified REIT subsidiary” of Bluerock Residential. Under applicable Treasury Regulations, if Bluerock Residential failed, or fails, to qualify as a REIT during certain periods prior to the Distribution, unless Bluerock Residential’s failure were subject to relief under U.S. federal income tax laws, we would be prevented from electing to qualify as a REIT prior to the fifth calendar year following the year in which Bluerock Residential failed to so qualify.

 

If certain of our subsidiaries, including our Operating Partnership, fail to qualify as partnerships or disregarded entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we would cease to qualify as a REIT and suffer other material adverse consequences.

 

We intend that our Operating Partnership will be treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and that our other subsidiaries (other than any TRSs) will each be treated as a partnership or disregarded entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes and, therefore, will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on its income. Instead, each of its partners or its member, as applicable, which may include us, will be allocated, and may be required to pay tax with respect to, such partner’s or member’s share of its income. We cannot assure you that the IRS will not challenge the status of any subsidiary partnership or limited liability company in which we own an interest as a disregarded entity or partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, or that a court would not sustain such a challenge. If the IRS were successful in treating any subsidiary partnership or limited liability company as an entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we could fail to meet the gross income tests and certain of the asset tests applicable to REITs and, accordingly, we would likely cease to qualify as a REIT. Also, the failure of any subsidiary partnerships or limited liability company to qualify as a disregarded entity or partnership for applicable income tax purposes could cause it to become subject to federal and state corporate income tax, which would reduce significantly the amount of cash available for debt service and for distribution to its partners or members, including us.

 

Distribution requirements imposed by law limit our flexibility.

 

To qualify and maintain our status as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we generally will be required to distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction and excluding net capital gains, each year. We also will be subject to tax at regular corporate income tax rates to the extent that we distribute less than 100% of our taxable income (including net capital gains) each year.

 

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In addition, we will be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax to the extent that we fail to distribute during any calendar year at least the sum of 85% of our ordinary income for that calendar year, 95% of our capital gain net income for the calendar year, and any amount of that income that was not distributed in prior years.

 

We intend to make distributions to our stockholders to comply with the distribution requirements of the Code as well as to reduce our exposure to federal income taxes and the nondeductible excise tax. Differences in timing between the receipt of income and the payment of expenses to arrive at taxable income, along with the effect of required debt amortization payments, could require us to borrow funds to meet the distribution requirements that are necessary to achieve the tax benefits associated with qualifying as a REIT.

 

We may pay dividends on our common stock in common stock and/or cash. Our stockholders may sell shares of our common stock to pay tax on such dividends, placing downward pressure on the market price of our common stock.

 

In order to satisfy our REIT distribution requirements, we are permitted, subject to certain conditions and limitations, to make distributions that are in part payable in shares of our common stock. The IRS has issued Revenue Procedure 2017-45 authorizing elective cash/stock dividends to be made by “publicly offered REITs.” Pursuant to Revenue Procedure 2017-45, the IRS will treat the distribution of stock pursuant to an elective cash/stock dividend as a distribution of property under Section 301 of the Code (i.e., a dividend), as long as at least 20% of the total dividend is available in cash and certain other parameters detailed in the Revenue Procedure are satisfied. On November 30, 2021, the IRS issued Revenue Procedure 2021-53, which temporarily reduces (through June 30, 2022) the minimum amount of the distribution that must be available in cash to 10%.

 

If we make any taxable dividend payable in cash and common stock, taxable stockholders receiving such dividend will be required to include the full amount of the dividend as ordinary income to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits, as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, stockholders may be required to pay income tax with respect to such dividends in excess of the cash dividends received. If a stockholder sells shares of our stock that it receives as a dividend in order to pay this tax, the sales proceeds may be less than the amount included in income with respect to the dividend, depending on the market price of the stock at the time of the sale. Furthermore, with respect to certain non-U.S. holders, we may be required to withhold federal income tax with respect to such dividends, including in respect of all or a portion of such dividend that is payable in our stock. If, in any taxable dividend payable in cash and stock, a significant number of our stockholders determine to sell shares of our stock in order to pay taxes owed on dividends, it may be viewed as economically equivalent to a dividend reduction and put downward pressure on the market price of our stock.

 

Distributions payable by REITs do not qualify for the reduced tax rates that apply to other corporate distributions.

 

The maximum U.S. federal income tax rate applicable to income from “qualified dividends” payable to U.S. stockholders that are individuals, trusts and estates is currently 20%, plus a 3.8% “Medicare tax” surcharge. Dividends payable by REITs, however, generally are not eligible for the reduced rates on qualified dividend income. However, for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2026, ordinary REIT dividends constitute “qualified business income,” and thus a 20% deduction is available to individual taxpayers with respect to such dividends, resulting in a 29.6% maximum U.S. federal income tax rate (plus the 3.8% surtax on net investment income, if applicable) for individual U.S. stockholders. However, to qualify for this deduction, the stockholder receiving such dividends must hold the dividend-paying REIT stock for at least 46 days (taking into account certain special holding period rules) of the 91-day period beginning 45 days before the stock becomes ex-dividend, and cannot be under an obligation to make related payments with respect to a position in substantially similar or related property. The more-favorable rates applicable to regular corporate distributions could cause investors who are individuals to perceive investments in REITs to be relatively less attractive than investments in the stocks of non-REIT corporations that pay distributions, which could adversely affect the value of our common stock. See “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences — Taxation of Taxable U.S. Stockholders.”

 

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In certain circumstances, we may be subject to certain U.S. federal, state and local taxes despite our qualification as a REIT, which would reduce our cash available for distribution to you.

 

Even if we qualify and maintain our qualification as a REIT, we may be subject to certain U.S. federal, state and local taxes on our income and assets. For example, net income from any “prohibited transaction” will be subject to a 100% tax. We may not be able to make sufficient distributions to avoid excise taxes applicable to REITs. We may also decide to retain income we earn from the sale or other disposition of our properties and pay income tax directly on such income. In that event, our stockholders would be treated as if they had earned that income and paid the tax on it directly, would be eligible to receive a credit or refund of the taxes deemed paid on the income deemed earned, and would increase the adjusted basis of their shares by the excess of such deemed income over the amount of taxes deemed paid. However, stockholders that are tax-exempt, such as charities or qualified pension plans, would have no benefit from their deemed payment of such tax liability. We may also be subject to state and local taxes on our income or property, either directly or at the level of the subsidiaries through which we indirectly own our assets. Any U.S. federal or state taxes we pay will reduce our cash available for distribution to you.

 

We may enter into certain hedging transactions that may have a potential impact on our REIT status.

 

From time to time, we may enter into hedging transactions with respect to one or more of our assets or liabilities. Our hedging activities may include entering into interest rate and/or foreign currency swaps, caps, and floors, options to purchase these items, and futures and forward contracts. Income and gain from “hedging transactions” that we enter into to hedge indebtedness incurred or to be incurred to acquire or carry real estate assets, or to hedge existing hedging positions after any portion of the related debt or property is extinguished or disposed of, and that are clearly and timely identified as such will be excluded from both the numerator and the denominator for purposes of the gross income tests that apply to REITs. Moreover, any income from a transaction entered into primarily to manage risk of currency fluctuations with respect to any item of income that would be qualifying REIT income under the REIT gross income tests, and any gain from the unwinding of any such transaction, does not constitute gross income for purposes of the REIT gross income tests. To the extent that we do not properly identify such transactions as hedges or we hedge with other types of financial instruments, or hedge other types of indebtedness, the income from those transactions may not be treated as qualifying income for purposes of the REIT gross income tests, and might also give rise to an asset that does not qualify for purposes of the REIT asset tests.

 

Our ability to provide certain services to our tenants may be limited by the REIT rules or may have to be provided through a TRS.

 

As a REIT, we generally will not be able provide services to our tenants other than those that are customarily provided by landlords, nor will we be able to derive income from a third party that provides such services. If we forego providing such services to our tenants, we may be at a disadvantage to competitors that are not subject to the same restrictions. However, we can provide such non-customary services to tenants and share in the revenue from such services if we do so through a TRS, though income earned by such TRS will be subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax.

 

Any ownership of a TRS will be subject to limitations, and our transactions with a TRS will cause us to be subject to a 100% penalty tax on certain income or deductions if those transactions are not conducted on arm’s-length terms.

 

Overall, no more than 20% of the value of a REIT’s assets may consist of stock or securities of one or more TRSs. A TRS will be subject to applicable U.S. federal, state and local corporate income tax on its taxable income, and its after-tax net income will be available for distribution to us but is not required to be distributed to us. In addition, the Code limits the deductibility of interest paid or accrued by a TRS to its parent REIT to assure that the TRS is subject to an appropriate level of corporate taxation and, in certain circumstances, other limitations on deductibility may apply. The Code also imposes a 100% excise tax on certain transactions between a TRS and its parent REIT that are not conducted on an arm’s-length basis. We will monitor the value of our respective investments in any TRS for the purpose of ensuring compliance with TRS ownership limitations and will structure our transactions with any TRS on terms that we believe are arm’s-length to avoid incurring the 100% excise tax described above. There can be no assurance, however, that we will be able to comply with the 20% limitation or to avoid application of the 100% excise tax.

 

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The prohibited transactions tax may limit our ability to dispose of our properties.

 

A REIT’s net income from prohibited transactions is subject to a 100% tax. In general, prohibited transactions are sales or other dispositions of property, other than foreclosure property, held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business. We may be subject to the prohibited transaction tax equal to 100% of net gain upon a disposition of real property. Although a safe harbor to the characterization of the sale of real property by a REIT as a prohibited transaction is available, we cannot assure you that we can comply with the safe harbor or that we will avoid owning property that may be characterized as held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business. Consequently, we may choose not to engage in certain sales of our properties or may conduct such sales through a TRS, which would be subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax.

 

The ability of our board of directors to revoke our REIT qualification without stockholder approval may cause adverse consequences to our stockholders.

 

Our charter will provide that our board of directors may revoke or otherwise terminate our REIT election, without the approval of our stockholders, if it determines that it is no longer in our best interests to continue to qualify as a REIT. If we cease to qualify as a REIT, we would become subject to U.S. federal income tax on our taxable income and would no longer be required to distribute most of our taxable income to our stockholders, which may have adverse consequences on our total return to our stockholders.

 

Legislative or other actions affecting REITs could have a negative effect on us or our investors.

 

In recent years, numerous legislative, judicial and administrative changes have been made to the U.S. federal income tax laws applicable to investments in real estate and REITs. President Joe Biden has set forth several tax proposals that would, if enacted, make significant changes to U.S. tax laws (including provisions enacted pursuant to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act). Congress is considering, and could include, some or all of these proposals in connection with tax reform to be undertaken by the current administration. It is unclear whether these or similar changes will be enacted and, if enacted, how soon any such changes could take effect. In addition, there can be no assurance that any other future changes to the U.S. federal income tax laws or regulatory changes will not be proposed or enacted that could impact our business and financial results. The REIT rules are constantly under review by persons involved in the legislative process and by the IRS and the U.S. Treasury Department, which may result in revisions to regulations and interpretations in addition to statutory changes. If enacted, certain of such changes could have an adverse impact on our business and financial results. Stockholders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the effect of potential future changes to the U.S. federal income tax laws on an investment in Bluerock Homes common stock.

 

Risks Related to Ownership of Our Common Stock

 

You may be restricted from acquiring or transferring certain amounts of our common stock.

 

The stock ownership restrictions of the Code for REITs and the 9.8% stock ownership limits in our charter may inhibit market activity in our capital stock and restrict our business combination opportunities.

 

In order to qualify as a REIT, five or fewer individuals, as defined in the Code to include specified private foundations, employee benefit plans and trusts, and charitable trusts, may not own, beneficially or constructively, more than 50% in value of our issued and outstanding stock at any time during the last half of a taxable year. Attribution rules in the Code determine if any individual or entity beneficially or constructively owns our capital stock under this requirement. Additionally, at least 100 persons must beneficially own our capital stock during at least 335 days of a taxable year. To help insure that we meet these tests, among other purposes, our charter will restrict the acquisition and ownership of shares of our capital stock.

 

Our charter, with certain exceptions, will authorize our directors to take such actions as are necessary and desirable to preserve our qualification as a REIT. Unless exempted, prospectively or retroactively, by our board of directors, our charter will prohibit any person from beneficially or constructively owning more than 9.8% in value of the aggregate of our outstanding shares of capital stock or 9.8% in value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of the outstanding shares of our common stock. Our board of directors may not grant an exemption from these restrictions to any proposed transferee whose ownership in excess of such thresholds does not satisfy certain conditions designed to ensure that we will not fail to qualify as a REIT. These restrictions on transferability and ownership will not apply, however, if our board of directors determines that it is no longer in our best interest to continue to qualify as a REIT or that compliance is no longer required for REIT qualification.

 

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A limit on the percentage of our capital stock and common stock a person may own may discourage a takeover or business combination, which could prevent our common stockholders from realizing a premium price for their common stock.

 

Our charter will restrict direct or indirect ownership by one person or entity to no more than 9.8%, in value, of the outstanding shares of all classes and series of our capital stock or 9.8% in value or by number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of the outstanding shares of our common stock unless exempted (prospectively or retroactively) by our board of directors. This restriction may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of us, including an extraordinary transaction (such as a merger, tender offer or sale of all or substantially all of our assets) that might provide a premium price to our stockholders.

 

Maryland law may limit the ability of a third party to acquire control of us.

 

The Maryland General Corporation Law (the “MGCL”) provides protection for Maryland corporations against unsolicited takeovers by limiting, among other things, the duties of the directors in unsolicited takeover situations. The duties of directors of Maryland corporations do not require them to (a) accept, recommend or respond to any proposal by a person seeking to acquire control of the corporation, (b) authorize the corporation to redeem any rights under, or modify or render inapplicable, any stockholder rights plan, (c) make a determination under the Maryland Business Combination Act, or (d) act or fail to act solely because of the effect the act or failure to act may have on an acquisition or potential acquisition of control of the corporation or the amount or type of consideration that may be offered or paid to the stockholders in an acquisition. Moreover, under the MGCL, the act of a director of a Maryland corporation relating to or affecting an acquisition or potential acquisition of control is not subject to any higher duty or greater scrutiny than is applied to any other act of a director. The MGCL also contains a statutory presumption that an act of a director of a Maryland corporation satisfies the applicable standards of conduct for directors under the MGCL.

