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Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

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FY2009 Annual Report · Washington Real Estate Investment Trust
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2009 Annual Report

years

Founded in 1960, WRIT is the oldest publicly traded REIT formed under the landmark Real Estate Investment Trust Act. 

Since then, we have grown to encompass 90 income-producing 
properties—all in the nation’s top real estate market. 

Washington Real Estate Investment Trust (WRIT) is celebrating its 50th year as a self-administered, self-managed, equity real estate 
investment trust. We invest in a diversified portfolio of income-producing properties in five key segments—all in the Greater 
Washington, D.C. region and within easy reach of our headquarters. This local focus and diversified strategy has proven successful  
through five decades of performance in the best real estate market in the country.

A 50-year history of building value

Our history is inextricably tied to the growth 
and underlying stability of the Greater 
Washington, D.C. region. Since the 1960s, the 
redevelopment of downtown Washington, and 
the evolution of the surrounding suburbs as 
major business and transportation corridors, 
has helped fuel our growth.

DullES aIRpORT OpEnS

I-495 BElTWay IS COmplETED

ThE JOhn F. KEnnEDy CEnTER 
FOR ThE pERFORmInG aRTS  
OpEnS In WaShInGTOn, D.C.

I-66 COmplETED 

mETRORaIl SySTEm, BEGun  
In ThE laTE 1960s, OpEnS

Recession

1960s

1961
WRIT trades OTC  
as a public company

SEpTEmBER 14, 1960 
COnGRESS paSSES  
ThE REIT aCT

1960
Founding date  
november 18

1970 annual Report

Recession

Recession

1970s

1971
listed on amEX

DRp (Dividend Reinvestment plan)  
becomes available

Recession

1980s

WRIT moves to Bethesda, mD

1982 annual Report

1979
purchases 51 monroe, 
Rockville's tallest building

WRIT has consistently delivered returns to  
our shareholders through good times and bad.  
Our diversified investment strategy, a deep under-
standing of our market, and the presence of the 
federal government and its support industries have  
all contributed to our strong track record. 

B. Franklin Kahn
president and CEO
1960–1995

early 1960s  7 properties 

2

Annual Report 2009      Our History

InTERnET TaKES OFF, GIvInG RISE TO ThE 
DullES TECh CORRIDOR In nORThERn 
vIRGInIa aS a maJOR BuSInESS anD 
EmplOymEnT huB In ThE REGIOn

human GEnOmE pROJECT IS launChED, 
SpaWnInG ThE GROWTh OF ThE BIOTECh 
InDuSTRy alOnG ThE I-270 CORRIDOR In 
SuBuRBan maRylanD

mCI CEnTER OpEnS

REDSKInS mOvE TO lanDOvER STaDIum

COnGRESS paSSES ThE RECOvERy 
aCT anD, By yEaR-EnD 2009, a 
TOTal OF $12 BIllIOn IS aWaRDED 
TO maRylanD, vIRGInIa anD 
WaShInGTOn, D.C. TO STImulaTE 
ThE ECOnOmy

TEChnOlOGy/BIOTEChnOlOGy SECTOR 
SuRpaSSES ThE FEDERal GOvERnmEnT aS 
laRGEST EmplOyER In ThE REGIOn 

2007–08

Recession

1980s

1985
$75 million in assets

Recession

1987
Diversified portfolio of 27 properties 
includes business centers, shopping 
centers, and office and apartment 
buildings.

1993 annual Report

1990s

1996
moody’s and S&p assign WRIT with 
the highest credit rating of any REIT of 
its size: Baa1 and BBB+, respectively.

36-year record of total portfolio 
occupancy above 90%.

1999
January 4
WRIT trades on nySE

1984
Bradlee Shopping Center

1995
Ed Cronin becomes 
president and CEO

$195 million in assets

WRIT stock hits  
all-time high

2000sRecession

2007
George mcKenzie  
named president  
and CEO

2001 annual Report

$10,000 invested in  
WRIT in 1971, with 
dividends reinvested, 
is worth $1,789,000  
on December 31, 2001, 
outperforming all the  
major indexes.

2010 
WRIT rings 
closing bell  
on nySE 
celebrating  
50 years in 
business.

    Our History      Annual Report 2009

3

The officers and trustees of WRIT wish to 
express their gratitude to mr. Cronin for 
his leadership and vision during his tenure 
as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman 
of WRIT. mr. Cronin will step down from 
the Board at the conclusion of his term at 
the 2010 annual meeting of shareholders. 
as WRIT celebrates its 50th anniversary in 
business as the nation’s oldest real estate 
investment trust, we wish to acknowledge 
the special role mr. Cronin has played  
in bringing us the success that we have 
enjoyed for the past 15 of those 50 years.

GEORGE F. mcKEnzIE

EDmunD B. CROnIn, JR. 

Dear fellow shareholders:

as most of you know, WRIT is the oldest publicly 

traded real estate investment trust, or REIT, in  

existence and was the second one to be formed  

in 1960. This year, 2010, we proudly celebrate our 

50th birthday.

  many of our original investors or their family members continue to own shares of 

WRIT. Since our founding, we have grown consistently and prospered financially, and 

have survived through many economic cycles while many other REITs formed prior 

to 1992 no longer exist. The key to this success has been the strategic combination  

of a regional investment focus in the remarkable Greater metropolitan Washington, 

D.C. marketplace, property type diversification, conservative balance sheet manage-

ment, and experienced, locally-based leadership provided by our Board of Trustees 

and management.

  not unlike other past difficult economic periods, the WRIT strategy continues 

to serve us well during these trying times. We finished 2009 with record revenues 

and overall occupancy in excess of 93% . Despite the economic downturn, we 

achieved an average rental rate increase of 10.2% over expiring leases in our 

commercial portfolio and extended our largest tenant (the World Bank) at a very 

attractive rent increase. We also stabilized our three recently completed developments 

at over 90% leased. Currently we have no construction underway and, in the near 

term, none is planned.

In 2009, we strengthened our balance sheet and disposed of weaker assets. 

We met these goals by reducing our overall debt by $157 million and selling four 

properties, resulting in a gain of $13.3 million and an average unleveraged return on 

investment of 12% for the properties sold. Our debt rating agencies confirmed our 

Baa1/BBB+ credit ratings, which are among the highest in the REIT industry. On 

march 31st, 2010, we will distribute our 193rd consecutive dividend at equal or 

increasing levels. although we would have liked to raise our quarterly dividend as 

we have every year for the last 38 years, we did not believe an increase was prudent 

in 2009 with the continued uncertain global economic environment. as many of 

you may know, during 2008 and 2009, 71 REITs (or 56% of all public REITs) decreased 

their dividend level or paid a portion of their dividend in shares rather than cash 

due to the financial crisis.

During 2009, our property type diversification served its purpose of offsetting 

weakness in some sectors with strength in others. Our medical office and multifamily 

properties performed well, meeting or exceeding our expectations. Office properties 

4

Annual Report 2009      Shareholder Letter

 
 
remain generally stable in this environment. Our weakest sectors were our industrial/

Selected Financial and Operating data

flex portfolio and our retail portfolio. Both of these sectors were significantly 

(in millions, except fully diluted per share amounts)

impacted by reduced consumer spending in 2009. Our industrial/flex tenants are 

typically service providers to the home improvement and construction industries 

or retail-oriented establishments such as auto repair shops and furniture stores. 

Similarly, in our neighborhood retail centers, the small “mom and pop” stores, as 

well as the larger chain stores specializing in consumer products, were severely 

impacted in 2009. although we are beginning to see signs of recovery in these 

sectors, they will remain challenged in 2010. On the positive side, the strength in 

our multifamily and medical office portfolios should continue to demonstrate 

strong occupancy and modest rental rate growth, helping to mitigate what 

pressure we have seen in the rest of our property portfolio.

  We expect that in 2010 there could be interesting investment opportunities 

for WRIT. unlike many of our competitors, who are generally single asset focused, 

our diversified property ownership strategy enables us to analyze a broader 

spectrum of property types. and, with our in-depth regional knowledge, we can 

act more expeditiously than many others in making investments in our market.  

We continue to read and hear about potential “distressed” asset sales in our 

market, but to date there have been limited property sales offerings and only a  

few commercial property foreclosures in the Washington, D.C. area. as the year 

progresses, we expect increased sales and distressed asset opportunities in our 

region, and WRIT is well prepared to take advantage of them. 

  We thank all the officers and associates at WRIT for their commitment and 

hard work, the trustees for their guidance and oversight, and you, the shareholder, 

Real Estate Rental Revenue 
net Income 
Funds from Operations 
Cash Dividends paid 
average Shares Outstanding (Diluted) 

per FUllY dilUted cOMMOn SHare
net Income 
Funds from Operations 
Cash Dividends paid 

at Year-end
Total assets 
Total Debt 
Shareholders’ Equity 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2009

$   174 
78 
87 
67 
42 

$   202 
38 
92 
73 
44 

$   249 
58 
102 
78 
46 

$   279 
27 
99 
86 
49 

$   307
41 
122
100
57

$  1.84 
2.07 
1.60 

$  0.87 
2.10 
1.64 

$  1.24 
2.21 
1.68 

$  0.55 
2.00 
1.72 

$  0.71
2.14
1.73

$1,139 
 704 
380 

$1,531 
1,010 
450 

$1,897 
1,307 
503 

$2,109 
1,379 
637 

$2,045
1,222
745

retUrn On inveSted  
capital bY reit SectOrS

Source: KeyBanc Capital Markets

caSH dividendS paid  
(dollars per share) 

FUndS FrOM OperatiOnS 
(dollars per share)

7.42%

$1.60 $1.64 $1.68 $1.72 $1.73

$2.07 $2.10

$2.21

$2.14

$2.00

5.73%

5.89%

6.19%

for your continued confidence in the Washington Real Estate Investment Trust team.

5.36%

GeorGe F. McKenzie
pRESIDEnT anD ChIEF EXECuTIvE OFFICER

edMund B. Cronin, Jr. 
ChaIRman OF ThE BOaRD

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

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    Shareholder Letter      Annual Report 2009

5

 
 
Invested in five key sectors across the region

WRIT owns and operates income-producing 
properties in five key sectors—office, multifamily, 
industrial/flex, medical and retail—across the 
Greater Washington, D.C. region. Every one  
of our properties is within easy reach of our 
Rockville, maryland, headquarters, which gives  
us sharp insights into the market and a unique  
ability to serve our tenants. 

net Operating incOMe cOntribUtiOn bY SectOr

(excludes discontinued operations)

retail 15.7% 
(2.0 MilliOn SQ Ft)

MUltiFaMilY 13.4% 
(2.2 MilliOn SQ Ft)

WRIT is the only publicly traded 
REIT with a diversified investment 
strategy focused on the Greater 
Washington, D.C. metro area. 

Medical 14.3% 
(1.3 MilliOn SQ Ft)

OFFice 44.0% 
(4.2 MilliOn SQ Ft)

indUStrial/Flex 12.6% 
(3.3 MilliOn SQ Ft)

6

Annual Report 2009      Locations

Frederick, MarYland

SUbUrban baltiMOre

M a r Yl a n d

95

270

495

W a S H i n g t O n   d c

dUlleS airpOrt

267

66

v i r g i n i a

95

295

495

capital beltWaY

OFFice bUildingS 

MUltiFaMilY

indUStrial/Flex

Medical 

retail centerS

1901 pennSYlvania avenUe, dc

cOUrtHOUSe SQUare, va

WaYne plaza, Md

A smart strategy, a solid performance 

  WRIT’s office portfolio includes 27 properties, 
representing 4.2 million square feet of space, all strategically 
located in and around Washington, D.C. accessibility is the 
key. all of our properties are situated in urban locations  
or on major transportation arteries, including the Capital 
Beltway, Dulles Toll Road and metrorail. We aim for infill 
locations in stable markets proximate to demand generators. 
as examples, 1901 pennsylvania avenue, shown here, is  
in the heart of downtown Washington, D.C., two blocks 
from the nearest metro station. Courthouse Square, in 
Old Town alexandria, virginia, stands adjacent to the 
courthouse and minutes from Reagan national airport, 
and Wayne plaza, in Silver Spring, maryland, is situated in 
the revitalized town center.

   With a geographic balance across the region, our office 
properties have an abundance of small and mid-sized tenants, 
which helps give the portfolio stability and consistency. In the 
fourth quarter of 2009, our office sector economic occupancy 
was 92.6% , and all of our properties outperformed their 
respective submarkets throughout the year. Overall, for the 
year, we executed 684,000 square feet of lease transactions 
in this sector and substantially completed the leasing of 
Dulles Station, a premium 180,000-square-foot office 
building in herndon, virginia, less than a five-minute drive 
from Dulles International airport.

Commercial real estate is a local business. Our deep 
connection to the community and the inherent stability of 
the Washington, D.C. regional market are major factors in 
delivering consistent performance in our office portfolio. 

In the office sector, we aim for 
infill locations in stable markets 
proximate to demand generators.

8

Annual Report 2009      Properties

 
  WRIT’s multifamily portfolio has evolved into an 
exceptional collection of 11 properties. In recent years, 
across our entire portfolio, we have shifted our strategic 
focus to inside-the-beltway locations. That emphasis is 
clearly evident in the quality of our multifamily properties. 
Today, 10 of our residential properties are located inside 
the Beltway, which better insulates them from economic 
downturns. Given that, the portfolio has achieved consistently 
strong occupancies and steady performance. Economic 
occupancy was 94.1% in the fourth quarter of 2009. 

virginia, two blocks from the Rosslyn and Court house 
metro stations. By mid-2009, these new developments 
were stabilized, a testament to the strength of the  
Washington, D.C. market, the WRIT team and the quality  
of these properties.
  We continue to aggressively manage our assets to 
divest of properties within submarkets with less growth 
potential. In 2009, we completed the sale of the avondale 
apartments in laurel, maryland, for $19.75 million, and a 
net book gain of $6.7 million. 

In addition, in 2009, we successfully completed lease-up 

Shown here: 3801 Connecticut avenue, a 306-unit, 

of two new multifamily developments: The Clayborne 
apartments (shown here), a four-story, 74-unit apartment 
building in historic alexandria, virginia, and Bennett park, a 
224-unit high-rise in the sought-after suburb of arlington, 

nine-story apartment building located in an affluent 
northwest Washington, D.C. neighborhood less than  
a half mile from two metro stations.

All but one of WRIT’s 
multifamily properties lie 
within the Beltway, a truly 
recession-proof area.

A strategic focus inside the Capital Beltway

3801 cOnnecticUt avenUe, dc

claYbOrne apartMentS, va

   MultiFamily      Annual Report 2009

11

 
 
2009 was a challenging environment for everyone in 
commercial real estate. WRIT felt the greatest impact in  
its industrial/flex portfolio. The portfolio encompasses a 
mix of properties including flex/showroom facilities and 
industrial buildings, many along the I-95/395 corridor. most 
of our tenants are smaller businesses that experienced the 
impact of the decline in business activity, and portfolio 
economic occupancy was 87.3% in the fourth quarter  
of 2009. The upside: as the economy improves, these 
properties will lease up faster than other types of properties, 
and we expect them to bounce back quickly, serving as a 
catalyst for growth. 

The federal government’s presence in the D.C. region 
helped soften the overall impact of the economic downturn 
in our industrial/flex portfolio. In 2009, WRIT completed a 

number of renewal transactions with the u.S. General 
Services administration. looking ahead, 34% of our 
industrial/flex properties are located within a mile of  
Fort Belvoir, virginia, where the u.S. government is 
embarking on a major expansion. 

During 2009, we continued to prune the portfolio  
to eliminate properties in areas where we see less growth 
potential. In July 2009, WRIT completed the sale of  
the Tech 100 Industrial park in Elkridge, maryland, for 
$10.5 million, achieving a net book gain of $4.2 million;  
and, in november 2009, we completed the sale of  
the Crossroads Distribution Center, also in Elkridge,  
for $4.4 million, and a net book gain of $1.5 million.  
We believe the portfolio is well positioned for the 
economic upturn. 

The federal government’s 
presence in the D.C. region 
helped soften the overall impact 
of the economic downturn in  
our industrial/flex portfolio.

A diversified investment strategy

albeMarle pOint, va

9950 bUSineSS parkWaY, Md

alban bUSineSS center, va

10 Annual Report 2009      Retail

 
 
 
lanSdOWne Medical OFFice bUilding, va

WOOdHOlMe Medical OFFice bUilding, Md

An ability to identify opportunities

  WRIT acquired its first medical office buildings in 1998 
with the acquisition of Woodburn medical park I and II  
in annandale, virginia. The Woodburn complex, located 
within walking distance of the nationally recognized Inova 
Fairfax hospital, continues to be a top performer.

In 2003, recognizing the potential of this sector, we began 
assembling the medical office portfolio in earnest. Today it 
encompasses 18 properties representing 1.3 million square 
feet—all situated in areas with strong demographics and/or 
proximate to dynamic health care centers. a keen insight 
into the local markets has enabled us to identify key 
opportunities in this sector and, today, we believe WRIT 
has the only substantial medical office portfolio in the 
Washington, D.C. region. The results: Even in the most 
challenging economic environments, our medical office 
portfolio has enjoyed high occupancies and solid rental rate 

growth. The medical portfolio continued to deliver strong 
performance, with economic occupancy of 92.7% in the 
fourth quarter of 2009. 

The Woodholme medical Office Building (shown above) 
exemplifies our approach. Situated in the affluent submarket 
of pikesville/Owings mills, maryland, it is located within five 
miles of two major hospitals—Sinai hospital and northwest 
hospital—and easily accessible to public transportation 
and to I-695. 
  Our most recent acquisition, lansdowne medical Office 
Building, is also pictured here. a newly constructed four-story, 
Class a office building, lansdowne sits across from Inova 
loudoun hospital in leesburg, virginia. We acquired the 
property in august 2009 for $19.9 million and signed our 
first lease at the building in the fourth quarter of 2009.

Through a keen insight into the 
market, we’ve assembled the only 
substantial medical office portfolio 
in the Washington, D.C. region.

   Properties      Annual Report 2009

11

 
 
tHe 800 blOck OF SOUtH WaSHingtOn Street, va

WeStMinSter SHOpping center, Md

A focus on stability and consistency

  Our retail portfolio consists of 14 shopping centers in 
infill locations with strong demographics and high traffic 
volumes. Twelve of these are neighborhood or grocery-
anchored centers, and two of them are the dominant 
power centers in their respective region, attracting shoppers 
on a routine basis for necessity-oriented retail. That profile 
has enabled the portfolio to perform well, even in the 
challenging environment of 2009. In the fourth quarter of 
2009, portfolio economic occupancy was 94.4%, a significant 
achievement in the most difficult retail environment in 
recent history. 

led by an experienced leasing team, during the year 
we executed leases for a total of 146,000 square feet of 
space in the retail sector. WRIT had only one significant 

vacancy across the retail portfolio in 2009, at the Centre  
at hagerstown, maryland, and by the fourth quarter, we  
had filled that vacancy as well as managed upcoming lease 
expirations by executing several renewals for a 69% 
retention rate. 

The portfolio’s stability is directly related to the 
strength of our locations, an ear-to-the-ground ability  
to manage the properties effectively and our focus on 
necessity-oriented retail. Shown here, as examples, are 
two WRIT centers: Westminster Shopping Center, 
anchored by a major supermarket and located on the 
area’s main thoroughfare, and The 800 Block of South 
Washington Street, in the pedestrian-friendly center of 
historic Old Town alexandria, virginia.

The stability of the retail 
portfolio derives from a 
concentration on infill 
locations in high-traffic areas 
with strong demographics.

12 Annual Report 2009      Properties

 
 
2009 Form 10-K

Form 10-K/A (Amendment No. 1)

United States Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, DC 20549

n 

 Annual Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934  
For fiscal year ended December 31, 2009

or 

  Transition Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Commission file number 1-6622

Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

State of incorporation 
IRS Employer Identification Number 
Address of principal executive office 

Zip code 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code 

Maryland
53-0261100
6110 Executive Boulevard, 
Suite 800,  
Rockville, Maryland
20852
(301) 984-9400

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act
Title of each class  
Name of exchange on which registered 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act 

Shares of Beneficial Interest 
New York Stock Exchange
None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 
405 of the Securities Act. 

  YES  X 

 NO

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 
or Section 15(d) of the Act. 

  NO  X

  YES 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by 
Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months 
(or such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been 
subject to such filing requirements for the past ninety (90) days. 

  YES  X 

 NO

Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its 
corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 
pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 
months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such 
files). 

  YES 

  NO

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation 
S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s 
knowledge in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III 
of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  X

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, 
a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated 
filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  
Large accelerated filer  X 
reporting company

 Non-accelerated filer 

  Accelerated filer 

 Smaller 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of 
the Act).  YES 

  NO  X

As of June 30, 2009, the aggregate market value of such shares held by non-affiliates of the 
registrant was approximately $1,293,242,069 (based on the closing price of the stock on  
June 30, 2009). 

As of February 25, 2010, 59,818,318 common shares were outstanding.

Documents Incorporated by Reference
Portions  of  our  definitive  Proxy  Statement  relating  to  the  2010  Annual  Meeting  of  Shareholders,  to  be  filed  with  the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission,  are  incorporated  by  reference  in  
Part III, Items 10-14 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K as indicated herein. 

 
 
16

Annual Report 2009

Form 10-k

Index

Part I 

Page

Item 1. 

Business .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 18

Item 1A.  Risk Factors .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 20

Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 26

Item 2. 

Properties .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 27

Item 3. 

Legal Proceedings .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 30

Item 4. 

 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 30

Part II

Item 5. 

 Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 30

Item 6. 

Selected Financial Data .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 31

Item 7. 

 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  31

Item 7A. 

 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 56

Item 8. 

 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 57

Item 9. 

 Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 57

Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 57

Item 9B.  Other Information   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 57

Part III 

Item 10. 

 Directors and Executive Officers and Corporate Governance .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 58

Item 11. 

 Executive Compensation .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 58

Item 12. 

 Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters and Director Independence  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 58

Item 13. 

 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 58

Item 14. 

Principal Accountant Fees and Services  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 58

Part IV

Item 15. 

 Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 59

Signatures .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 61

Form 10-k Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

17

 
Part I

Item 1.  Business

WRIT Overview
Washington Real Estate Investment Trust (“we” or “WRIT”) is a self-administered, self-
managed, equity real estate investment trust (“REIT”) successor to a trust organized in 
1960. Our business consists of the ownership and operation of income-producing real 
property in the greater Washington metro region. We own a diversified portfolio of 
office buildings, medical office buildings, industrial/flex properties, multifamily buildings 
and retail centers.

We believe that we qualify as a REIT under Sections 856-860 of the Internal Revenue 
Code and intend to continue to qualify as such. To maintain our status as a REIT, we 
are required to distribute 90% of our ordinary taxable income to our shareholders. 
When selling properties, we have the option of (a) reinvesting the sales proceeds of 
properties  sold,  allowing  for  a  deferral  of  income  taxes  on  the  sale,  (b)  paying  out 
capital  gains  to  the  shareholders  with  no  tax  to  us  or  (c)  treating  the  capital  gains 
as  having  been  distributed  to  our  shareholders,  paying  the  tax  on  the  gain  deemed 
distributed and allocating the tax paid as a credit to our shareholders.

Over the last five years, dividends paid per share have been $1.73 for 2009, $1.72 for 
2008, $1.68 for 2007, $1.64 for 2006 and $1.60 for 2005.

Our geographic focus is based on two principles:

1.  Real estate is a local business and is more effectively selected and managed by 

owners located, and with expertise, in the region.

2.  Geographic markets deserving of focus must be among the nation’s best markets 
with a strong primary industry foundation and diversified enough to withstand 
downturns in their primary industry.

We  consider  markets  to  be  local  if  they  can  be  reached  from  Washington  within 
two hours by car. While we have historically focused most of our investments in the 
greater  Washington  metro  region,  in  order  to  maximize  acquisition  opportunities 
we  will  consider  investments  within  the  two-hour  radius  described  above.  We  also 
may consider opportunities to duplicate our Washington-focused approach in other 
geographic markets which meet the criteria described above.

All  of  our  officers  and  employees  live  and  work  in  the  greater  Washington  metro 
region and all but one of our officers have over 20 years of experience in this region.

18

Annual Report 2009

Form 10-k

This  section  includes  or  refers  to  certain  forward-looking  statements.  You  should 
refer to the explanation of the qualifications and limitations on such forward-looking 
statements beginning on page 55.

The Greater Washington Metro Area Economy
In 2009, the national economic recession negatively affected the Washington metro 
region,  evidenced  by  negative  job  growth  and  a  decrease  in  gross  regional  product 
(“GRP”). Current estimates by Delta Associates / Transwestern Commercial Services 
(“Delta”),  a  national  full  service  real  estate  firm  that  provides  market  research  and 
evaluation services for commercial property, indicate that the Washington metro region 
lost 24,000 jobs in twelve months ending October 2009. The region’s unemployment 
rate  was  6.2%  at  October  2009,  up  from  4.1%  in  the  prior  year.  However,  it  still 
remains the lowest rate among all of the nation’s largest metro areas. In addition, the 
region’s unemployment rate is well below the national average of 10.0% in November 
2009.  The  government,  education/health  and  professional/business  services  sectors 
experienced  positive  job  growth,  while  the  other  sectors  recorded  job  losses.  The 
Center for Regional Analysis at George Mason University (“CRA”) estimates that the 
Washington  area’s  GRP  decreased  by  0.5%  in  2009,  which  is  less  severe  than  the 
estimated  national  decline  of  2.5%.  Approximately  one-third  of  the  area’s  GRP  was 
generated by the federal government.

CRA expects growth in the Washington metro region to be slow as the region and 
the  nation  recover  from  the  severe  economic  conditions.  According  to  CRA,  the 
Washington Leading Index, which forecasts area economic performance over the next 
18 months, is 107.0, as of September 2009, which is above the 20-year average of 102.6. 
CRA also forecasts GRP for the Washington metro region to increase by 2.7% in 2010. 
This compares to a national GRP projection of 2.5%. CRA forecasts job growth in the 
region to increase in 2010 and 2011, adding 24,900 and 34,900 new jobs, respectively, 
compared to the 15-year annual average of 52,100.

