BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

12 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2011

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

NOTE 2 . BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of IRET and all subsidiaries in which it maintains a controlling interest. All intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. The Company's fiscal year ends April 30th.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of IRET and its general partnership interest in the Operating Partnership. The Company's interest in the Operating Partnership was 80.1% and 78.7%, respectively, as of April 30, 2011 and 2010, which includes 100% of the general partnership interest. The limited partners have a redemption option that they may exercise. Upon exercise of the redemption option by the limited partners, IRET has the option of redeeming the limited partners' interests ("Units") for IRET common shares of beneficial interest, on a one-for-one basis, or for cash payment to the unitholder. The redemption generally may be exercised by the limited partners at any time after the first anniversary of the date of the acquisition of the Units (provided, however, that not more than two redemptions by a limited partner may occur during each calendar year, and each limited partner may not exercise the redemption for less than 1,000 Units, or, if such limited partner holds less than 1,000 Units, for all of the Units held by such limited partner). Some limited partners have contractually agreed to a holding period of greater than one year.

The consolidated financial statements also reflect the ownership by the Operating Partnership of certain joint venture entities in which the Operating Partnership has a general partner or controlling interest. These entities are consolidated into IRET's other operations with noncontrolling interests reflecting the noncontrolling partners' share of ownership and income and expenses.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In January 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued an update to the guidance contained in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 310, Receivables.  The new guidance requires companies to provide more information about the credit quality of their financing receivables in the disclosures to financial statements including, but not limited to, significant purchases and sales of financing receivables, aging information and credit quality indicators. The adoption of this accounting guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

2011 Annual Report F-8

NOTE 2 . continued

In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-06, Improving Disclosures About Fair Value ("ASU 2010-06"), which requires new disclosures about fair value measurements. Specifically, a reporting entity should disclose separately the amounts of significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements and describe the reasons for the transfers. Additionally, the reconciliation for Level 3 fair value measurements should present separately information about purchasers, sales, issuances and settlements. To date, the Company has not had any transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements, nor does it have any Level 3 fair value measurements. Therefore, ASU 2010-06 did not have any impact on the fair value disclosures included in the Company's consolidated financial statements.

USE OF ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America 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.

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS

Real estate investments are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation and an adjustment for impairment, if any. Acquisitions of real estate investments are recorded based upon preliminary allocations of the purchase price which are subject to adjustment as additional information is obtained, but in no case more than one year after the date of acquisition. The Company allocates the purchase price based on the relative fair values of the tangible and intangible assets of an acquired property (which includes the land, building, and personal property) which are determined by valuing the property as if it were vacant and to fair value of the intangible assets (which include in-place leases.) The as-if-vacant value is allocated to land, buildings, and personal property based on management's determination of the relative fair values of these assets. The estimated fair value of the property is the amount that would be recoverable upon the disposition of the property. Techniques used to estimate fair value include discounted cash flow analysis and reference to recent sales of comparables. A land value is assigned based on the purchase price if land is acquired separately or based on estimated fair value if acquired in a merger or in a single or portfolio acquisition.

Above-market and below-market in-place lease intangibles for acquired properties are recorded at fair value based on the present value (using an interest rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the in-place leases and (ii) management's estimate of market lease rates for the corresponding in-place leases, measured over a period equal to the remaining non-cancelable term of the lease.

Other intangible assets acquired include amounts for in-place lease values that are based upon the Company's evaluation of the specific characteristics of the leases. Factors considered in the fair value analysis include an estimate of carrying costs and foregone rental income during hypothetical expected lease-up periods, considering current market conditions, and costs to execute similar leases. The Company also considers information about each property obtained during its pre-acquisition due diligence, marketing and leasing activities in estimating the relative fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired.

Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The Company uses a 20-40 year estimated life for buildings and improvements and a 5-12 year estimated life for furniture, fixtures and equipment.