 

The MGCL also provides that, unless exempted, certain Maryland corporations may not engage in business combinations, including mergers, dispositions of 10% or more of its assets, certain issuances of shares of stock and other specified transactions, with an “interested stockholder” or an affiliate of an interested stockholder for five years after the most recent date on which the interested stockholder became an interested stockholder, and thereafter unless specified criteria are met. An interested stockholder is generally a person owning or controlling, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of the voting power of the outstanding stock of the Maryland corporation, unless the stock had been obtained in a transaction approved by its board of directors. These and other provisions of the MGCL could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a proxy contest, tender offer, merger or other change in control, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Your rights as stockholders and our rights to recover claims against our officers and directors are limited.

 

Under Maryland law, our charter , our bylaws and the terms of certain indemnification agreements with our directors and employment or services agreements with our executive officers, we may generally indemnify our officers, our directors, and their respective affiliates to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law. Maryland law permits us to indemnify our present and former directors and officers, among others, against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred by them in connection with any proceeding to which they may be made or threatened to be made a party by reason of their service in those or other capacities unless it is established that: (1) the act or omission of the director or officer was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and (i) was committed in bad faith or (ii) was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty; (2) the director or officer actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services; or (3) in the case of any criminal proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful. As a result, we and our stockholders may have more limited rights against our directors, officers, employees and agents, and their affiliates, than might otherwise exist under common law. In addition, we may be obligated to fund the defense costs incurred by our directors, officers, employees and agents in some cases.

 

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An increase in market interest rates may have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock.

 

One of the factors that investors may consider in deciding whether to buy or sell our common stock is our distribution yield, which is our distribution rate as a percentage of our share price, relative to market interest rates. If market interest rates increase, prospective investors may desire a higher distribution yield on our common stock or may seek securities paying higher dividends or interest. As a result, interest rate fluctuations and capital market conditions are likely to affect the market price of our common stock, and such effects could be significant. For example, if interest rates rise without an increase in our distribution rate, the market price of our common stock could decrease because potential investors may require a higher distribution yield on our common stock as market rates on interest-bearing securities, such as bonds, rise.

 

Your percentage of ownership may become diluted if we issue new shares of stock or other securities, and issuances of preferred stock or other securities by us may further subordinate the rights of the holders of our common stock.

 

Our board of directors will be authorized, without stockholder approval, to cause us to issue additional shares of our common stock or to raise capital through the issuance of preferred stock (including equity or debt securities convertible into preferred stock), options, warrants and other rights, on such terms and for such consideration as our board of directors in its sole discretion may determine. In addition, holders of warrants may exercise their warrants prior to the record date. Any such issuance or exercise could result in dilution of the equity of our stockholders. Our board of directors may, in its sole discretion, authorize us to issue common stock or other equity or debt securities to persons from whom we purchase apartment communities, as part or all of the purchase price of the community. Our board of directors, in its sole discretion, may determine the value of any common stock or other equity or debt securities issued in consideration of apartment communities or services provided, or to be provided, to us.

 

Our charter will also authorize our board of directors, without stockholder approval, to designate and issue one or more classes or series of preferred stock (including equity or debt securities convertible into preferred stock) and to set or change the voting, conversion or other rights, preferences, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions and qualifications or terms or conditions of redemption of each class or series of shares so issued. If any additional preferred stock is publicly offered, the terms and conditions of such preferred stock (including any equity or debt securities convertible into preferred stock) will be set forth in a registration statement registering the issuance of such preferred stock or equity or debt securities convertible into preferred stock. Because our board of directors has the power to establish the preferences and rights of each class or series of preferred stock, it may afford the holders of any series or class of preferred stock preferences, powers, and rights senior to the rights of holders of common stock. If we ever create and issue additional preferred stock or equity or debt securities convertible into preferred stock with a distribution preference over common stock, payment of any distribution preferences of such new outstanding preferred stock would reduce the amount of funds available for the payment of distributions on our common stock. Further, holders of preferred stock will be normally entitled to receive a preference payment if we liquidate, dissolve, or wind up before any payment is made to the common stockholders, likely reducing the amount common stockholders would otherwise receive upon such an occurrence. In addition, under certain circumstances, the issuance of additional preferred stock may delay, prevent, render more difficult or tend to discourage a merger, tender offer, or proxy contest, the assumption of control by a holder of a large block of our securities, or the removal of incumbent management.

 

Stockholders will have no rights to buy additional shares of stock or other securities if we issue new shares of stock or other securities. We may issue common stock, convertible debt or preferred stock pursuant to a subsequent public offering or a private placement, or to sellers of properties we directly or indirectly acquire instead of, or in addition to, cash consideration. Investors purchasing shares of our common stock in an offering who do not participate in any future stock issuances will experience dilution in the percentage of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock they own. In addition, depending on the terms and pricing of any additional offerings and the value of our investments, you also may experience dilution in the book value and fair market value of, and the amount of distributions paid on, your shares of common stock.

 

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Our ability to pay dividends is limited by the requirements of Maryland law.

 

Our ability to pay dividends on our common stock is limited by the laws of Maryland. Under applicable Maryland law, a Maryland corporation, including Bluerock Homes, generally may not make a distribution (including a dividend or redemption) if, after giving effect to the dividend, the corporation would not be able to pay its debts as the debts become due in the usual course of business, or the corporation’s total assets would be less than the sum of its total liabilities plus, unless the corporation’s charter provides otherwise, the amount that would be needed, if the corporation were dissolved at the time of the dividend, to satisfy the preferential rights upon dissolution of stockholders whose preferential rights are superior to those receiving the dividend. Accordingly, we generally may not make a distribution if, after giving effect to the distribution, we would not be able to pay our debts as they become due in the usual course of business or our total assets would be less than the sum of our total liabilities plus, unless our charter provides otherwise, the amount that would be needed to satisfy the preferential rights upon dissolution of stockholders whose preferential rights are superior to those receiving the dividend. Any dividends or redemption payments may be delayed or prohibited. As a result, the price of our common stock may decrease, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We may change our dividend policy.

 

Future dividends will be declared and paid at the discretion of our board of directors, and the amount and timing of dividends will depend upon cash generated by operating activities, our business, financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, annual distribution requirements under the REIT provisions of the Code, and such other factors as our board of directors deems relevant. Our board of directors may change our dividend policy at any time, and there can be no assurance as to the manner in which future dividends will be paid or that the current dividend level will be maintained in future periods. Any reduction in our dividends may cause investors to seek alternative investments, which would result in selling pressure on, and a decrease in the market price of, our common stock. As a result, the price of our common stock may decrease, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We will incur increased costs as a result of operating as a public company. If we fail to maintain proper and effective internal controls, our ability to produce accurate and timely financial statements could be impaired, which could result in sanctions or other penalties that would harm our business.

 

Following the Distribution, we will be subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), and the rules and regulations of the New York Stock Exchange American (the “NYSE American”). Our financial results historically were included within the consolidated results of Bluerock Residential, and until the Distribution occurs, we have not been and will not be directly subject to reporting and other requirements of the Exchange Act and Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. After the Distribution, we will qualify as an “emerging growth company.” For so long as we remain an emerging growth company, we will be exempt from Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which requires auditor attestation to the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. We will cease to be an emerging growth company on the date that is the earliest of (i) the last day of the fiscal year in which we have total gross annual revenues of $1.07 billion or more; (ii) the last day of our fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the date of the Distribution; (iii) the date on which we have issued more than $1 billion in nonconvertible debt during the previous three years; or (iv) the date on which we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer under the rules of the SEC. We cannot predict if investors will find our common stock less attractive because we may rely on the exemptions available to us as an emerging growth company. If some investors find our common stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock, and our stock price may be more volatile.

 

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We will, however, be immediately subject to Section 404(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and, as of the expiration of our emerging growth company status, we will be broadly subject to enhanced reporting and other requirements under the Exchange Act and Sarbanes-Oxley Act. This will require, among other things, annual management assessments of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting beginning in our second annual report filed after the Distribution and a report by our independent registered public accounting firm addressing these assessments. These and other obligations will place significant demands on our management, administrative and operational resources, including accounting and information technology resources. To comply with these requirements, we anticipate that we will need to further upgrade our systems, including duplicating computer hardware infrastructure, implement additional financial and management controls, reporting systems and procedures, and hire additional accounting, finance and information technology staff. Our management and other personnel will need to devote a substantial amount of time to these compliance initiatives. Moreover, these rules and regulations will increase our legal and financial compliance costs and will make some activities more time-consuming and costlier. If we are unable to do this in a timely and effective fashion, our ability to comply with our financial reporting requirements and other rules that apply to reporting companies could be impaired and our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations could be harmed.

 

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

All statements other than statements of historical fact are “forward-looking statements” for purposes of federal and state securities laws and may be identified by words such as “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “goal,” “future,” “outlook,” “guidance,” “target,” “estimate” and similar words or expressions, including the negative version of such words and expressions. These forward-looking statements are based upon the Company’s present expectations, estimates and projections about the industry and markets in which the Company operates and beliefs of and assumptions made by Company management, involve uncertainty that could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and are not guaranteed to occur. Furthermore, the Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect changes in underlying assumptions or factors, of new information, data or methods, future events or other changes. Investors should not place undue reliance upon these forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, the Company’s actual results and performance could differ materially from those set forth in these forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Factors that could have a material adverse effect on our operations, future prospects, and the Separation and the Distribution include, but are not limited to:

 

·the failure to satisfy any of the conditions to the completion of the Distribution;

 

·

the risks that the market does not value Bluerock Homes shares at NAV;

 

·the failure to recognize the potential benefits of the Separation and the Distribution due to, among other reasons, Bluerock Homes’ lack of liquidity, small market size or inability to grow and expand revenues and earnings following the Distribution;

 

·shareholder litigation in connection with the Separation and the Distribution or the Merger, which may affect the timing or occurrence of the Separation, the Distribution or the Merger or result in significant costs of defense, indemnification and liability;

 

·the effect of the announcement of the Separation and the Distribution and the Merger on the ability of the Company to retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with its tenants, vendors and others with whom it does business, or on its operating results and businesses generally;

 

·risks associated with the disruption of management’s attention from ongoing business operations due to Separation and the Distribution;

 

·the ability to meet expectations regarding the timing and completion of the Separation and the Distribution;

 

·the possibility that any opinions, consents or approvals required in connection with Separation and the Distribution will not be received or obtained in the expected time frame, on the expected terms or at all;

 

·significant transaction costs, fees, expenses and charges;

 

·risks associated with the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement or the announcement or pendency of such transactions, including disruptions to operations and the potential distraction of management or employees; and

 

·Bluerock Residential’s obligation pursuant to the Merger Agreement to use commercially reasonable efforts to consummate the Separation and the Distribution in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, including with respect to the timing of the Distribution and the requirement that Bluerock Residential obtain Badger Parent’s prior written consent to effect certain changes to the terms of the Separation or the Distribution, and the resulting limitations on Bluerock Residential’s ability to determine or alter the structure or timing of the internal restructuring, the Separation and the Distribution or the terms and conditions of the Separation and Distribution Agreement or Tax Matters Agreement.

 

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There can be no assurance that the Separation or the Distribution or any other transaction described above will in fact be consummated in the expected time frame, on the expected terms or at all. There can be no assurance as to the impact of Covid-19 and other potential future outbreaks of infectious diseases on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and performance and those of its tenants as well as on the economy and real estate and financial markets, which may impact the timing or occurrence of the Separation or the Distribution. Other factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated include the matters described under “Risk Factors.” Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise such statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. The Company claims the safe harbor protection for forward looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

 

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THE SEPARATION AND THE DISTRIBUTION

 

Background

 

On December 20, 2021, Bluerock Residential, Badger Parent and Merger Sub entered into the Merger Agreement, pursuant to which, on the terms and conditions set forth therein, Bluerock Residential will merge with and into Merger Sub, with Merger Sub continuing as the surviving company in the Merger. Under the Merger Agreement, Bluerock Residential has agreed with Badger Parent that, subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, Bluerock Residential will use commercially reasonable efforts to consummate the Separation and the Distribution. In addition, the completion of the Separation and the Distribution is a condition to the Merger under the Merger Agreement. Accordingly, the Merger will not be completed unless and until the Separation and the Distribution are completed.

 

The Distribution is expected to occur on [      ], subject to the satisfaction or waiver of all conditions to the Distribution set forth in the Separation and Distribution Agreement, by way of a special dividend to Bluerock Residential common stockholders. In the Distribution, holders of each share of Bluerock Residential common stock or Bluerock Residential Class C common stock as of the record date will be entitled to receive [      ] share[s] of Bluerock Homes common stock or Bluerock Homes Class C common stock, as applicable.

 

Bluerock Homes will not distribute fractional shares of its common stock in the Distribution. Instead, all fractional shares that Bluerock Residential stockholders would otherwise have been entitled to receive will be aggregated into whole shares and sold in the open market by CTC. We expect CTC, acting on behalf of Bluerock Residential, to take several weeks after the Distribution Date to fully distribute the aggregate net cash proceeds of these sales on a pro rata basis (based on the fractional share such holder would otherwise be entitled to receive) to those stockholders who would otherwise have been entitled to receive fractional shares. Recipients of cash in lieu of fractional shares will not be entitled to any interest on the amounts of payment made in lieu of fractional shares.

 

Bluerock Residential stockholders will not be required to make any payment, surrender or exchange their Bluerock Residential common stock, or take any other action to receive their shares of Bluerock Homes common stock in the Distribution. The Distribution of Bluerock Homes common stock as described in this information statement is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, including consummation of the Separation in all material respects. For a more detailed description of these conditions, please refer to the section entitled “The Separation and Distribution Agreement — Conditions to the Distribution.”

 

Reasons for the Separation and the Distribution

 

The Bluerock Residential board of directors believes that the Separation and the Distribution are in the best interests of Bluerock Residential and its stockholders for a number of reasons, including the following:

 

·Create a focused company executing a distinct business strategy. Historically, Bluerock Residential has focused on both its multi-family residential real estate business, as well as its single-family residential real estate business. By separating the Bluerock Homes Business into a stand-alone REIT, our company will have a distinct business strategy focused on our Single-Family Properties.

 

·Provide an opportunity for our experienced management team to implement and execute our growth strategy. Separating the Bluerock Homes Business from the remainder of Bluerock Residential’s business will allow our management team to focus on the Bluerock Homes Business, which will allow these assets to realize their full potential.

 

·Enhance investor transparency and better highlight our attributes. The Separation and the Distribution will enable current and potential investors and the financial community to evaluate the Bluerock Homes Business independently of the multi-family residential real estate business and better assess the distinctive merits, performance and future prospects of the Bluerock Homes Business. The Separation and the Distribution will allow individual investors to better control their asset allocation decisions, providing investors the opportunity to invest in a well-capitalized REIT that is positioned to take advantage of the single-family housing sector.