Greater Washington Metro Region Real Estate Markets
The  Association  of  Foreign  Investors  in  Real  Estate  (“AFIRE”)  has  publicized  that  it 
now considers Washington, DC as the top U.S. city for real estate investment. The 
area’s economy has translated into stronger relative real estate market performance in 
each of our segments, compared to other national metropolitan regions, as reported 
by Delta. Despite our region’s strength in comparison to other metropolitan regions, 
we  believe  the  potential  exists  in  the  current  economic  environment  for  continued 
downward pressure on rents in 2010. Market statistics and information from Delta are 
set forth below:

Office and Medical Office Sectors

•	 Average	effective	rents	decreased	6.9%	in	2009	in	the	region	compared	to	an	

increase of 0.1% in 2008.

•	 Vacancy	was	13.0%	at	year-end	2009,	up	from	10.6%	at	year-end	2008	and	9.1%	

at year-end 2007.

•	 The	 region	 has	 the	 fourth	 lowest	 vacancy	 rate	 of	 large	 metro	 areas	 in	 the	

United States.

•	 Net	absorption	(defined	as	the	change	in	occupied,	standing	inventory	from	one	
period to the next) totaled 0.6 million square feet in 2009, down from 3.4 million 
square feet in 2008 and a 7.5 million square foot long-term average.

•	 Of	 the	 5.7	 million	 square	 feet	 of	 office	 space	 under	 construction	 at	 year-end	
2009 (down from 15.4 million square feet at year-end 2008), 48% is pre-leased 
compared to 26% one year ago.

Retail Sector

•	 Rental	rates	at	grocery-anchored	centers	decreased	5.8%	in	the	region	in	2009,	

from the 1.7% increase in 2008.

•	 Vacancy	rates	increased	to	5.6%	at	year-end	2009	from	3.7%	at	year-end	2008.
•	 Total	 retail	 sales	 decreased	 by	 7%	 in	 2009	 as	 compared	 to	 a	 3%	 decrease	 

in 2008.

Multifamily Sector

•	 Rents	 for	 all	 investment	 grade	 apartments	 decreased	 2.0%	 in	 the	 greater	
Washington metro region during 2009. Class A rents declined by 1.7% in 2009 
compared to growth of 0.1% in 2008.

•	 The	 vacancy	 rate	 for	 all	 apartments	 was	 4.3%	 at	 year-end	 2009,	 the	 same	 as	
year-end 2008. The national rate was 7.6% at year-end 2009, which places the 
Washington metro region as one of the lowest vacancy rates of any metro area 
in the nation. Class A vacancy decreased to 3.6% at year-end 2009 from 4.4% at 
year-end 2008.

Industrial/Flex Sector

•	 Rental	rates	for	the	industrial	sector	decreased	4.3%	in	the	Washington	metro	

region in 2009 compared to an increase of 0.3% in 2008.

•	 Overall	vacancy	was	11.4%	at	year-end	2009,	up	from	10.1%	at	year-end	2008.
•	 Net	absorption	was	a	negative	2.3	million	square	feet,	compared	to	a	positive	 

4.4 million square feet in 2008.

•	 Of	the	1.1	million	square	feet	of	industrial	space	under	construction	at	year-end	
2009, 41% was pre-leased, compared to 30% of space under construction that 
was pre-leased at year-end 2008.

Our Portfolio
As of December 31, 2009, we owned a diversified portfolio of 90 properties consisting 
of 27 office properties, 18 medical office properties, 14 retail centers, 11 multifamily 
properties,  20  industrial/flex  properties  and  land  for  development.  Our  principal 
objective  is  to  invest  in  high  quality  properties  in  prime  locations,  then  proactively 
manage,  lease  and  direct  ongoing  capital  improvement  programs  to  improve  their 
economic performance. The percentage of total real estate rental revenue by property 
group for 2009, 2008 and 2007, and the percent leased, calculated as the percentage of 
physical net rentable area leased, as of December 31, 2009, were as follows:

  Percent Leased1 
December 31, 2009 
91% 
89%2 
96% 
96% 
85% 

Office 
Medical office 
Retail 
Multifamily 
Industrial 

Real Estate Rental Revenue1
2008 
42% 
16 
15 
13 
14 
100% 

2009 
44% 
15 
14 
15 
12 
100% 

2007
41%
15
17
13
14
100%

1  Data excludes discontinued operations.
2 

reflects the acquisition of Lansdowne Medical office Building during the third quarter of 2009. This property was 
vacant as of December 31, 2009.

On a combined basis, our commercial portfolio (i.e. our office, medical office, retail and 
industrial properties, but not our multifamily properties) was 90% leased at December 31, 
2009, 94% leased at December 31, 2008 and 97% leased at December 31, 2007.

The commercial lease expirations for the next five years are as follows:

2010 
2011 
2012 
2013 
2014 
2015 and thereafter 
Total 

Number 
of Leases 
297 
292 
212 
175 
143 
351 
1,470 

Square Feet 
1,550,000 
1,489,000 
1,187,000 
1,300,000 
1,073,000 
2,943,000 
9,542,000 

Gross 
Annual Rent 
$  33,409,000 
33,552,000 
26,688,000 
28,369,000 
28,935,000 
90,308,000 
$241,261,000 

Percentage of 
Total Gross 
Annual Rent
14%
14
11
12
12
37
100%

Total  real  estate  rental  revenue  from  continuing  operations  was  $306.9  million  for 
2009, $278.7 million for 2008 and $248.9 million for 2007. During the three year period 
ended December 31, 2009, we acquired four office buildings, six medical office buildings, 
one multifamily building and two industrial/flex properties. We also placed into service 
from development one office building and two multifamily buildings. During that same 
time frame, we sold three office buildings, one multifamily building and four industrial/

Form 10-k Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
flex properties. These acquisitions and dispositions were the primary reason for the 
shifting of each group’s percentage of total real estate rental revenue reflected above.

No single tenant accounted for more than 3.2% of real estate rental revenue in 2009, 
3.5% of revenue in 2008 and 3.6% of revenue in 2007. All federal government tenants 
in the aggregate accounted for approximately 2.0% of our 2009 total revenue. Federal 
government tenants include the Department of Defense, U.S. Patent and Trademark 
Office,  Federal  Bureau  of  Investigation,  Office  of  Personnel  Management,  Secret 
Service, Federal Aviation Administration, NASA and the National Institutes of Health. 
Our  larger  non-federal  government  tenants  include  the  World  Bank,  The  Advisory 
Board Company, INOVA Health System, IBM Corporation, Patton Boggs LLP, Sunrise 
Senior  Living,  Inc.,  URS  Corporation,  Lafarge  North  America,  Inc.,  and  Children’s 
National Medical Center.

We expect to continue investing in additional income-producing properties. We invest 
in  properties  which  we  believe  will  increase  in  income  and  value.  Our  properties 
typically compete for tenants with other properties throughout the respective areas in 
which they are located on the basis of location, quality and rental rates.

In prior years, we have been engaged in significant ground-up development in order 
to  further  strengthen  our  portfolio  with  long-term  growth  prospects.  In  2007  and 
2008, we completed construction on three ground-up development projects. The first 
was Bennett Park, a 224-unit multifamily property located in Arlington, VA, with the 
majority of units delivered by the end of 2007. The second development project was 
The Clayborne Apartments, a 74-unit multifamily property located in Alexandria, VA. 
All of the units at Clayborne were delivered during the first quarter of 2008. Bennett 
Park and Clayborne were 98% and 95% leased, respectively, at December 31, 2009. 
The third development project was Dulles Station, a Class A office property located in 
Herndon, VA. Dulles Station is entitled for two office buildings totaling 540,000 square 
feet. The first 180,000 square foot office building was completed in the third quarter 
2007, and was 91% leased at December 31, 2009. Construction of the 360,000 square 
foot second building remains in the planning phase.

We make capital improvements on an ongoing basis to our properties for the purpose 
of  maintaining  and  increasing  their  value  and  income.  Major  improvements  and/or 
renovations to the properties in 2009, 2008, and 2007 are discussed under the heading 
“Capital Improvements and Development Costs.”

Further description of the property groups is contained in Item 2, Properties and in 
Schedule III. Reference is also made to Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of 
Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

On  February  25,  2010,  we  had  301  employees  including  226  persons  engaged  in 
property management functions and 75 persons engaged in corporate, financial, leasing, 
asset management and other functions.

Tax Treatment of Recent Disposition Activity
We sold several properties during the three year period ended December 31, 2009. 
All disclosed gains on sale are calculated in accordance with U.S. generally accepted 
accounting principles (“GAAP”).

In  May  2009,  we  sold  a  multifamily  property,  Avondale  Apartments,  for  a  gain  of  
$6.7 million. In July 2009, we sold an industrial property, Tech 100 Industrial Park, for 
a  gain  of  $4.1  million.  In  July  2009,  we  sold  an  office  property,  Brandywine  Center, 
for  a  gain  of  $1.0  million.  In  November  2009,  we  sold  another  industrial  property, 
Crossroads Distribution Center, for a gain of $1.5 million. The capital gains from the 
sales were paid out to shareholders.

In  June  2008,  we  sold  two  industrial  properties,  Sullyfield  Center  and  The  Earhart 
Building,  for  a  gain  of  $15.3  million.  The  capital  gains  from  the  sales  were  paid  out  
to shareholders.

In September 2007, we sold two office properties, Maryland Trade Centers I and 
II,  for  a  gain  of  $25.0  million.  The  proceeds  from  the  sales  were  reinvested  in 
replacement properties.

We  distributed  all  of  our  2009,  2008  and  2007  ordinary  taxable  income  to  our 
shareholders. No provision for income taxes was necessary in 2009, 2008 or 2007.

Availability of Reports
Copies  of  this  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K,  as  well  as  our  Quarterly  Reports  on 
Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to such reports are 
available, free of charge, on the Internet on our website www.writ.com. All required 
reports are made available on the website as soon as reasonably practicable after they 
are electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission. 
The reference to our website address does not constitute incorporation by reference 
of  the  information  contained  in  the  website  and  such  information  should  not  be 
considered part of this document.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors
Set forth below are the risks that we believe are material to our shareholders. We refer to 
the shares of beneficial interest in WrIT as our “common shares,” and the investors who 
own shares as our “shareholders.” This section includes or refers to certain forward-looking 
statements. You should refer to the explanation of the qualifications and limitations on such 
forward-looking statements beginning on page 55.

20

Annual Report 2009

Form 10-k

Further disruptions in the financial markets could affect our ability to obtain financing 
or have other adverse effects on us or the market price of our common shares.

•	 vacancies,	 changes	 in	 market	 rental	 rates	 and	 the	 need	 to	 periodically	 repair,	

renovate	and	re-let	space;

The  United  States  and  global  equity  and  credit  markets  recently  experienced 
significant price volatility and liquidity disruptions which caused the market prices of 
stocks  to  fluctuate  substantially  and  the  spreads  on  prospective  debt  financings  to 
widen considerably. These circumstances significantly negatively impacted liquidity in 
the financial markets, making terms for certain financings less attractive or unavailable. 
Further disruption in the equity and credit markets could negatively impact our ability to 
access additional financing at reasonable terms or at all. If such further disruption were 
to occur, in the event of a debt financing, our cost of borrowing in the future would 
likely  be  significantly  higher  than  historical  levels.  As  well,  in  the  case  of  a  common 
equity financing, the disruptions in the financial markets could have a material adverse 
effect  on  the  market  value  of  our  common  shares,  potentially  requiring  us  to  issue 
more shares than we would otherwise have issued with a higher market value for our 
common shares. Further disruption in the financial markets also could negatively affect 
our ability to make acquisitions, undertake new development projects and refinance 
our debt. As well, it could also make it more difficult for us to sell properties and could 
adversely  affect  the  price  we  receive  for  properties  that  we  do  sell,  as  prospective 
buyers experience increased costs of financing and difficulties in obtaining financing.

Further  disruptions  in  the  financial  markets  also  could  adversely  affect  many  of  our 
tenants and their businesses, including their ability to pay rents when due and renew 
their leases at rates at least as favorable as their current rates. As well, our ability to 
attract prospective new tenants in the future could be adversely affected by disruption 
in the financial markets.

Our  performance  and  value  are  subject  to  risks  associated  with  our  real  estate 
assets and with the real estate industry.

Our economic performance and the value of our real estate assets are subject to the 
risk that if our office, medical office, retail, multifamily and industrial properties do not 
generate revenues sufficient to meet our operating expenses, debt service and capital 
expenditures, our cash flow and ability to pay distributions to our shareholders will be 
adversely affected. The following factors, among others, may adversely affect the cash 
flow generated by our commercial and multifamily properties:

•	 downturns	in	the	national,	regional	and	local	economic	climate;
•	 the	economic	health	of	our	tenants	and	the	ability	to	collect	rents;
•	 consumer	confidence,	unemployment	rates,	and	consumer	tastes	and	preferences;
•	 competition	from	similar	asset	type	properties;
•	 local	real	estate	market	conditions,	such	as	oversupply	or	reduction	in	demand	

•	 increased	 operating	 costs,	 including	 insurance	 premiums,	 utilities	 and	 real	 

estate	taxes;

•	 inflation;
•	 civil	disturbances,	earthquakes	and	other	natural	disasters,	terrorist	acts	or	acts	

of	war;	and

•	 decreases	in	the	underlying	value	of	our	real	estate.

We are dependent upon the economic climate of the Washington metropolitan region.

All of our properties are located in the Washington metropolitan region, which may 
expose us to a greater amount of market dependent risk than if we were geographically 
diverse. General economic conditions and local real estate conditions in our geographic 
region may be dependent upon one or more industries, thus a downturn in one of the 
industries may have a particularly strong effect. In particular, economic conditions in 
our market are directly affected by federal government spending in the region. In the 
event of reduced federal spending or negative economic changes in our region, we may 
experience a negative impact to our profitability and may be limited in our ability to 
make distributions to our shareholders.

We face risks associated with property acquisitions.

We intend to continue to acquire properties which would continue to increase our 
size and could alter our capital structure. Our acquisition activities and results may be 
exposed to the following risks:

•	 we	may	be	unable	to	finance	acquisitions	on	favorable	terms;
•	 acquired	 properties	 may	 fail	 to	 perform	 as	 we	 expected	 in	 analyzing	 our	

investments;

•	 we	may	be	unable	to	acquire	a	desired	property	because	of	competition	from	
other real estate investors, including publicly traded real estate investment trusts, 
institutional	investment	funds	and	private	investors;

•	 even	 if	 we	 enter	 into	 an	 acquisition	 agreement	 for	 a	 property,	 it	 is	 subject	
to  customary  conditions  to  closing,  including  completion  of  due  diligence 
investigations	which	may	have	findings	that	are	unacceptable;

•	 even	if	we	enter	into	an	acquisition	agreement	for	a	property,	we	may	be	unable	
to complete that acquisition after making a non-refundable deposit and incurring 
certain	other	acquisition-related	costs;

•	 we	may	be	unable	to	quickly	and	efficiently	integrate	new	acquisitions,	particularly	

acquisitions	of	portfolios	of	properties,	into	our	existing	operations;

•	 competition	 from	 other	 real	 estate	 investors	 may	 significantly	 increase	 the	

for	office,	medical	office,	retail,	multifamily	and	industrial	properties;

purchase	price;	and

•	 changes	in	interest	rates	and	availability	of	financing;

Form 10-k Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

21

•	 our	estimates	of	capital	expenditures	required	for	an	acquired	property,	including	

the costs of repositioning or redeveloping, may be inaccurate.

We may acquire properties subject to liabilities and without recourse, or with limited 
recourse with respect to unknown liabilities. As a result, if liability were asserted against 
us based upon the acquisition of a property, we may have to pay substantial sums to 
settle it, which could adversely affect our cash flow. Unknown liabilities with respect to 
properties acquired might include:

•	 liabilities	for	clean-up	of	undisclosed	environmental	contamination;
•	 claims	by	tenants,	vendors	or	other	persons	dealing	with	the	former	owners	of	

the	properties;

•	 liabilities	incurred	in	the	ordinary	course	of	business;	and
•	 claims	 for	 indemnification	 by	 general	 partners,	 directors,	 officers	 and	 others	

indemnified by the former owners of the properties.

We face potential difficulties or delays renewing leases or re-leasing space.

From 2010 through 2014, leases on our commercial properties will expire on a total of 
approximately 69% of our leased square footage as of December 31, 2009, with leases 
on approximately 16% of our leased square footage expiring in 2010, 16% in 2011, 12% in 
2012, 14% in 2013 and 11% in 2014. We derive substantially all of our income from rent 
received from tenants. If our tenants decide not to renew their leases, we may not be 
able to re-let the space. If tenants decide to renew their leases, the terms of renewals, 
including  the  cost  of  required  improvements  or  concessions,  may  be  less  favorable 
than current lease terms. Multifamily properties are leased under operating leases with 
terms  of  generally  one  year  or  less.  For  the  years  ended  2009,  2008  and  2007,  the 
multifamily tenant retention rate was 54% , 67% and 68%, respectively. Similar to our 
commercial properties, if our multifamily tenants decide not to renew their leases, we 
may not be able to re-let the space, or the terms of the renewal may be less favorable 
than current lease terms. As a result of the foregoing, our cash flow could decrease and 
our ability to make distributions to our shareholders could be adversely affected.

We face potential adverse effects from major tenants’ bankruptcies or insolvencies.

The bankruptcy or insolvency of a major tenant may adversely affect the income produced 
by a property. For example, during the fourth quarter of 2008, the bankruptcy of a large 
retail tenant caused a loss of approximately $1.0 million. In light of the current economic 
recession, it is possible that additional major tenants could file for bankruptcy protection or 
become insolvent in the future. We cannot evict a tenant solely because of its bankruptcy. 
On the other hand, a court might authorize the tenant to reject and terminate its lease. In 
such case, our claim against the bankrupt tenant for unpaid, future rent would be subject 
to a statutory cap that might be substantially less than the remaining rent actually owed 
under the lease. As a result, our claim for unpaid rent would likely not be paid in full. This 
shortfall could adversely affect our cash flow and results from operations.

If a tenant experiences a downturn in its business or other types of financial distress, 
it may be unable to make timely rental payments. By way of illustration, provision for 
losses on accounts receivable from continuing operations increased to $6.7 million in 
2009, from $4.2 million in 2008 and $1.9 million in 2007. This unfavorable trend could 
continue or worsen in 2010 and forward.

We face risks associated with property development.

Developing properties present a number of risks for us, including risks that:

•	 if	we	are	unable	to	obtain	all	necessary	zoning	and	other	required	governmental	
permits and authorizations or cease development of the project for any other 
reason,  the  development  opportunity  may  be  abandoned  after  expending 
significant resources, resulting in the loss of deposits or failure to recover expenses 
already	incurred;

•	 the	 development	 and	 construction	 costs	 of	 the	 project	 may	 exceed	 original	
estimates due to increased interest rates and increased cost of materials, labor, 
leasing or other expenditures, which could make the completion of the project 
less profitable because market rents may not increase sufficiently to compensate 
for	the	increase	in	construction	costs;

•	 construction	and/or	permanent	financing	may	not	be	available	on	favorable	terms	
or may not be available at all, which may cause the cost of the project to increase 
and	lower	the	expected	return;

•	 the	project	may	not	be	completed	on	schedule	as	a	result	of	a	variety	of	factors,	
many  of  which  are  beyond  our  control,  such  as  weather,  labor  conditions  and 
material shortages, which would result in increases in construction costs and debt 
service	expenses;	and

•	 occupancy	rates	and	rents	at	the	newly	completed	property	may	not	meet	the	

expected levels and could be insufficient to make the property profitable.

Properties  developed  or  acquired  for  development  may  generate  little  or  no  cash 
flow from the date of acquisition through the date of completion of development. In 
addition, new development activities, regardless of whether or not they are ultimately 
successful, may require a substantial portion of management’s time and attention.

These  risks  could  result  in  substantial  unanticipated  delays  or  expenses  and,  under 
certain  circumstances,  could  prevent  completion  of  development  activities  once 
undertaken,  any  of  which  could  have  an  adverse  effect  on  our  financial  condition, 
results of operations, or ability to satisfy our debt service obligations.

Our properties face significant competition.

We  face  significant  competition  from  developers,  owners  and  operators  of  office, 
medical  office,  retail,  multifamily,  industrial  and  other  commercial  real  estate. 
Substantially all of our properties face competition from similar properties in the same 

22

Annual Report 2009

Form 10-k

market. Such competition may affect our ability to attract and retain tenants and may 
reduce the rents we are able to charge. These competing properties may have vacancy 
rates higher than our properties, which may result in their owners being willing to make 
space available at lower rents than the space in our properties.

We face risks associated with the use of debt, including refinancing risk.

We rely on borrowings under our credit facilities and offerings of debt securities to 
finance  acquisitions  and  development  activities  and  for  general  corporate  purposes. 
The commercial real estate debt markets recently experienced significant volatility due 
to a number of factors, including the tightening of underwriting standards by lenders and 
credit rating agencies and the reported significant inventory of unsold mortgage backed 
securities in the market. The volatility resulted in investors decreasing the availability 
of debt financing as well as increasing the cost of debt financing. While the commercial 
real estate debt markets have begun to improve, we believe that circumstances could 
arise in which we may not be able to obtain debt financing in the future on favorable 
terms, or at all. If we were unable to borrow under our credit facilities or to refinance 
existing debt financing, our financial condition and results of operations would likely be 
adversely affected.

We are subject to the risks normally associated with debt, including the risk that our 
cash flow may be insufficient to meet required payments of principal and interest. We 
anticipate  that  only  a  small  portion  of  the  principal  of  our  debt  will  be  repaid  prior 
to maturity. Therefore, we are likely to need to refinance a significant portion of our 
outstanding debt as it matures. There is a risk that we may not be able to refinance 
existing debt or that the terms of any refinancing will not be as favorable as the terms of 
the existing debt. If principal payments due at maturity cannot be refinanced, extended 
or repaid with proceeds from other sources, such as new equity capital, our cash flow 
may  not  be  sufficient  to  repay  all  maturing  debt  in  years  when  significant  “balloon” 
payments come due.

Our degree of leverage could limit our ability to obtain additional financing or affect 
the market price of our common shares or debt securities.

On  February  25,  2010,  our  total  consolidated  debt  was  approximately  $1.2  billion. 
Consolidated  debt  to  consolidated  market  capitalization  ratio,  which  measures  total 
consolidated  debt  as  a  percentage  of  the  aggregate  of  total  consolidated  debt  plus 
the market value of outstanding equity securities, is often used by analysts to gauge 
leverage  for  equity  REITs  such  as  us.  Our  market  value  is  calculated  using  the  price 
per share of our common shares. Using the closing share price of $27.92 per share of 
our common shares on February 25, 2010, multiplied by the number of our common 
shares,  our  consolidated  debt  to  total  consolidated  market  capitalization  ratio  was 
approximately 42% as of February 25, 2010.

Our degree of leverage could affect our ability to obtain additional financing for working 
capital,  capital  expenditures,  acquisitions,  development  or  other  general  corporate 
purposes. Our senior unsecured debt is currently rated investment grade by the two 
major  rating  agencies.  However,  there  can  be  no  assurance  that  we  will  be  able  to 
maintain this rating, and in the event our senior debt is downgraded from its current 
rating,  we  would  likely  incur  higher  borrowing  costs  and/or  difficulty  in  obtaining 
additional financing. Our degree of leverage could also make us more vulnerable to a 
downturn in business or the economy generally. There is a risk that changes in our debt 
to market capitalization ratio, which is in part a function of our share price, or our ratio 
of indebtedness to other measures of asset value used by financial analysts may have an 
adverse effect on the market price of our equity or debt securities.

Rising interest rates would increase our interest costs.

We may incur indebtedness that bears interest at variable rates. Accordingly, if interest 
rates increase, so will our interest costs, which could adversely affect our  cash  flow 
and our ability to service debt. As a protection against rising interest rates, we may 
enter into agreements such as interest rate swaps, caps, floors and other interest rate 
exchange contracts. These agreements, however, increase our risks that other parties 
to the agreements may not perform or that the agreements may be unenforceable.

Covenants in our debt agreements could adversely affect our financial condition.

Our credit facilities contain customary restrictions, requirements and other limitations 
on our ability to incur indebtedness. We must maintain a minimum tangible net worth 
and certain ratios, including a maximum of total liabilities to total gross asset value, a 
maximum of secured indebtedness to gross asset value, a minimum of annual EBITDA 
to fixed charges, a minimum of unencumbered asset value to unsecured indebtedness, 
a  minimum  of  net  operating  income  from  unencumbered  properties  to  unsecured 
interest expense and a maximum of permitted investments to gross asset value. Our 
ability to borrow under our credit facilities is subject to compliance with our financial 
and other covenants. The recent economic downturn may adversely affect our ability 
to comply with these financial and other covenants.

Failure  to  comply  with  any  of  the  covenants  under  our  unsecured  credit  facilities 
or  other  debt  instruments  could  result  in  a  default  under  one  or  more  of  our  debt 
instruments. This could cause our lenders to accelerate the timing of payments and/or 
prohibit future borrowings, either of which would have a material adverse effect on our 
business, operations, financial condition and liquidity.

We face risks associated with short-term liquid investments.

We  have  significant  cash  balances  from  time  to  time  that  we  invest  in  a  variety  of 
short-term  investments  that  are  intended  to  preserve  principal  value  and  maintain 

Form 10-k Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

23

a  high  degree  of  liquidity  while  providing  current  income.  From  time  to  time,  these 
investments may include (either directly or indirectly):
•	 direct	obligations	issued	by	the	U.S.	Treasury;
•	 obligations	issued	or	guaranteed	by	the	U.S.	government	or	its	agencies;
•	 taxable	municipal	securities;
•	 obligations	(including	certificates	of	deposit)	of	banks	and	thrifts;
•	 commercial	 paper	 and	 other	 instruments	 consisting	 of	 short-term	 U.S.	 dollar	

denominated	obligations	issued	by	corporations	and	banks;

•	 repurchase	agreements	collateralized	by	corporate	and	asset-backed	obligations;
•	 both	registered	and	unregistered	money	market	funds;	and
•	 other	highly	rated	short-term	securities.

Investments in these securities and funds are not insured against loss of principal. Under 
certain circumstances we may be required to redeem all or part of our investment, 
and our right to redeem some or all of our investment may be delayed or suspended. 
In addition, there is no guarantee that our investments in these securities or funds will 
be  redeemable  at  par  value.  A  decline  in  the  value  of  our  investment  or  a  delay  or 
suspension of our right to redeem may have a material adverse effect on our results of 
operations or financial condition.