Expenditures for ordinary maintenance and repairs are expensed to operations as incurred. Renovations and improvements that improve and/or extend the useful life of the asset are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful life, generally five to ten years. Property sales or dispositions are recorded when title transfers and sufficient consideration has been received by the Company and the Company has no significant involvement with the property sold.

The Company periodically evaluates its long-lived assets, including its investments in real estate, for impairment indicators. The judgments regarding the existence of impairment indicators are based on factors such as operational

2011 Annual Report F-9

NOTE 2 . continued

performance, market conditions, expected holding period of each asset and legal and environmental concerns. If indicators exist, the Company compares the expected future undiscounted cash flows for the long-lived asset against the carrying amount of that asset. If the sum of the estimated undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recorded for the difference between the estimated fair value and the carrying amount of the asset. If our anticipated holding period for properties, the estimated fair value of properties or other factors change based on market conditions or otherwise, our evaluation of impairment charges may be different and such differences could be material to our consolidated financial statements. The evaluation of anticipated cash flows is subjective and is based, in part, on assumptions regarding future occupancy, rental rates and capital requirements that could differ materially from actual results. Plans to hold properties over longer periods decrease the likelihood of recording impairment losses. No impairment losses were recorded in fiscal year 2011.  During fiscal year 2010, the Company incurred a loss of $1.7 million due to impairment of three properties. The Company recorded a charge for impairment of approximately $818,000 on a commercial retail property in Ladysmith, Wisconsin, based upon receipt of a market offer to purchase and the Company's probable intention to dispose of the property. The Company recorded a charge for impairment of approximately $152,000 on its former headquarters building in Minot, North Dakota, based upon receipt and acceptance of a market offer to purchase. These two properties were subsequently sold and the related impairment charges for fiscal year 2010 are reported in discontinued operations. See Note 12 for additional information. The Company also recorded an impairment charge of approximately $708,000 on a commercial retail property located in Kentwood, Michigan, in fiscal year 2010.  This property's tenant vacated the premises but continued to pay rent under a lease agreement that expired on October 29, 2010.  Broker representations and market data for this commercial retail property provided the basis for the impairment charge. During fiscal year 2009,  the Company incurred a loss of approximately $338,000 due to impairment of the property formerly used as IRET's Minot headquarters. This property was subsequently sold and the related impairment charge for fiscal year 2009 is reported in discontinued operations. See Note 12 for additional information.

REAL ESTATE HELD FOR SALE

Real estate held for sale is stated at the lower of its carrying amount or estimated fair value less disposal costs. Depreciation is not recorded on assets classified as held for sale.

The application of current accounting principles that govern the classification of any of our properties as held-for-sale on the balance sheet requires management to make certain significant judgments. The Company makes a determination as to the point in time that it is probable that a sale will be consummated. It is not unusual for real estate sales contracts to allow potential buyers a period of time to evaluate the property prior to formal acceptance of the contract. In addition, certain other matters critical to the final sale, such as financing arrangements, often remain pending even upon contract acceptance. As a result, properties under contract may not close within the expected time period, or may not close at all. Due to these uncertainties, it is not likely that the Company can meet the criteria of the current accounting principles governing the classification of properties as held-for-sale prior to a sale formally closing. Therefore, any properties categorized as held-for-sale represent only those properties that management has determined are probable to close within the requirements set forth in current accounting principles.

The Company reports, in discontinued operations, the results of operations of a property that has either been disposed of or is classified as held for sale and the related gains or losses.