 

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The Bluerock Residential board of directors also considered a number of potentially negative factors in evaluating the Separation and the Distribution, including the following:

 

·Assumption of certain costs and liabilities. We will bear certain costs and liabilities previously borne by the combined business of Bluerock Residential prior to the Separation, such as the costs associated with being a public company.

 

·One-time costs of the Separation. Each of Bluerock Residential and Bluerock Homes will incur costs in connection with our transition to being a separate, stand-alone public company, which may include accounting, tax, legal and other professional services costs and costs to separate information systems.

 

·Inability to realize anticipated benefits of the Separation. We may not achieve the anticipated benefits of the Separation for a variety of reasons, including: (i) following the Separation, we may be more susceptible to market fluctuations and other adverse events than if we were still a part of Bluerock Residential; and (ii) following the Separation, Bluerock Homes’ business will be less diversified than Bluerock Residential’s business prior to the Separation.

 

·Taxability of the Distribution. The Distribution is expected to be taxable to Bluerock Residential common stockholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

The Bluerock Residential board of directors concluded that the potential benefits of the Separation and the Distribution outweighed these factors. For more information, see “Risk Factors” beginning on page 22.

 

Ownership Structure

 

Structure and Formation of Bluerock Homes Prior to Bluerock Residential’s Distribution

 

We were formed on December 16, 2021, in Maryland as a wholly owned subsidiary of Bluerock Residential. Following the Distribution, we will operate as an externally managed, publicly traded UPREIT in which our properties will be owned and operated by Bluerock Residential Holdings and its subsidiaries. Prior to the Distribution and the Merger Effective Time, Bluerock Residential will complete the Separation to separate the Single-Family Properties and certain other assets such that these businesses and assets are owned and operated by Bluerock Residential Holdings and its subsidiaries.

 

Following the Separation, Bluerock Homes will be the sole general partner of Bluerock Residential Holdings and own approximately [              ]% of the limited partnership units in Bluerock Residential Holdings.

 

The following transactions, among others, are expected to occur in advance of the Distribution:

 

·Bluerock Residential will have taken all actions necessary to complete the Separation, including but not limited to the following steps:

 

·Bluerock Residential Holdings will form the New LP. Bluerock Residential Holdings will contribute its interests in Bluerock Residential’s multi-family residential real estate business and certain other assets to the New LP;

 

·Bluerock Residential Holdings will distribute the New LP to Bluerock Residential in exchange for a redemption of 25,210,092 of Bluerock Residential’s common units in Bluerock Residential Holdings and all of Bluerock Residential’s outstanding preferred interests. Duff & Phelps delivered an opinion on this consideration to the Bluerock Residential board of directors in connection with the execution of the Merger Agreement. After consideration of this opinion and other documents and presentations, the non-management directors of the Bluerock Residential board of directors approved this exchange; and

 

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·Bluerock Residential will then contribute its remaining interest in Bluerock Residential Holdings (including the general partnership interest) to Bluerock Homes.

 

As a result of the Separation, we will own the Single Family Properties, subject to approximately $[             ] million of existing secured property-level indebtedness, based on principal balances as of [              ].

 

In addition to the Separation and Distribution Agreement, as of or prior to the Distribution, we and Bluerock Residential will enter into the Tax Matters Agreement.

 

Immediately following the Distribution, Bluerock Homes, Bluerock Residential Holdings and our Manager will enter into a management agreement (the “Management Agreement”), pursuant to which our Manager will provide certain services as more fully described in “Our Manager and Management Agreement.”

 

Our charter will provide for two classes of common stock, the Bluerock Homes common stock and the Bluerock Homes Class C common stock. It is expected that the shares of Bluerock Homes common stock will be distributed by Bluerock Residential on [      ] to holders of record of Bluerock Residential common stock at the close of business on the record date and shares of Bluerock Homes Class C common stock will be distributed by Bluerock Residential on [      ] to holders of record of Bluerock Residential Class C common stock, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of all conditions to the Distribution set forth in the Separation and Distribution Agreement, as described above under “—Background.”

 

The Separation and Distribution Agreement

 

The following discussion summarizes the material provisions of the Separation and Distribution Agreement. The Separation and Distribution Agreement will set forth, among other things, our agreements with Bluerock Residential regarding the principal transactions necessary to separate us from Bluerock Residential. It also will set forth other agreements that govern certain aspects of our relationship with Bluerock Residential after the Distribution Date. The form of this agreement will be filed as an exhibit to the registration statement on Form 10 of which this information statement is a part.

 

Transfer of Assets and Assumption of Liabilities

 

The Separation and Distribution Agreement will identify the assets to be transferred, the liabilities to be assumed and the contracts to be transferred to each of Bluerock Homes and Bluerock Residential as part of the Separation, and will provide for when and how these transfers and assumptions will occur. In particular, the Separation and Distribution Agreement will provide that, among other things, subject to the terms and conditions contained therein:

 

·certain assets primarily related to the Bluerock Homes Business (the “Bluerock Homes Assets”) will be retained by or transferred to Bluerock Homes or one of its subsidiaries;

 

·certain liabilities to the extent related to the Bluerock Homes Business or the Bluerock Homes Assets (the “Bluerock Homes Liabilities”) will be retained by or transferred to Bluerock Homes; and

 

·all assets and liabilities other than the Bluerock Homes Assets and the Bluerock Homes Liabilities (such assets and liabilities, other than the Bluerock Homes Assets and the Bluerock Homes Liabilities, the “Bluerock Residential Assets” and the “Bluerock Residential Liabilities,” respectively) will be retained by or transferred to Bluerock Residential.

 

Except as expressly set forth in Separation and Distribution Agreement or the Tax Matters Agreement, neither Bluerock Homes nor Bluerock Residential will make any representation or warranty as to the assets, business or liabilities transferred or assumed as part of the Separation, as to any consents or approvals required in connection with the transfers, as to the value of or the freedom from any security interests of any of the assets transferred, as to the absence or presence of any defenses or right of setoff or freedom from counterclaim with respect to any claim or other asset of any of Bluerock Homes or Bluerock Residential, or as to the legal sufficiency of any document or instrument delivered to convey title to any asset to be transferred in connection with the Separation. All assets will be transferred on an “as is,” “where is” basis, and the respective transferees will bear the economic and legal risks that any conveyance will prove to be insufficient to vest in the transferee good and marketable title, free and clear of all security interests, that any necessary consents or governmental approvals or notifications are not obtained or made, or that any requirements of laws or judgments are not complied with.

 

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Information in this information statement with respect to the assets and liabilities of the parties following the Distribution is presented based on the allocation of such assets and liabilities pursuant to the Separation and the Distribution Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires. The Separation and Distribution Agreement will provide that in the event that the transfer of certain assets and liabilities (or a portion thereof) to Bluerock Homes or Bluerock Residential, as applicable, does not occur prior to the Separation, then until such assets or liabilities (or a portion thereof) are able to be transferred, Bluerock Homes or Bluerock Residential, as applicable, will hold such assets on behalf and for the benefit of the transferee and will pay, perform and discharge such liabilities, for which the transferee will reimburse Bluerock Homes or Bluerock Residential, as applicable, for all commercially reasonable payments made in connection with the performance and discharge of such liabilities.

 

The Distribution

 

The Separation and Distribution Agreement will govern the rights and obligations of the parties regarding the Distribution following the completion of the Separation. On the Distribution Date, Bluerock Residential will distribute to its common stockholders that held shares of Bluerock Residential common stock as of the record date all of the issued and outstanding shares of Bluerock Homes common stock on a pro rata basis. No holders of units or other interests of Bluerock Residential Holdings will be entitled to receive any form of compensation from us in connection with the Distribution, and instead will continue to hold their units or other interests of Bluerock Residential Holdings.

 

Conditions to the Distribution

 

The Separation and Distribution Agreement will provide that the Distribution is subject to the satisfaction (or waiver by Bluerock Residential) of the following conditions:

 

·the consummation of the Separation in all material respects;

 

·the SEC declaring effective the registration statement of which this information statement forms a part, with no stop order in effect with respect thereto, and no proceeding for such purpose pending before, or threatened by, the SEC;

 

·this information statement having been made available to Bluerock Residential stockholders;

 

·the receipt of the opinion of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., to the effect that, beginning with our short taxable year ending December 31, 2022, we will be organized in conformity with the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the U.S. federal income tax laws, and our intended method of operation will enable us to qualify as a REIT under the U.S. federal income tax laws for our taxable year ending December 31, 2022 and thereafter;

 

·the Bluerock Residential board of directors having received one or more opinions from one or more nationally recognized valuation or accounting firms or investment banks reasonably acceptable to Bluerock Residential and Badger Parent as to the solvency of Bluerock Homes after the completion of the Distribution, and such opinion(s) having not been withdrawn or rescinded;

 

·no order, injunction, or decree issued by any court of competent jurisdiction or other legal restraint or prohibition preventing the consummation of the Separation, the Distribution or any of the related transactions being in effect;

 

·all necessary permits and authorizations under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act relating to the issuance and trading of shares of Bluerock Homes common stock having been obtained and being in effect;

 

·the Bluerock Homes common stock to be distributed having been approved for listing on the NYSE American, subject to official notice of distribution;

 

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·all actions or filings necessary or appropriate under applicable U.S. federal, state or other securities or blue sky laws and the rules and regulations thereunder having been taken and, where applicable, having become effective or been accepted by the applicable governmental entity;

 

·the execution of ancillary agreements by us and Bluerock Residential, including the Tax Matters Agreement; and

 

·no other event or development existing or having occurred that, in the judgment of Bluerock Residential’s board of directors, in its sole and absolute discretion, makes it inadvisable to effect the Separation, the Distribution and the other related transactions (except that the consent of Badger Parent would be required for Bluerock Residential to rely on the condition described in this bullet as a basis for not completing the Distribution).

 

Bluerock Residential and Bluerock Homes cannot assure you that any or all of these conditions will be met. Bluerock Residential can, subject to the rights of Badger Parent under the Merger Agreement, decline at any time to go forward with the Distribution. Under the Merger Agreement, Bluerock Residential has agreed with Badger Parent that, subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, Bluerock Residential will use commercially reasonable efforts to consummate the Separation and the Distribution. In addition, the completion of the Separation and the Distribution is a condition to the Merger under the Merger Agreement. Accordingly, the Merger will not be completed unless and until the Separation and the Distribution are completed.

 

Releases

 

The Separation and Distribution Agreement will provide that Bluerock Homes and its affiliates will release and discharge Bluerock Residential and its affiliates and certain other non-recourse parties from all Bluerock Homes Liabilities, all liabilities arising from or in connection with the activities to implement the Separation and the Distribution, and all liabilities arising from or in connection with all actions, inactions, events, omissions, conditions, facts or circumstances occurring or existing before the Distribution Date to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from the Bluerock Homes Business, the Bluerock Homes Assets or the Bluerock Homes Liabilities, in each case except as expressly set forth in the Separation and Distribution Agreement.

 

The Separation and Distribution Agreement will provide that Bluerock Residential and its affiliates will release and discharge Bluerock Homes and its affiliates and certain other non-recourse parties from all Bluerock Residential Liabilities, all liabilities arising from or in connection with the activities to implement the Separation and the Distribution, and all liabilities arising from or in connection with all actions, inactions, events, omissions, conditions, facts or circumstances occurring or existing before the Distribution Date to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from the Bluerock Residential Business or the Bluerock Residential Liabilities, in each case except as expressly set forth in the Separation and Distribution Agreement.

 

These releases will not extend to obligations or liabilities under any agreements among the parties that remain in effect following the Distribution, which agreements include the Separation and Distribution Agreement and the Tax Matters Agreement or to any obligations or liabilities for the sale, lease, construction or receipt of goods, property or services in the ordinary course of business prior to the Distribution Date.

 

Indemnification

 

In the Separation and Distribution Agreement, Bluerock Homes will agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Bluerock Residential and its affiliates, and each of Bluerock Residential and its affiliates’ directors, officers and employees, from and against all liabilities relating to, arising out of or resulting from:

 

·the Bluerock Homes Liabilities;
   
·Bluerock Homes’ failure or the failure of any other person to pay, perform or otherwise promptly discharge any of the Bluerock Homes Liabilities, in accordance with their respective terms, whether prior to, at or after the Distribution;
   
·except to the extent relating to a Bluerock Residential Liability, any guarantee, indemnification or contribution obligation for the benefit of Bluerock Homes by Bluerock Residential that survives the Distribution;
   
·any breach by Bluerock Homes of the Separation and Distribution Agreement or the Tax Matters Agreement; and
   
·any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission of material fact with respect to all information contained in the Form 10, this information statement or certain other Bluerock Homes disclosure documents.

 

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Bluerock Residential will agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Bluerock Homes and its affiliates and Bluerock Homes and its affiliates’ directors, officers and employees from and against all liabilities relating to, arising out of or resulting from:

 

·the Bluerock Residential Liabilities;
   
·the failure of Bluerock Residential or any other person to pay, perform or otherwise promptly discharge any of the Bluerock Residential Liabilities in accordance with their respective terms whether prior to, at or after the Distribution;
   
·except to the extent relating to a Bluerock Homes Liability, any guarantee, indemnification or contribution obligation for the benefit of Bluerock Residential by Bluerock Homes that survives the Distribution;
   
·any breach by Bluerock Residential of the Separation and Distribution Agreement or the Tax Matters Agreement; and
   
·any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission of material fact with respect to statements in any Bluerock Residential disclosure document.
   

The Separation and Distribution Agreement will also establish procedures with respect to claims subject to indemnification and related matters.

 

Indemnification with respect to taxes, and the procedures related thereto, will be governed by the Tax Matters Agreement.

 

Insurance

 

The Separation and Distribution Agreement will provide for the allocation among the parties of rights and obligations under existing insurance policies. The Bluerock Homes’ and its subsidiaries’ occurrence-based policies will be allocated to Bluerock Homes (and its subsidiaries). Bluerock Residential (and its subsidiaries) will be entitled (at its cost) to make occurrence-based claims in respect of losses incurred prior to the Distribution under the Bluerock Homes’ and its subsidiaries’ occurrence-based policies in effect as of the Distribution to the extent such policies provided coverage for Bluerock Residential (or any of its subsidiaries) prior to the Distribution. Bluerock Homes’ and its subsidiaries’ property-level insurance policies will be allocated to Bluerock Homes to the extent they provided coverage for Bluerock Homes Assets. Bluerock Residential will provide customary indemnity and cost reimbursement to Bluerock Homes to the extent resulting from access by Bluerock Residential to such insurance policies post-Distribution (including bearing all deductibles, retentions, coinsurance, fees, retroactive and/or future premium increase) and may not make any claim to the extent it would adversely affect Bluerock Homes’ relationship with any such insurer. Each party will control its relationship with its own insurers post-Distribution.