Further issuances of equity securities may be dilutive to current shareholders.

The interests of our existing shareholders could be diluted if additional equity securities 
are issued, including to finance future developments and acquisitions, instead of incurring 
additional debt. Our ability to execute our business strategy depends on our access to 
an appropriate blend of debt financing, including unsecured lines of credit and other 
forms of secured and unsecured debt, and equity financing.

Compliance or failure to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other 
laws and regulations could result in substantial costs.

The Americans with Disabilities Act generally requires that public buildings, including 
commercial  and  multifamily  properties,  be  made  accessible  to  disabled  persons. 
Noncompliance could result in imposition of fines by the federal government or the 
award of damages to private litigants. If, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities 
Act, we are required to make substantial alterations and capital expenditures in one 
or more of our properties, including the removal of access barriers, it could adversely 
affect our results of operations.

We may also incur significant costs complying with other regulations. Our properties 
are subject to various federal, state and local regulatory requirements, such as state 
and  local  fair  housing,  rent  control  and  fire  and  life  safety  requirements.  If  we  fail 
to  comply  with  these  requirements,  we  may  incur  fines  or  private  damage  awards. 
We believe that our properties are currently in material compliance with regulatory 

requirements. However, we do not know whether existing requirements will change 
or whether compliance with future requirements will require significant unanticipated 
expenditures that will adversely affect our results of operations.

Some potential losses are not covered by insurance.

We  carry  insurance  coverage  on  our  properties  of  types  and  in  amounts  that  we 
believe are in line with coverage customarily obtained by owners of similar properties. 
We believe all of our properties are adequately insured. The property insurance that 
we maintain for our properties has historically been on an “all risk” basis, which is in 
full force and effect until renewal in September 2010. There are other types of losses, 
such as from wars or catastrophic events, for which we cannot obtain insurance at all 
or at a reasonable cost.

We have an insurance policy which has no terrorism exclusion, except for non-certified 
nuclear, chemical and biological acts of terrorism. Our financial condition and results of 
operations are subject to the risks associated with acts of terrorism and the potential 
for uninsured losses as the result of any such acts. Effective November 26, 2002, under 
this existing coverage, any losses caused by certified acts of terrorism would be partially 
reimbursed  by  the  United  States  under  a  formula  established  by  federal  law.  Under 
this  formula  the  United  States  pays  85%  of  covered  terrorism  losses  exceeding  the 
statutorily established deductible paid by the insurance provider, and insurers pay 10% 
until  aggregate  insured  losses  from  all  insurers  reach  $100  billion  in  a  calendar  year. 
If  the  aggregate  amount  of  insured  losses  under  this  program  exceeds  $100  billion 
during the applicable period for all insured and insurers combined, then each insurance 
provider will not be liable for payment of any amount  which exceeds the aggregate 
amount of $100 billion. On December 26, 2007, the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program 
Reauthorization Act of 2007 was signed into law and extends the program through 
December  31,  2014.  We  continue  to  monitor  the  state  of  the  insurance  market  in 
general, and the scope and costs of coverage for acts of terrorism in particular, but we 
cannot anticipate what amount of coverage will be available on commercially reasonable 
terms in future policy years.

In the event of an uninsured loss or a loss in excess of our insurance limits, we could 
lose both the revenues generated from the affected property and the capital we have 
invested  in  the  affected  property.  Depending  on  the  specific  circumstances  of  the 
affected property it is possible that we could be liable for any mortgage indebtedness 
or other obligations related to the property. Any such loss could adversely affect our 
business and financial condition and results of operations.

We have to renew our policies in most cases on an annual basis and negotiate acceptable terms 
for coverage, exposing us to the volatility of the insurance markets, including the possibility 
of rate increases. Any material increase in insurance rates or decrease in available coverage 
in the future could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

24

Annual Report 2009

Form 10-k

Actual or threatened terrorist attacks may adversely affect our ability to generate 
revenues and the value of our properties.

Environmental laws also govern the presence, maintenance and removal of asbestos. 
Such laws require that owners or operators of buildings containing asbestos:

All of our properties are located in or near Washington D.C., a metropolitan area that 
has been and may in the future be the target of actual or threatened terrorism attacks. 
As a result, some tenants in our market may choose to relocate their businesses to 
other markets. This could result in an overall decrease in the demand for commercial 
space  in  this  market  generally,  which  could  increase  vacancies  in  our  properties  or 
necessitate that we lease our properties on less favorable terms, or both. In addition, 
future terrorist attacks in or near Washington D.C. could directly or indirectly damage 
our properties, both physically and financially, or cause losses that materially exceed our 
insurance coverage. As a result of the foregoing, our ability to generate revenues and 
the value of our properties could decline materially.

Potential liability for environmental contamination could result in substantial costs.

Under federal, state and local environmental laws, ordinances and regulations, we may 
be required to investigate and clean up the effects of releases of hazardous or toxic 
substances or petroleum products at our properties, regardless of our knowledge or 
responsibility, simply because of our current or past ownership or operation of the real 
estate. In addition, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Occupational 
Safety and Health Administration and other state and local governmental authorities 
are  increasingly  involved  in  indoor  air  quality  standards,  especially  with  respect  to 
asbestos, mold, medical waste and lead-based paint. The clean up of any environmental 
contamination, including asbestos and mold, can be costly. If environmental problems 
arise,  we  may  have  to  make  substantial  payments  which  could  adversely  affect  our 
financial condition and results of operations because:

•	 as	 owner	 or	 operator	 we	 may	 have	 to	 pay	 for	 property	 damage	 and	 for	
investigation	and	clean-up	costs	incurred	in	connection	with	the	contamination;
•	 the	law	typically	imposes	clean-up	responsibility	and	liability	regardless	of	whether	

the	owner	or	operator	knew	of	or	caused	the	contamination;

•	 even	if	more	than	one	person	may	be	responsible	for	the	contamination,	each	
person  who  shares  legal  liability  under  the  environmental  laws  may  be  held 
responsible	for	all	of	the	clean-up	costs;	and

•	 governmental	 entities	 and	 third	 parties	 may	 sue	 the	 owner	 or	 operator	 of	 a	

contaminated site for damages and costs.

These costs could be substantial and in extreme cases could exceed the value of the 
contaminated property. The presence of hazardous or toxic substances or petroleum 
products  or  the  failure  to  properly  remediate  contamination  may  adversely  affect 
our ability to borrow against, sell or rent an affected property. In addition, applicable 
environmental laws create liens on contaminated sites in favor of the government for 
damages and costs it incurs in connection with a contamination.

•	 properly	manage	and	maintain	the	asbestos;
•	 notify	and	train	those	who	may	come	into	contact	with	asbestos;	and
•	 undertake	special	precautions,	including	removal	or	other	abatement,	if	asbestos	

would be disturbed during renovation or demolition of a building.

Such laws may impose fines and penalties on building owners or operators who fail to 
comply with these requirements and may allow third parties to seek recovery from 
owners or operators for personal injury associated with exposure to asbestos fibers.

It  is  our  policy  to  retain  independent  environmental  consultants  to  conduct  Phase  I 
environmental site assessments and asbestos surveys with respect to our acquisition of 
properties. These assessments generally include a visual inspection of the properties and 
the surrounding areas, an examination of current and historical uses of the properties and 
the surrounding areas and a review of relevant state, federal and historical documents. 
However, they do not always involve invasive techniques such as soil and ground water 
sampling.  Where  appropriate,  on  a  property-by-property  basis,  our  general  practice 
is  to  have  these  consultants  conduct  additional  testing.  However,  even  though  these 
additional assessments may be conducted, there is still the risk that:

•	 the	 environmental	 assessments	 and	 updates	 did	 not	 identify	 all	 potential	

environmental	liabilities;

•	 a	prior	owner	created	a	material	environmental	condition	that	is	not	known	to	us	

or	the	independent	consultants	preparing	the	assessments;

•	 new	environmental	liabilities	have	developed	since	the	environmental	assessments	

were	conducted;	and

•	 future	 uses	 or	 conditions	 or	 changes	 in	 applicable	 environmental	 laws	 and	

regulations could result in environmental liability to us.

Failure to qualify as a REIT would cause us to be taxed as a corporation, which would 
substantially reduce funds available for payment of dividends.

If we fail to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes, we would be taxed as a 
corporation. We believe that we are organized and qualified as a REIT and intend to 
operate in a manner that will allow us to continue to qualify as a REIT. However, we 
cannot assure you that we are qualified as such, or that we will remain qualified as such 
in the future. This is because qualification as a REIT involves the application of highly 
technical and complex provisions of the Internal Revenue Code as to which there are 
only limited judicial and administrative interpretations and involves the determination of 
facts and circumstances not entirely within our control. Future legislation, new regulations, 
administrative interpretations or court decisions may significantly change the tax laws or 
the application of the tax laws with respect to qualification as a REIT for federal income 
tax purposes or the federal income tax consequences of such qualification.

Form 10-k Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

25

If  we  fail  to  qualify  as  a  REIT  we  could  face  serious  tax  consequences  that  could 
substantially reduce our funds available for payment of dividends for each of the years 
involved because:

•	 we	 would	 not	 be	 allowed	 a	 deduction	 for	 dividends	 paid	 to	 shareholders	 in	
computing  our  taxable  income  and  could  be  subject  to  federal  income  tax  at 
regular	corporate	rates;

•	 we	 also	 could	 be	 subject	 to	 the	 federal	 alternative	 minimum	 tax	 and	 possibly	

increased	state	and	local	taxes;

•	 unless	we	are	entitled	to	relief	under	statutory	provisions,	we	could	not	elect	to	
be subject to tax as a REIT for four taxable years following the year during which 
we	are	disqualified;	and

•	 all	dividends	would	be	subject	to	tax	as	ordinary	income	to	the	extent	of	our	
current  and  accumulated  earnings  and  profits  potentially  eligible  as  “qualified 
dividends” subject to the 15% income tax rate.

In  addition,  if  we  fail  to  qualify  as  a  REIT,  we  would  no  longer  be  required  to  pay 
dividends.  As  a  result  of  these  factors,  our  failure  to  qualify  as  a  REIT  could  have  a 
material adverse impact on our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.

The market value of our securities can be adversely affected by many factors.

As with any public company, a number of factors may adversely influence the public 
market price of our common shares. These factors include:

•	 level	of	institutional	interest	in	us;
•	 perceived	attractiveness	of	investment	in	us,	in	comparison	to	other	REITs;
•	 attractiveness	of	securities	of	REITs	in	comparison	to	other	asset	classes	taking	
into account, among other things, that a substantial portion of REITs’ dividends 
are	taxed	as	ordinary	income;

•	 our	financial	condition	and	performance;
•	 the	market’s	perception	of	our	growth	potential	and	potential	future	cash	dividends;
•	 government	action	or	regulation,	including	changes	in	tax	law;
•	 increases	in	market	interest	rates,	which	may	lead	investors	to	expect	a	higher	

annual	yield	from	our	distributions	in	relation	to	the	price	of	our	shares;

•	 changes	in	federal	tax	laws;
•	 changes	in	our	credit	ratings;
•	 relatively	 low	 trading	 volume	 of	 shares	 of	 REITs	 in	 general,	 which	 tends	 to	

exacerbate	a	market	trend	with	respect	to	our	shares;	and

•	 any	negative	change	in	the	level	of	our	dividend	or	the	partial	payment	thereof	in	

common shares.

We cannot assure you we will continue to pay dividends at historical rates.

Our  ability  to  continue  to  pay  dividends  on  our  common  shares  at  historical  rates 
or to increase our common share dividend rate will depend on a number of factors, 
including, among others, the following:

•	 our	future	financial	condition	and	results	of	operations;
•	 the	performance	of	lease	terms	by	tenants;
•	 the	terms	of	our	loan	covenants;	and
•	 our	 ability	 to	 acquire,	 finance,	 develop	 or	 redevelop	 and	 lease	 additional	

properties at attractive rates.

If  we  do  not  maintain  or  increase  the  dividend  rate  on  our  common  shares  in  the 
future, it could have an adverse effect on the market price of our common shares.

Provisions  of  the  Maryland  General  Corporation  Law,  or  the  MGCL,  may  limit  a 
change in control.

There are several provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law, or the MGCL, 
that may limit the ability of a third party to undertake a change in control, including:

•	 a	 provision	 where	 a	 corporation	 is	 not	 permitted	 to	 engage	 in	 any	 business	
combination with any “interested stockholder,” defined as any holder or affiliate 
of any holder of 10% or more of the corporation’s stock, for a period of five years 
after	that	holder	becomes	an	“interested	stockholder;”	and

•	 a	 provision	 where	 the	 voting	 rights	 of	 “control	 shares”	 acquired	 in	 a	 “control	
share  acquisition,”  as  defined  in  the  MGCL,  may  be  restricted,  such  that  the 
“control shares” have no voting rights, except to the extent approved by a vote 
of holders of two-thirds of the common shares entitled to vote on the matter.

These provisions may delay, defer,  or prevent a transaction or a  change in control 
that may involve a premium price for holders of our shares or otherwise be in their 
best interests.

Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments
None.

26

Annual Report 2009

Form 10-k

Item 2.  Properties
The schedule on the following pages lists our real estate investment portfolio as of December 31, 2009, which consisted of 90 properties and land held for development.

As of December 31, 2009, the percent leased is the percentage of net rentable area for which fully executed leases exist and may include signed leases for space not yet occupied 
by the tenant.

Cost information is included in Schedule III to our financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Schedule of Properties

Properties 

Office Buildings
1901 Pennsylvania Avenue 
51 Monroe Street 
515 King Street 
The Lexington Building 
The Saratoga Building 
6110 Executive Boulevard 
1220 19th Street 
1600 Wilson Boulevard 
7900 Westpark Drive 
600 Jefferson Plaza 
1700 Research Boulevard 
Parklawn Plaza 
Wayne Plaza 
Courthouse Square 
One Central Plaza 
The Atrium Building 
1776 G Street 
Albemarle Point 
6565 Arlington Blvd 
West Gude Drive 
The Ridges 
The Crescent 
Monument II 
Woodholme Center 
2000 M Street 
Dulles Station 
2445 M Street 
Subtotal 

Location 

Washington, D.C. 
Rockville, MD 
Alexandria, VA 
Rockville, MD 
Rockville, MD 
Rockville, MD 
Washington, D.C. 
Arlington, VA 
McLean, VA 
Rockville, MD 
Rockville, MD 
Rockville, MD 
Silver Spring, MD 
Alexandria, VA 
Rockville, MD 
Rockville, MD 
Washington, D.C. 
Chantilly, VA 
Falls Church, VA 
Rockville, MD 
Gaithersburg, MD 
Gaithersburg, MD 
Herndon, VA 
Pikesville, MD 
Washington, D.C. 
Herndon, VA 
Washington, D.C. 

Year 
Acquired 

Year 
Constructed 

Net Rentable 
Square Feet* 

Percent Leased 
12/31/09

1977 
1979 
1992 
1993 
1993 
1995 
1995 
1997 
1997 
1999 
1999 
1999 
2000 
2000 
2001 
2002 
2003 
2005 
2006 
2006 
2006 
2006 
2007 
2007 
2007 
2005 
2008 

1960 
1975 
1966 
1970 
1977 
1971 
1976 
1973 
1972/1986/1999 
1985 
1982 
1986 
1970 
1979 
1974 
1980 
1979 
2001 
1967/1998 
1984/1986/1988 
1990 
1989 
2000 
1989 
1971 
2007 
1986 

97,000 
210,000 
76,000 
46,000 
58,000 
198,000 
102,000 
166,000 
523,000 
112,000 
101,000 
40,000 
91,000 
113,000 
267,000 
80,000 
263,000 
89,000 
140,000 
276,000 
104,000 
49,000 
205,000 
73,000 
227,000 
180,000 
290,000 
4,176,000 

96%
91%
97%
55%
72%
93%
88%
100%
96%
82%
97%
80%
94%
98%
77%
81%
100%
82%
78%
93%
100%
100%
97%
86%
89%
91%
100%
91%

Form 10-k Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

27

 
 
 
 
 
Schedule of Properties (continued)

Properties 

Medical Office Buildings
Woodburn Medical Park I 
Woodburn Medical Park II 
Prosperity Medical Center I 
Prosperity Medical Center II 
Prosperity Medical Center III 
Shady Grove Medical Village II 
8301 Arlington Boulevard 
Alexandria Professional Center 
9707 Medical Center Drive 
15001 Shady Grove Road 
Plumtree Medical Center 
15005 Shady Grove Road 
2440 M Street 
Woodholme Medical Office Bldg 
Ashburn Farm Office Park 
CentreMed I & II 
Sterling Medical Office Building1 
Lansdowne Medical Office Building1 
Subtotal 

Retail Centers
Takoma Park 
Westminster 
Concord Centre 
Wheaton Park 
Bradlee 
Chevy Chase Metro Plaza 
Montgomery Village Center 
Shoppes of Foxchase2 
Frederick County Square 
800 S. Washington Street 
Centre at Hagerstown 
Frederick Crossing 
Randolph Shopping Center 
Montrose Shopping Center 
Subtotal 

28

Annual Report 2009

Form 10-k

Location 

Annandale, VA 
Annandale, VA 
Merrifield, VA 
Merrifield, VA 
Merrifield, VA 
Rockville, MD 
Fairfax, VA 
Alexandria, VA 
Rockville, MD 
Rockville, MD 
Bel Air, MD 
Rockville, MD 
Washington, D.C. 
Pikesville, MD 
Ashburn, VA 
Centreville, VA 
Sterling, VA 
Leesburg, VA 

Takoma Park, MD 
Westminster, MD 
Springfield, VA 
Wheaton, MD 
Alexandria, VA 
Washington, D.C. 
Gaithersburg, MD 
Alexandria, VA 
Frederick, MD 
Alexandria, VA 
Hagerstown, MD 
Frederick, MD 
Rockville, MD 
Rockville, MD 

Year 
Acquired 

Year 
Constructed 

Net Rentable 
Square Feet* 

Percent Leased 
12/31/09

1998 
1998 
2003 
2003 
2003 
2004 
2004 
2006 
2006 
2006 
2006 
2006 
2007 
2007 
2007 
2007 
2008 
2009 

1963 
1972 
1973 
1977 
1984 
1985 
1992 
1994 
1995 
1998/2003 
2002 
2005 
2006 
2006 

1984 
1988 
2000 
2001 
2002 
1999 
1965 
1968 
1994 
1999 
1991 
2002 
1986/2006 
1996 
1998/2000/2002 
1998 
1986/2000 
2009 

1962 
1969 
1960 
1967 
1955 
1975 
1969 
1960/2006 
1973 
1955/1959 
2000 
1999/2003 
1972 
1970 

71,000 
96,000 
92,000 
88,000 
75,000 
66,000 
49,000 
113,000 
38,000 
51,000 
33,000 
52,000 
110,000 
125,000 
75,000 
52,000 
36,000 
87,000 
1,309,000 

51,000 
151,000 
76,000 
72,000 
168,000 
49,000 
198,000 
134,000 
227,000 
44,000 
332,000 
295,000 
82,000 
143,000 
2,022,000 

95%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
70%
96%
100%
96%
100%
100%
97%
99%
86%
100%
68%
0%
89%

100%
98%
92%
96%
97%
100%
94%
95%
93%
96%
100%
98%
98%
83%
96%

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Schedule of Properties (continued)

Properties 

Multifamily Buildings/# of units
3801 Connecticut Avenue/308 
Roosevelt Towers/191 
Country Club Towers/227 
Park Adams/200 
Munson Hill Towers/279 
The Ashby at McLean/256 
Walker House Apartments/212 
Bethesda Hill Apartments/195 
Bennett Park/224 
Clayborne/74 
Kenmore/374 
Subtotal/2,540 

Industrial/Flex Properties
Fullerton Business Center 
Charleston Business Center 
The Alban Business Center 
Ammendale Technology Park I 
Ammendale Technology Park II 
Pickett Industrial Park 
Northern Virginia Industrial Park 
8900 Telegraph Road 
Dulles South IV 
Sully Square 
Amvax 
Fullerton Industrial Center 
8880 Gorman Road 
Dulles Business Park Portfolio 
Albemarle Point 
Hampton Overlook 
9950 Business Parkway 
270 Technology Park 
6100 Columbia Park Road 
Subtotal 
TOTAL 

Location 

Washington, D.C. 
Falls Church, VA 
Arlington, VA 
Arlington, VA 
Falls Church, VA 
McLean, VA 
Gaithersburg, MD 
Bethesda, MD 
Arlington, VA 
Alexandria, VA 
Washington, D.C. 

Springfield, VA 
Rockville, MD 
Springfield, VA 
Beltsville, MD 
Beltsville, MD 
Alexandria, VA 
Lorton, VA 
Lorton, VA 
Chantilly, VA 
Chantilly, VA 
Beltsville, MD 
Springfield, VA 
Laurel, MD 
Chantilly, VA 
Chantilly, VA 
Capitol Heights, MD 
Lanham, MD 
Frederick, MD 
Landover, MD 

Year 
Acquired 

Year 
Constructed 

Net Rentable 
Square Feet* 

Percent Leased 
12/31/09

1963 
1965 
1969 
1969 
1970 
1996 
1996 
1997 
2007 
2008 
2008 

1985 
1993 
1996 
1997 
1997 
1997 
1998 
1998 
1999 
1999 
1999 
2003 
2004 
2004/2005 
2005 
2006 
2006 
2007 
2008 

1951 
1964 
1965 
1959 
1963 
1982 
1971/20033 
1986 
2007 
2008 
1948 

1980 
1973 
1981/1982 
1985 
1986 
1973 
1968/1991 
1985 
1988 
1986 
1986 
1980 
2000 
1999–2005 
2001/2003/2005 
1989/2005 
2005 
1986–1987 
1969 

179,000 
170,000 
163,000 
173,000 
259,000 
252,000 
159,000 
226,000 
268,000 
87,000 
270,000 
2,206,000 

104,000 
85,000 
87,000 
167,000 
107,000 
246,000 
787,000 
32,000 
83,000 
95,000 
31,000 
137,000 
141,000 
324,000 
207,000 
302,000 
102,000 
157,000 
150,000 
3,344,000 
13,057,000

92%
95%
97%
98%
98%
98%
94%
96%
98%
95%
94%
96%

42%
97%
84%
79%
70%
97%
82%
4%
90%
74%
100%
74%
100%
93%
86%
92%
100%
73%
100%
85%

The sellers of Sterling Medical office Building agreed to lease 37% of the building’s space for a period of 12–18 months following the date of sale.

1 
2  Development on approximately 60,000 square feet of the center was completed in December 2006.
A 16 unit addition referred to as The Gardens at Walker House was completed in october 2003.
3 
*  Multifamily buildings are presented in gross square feet.

Form 10-k Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

29

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 3.  Legal Proceedings
None.

Part II

Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security 

Holders

No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter  
of 2009.

Item 5.   Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, 

Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer 
Purchases of Equity Securities

Our shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange. Currently, there are approximately 
6,484 shareholders of record.

The high and low sales price for our shares for 2009 and 2008, by quarter, and the 
amount of dividends we paid per share are as follows:

Quarterly Share Price Range

Quarter 

Dividends Per Share 

High 

2009
Fourth 
Third 
Second 
First 

2008
Fourth 
Third 
Second 
First 

$.4325 
$.4325 
$.4325 
$.4325 

$.4325 
$.4325 
$.4325 
$.4225 

$29.00 
$30.02 
$23.05 
$27.48 

$36.39 
$37.61 
$36.07 
$34.38 

Low

$25.58
$21.17
$16.91
$15.60

$20.33
$28.98
$30.05
$26.91

We have historically paid dividends on a quarterly basis. Dividends are primarily paid 
from our cash flow from operating activities.

During  the  period  covered  by  this  report,  we  did  not  sell  equity  securities  without 
registration under the Securities Act.

Neither we nor any affiliated purchaser (as that term is defined in Securities Exchange 
Act Rule 10b-18(a) (3)) made any repurchases of our shares during the fourth quarter 
of the fiscal year covered by this report.

30

Annual Report 2009

Form 10-k

 
Item 6.  Selected Financial Data
The following table sets forth our selected financial data on a historical basis, which has been revised for properties disposed of or classified as held for sale (see note 3 to the 
consolidated financial statements). The following data should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and notes thereto and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of 
Financial Condition and Results of Operations included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

(in thousands, except per share data) 
Real estate rental revenue 
Income from continuing operations 
Discontinued operations:

Income from operations of properties sold or held for sale 
Gain on sale of real estate 

Net income 
Net income attributable to the controlling interests 
Income from continuing operations attributable to the controlling  

interests per share—diluted 

Net income attributable to the controlling interests per share—diluted 
Total assets 
Lines of credit payable 
Mortgage notes payable 
Notes payable 
Shareholders’ equity 
Cash dividends paid 
Cash dividends declared and paid per share 

2009 
$  306,929 
$  26,021 

$ 
1,579 
$  13,348 
$  40,948 
$  40,745 

0.45 
$ 
$ 
0.71 
$ 2,045,225 
$  128,000 
$  405,451 
$  688,912 
$  745,255 
$  100,221 
1.73 
$ 

1 

As adjusted (see Current report on Form 8-K filed July 10, 2009 and note 3 to the consolidated financial statements).

20081 
$  278,691 
7,889 
$ 

$ 
4,129 
$  15,275 
$  27,293 
$  27,082 

0.15 
$ 
$ 
0.55 
$ 2,109,407 
$  67,000 
$  421,286 
$  890,679 
$  636,630 
$  85,564 
1.72 
$ 

20071 
$  248,899 
$  25,136 

$ 
7,510 
$  25,022 
$  57,668 
$  57,451 

0.53 
$ 
$ 
1.24 
$ 1,897,018 
$  192,500 
$  252,484 
$  861,819 
$  502,540 
$  78,050 
1.68 
$ 

20061 
$  202,334 
$  32,477 

5,780 
$ 
$ 
— 
$  38,257 
$  38,053 

0.73 
$ 
$ 
0.87 
$ 1,530,863 
$  61,000 
$  229,240 
$  719,862 
$  449,922 
$  72,681 
1.64 
$ 

20051
$  174,092
$  35,288

$ 
5,511
$  37,011
$  77,810
$  77,638

0.83
$ 
$ 
1.84
$ 1,139,159
$  24,000
$  161,631
$  518,600
$  380,305
$  67,322
1.60
$ 

Item 7.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of 

Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Our  Management’s  Discussion  and  Analysis  of  Financial  Conditions  and  Results  of 
Operations  (“MD&A”)  is  provided  in  addition  to  the  accompanying  consolidated 
financial  statements  and  notes  to  assist  readers  in  understanding  our  results  of 
operations and financial condition. MD&A is organized as follows:

•	 Overview. Discussion of our business, operating results, investment activity and 
cash  requirements,  and  summary  of  our  significant  transactions  to  provide 
context for the remainder of MD&A.