IDENTIFIED INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AND GOODWILL

Upon acquisition of real estate, the Company records the intangible assets and liabilities acquired (for example, if the leases in place for the real estate property acquired carry rents above the market rent, the difference is classified as an intangible asset) at their estimated fair value separate and apart from goodwill.  The Company amortizes identified intangible assets and liabilities that are determined to have finite lives based on the period over which the assets and liabilities are expected to affect, directly or indirectly, the future cash flows of the real estate property acquired (generally the life of the lease).  In the twelve months ended April 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, the Company added approximately $6.5 million and $7.5 million of new intangible assets and $32,000 and $20,000 of new intangible liabilities. The weighted average lives of the intangible assets and intangible liabilities acquired in the twelve months ended April 30, 2011 and 2010 are 9.5 years and 17.4 years, respectively.  Amortization of

2011 Annual Report F-10

NOTE 2 . continued

intangibles related to above or below-market leases is recorded in real estate rentals in the consolidated statements of operations. Amortization of other intangibles is recorded in depreciation/amortization related to real estate investments in the consolidated statements of operations. Intangible assets subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable.  An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of an intangible asset is not recoverable and its carrying amount exceeds its estimated fair value.

The Company's identified intangible assets and intangible liabilities at April 30, 2011 and 2010 were as follows:

	(in thousands)
	April 30, 2011			April 30, 2010
Identified intangible assets (included in intangible assets):
Gross carrying amount	$	91,986		$	90,271
Accumulated amortization		(42,154	)		(39,571	)
Net carrying amount	$	49,832		$	50,700
Indentified intangible liabilities (included in other liabilities):
Gross carrying amount	$	1,104		$	1,260
Accumulated amortization		(900	)		(940	)
Net carrying amount	$	204		$	320

The effect of amortization of acquired below-market leases and acquired above-market leases on rental income was approximately $(72,000) and $(45,000) for the twelve months ended April 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The estimated annual amortization of acquired below-market leases, net of acquired above-market leases for each of the five succeeding fiscal years is as follows:

Year Ended April 30,	(in thousands)
2012	$	45
2013		32
2014		35
2015		18
2016		14

Amortization of all other identified intangible assets (a component of depreciation/amortization related to real estate investments) was $7.1 million and $8.7 million for the twelve months ended April 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The estimated annual amortization of all other identified intangible assets for each of the five succeeding fiscal years is as follows:

Year Ended April 30,	(in thousands)
2012	$	5,521
2013		4,546
2014		4,140
2015		3,783
2016		3,566

The excess of the cost of an acquired business over the net of the amounts assigned to assets acquired (including identified intangible assets) and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. The Company's goodwill has an indeterminate life and is not amortized, but is tested for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. Goodwill book values as of April 30, 2011 and 2010 were $1.1 million and $1.4 million, respectively. The annual reviews of goodwill compared the fair value of the business units that have been assigned goodwill to their carrying value (investment cost less accumulated depreciation), with the results for these periods indicating no impairment. In fiscal year 2011 the Company disposed of four multi-family residential properties that had goodwill assigned, and as result, approximately $261,000 of goodwill was derecognized.

2011 Annual Report F-11

NOTE 2 . continued

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment consists of the equipment contained at IRET's headquarters in Minot, North Dakota, a corporate office in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and additional property management offices in Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota. The balance sheet reflects these assets at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. As of April 30, 2011 and 2010, the cost was $2.9 million and $2.3 million, respectively. Accumulated depreciation was approximately $1.2 million and $924,000 as of April 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

MORTGAGE LOANS RECEIVABLE

Mortgage loans receivable (which include contracts for deed) are stated at the outstanding principal balance, net of an allowance for uncollectibility. Interest income is accrued and reflected in the balance sheet. Non-performing loans are recognized as impaired. The Company evaluates the collectibility of both interest and principal of each of its loans, if circumstances warrant, to determine whether the loan is impaired. A loan is considered to be impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the existing contractual terms. An allowance is recorded to reduce impaired loans to their estimated fair value. Interest on impaired loans is recognized on a cash basis.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash and cash equivalents include all cash and highly liquid investments purchased with maturities of three months or less. Cash and cash equivalents consist of the Company's bank deposits and short-term investment certificates acquired subject to repurchase agreements, and the Company's deposits in a money market mutual fund.