 

Employee Liabilities

 

The Separation and Distribution Agreement will provide that, subject to certain exceptions, Bluerock Homes will assume all assets and liabilities relating to current and former service providers of Bluerock Residential and its subsidiaries and employee benefit plans and agreements.

 

Further Assurances

 

In addition to the actions specifically provided for in the Separation and Distribution Agreement, except as otherwise set forth therein or in the Tax Matters Agreement, Bluerock Homes and Bluerock Residential will agree in the Separation and Distribution Agreement to use reasonable best efforts, prior to, on and after the Distribution Date, to take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable under applicable laws, regulations and agreements to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by the Separation and Distribution Agreement and the Tax Matters Agreement.

 

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Dispute Resolution

 

The Separation and Distribution Agreement will contain provisions that govern, except as otherwise provided in the Tax Matters Agreement, the resolution of disputes, controversies or claims that may arise between Bluerock Homes and Bluerock Residential related to the Separation or Distribution. These provisions will contemplate that efforts will be made to resolve disputes, controversies and claims through a transition committee, then by escalation of the matter to executives of the parties in dispute. If such efforts are not successful, one of the parties in dispute may submit the dispute, controversy or claim to nonbinding mediation or, if such nonbinding mediation is not successful, binding arbitration, subject to the provisions of the Separation and Distribution Agreement.

 

Expenses

 

Except as expressly set forth in the Separation and Distribution Agreement or the Tax Matters Agreement and other than as described in the following sentence, Bluerock Residential will be responsible for all of the out-of-pocket fees, costs and expenses of investment bankers, legal counsel, accountants, experts and other third-party professional advisors, SEC filing fees, printing and mailing costs, proxy solicitation costs and all transfer taxes, in each case incurred by or on behalf of either party at or prior to the Merger Effective Time in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement. The first amount of liabilities incurred by either party or its affiliates relating to any certain transaction litigation up to a specified cap will be borne by Bluerock Residential, with liabilities above the cap to be borne 25% by Bluerock Homes and 75% by Bluerock Residential.

 

Other Matters

 

Other matters governed by the Separation and Distribution Agreement will include approvals and notifications of transfer, termination of intercompany accounts and agreements, shared contracts, financial information certifications, transition committee provisions, confidentiality, intellectual property, access to and provision of records, privacy and data protection, control of transaction litigation, production of witnesses, privileged matters, and financing arrangements.

 

Amendment and Termination

 

The Separation and Distribution Agreement will provide that it may be terminated, and the Separation and Distribution may be modified or abandoned, at any time prior to the Distribution Date in the sole and absolute discretion of the Bluerock Residential board of directors without the approval of any person, including Bluerock Homes, subject to the rights of Badger Parent under the Merger Agreement. Pursuant to and subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, Bluerock Residential has agreed with Badger Parent that Bluerock Residential will use commercially reasonable efforts to consummate the Separation and the Distribution.

 

The Separation and Distribution Agreement will provide that no provision of the Separation and Distribution Agreement or the Tax Matters Agreement may be waived, amended, supplemented or modified by a party without the written consent of the party against whom it is sought to enforce such waiver, amendment supplement or modification. In addition, under the Merger Agreement, Bluerock Residential may make modifications to the separation principles and the step plan for the internal restructuring from time to time; provided that any such modification shall not be adverse (other than in a de minimis respect) to Bluerock Residential or, after giving effect to the Merger, Badger Parent, unless Badger Parent has provided its prior written consent (not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed).

 

After the Distribution Date, the Separation and Distribution Agreement may not be amended or terminated, except by an agreement in writing signed by Bluerock Homes and Bluerock Residential.

 

In the event of a termination of the Separation and Distribution Agreement, no party, nor any of its directors, officers or employees, will have any liability of any kind to the other parties or any other person by reason of the Separation and Distribution Agreement.

 

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Related Agreements

 

Tax Matters Agreement

 

As of or prior to the Distribution, we and Bluerock Residential will enter into a Tax Matters Agreement that will govern the respective rights, responsibilities and obligations of Bluerock Residential and us after the Distribution with respect to tax liabilities and benefits, tax attributes, certain indemnification rights with respect to tax matters, the preparation and filing of tax returns, the control of audits and other tax proceedings, the intended federal income tax characterization of the Separation and the Distribution and the agreed-upon reporting thereof, and certain other tax matters. Our obligations under the Tax Matters Agreement will not be limited in amount or subject to any cap. If we are required to pay any liabilities under the circumstances set forth in the Tax Matters Agreement or pursuant to applicable tax law, the amounts may be significant. The form of this agreement will be filed as an exhibit to the registration statement on Form 10 of which this information statement is a part.

 

When and How You Will Receive the Distribution

 

With the assistance of CTC Bluerock Residential expects to distribute shares of Bluerock Homes common stock on [          ], the expected Distribution Date, to the holders of record of shares of Bluerock Residential common stock at the close of business on the record date. CTC currently serves as the transfer agent and registrar for Bluerock Residential common stock, and CTC will serve as the distribution agent in connection with the Distribution. Thereafter, CTC will serve as the transfer agent and registrar for Bluerock Homes common stock. If you own shares of Bluerock Residential common stock as of the close of business on the record date, Bluerock Residential, with the assistance of CTC, the distribution agent, will electronically distribute shares of Bluerock Homes common stock to you or to your bank or brokerage firm on your behalf in book-entry form. If you are a registered holder, CTC will mail to you a book-entry account statement that reflects your shares of Bluerock Homes common stock. If you hold your shares through a bank or brokerage firm, your bank or brokerage firm will credit your account for the shares. Book-entry form refers to a method of recording share ownership when no physical share certificates are issued to stockholders, as is the case in this Distribution. If you sell your shares of Bluerock Residential common stock in the “regular-way” market beginning on or shortly before the record date and continuing up to and through the Distribution Date, you also will be selling your right to receive shares of Bluerock Homes common stock in connection with the Distribution.

 

Most Bluerock Residential stockholders hold their shares of Bluerock Residential common stock through a bank or brokerage firm. In such cases, the bank or brokerage firm would be said to hold the shares in “street name,” and ownership would be recorded on the bank or brokerage firm’s books. If you hold shares of Bluerock Residential common stock through a bank or brokerage firm, your bank or brokerage firm will credit your account for the shares of Bluerock Homes common stock that you are entitled to receive in the Distribution. If you have any questions concerning the mechanics of having shares held in “street name,” please contact your bank or brokerage firm.

 

Transferability of Shares You Receive

 

Shares of Bluerock Homes common stock distributed in connection with the Distribution will be transferable without registration under the Securities Act, except for shares received by persons who may be deemed to be our affiliates. Persons who may be deemed to be our affiliates after the Distribution generally include individuals or entities that control, are controlled by, or are under common control with us, which may include certain of our executive officers, directors or principal stockholders. Securities held by our affiliates will be subject to resale restrictions under the Securities Act. Our affiliates will be permitted to sell shares of our common stock only pursuant to an effective registration statement or an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, such as the exemption afforded by Rule 144 under the Securities Act.

 

The Number of Shares of Bluerock Homes Common Stock You Will Receive

 

For each share of Bluerock Residential common stock or Bluerock Residential Class C common stock that you own as of the close of business on [          ], the expected record date for the Distribution, you will receive [        ] share[s] of Bluerock Homes common stock or Bluerock Homes Class C common stock, as applicable.

 

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Results of the Distribution

 

After the Distribution, we will be an independent, publicly traded REIT. The actual number of shares to be distributed will be determined at the close of business on the record date for the Distribution.

 

Prior to the Distribution, we will enter into the Separation and Distribution Agreement with Bluerock Residential and will enter into other agreements with Bluerock Residential as of or prior to the Distribution to effect the Separation and the Distribution. These agreements will provide a framework for our relationship with Bluerock Residential after the Separation and the Distribution.

 

Additionally, these agreements will allocate between us and Bluerock Residential the assets, liabilities and obligations of Bluerock Residential (including its investments, property, employee, benefits and tax-related assets and liabilities) attributable to periods prior to, at and after the Distribution. For a more detailed description of these agreements, see “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions.”

 

Market for Bluerock Homes Common Stock

 

There is currently no public trading market for Bluerock Homes common stock. We expect to have our common stock authorized for listing on the NYSE American under the symbol “BHM.” We have not and will not set the initial price of our common stock. The initial price will be established by the public markets. We cannot predict the price at which our common stock will trade after the Distribution. The price at which Bluerock Homes common stock trades may fluctuate significantly, particularly until an orderly public market develops. Until the market has fully evaluated our business as a stand-alone entity, the prices at which shares of our common stock trade may fluctuate more significantly than might otherwise be typical, even with other market conditions, including general volatility, held constant. Trading prices for Bluerock Homes common stock will be determined in the public markets and may be influenced by many factors.

 

Trading Before the Distribution Date

 

Beginning on or shortly before the record date and continuing up to and including the Distribution Date, Bluerock Residential expects that there will be two markets for shares of Bluerock Residential common stock: a “regular-way” market and an “ex-distribution” market. Shares of Bluerock Residential common stock that trade on the “regular-way” market will trade with an entitlement to shares of Bluerock Homes common stock distributed in the Distribution. Shares of Bluerock Residential common stock that trade on the “ex-distribution” market will trade without an entitlement to shares of Bluerock Homes common stock distributed pursuant to the Distribution. Therefore, if you sell your shares of Bluerock Residential common stock in the “regular-way” market beginning on or shortly before the record date and continuing up to and through the Distribution Date, you also will be selling your right to receive shares of Bluerock Homes common stock in connection with the Distribution. However, if you sell your shares of Bluerock Residential common stock in the “ex-distribution” market during the same period, you will retain your right to receive shares of Bluerock Homes common stock in connection with the Distribution.

 

Furthermore, beginning on or shortly before the record date and continuing up to and through the Distribution Date, Bluerock Homes expects that there will be a “when-issued” market for its common stock. “When-issued” trading refers to a sale or purchase made conditionally, because the security has been authorized but not yet issued. The “when-issued” trading market will be a market for Bluerock Homes common stock that will be distributed to holders of Bluerock Residential common stock on the Distribution Date. If you owned shares of Bluerock Residential common stock at the close of business on the record date, you would be entitled to Bluerock Homes common stock distributed pursuant to the Distribution. With respect to Bluerock Residential stockholders, you may trade this entitlement to Bluerock Homes common stock, without the Bluerock Residential common stock you own, on the “when-issued” market. On the first trading day following the Distribution Date, “when-issued” trading with respect to Bluerock Homes common stock will end, and “regular-way” trading will begin. You should consult your bank, broker, nominee or other advisor before selling your shares to be sure you understand the effects of the NYSE American trading procedures described above.

 

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Conditions to the Distribution

 

Bluerock Homes has announced that the Distribution is expected to be effective at 12:01 a.m., Eastern time, on [          ], the expected Distribution Date, subject to the satisfaction (or waiver by Bluerock Residential) of the following conditions in accordance with the Separation and Distribution Agreement:

 

·the consummation of the Separation in all material respects;

 

·the SEC declaring effective the registration statement of which this information statement forms a part, with no stop order in effect with respect thereto, and no proceeding for such purpose pending before, or threatened by, the SEC;

 

·this information statement having been made available to Bluerock Residential stockholders;

 

·the receipt of the opinion of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., to the effect that, beginning with our short taxable year ending December 31, 2022, we will be organized in conformity with the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the U.S. federal income tax laws, and our intended method of operation will enable us to qualify as a REIT under the U.S. federal income tax laws for our taxable year ending December 31, 2022 and thereafter;

 

·the Bluerock Residential board of directors having received one or more opinions from one or more nationally recognized valuation or accounting firms or investment banks reasonably acceptable to Bluerock Residential and Badger Parent as to the solvency of Bluerock Homes after the completion of the Distribution, and such opinion(s) having not been withdrawn or rescinded;

 

·no order, injunction, or decree issued by any court of competent jurisdiction or other legal restraint or prohibition preventing the consummation of the Separation, the Distribution or any of the related transactions being in effect;

 

·all necessary permits and authorizations under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act relating to the issuance and trading of shares of Bluerock Homes common stock having been obtained and being in effect;

 

·the Bluerock Homes common stock to be distributed having been accepted for listing on the NYSE American, subject to official notice of distribution;

 

·all actions or filings necessary or appropriate under applicable U.S. federal, state or other securities or blue sky laws and the rules and regulations thereunder having been taken and, where applicable, having become effective or been accepted by the applicable governmental entity;

 

·the execution of ancillary agreements by Bluerock Residential and Bluerock Homes, including the Tax Matters Agreement; and

 

·no other event or development existing or having occurred that, in the judgment of Bluerock Residential’s board of directors, in its sole and absolute discretion, makes it inadvisable to effect the Separation, the Distribution and the other related transactions (except that the consent of Badger Parent would be required for Bluerock Residential to rely on the condition described in this bullet as a basis for not completing the Distribution).

 

Bluerock Residential and Bluerock Homes cannot assure you that any or all of these conditions will be met. Bluerock Residential can, subject to the rights of Badger Parent under the Merger Agreement, decline at any time to go forward with the Distribution. Under the Merger Agreement, Bluerock Residential has agreed with Badger Parent that, subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, Bluerock Residential will use commercially reasonable efforts to consummate the Separation and the Distribution. In addition, the completion of the Separation and the Distribution is a condition to the Merger under the Merger Agreement. Accordingly, the Merger will not be completed unless and until the Separation and the Distribution are completed.

 

Bluerock Residential does not intend to notify its stockholders of any modifications to the terms of the Separation or the Distribution that, in the judgment of its board of directors (or officers insofar as permitted by its board of directors), are not material. The Bluerock Residential board of directors might, however, consider material, for example, significant changes to the Distribution Ratio, or to the assets to be contributed or the liabilities to be assumed in the Separation. To the extent that the Bluerock Residential board of directors determines that any modifications by Bluerock Residential materially change the material terms of the Distribution, Bluerock Residential will notify Bluerock Residential stockholders in a manner reasonably calculated to inform them about the modification as may be required by law, by, for example, publishing a press release, filing a current report on Form 8-K, or circulating a supplement to this information statement.

 

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DIVIDEND POLICY

 

We are a newly formed company that has not commenced operations, and as a result, we have not paid any dividends as of the date of this information statement. We intend to elect and qualify to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes commencing with our initial taxable year ending December 31, 2022. We intend to make regular distributions to our stockholders to satisfy the requirements to qualify as a REIT and to avoid current entity level U.S. federal income taxes. To qualify as a REIT, we must annually distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction and excluding net capital gains. Please refer to “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences — Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations Regarding Bluerock Homes’ Taxation as a REIT.”