•	 Critical  Accounting  Policies  and  Estimates.  Descriptions  of  accounting  policies 
that reflect significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our 
consolidated financial statements.

•	 Results of Operations. Discussion of our financial results comparing 2009 to 2008 

and comparing 2008 to 2007.

•	 Liquidity and Capital Resources. Discussion of our financial condition and analysis 

of changes in our capital structure and cash flows.

When evaluating our financial condition and operating performance, we focus on the 
following financial and non-financial indicators:

•	 Net	 operating	 income	 (“NOI”),	 calculated	 as	 real	 estate	 rental	 revenue	 less	
real  estate  expenses  excluding  depreciation  and  amortization  and  general  
and  administrative  expenses.  NOI  is  a  non-GAAP  supplemental  measure  to 
net income.

•	 Funds	 From	 Operations	 (“FFO”),	 calculated	 as	 set	 forth	 below	 under	 the	
caption “Funds from Operations.” FFO is a non-GAAP supplemental measure 
to net income.

Form 10-k Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

31

 
•	 Economic	occupancy	(“occupancy”),	calculated	as	actual	real	estate	rental	revenue	
recognized for the period indicated as a percentage of gross potential real estate 
rental revenue for that period. Percentage rents and expense reimbursements 
are not considered in computing economic occupancy percentages.

•	 Leased	percentage,	calculated	as	the	percentage	of	available	physical	net	rentable	
area leased for our commercial segments and percentage of apartments leased 
for our multifamily segment.

•	 Rental	rates.
•	 Leasing	activity,	including	new	leases,	renewals	and	expirations.

Overview

Business
Our revenues are derived primarily from the ownership and operation of income-producing 
properties in the greater Washington metro region. As of December 31, 2009, we owned 
a diversified portfolio of 90 properties totaling approximately 10.9 million square feet 
of commercial space and 2,540 multifamily units. These 90 properties consisted of 27 
office  properties,  20  industrial/flex  properties,  18  medical  office  properties,  14  retail 
centers, and 11 multifamily properties and land held for development.

We have a fundamental strategy of regional focus and diversification by property type. 
In recent years we have sought to pursue a strategy of upgrading our portfolio by selling 
lower quality properties and acquiring or developing higher quality properties. We will 
seek  to  continue  to  upgrade  our  portfolio  as  opportunities  arise.  However,  market 
conditions limited our acquisition opportunities during 2009 and may continue to limit 
our ability to acquire or sell properties at attractive prices in the future.

Operating Results
Real  estate  rental  revenue,  NOI,  net  income  and  FFO  for  2009  and  2008  were  as 
follows (in thousands):

Real estate rental revenue 
NOI1 
Net income attributable to the controlling interests 
FFO2 

2009 
$306,929 
$202,356 
$  40,745 
$121,771 

2008 
$278,691 
$185,192 
$  27,082 
$  98,688 

Change
$28,238
$17,164
$13,663
$23,083

1 
2 

See pages 42 and 45 of the MD&A for reconciliations of NoI to net income.
See page 56 of the MD&A for reconciliations of FFo to net income.

Our growth in NOI, net income and FFO during 2009 is due to acquisitions made 
during 2008 and the lease-up of our development properties. We currently do not 
expect  this  growth  to  continue  in  2010,  as  the  current  market  for  acquisitions  is 
difficult  and  our  development  properties  are  now  stabilized.  NOI  from  our  core 
portfolio, consisting of properties owned for the entirety of 2009 and the same time 

period in 2008, was $179.6 million for 2009 compared to $181.6 million for 2008, a 
decrease of 1.1% .

We believe the national economic recession was responsible for the lower NOI from 
our  core  portfolio.  While  the  Washington  metro  region  remains  one  of  the  best 
performing real estate markets in the nation according to Delta Associates/Transwestern 
Commercial Services (“Delta”), it still reflected the impact of the economic recession 
during 2009, with declining occupancy and rental rates across all commercial segments. 
The near-term outlook for recovery remains slow, as occupancy and rental rates are 
currently expected to continue to decline in 2010, according to the Center for Regional 
Analysis at George Mason University (“CRA”).

The  performance  of  our  five  operating  segments  and  the  market  conditions  in  our 
region are discussed in greater detail below (industry data is as reported by Delta):

•	 The	 region’s	 office	 market	 remained	 weak	 during	 2009,	 with	 overall	 vacancy	
increasing to 13.0% from 10.6% in 2008. Vacancy in the submarkets was 14.0% 
for Northern Virginia, 14.8% for Suburban Maryland, and 10.5% in the District of 
Columbia. Net absorption (defined as the change in occupied, standing inventory 
from one year to the next) decreased to 0.6 million square feet from 3.4 million 
square  feet  in  2008,  and  the  pipeline  of  new  office  properties  in  the  region 
decreased to 5.7 million square feet from 15.4 million square feet in the prior year. 
Our office segment was 91.5% leased at year-end 2009, a decrease from 94.0% 
leased at year-end 2008. By submarket, our office segment was 93.8% leased in 
Northern Virginia, 87.0% leased in Suburban Maryland, and 95.8% leased in the 
District of Columbia at year end 2009.

•	 Our	medical	office	segment	was	89.4%	leased	at	year-end	2009,	a	decrease	from	
97.0%  at  year-end  2008.  The  decrease  is  due  to  the  acquisition  of  the  vacant 
Lansdowne Medical Office Building during the third quarter of 2009.

•	 The	region’s	retail	market	declined	in	2009,	with	vacancy	rates	increasing	to	5.6%	
from 3.7% in 2008. Rental rates at grocery-anchored centers decreased 5.8% in 
2009, as compared to a 1.7% increase in 2008. Our retail segment was 96.0% 
leased at year-end 2009, down from 97.8% at year-end 2008.

•	 The	region’s	multifamily	market	was	more	resilient	than	the	commercial	markets	
during 2009. The region’s vacancy rate for investment grade apartments remained 
the same at 4.3% , though rents did decrease by 2.0%. Our multifamily segment 
was 95.8% leased at year-end 2009, up from 91.1% at year-end 2008.

•	 The	 region’s	 industrial	 market	 contracted	 during	 2009.	 Rents	 decreased	 by	
4.3%  and  vacancy  increased  to  11.4%,  compared  to  10.1%  one  year  ago.  Net 
absorption  was  a  negative  2.3  million  square  feet,  compared  to  a  positive  4.4 
million square feet in 2008. Our industrial segment was 84.6% leased at year-end 
2009, a decrease from 91.9% at year-end 2008.

32

Annual Report 2009

Form 10-k

 
Investment Activity
We  sold  four  lower-performing  properties  during  2009  in  order  to  improve  the 
quality of our portfolio, while executing only one property acquisition. This acquisition/
disposition  level  is  in  contrast  to  the  prior  two  years,  during  which  we  acquired  or 
placed into service 15 properties and sold four properties. Our decrease in acquisition 
activity mirrors the overall market, as property investment transactions were down 
dramatically during 2009, according to Delta. For 2010, we currently expect a greater 
level of acquisitions in 2010 than in 2009. However, we do not expect these potential 
acquisitions to provide any significant improvement to our operating performance in 
2010 due to acquisition costs.

Cash Requirements
The  current  economic  recession  has  generally  made  it  challenging  to  secure  debt 
financing. Over the past year, we have focused on strengthening our balance sheet in 
order to minimize our refinancing risk and prepare for future acquisitions as transaction 
volume increases. Our total debt maturities in 2010 and 2011 are $104.5 million and 
$326.1 million, respectively. We currently expect to pay these maturities with some 
combination of proceeds from new debt, property sales and equity issuances.

Significant Transactions
We  summarize  below  our  significant  transactions  during  the  two  years  ended  
December 31, 2009:

2009

•	 The	 completion	 of	 a	 public	 offering	 of	 5.25	 million	 common	 shares	 priced	 at	

$21.40 per share, raising $107.5 million in net proceeds.

•	 The	disposition	of	one	multifamily	property,	Avondale,	for	a	contract	sales	price	

of $19.8 million and a gain on sale of $6.7 million.

•	 The	 dispositions	 of	 two	 industrial	 properties,	 Tech	 100	 Industrial	 Park	 and	
Crossroads  Distribution  Center,  for  contract  sales  prices  of  $10.5  million  and 
$4.4  million,  respectively,  and  gains  on  sale  of  $4.1  million  and  $1.5  million, 
respectively.

•	 The	disposition	of	one	office	property,	Brandywine	Center,	for	a	contract	sales	

price of $3.3 million and a gain on sale of $1.0 million.

•	 The	 acquisition	 of	 one	 newly	 constructed	 medical	 office	 building,	 Lansdowne	
Medical  Office  Building,  for  $19.9  million,  adding  approximately  87,400  square 
feet, which was 0% leased at the end of 2009.

•	 The	 execution	 of	 an	 agreement	 to	 modify	 our	 $100.0	 million	 unsecured	 term	
loan with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association to extend the maturity date 
from February 19, 2010 to November 1, 2011. This agreement also increased the 
interest rate on the term loan from LIBOR plus 150 basis points to LIBOR plus 
275 basis points. We also entered into a forward interest rate swap on a notional 
amount of $100.0 million, which had the effect of fixing the interest rate on the 

loan at 4.85% for the period from February 20, 2010 through the maturity date 
of November 1, 2011.

•	 The	 prepayment	 of	 our	 $100.0	 million	 unsecured	 term	 loan	 with	 Wells	 Fargo	
Bank,  National  Association  on  December  1,  2009  using  borrowings  from  our 
unsecured  lines  of  credit.  The  prepayment  resulted  in  a  $1.5  million  loss  on 
extinguishment of debt.

•	 The	 issuance	 of	 2.0	 million	 common	 shares	 at	 a	 weighted	 average	 price	 of	
$27.37 under our sales agency financing agreement, raising $53.8 million in net 
proceeds.

•	 The	execution	of	one	mortgage	note	of	approximately	$37.5	million	at	a	fixed	

rate of 5.37%, secured by the Kenmore Apartments.

•	 The	prepayment	of	a	$50.0	million	mortgage	note	payable,	secured	by	Munson	
Hill Towers, Country Club Towers, Roosevelt Towers, Park Adams Apartments 
and the Ashby of McLean, with no prepayment penalties.

•	 The	repurchases	of	$109.7	million	of	our	3.875%	convertible	notes	prices	ranging	
from 80% to 97.63% of par, resulting in a net gain on extinguishment of debt of 
$6.8 million.

•	 The	execution	of	new	leases	for	1.4	million	square	feet	of	commercial	space,	with	

an average rental rate increase of 10.2% over expiring leases.

2008

•	 The	acquisition	of	one	office	property,	2445	M	Street,	for	$181.4	million,	adding	

approximately 290,000 square feet.

•	 The	acquisition	of	one	374	unit	apartment	 building,	 Kenmore	 Apartments,	 for	

$58.3 million, adding approximately 270,000 square feet.

•	 The	acquisition	of	one	medical	office	property,	Sterling	Medical	Office	Building,	

for $6.5 million, adding approximately 36,000 square feet.

•	 The	 acquisition	 of	 one	 industrial/flex	 property,	 6100	 Columbia	 Park	 Road,	 for	

$11.2 million, adding approximately 150,000 square feet.

•	 The	 disposition	 of	 two	 industrial/flex	 properties,	 Sullyfield	 Center	 and	 the	
Earhart Building, for a contract sales price of $41.1 million and a gain on sale of 
$15.3 million.

•	 The	 agreement	 to	 acquire	 one	 medical	 office	 property,	 Lansdowne	 Medical	
Office Building, for $19.5 million. The purchase occurred during 2009, as noted in 
the fifth bullet under “2009” above.

•	 The	 completion	 of	 a	 public	 offering	 of	 2,600,000	 common	 shares	 priced	 at	
$34.80 per share, raising $86.7 million in net proceeds during the second quarter 
of 2008.

•	 The	 completion	 of	 a	 public	 offering	 of	 1,725,000	 common	 shares	 priced	 at	
$35.00 per share, raising $57.6 million in net proceeds during the fourth quarter 
of 2008.

Form 10-k Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

33

•	 The	issuance	of	1.1	million	common	shares	at	a	weighted	average	price	of	$36.15	
under our sales agency financing agreement, raising $40.7 million in net proceeds.
•	 The	execution	of	three	mortgage	notes	totaling	approximately	$81.0	million	at	a	

fixed rate of 5.71% , secured by three multifamily properties.

•	 The	repayment	of	the	$60	million	outstanding	principal	balance	under	our	6.74%	
10-year Mandatory Par Put Remarketed Securities (“MOPPRS”) notes. The total 
aggregate consideration paid to repurchase the notes was $70.8 million, which 
amount included the $8.7 million remarketing option value paid to the remarketing 
dealer and accrued interest paid to the holders. The loss on extinguishment of 
debt was $8.4 million, net of unamortized loan premium costs, upon settlement 
of these securities. We refinanced the repurchase of these notes, and refinanced 
a portion of line outstandings, by issuing a $100 million two-year term loan. We 
also entered into an interest rate swap on a notional amount of $100 million, 
which had the effect of fixing the interest rate on the term loan at 4.45%.

•	 The	repurchase	of	$16.0	million	of	our	3.875%	convertible	notes	at	a	25%	discount	

to par value, resulting in a gain on extinguishment of debt of $2.9 million.

•	 The	 increase	 in	 the	 capacity	 of	 our	 unsecured	 revolving	 credit	 facility	 with	 
a  syndicate  of  banks  led  by  Wells  Fargo  Bank,  National  Association  from  
$200 million to $262 million.

•	 The	 execution	 of	 two	 leases	 totaling	 154,000	 square	 feet	 at	 the	 previously	
unleased Dulles Station, Phase I office building. In addition to those leases, we 
executed new leases for 1.5 million square feet of commercial space elsewhere in 
our portfolio, with an average rental rate increase of 19.4%.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based 
upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance 
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of 
these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the 
reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. On an ongoing basis, we 
evaluate these estimates, including those related to estimated useful lives of real estate 
assets, estimated fair value of acquired leases, cost reimbursement income, bad debts, 
contingencies  and  litigation.  We  base  the  estimates  on  historical  experience  and  on 
various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, 
the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of 
assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. There can be no 
assurance that actual results will not differ from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition
We lease multifamily properties under operating leases with terms of generally one year 
or less. We lease commercial properties (our office, medical office, retail and industrial 
segments)  under  operating  leases  with  average  terms  of  three  to  seven  years.  We 
recognize rental income and rental abatements from our multifamily and commercial 
leases when earned on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Recognition of rental 
income  commences  when  control  of  the  facility  has  been  given  to  the  tenant.  We 
record a provision for losses on accounts receivable equal to the estimated uncollectible 
amounts. We base this estimate on our historical experience and a review of the current 
status of our receivables. We recognize percentage rents, which represent additional 
rents based on gross tenant sales, when tenants’ sales exceed specified thresholds.

We recognize sales of real estate at closing only when sufficient down payments have 
been obtained, possession and other attributes of ownership have been transferred to 
the buyer and we have no significant continuing involvement.

We recognize cost reimbursement income from pass-through expenses on an accrual 
basis over the periods in which the expenses were incurred. Pass-through expenses 
are comprised of real estate taxes, operating expenses and common area maintenance 
costs which are reimbursed by tenants in accordance with specific allowable costs per 
tenant lease agreements.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Accounts receivable primarily represents amounts accrued and unpaid from tenants in 
accordance with the terms of the respective leases, subject to our revenue recognition 
policy. We review receivables monthly and establish reserves when, in the opinion of 
management, collection of the receivable is doubtful. We establish reserves for tenants 
whose  rent  payment  history  or  financial  condition  casts  doubt  upon  the  tenants’ 
ability  to  perform  under  their  lease  obligations.  When  we  deem  the  collection  of  a 
receivable to be doubtful in the same quarter that we established the receivable, then 
we  recognize  the  allowance  for  that  receivable  as  an  offset  to  real  estate  revenues. 
When  we  deem  a  receivable  that  was  initially  established  in  a  prior  quarter  to  be 
doubtful, then we recognize the allowance as an operating expense. In addition to rents 
due currently, accounts receivable include amounts representing minimal rental income 
accrued on a straight-line basis to be paid by tenants over the remaining term of their 
respective leases.

We  include  notes  receivable  balances  of  $8.5  million  and  $8.6  million  as  of 
December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, in our accounts receivable balances.

We believe the following critical accounting policies reflect the significant judgments 
and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. Our 
significant accounting policies are also described in note 2 to the consolidated financial 
statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Real Estate and Depreciation
We depreciate buildings on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives ranging from 
28  to  50  years.  We  capitalize  all  capital  improvement  expenditures  associated  with 
replacements, improvements or major repairs to real property that extend its useful 

34

Annual Report 2009

Form 10-k

life and depreciate them using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives 
ranging from 3 to 30 years. We also capitalize costs incurred in connection with our 
development  projects,  including  capitalizing  interest  and  other  internal  costs  during 
periods in which qualifying expenditures have been made and activities necessary to 
get the development projects ready for their intended use are in progress. In addition, 
we capitalize tenant leasehold improvements when certain criteria are met, including 
when we supervise construction and will own the improvements. We depreciate all 
tenant improvements over the shorter of the useful life of the improvements or the 
term  of  the  related  tenant  lease.  Real  estate  depreciation  expense  from  continuing 
operations for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $75.8 million, 
$68.5 million and $55.0 million, respectively. We charge maintenance and repair costs 
that do not extend an asset’s life to expense as incurred.

We capitalize interest costs incurred on borrowing obligations while qualifying assets 
are  being  readied  for  their  intended  use.  Total  interest  expense  capitalized  to  real 
estate assets related to development and major renovation activities was $1.4 million, 
$2.3  million  and  $6.7  million  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2009,  2008  and 
2007, respectively. We amortize capitalized interest over the useful life of the related 
underlying assets upon those assets being placed into service.

We recognize impairment losses on long-lived assets used in operations and held for 
sale, development assets or land held for future development, if indicators of impairment 
are present and the net undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those 
assets  are  less  than  the  assets’  carrying  amount  and  estimated  undiscounted  cash 
flows associated with future development expenditures. If such carrying amount is in 
excess of the estimated cash flows from the operation and disposal of the property, 
we would recognize an impairment loss equivalent to an amount required to adjust 
the  carrying  amount  to  the  estimated  fair  value.  The  estimated  fair  value  would  be 
calculated  in  accordance  with  current  GAAP  fair  value  provisions.  There  were  no 
property impairments recognized during the year ended December 31, 2007. During 
2009  and  2008,  we  expensed  $0.1  million  and  $0.6  million,  respectively,  included 
in  general  and  administrative  expenses,  related  to  development  projects  no  longer 
considered probable.

We record real estate acquisitions as business combinations in accordance with GAAP. 
We record acquired or assumed assets, including physical assets and in-place leases, 
and  liabilities,  based  on  their  fair  values.  We  record  goodwill  when  the  purchase 
price  exceeds  the  fair  value  of  the  assets  and  liabilities  acquired. We  determine  the 
estimated fair values of the assets and liabilities in accordance with current GAAP fair 
value provisions. We determine the fair values of acquired buildings on an “as-if-vacant” 
basis  considering  a  variety  of  factors,  including  the  physical  condition  and  quality  of 
the buildings, estimated rental and absorption rates, estimated future cash flows and 
valuation  assumptions  consistent  with  current  market  conditions.  We  allocate  the 

“as-if-vacant” fair value to land, building and tenant improvements based on property 
tax  assessments  and  other  relevant  information  obtained  in  connection  with  the 
acquisition of the property.

The  fair  value  of  in-place  leases  consists  of  the  following  components—(a)  the 
estimated cost to us to replace the leases, including foregone rents during the period 
of finding a new tenant and foregone recovery of tenant pass-throughs (referred to as 
“absorption	cost”);	(b)	the	estimated	cost	of	tenant	improvements,	and	other	direct	
costs	associated	with	obtaining	a	new	tenant	(referred	to	as	“tenant	origination	cost”);	
(c)  estimated  leasing  commissions  associated  with  obtaining  a  new  tenant  (referred 
to	as	“leasing	commissions”);	(d)	the	above/at/below	market	cash	flow	of	the	leases,	
determined by comparing the projected cash flows of the leases in place to projected 
cash	flows	of	comparable	market-rate	leases	(referred	to	as	“net	lease	intangible”);	and	
(e) the value, if any, of customer relationships, determined based on our evaluation of 
the specific characteristics of each tenant’s lease and our overall relationship with the 
tenant (referred to as “customer relationship value”). We have attributed no value to 
customer relationship value as of December 31, 2009 and 2008.

We discount the amounts used to calculate net lease intangibles using an interest rate 
which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired. We include tenant origination 
costs  in  income  producing  property  on  our  balance  sheet  and  amortize  the  tenant 
origination  costs  as  depreciation  expense  on  a  straight-line  basis  over  the  remaining 
life  of  the  underlying  leases.  We  classify  leasing  commissions  and  absorption  costs  as 
other  assets  and  amortize  leasing  commissions  and  absorption  costs  as  amortization 
expense  on  a  straight-line  basis  over  the  remaining  life  of  the  underlying  leases.  We 
classify net lease intangible assets as other assets and amortize net lease intangible assets 
on a straight-line basis as a decrease to real estate rental revenue over the remaining 
term of the underlying leases. We classify net lease intangible liabilities as other liabilities 
and amortize net lease intangible liabilities on a straight-line basis as an increase to real 
estate rental revenue over the remaining term of the underlying leases. Should a tenant 
terminate its lease, we write off the unamortized portion of the tenant origination cost, 
leasing commissions, absorption costs and net lease intangible associated with that lease.

Federal Income Taxes
We believe that we qualify as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) under Sections 856-
860 of the Internal Revenue Code and intend to continue to qualify as such. To maintain 
our status as a REIT, we are required to distribute 90% of our ordinary taxable income 
to our shareholders. When selling properties, we have the option of (a) reinvesting the 
sale  price  of  properties  sold,  allowing  for  a  deferral  of  income  taxes  on  the  sale,  (b) 
paying  out  capital  gains  to  the  shareholders  with  no  tax  to  WRIT  or  (c)  treating  the 
capital gains as having been distributed to the shareholders, paying the tax on the gain 
deemed distributed and allocating the tax paid as a credit to the shareholders. In May 
2009, we sold a multifamily property, Avondale, for a gain of $6.7 million. In July 2009, we 

Form 10-k Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

35

sold an industrial property, Tech 100 Industrial Park, and an office property, Brandywine 
Center, for gains of $4.1 million and $1.0 million, respectively. In November 2009, we 
sold an industrial property, Crossroads Distribution Center, for a gain of $1.5 million. In 
June 2008, we sold two industrial properties, Sullyfield Center and The Earhart Building, 
for a gain of $15.3 million. The gains from the sales were paid out to the shareholders. 
Generally, no provisions for income taxes are necessary except for taxes on undistributed 
REIT taxable income and taxes on the income generated by our taxable REIT subsidiaries 
(“TRS”).  A  TRS  is  subject  to  corporate  federal  and  state  income  tax  on  its  taxable 
income  at  regular  statutory  rates.  Certain  of  our  taxable  REIT  subsidiaries  have  net 
operating loss carryforwards available of approximately $5.3 million. These carryforwards 
begin to expire in 2028. We have considered estimated future taxable income and have 
determined that a full valuation allowance for our net deferred tax assets is appropriate. 
There were no income tax provisions or material deferred income tax items for our TRS 
for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.

Results of Operations
The discussion that follows is based on our consolidated results of operations for the 
years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007. The ability to compare one period to 
another may be significantly affected by acquisitions completed and dispositions made 
during those years.

For  purposes  of  evaluating  comparative  operating  performance,  we  categorize  our 
properties  as  “core,”  “non-core”  or  discontinued  operations.  A  “core”  property  is 
one that was owned for the entirety of the periods being evaluated and is included 
in continuing operations. A “non-core” property is one that was acquired or placed 
into service during either of the periods being evaluated and is included in continuing 
operations.  Results  for  properties  sold  or  held  for  sale  during  any  of  the  periods 
evaluated are classified as discontinued operations.

Properties we acquired during the years ending December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:

Property 
Lansdowne Medical Office Building 

6100 Columbia Park Road 
Sterling Medical Office Building 
Kenmore Apartments (374 units) 
2445 M Street 

270 Technology Park 
Monument II 
2440 M Street 
Woodholme Medical Office Building 
Woodholme Center 
Ashburn Farm Office Park 
CentreMed I & II 
4661 Kenmore Avenue 
2000 M Street 

Type 
Medical Office 

Industrial/Flex 
Medical Office 
Multifamily 
Office 

Industrial/Flex 
Office 
Medical Office 
Medical Office 
Office 
Medical Office 
Medical Office 
Land for Development 
Office 

Rentable 
Square Feet 
87,000 
87,000 

150,000 
36,000 
270,000 
290,000 
746,000 

157,000 
205,000 
110,000 
125,000 
73,000 
75,000 
52,000 
n/a 
227,000 
1,024,000 

Contract 
Purchase Price 
(in thousands)
$  19,900
$  19,900

$  11,200
6,500
58,300
181,400
$257,400

$  26,500
78,200
50,000
30,800
18,200
23,000
15,300
3,750
73,500
$319,250

Acquisition Date 
August 13, 2009 
Total 2009 

February 22, 2008 
May 21, 2008 
September 3, 2008 
December 2, 2008 
Total 2008 

February 8, 2007 
March 1, 2007 
March 9, 2007 
June 1, 2007 
June 1, 2007 
June 1, 2007 
August 16, 2007 
August 30, 2007 
December 4, 2007 
Total 2007 

36

Annual Report 2009

Form 10-k

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Properties we sold or classified as held for sale during the three years ending December 31, 2009 are as follows:

Disposition Date 
May 13, 2009 
July 23, 2009 
July 31, 2009 
November 13, 2009 

Total 2009 

June 6, 2008 
Total 2008 

September 26, 2007 
Total 2007 

Property 
Avondale 
Tech 100 Industrial Park 
Brandywine Center 
Crossroads Distribution Center 
Charleston Business Center 

Type 
Multifamily 
Industrial 
Office 
Industrial 
Industrial 

Sullyfield Center/The Earhart Building 

Industrial 

Maryland Trade Center I & II 

Office 

Rentable 
Square Feet 
170,000 
166,000 
35,000 
85,000 
85,000 
541,000 

336,000 
336,000 

342,000 
342,000 

Contract 
Sales Price 
(in thousands)
$19,800
10,500
3,300
4,400
Held for sale
$38,000

$41,100
$41,100

$58,000
$58,000

We  placed  into  service  two  development  properties,  Clayborne  Apartments  and 
Dulles Station, Phase I, in 2008, and one development property, Bennett Park, at the 
end of 2007.