COMPENSATING BALANCES

The Company maintains compensating balances, not restricted as to withdrawal, with several financial institutions in connection with financing received from those institutions and/or to ensure future credit availability, as follows: Dacotah Bank, Minot, North Dakota, a deposit of $350,000; United Community Bank, Minot, North Dakota, deposit of $275,000; Commerce Bank, A Minnesota Banking Corporation, deposit of $250,000; First International Bank, Watford City, North Dakota, deposit of $6.0 million; Peoples State Bank of Velva, North Dakota, deposit of $150,000; Associated Bank, Green Bay, Wisconsin, deposit of $200,000, and Equity Bank, Minnetonka, Minnesota, deposit of $300,000.

MARKETABLE SECURITIES

IRET's investments in marketable securities are classified as "available-for-sale." The securities classified as "available-for-sale" represent investments in debt and equity securities which the Company intends to hold for an indefinite period of time. These securities are valued at current fair value with the resulting unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of equity until realized. GAAP establishes a valuation hierarchy for disclosure of the inputs to valuation used to measure fair value. This hierarchy prioritizes the inputs into three broad levels as follows. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs are quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly through market corroboration, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs based upon our own assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value. A financial asset or liability's classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  At April 30, 2011, our marketable securities are carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis. Fair values are determined through the use of unadjusted quoted prices in active markets, which are inputs that are classified as Level 1 in the valuation hierarchy. Gains or losses on these securities are computed based on the amortized cost of the specific securities when sold.

All securities with unrealized losses are subjected to the Company's process for identifying other-than-temporary impairments. The Company records a charge to earnings to write down to fair value securities that it deems to be other-than-temporarily impaired in the period the securities are deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired. The

2011 Annual Report F-12

NOTE 2 . continued

assessment of whether such impairment has occurred is based on management's case-by-case evaluation of theunderlying reasons for the decline in fair value. Management considers a wide range of factors in making this assessment. Those factors include, but are not limited to, the length and severity of the decline in value and changes in the credit quality of the issuer or underlying assets, as well as the Company's ability and intent to hold the security until recovery. The Company does not engage in trading activities.

ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS

Management evaluates the appropriate amount of the allowance for doubtful accounts by assessing the recoverability of individual real estate mortgage loans and rent receivables, through a comparison of their carrying amount with their estimated realizable value. Management considers tenant financial condition, credit history and current economic conditions in establishing these allowances. Receivable balances are written off when deemed uncollectible. Recoveries of receivables previously written off, if any, are recorded when received. A summary of the changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts for fiscal years ended April 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009 is as follows:

	(in thousands)
	2011			2010			2009
Balance at beginning of year	$	1,172		$	1,131		$	1,264
Provision		733			1,399			2,472
Write-off		(589	)		(1,358	)		(2,605	)
Balance at close of year	$	1,316		$	1,172		$	1,131

TAX, INSURANCE, AND OTHER ESCROW

Tax, insurance, and other escrow includes funds deposited with a lender for payment of real estate tax and insurance, and reserves for funds to be used for replacement of structural elements and mechanical equipment of certain projects. The funds are under the control of the lender. Disbursements are made after supplying written documentation to the lender.

REAL ESTATE DEPOSITS

Real estate deposits include funds held by escrow agents to be applied toward the purchase of real estate or the payment of loan costs associated with loan placement or refinancing.

DEFERRED LEASING AND LOAN ACQUISITION COSTS

Costs and commissions incurred in obtaining tenant leases are amortized on the straight-line method over the terms of the related leases. Costs incurred in obtaining long-term financing are amortized to interest expense over the life of the loan using the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method.

NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

Interests in the Operating Partnership held by limited partners are represented by Units. The Operating Partnership's income is allocated to holders of Units based upon the ratio of their holdings to the total Units outstanding during the period. Capital contributions, distributions, and profits and losses are allocated to noncontrolling interests in accordance with the terms of the Operating Partnership agreement.

IRET reflects noncontrolling interests in Mendota Properties LLC, IRET-Golden Jack LLC, and IRET-1715 YDR LLC on the balance sheet for the portion of properties consolidated by IRET that are not wholly owned by IRET. The earnings or losses from these properties attributable to the noncontrolling interests are reflected as net income attributable to noncontrolling interests-consolidated real estate entities in the consolidated statements of operations.