 

We cannot assure you that our dividend policy will remain the same in the future, or that any estimated dividends will be paid or sustained. Dividends paid by us will be authorized and determined by our board of directors, in its sole discretion, out of legally available funds, and will be dependent upon a number of factors, including restrictions under applicable law, actual and projected financial condition, liquidity, funds from operations and results of operations, the revenue we actually receive from our properties, our operating expenses, our debt service requirements, our capital expenditures, prohibitions and other limitations under our financing arrangements, the annual REIT distribution requirements and such other factors as our board of directors deems relevant. For more information regarding risk factors that could materially and adversely affect our ability to pay dividends, see “Risk Factors” beginning on page 22.

 

Our dividends may be funded from a variety of sources. In particular, we expect that, initially, our dividends may exceed our net income under GAAP because of non-cash expenses, mainly depreciation and amortization expense, which are included in net income. To the extent that our funds available for distribution are less than the amount we must distribute to our stockholders to satisfy the requirements to qualify as a REIT, we may consider various means to cover any such shortfall, including borrowing under loans, selling certain of our assets or using a portion of the net proceeds we receive from future offerings of equity, equity-related securities or debt securities or declaring taxable share dividends. In addition, our charter allows us to issue shares of preferred equity that could have a preference on dividends, and if we do, the dividend preference on the preferred equity could limit our ability to pay dividends to the holders of our common stock.

 

For a discussion of the tax treatment of distributions to holders of our common stock, please refer to “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences — Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations Regarding Bluerock Homes’ Taxation as a REIT.”

 

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CAPITALIZATION

 

The following table sets forth our capitalization as of December 31, 2021, on a historical basis and on a pro forma basis to give effect to the pro forma adjustments included in our Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements. The information below is not necessarily indicative of what our capitalization would have been had the Separation, the Distribution and related financing transactions been completed as of December 31, 2021. In addition, it is not indicative of our future capitalization. This table should be read in conjunction with “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and our Combined Financial Statements and notes included in the “Index to Financial Statements” section of this information statement.

 

   December 31, 2021 
(dollar amounts in millions)  Actual   Pro Forma 
Cash        
Cash and cash equivalents   $128,861   $157,291 
           
Capitalization:          
           
Debt Outstanding          
Long-term debt   $58,058   $63,991 
Total indebtedness    79,381    76,465 
           
Equity          
Common stock, par value $0.01   $[     ]   $ [    ] 
Additional paid-in capital    [     ]    [    ] 
Total Bluerock Homes Equity    439,219    161,902 
Total equity    439,219    161,902 
Total capitalization   $518,610   $238,367 

 

Bluerock Homes has not yet finalized its post-distribution capitalization. Pro forma financial information reflecting Bluerock Homes’ post-distribution capitalization will be included in an amendment to this information statement.

 

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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

As of and for the Year Ended December 31, 2021

 

On December 20, 2021, the Company, Badger Parent and Merger Sub entered into the Merger Agreement, pursuant to which, on the terms and conditions set forth therein, Bluerock Residential will merge with and into Merger Sub, with Merger Sub continuing as the surviving company in the Merger. Under the Merger Agreement, Bluerock Residential has agreed with Badger Parent that, subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, Bluerock Residential will use commercially reasonable efforts to consummate the Separation and the Distribution. In addition, the completion of the Separation and the Distribution is a condition to the Merger under the Merger Agreement.

 

Prior to the Distribution and the Merger Effective Time, Bluerock Residential will complete the Separation to separate the Single-Family Properties and certain other assets such that these businesses and assets are owned and operated by Bluerock Residential Holdings and its subsidiaries.

 

Following the Separation, Bluerock Homes will be the sole general partner of Bluerock Residential Holdings and own approximately [        ]% of the limited partnership units in Bluerock Residential Holdings.

 

The following transactions, among others, are expected to occur in advance of the Distribution:

 

·Bluerock Residential will have taken all actions necessary to complete the Separation, including but not limited to the following steps:

 

·Bluerock Residential Holdings will form the New LP. Bluerock Residential Holdings will contribute its interests in Bluerock Residential’s multi-family residential real estate business and certain other assets to the New LP;

 

·Bluerock Residential Holdings will distribute the New LP to Bluerock Residential in exchange for a redemption of 25,210,092 of Bluerock Residential’s common units in Bluerock Residential Holdings and all of Bluerock Residential’s outstanding preferred interests. Duff & Phelps delivered an opinion on this consideration to the Bluerock Residential board of directors in connection with the execution of the Merger Agreement. After consideration of this opinion and other documents and presentations, the non-management directors of the Bluerock Residential board of directors approved this exchange; and

 

·Bluerock Residential will then contribute its remaining interest in Bluerock Residential Holdings (including the general partnership interest) to Bluerock Homes.

 

Immediately following the Distribution, Bluerock Homes, Bluerock Residential Holdings and our Manager will enter into a management agreement (the “Management Agreement”), pursuant to which our Manager will provide certain services as more fully described in “Our Manager and Management Agreement.”

 

The following unaudited pro forma combined financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2021 have been derived from the historical combined financial statements of the Predecessor Entity (as defined in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”) included elsewhere in this information statement.

 

The following unaudited pro forma combined financial statements give effect to the following:

 

·the Separation and the Distribution;

 

·our anticipated post-Separation capital structure of which the common stockholders are expected to indirectly own 35% of the Bluerock Homes Business and the unitholders in the Operating Partnership are expected to own 65% of the Bluerock Homes Business;

 

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·acquisition of 1,647 single-family units since January 1, 2021 which are consolidated in our financial statements;

 

·net investment of $48.1 million in preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments since January 1, 2021; and
   
 ·proceeds of $31.0 million from paydown on a mezzanine loan.

 

The unaudited pro forma combined balance sheet assumes the Distribution occurred on December 31, 2021. The unaudited pro forma combined statement of operations presented for the year ended December 31, 2021 assume the Distribution occurred on January 1, 2021. Our unaudited pro forma combined financial statements and explanatory notes present how our financial statements may have appeared had we completed the above transactions as of the dates noted above.

 

The following unaudited pro forma combined financial statements were prepared in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X, using the assumptions set forth in the notes to our unaudited pro forma combined financial statements. The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements are presented for illustrative purposes only and do not purport to reflect the results we may achieve in future periods or the historical results that would have been obtained had the above transactions been completed on January 1, 2021. The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements also do not give effect to the potential impact of current financial conditions, any anticipated synergies, operating efficiencies or cost savings that may result from the transactions described above.

 

The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements do not indicate results expected for any future period. The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements are derived from and should be read in conjunction with the historical combined financial statements and accompanying notes of the Predecessor Entity appearing elsewhere in this information statement.

 

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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2021

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

   Predecessor
Historical
   Transaction
Accounting
Adjustments
      Pro Forma Total 
ASSETS                  
Net Real Estate Investments                  
Land  $41,997   $1,148      $43,145 
Building and improvements   278,592    5,649       284,241 
Furniture, fixtures and equipment   2,459           2,459 
Total Gross Real Estate Investments   323,048    6,797       329,845 
Accumulated depreciation   (4,964)          (4,964)
Total Net Real Estate Investments   318,084    6,797   A   324,881 
Cash and cash equivalents   128,861    28,430   B, C   157,291 
Restricted cash   7,540    2,500   C   10,040 
Notes and accrued interest receivable from related parties   38,883    (24,155)  D   14,728 
Accounts receivable, prepaids and other assets   4,917    1,487   E   6,404 
Preferred equity investments and investments in unconsolidated real estate joint ventures   39,521    5,357   F   44,878 
In-place lease intangible assets, net   2,525           2,525 
Total Assets  $540,331   $20,416      $560,747 
                   
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY                  
Mortgages payable  $63,007   $5,933   G  $68,940 
Accounts payable   2,087    (756)  H   1,331 
Other accrued liabilities   10,666    (4,978)  C, H   5,688 
Due to affiliates   506           506 
Distributions payable   3,115    (3,115)  H    
Total Liabilities   79,381    (2,916)      76,465 
                   
Equity                  
Bluerock Homes Equity   439,219    (277,317)  I   161,902 
Noncontrolling Interests                  
Operating partnership units       300,676   J   300,676 
Partially owned properties   21,731    (27)  J   21,704 
Total Noncontrolling Interests   21,731    300,649       322,380 
Total Equity   460,950    23,332       484,282 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY  $540,331   $20,416      $560,747 

 

See Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Balance Sheet

 

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Bluerock Homes Trust, Inc.

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

   Predecessor
Historical
   Transaction
Accounting
Adjustments
       Pro Forma Total 
Revenues                    
Rental and other property revenues  $9,275   $17,211    a   $26,486 
Interest income from related parties   4,452    (2,778)   b    1,674 
Total revenues   13,727    14,433         28,160 
Expenses                    
Property operating   3,227    5,982    a    9,209 
Management fees   550    1,899    c    2,449 
General and administrative   3,062        d    3,062 
Base management fee       7,250    e    7,250 
Depreciation and amortization   5,862    8,541    f    14,403 
Total expenses   12,701    23,672         36,373 
Operating income   1,026    (9,239)        (8,213)
Other (expense) income                    
Other income   250             250 
Preferred returns on unconsolidated real estate joint ventures   1,974    3,574    g    5,548 
Provision for credit losses   (47)            (47)
Interest expense, net   (2,915)   266    h    (2,649)
Total other (expense) income   (738)   3,840         3,102 
Net income (loss)   288    (5,399)        (5,111)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests                    
Operating partnership units       (1,676)   i    (1,676)
Partially-owned properties   (630)   (1,900)   i    (2,530)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests   (630)   (3,576)        (4,206)
Net income attributable to common stockholders  $918   $(1,823)       $(905)
                     
Net Loss Per Common Share – Basic  $[  ]             $[  ] 
Net Loss Per Common Share – Diluted  $[  ]             $[  ] 
                     
Weighted Average Basic Common Shares Outstanding   [  ]              [  ] 
Weighted Average Diluted Common Shares Outstanding   [  ]              [  ] 

 

See Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Statement of Operations

 

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Adjustments to the Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Balance Sheet

 

The unaudited pro forma combined balance sheet as of December 31, 2021 reflects the following adjustments:

 

A.Net real estate investments

 

The following table summarizes the purchases of interests in the below properties, which the Company expects to consolidate on its balance sheet (dollars in thousands):

 

    Date Acquired   Units(3)     Land     Buildings and
improvements
    Furniture,
fixtures and
equipment
    Total
ILE   October 4, 2021(1)     293     $ 601     $ 2,668     $   $ 3,269
Golden Pacific   November 23, 2021(2)     27       547       2,981           3,528
          320     $ 1,148     $ 5,649     $   $ 6,797

 

 

(1)Land and Building and improvements represent the 14 additional homes that were purchased in 2022.

 

(2)Land and Building and improvements represent the 20 additional homes that were purchased in 2022.

 

(3) Total units purchased in 2021 and 2022.

 

B.Cash and cash equivalents

 

Cash and restricted cash balances of $167.3 million represents:

 

·$185.7 million of cash to be contributed to Bluerock Homes immediately prior to the Distribution;

 

·$33.9 million received from the payoff of the Hartley at Blue Hill mezzanine loan including accrued interest;

 

·$7.6 million of proceeds received from borrowing on debt allocated to Bluerock Homes (after the execution of the Merger Agreement);

 

·$2.5 million restricted cash to be received (discussed below in footnote C); offset by,

 

·$62.4 million of cash used to acquire assets (after the execution of the Agreement) allocated to Bluerock Homes in the Separation.

 

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C.Restricted cash

 

Bluerock Residential and BRE are parties to a Leasehold Cost-Sharing Agreement (the “Leasehold Cost-Sharing Agreement”) with respect to the Sublease to provide for the allocation and sharing between BRE and Bluerock Residential of the costs thereunder, including costs associated with tenant improvements. The Sublease permits Bluerock Residential and certain of its respective subsidiaries and/or affiliates to share occupancy of the New York headquarters with BRE. These occupancy costs are shared between Bluerock Residential and BRE, with Bluerock Residential’s allocation being variable based on usage.  BRE invoices Bluerock Residential on a quarterly basis under a variable usage formula and Bluerock Residential reimburses BRE for its variable allocation of occupancy costs. 

 

The interests of Bluerock Residential under the Sublease will be assigned (subject to any required consents of Sublandlord and Landlord) to Bluerock Homes, including all of Bluerock Residential’s liabilities associated therewith, except Badger Parent will pay to Bluerock Homes $2.5 million of the remaining rent as of the consummation of the Distribution at the consummation of the Merger. The adjustment amount is reflected as restricted cash and a liability.

 

D.Notes and accrued interest receivable

 

The following table summarizes adjustments to notes and accrued interest receivable as if the activity had occurred on January 1, 2021 (amounts in thousands):

 

   Total 
Weatherford   $9,744 
The Hartley at Blue Hill(1)    (33,899)
   $(24,155)

 

 

(1)

Reflects the payoff of the notes and accrued interest receivable in 2022. 

 

E.Accounts receivables, prepaids and other assets

 

Represents the following adjustments: (i) increase of accrued interest of $3.0 million related to the increase in preferred equity investments as if these investments had occurred on January 1, 2021, and (ii) decrease of ($1.5) million for assets not specifically identified to be assumed by Bluerock Homes.

 

F.Preferred equity investments and investments in unconsolidated real estate joint ventures

 

The following table summarizes adjustments to the carrying amount of preferred equity investments as if these investments had occurred on January 1, 2021 (amounts in thousands):

 

   Dates of Investments  Total  
Investment
Adjustment
 
The Cottages of Port St. Lucie  January 31, 2022
February 24, 2022
  $2,309 
The Cottages at Myrtle Beach  January 27, 2022
February 28, 2022
   1,854 
The Cottages at Warner Robins  January 31, 2022
February 24, 2022
   1,194 
      $5,357 

 

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G.Mortgages payable

 

Represents $5.9 million of mortgages payable related to the ILE Homes acquisition.

  

H.Revolving credit facilities, Accounts payable, Other accrued liabilities, Distributions payable

 

Represents adjustments for liabilities not specifically identified to be assumed by Bluerock Homes.

 

I.Equity

 

Represents the equity of Bluerock Homes’ common stockholders. Following the Separation and the Distribution, the stockholders who receive shares of Bluerock Homes in the Distribution are expected to indirectly own approximately 35% of the Bluerock Homes Business.