To provide more insight into our operating results, we divide our discussion into two 
main sections: (a) the consolidated results of operations section, in which we provide 

an  overview  analysis  of  results  on  a  consolidated  basis,  and  (b)  the  net  operating 
income (“NOI”) section, in which we provide a detailed analysis of core versus non-
core NOI results by segment. NOI is a non-GAAP measure calculated as real estate 
rental revenue less real estate expenses excluding depreciation and amortization and 
general and administrative expenses.

Consolidated Results of Operations

Real Estate Rental Revenue
Real estate rental revenue for properties classified as continuing operations is summarized as follows (all data in thousands except percentage amounts):

Minimum base rent 
Recoveries from tenants 
Provisions for doubtful accounts 
Lease termination fees 
Parking and other tenant charges 

2009 
$265,433 
36,555 
(6,232) 
1,471 
9,702 
$306,929 

2008 
$242,477 
30,874 
(4,451) 
1,101 
8,690 
$278,691 

2007 
$217,730 
24,924 
(1,931) 
505 
7,671 
$248,899 

2009 vs 
2008 
$22,956 
5,681 
(1,781) 
370 
1,012 
$28,238 

% 
Change 
9.5% 
18.4% 
(40.0%) 
33.6% 
11.6% 
10.1% 

2008 vs 
2007 
$24,747 
5,950 
(2,520) 
596 
1,019 
$29,792 

% 
Change
11.4%
23.9%
(130.5%)
118.0%
13.3%
12.0%

Form 10-k Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

37

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real  estate  rental  revenue  is  comprised  of  (a)  minimum  base  rent,  which  includes 
rental revenues recognized on a straight-line basis, (b) revenue from the recovery 
of  operating  expenses  from  our  tenants,  (c)  provisions  for  doubtful  accounts,  
which  includes  provisions  for  straight-line  receivables,  (d)  revenue  from  the 
collection of lease termination fees and (e) parking and other tenant charges such as  
percentage rents.

Minimum Base Rent: Minimum base rent increased by $23.0 million in 2009 as compared 
to 2008 due primarily to properties acquired or placed into service in 2009 and 2008 
($21.0 million), combined with a $2.0 million increase in minimum base rent from core 
properties due to higher rental rates, partially offset by higher vacancy.

Minimum  base  rent  increased  by  $24.7  million  in  2008  as  compared  to  2007  due 
primarily to properties acquired or placed into service in 2008 and 2007 ($22.5 million), 
combined  with  a  $2.2  million  increase  in  minimum  base  rent  from  core  properties 
due  to  higher  rental  rates  in  all  segments,  partially  offset  by  higher  vacancy  in  the 
commercial segments.

Recoveries from Tenants: Recoveries from tenants increased by $5.7 million in 2009 
as compared to 2008 due primarily to properties acquired or placed into service in 
2009 and 2008 ($5.5 million), combined with a $0.2 million increase in recoveries 
from tenants from core properties primarily due to higher utilities reimbursements 
($0.7  million)  and  real  estate  tax  reimbursements  ($0.3  million),  offset  by  lower 
common area maintenance reimbursements ($0.9 million) due to lower occupancy 
in the retail and industrial segments.

Recoveries from tenants increased by $6.0 million in 2008 as compared to 2007 due 
primarily to properties acquired or placed into service in 2008 and 2007 ($4.0 million), 
combined with a $2.0 million increase in recoveries from tenants from core properties 
primarily due to higher real estate tax reimbursements ($1.6 million) and common area 
maintenance reimbursements ($0.3 million).

Provisions for Doubtful Accounts: Provisions for doubtful accounts increased by $1.8 million 
in 2009 as compared to 2008 due to higher provisions in the office ($1.3 million) and 
retail ($0.7 million) segments, offset by lower provisions in the medical office segment 
($0.3 million). The higher overall provision is reflective of the economic recession that 
began in 2008.

Provisions  for  doubtful  accounts  increased  by  $2.5  million  in  2008  as  compared  to 
2007 due to higher provisions in the retail ($1.0 million), industrial ($0.9 million) and 
office ($0.5 million) segments. Provisions for bad debt in the multifamily and medical 
office segments did not materially change. The higher overall provision is reflective of 
the economic recession that began in 2008.

Lease  Termination  Fees:  Lease  termination  fees  increased  by  $0.4  million  in  2009 
as  compared  to  2008  due  primarily  to  higher  fees  in  the  retail  ($0.3  million)  and 
industrial ($0.4 million) segments, partially offset by lower fees in the office segment 
($0.4 million).

Lease termination fees increased by $0.6 million in 2008 as compared to 2007 due 
primarily to higher fees in the office segment ($0.8 million), partially offset by lower fees 
in the retail segment ($0.2 million).

Parking  and  Other  Tenant  Charges:  Parking  and  other  tenant  charges  increased  by  
$1.0  million  in  2009  as  compared  to  2008  due  primarily  to  properties  acquired  or 
placed  into  service  in  2009  and  2008  ($0.8  million),  combined  with  a  $0.2  million 
increase  in  parking  and  other  tenant  charges  from  core  properties  primarily  due  to 
higher parking fees ($0.1 million) in the office segment.

Parking  and  other  tenant  charges  increased  by  $1.0  million  in  2008  as  compared  to 
2007 due primarily to higher parking revenue and miscellaneous fees in the multifamily 
($0.3 million), office ($0.4 million) and medical office ($0.2 million) segments.

A summary of economic occupancy for properties classified as continuing operations 
by segment follows:

Consolidated Economic Occupancy

Segment 
Office 
Medical Office 
Retail 
Multifamily 
Industrial 
Total 

2009 
92.6% 
95.2% 
94.6% 
91.5% 
89.6% 
92.7% 

2008 
93.2% 
96.5% 
94.9% 
83.0% 
93.8% 
92.3% 

2007 
94.6% 
98.3% 
95.2% 
89.2% 
95.2% 
94.5% 

2009 vs 
2008 
(0.6%) 
(1.3%) 
(0.3%) 
8.5% 
(4.2%) 
0.4% 

2008 vs 
2007
(1.4%)
(1.8%)
(0.3%)
(6.2%)
(1.4%)
(2.2%)

Economic occupancy represents actual real estate rental revenue recognized for the 
period indicated as a percentage of gross potential real estate rental revenue for that 
period. Percentage rents and expense reimbursements are not considered in computing 
economic occupancy percentages.

Our overall economic occupancy increased to 92.7% in 2009 from 92.3% in 2008, due 
to the lease-up of our development properties in the office and multifamily segments. 
Our development properties Bennett Park, Clayborne Apartments and Dulles Station, 
Phase I were placed into service at the end of 2007 and during 2008, and were 98% , 
95% and 91% leased at the end of 2009, respectively. The gains at these development 
properties were offset by lower occupancy across the rest of the portfolio, particularly 
in the industrial segment.

38

Annual Report 2009

Form 10-k

 
 
 
 
Our overall economic occupancy decreased to 92.3% in 2008 from 94.5% in 2007, 
driven  primarily  by  the  lease-up  during  2008  of  our  development  properties  in 
the  office  and  multifamily  segments.  Our  development  properties  Bennett  Park, 
Clayborne Apartments and Dulles Station, Phase I were placed into service at the 

end  of  2007  and  during  2008,  and  were  78% ,  64%  and  86%  leased  at  the  end  of 
2008, respectively.

A  detailed  discussion  of  occupancy  by  sector  can  be  found  in  the  Net  Operating 
Income section.

Real Estate Expenses
Real estate expenses are summarized as follows (all data in thousands except percentage amounts):

Property operating expenses 
Real estate taxes 

2009 
$  71,839 
32,734 
$104,573 

2008 
$65,549 
27,950 
$93,499 

2007 
$55,668 
21,691 
$77,359 

2009 vs 
2008 
$  6,290 
4,784 
$11,074 

% 
Change 
9.6% 
17.1% 
11.8% 

2008 vs 
2007 
$  9,881 
6,259 
$16,140 

% 
Change
17.7%
28.9%
20.9%

Real estate expenses as a percentage of revenue were 34.1% for 2009, 33.5% for 2008 
and 31.1% for 2007.

Property Operating Expenses: Property operating expenses include utilities, repairs and 
maintenance, property administration and management, operating services, common 
area maintenance, property insurance, bad debt and other operating expenses.

Property  operating  expenses  increased  $6.3  million  in  2009  as  compared  to  2008 
due primarily to properties acquired and placed into service in 2009 and 2008, which 
accounted  for  $4.8  million  of  the  increase.  Property  operating  expenses  from  core 
properties increased by $1.5 million, driven by higher electricity costs ($0.6 million) 
due to increased rates and higher snow removal costs ($1.3 million, not including any 
tenant reimbursements) due to a severe snow storm in December 2009.

Property  operating  expenses  increased  $9.9  million  in  2008  as  compared  to  2007 
due primarily to properties acquired and placed into service in 2008 and 2007, which 
accounted  for  $9.0  million  of  the  increase.  Property  operating  expenses  from  core 
properties increased by $0.9 million, driven by higher repairs and maintenance costs 
($0.5 million) and administrative costs ($0.5 million).

Real Estate Taxes: Real estate taxes increased $4.8 million in 2009 as compared to 2008 
due primarily to the properties acquired or placed into service in 2009 and 2008, which 
accounted for $3.4 million of the increase. Real estate taxes on core properties increased 
by $1.4 million due primarily to higher rates and assessments across the portfolio.

Real estate taxes increased $6.3 million in 2008 as compared to 2007 due primarily 
to the properties acquired or placed into service in 2008 and 2007, which accounted 
for $4.1 million of the increase. Real estate taxes on core properties increased by 
$2.2 million due primarily to higher rates and assessments across the portfolio.

Other Operating Expenses
Other operating expenses are summarized as follows (all data in thousands except percentage amounts):

Depreciation and amortization 
Interest expense 
General and administrative 

2009 
$  94,042 
75,001 
13,906 
$182,949 

2008 
$  85,659 
75,041 
12,110 
$172,810 

2007 
$  68,364 
66,336 
14,882 
$149,582 

2009 vs 
2008 
$  8,383 
(40) 
1,796 
$10,139 

% 
Change 
9.8% 
(0.1%) 
14.8% 
5.9% 

2008 vs 
2007 
$17,295 
8,705 
(2,772) 
$23,228 

% 
Change
25.3%
13.1%
(18.6%)
15.5%

Form 10-k Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

39

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation  and  Amortization: Depreciation and amortization expense increased by 
$8.4 million in 2009 as compared to 2008 due primarily to properties acquired and 
placed into service of $19.9 million and $340.3 million in 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $17.3 million in 2008 as compared 
to 2007 due primarily to properties acquired and placed into service of $340.3 million 
and $411.4 million in 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Interest Expense: A summary of interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 appears below (in millions, except percentage amounts):

Debt Type  
Notes payable 
Mortgages 
Lines of credit/short-term note payable 
Capitalized interest 
Total 

2009 
$48.2 
26.7 
1.5 
(1.4) 
$75.0 

2008 
$53.2 
18.4 
5.7 
(2.3) 
$75.0 

2007 
$52.2 
14.5 
6.3 
(6.7) 
$66.3 

2009 vs 
2008 
$(5.0) 
8.3 
(4.2) 
0.9 
$  — 

% 
Change 
(9.4%) 
45.1% 
(73.7%) 
39.1% 
—% 

2008 vs 
2007 
$ 1.0 
3.9 
(0.6) 
4.4 
$ 8.7 

% 
Change
1.9%
26.9%
(9.5%)
65.7%
13.1%

Interest  expense  was  flat  in  2009  compared  to  2008.  An  $8.3  million  increase  in 
mortgage interest due to entering into three new mortgage notes during the second 
quarter  of  2008  and  assuming  the  2445  M  Street  mortgage  in  the  fourth  quarter 
of 2008 was offset by lower notes payable interest due to early paydowns of notes. 
Also, interest on our unsecured lines of credit decreased by $4.2 million due to lower 
balances  outstanding  and  lower  interest  rates.  The  proceeds  of  the  2008  mortgage 
notes were used to pay down our unsecured lines of credit.

Interest  expense  increased  $8.7  million  in  2008  compared  to  2007,  reflecting  a  
$4.4 million decrease in capitalized interest due to placing development projects into 
service  at  the  end  of  2007  and  during  2008.  Also,  mortgage  interest  increased  by  
$3.9 million due to entering into three new mortgage notes during the second quarter 
of 2008, as well as assuming a mortgage as part of the 2445 M Street acquisition in the 
fourth quarter of 2008. The proceeds of the new mortgage notes were used to pay 
down our unsecured lines of credit.

General and Administrative Expense: General and administrative expense increased by 
$1.8 million in 2009 as compared to 2008 due primarily to higher incentive compensation 
expense ($2.1 million) and the expensing of pre-acquisition costs ($0.8 million) related 
to the purchase of Lansdowne Medical Office Building in 2009. Pre-acquisition costs 
were  capitalized  prior  to  the  January  1,  2009  adoption  of  current  GAAP  provisions 
regarding business combinations (see note 2 to the consolidated financial statements). 
These  were  partially  offset  by  an  increase  in  the  cash  surrender  value  of  officer  life 
insurance policies ($0.6 million).

General and administrative expense decreased by $2.8 million in 2008 as compared to 
2007 due primarily to lower incentive compensation expense ($3.1 million). This was 
partially offset by a decrease in the cash surrender value of officer life insurance policies 
($0.3 million).

Discontinued Operations

We dispose of assets (sometimes using tax-deferred exchanges) that no longer meet 
our long-term strategy or return objectives and where market conditions for sale are 
favorable. The proceeds from the sales may be reinvested into other properties, used 
to fund development operations or to support other corporate needs, or distributed 
to our shareholders.

We sold four properties in 2009. We sold Avondale, a multifamily property, on May 13,  
2009  for  a  contract  sales  price  of  $19.8  million  that  resulted  in  a  gain  on  sale  of  
$6.7 million. We sold Tech 100 Industrial Park, an industrial property, on July 23, 2009 
for a contract sales price of $10.5 million that resulted in a gain on sale of $4.1 million. 
We sold Brandywine Center, an office property, on July 31, 2009 for a contract sales 
price of $3.3 million that resulted in a gain on sale of $1.0 million. We sold Crossroads 
Distribution Center, an industrial property, on November 13, 2009 for a contract sales 
price of $4.4 million that resulted in a gain on sale of $1.5 million.

Charleston  Business  Center,  an  industrial  property,  met  the  criteria  necessary  for 
classification as held for sale as of March 31, 2009. Senior management has committed 

40

Annual Report 2009

Form 10-k

 
 
 
 
 
to, and actively embarked upon, a plan to sell this asset and the sale is expected to 
be completed within one year under terms usual and customary for such sales, with 
no  indications  that  the  plan  will  be  significantly  altered  or  abandoned.  Depreciation 
on this property has been discontinued as of the date it was classified as held for sale, 
but operating revenues and expenses continue to be recognized until the date of sale. 
Under GAAP, revenues and expenses of properties that are classified as held for sale 
are treated as discontinued operations for all periods presented in the consolidated 
statements of income.

We sold Sullyfield Center and The Earhart Building, two industrial properties, on June 6, 2008 
for a contract sales price of $41.1 million that resulted in a gain on sale of $15.3 million.

We sold Maryland Trade Centers I and II, two office properties, on September 26, 2007 for 
a contract sales price of $58.0 million that resulted in gain on sale of $25.0 million. We used 
$15.3 million of the proceeds from the sale to fund the purchase of CentreMed I & II on 
August 16, 2007 in a reverse tax free property exchange. We escrowed $40.1 million of the 
proceeds from the sale in a tax free property exchange account, and subsequently used these 
proceeds to fund a portion of the purchase price of 2000 M Street on December 4, 2007.

Operating results of the properties classified as discontinued operations are summarized as follows (in thousands, except for percentages):

Revenues 
Property expenses 
Depreciation and amortization 
Total 

2009 
$ 3,346 
(1,362) 
(405) 
$ 1,579 

2008 
$ 8,496 
(3,128) 
(1,239) 
$ 4,129 

2007 
$16,111 
(5,948) 
(2,653) 
$  7,510 

2009 vs 
2008 
$(5,150) 
1,766 
834 
$(2,550) 

% 
Change 
(60.6%) 
56.5% 
67.3% 
(61.8%) 

2008 vs 
2007 
$(7,615) 
2,820 
1,414 
$(3,381) 

% 
Change
(47.3%)
47.4%
53.3%
(45.0%)

Income from operations of properties sold or held for sale decreased to $1.6 million in 
2009 from $4.1 million in 2008 due to the sales of Sullyfield Center and The Earhart 
Building  in  2008  and  the  sales  of  Avondale,  Tech  100  Industrial  Park,  Brandywine 
Center and Crossroads Distribution Center in 2009.

Income from operations of properties sold or held for sale decreased to $4.1 million in 
2008 from $7.5 million in 2007 due to the sale of Maryland Trade Center I & II in 2007 
and the sales of Sullyfield Center and The Earhart Building in 2008.

Net Operating Income
NOI  is  the  primary  performance  measure  we  use  to  assess  the  results  of  our 
operations at the property level. We believe that NOI is useful as a performance 
measure  because,  when  compared  across  periods,  NOI  reflects  the  impact  on 
operations  of  trends  in  occupancy  rates,  rental  rates  and  operating  costs  on  an 

unleveraged basis, providing perspective not immediately apparent from net income. 
NOI excludes certain components from net income in order to provide results more 
closely related to a property’s results of operations. For example, interest expense 
is  not  necessarily  linked  to  the  operating  performance  of  a  real  estate  asset.  In 
addition, depreciation and amortization, because of historical cost accounting and 
useful life estimates, may distort operating performance at the property level. As a 
result of the foregoing, we provide NOI as a supplement to net income calculated 
in  accordance  with  GAAP.  NOI  does  not  represent  net  income  calculated  in 
accordance  with  GAAP.  As  such,  it  should  not  be  considered  an  alternative  to 
net  income  as  an  indication  of  our  operating  performance.  NOI  is  calculated  as 
real  estate  rental  revenue  less  real  estate  expenses  excluding  depreciation  and 
amortization and general and administrative expenses. A reconciliation of NOI to 
net income follows.

Form 10-k Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

41

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate rental revenue increased by $28.2 million in 2009 as compared to 2008 
due primarily to the acquisition or placing into service of two office properties, one 
medical office property, three multifamily properties and one industrial property in 
2009 and 2008, which added approximately 1.3 million square feet of net rentable 
space.  These  acquisition  and  development  properties  contributed  $27.4  million 
of  the  increase.  Real  estate  rental  revenue  from  the  core  properties  increased  by  
$0.9  million  primarily  due  to  higher  rental  rates  ($6.0  million)  in  all  segments  and 
higher  lease  termination  fees  ($0.4  million)  in  the  retail  and  industrial  segments, 
partially offset by lower core occupancy ($4.0 million) and higher bad debt expense 
($1.8 million) in the commercial segments.

Real  estate  expenses  increased  by  $11.1  million  in  2009  as  compared  to  2008  due 
primarily to acquisition and development properties, which contributed $8.2 million 
of the increase. Real estate expenses from core properties increased by $2.8 million 
due primarily to higher real estate taxes ($1.4 million) caused by increased rates and 
assessments across the portfolio, higher snow removal costs ($1.3 million, not including 
any tenant reimbursements) caused by a severe snow storm in December 2009 and 
higher electricity costs ($0.6 million) caused by increased rates, partially offset by lower 
administrative expenses ($0.4 million).

Core economic occupancy decreased to 93.0% in 2009 from 94.4% in 2008, with the 
most severe decreases in the industrial and office segments. We believe this weakness 
in core occupancy is reflective of the national economic recession. Non-core economic 
occupancy increased to 90.6% in 2009 from 57.9% in 2008, driven by the completion of 
lease-up for our development properties in the office and multifamily segments. During 
2009, 67.4% of the commercial square footage expiring was renewed as compared to 
62.1%  in  2008,  excluding  properties  sold  or  classified  as  held  for  sale.  During  2009,  
1.4 million commercial square feet were leased at an average rental rate of $24.92 per 
square foot, an increase of 10.2%, with average tenant improvements and leasing costs 
of  $13.95  per  square  foot.  These  leasing  statistics  exclude  first  generation  leases  at 
development properties.

2009 Compared to 2008
The following tables of selected operating data provide the basis for our discussion of NOI 
in 2009 compared to 2008. All amounts are in thousands except percentage amounts.

Real Estate Rental Revenue
Core 
Non-core1 

Total real estate rental revenue 

Real Estate Expenses
Core 
Non-core1 

Total real estate expenses 

NOI
Core 
Non-core1 

Total NOI 

Reconciliation to Net Income
NOI 
Other income 
Income from non-disposal activities 
Interest expense 
Depreciation and amortization 
General and administrative expenses 
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt 
Discontinued operations2 
Gain on sale of real estate 
Net income 
Less: Net income attributable to  
  noncontrolling interests 
Net income attributable to the  
  controlling interests 

Economic Occupancy 
Core 
Non-core1 
Total 

Years Ended December 31,

2009 

2008 

$ Change  % Change

$269,655 
37,274 
$306,929 

$268,781 
9,910 
$278,691 

$  90,047 
14,526 
$104,573 

$  87,215 
6,284 
$  93,499 

$ 

 874 
27,364 
$28,238 

$  2,832 
8,242 
$11,074 

0.3%
276.1%
10.1%

3.2%
131.2%
11.8%

$179,608 
22,748 
$202,356 

$181,566 
3,626 
$185,192 

$ (1,958) 
19,122 
$17,164 

(1.1%)
527.4%
9.3%

$202,356 
1,205 
73 
(75,001) 
(94,042) 
(13,906) 
5,336 
1,579 
13,348 
40,948 

$185,192
1,073
17
(75,041)
(85,659)
(12,110)
(5,583)
4,129
15,275
27,293

(203) 

(211)

$  40,745 

$  27,082

2009 
93.0% 
90.6% 
92.7% 

2008
94.4%
57.9%
92.3%

1  Non-core properties include: Multifamily development properties—Clayborne Apartments and Bennett Park; office 
development  property—Dulles  Station,  Phase  I;  2009  acquisition—Lansdowne  Medical  office  Building;  2008 
acquisitions—6100 Columbia Park road, Sterling Medical office Building, Kenmore Apartments and 2445 M Street
2  Discontinued  operations  include  gain  on  disposals  and  income  from  operations  for:  2009  dispositions—Avondale, 
Tech 100 Industrial Park, Brandywine Center and Crossroads Distribution Center; 2008 disposals—Sullyfield Center 
and The Earhart Building; 2009 held for sale—Charleston

42

Annual Report 2009

Form 10-k

  
  
An analysis of NOI by segment follows.

Office Segment:

Real Estate Rental Revenue
Core 
Non-core1 

Total real estate rental revenue 

Real Estate Expenses
Core 
Non-core1 

Total real estate expenses 

NOI
Core 
Non-core1 

Total NOI 

Economic Occupancy 
Core 
Non-core1 
Total 

Years Ended December 31,

2009 

2008 

$ Change  % Change

$114,944 
21,513 
$136,457 

$115,685 
2,608 
$118,293 

$  (741) 
18,905 
$18,164 

$  41,462 
7,436 
$  48,898 

$  40,956 
1,471 
$  42,427 

$  506 
5,965 
$  6,471 

(0.6%)
724.9%
15.4%

1.2%
405.5%
15.3%

$  73,482 
14,077 
$  87,559 

$  74,729 
1,137 
$  75,866 

$ (1,247) 
12,940 
$11,693 

(1.7%)
1,138.1%
15.4%

2009 
92.2% 
95.6% 
92.6% 

2008
93.9%
73.2%
93.2%

1  Non-core properties include: Development property—Dulles Station, Phase I; 2008 acquisition—2445 M Street

Real estate rental revenue in the office segment increased by $18.2 million in 2009 as 
compared to 2008 due to acquisition and development properties, which contributed 
all  of  the  increase.  Real  estate  rental  revenue  from  core  properties  decreased  by 
$0.7  million  primarily  due  to  lower  core  occupancy  ($2.1  million),  lower  recovery 
income ($0.8 million), higher bad debt ($1.3 million) and lower lease termination fees 
($0.4 million), partially offset by higher rental rates ($3.6 million).

Real  estate  expenses  in  the  office  segment  increased  by  $6.5  million  in  2009  as 
compared  to  2008  due  primarily  to  acquisition  and  development  properties,  which 
contributed $6.0 million of the increase. Real estate expenses from core properties 
increased by $0.5 million primarily due to higher electricity costs ($0.3 million) caused 
by  higher  rates,  higher  snow  removal  costs  ($0.2  million,  not  including  any  tenant 
reimbursements) caused by a severe snow storm in December 2009, and higher real 
estate taxes ($0.2 million) caused by higher rates and assessments. These were offset 
by lower property management payroll expense ($0.2 million) due to the elimination 
of several positions.

Core economic occupancy decreased to 92.2% in 2009 from 93.9% in 2008, driven 
by  higher  vacancy  at  One  Central  Plaza,  6565  Arlington  Boulevard  and  1220  19th 

Street. These were partially offset by higher economic occupancy at The Crescent and 
600 Jefferson Plaza. Non-core economic occupancy increased to 95.6% from 73.2% 
due to the lease-up of Dulles Station, Phase I, a development property. During 2009, 
59.8% of the square footage that expired was renewed compared to 41.9% in 2008, 
excluding properties sold or classified as held for sale. During 2009, we executed new 
leases for 683,800 square feet of office space at an average rental rate of $31.14 per 
square foot, an increase of 11.6% , with average tenant improvements and leasing costs 
of $20.14 per square foot. These leasing statistics exclude first generation leases at the 
development property, Dulles Station, Phase I.