Noncontrolling interests are reported as a separate component of equity. Amounts attributable to the parent for income from continuing operations and discontinued operations are as follows:

2011 Annual Report F-13

NOTE 2 . continued

	(in thousands)
	For Years Ended April 30,
Amounts Attributable to Investors Real Estate Trust	2011			2010				2009
Income from continuing operations - Investors Real Estate Trust		$	4,111		$	4,444			$	8,284
Discontinued Operations - Investors Real Estate Trust			15,971			(443	)			242
Net income attributable to Investors Real Estate Trust		$	20,082		$	4,001			$	8,526

INCOME TAXES

IRET operates in a manner intended to enable it to continue to qualify as a REIT under Sections 856-860 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  Under those sections, a REIT which distributes at least 90% of its REIT taxable income as a dividend to its shareholders each year and which meets certain other conditions will not be taxed on that portion of its taxable income which is distributed to shareholders. For the fiscal years ended April 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company distributed in excess of 90% of its taxable income and realized capital gains from property dispositions within the prescribed time limits; accordingly, no provision has been made for federal income taxes in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. If the Company fails to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, the Company will be subject to federal income tax on its taxable income at regular corporate rates (including any alternative minimum tax) and may not be able to qualify as a REIT for the four subsequent taxable years.  Even as a REIT, the Company may be subject to certain state and local income and property taxes, and to federal income and excise taxes on undistributed taxable income.  In general, however, if the Company qualifies as a REIT, no provisions for federal income taxes are necessary except for taxes on undistributed REIT taxable income and taxes on the income generated by a taxable REIT subsidiary (TRS).

The Company has one TRS, acquired during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2010, which is subject to corporate federal and state income taxes on its taxable income at regular statutory rates.  For fiscal years 2011 and 2010, the Company's TRS had a net operating loss.  There were no income tax provisions or material deferred income tax items for our TRS for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2011 and 2010.  The Company's TRS is the tenant in the Company's Wyoming assisted living facilities.

IRET conducts its business activity as an Umbrella Partnership Real Estate Investment Trust ("UPREIT") through its Operating Partnership. UPREIT status allows IRET to accept the contribution of real estate in exchange for Units. Generally, such a contribution to a limited partnership allows for the deferral of gain by an owner of appreciated real estate.

Distributions for the calendar year ended December 31, 2010 were characterized, for federal income tax purposes, as 28.53% ordinary income and 71.47% return of capital.

REVENUE RECOGNITION

Residential rental properties are leased under operating leases with terms generally of one year or less. Commercial properties are leased under operating leases to tenants for various terms generally exceeding one year. Lease terms often include renewal options. Rental revenue is recognized on the straight-line basis, which averages minimum required rents over the terms of the leases. Rents recognized in advance of collection are reflected as receivable arising from straight-lining of rents, net of allowance for doubtful accounts.  Rent concessions, including free rent, are amortized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the related leases.

Reimbursements from tenants for real estate taxes and other recoverable operating expenses are recognized as revenue in the period the applicable expenditures are incurred. IRET receives payments for these reimbursements from substantially all of its multi-tenant commercial tenants throughout the year.

2011 Annual Report F-14

NOTE 2 . continued

A number of the commercial leases provide for a base rent plus a percentage rent based on gross sales in excess of a stipulated amount. These percentage rents are recorded once the required sales level is achieved.

Interest on mortgage loans receivable is recognized in income as it accrues during the period the loan is outstanding. In the case of non-performing loans, income is recognized as discussed above in the Mortgage Loans Receivable section of this Note 2.

NET INCOME PER SHARE

Basic net income per share is computed as net income available to common shareholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. The Company has no potentially dilutive financial interests; the potential exchange of Units for common shares will have no effect on net income per share because Unitholders and common shareholders effectively share equally in the net income of the Operating Partnership.