 

J.Noncontrolling interests

 

The operating partnership units adjustment represents the interests of the Operating Partnership’s unitholders. Following the Separation and the Distribution, the unitholders are expected to indirectly own approximately 65% of the Bluerock Homes Business.

 

The partially owned properties adjustment represents the joint venture partners’ interests in consolidated joint ventures.

 

Adjustments to the Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Statement of Operations

 

The unaudited pro forma combined statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2021 reflects the following adjustments:

 

a.Rental and other property revenues and Property operating expenses

 

The revenues and expenses are presented as if these units had been acquired on January 1, 2021. 

 

Revenues were derived from current rent rolls and adjusted for our partners’ market rental experience, as if the assets were acquired on January 1, 2021. Expenses were derived and adjusted from a combination of our partners’ historical expense experience, extrapolations from multifamily assets based on our historical experience, and joint venture and property management agreements, as if the assets were acquired on January 1, 2021.

 

The following table summarizes the adjustments to revenues and expenses (amounts in thousands):

 

    Initial Date
Acquired 
  Units      Rental and other property revenues      Property
operating expenses 
 
Yauger Park Villas   April 14, 2021     80     $ 568     $ 176  
Wayford at Concord   June 4, 2021     150       1,303       502  
Indy   August 12, 2021     44       210       82  
Springfield   August 18, 2021     290       2,239       583  
Springtown   September 15, 2021     70       640       208  
Texarkana   September 21, 2021     29       213       71  
Lubbock   September 24, 2021     60       428       161  
Granbury   September 30, 2021     36       443       120  
ILE   October 4, 2021     293       4,240       1,615  
Axelrod   October 5, 2021     22       237       99  
Springtown 2.0   October 26, 2021     14       175       66  
Lubbock 2.0   October 28, 2021     75       900       319  
Lynnwood   November 16, 2021     20       189       58  
Golden Pacific   November 23, 2021     27       504       105  
Lynnwood 2.0   December 1, 2021     20       195       59  
Lubbock 3.0   December 8, 2021     45       436       135  
Texas Portfolio 183   December 22, 2021     183       2,419       787  
DFW 189   December 29, 2021     189       1,872       836  
          1,647     $ 17,211     $ 5,982  

 

b.Interest income

 

The following table summarizes adjustments to interest income from loan investments as if the loan activity had occurred on January 1, 2021 (amounts in thousands):

 

    Interest income  
The Hartley at Blue Hill   $ (3,649 )
Corpus Christi     (219 )
Jolin     (83 )
Weatherford     1,173  
    $ (2,778 )

 

c.Management fees

 

Represents the property management and asset management fees related to the properties in Footnote a.

 

d.General and administrative

 

Management initially expects annual general and administrative expenses to be in the range of $[   ] million to $[   ] million without consideration for equity-based compensation expenses. Included in this range, we estimate recurring general and administrative expenses of approximately $[         ] million to $[        ] million as the result of being a public company. As we have not yet entered into contracts with third parties to provide the services included within this estimate, these estimated expenses do not appear in the unaudited pro forma combined statement of operations.

 

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e.Base management fee

 

Represents the Base Management Fee as defined in “Our Manager and Management Agreement—The Management Agreement.”

 

f.Depreciation and amortization

 

Represents depreciation and amortization expense adjustments to historical results for the year ended December 31, 2021 based on the allocation of the purchase prices. Depreciation expense is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of 30 – 40 years for the building, 5 – 15 years for building and land improvements and 3 – 7 years for furniture, fixtures and equipment. Amortization expense on identifiable intangible assets is recognized using the straight-line method over the life of the lease, which is generally less than one year.

 

g.Preferred returns on unconsolidated real estate joint ventures

 

The following table summarizes adjustments to the returns from preferred equity investments as if these investments had occurred on January 1, 2021 (amounts in thousands):

 

   Interest income 
Peak Portfolio   $942 
Wayford at Concord(1)    (364)
Willow Park    284 
The Cottages of Port St. Lucie    1,179 
The Cottages at Myrtle Beach    1,300 
The Cottages at Warner Robins    176 
The Woods at Forest Hill    57 
   $3,574 

 

 

(1)Reflects an adjustment for the redemption of the preferred equity investment on June 4, 2021 in connection with the purchase of the property.

 

h.Interest expense, net

 

Represents the following adjustments: (i) decrease of $1.5 million for interest expense not specifically identified to be assumed by Bluerock Homes, (ii) interest expense for Yauger Park Villas of ($0.2) million estimated to have been incurred on a $10.4 million senior loan at a fixed rate of 4.81% and a $4.6 million supplemental loan at a fixed rate of 4.96%, both maturing on April 1, 2026, calculated as if the loan were entered into on January 1, 2021, and lender loan fees which are recognized over the life of the remaining term of the mortgages and (iii) interest expense for ILE Homes of ($1.1) million estimated to have been incurred on a $32.6 million financing at a rate of 3.78%.

 

i.Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

Represents the adjustment to allocate net income (loss) to noncontrolling interests for Operating Partnership unitholders and partially owned properties.

 

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following is a discussion of the historical results of operations and liquidity and capital resources of Bluerock Homes, which was not operated as a stand-alone business. You should read the following discussion and analysis in conjunction with “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements” and the financial statements beginning on page F-1 included elsewhere in this information statement. This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains forward-looking statements. The matters discussed in these forward-looking statements are subject to risk, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those made, projected or implied in the forward-looking statements. Please refer to “Risk Factors,” beginning on page 22 and “Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements” for a discussion of the uncertainties, risks and assumptions associated with these statements.

 

The Separation and the Distribution

 

On December 20, 2021, Bluerock Residential, Badger Parent and Merger Sub entered into the Merger Agreement, pursuant to which, on the terms and conditions set forth therein, Bluerock Residential will merge with and into Merger Sub, with Merger Sub continuing as the surviving company in the Merger. Under the Merger Agreement, Bluerock Residential has agreed with Badger Parent that, subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, Bluerock Residential will use commercially reasonable efforts to consummate the Separation and the Distribution. In addition, the completion of the Separation and the Distribution is a condition to the Merger under the Merger Agreement. Accordingly, the Merger will not be completed unless and until the Separation and the Distribution are completed.

 

The Distribution is expected to occur on [      ], subject to the satisfaction or waiver of all conditions to the Distribution set forth in the Separation and Distribution Agreement, by way of a special dividend to Bluerock Residential common stockholders. In the Distribution, holders of each share of Bluerock Residential common stock or Bluerock Residential Class C common stock as of the record date will be entitled to receive [       ] share[s] of Bluerock Homes common stock or Bluerock Homes Class C common stock, as applicable. Bluerock Residential stockholders will not be required to make any payment, surrender or exchange their Bluerock Residential common stock or Bluerock Residential Class C common stock, or take any other action to receive their shares of Bluerock Homes common stock or Bluerock Homes Class C common stock in the Distribution. The Distribution of Bluerock Homes common stock and Bluerock Homes Class C common stock as described in this information statement is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, including consummation of the Separation in all material respects.

 

 

The Company has historically operated as part of Bluerock Residential and not as a stand-alone company. Financial statements representing the historical operations of Bluerock Residential’s single-family rental business have been derived from Bluerock Residential’s historical accounting records and are presented on a carve-out basis. All revenues and costs as well as assets and liabilities directly associated with the business activity of the Company are included in the financial statements. The financial statements also include allocations of certain general, administrative, sales and marketing expenses and operations from Bluerock Residential. However, amounts recognized by the Company are not necessarily representative of the amounts that would have been reflected in the financial statements had the Company operated independently of Bluerock Residential. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

 

Basis of Presentation

 

Bluerock Homes consists of the combined financial statements of the following entities and investments: the Operating Partnership, Bluerock REIT Operator, LLC, Golden Pacific, ILE, Navigator Villas, Peak Housing (Axelrod, DFW 189, Granbury, Indy, Lubbock, Lubbock 2.0, Lubbock 3.0, Lynnwood, Lynnwood 2.0, Peak I, Springfield, Springtown, Springtown 2.0, Texarkana and Texas Portfolio 183), The Cottages at Myrtle Beach, The Cottages at Warner Robins, The Cottages of Port St. Lucie, The Hartley at Blue Hill, The Woods at Forest Hill, Wayford at Concord, Wayford at Innovation Park, Willow Park, and Yauger Park Villas (collectively, the “Predecessor Entity”). The general and administrative expenses have been allocated to the Predecessor Entity based on relative unit count, which the Company believes to be a reasonable methodology. These allocated expenses are for corporate office expenses and management including, but not limited to, executive oversight, asset management, treasury, finance, human resources, tax, accounting, financial reporting, information technology and investor relations.

 

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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

Real Estate Investments and Preferred Equity Investments

 

The Company first analyzes an investment to determine if it is a variable interest entity (“VIE”) in accordance with Topic ASC 810 and, if so, whether the Company is the primary beneficiary requiring consolidation of the entity. A VIE is an entity that has (i) insufficient equity to permit it to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or (ii) equity holders that lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest. VIEs are consolidated by the primary beneficiary, which is the entity that has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the entity that potentially could be significant to the entity. Variable interests in a VIE are contractual, ownership, or other financial interests in a VIE that change in value with changes in the fair value of the VIE’s net assets. The Company continuously re-assesses at each level of the investment whether the entity is (i) a VIE, and (ii) if the Company is the primary beneficiary of the VIE. If it was determined that an entity in which the Company holds an interest qualified as a VIE and the Company was the primary beneficiary, the entity would be consolidated.

 

If, after consideration of the VIE accounting literature, the Company has determined that an entity is not a VIE, the Company assesses the need for consolidation under all other provisions of ASC 810. These provisions provide for consolidation of majority-owned entities through a majority voting interest held by the Company providing control.

 

In assessing whether the Company is in control of and requiring consolidation of the limited liability company and partnership venture structures, the Company evaluates the respective rights and privileges afforded each member or partner (collectively referred to as “member”). The Company’s member would not be deemed to control the entity if any of the other members have either (i) substantive kickout rights providing the ability to dissolve (liquidate) the entity or otherwise remove the managing member or general partner without cause or (ii) substantive participating rights in the entity. Substantive participating rights (whether granted by contract or law) provide for the ability to effectively participate in significant decisions of the entity that would be expected to be made in the ordinary course of business.

 

If it has been determined that the Company does not have control but does have the ability to exercise significant influence over the entity, the Company accounts for these investments as preferred equity investments and investments in unconsolidated real estate joint ventures in its consolidated balance sheets. In accordance with ASC 320 Investments – Debt Securities, the Company classifies each preferred equity investment as a held to maturity debt security as the Company has the intention and ability to hold the investment to maturity. The Company earns a fixed return on these investments which is included within preferred returns on unconsolidated real estate joint ventures in its consolidated statements of operations. The Company evaluates the collectability of each preferred equity investment and estimates a provision for credit loss, as applicable. Refer to the Current Expected Credit Losses (“CECL”) section of this Note for further information regarding CECL and the Company’s provision for credit losses.

 

Notes Receivable (Real Estate Loan Investment)

 

The Company analyzes each loan arrangement that involves real estate development to consider whether the loan qualifies for accounting as a loan or as an investment in a real estate development project. The Company has evaluated its real estate loans, where appropriate, for accounting treatment as loans versus real estate development projects, as required by ASC 310-10 Receivables. For each loan, the Company has concluded that the characteristics and the facts and circumstances indicate that loan accounting treatment is appropriate. The Company recognizes interest income on its notes receivable on the accrual method unless a significant uncertainty of collection exists. If a significant uncertainty exists, interest income is recognized as collected. Costs incurred to originate its notes receivable are deferred and amortized using the effective interest method over the term of the related notes receivable. The Company evaluates the collectability of each loan investment and estimates a provision for credit loss, as applicable.

 

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Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

As of December 31, 2021, the carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, due to and due from affiliates, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and distributions payable approximate their fair value based on their highly-liquid nature and/or short-term maturities. The carrying values of notes receivable approximate fair value because stated interest rate terms are consistent with interest rate terms on new deals with similar leverage and risk profiles. The fair values of notes receivable are classified in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy due to the significant unobservable inputs that are utilized in their respective valuations.

 

Real Estate Assets

 

Capital Additions, Depreciation and Amortization

 

The Company capitalizes costs, including certain indirect costs, incurred in connection with its capital addition activities, including redevelopment, development and construction projects, other tangible property improvements, and replacements of existing property components. Included in these capitalized costs are payroll costs associated with time spent by employees in connection with capital addition activities at the property level. The Company characterizes as “indirect costs” an allocation of certain department costs, including payroll, at the corporate levels that clearly relate to capital additions activities. The Company also capitalizes interest, property taxes and insurance during periods in which redevelopment, development and construction projects are in progress. Cost capitalization begins once the development or construction activity commences and ceases when the asset is ready for its intended use. Repair and maintenance and tenant turnover costs are expensed as incurred. Repair and maintenance and tenant turnover costs include all costs that do not extend the useful life of the real estate asset. Depreciation and amortization expense are computed on the straight-line method over the asset’s estimated useful life. The Company considers the period of future benefit of an asset to determine its appropriate useful life and anticipates the estimated useful lives of assets by class to be generally as follows:

 

Buildings    30 – 40 years 
Building improvements    5 – 15 years 
Land improvements    5 – 15 years 
Furniture, fixtures and equipment    3 – 7 years 
In-place leases    6 months 

 

Impairment of Real Estate Assets

 

The Company continually monitors events and changes in circumstances that could indicate that the carrying amounts of the Company’s real estate and related intangible assets may not be recoverable. When indicators of potential impairment suggest that the carrying value of real estate and related intangible assets may not be recoverable, the Company assesses the recoverability of the assets by estimating whether the Company will recover the carrying value of the asset through its undiscounted future cash flows and its eventual disposition. Based on this analysis, if the Company does not believe that it will be able to recover the carrying value of the real estate and related intangible assets and liabilities, the Company will record an impairment loss to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of the real estate and related intangible assets. No impairment charges were recorded in 2020 or 2021.

 

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Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents may include cash and short-term investments. Short-term investments are stated at cost, which approximates fair value.

 

Restricted Cash

 

Restricted cash is comprised of lender-imposed escrow accounts for replacement reserves, real estate taxes and insurance.

 

Concentration of Credit Risk

 

The Company maintains cash balances with high quality financial institutions and periodically evaluates the creditworthiness of such institutions and believes that the Company is not exposed to significant credit risk. Cash balances may be in excess of the amounts insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

 

Rents and Other Receivables

 

The Company will periodically evaluate the collectability of amounts due from tenants and maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of tenants to make required payments under lease agreements. The Company exercises judgment in establishing these allowances and considers payment history and current credit status of tenants in developing these estimates.