Medical Office Segment:

Real Estate Rental Revenue
Core 
Non-core1 

Total real estate rental revenue 

Real Estate Expenses
Core 
Non-core1 

Total real estate expenses 

NOI
Core 
Non-core1 

Total NOI 

Economic Occupancy 
Core 
Non-core1 
Total 

Years Ended December 31,

2009 

2008 

$ Change  % Change

$44,251 
660 
$44,911 

$14,674 
544 
$15,218 

$29,577 
116 
$29,693 

$43,210 
384 
$43,594 

$13,924 
253 
$14,177 

$29,286 
131 
$29,417 

$1,041 
276 
$1,317 

$   750 
291 
$1,041 

$   291 
(15) 
$   276 

2009 
96.6% 
50.4% 
95.2% 

2.4%
71.9%
3.0%

5.4%
115.0%
7.3%

1.0%
(11.5%)
0.9%

2008
97.0%
61.1%
96.5%

1  Non-core  properties  include:  2009  acquisition—Lansdowne  Medical  office  Building;  2008  acquisition—Sterling 

Medical office Building

Real  estate  rental  revenue  in  the  medical  office  segment  increased  by  $1.3  million 
in 2009 as compared to 2008 due primarily to higher rental rates ($1.1 million) and 
lower bad debt ($0.3 million) on the core properties, offset by higher core vacancy 
($0.2  million).  The  2008  acquisition  of  Sterling  Medical  Office  Building  contributed 
$0.3 million to the increase.

Real estate expenses in the medical office segment increased by $1.0 million in 2009 
as compared to 2008 due primarily to higher real estate taxes ($0.3 million) caused 
by higher rates and assessments on the core portfolio, an increase to our reserve for 
straight-line receivables ($0.2 million) and higher snow removal costs ($0.2 million, 

Form 10-k Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

43

  
  
  
  
not  including  any  tenant  reimbursements).  The  acquisition  properties  contributed 
$0.3 million to the increase.

Multifamily Segment:

Core economic occupancy decreased to 96.6% in 2009 from 97.0% in 2008, driven 
by higher vacancy at Woodburn I and 8301 Arlington Boulevard. Non-core economic 
occupancy  decreased  to  50.4%  from  61.1%  due  to  the  acquisition  of  the  vacant 
Lansdowne  Medical  Office  Building  during  the  third  quarter  of  2009.  This  building 
remains  unleased  as  of  the  end  of  2009.  During  2009,  64.4%  of  the  square  footage 
that  expired  was  renewed  compared  to  63.6%  in  2008.  During  2009,  we  executed 
new leases for 139,600 square feet of medical office space at an average rental rate of 
$36.80, an increase of 15.9%, with average tenant improvements and leasing costs of 
$24.28 per square foot.

Real Estate Rental Revenue
Core 
Non-core1 

Total real estate rental revenue 

Real Estate Expenses
Core 
Non-core1 

Total real estate expenses 

NOI
Core 
Non-core1 

Years Ended December 31,

2009 

2008 

$ Change  % Change

Total NOI 

$41,821 

$40,987 

$   834 

2.0%

$10,680 

$  9,647 

$1,033 

10.7%

Economic Occupancy 
Core 
Non-core1 
Total 

Retail Segment:

Real Estate Rental Revenue

Total 

Real Estate Expenses

Total 

NOI

Total 

Economic Occupancy 

Total 

Years Ended December 31,

2009 

2008 

$ Change  % Change

$32,909 
13,561 
$46,470 

$13,382 
6,112 
$19,494 

$19,527 
7,449 
$26,976 

$32,199 
5,659 
$37,858 

$13,315 
4,121 
$17,436 

$18,884 
1,538 
$20,422 

$   710 
7,902 
$8,612 

$ 

 67 
1,991 
$2,058 

$   643 
5,911 
$6,554 

2009 
93.3% 
87.3% 
91.5% 

2.2%
139.6%
22.7%

0.5%
48.3%
11.8%

3.4%
384.3%
32.1%

2008
93.5%
49.6%
83.0%

$31,141 

$31,340 

$ (199) 

(0.6%)

1  Non-core properties include: Development properties—Clayborne Apartments and Bennett Park; 2008 acquisition—

Kenmore Apartments

2009 
94.6% 

2008
94.9%

Real estate rental revenue in the retail segment increased by $0.8 million in 2009 as 
compared to 2008 due to higher rental rates ($0.9 million), higher lease termination 
fees ($0.3 million) and higher real estate tax reimbursements ($0.3 million), offset by 
higher bad debt ($0.7 million).

Real  estate  expenses  in  the  retail  segment  increased  by  $1.0  million  in  2009  as 
compared to 2008 due to higher legal fees ($0.5 million) related to litigation concerning 
the remediation of an environmental condition at Westminster Shopping Center and 
higher real estate taxes ($0.4 million) caused by higher rates and assessments.

Economic occupancy decreased to 94.6% in 2009 from 94.9% in 2008, driven by higher 
vacancy  at  the  Centre  at  Hagerstown  and  Montrose  Shopping  Center.  These  were 
partially offset by lower vacancy at Foxchase Shopping Center and South Washington 
Street. During 2009, 52.2% of the square footage that expired was renewed compared 
to 91.5% in 2008. During 2009, we executed new leases for 145,900 square feet of 
retail space at an average rental rate of $17.60, a decrease of 0.4% , with average tenant 
improvements and leasing costs of $9.08 per square foot.

44

Annual Report 2009

Form 10-k

Real  estate  rental  revenue  in  the  multifamily  segment  increased  by  $8.6  million  in 
2009 as compared to 2008 due primarily to acquisition and development properties, 
which  contributed  $7.9  million  of  the  increase.  Real  estate  rental  revenue  from 
core  properties  increased  by  $0.7  million  due  primarily  to  lower  rent  abatements  
($0.3 million) and higher utilities reimbursements ($0.3 million).

Real estate expenses in the multifamily segment increased by $2.1 million in 2009 as 
compared  to  2008  due  primarily  to  acquisition  and  development  properties,  which 
contributed $2.0 million of the increase. Real estate expenses from core properties 
increased by $0.1 million primarily due to higher snow removal costs, not including any 
tenant reimbursements, due to a severe snow storm in December 2009.

Core economic occupancy decreased to 93.3% in 2009 from 93.5% in 2008, driven 
by lower occupancy at Munson Hill Towers and Walker House. Non-core economic 
occupancy increased to 87.3% from 49.6%, reflecting the lease-up of Bennett Park and 
Clayborne Apartments.

  
  
  
  
Years Ended December 31,

2009 

2008 

$ Change  % Change

2008 Compared to 2007
The following tables of selected operating data provide the basis for our discussion of NOI 
in 2008 compared to 2007. All amounts are in thousands except percentage amounts.

Industrial Segment:

Real Estate Rental Revenue
Core 
Non-core1 

Total real estate rental revenue 

Real Estate Expenses
Core 
Non-core1 

Total real estate expenses 

NOI
Core 
Non-core1 

Total NOI 

Economic Occupancy 
Core 
Non-core1 
Total 

$35,730 
1,540 
$37,270 

$  9,849 
434 
$10,283 

$25,881 
1,106 
$26,987 

$36,700 
1,259 
$37,959 

$  9,373 
439 
$  9,812 

$27,327 
820 
$28,147 

$   (970) 
281 
$   (689) 

$  476 
(5) 
$  471 

$(1,446) 
286 
$(1,160) 

2009 
89.2% 
100.0% 
89.6% 

(2.6%)
22.3%
(1.8%)

5.1%
(1.1%)
4.8%

(5.3%)
34.9%
(4.1%)

2008
93.8%
94.2%
93.8%

1  Non-core properties include: 2008 acquisition—6100 Columbia Park road

Real estate rental revenue in the industrial segment decreased by $0.7 million in 2009 
as compared to 2008 due primarily to lower core occupancy ($1.5 million) and higher 
bad debt ($0.1 million), offset by higher lease termination fees ($0.4 million) and higher 
expense recoveries ($0.2 million). The 2008 acquisition of 6100 Columbia Park Road 
contributed $0.3 million of additional real estate revenue.

Real  estate  expenses  in  the  industrial  segment  increased  by  $0.5  million  in  2009  as 
compared  to  2008  due  primarily  to  higher  snow  removal  costs  ($0.5  million,  not 
including any tenant reimbursements) caused by a severe snow storm in December 
2009 and higher real estate taxes ($0.3 million) caused by higher rates and assessments. 
These were offset by higher recoveries of previously reserved bad debt ($0.2 million).

Core economic occupancy decreased to 89.2% in 2009 from 93.8% in 2008, driven by 
higher vacancy at 270 Tech Park, Ammendale Technology Park and NVIP I & II. Non-
core economic occupancy increased to 100.0% from 94.2% , reflecting full occupancy 
at 6100 Columbia Park Road. During 2009, 81.0% of the square footage that expired 
was renewed compared to 62.0% in 2008, excluding properties sold or classified as 
held for sale. During 2009, we executed new leases for 453,400 square feet of industrial 
space  at  an  average  rental  rate  of  $8.80,  an  increase  of  3.2%,  with  average  tenant 
improvements and leasing costs of $3.01 per square foot.

Real Estate Rental Revenue
Core 
Non-core1 

Total real estate rental revenue 

Real Estate Expenses
Core 
Non-core1 

Total real estate expenses 

NOI
Core 
Non-core1 

Total NOI 

Reconciliation to Net Income
NOI 
Other income 
Income from non-disposal activities 
Interest expense 
Depreciation and amortization 
General and administrative expenses 
Loss on extinguishment of debt 
Discontinued operations2 
Gain on sale of real estate 
Net income 
Less: Net income attributable to  
  noncontrolling interests 
Net income attributable to the  
  controlling interests 

Economic Occupancy 
Core 
Non-core1 
Total 

Years Ended December 31,

2008 

2007 

$ Change  % Change

$231,652 
47,039 
$278,691 

$229,565 
19,334 
$248,899 

$  73,600 
19,899 
$  93,499 

$  70,546 
6,813 
$  77,359 

$  2,087 
27,705 
$29,792 

$  3,054 
13,086 
$16,140 

0.9%
143.3%
12.0%

4.3%
192.1%
20.9%

$158,052 
27,140 
$185,192 

$159,019 
12,521 
$171,540 

$   (967) 
14,619 
$13,652 

(0.6%)
116.8%
8.0%

$185,192 
1,073 
17 
(75,041) 
(85,659) 
(12,110) 
(5,583) 
4,129 
15,275 
27,293 

$171,540
1,875
1,303
(66,336)
(68,364)
(14,882)
—
7,510
25,022
57,668

(211) 

(217)

$  27,082 

$  57,451

2008 
94.5% 
82.2% 
92.3% 

2007
94.7%
92.6%
94.5%

1  Non-core properties include: Multifamily development properties—Clayborne Apartments and Bennett Park; office 
development  property—Dulles  Station,  Phase  I;  2008  office  acquisition—2445  M  Street;  2008  medical  office 
acquisition—Sterling Medical office Building; 2008 multifamily acquisition—Kenmore Apartments; 2008 industrial 
acquisition—6100 Columbia Park road; 2007 office acquisitions—Monument II, Woodholme Center and 2000 M 
Street; 2007 medical office acquisitions—2440 M Street, Woodholme Medical office Building, Ashburn Farm office 
Park and CentreMed I & II; 2007 industrial acquisition—270 Technology Park

Form 10-k Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

45

  
  
  
  
2  Discontinued operations include gain on disposals and income from operations for: Held for sale—Charleston Business 
Center;  2009  dispositions—Avondale,  Tech  100  Industrial  Park,  Brandywine  Center  and  Crossroads  Distribution 
Center; 2008 disposals—Sullyfield Center and The Earhart Building; 2007 disposals—Maryland Trade Center I and II

An analysis of NOI by segment follows.

Office Segment:

Real estate rental revenue increased by $29.8 million in 2008 as compared to 2007 
due  primarily  to  the  acquisition  or  placing  into  service  of  five  office  properties,  five 
medical office properties, three multifamily properties and two industrial properties 
in 2007 and 2008, which added approximately 2.3 million square feet of net rentable 
space. These acquisition and development properties contributed $27.7 million of the 
increase. Real estate rental revenue from the core properties increased by $2.1 million 
primarily due to higher rental rates in all segments ($2.9 million) and higher expense 
recoveries ($2.0 million), partially offset by higher provisions for bad debt ($2.4 million) 
and lower core occupancy ($0.6 million) in the commercial segments.

Real estate expenses increased by $16.1 million in 2008 as compared to 2007 due 
primarily to acquisition and development properties, which contributed $13.1 million 
of the increase. Real estate expenses from core properties increased by $3.1 million 
due  primarily  to  higher  real  estate  taxes  ($2.2  million),  administrative  expenses  
($0.5 million) and repairs and maintenance ($0.5 million).

Core economic occupancy decreased to 94.5% in 2008 from 94.7% in 2007 due to 
lower core economic occupancy in the commercial property segments, partially offset 
by higher core economic occupancy in the multifamily segment. Non-core economic 
occupancy decreased to 82.2% in 2008 from 92.6% in 2007, driven by the lease-up of 
our development properties in the office and multifamily segments. During 2008, 62.1% 
of the commercial square footage expiring was renewed as compared to 79.6% in 2007. 
During 2008, 1.5 million commercial square feet were leased at an average rental rate 
of $24.68 per square foot, an increase of 19.4% , with average tenant improvements and 
leasing costs of $13.36 per square foot. These leasing statistics do not include leases 
executed during 2008 for Dulles Station, Phase I, a development property.

Real Estate Rental Revenue
Core 
Non-core1 

Total real estate rental revenue 

Real Estate Expenses
Core 
Non-core1 

Total real estate expenses 

NOI
Core 
Non-core1 

Total NOI 

Economic Occupancy 
Core 
Non-core1 
Total 

Years Ended December 31,

2008 

2007 

$ Change  % Change

$  94,802 
23,491 
$118,293 

$  93,810 
8,177 
$101,987 

$  32,975 
9,452 
$  42,427 

$  31,927 
2,641 
$  34,568 

$ 

 992 
15,314 
$16,306 

$  1,048 
6,811 
$  7,859 

1.1%
187.3%
16.0%

3.3%
257.9%
22.7%

$  61,827 
14,039 
$  75,866 

$  61,883 
5,536 
$  67,419 

$ 

 (56) 
8,503 
$  8,447 

(0.1%)
153.6%
12.5%

2008 
93.9% 
90.4% 
93.2% 

2007
94.3%
97.9%
94.6%

1  Non-core  properties  include:  2008  in  development—Dulles  Station;  2008  acquisition—2445  M  Street;  2007 

acquisitions—Monument II, Woodholme Center and 2000 M Street

Real  estate  rental  revenue  in  the  office  segment  increased  by  $16.3  million  in  2008 
as  compared  to  2007  due  primarily  to  acquisition  and  development  properties, 
which contributed $15.3 million of the increase. Real estate rental revenue from core 
properties increased by $1.0 million primarily due to higher rental rates ($1.1 million), 
lease termination fees ($0.6 million) and expense recoveries ($0.4 million), offset by 
lower core occupancy ($0.5 million) and higher bad debt ($0.5 million).

Real  estate  expenses  in  the  office  segment  increased  by  $7.9  million  in  2008  as 
compared  to  2007  due  primarily  to  acquisition  and  development  properties,  which 
contributed $6.8 million of the increase. Real estate expenses from core properties 
increased by $1.1 million primarily due to higher real estate taxes ($0.7 million) caused 
by higher rates and assessments, as well as higher repairs and maintenance expense 
($0.4 million).

Core economic occupancy decreased to 93.9% in 2008 from 94.3% in 2007, driven 
by higher vacancy at One Central Plaza, 600 Jefferson Plaza and the Lexington. These 
were partially offset by higher economic occupancy at West Gude Drive, Wayne Plaza 
and 7900 Westpark. Non-core economic occupancy decreased to 90.4% from 97.9% 

46

Annual Report 2009

Form 10-k

  
  
due to the lease-up of Dulles Station, Phase I, a development property, as well as lower 
occupancy at 2000 M Street. During 2008, 41.9% of the square footage that expired 
was  renewed  compared  to  82.1%  in  2007,  excluding  properties  sold  or  classified  as 
held for sale. During 2008, we executed new leases for 567,700 square feet of office 
space at an average rental rate of $32.46 per square foot, an increase of 16.5%, with 
average  tenant  improvements  and  leasing  costs  of  $20.90  per  square  foot.  These 
leasing statistics do not include leases executed during 2008 for Dulles Station, Phase 
I, a development property.

Core  economic  occupancy  decreased  to  97.7%  in  2008  from  98.9%  in  2007,  driven 
by  higher  vacancy  at  8301  Arlington  Boulevard  and  Alexandria  Professional  Center. 
Non-core economic occupancy decreased to 93.9% from 96.1% due to higher vacancy 
at Sterling Medical Office Building, Woodholme Medical Center and 2440 M Street. 
The sellers of Sterling Medical Office Building are reimbursing us for its vacant space 
for a period of 12–18 months from the acquisition date. During 2008, 63.6% of the 
square footage that expired was renewed compared to 50.0% in 2007. During 2008, 
we executed new leases for 183,300 square feet of medical office space at an average 
rental  rate  of  $37.82,  an  increase  of  23.4%,  with  average  tenant  improvements  and 
leasing costs of $26.19 per square foot.

Years Ended December 31,

2008 

2007 

$ Change  % Change

Retail Segment:

Medical Office Segment:

Real Estate Rental Revenue
Core 
Non-core1 

Total real estate rental revenue 

Real Estate Expenses
Core 
Non-core1 

Total real estate expenses 

NOI
Core 
Non-core1 

Total NOI 

Economic Occupancy 
Core 
Non-core1 
Total 

$29,510 
14,084 
$43,594 

$  8,897 
5,280 
$14,177 

$20,613 
8,804 
$29,417 

$29,314 
8,533 
$37,847 

$  8,654 
2,997 
$11,651 

$20,660 
5,536 
$26,196 

$   196 
5,551 
$5,747 

$   243 
2,283 
$2,526 

$   (47) 
3,268 
$3,221 

2008 
97.7% 
93.9% 
96.5% 

0.7%
65.1%
15.2%

2.8%
76.2%
21.7%

(0.2%)
59.0%
12.3%

2007
98.9%
96.1%
98.3%

1  Non-core properties include: 2008 acquisition—Sterling Medical office Building; 2007 acquisitions—2440 M Street, 

Woodholme Medical office Building, Ashburn Farm office Park and CentreMed I & II

Real estate rental revenue in the medical office segment increased by $5.7 million in 
2008 as compared to 2007 due primarily to acquisition properties, which contributed 
$5.6 million of the increase. Real estate rental revenue from core properties increased 
by $0.2 million primarily due to higher rental rates ($0.3 million) and expense recoveries 
($0.3 million), partially offset by lower core occupancy ($0.3 million).

Real estate expenses in the medical office segment increased by $2.5 million in 2008 as 
compared to 2007 due primarily to acquisition properties, which contributed $2.3 million 
of the increase. Real estate expenses from core properties increased by $0.2 million 
due to higher real estate taxes ($0.4 million) caused by higher rates and assessments, 
partially offset by lower operating services and supplies expense ($0.2 million).

Real Estate Rental Revenue

Total 

Real Estate Expenses

Total 

NOI

Total 

Economic Occupancy 

Total 

Years Ended December 31,

2008 

2007 

$ Change  % Change

$40,987 

$41,512 

$   (525) 

(1.3%)

$  9,646 

$  8,921 

$  725 

8.1%

$31,341 

$32,591 

$(1,250) 

(3.8%)

2008 
94.9% 

2007
95.2%

Real estate rental revenue in the retail segment decreased by $0.5 million in 2008  
as  compared  to  2007  due  to  higher  bad  debt  ($1.0  million)  and  lower  occupancy  
($0.1 million), partially offset by higher expense recoveries ($0.5 million) and rental 
rates ($0.2 million). The 2008 bad debt and amortization of intangible lease assets 
includes  write-offs  of  $0.4  million  and  $0.4  million,  respectively,  caused  by  the 
bankruptcy of a major retail tenant.

Real  estate  expenses  in  the  retail  segment  increased  by  $0.7  million  in  2008  as 
compared  to  2007  due  to  higher  real  estate  taxes  ($0.4  million)  caused  by  higher 
rates  and  assessments,  as  well  as  the  2008  write-off  of  a  straight-line  receivable  
($0.3 million) caused by the bankruptcy of a major retail tenant.

Economic occupancy decreased to 94.9% in 2008 from 95.2% in 2007, driven by higher 
vacancy at Westminster Shopping Center and Montgomery Village Center. This was 
partially offset by lower vacancy at Montrose Shopping Center and South Washington 
Street. During 2008, 91.5% of the square footage that expired was renewed compared 
to 82.1% in 2007. During 2008, we executed new leases for 186,200 square feet of 
retail  space  at  an  average  rental  rate  of  $26.27,  an  increase  of  26.9%,  with  average 
tenant improvements and leasing costs of $7.91 per square foot.

Form 10-k Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

47

  
  
  
  
Multifamily Segment:

Industrial Segment:

Real Estate Rental Revenue
Core 
Non-core1 

Total real estate rental revenue 

Real Estate Expenses
Core 
Non-core1 

Total real estate expenses 

NOI
Core 
Non-core1 

Total NOI 

Economic Occupancy 
Core 
Non-core1 
Total 

Years Ended December 31,

2008 

2007 

$ Change  % Change

Years Ended December 31,

2008 

2007 

$ Change  % Change

$32,199 
5,659 
$37,858 

$13,315 
4,121 
$17,436 

$18,884 
1,538 
$20,422 

$31,089 
275 
$31,364 

$12,823 
639 
$13,462 

$18,266 
(364) 
$17,902 

$1,110 
5,384 
$6,494 

$   492 
3,482 
$3,974 

$   618 
1,902 
$2,520 

2008 
93.5% 
49.6% 
83.0% 

3.6%
1,957.8%
20.7%

3.8%
544.9%
29.5%

3.4%
(522.5%)
14.1%

2007
91.3%
24.0%
89.2%

Real Estate Rental Revenue
Core 
Non-core1 

Total real estate rental revenue 

Real Estate Expenses
Core 
Non-core1 

Total real estate expenses 

NOI
Core 
Non-core1 

Total NOI 

Economic Occupancy 
Core 
Non-core1 
Total 

$34,154 
3,805 
$37,959 

$8,767 
1,046 
$9,813 

$25,387 
2,759 
$28,146 

$33,840 
2,349 
$36,189 

$  8,221 
536 
$  8,757 

$25,619 
1,813 
$27,432 

$   314 
1,456 
$1,770 

$   546 
510 
$1,056 

$  (232) 
946 
$   714 

2008 
94.1% 
90.9% 
93.8% 

0.9%
62.0%
4.9%

6.6%
95.1%
12.1%

(0.9%)
52.2%
2.6%

2007
95.2%
96.2%
95.2%

1  Non-core properties include: 2008 in development—Clayborne Apartments; 2007 in development—Bennett Park; 

1  Non-core properties include: 2008 acquisition—6100 Columbia Park road; 2007 acquisition—270 Technology Park

2008 acquisition—Kenmore Apartments

Real  estate  rental  revenue  in  the  multifamily  segment  increased  by  $6.5  million  in 
2008 as compared to 2007 due primarily to acquisition and development properties, 
which contributed $5.4 million of the increase. Real estate rental revenue from core 
properties increased by $1.1 million due primarily to higher rental rates ($0.3 million) 
and higher core occupancy ($0.7 million).

Real estate expenses in the multifamily segment increased by $4.0 million in 2008 as 
compared  to  2007  due  primarily  to  acquisition  and  development  properties,  which 
contributed $3.5 million of the increase. Real estate expenses from core properties 
increased by $0.5 million due primarily to higher administrative expenses ($0.3 million) 
driven by increased personnel and marketing costs, as well as higher real estate taxes 
($0.1 million) caused by higher rates and assessments.

Core  economic  occupancy  increased  to  93.5%  in  2008  from  91.3%  in  2007,  driven 
by higher occupancy at Roosevelt Towers and Bethesda Hill Apartments. Non-core 
economic occupancy increased to 49.6% from 24.0% , reflecting the continuing lease-up 
of Bennett Park and Clayborne Apartments.

Real estate rental revenue in the industrial segment increased by $1.8 million in 2008 
as  compared  to  2007  due  primarily  to  acquisition  properties,  which  contributed  
$1.5 million of the increase. Real estate rental revenue from core properties increased 
by $0.3 million due primarily to higher rental rates ($1.0 million), higher recoveries 
of operating expenses ($0.6 million), partially offset by higher bad debt ($0.9 million) 
and lower core occupancy ($0.4 million).

Real  estate  expenses  in  the  industrial  segment  increased  by  $1.1  million  in  2008  
as  compared  to  2007  due  primarily  to  acquisition  and  development  properties,  
which  contributed  $0.5  million  of  the  increase.  Real  estate  expenses  from  core 
properties increased by $0.6 million due to higher real estate taxes caused by higher 
rates and assessments.

Core economic occupancy decreased to 94.1% in 2008 from 95.2% in 2007, driven by 
higher vacancy at Ammendale Technology Park and NVIP I & II. These were partially 
offset by higher economic occupancy at Sully Square and 9950 Business Parkway. Non-
core  economic  occupancy  decreased  to  90.9%  from  96.2%  due  to  higher  vacancy 
at 270 Tech Park and 6100 Columbia Park Drive. During 2008, 62.0% of the square 
footage that expired was renewed compared to 83.7% in 2007, excluding properties 
sold or classified as held for sale. During 2008, we executed new leases for 570,900 

48

Annual Report 2009

Form 10-k

  
  
  
  
square feet of industrial space at an average rental rate of $12.19, an increase of 18.5% , 
with average tenant improvements and leasing costs of $3.53 per square foot.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Capital Structure
We manage our capital structure to reflect a long-term investment approach, generally 
seeking to match the cash flow of our assets with a mix of equity and various debt 
instruments.  We  expect  that  our  capital  structure  will  allow  us  to  obtain  additional 
capital from diverse sources that could include additional equity offerings of common 
shares, public and private secured and unsecured debt financings, and possible asset 
dispositions. Our ability to raise funds through the sale of debt and equity securities 
is  dependent  on,  among  other  things,  general  economic  conditions,  general  market 
conditions for REITs, our operating performance, our debt rating and the current trading 
price of our common shares. We analyze which source of capital we believe to be most 
advantageous to us at any particular point in time. However, the capital markets may 
not consistently be available on terms that we consider attractive. In particular, as a 
result of the recent economic downturn and turmoil in the capital markets, investor 
interest  in  securities  issued  by  REIT’s,  both  debt  and  equity,  remains  unpredictable. 
During certain periods in the recent past, debt capital was essentially unavailable for 
extended periods of time. While debt markets have materially improved, we cannot 
predict if the improvement is sustainable.