 

Deferred Financing Fees

 

Deferred financing fees represent commitment fees, legal fees and other third-party costs associated with obtaining financing. Fees associated with the Company’s lines of credit are recorded within accounts receivable, prepaids and other assets on the combined balances sheet. Deferred fees associated with its lines of credit are amortized to interest expense over the terms of the financing agreements using the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method.

 

Noncontrolling Interests

 

Noncontrolling interests are comprised of the Company’s joint venture partners’ interests in consolidated joint ventures, as well as interests held by Long-term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) unitholders and Operating Partnership unitholders. The Company reports its joint venture partners’ interest in its consolidated real estate joint ventures and other subsidiary interests held by third parties as noncontrolling interests. The Company records these noncontrolling interests at their initial fair value, adjusting the basis prospectively for their share of the respective consolidated investments’ net income or loss and equity contributions and distributions. These noncontrolling interests are not redeemable by the equity holders and are presented as part of permanent equity. Income and losses are allocated to the noncontrolling interest holder pursuant to each joint venture’s operating agreement.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

The Company recognizes rental revenue on a straight-line basis over the terms of the rental agreements and in accordance with ASC Topic 842 Leases. Rental revenue is recognized on an accrual basis and when the collectability of the amounts due from tenants is deemed probable. Rental revenue is included within rental and other property revenues on the Company’s combined statement of operations. Amounts received in advance are recorded as a liability within other accrued liabilities on the Company’s combined balance sheet.

 

Other property revenues are recognized in the period earned.

 

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Reportable Segment

 

The Company’s current business consists of investing in and operating residential rental properties. Substantially all its consolidated net income (loss) is from investments in residential real estate properties that the Company owns through co-investment ventures or invests in through real estate loans. The Company evaluates operating performance on an individual property investment level and based on the properties’ similar economic characteristics. The Company views its real estate assets as one reportable segment, and, accordingly, aggregates its properties into one reportable segment.

 

Lessor Accounting

 

The Company’s current portfolio generates rental revenue by leasing residential homes. As lease revenues for residential homes fall under the scope of ASC Topic 842, such lease revenues are classified as operating leases with straight-line recognition over the terms of the relevant lease agreement and inclusion within rental revenue. Resident leases are generally for one-year or month-to-month terms and are renewable by mutual agreement between the Company and the resident. Non-lease components of the Company’s leases are combined with the related lease component and accounted for as a single lease component under ASC Topic 842. The balances of net real estate investments and related depreciation on the Company’s combined financial statements relate to assets for which the Company is the lessor.

 

Lessee Accounting

 

The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. The Company determined that the lessee operating lease commitments have no material impact on its combined financial statements with the adoption of ASC Topic 842. The Company will continue to assess any modification of existing lease agreements and execution of any new lease agreements for the potential requirement of recording a right-of-use-asset or liability in the future.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

New Accounting Pronouncements

 

In January 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-01 “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848)” (“ASU 2021-01”). The amendments in ASU 2021-01 permit entities to elect certain optional expedients in connection with reference rate reform activities and their impact on debt, contract modifications and derivative instruments as it is expected the global market will transition from LIBOR and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates. The amendments in ASU 2021-01 are effective immediately and may be elected over time as reference rate reform activities occur through December 31, 2022. The Company will continue to evaluate the impact of the guidance and may apply elections as applicable as changes in the market occur.

 

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Current Expected Credit Losses (“CECL”)

 

The Company estimates provision for credit losses on its loans (notes receivable) and preferred equity investments under CECL. This method is based on expected credit losses for the life of the investment as of each balance sheet date. The method for calculating the estimate of expected credit loss takes into account historical experience and current conditions for similar loans and reasonable and supportable forecasts about the future.

 

The Company estimates its provision for credit losses using a collective (pool) approach for investments with similar risk characteristics, such as collateral and duration of investment. In measuring the CECL provision for investments that share similar characteristics, the Company applies a default rate to the investments for the remaining loan or preferred equity investment hold period. As the Company does not have a significant historical population of loss data on its loan and preferred equity investments, the Company’s default rate utilized for CECL is based on an external historical loss rate for commercial real estate loans.

 

In addition to analyzing investments as a pool, the Company performs an individual investment assessment of expected credit losses. If it is determined that the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, or a foreclosure is probable, or the Company expects repayment through the sale of the collateral, the Company calculates expected credit losses based on the value of the underlying collateral as of the reporting date. During this review process, if the Company determines that it is probable that it will not be able to collect all amounts due for both principal and interest according to the contractual terms of an investment, that loan or preferred equity investment is not considered fully recoverable and a provision for credit loss is recorded.

 

In estimating the value of the underlying collateral when determining if a loan or preferred equity investment is fully recoverable, the Company evaluates estimated future cash flows to be generated from the collateral underlying the investment. The inputs and assumptions utilized to estimate the future cash flows of the underlying collateral are based upon the Company’s evaluation of the operating results, economy, market trends, and other factors, including judgments regarding costs to complete any construction activities, lease-up and occupancy rates, rental rates, and capitalization rates utilized to estimate the projected cash flows at the disposition. The Company may also obtain a third-party valuation which may value the collateral through an “as-is” or “stabilized value” methodology. If upon completion of the valuation the fair value of the underlying collateral securing the investment is less than the net carrying value, the Company records a provision for credit loss on that loan or preferred equity investment. As the investment no longer displays the characteristics that are similar to those of the pool of loans or preferred equity investments, the investment is removed from the CECL collective (pool) analysis described above.

 

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Results of Operations

 

Year ended December 31, 2021 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2020

 

Revenue

 

Rental and other property revenues increased $6.7 million, or 262%, to $9.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 as compared to $2.6 million for the same prior year period. This was due to a $6.5 million increase from the acquisition of eighteen investments in 2021 and a $0.2 million increase from Navigator Villas.

 

Interest income from loan investments increased $1.4 million, or 45%, to $4.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 as compared to $3.1 million for the same prior year period primarily due to an increase in the average outstanding balance of The Hartley at Blue Hill in 2021.

 

Expenses

 

Property operating expenses increased $2.3 million, or 262%, to $3.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 as compared to $0.9 million for the same prior year period. This was primarily due to a $2.2 million increase from the acquisition of investments in 2021 and a $0.1 million increase from Navigator Villas. Property NOI margins remained flat at 65.2% of total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020. Property NOI margins are computed as total property revenues less property operating expenses, divided by total property revenues.

 

Property management fees expense increased $0.5 million, or 613%, to $0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 as compared to $0.1 million in the same prior year period. Property management fees incurred are based on property level revenues; an increase in property management fees was due to the increase in rental and other property revenues.

 

General and administrative expenses increased $1.9 million, or 167%, to $3.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 as compared to $1.2 million for the same prior year period.

 

Depreciation and amortization expenses increased $4.0 million, or 215%, to $5.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 as compared to $1.9 million for the same prior year period. This was due to a $4.5 million increase from the acquisition of investments in 2021 partially offset by a $0.5 million decrease from Navigator Villas.

 

Other Income and Expense

 

Other income and expense amounted to net expense of $0.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to net expense of $2.4 million for the same prior year period. This was primarily due to an increase in preferred returns on unconsolidated real estate joint ventures of $1.1 million, a decrease of $0.3 million in interest expense, and an increase in other income of $0.3 million.

  

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Liquidity is a measure of our ability to meet potential cash requirements, both short- and long-term. Our primary short-term liquidity requirements historically have related to (a) our operating expenses and other general business needs, (b) acquisition of properties, (c) committed investments and capital requirements to fund development and renovations at existing properties, (d) ongoing commitments to repay borrowings, including our expected future credit facility and our maturing short-term debt, and (e) distributions to stockholders.

 

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Our ability to access capital on favorable terms as well as to use cash from operations to continue to meet our short-term liquidity needs could be affected by various risks and uncertainties, including the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and other risks detailed in “Risk Factors.”

 

In 2020, the Company had provided rent deferral payment plans as a result of hardships certain tenants experienced due to the impact of Covid-19, decreasing from 1% in the quarter ended June 30, 2020 to no payment plans in the year ended December 31, 2021. Although the Company could receive tenant requests for rent deferrals in the coming months, the Company does not expect to waive its contractual rights under its lease agreements. Further, while occupancy remains strong at 93.3% as of December 31, 2021, in future periods, the Company may experience reduced levels of tenant retention as well as reduced foot traffic and lease applications from prospective tenants resulting from the impact of Covid-19.

 

In general, we believe our available cash balances, cash flows from operations, proceeds from an expected future $[   ] million revolving credit facility dedicated to single family residential home investments, proceeds from future mortgage debt financings for acquisition and/or development projects, and other financing arrangements will be sufficient to fund our liquidity requirements and growth capital for the next 12 months. In general, we expect that our results related to our existing portfolio will improve in future periods as a result of anticipated future investments in and acquisitions of single-family residential properties and build-to-rent development properties. However, there can be no assurance that the worldwide economic disruptions arising from the Covid-19 pandemic will not cause conditions in the lending, capital and other financial markets to deteriorate, nor that our future revenues or access to capital and other sources of funding will not become constrained, which could reduce the amount of liquidity and credit available for use in acquiring and further diversifying our portfolio of Single-Family Properties. We cannot provide any assurances that we will be able to add properties to our portfolio at the anticipated pace, or at all.

  

We believe we will be able to meet our primary liquidity requirements going forward through, among other sources:

 

·$128.9 million in cash available at December 31, 2021;

 

·proceeds from an expected $[     ] million revolving credit facility dedicated to single family residential investments;

 

·proceeds from future mortgage debt financings for acquisition and/or development projects; and

 

·cash generated from operating activities.

 

Only 8.0%, or $4.9 million, of our mortgage debt is maturing within twelve months.

 

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At the current time, we do not anticipate the need to establish any material contingency reserves related to the Covid-19 pandemic, but we continue to assess along with our network of business partners the possible need for such contingencies, whether at the corporate or property level.

 

As equity capital market conditions permit, we may supplement our capital for short-term liquidity needs with proceeds of potential offerings of common and preferred stock through underwritten offerings, as well as issuance of OP units. Given the significant volatility in the trading price of REIT equities generally associated with the Covid-19 pandemic and our otherwise stable financial condition and liquidity position, we cannot provide assurances that these offerings are a likely source of capital to meet short-term liquidity needs.

 

Our primary long-term liquidity requirements relate to (a) costs for additional single-family residential home investments (including build-to-rent development properties), (b) repayment of long-term debt and our expected future credit facility, and (c) capital expenditures.

 

We intend to finance our long-term liquidity requirements with net proceeds of additional issuances of common and preferred stock, an expected future credit facility, as well as future acquisition or project-based borrowings. Our success in meeting these requirements will therefore depend upon our ability to access capital. Further, our ability to access equity capital is dependent upon, among other things, general market conditions for REITs and the capital markets generally, market perceptions about us and our asset class, and current trading prices of our securities, all of which may continue to be adversely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

We may also meet our long-term liquidity needs through borrowings from a number of sources, either at the corporate or project level. We believe an expected future $[         ] million revolving credit facility will serve as our primary debt source that will continue to enable us to deploy our capital more efficiently and provide capital structure flexibility as we grow our asset base. In addition to restrictive covenants, our expected future credit facility will contain material financial covenants. We will continue to monitor the debt markets, including Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and as market conditions permit, access borrowings that are advantageous to us.

 

If we are unable to obtain financing on favorable terms or at all, we would likely need to curtail our investment activities, including acquisitions and improvements to and developments of, real properties, which could limit our growth prospects. This, in turn, could reduce cash available for distribution to our stockholders and may hinder our ability to raise capital by issuing more securities or borrowing more money. We also may be forced to dispose of assets at inopportune times to maintain our REIT qualification and Investment Company Act exemption.

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

 

As of December 31, 2021, we held twenty-seven real estate investments, consisting of nineteen consolidated operating investments and eight investments held through preferred equity and loan investments. During the year ended December 31, 2021, net cash provided by operating activities was $8.4 million after net income of $0.3 million was adjusted for the following:

 

·non-cash items of $4.7 million;

 

·distributions and preferred returns from unconsolidated joint ventures of $1.6 million; and

 

·an increase in operating assets and liabilities of $1.8 million.

 

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Cash Flows from Investing Activities

 

During the year ended December 31, 2021, net cash used in investing activities was $289.0 million, primarily due to the following:

 

·$254.9 million used in acquiring consolidated real estate investments;

 

·$39.6 million used for investments in unconsolidated real estate joint venture interests; and

 

·$1.0 million used on capital expenditures; partially offset by:

 

·$6.5 million of proceeds from the redemption of unconsolidated real estate joint ventures.

  

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

 

During the year end December 31, 2021, net cash provided by financing activities was $375.7 million, primarily due to the following:

 

·$385.4 million from changes in Bluerock Homes investment;

 

·$30.0 million of proceeds from credit facilities;

 

·capital contributions of $21.9 million from noncontrolling interests;

 

·net borrowings of $2.6 million on mortgages payable; and

 

·$0.6 million in increase of distribution payable; partially offset by:

 

·$63.0 million of repayments on credit facilities;

 

·$1.2 million increase in deferred financing costs;

 

·$0.3 million of repayments of our mortgages payable; and

 

·$0.3 million in distributions paid to our noncontrolling interests.

  

Expected Future $[   ] Million Revolving Credit Facility

 

During Q1 2022 we anticipate entering into a $[   ] million revolving credit facility dedicated to future single family residential home investments with one of our joint venture partners. This facility is in negotiation and is expected to conform with and contain standard industry terms and conditions.

 

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Mortgages Payable

 

ILE Mortgage Payable

 

On October 4, 2021, the Company acquired debt held through five separate credit agreements, each of which is secured by the property. Of the $26.8 million principal balance, $7.5 million held through two credit agreements requires monthly payments of principal and interest, while the remaining principal balance of $19.3 million held through three credit agreements has monthly payments that are currently interest-only. The five credit agreements have maturity dates ranging from 2022 to 2026 and bear interest at one-month LIBOR or prime rate + margins ranging from 0.50% to 3.00%, subject to rate floors, and have current interest rates ranging from 3.50% to 4.25% with a weighted average interest rate of 3.78% as of December 31, 2021.

 

Navigator Villas Mortgage Payable

 

On December 18, 2019, the Company assumed a mortgage loan with a principal balance of $14.8 million and entered into a supplemental loan of $5.7 million with both loans secured by Navigator Villas. The mortgage loan and supplemental loan bear interest at fixed rates of 4.31% and 5.23%, respectively. The loans mature on June 1, 2028 and require interest-only payments through June 2021 with future monthly payments based on thirty-year amortization. After November 30, 2027, each loan may be prepaid without penalty or yield maintenance.

 

Yauger Park Villas Mortgage Payable

 

On April 14, 2021, the Company assumed a mortgage loan with a principal balance of $10.5 million and entered into a supplemental loan of $4.6 million with both loans secured by Yauger Park Villas. The mortgage loan and supplemental loan bear interest at fixed rates of 4.81% and 4.96%, respectively. The loans mature on April 1, 2026, and require fixed monthly payments based on thirty-year amortization. After December 30, 2025, each loan may be prepaid without penalty or yield maintenance.

 

Deferred Financing Costs

 

Costs incurred in obtaining long-term financing and the revolving credit facility are amortized on a straight-line basis to interest expense over the terms of the related financing agreements, as applicable, which approximates the effective interest method. Amortization of deferred financing costs, including the amounts related to the revolving credit facilities, was $1.0 million and $1.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

  

Fair Value Adjustments of Debt

 

The Company records a fair value adjustment based upon the fair value of the loans on the date they were assumed in conjunction with acquisitions. The fair value adjustments are being amortized to interest expense over the remaining life of the loans. Amortization of fair value adjustments was $0.4 million and $0.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

  

Debt Maturities

 

As of December 31, 2021, contractual principal payments for the five subsequent years and thereafter are as follows (amounts in thousands):

 

Year 

 

Total 

 
2022  $4,949 
2023   1,769 
2024   3,468 
2025   1,848 
2026   31,478 
Thereafter    18,595 
   $62,107 
Add:  Unamortized fair value debt adjustment    1,555 
Subtract:  Deferred financing costs, net    (655)
Total   $

63,007

 

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The mortgage loans encumbering the Company’s property are nonrecourse, subject to certain exceptions for which the Company would be liable for any resulting losses incurred by the lender. These exceptions generally include fraud or a material misrepresentation, misstatement or omission by the borrower, intentional or grossly negligent conduct by the borrower that harms the property or results in a loss to the lender, filing of a bankruptcy petition by the borrower, either directly or indirectly, and certain environmental liabilities. In addition, upon the occurrence of certain events, such as fraud or filing of a bankruptcy petition by the borrower, the Company or our joint ventures would be liable for the entire outstanding balance of the loan, all interest accrued thereon and certain other costs, including penalties and expenses. The mortgage loans have a period where a prepayment fee or yield maintenance is required.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2021 which consisted of mortgage notes secured by our properties. At December 31, 2021, our estimated future required payments on these obligations were as follows (amounts in thousands):

 

   Total   2022   2023   2024   2025   2026   Thereafter 
Mortgages Payable (Principal)   $62,107   $4,949   $1,769   $3,468   $1,848   $31,478   $18,595 
Estimated Interest Payments on Mortgages Payable    12,361    2,620    2,459    2,391    2,243    1,375    1,273 
Total   $74,468   $7,569   $4,228   $5,859   $4,091   $32,853   $19,868 

 

Estimated interest payments are based on the stated rates for mortgage notes payable assuming the interest rate in effect for the most recent quarter remains in effect through the respective maturity dates.

 

Capital Expenditures

 

Our total capital expenditures for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 were $1.9 million. We generally incur three types of capital expenditures.

 

(1)Redevelopment and renovation costs are non-recurring capital expenditures for significant projects that are revenue enhancing through unit, such as kitchen remodels, or in some instances, properties may have common area upgrades, such as clubhouse renovations.

  

(2)Routine capital expenditures are necessary non-revenue generating improvements that extend the useful life of the property and are less frequent in nature, such as roof repairs and asphalt resurfacing.

 

(3)Normally recurring capital expenditures are necessary non-revenue generating improvements that occur on a regular ongoing basis, such as carpet and appliances.

 

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Non-GAAP Financial Measures

 

Funds from Operations and Core Funds from Operations Attributable to Common Stockholders and Unitholders

 

We believe that funds from operations (“FFO”), as defined by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (“NAREIT”), and core funds from operations (“CFFO”) are important non-GAAP supplemental measures of operating performance for a REIT.

 

FFO attributable to common stockholders and unitholders is a non-GAAP financial measure that is widely recognized as a measure of REIT operating performance. We consider FFO to be an appropriate supplemental measure of our operating performance as it is based on a net income analysis of property portfolio performance that excludes non-cash items such as depreciation. The historical accounting convention used for real estate assets requires straight-line depreciation of buildings and improvements, which implies that the value of real estate assets diminishes predictably over time. Since real estate values historically rise and fall with market conditions, presentations of operating results for a REIT, using historical accounting for depreciation, could be less informative. We define FFO, consistent with the NAREIT definition, as net income (loss), computed in accordance with GAAP, excluding gains or losses on sales of depreciable real estate property, plus depreciation and amortization of real estate assets, plus impairment write-downs of certain real estate assets and investments in entities where the impairment is directly attributable to decreases in the value of depreciable real estate held by the entity, and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures. Adjustments for notes receivable, unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures will be calculated to reflect FFO on the same basis.

 

CFFO makes certain adjustments to FFO, removing the effect of items that do not reflect ongoing property operations such as acquisition expenses, non-cash interest expense, unrealized gains or losses on derivatives, losses on extinguishment of debt and debt modification costs (includes prepayment penalties incurred and the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs and fair market value adjustments of assumed debt), one-time weather-related costs, non-cash equity compensation and preferred stock accretion. We do not deduct the accrued portion of the preferred income on our preferred equity investments from FFO to determine CFFO as the income is deemed fully collectible. The accrued portion of the income totaled $2.6 million and $1.0 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. We believe that CFFO is helpful to investors as a supplemental performance measure because it excludes the effects of certain items which can create significant earnings volatility, but which do not directly relate to our core recurring property operations. As a result, we believe that CFFO can help facilitate comparisons of operating performance between periods and provides a more meaningful predictor of future earnings potential.

 

Our calculation of CFFO differs from the methodology used for calculating CFFO by certain other REITs and, accordingly, our CFFO may not be comparable to CFFO reported by other REITs. Our management utilizes FFO and CFFO as measures of our operating performance after adjustment for certain non-cash items, such as depreciation and amortization expenses, and acquisition and pursuit costs that are required by GAAP to be expensed but may not necessarily be indicative of current operating performance and that may not accurately compare our operating performance between periods. Furthermore, although FFO and CFFO and other supplemental performance measures are defined in various ways throughout the REIT industry, we also believe that FFO and CFFO may provide us and our stockholders with an additional useful measure to compare our financial performance to certain other REITs.

 

Neither FFO nor CFFO is equivalent to net income (loss), including net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders, or cash generated from operating activities determined in accordance with GAAP. Furthermore, FFO and CFFO do not represent amounts available for management’s discretionary use because of needed capital replacement or expansion, debt service obligations or other commitments or uncertainties. Neither FFO nor CFFO should be considered as an alternative to net income (loss), including net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders, as an indicator of our operating performance or as an alternative to cash flow from operating activities as a measure of our liquidity.

 

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The results presented in the table below are not directly comparable and should not be considered an indication of our future operating performance.

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2021   2020 
Net income (loss) attributable to Bluerock Homes   $918   $(694)
Bluerock Homes’ pro-rata share of:          
Real estate depreciation and amortization    4,715    1,523 
FFO attributable to Bluerock Homes    5,633    829 
Bluerock Homes’ pro-rata share of:          
Non-cash interest expense    758    265 
Non-real estate depreciation and amortization    185    184 
Non-recurring income   (248)    
Non-cash equity compensation    1,357    158 
Provision for credit losses    47    85 
CFFO Attributable to Bluerock Homes   $7,732   $1,521 

  

Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization for Real Estate (“EBITDAre”)

 

NAREIT defines earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization for real estate (“EBITDAre”) (September 2017 White Paper) as net income (loss), computed in accordance with GAAP, before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization expense, and further adjusted for gains and losses from sales of depreciated operating properties, and impairment write-downs of depreciated operating properties. We consider EBITDAre to be an appropriate supplemental measure of our performance because it eliminates depreciation, income taxes, interest and non-recurring items, which permits investors to view income from operations unobscured by non-cash items such as depreciation, amortization, the cost of debt or non-recurring items. EBITDAre is not a recognized measurement under GAAP. Because not all companies use identical calculations, our presentation of EBITDAre may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Below is a reconciliation of net income attributable to common stockholders to EBITDAre (unaudited and dollars in thousands).

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2021   2020 
Net income (loss) attributable to Bluerock Homes   $918   $(694)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests   (630)   (85)
Interest expense, net    2,915    3,193 
Real Estate depreciation and amortization    5,676    1,677 
EBITDAre   $8,879   $4,091 

  

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Net Operating Income

 

We believe that net operating income (“NOI”), is a useful measure of our operating performance. We define NOI as total property revenues less total property operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization and interest. Other REITs may use different methodologies for calculating NOI, and accordingly, our NOI may not be comparable to other REITs. NOI also is a computation made by analysts and investors to measure a real estate company’s operating performance.

 

We believe that this measure provides an operating perspective not immediately apparent from GAAP operating income or net income. NOI allows us to evaluate the operating performance of our properties because it measures the core operations of property performance by excluding corporate level expenses and other items not related to property operating performance and captures trends in rental housing and property operating expenses.

 

However, NOI should only be used as a supplemental measure of our financial performance. The following table reflects net loss attributable to common stockholders together with a reconciliation to NOI, as computed in accordance with GAAP for the period presented (amounts in thousands):

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2021   2020 
Net income (loss) attributable to Bluerock Homes   $918   $(694)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests:   (630)   (85)
Real estate depreciation and amortization    5,676    1,677 
Non-real estate depreciation and amortization    185    184 
Non-cash interest expense    747    266 
Provision for credit losses    47    85 
Property management fees    551    77 
Corporate operating expenses    3,063    1,148 
Other income:   (250)    
Preferred returns on unconsolidated real estate joint ventures    (1,974)   (839)
Interest income from loan investments    (4,452)   (3,077)
Total property income    3,881    (1,258)
Add:  Interest expense    2,168    2,927 
Net operating income   $3,881   $1,669 

  

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BUSINESS AND PROPERTIES

 

Our Company

 

We are an externally managed REIT formed to assemble a portfolio of infill first-ring suburban single-family rental homes in knowledge-economy and high quality of life growth markets across the United States, targeting middle-market single-family home renters. Our principal business objective is to generate attractive risk-adjusted investment returns by assembling a portfolio of pre-existing single-family rental homes and developing build-to-rent communities.

 

Our target renter pool includes the large cohort of rental-biased millennials, among others, who are reaching their peak household-formation age, have a bias for renting for lifestyle or flexibility reasons, and/or who do not want or cannot afford the upfront and ongoing financial commitments of home ownership.

 

Our target markets are generally the knowledge-economy and high quality of life regions of the Sunbelt and the West, which we expect should have healthy long-term demand fundamentals for single-family rentals. In addition, we believe that our moderate initial rent price points will deliver durable income streams with relatively low turnover, and with potential for upside growth over time.

 

We utilize two primary investment strategies to drive growth in FFO and NAV to maximize returns to our investors:

 

·Scattered-Site Aggregation – Aggregation of single-asset and small portfolios of scattered-site homes at above market unlevered yields relative to private and public market valuations; and

 

·Build-to-Rent Development – Development of Build-to-Rent communities at attractive, stabilized, unlevered yields.

 

In addition, we utilize a number of strategies to improve property performance, including performing value-add renovations, implementing institutional property management approaches and leveraging our technology-aided platform. See “—Growth Strategies.”

 

We invest primarily through control positions in joint ventures (typically with a 90% economic interest in the joint venture) with a network of established private, regional owner-operators in proprietary, off-market transactions across a broad market footprint, enabling us to execute our strategies across multiple markets and strategies. Where appropriate, we may seek to increase our ownership of the venture to 100%, subsequent to the execution of the initial business plan for each property.

 

We were formed in 2021 as a Maryland corporation and intend to elect to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes beginning with our taxable year ending December 31, 2022.

 

Our Portfolio

 

Our portfolio consists of scattered-site single-family homes and build-to-rent communities. We generally target scattered-site single-family homes that are between 15 and 40 years old located in first ring suburban markets with quality school systems and direct access to large metropolitan areas. Our scattered-site single-family homes are typically a core part of our aggregation strategy and our value-add renovation strategy. We source potential investments in scattered-site single-family homes through a variety of channels, including our existing relationships and those developed by our network, real estate brokers, auctions and marketed portfolio sales. Our build-to-rent communities are typically developed by our partners with expertise in development utilizing capital which we provide in a variety of structures, including through common equity, preferred equity and mezzanine loans. Our build-to-rent communities are typically located in first ring suburban markets as part of a larger community with other rental homes. These homes are specifically designed to be rented and are typically amenitized with larger floorplans ranging between two and four bedrooms and consist of both attached and detached homes.

 

As of December 31, 2021, our portfolio consisted of interests in approximately 3,800 homes, comprised of 1,800 operating homes, of which roughly 1,400 and 400 are scattered-site and build-to-rent, respectively, as well as 2,000 additional homes held through preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments, of which 500 are stabilized and 1,500 are under development. As of December 31, 2021, our properties, exclusive of our development properties, were approximately 93% occupied. All properties were leased on twelve month terms. Although certain properties have planned renovations, most properties are rent ready and will not require renovations to be rent ready.

  

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Summary detail of our existing portfolio as of December 31, 2021 is as follows:

 

 

Name  Type  Location   

Average Year
Built

  

Ownership
Interest

  

Occupancy

  

Units

  

Average
Rent

   Initial
Purchase Date
 

Purchase
Price

   

Rentable
Square
Footage

  

Rentable
Square
Foot
per Unit

         
Operating Properties                                                     
Build-to-Rent                                                     
Navigator Villas   BTR  Pasco, WA   2013   90%  96.0%  176   $1,278   12/18/2019  $28,500,000    173,444   958         
Springtown 2.0   BTR  Springtown, TX   2018   80%  92.9%  14    1,416   10/26/2021   2,985,000    22,456   1,604         
Wayford at Concord   BTR  Concord, NC   2019   83%  94.7%  150    1,936   6/4/2021   44,437,500    216,450   1,443         
Yauger Park Villas   BTR  Olympia, WA   2010   95%  98.8%  80    2,085   4/14/2021   24,500,000    97,887   1,224         
Sub-Total                      420            100,422,500                  
Scattered Site - Clustered                                                     
Axelrod   Scattered  Garland, TX   1959   80%  100.0%  22    1,355   10/5/2021   4,133,390    30,988   1,409         
DFW 189   Scattered  Dallas-Fort Worth, TX   1962   56%  98.4