We currently expect that our potential sources of liquidity for acquisitions, development, 
expansion and renovation of properties, and operating and administrative expenses, 
may include:

•	 Cash	flow	from	operations;
•	 Borrowings	under	our	unsecured	credit	facilities	or	other	short-term	facilities;
•	 Issuances	 of	 our	 equity	 securities	 and/or	 common	 units	 in	 our	 operating	

partnership;

•	 Proceeds	from	long-term	secured	or	unsecured	debt	financings;
•	 Investment	from	joint	venture	partners;	and
•	 Net	proceeds	from	the	sale	of	assets.

During 2010, we expect that we will have modest capital requirements, including the 
following items. There can be no assurance that our capital requirements will not be 
materially higher or lower than these expectations.

•	 Funding	dividends	on	our	common	shares	and	noncontrolling	interest	distributions	

to	third	party	unit	holders;

•	 Approximately	$35.0–$45.0	million	to	invest	in	our	existing	portfolio	of	operating	
assets, including approximately $20.0–$25.0 million to fund tenant-related capital 
requirements	and	leasing	commissions;

•	 Approximately	 $5.0	 million	 to	 fund	 first	 generation	 tenant-related	 capital	

requirements	and	leasing	commissions;

•	 Approximately	$3.0	million	to	invest	in	our	development	projects;	and
•	 Approximately	$50.0–$150.0	million	to	fund	our	expected	property	acquisitions.

We currently believe that we will generate sufficient cash flow from operations and 
have access to the capital resources necessary to fund our requirements. However, as a 
result of general market conditions in the greater Washington metro region, economic 
downturns affecting the ability to attract and retain tenants, unfavorable fluctuations 
in  interest  rates  or  our  share  price,  unfavorable  changes  in  the  supply  of  competing 
properties,  or  our  properties  not  performing  as  expected,  we  may  not  generate 
sufficient cash flow from operations or otherwise have access to capital on favorable 
terms, or at all. If we are unable to obtain capital from other sources, we may need 
to alter capital spending needs which may limit growth. If capital were not available, 
we  may  not  be  able  to  pay  the  dividend  required  to  maintain  our  status  as  a  REIT, 
make  required  principal  and  interest  payments,  make  strategic  acquisitions  or  make 
necessary routine capital improvements or undertake re-development opportunities 
with respect to our existing portfolio of operating assets.

Debt Financing
We  generally  use  secured  or  unsecured,  corporate-level  debt,  including  mortgages, 
unsecured  notes  and  our  unsecured  credit  facilities,  to  meet  our  borrowing  needs. 
Long-term, we generally use fixed rate debt instruments in order to match the returns 
from our real estate assets. We also utilize variable rate debt for short-term financing 
purposes. At times, our mix of variable and fixed rate debt may not suit our needs. At 
those times, we may use derivative financial instruments including interest rate swaps 
and caps, forward interest rate options or interest rate options in order to assist us 
in managing our debt mix. We may either hedge our variable rate debt to give it an 
effective  fixed  interest  rate  or  hedge  fixed  rate  debt  to  give  it  an  effective  variable 
interest rate.

Typically we have obtained the ratings of two credit rating agencies in the underwriting 
of  our  unsecured  debt.  As  of  December  31,  2009,  Standard  &  Poor’s  had  assigned 
its BBB+ rating with a stable outlook, and Moody’s Investor Service had assigned its 
Baa1 rating with a stable outlook, to our unsecured notes. A downgrade in rating by 
either of these rating agencies could result from, among other things, a change in our 
financial  position.  Any  such  downgrade  could  adversely  affect  our  ability  to  obtain 
future  financing  or  could  increase  the  interest  rates  on  our  existing  debt.  However, 
we have no debt instruments under which the principal maturity would be accelerated 
upon a downward change in our debt rating. A rating is not a recommendation to buy, 
sell or hold securities, and each rating is subject to revision or withdrawal at any time 
by the assigning rating organization.

Form 10-k Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

49

Our  total  debt  at  December  31,  2009  and  2008  is  summarized  as  follows  
(in thousands):

Fixed rate mortgages 
Unsecured credit facilities 
Unsecured notes payable 

2009 
$   405,451 
128,000 
688,912 
$1,222,363 

2008
$   421,486
67,000
890,679
$1,379,165

If  principal  amounts  due  at  maturity  cannot  be  refinanced,  extended  or  paid  with 
proceeds of other capital transactions, such as new equity capital, our cash flow may 
be insufficient to repay all maturing debt. Prevailing interest rates or other factors at 
the time of a refinancing, such as possible reluctance of lenders to make commercial 
real estate loans, may result in higher interest rates and increased interest expense or 
inhibit our ability to finance our obligations.

Mortgage Debt
At December 31, 2009, our $405.5 million in fixed rate mortgages, which includes a net 
$7.4 million in unamortized discounts due to fair value adjustments, bore an effective 
weighted average fair value interest rate of 5.9% and had a weighted average maturity 
of 6.8 years. We may either initiate secured mortgage debt or assume mortgage debt 
from time-to-time in conjunction with property acquisitions.

On February 17, 2009, we executed a mortgage note of $37.5 million at a fixed rate 
of 5.37% per annum for a term of ten years, supported by Kenmore Apartments. The 
proceeds from the note were used to pay down borrowings under our lines of credit 
and to repurchase a portion of our convertible notes.

On July 1, 2009, we used a portion of the proceeds of the May 2009 equity offering 
to prepay the $50 million mortgage that was to mature in October 2009 without any 
prepayment penalties.

Unsecured Credit Facilities
Our primary source of liquidity is our two revolving credit facilities. We can borrow 
up to $337.0 million under these lines, which bear interest at an adjustable spread over 
LIBOR based on our public debt rating.

Credit  Facility  No.  1  is  a  four-year,  $75.0  million  unsecured  credit  facility  expiring  in 
June  2011,  and  may  be  extended  for  one  year  at  our  option.  We  had  $28.0  million 
outstanding and $1.4 million in letters of credit issued as of December 31, 2009, related 
to Credit Facility No. 1. Borrowings under the facility bear interest at our option of 
LIBOR  plus  a  spread  based  on  the  credit  rating  on  our  publicly  issued  debt  or  the 
higher of SunTrust Bank’s prime rate and the Federal Funds Rate in effect plus 0.5%. 
The  interest  rate  spread  is  currently  42.5  basis  points.  All  outstanding  advances  are 
due  and  payable  upon  maturity  in  June  2011,  and  may  be  extended  for  one  year  at 

our option. Interest only payments are due and payable generally on a monthly basis. 
In addition, we pay a facility fee based on the credit rating of our publicly issued debt 
which  currently  equals  0.15%  per  annum  of  the  $75.0  million  committed  capacity, 
without regard to usage. Rates and fees may be adjusted up or down based on changes 
in our senior unsecured credit ratings.

Credit Facility No. 2 is a four-year $262.0 million unsecured credit facility expiring 
in  November  2010,  and  may  be  extended  for  one  year  at  our  option.  We  had  
$100.0 million outstanding and $0.9 million in letters of credit issued as of December 31, 
2009, related to Credit Facility No. 2. Advances under this agreement bear interest 
at our option of LIBOR plus a spread based on the credit rating of our publicly issued 
debt or the higher of Wells Fargo Bank’s prime rate and the Federal Funds Rate in 
effect on that day plus 0.5% . The interest rate spread is currently 42.5 basis points. 
The $100.0 million outstanding balance was used to prepay the $100 million term 
loan,  and  the  interest  rate  on  this  $100.0  million  in  borrowings  is  effectively  fixed 
by  interest  rate  swaps  (see  note  6  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements).  An 
interest rate swap currently fixes the interest rate at 3.375% (2.95% plus the 42.5 
basis point spread) through February 19, 2010, the terminal date for the swap. At this 
point in time, a forward interest rate swap becomes effective on February 20, 2010. 
We anticipate that the interest rate on the $100.0 million borrowing will be 2.525% 
(2.10% plus 42.5 basis points) through the forward interest rate swap’s maturity date 
of November 1, 2011. All outstanding advances are due and payable upon maturity 
in November 2010, and may be extended for one year at our option. Interest only 
payments  are  due  and  payable  generally  on  a  monthly  basis.  Credit  Facility  No.  2 
requires  us  to  pay  the  lender  a  facility  fee  on  the  total  commitment  of  0.15%  per 
annum. These fees are payable quarterly.

Our  unsecured  credit  facilities  contain  financial  and  other  covenants  with  which  we 
must comply. Some of these covenants include:

•	 A	minimum	tangible	net	worth;
•	 A	 maximum	 ratio	 of	 total	 liabilities	 to	 gross	 asset	 value,	 calculated	 using	 an	

estimate	of	fair	market	value	of	our	assets;

•	 A	maximum	ratio	of	secured	indebtedness	to	gross	asset	value,	calculated	using	

an	estimate	of	fair	market	value	of	our	assets;

•	 A	minimum	ratio	of	annual	EBITDA	(earnings	before	interest,	taxes,	depreciation	

and	amortization)	to	fixed	charges,	including	interest	expense;

•	 A	minimum	ratio	of	unencumbered	asset	value,	calculated	using	a	fair	value	of	our	

assets,	to	unsecured	indebtedness;

•	 A	minimum	ratio	of	net	operating	income	from	our	unencumbered	properties	to	

unsecured	interest	expense;	and

•	 A	maximum	ratio	of	permitted	investments	to	gross	asset	value,	calculated	using	

an estimate of fair market value of our assets.

50

Annual Report 2009

Form 10-k

 
 
Failure  to  comply  with  any  of  the  covenants  under  our  unsecured  credit  facilities 
or  other  debt  instruments  could  result  in  a  default  under  one  or  more  of  our  debt 
instruments.  This  could  cause  our  lenders  to  accelerate  the  timing  of  payments  and 
would therefore have a material adverse effect on our business, operations, financial 
condition and liquidity. As of December 31, 2009, we were in compliance with our loan 
covenants. In addition, our ability to draw on our unsecured credit facilities or incur 
other unsecured debt in the future could be restricted by the loan covenants.

We anticipate that in the near term we may rely to a greater extent upon our unsecured 
credit facilities and potentially maintain balances on our unsecured credit facilities for 
longer periods than has been our historical practice. To the extent that we maintain 
larger balances on our unsecured credit facilities or maintain balances on our unsecured 
credit facilities for longer periods, adverse fluctuations in interest rates could have a 
material adverse effect on earnings.

Unsecured Notes
We generally issue unsecured notes to fund our real estate assets long-term. In issuing 
future  unsecured  notes,  we  intend  to  ladder  the  maturities  of  our  debt  to  mitigate 
exposure to interest rate risk in future years.

Depending  upon  market  conditions,  opportunities  to  issue  unsecured  notes  on 
attractive terms may not be available. During periods in the recent past, debt capital 
was  essentially  unavailable  for  extended  periods  of  time.  While  debt  markets  have 
materially improved, it is difficult to predict if the improvement is sustainable.

Our unsecured notes have maturities ranging from June 2011 through February 2028, 
as follows (in thousands):

5.95% notes due 2011 
5.05% notes due 2012 
5.125% notes due 2013 
5.25% notes due 2014 
5.35% notes due 2015 
3.875% notes due 20261 
7.25% notes due 2028 

December 31, 2009 
Note Principal
$150,000
50,000
60,000
100,000
150,000
134,328
50,000
$694,328

1  on or after September 20, 2011, we may redeem the convertible notes at a redemption price equal to the principal 
amount of the notes plus any accrued and unpaid interest, if any, up to, but excluding, the purchase date. In addition, 
on September 15, 2011, September 15, 2016 and September 15, 2021 or following the occurrence of certain change 
in control transactions prior to September 15, 2011, holders of these notes may require us to repurchase the notes for 
an amount equal to the principal amount of the notes plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon.

Our unsecured notes contain covenants with which we must comply. These include:

•	 Limits	on	our	total	indebtedness;
•	 Limits	on	our	secured	indebtedness;
•	 Limits	on	our	required	debt	service	payments;	and
•	 Maintenance	of	a	minimum	level	of	unencumbered	assets.

Failure to comply with any of the covenants under our unsecured notes could result in a 
default under one or more of our debt instruments. This could cause our debt holders 
to  accelerate  the  timing  of  payments  and  would  therefore  have  a  material  adverse 
effect on our business, operations, financial condition and liquidity. As of December 31, 
2009, we were in compliance with our unsecured notes covenants.

During  2009,  we  repurchased  $109.7  million  of  our  3.875%  convertible  notes  at  an 
average price of 87.9% of par, resulting in a gain on extinguishment of debt of $6.8 million. 
During 2008, we repurchased $16.0 million of our 3.87% convertible notes at 75.0% of 
par, resulting in a gain on extinguishment of debt of $2.9 million.

We  may  from  time  to  time  seek  to  repurchase  and  cancel  our  outstanding  notes 
through  open  market  purchases,  privately  negotiated  transactions  or  otherwise. 
Such  repurchases,  if  any,  will  depend  on  prevailing  market  conditions,  our  liquidity 
requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved may 
be material.

Term Loan
On May 7, 2009, we entered into an agreement to modify our $100 million term loan 
with Wells Fargo, National Association to extend the maturity date from February 19,  
2010  to  November  1,  2011.  This  agreement  also  increased  the  interest  rate  on  the 
$100 million term loan from LIBOR plus 1.50% to LIBOR plus 2.75%. To hedge our 
exposure to interest rate fluctuations on the $100 million term loan, we previously had 
entered into an interest rate swap on a notional amount of $100 million through the 
original maturity date of February 19, 2010. This interest rate swap had the effect of 
fixing the LIBOR portion of the interest rate on the $100 million term loan at 2.95% 
through February 2010. The interest rate after the agreement to extend the maturity 
date,  taking  into  account  the  swap,  was  5.70%  (2.95%  plus  275  basis  points).  On  
May 6, 2009, we entered into a forward interest rate swap on a notional amount of  
$100  million  for  the  period  from  February  20,  2010  through  the  maturity  date  of 
November 1, 2011. This forward interest rate swap had the effect of fixing the LIBOR 
portion of the interest rate on the $100 million term loan at 2.10% from February 20,  
2010  through  November  1,  2011.  The  interest  rate  for  that  time  period,  taking  into 
account  the  forward  interest  rate  swap,  would  have  been  4.85%  (2.10%  plus  275 
basis  points).  The  forward  interest  rate  swap  agreement  is  scheduled  to  settle 
contemporaneously with the maturity of the $100 million term loan.

Form 10-k Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

51

 
 
 
On December 1, 2009, we prepaid the $100 million term loan using proceeds from 
our unsecured line of credit (see note 5 to the consolidated financial statements), 
incurring a loss on extinguishment of debt of $1.5 million. The interest rate swaps 
discussed  in  the  preceding  paragraph  are  now  used  to  fix  the  current  interest 
rate  on  the  $100.0  million  borrowing  on  our  unsecured  lines  of  credit  at  3.375% 
(2.95% plus the 42.5 basis point spread on our unsecured lines of credit). When the 
forward interest rate swap becomes effective on February 20, 2010, we anticipate 
that  the  interest  rate  on  the  $100.0  million  borrowing  will  be  2.525%  (2.10% 
plus  42.5  basis  points)  through  the  forward  interest  rate  swap’s  maturity  date  of  
November 1, 2011.

Common Equity
We have authorized for issuance 100.0 million common shares, of which 59.8 million 
shares were outstanding at December 31, 2009.

During  the  second  quarter  of  2009,  we  completed  a  public  offering  of  5.25  million 
common shares priced at $21.40 per share, raising $107.5 million in net proceeds. The 
net  proceeds  were  used  to  repay  a  mortgage  note  payable,  borrowings  under  our 
unsecured lines of credit and for general corporate purposes.

During the fourth quarter of 2009, we entered into a sales agency financing agreement 
with  BNY  Mellon  Capital  Markets,  LLC  relating  to  the  issuance  and  sale  of  up  to 
$250.0 million of the our common shares from time to time over a period of no more 
than  36  months,  replacing  a  previous  agreement  made  during  the  third  quarter  of 
2008. Sales of our common shares are made at market prices prevailing at the time of 
sale. Net proceeds for the sale of common shares under this program are used for the 
repayment of borrowings under our lines of credit, acquisitions, and general corporate 
purposes. During 2009, we issued 2.0 million common shares at a weighted average 
price of $27.37 under this program, raising $53.8 million in net proceeds. During 2008, 
we issued 1.1 million common shares at a weighted average price of $36.15 under this 
program, raising $40.7 million in net proceeds.

We  have  a  dividend  reinvestment  program,  whereby  shareholders  may  use  their 
dividends and optional cash payments to purchase common shares. The common 
shares  sold  under  this  program  may  either  be  common  shares  issued  by  us  or 
common shares purchased in the open market. We used the net proceeds under  
this  program  for  general  corporate  purposes.  During  2009,  we  issued  88,460 
common shares at a weighted average price of $28.34 per share, raising $2.5 million 
in net proceeds.

Dividends
We pay dividends quarterly. The maintenance of these dividends is subject to various 
factors,  including  the  discretion  of  our  Board  of  Trustees,  our  results  of  operations, 
the ability to pay dividends under Maryland law, the availability of cash to make the 
necessary dividend payments and the effect of REIT distribution requirements, which 
require  at  least  90%  of  our  taxable  income  to  be  distributed  to  shareholders.  The 
table below details our dividend and distribution payments for 2009, 2008 and 2007 
(in thousands).

Common dividends 
Noncontrolling interest distributions 

2009 
$100,221 
190 
$100,411 

2008 
$85,564 
192 
$85,756 

2007
$78,050
156
$78,206

Dividends paid for 2009 as compared to 2008 increased as a direct result of a dividend 
rate increase from $1.72 per share in 2008 to $1.73 per share in 2009. The dividends paid 
also increased due to our issuance of 5.25 million shares pursuant to a public offering and 
our issuance of 2.0 million under our sales agency financing agreement during 2009.

Dividends paid for 2008 as compared to 2007 increased as a direct result of a dividend 
rate increase from $1.68 per share in 2007 to $1.72 per share in 2008. The dividends paid 
also increased due to our issuance of 4.325 million shares pursuant to public offerings and 
our issuance of 1.1 million under our sales agency financing agreement during 2008.

Cash flows from operations are an important factor in our ability to sustain our dividend 
at its current rate. Cash flows from operations increased to $102.9 million in 2009 from 
$97.1 million in 2008, primarily due to higher income from real estate operations. If our 
cash flows from operations were to decline significantly, we may have to borrow on our 
lines of credit to sustain the dividend rate or reduce our dividend.

Capital Commitments
We will require capital for development and redevelopment projects currently underway 
and in the future. As of December 31, 2009, we had under development Dulles Station 
Phase II and 4661 Kenmore, in which we had invested $27.1 million and $5.2 million, 
respectively.  We  are  also  evaluating  a  number  of  potential  redevelopment  projects 
at properties such as Montrose and 7900 Westpark. There were no projects placed 
into service in 2009. As of December 31, 2009, we were committed to approximately  
$0.6  million  of  development  spending  during  2010,  including  $0.4  million  of  Dulles 
Station Phase I tenant related capital.

52

Annual Report 2009

Form 10-k

 
 
We anticipate funding several major renovation projects in our portfolios during 2010, 
as follows (in thousands):

Segment 
Office buildings 
Medical office buildings 
Retail centers 
Multifamily 
Industrial 
Total 

Project Spending
$4,361
781
964
644
62
$6,812

terms on cancelable leases are generally one year or less. We are currently committed 
to  fund  tenant-related  capital  improvements  as  described  in  the  table  above  for 
executed  leases.  However,  expected  leasing  levels  could  require  additional  tenant-
related  capital  improvements  which  are  not  currently  committed.  We  expect  that 
total tenant-related capital improvements, including those already committed, will be 
approximately $25.7 million in 2010. Due to the competitive office leasing market we 
expect that tenant-related capital costs will continue at this level into 2011.

Historical Cash Flows
Consolidated cash flow information is summarized as follows (in millions):

These  projects  include  elevator,  restroom  and  common  area  renovations  at  several 
of our office and medical properties, roof replacement projects at some of our retail 
properties, fire alarm and sprinkler system upgrades at one of our multifamily properties 
and electrical upgrades at some of our industrial properties. Not all of the anticipated 
spending had been committed via executed construction contracts at December 31, 
2009. We expect to meet our requirements using cash generated by our real estate 
operations, through borrowings on our unsecured credit facilities, or raising additional 
debt or equity capital in the public market.

Cash provided by operating activities 
Cash used in investing activities 
Cash provided by (used in)  
  financing activities 

For the Year Ended 
December 31, 

2009 
$102.9 
$ (12.8) 

2008 
$   97.1 
$(181.4) 

2007 
$  116.5 
$(349.1) 

Variance

2009 vs. 
2008 
$ 
 5.8 
$  168.6 

2008 vs. 
2007
$  (19.4)
$ 167.7

$ (90.8) 

$   74.7 

$  245.4 

$(165.5) 

$(170.7)

Contractual Obligations
Below is a summary of certain contractual obligations that will require significant capital 
(in thousands):

Operations generated $102.9 million of net cash in 2009 compared to $97.1 million 
in 2008. The increase in cash provided by operating activities in 2009 as compared to 
2008 was primarily due to higher income from real estate operations.

Payments Due by Period

Total 
$1,556,393 
18,724 

584 
8,332 
10,300 
100 

Less than 
1 Year 
$165,417 
10,848 

584 
6,995 
10,300 
50 

1–3 Years 
$699,270 
7,876 

4–5 Years 
$324,368 
— 

— 
1,337 
— 
50 

— 
— 
— 
— 

After 5 
Years
$367,338
—

—
—
—
—

Long-term debt1 
Purchase obligations2 
Estimated development  
  commitments3 
Tenant-related capital4 
Building capital5 
Operating leases 

1 

2 

3 
4 
5 

See Notes 4, 5 and 6 of our consolidated financial statements. Amounts include principal, interest, unused commitment 
fees and facility fees.
represents elevator maintenance contracts with terms through 2010, electricity sales agreements with terms through 
2012, and natural gas purchase agreements with terms through 2011.
Committed development obligations based on contracts in place as of December 31, 2009.
Committed tenant-related capital based on executed leases as of December 31, 2009.
Committed building capital additions based on contracts in place as of December 31, 2009.

We  have  various  standing  or  renewable  contracts  with  vendors.  The  majority  of 
these contracts are cancelable with immaterial or no cancellation penalties, with the 
exception  of  our  elevator  maintenance,  electricity  sales  and  natural  gas  purchase 
agreements,  which  are  included  above  on  the  purchase  obligations  line.  Contract 

Operations generated $97.1 million of net cash in 2008 compared to $116.5 million 
in 2007. The decrease in cash provided by operating activities in 2008 as compared 
to 2007 was primarily due to higher interest payments, lower prepaid rents and the 
payout of contractors’ retainage related to our development projects.

Our  investing  activities  used  net  cash  of  $12.8  million  in  2009  and  $181.4  million  in 
2008. The decrease in cash used by investing activities in 2009 was primarily due to the 
decrease in cash invested in acquisitions, net of assumed debt, throughout 2009, which 
was $148.4 million lower than 2008.

Our investing activities used net cash of $181.4 million in 2008 and $349.1 million in 
2007. The decrease in cash used by investing activities in 2008 was primarily due to 
the $168.2 million of cash invested in acquisitions, net of assumed debt, throughout 
2008,  which  was  $125.9  million  lower  than  2007.  In  addition,  cash  spent  on  our 
development projects decreased to $15.5 million from $67.0 million in 2007, as our 
three major development projects (Bennett Park, Clayborne Apartments and Dulles 
Station, Phase I) were completed and placed into service during 2007 and 2008.

Our financing activities used net cash of $90.8 million in 2009 and provided $74.7 million 
in 2008. The net increase in net cash used by financing activities in 2009 was primarily 
the  result  of  using  cash  from  operations  and  the  proceeds  from  equity  issuances, 

Form 10-k Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

53

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
property  sales  and  a  new  mortgage  note  to  pay  dividends,  repurchase  convertible 
notes and prepay a mortgage note.

Our financing activities provided net cash of $74.7 million in 2008 and $245.4 million  
in  2007.  The  decrease  in  net  cash  provided  by  financing  activities  in  2008  was 
primarily  the  result  of  using  much  of  the  borrowings  and  proceeds  from  equity 
issuances  to  pay  down  the  lines  of  credit  and  to  pay  off  the  $60  million  MOPPRS 
debt  and  the  related  $8.4  million  loss  on  extinguishment.  Also,  on  December  17, 
2008 we repurchased $16.0 million of the convertible notes for $12.5 million. The 
2007  borrowings  and  proceeds  from  equity  issuance  were  primarily  used  for  the 
acquisition of new properties.

Capital Improvements and Development Costs
Capital  improvements  and  development  costs  of  $29.5  million  were  completed  in 
2009, including tenant improvements. Capital improvements and development costs in 
2008 and 2007 were $52.8 million and $108.1 million, respectively. We consider capital 
improvements to be accretive to revenue but not necessarily to net income.

Our  capital  improvement  and  development  costs  for  the  three  years  ending 
December 31, 2009 were as follows (in thousands):

Year Ended December 31,
2008 

2009 

2007

Accretive capital improvements:

Acquisition related 
Expansions and major renovations 
Development/redevelopment 
Tenant improvements (including first generation leases) 

Total accretive capital improvements 

Other: 

Total 

$  2,696 
5,557 
2,135 
12,874 
23,262 
6,210 
$29,472 

$  6,012 
9,591 
15,509 
11,359 
42,471 
10,310 
$52,781 

$  1,954
10,684
66,996
16,587
96,221
11,897
$108,118

Accretive Capital Improvements
Acquisition  Related  Improvements:  Acquisition  related  improvements  are  capital 
improvements  to  properties  acquired  during  the  preceding  three  years  which  were 
anticipated  at  the  time  we  acquired  the  properties.  These  types  of  improvements 
were made in 2009 to 6100 Columbia Park Drive, 2440 M Street NW, 2000 M Street, 
Sterling Medical and Alexandria Professional Center.

Expansions and Major Renovations: Expansion projects increase the rentable area of a 
property, while major renovation projects are improvements sufficient to increase the 
income otherwise achievable at a property. 2009 expansions and major renovations 
included	 garage	 renovations	 at	 7900	 Westpark;	 elevator	 modernization	 and	 garage	
renovations	 at	 One	 Central	 Plaza;	 elevator	 modernization	 at	 Walker	 House	

54

Annual Report 2009

Form 10-k

apartments;	 common	 area	 and	 unit	 renovations	 for	 Bethesda	 Hill	 and	 Park	 Adams	
apartments;	 roof	 replacement	 at	 Montgomery	 Village	 Center;	 elevator	 and	 lobby	
modernization	at	Alexandria	Professional	Center;	and	lobby	and	corridor	renovations	
at 8301 Arlington Boulevard.

Development/Re-development: Development costs represent expenditures for ground 
up  development  of  new  operating  properties.  Re-development  costs  represent 
expenditures for improvements intended to re-position properties in their markets and 
increase income that would otherwise be achievable. Development costs in each of the 
years presented include costs associated with the ground up development of Dulles 
Station,  Bennett  Park  and  Clayborne.  Completion  of  Bennett  Park,  our  residential 
project under development in Arlington, VA, occurred in the third quarter 2007 for 
the mid-rise building and fourth quarter 2007 for the high-rise building. Completion 
of  Clayborne  Apartments,  our  residential  project  under  construction  in  Alexandria, 
VA, occurred in the first quarter 2008. Completion of Phase I of Dulles Station, our 
540,000 square foot office project in Herndon, VA, of which Phase I represents 180,000 
square feet, occurred in the third quarter of 2007 and the property was substantially 
leased in the third quarter of 2008. Additionally in 2007, we acquired land for future 
development of medical office space at 4661 Kenmore in Alexandria, VA. Development 
spending in 2009 and 2008 includes pre-development activities related to this project. 
In 2007, re-development costs were incurred for the Shoppes of Foxchase, which was 
substantially completed in 2006.

Tenant  Improvements:  Tenant  improvements  are  costs,  such  as  space  build-out, 
associated  with  commercial  lease  transactions.  Our  average  Tenant  Improvement 
Costs per square foot of space leased, excluding first generation leases, were as follows 
during the three years ended December 31, 2009:

Office Buildings* 
Medical Office Buildings 
Retail Centers 
Industrial/Flex Properties* 

2009 
$11.68 
$14.33 
$  3.91 
$  1.03 

Year Ended December 31,
2008 
$13.03 
$19.12 
$  3.61 
$  1.71 

2007
$13.59
$13.95
$  1.84
$  2.61

*Excludes properties sold or classified as held for sale.

The  $1.35  decrease  in  tenant  improvement  costs  per  square  foot  of  space  leased 
for office buildings in 2009 was primarily due to a decrease in the per square foot 
cost associated with expansion leases, due to leases executed with a single tenant in 
2008 requiring $1.1 million in tenant improvements. The $0.56 decrease in tenant 
improvement costs per square foot of space leased for office buildings in 2008 was 
primarily  due  to  leases  executed  at  6110  Executive  Boulevard  and  30  West  Gude 
requiring $1.3 million and $0.7 million, respectively, in tenant improvements in 2007, 

 
 
 
 
including  $1.1  million  and  $0.4  million,  respectively,  for  a  single  tenant.  The  $4.79 
decrease in 2009 and $5.17 increase in 2008 in tenant improvement costs per square 
foot of space leased for medical office buildings was primarily due to leases executed 
at  Woodburn  II  in  2008,  requiring  $1.6  million  in  tenant  improvements,  including 
$1.2	million	for	a	single	tenant;	and	at	8503	Arlington	Boulevard,	for	leases	in	2008	
requiring  $0.5  million  in  improvements  for  a  single  tenant.  The  $0.30  increase 
in  tenant  improvement  costs  per  square  foot  of  retail  space  leased  in  2009  was 
primarily  due  to  a  single  lease  executed  at  the  Centre  at  Hagerstown,  requiring 
$0.7  million  in  tenant  improvements.  The  $1.77  increase  in  tenant  improvement 
costs  per  square  foot  of  retail  space  leased  in  2008  was  primarily  due  to  a  single 
lease executed at Montrose Center, requiring $0.5 million in tenant improvements. 
The $0.68 decrease in tenant improvement costs per square foot of industrial space 
leased  in  2009  was  primarily  due  to  an  increase  in  the  percentage  of  renewal,  as 
opposed to new, leases executed, combined with a decrease in the average tenant 
size, requiring lower tenant improvement expenditures. The $0.90 decrease in tenant 
improvement costs per square foot of industrial space leased in 2008 was primarily 
due to leases executed in 2007 at Dulles Business Park and Gorman Road requiring 
$0.8 million and $0.4 million, respectively, in tenant improvements, entirely for single 
tenants. The retail and industrial tenant improvement costs are substantially lower 
than office and medical office improvement costs due to the tenant improvements 
required in these property types being substantially less extensive than in office and 
medical. Excluding properties sold or classified as held for sale, approximately 67% 
of our tenants renewed their leases with us in 2009, compared to 62% in 2008 and 
80% in 2007. Renewing tenants generally require minimal tenant improvements. In 
addition, lower tenant improvement costs are one of the many benefits of our focus 
on leasing to smaller office tenants. Smaller office suites have limited configuration 
alternatives.  Therefore,  we  are  often  able  to  lease  an  existing  suite  with  limited 
tenant improvements.

Other Capital Improvements
Other capital improvements are those not included in the above categories. These 
are  also  referred  to  as  recurring  capital  improvements.  Over  time  these  costs  will 
be recurring in nature to maintain a property’s income and value. In our multifamily 
properties,  these  include  new  appliances,  flooring,  cabinets  and  bathroom  fixtures. 
These  improvements,  which  are  made  as  needed  upon  vacancy  of  an  apartment, 
totaled  $0.6  million  in  2009,  and  averaged  $505  per  apartment  for  the  46%  of 
apartments  turned  over  relative  to  our  total  portfolio  of  apartment  units.  In  our 
commercial  properties  and  multifamily  properties  aside  from  apartment  turnover 
discussed above, improvements include installation of new heating and air conditioning 
equipment,  asphalt  replacement,  new  signage,  permanent  landscaping,  window 

replacements,  new  lighting  and  new  finishes.  In  addition,  during  2009,  we  incurred 
repair and maintenance expenses of $12.1 million that were not capitalized, to maintain 
the quality of our buildings.

Forward-Looking Statements
This  Form  10-K  contains  forward-looking  statements  which  involve  risks  and 
uncertainties. Such forward looking statements include each of the statements in “Item 
1: Business” and “Item 7: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition 
and Results of Operations” concerning the Washington metro region’s economy, gross 
regional product, unemployment and job growth and real estate market performance. 
Such forward-looking statements also include the following statements with respect to 
WRIT: (a) our intention to invest in properties that we believe will increase in income 
and	value;	(b)	our	belief	that	external	sources	of	capital	will	continue	to	be	available	
and that additional sources of capital will be available from the sale of common shares 
or	notes;	and	(c)	our	belief	that	we	have	the	liquidity	and	capital	resources	necessary	to	
meet our known obligations and to make additional property acquisitions and capital 
improvements  when  appropriate  to  enhance  long-term  growth.  Forward-looking 
statements also include other statements in this report preceded by, followed by or 
that include the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “potential,” “project,” 
“will” and other similar expressions.

We claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in 
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for the foregoing statements. The 
following important factors, in addition to those discussed elsewhere in this Form 10-K, 
could affect our future results and could cause those results to differ materially from 
those expressed in the forward-looking statements: (a) the effect of the recent credit 
and	financial	market	conditions;	(b)	the	availability	and	cost	of	capital;	(c)	fluctuations	in	
interest	rates;	(d)	the	economic	health	of	our	tenants;	(e)	the	timing	and	pricing	of	lease	
transactions;	(f)	the	economic	health	of	the	greater	Washington	Metro	region,	or	other	
markets	we	may	enter;	(g)	the	effects	of	changes	in	Federal	government	spending;	(h)	
the	supply	of	competing	properties;	(i)	consumer	confidence;	(j)	unemployment	rates;	
(k)	consumer	tastes	and	preferences;	(l)	our	future	capital	requirements;	(m)	inflation;	
(n)  compliance  with  applicable  laws,  including  those  concerning  the  environment 
and	 access	 by	 persons	 with	 disabilities;	 (o)	 governmental	 or	 regulatory	 actions	 and	
initiatives;	 (p)	 changes	 in	 general	 economic	 and	 business	 conditions;	 (q)	 terrorist	
attacks	or	actions;	(r)	acts	of	war;	(s)	weather	conditions;	(t)	the	effects	of	changes	in	
capital available to the technology and biotechnology sectors of the economy, and (u) 
other factors discussed under the caption “Risk Factors.” We undertake no obligation 
to update our forward-looking statements or risk factors to reflect new information, 
future events, or otherwise.

Form 10-k Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

55

Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Debt Service Coverage
The following table sets forth our ratios of earnings to fixed charges and debt service 
coverage for the periods shown:

Earnings to fixed charges 
Debt service coverage 

2009 
1.32x 
2.49x 

Year Ended December 31,
2008 
1.07x 
2.21x 

2007
1.25x
2.42x

We  computed  the  ratio  of  earnings  to  fixed  charges  by  dividing  earnings  by  fixed 
charges.  For  this  purpose,  earnings  consist  of  income  from  continuing  operations 
attributable  to  the  controlling  interests  plus  fixed  charges,  less  capitalized  interest. 
Fixed charges consist of interest expense, including amortized costs of debt issuance, 
and interest costs capitalized.

We computed the debt service coverage ratio by dividing EBITDA (which is earnings 
before interest income and expense, taxes, depreciation, amortization and gain on sale 
of real estate) by interest expense and principal amortization.

Funds From Operations
FFO is a widely used measure of operating performance for real estate companies. We 
provide FFO as a supplemental measure to net income calculated in accordance with GAAP. 
Although FFO is a widely used measure of operating performance for REITs, FFO does 
not represent net income calculated in accordance with GAAP. As such, it should not be 
considered an alternative to net income as an indication of our operating performance. In 
addition, FFO does not represent cash generated from operating activities in accordance 
with  GAAP,  nor  does  it  represent  cash  available  to  pay  distributions  and  should  not 
be  considered  as  an  alternative  to  cash  flow  from  operating  activities,  determined  in 
accordance with GAAP, as a measure of our liquidity. The National Association of Real 
Estate  Investment  Trusts,  Inc.  (“NAREIT”)  defines  FFO  (April,  2002  White  Paper)  as 
net income (computed in accordance with GAAP) excluding gains (or losses) from sales 
of property plus real estate depreciation and amortization. We consider FFO to be a 
standard supplemental measure for REITs because it facilitates an understanding of the 

operating performance of our properties without giving effect to real estate depreciation 
and amortization, which historically assumes that the value of real estate assets diminishes 
predictably over time. Since real estate values have instead historically risen or fallen with 
market conditions, we believe that FFO more accurately provides investors an indication 
of our ability to incur and service debt, make capital expenditures and fund other needs. 
Our FFO may not be comparable to FFO reported by other REITs. These other REITs 
may  not  define  the  term  in  accordance  with  the  current  NAREIT  definition  or  may 
interpret the current NAREIT definition differently.

The following table provides the calculation of our FFO and a reconciliation of FFO to 
net income for the years presented (in thousands):

Net income attributable to the controlling interests 
Adjustments

Depreciation and amortization 
Gain on sale of real estate 
Gain from non-disposal activities 
Discontinued operations depreciation  
  and amortization 
FFO as defined by NAREIT 

2009 
$  40,745 

2008 
$ 27,082 

2007
$  57,451

94,042 
(13,348) 
(73) 

85,659 
(15,275) 
(17) 

68,364
(25,022)
(1,303)

405 
$121,771 

1,239 
$ 98,688 

2,661
$102,151

Item 7A.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures 

about Market Risk

The principal material financial market risk to which we are exposed is interest rate 
risk. Our exposure to interest rate risk relates primarily to refinancing long-term fixed 
rate  obligations,  the  opportunity  cost  of  fixed  rate  obligations  in  a  falling  interest 
rate environment and our variable rate lines of credit. We primarily enter into debt 
obligations to support general corporate purposes, including acquisition of real estate 
properties, capital improvements and working capital needs. In the past we have used 
interest rate hedge agreements to hedge against rising interest rates in anticipation of 
imminent refinancing or new debt issuance.

56

Annual Report 2009

Form 10-k

 
 
 
The table below presents principal, interest and related weighted average fair value interest rates by year of maturity, with respect to debt outstanding on December 31, 2009.

(in thousands) 
Unsecured fixed rate debt

Principal 
Interest payments 
Interest rate on debt maturities 

Unsecured variable rate debt

Principal 
Variable interest rate on debt maturities2 

Mortgages

2010 

2011 

2012 

2013 

2014 

Thereafter 

Total 

Fair Value

— 
$  36,630 
— 

$284,328 
$  32,168 

$50,000 
$21,238 

$  60,000 
$  18,438 

$100,000 
$  14,275 

$200,000 
$  52,949 

$694,328 
$175,698

$693,620

5.91% 

5.06% 

5.23% 

5.34% 

5.85% 

5.69%

$100,0001 
3.39% 

$  28,000 

0.66% 

— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
— 

$128,000 
2.79%

$128,000

Principal amortization (30 year schedule) 
Interest payments 
Weighted average interest rate on principal amortization 

$  4,510 
$  23,869 

$  13,788 
$  23,507 

$21,823 
$22,203 

$107,123 
$  16,600 

$  2,038 
$  15,011 

$263,579 
$  43,853 

$412,861 
$145,043

$406,982

5.48% 

5.33% 

4.93% 

5.58% 

5.50% 

6.20% 

5.92%

1 

2 

This $100.0 million borrowing was made under a line of credit which matures in 2010 and bears interest at a variable rate, which has been effectively fixed at 3.375% by an interest rate swap through February 19, 2010. The interest rate is effectively 
fixed at 2.525% through a forward interest rate swap from February 20, 2010 through November 1, 2011 See note 5 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion.
Variable interest rates based on LIBor in effect on our borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2009.

Item 8.   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
The  financial  statements  and  supplementary  data  appearing  on  pages  64  to  95  are 
incorporated herein by reference.

Item 9.   Changes in and Disagreements  

with Accountants on Accounting  
and Financial Disclosure

None.

Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures
We  maintain  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  that  are  designed  to  ensure  that 
information required to be disclosed in our Securities Exchange Act reports is recorded, 
processed,  summarized  and  reported  within  the  time  periods  specified  in  the  SEC’s 
rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our 
management, including our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Executive 
Vice  President  of  Accounting,  as  appropriate,  to  allow  timely  decisions  regarding 
required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, 
management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed 
and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control 
objectives, and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating 
the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our 
management, including our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Executive 
Vice President of Accounting, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our 
disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2009. Based on the foregoing, 
our  Chief  Executive  Officer,  Chief  Financial  Officer  and  Executive  Vice  President  of 
Accounting concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at a 
reasonable assurance level.

Internal Control over Financial Reporting
See the Report of Management in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

See the Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm in Item 8 of this 
Form 10-K.

During  the  three  months  ended  December  31,  2009,  there  was  no  change  in  our 
internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably 
likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B.  Other Information
None.

Form 10-k Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

57

Part III

Certain  information  required  by  Part  III  is  omitted  from  this  Form  10-K  in  that  we 
will file a definitive proxy statement pursuant to Regulation 14A with respect to our 
2010 Annual Meeting (the “Proxy Statement”) no later than 120 days after the end of 
the fiscal year covered by this Form 10-K, and certain information included therein is 
incorporated herein by reference. Only those sections of the Proxy Statement which 
specifically address the items set forth herein are incorporated by reference. In addition, 
we have adopted a code of ethics which can be reviewed and printed from our website 
www.writ.com.

Item 10.   Directors and Executive Officers and 

Corporate Governance

The information required by this Item is hereby incorporated herein by reference to 
the Proxy Statement.

Item 11.   Executive Compensation
The information required by this Item is hereby incorporated herein by reference to 
the Proxy Statement.

Item 12.   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial 

Owners and Management and Related 
Stockholder Matters

The  information  required  under  this  Item  by  Item  403  of  Regulation  S-K  is  hereby 
incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement.

Equity Compensation Plan Information1

Number of Securities 
to be Issued 
upon Exercise of 

Weighted-Average 
Exercise Price of 

Outstanding Options,  Outstanding Options, 
Warrants and Rights  Warrants and Rights 

(a) 

(b) 

Number of 
Securities Remaining 
Available for Future  
Issuance under  
Equity Compensation 
Plans (excluding 
securities reflected 
in column (a))
(c)

282,289 

$25.03 

1,685,354

32,0002 
314,289 

$28.52 
$25.39 

—
1,685,354

Plan Category 

Equity compensation  
  plans approved by  
security holders 
Equity compensation  
  plans not approved  
  by security holders 
Total 

1  We  previously  maintained  a  Share  Grant  Plan  for  officers,  trustees  and  non-officer  employees,  which  expired  on 
December  15,  2007.  322,325  shares  and  27,675  restricted  share  units  had  been  granted  under  this  plan.  We 
previously maintained a stock option plan for trustees which provided for the annual granting of 2,000 non-qualified 
stock  options  to  trustees  the  last  of  which  were  granted  in  2004.  The  plan  expired  on  December  15,  2007,  and 
84,000 options had been granted. See note 7 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion.
These securities are options issued under a Share Grant Plan for officers, trustees and non-officer employees. This plan 
expired on December 15, 2007 and options may no longer be issued thereafter.

2 

Item 13.   Certain Relationships and Related 

Transactions, and Director Independence

The information required by this Item is hereby incorporated herein by reference to 
the Proxy Statement.

Item 14.  Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The information required by this Item is hereby incorporated herein by reference to 
the Proxy Statement.

58

Annual Report 2009

Form 10-k

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Part IV

Item 15.   Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(A).  The following documents are filed as part of this Form 10-K:

1.  Financial Statements 

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm  
  on Internal Control over Financial Reporting 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 

Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended  
  December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity  
for the Years Ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended  
  December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

Page
61

62

63

64

65

66

67

68

2.  Financial Statement Schedules

Schedule III—Consolidated Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation 

92

3.  Exhibits:

3.1  Declaration of Trust.

3.2 

3.3 

3.4 

Amendment to Declaration of Trust dated September 21, 1998.

Articles of Amendment to Declaration of Trust dated June 24, 1999.

Articles of Amendment to Declaration of Trust dated June 1, 2006

3.5  Amended and Restated Bylaws dated October 22, 2009

4.1 

Indenture dated as of August 1, 1996 between WRIT and The First National 
Bank of Chicago

4.2 

Form of 2028 Notes

4.7 

4.8 

Form of 5.05% Senior Notes due May 1, 2012

Form of 5.35% Senior Notes due May 1, 2015 dated April 26, 2005

4.9  Officers  Certificate  establishing  the  terms  of  the  2012  and  2015  Notes, 

dated April 20, 2005

4.10 

Form of 5.35% Senior Notes due May 1, 2015 dated October 6, 2005

4.11  Officers  Certificate  establishing  the  terms  of  the  2015  Notes,  dated  

October 3, 2005

4.12 

Form of 5.95% Senior Notes due June 15, 2011

4.13  Officers’  Certificate  establishing  the  terms  of  the  2011  Notes,  dated  

June 6, 2006

4.14 

Form of 3.875% Senior Convertible Notes due September 15, 2026

4.15  Officers’  Certification  establishing  the  terms  of  the  Convertible  Notes, 

dated September 11, 2006

4.16 

Form of additional 3.875% Senior Convertible Notes due September 15, 2026

4.17 

Form of 5.95% senior notes due June 15, 2011, dated July 21, 2006

4.18  Officers’  Certification  establishing  the  terms  of  the  2011  Notes,  dated  

July 21, 2006

4.19  Credit  agreement  dated  November  2,  2006  between  Washington  Real 
Estate Investment Trust as borrower and a syndicate of banks  as lender 
with The Bank of New York as documentation agent, The Royal Bank of 
Scotland, plc as syndication agent and Wells Fargo Bank, NA, as agent

4.20  Form of 3.875% Convertible Senior Notes due September 15, 2026

4.21  Officers’ Certificate establishing the terms of the 3.85% Convertible Senior 

Notes due September 15, 2026

4.22 

Form of additional 3.85% Convertible Senior Notes due September 15, 2026

4.23  Supplemental Indenture by and between WRIT and the Bank of New York 

Trust Company, N.A. dated as of July 3, 2007

4.24  Credit agreement dated June 29, 2007 by and among WRIT, as borrower, the 

financial institutions party thereto as lenders, and SunTrust Bank as agent

4.25  Term  Loan  Agreement  dated  as  of  February  21,  2008,  by  and  between 

WRIT and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

4.26  Multifamily Note Agreement (Walker House Apartments) dated as of May 29, 

4.3  Officer’s  Certificate  Establishing  Terms  of  the  2013  Notes,  dated  

2008, by and between WRIT and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

March 12, 2003

4.4 

Form of 2013 Notes

4.27  Multifamily Note Agreement (3801 Connecticut Avenue) dated as of May 29, 

2008, by and between WRIT and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

4.5  Officers’  Certificate  Establishing  Terms  of  the  2014  Notes,  dated  

4.28  Multifamily Note Agreement (Bethesda Hill Apartments) dated as of May 29, 

December 8, 2003

4.6 

Form of 2014 Notes

2008, by and between WRIT and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

Form 10-k Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

59

 
4.29  First Amendment to Term Loan Agreement dated as of May 7, 2009, by 

10.22* Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan II dated May 23, 2007

and between WRIT and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

10.23* Amended Long Term Incentive Plan, effective January 1, 2008

10.1  Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of June 16, 2008, for 2445 M Street, 

10.24* Transition Agreement and General Release dated August 5, 2008 with Sara 

NW, Washington, DC

10.2*  1991 Incentive Stock Option Plan, as amended

10.3*  Deferred Compensation Plan for Executives dated January 1, 2000

10.4*  Split-Dollar Agreement dated April 1, 2000

L. Grootwassink

10.25* Change in control Agreement dated November 11, 2008 with William T. Camp

10.26* Change in control Agreement dated October 7, 2008 with Thomas C. Morey

10.27* Form of Indemnification Agreement by and between WRIT and the indemnitee

10.5*  2001 Stock Option Plan

10.6*  Share Purchase Plan

10.7*  Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan

10.8*  Description of WRIT Short-term and Long-term Incentive Plan

10.9*  Description of WRIT Revised Trustee Compensation Plan

10.10* Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan

10.28* Short Term Incentive Plan, effective January 1, 2009

10.29* Long Term Incentive Plan, effective July 1, 2009

12 

21 

Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

Subsidiaries of Registrant

23.1  Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

24 

Power of Attorney

10.11*  Change in control Agreement dated May 22, 2003 with Thomas L. Regnell

31.a  Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of 

10.12* Change in control Agreement dated June 13, 2005 with David A. DiNardo

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“the Exchange Act”)

10.13* Change in control Agreement dated May 22, 2003 with Laura M. Franklin

31.b  Certification  of 

the  Executive  Vice  President—Accounting  and 

10.14*  Change in control Agreement dated January 1, 2006 with James B. Cederdahl

Administration pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act

10.15* Long Term Incentive Plan, effective January 1, 2006

10.16* Short Term Incentive Plan, effective January 1, 2006

10.17* 2007 Omnibus Long Term Incentive Plan

10.18* Change in control Agreement dated June 1, 2007 with George F. McKenzie

10.19* Change in control Agreement dated May 14, 2007 with Michael S. Paukstitus

10.20* Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors dated December 1, 2000

10.21* Deferred Compensation for Officers dated January 1, 2007

31.c  Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the 

Exchange Act

32 

Certification  of  the  Chief  Executive  Officer,  Executive  Vice  President—
Accounting  and  Administration  and  Chief  Financial  Officer  pursuant  to 
Rule 13a-14(b) of the Exchange Act and 18U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted 
pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

*  Management contracts or compensation plans or arrangements in which trustees or executive officers are eligible 

to participate.

60

Annual Report 2009

Form 10-k

Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act 
of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the 
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Date: March 12, 2010  

By: /s/ George F. McKenzie

Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

George F. McKenzie
President and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has 
been  signed  below  by  the  following  persons  on  behalf  of  the  registrant  and  in  the 
capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature 
/s/ Edmund B. Cronin, Jr.* 
Edmund B. Cronin, Jr.

/s/ George F. McKenzie 
George F. McKenzie 

/s/ John M. Derrick, Jr.* 
John M. Derrick, Jr.

/s/ John P. McDaniel* 
John P. McDaniel

/s/ Charles T. Nason* 
Charles T. Nason

/s/ Edward S. Civera* 
Edward S. Civera

/s/ Thomas Edgie Russell, III* 
Thomas Edgie Russell, III

/s/ Terence C. Golden* 
Terence C. Golden

/s/ Wendelin A. White* 
Wendelin A. White

/s/ Laura M. Franklin 
Laura M. Franklin 

/s/ William T. Camp 
William T. Camp 

* By: /s/ Laura M Franklin 
Laura M Franklin

Title 
Chairman, Trustee 

Date

March 12, 2010

President, Chief Executive Officer 
and Trustee

Trustee 

Trustee 

Trustee 

Trustee 

Trustee 

Trustee 

Trustee 

Executive Vice President Accounting, 
Administration and Corporate Secretary 

Executive Vice President and 
Chief Financial Officer 

through power of attorney

March 12, 2010

March 12, 2010

March 12, 2010

March 12, 2010

March 12, 2010

March 12, 2010

March 12, 2010

March 12, 2010

March 12, 2010

March 12, 2010

Management’s Report on Internal Control  
over Financial Reporting
Management of Washington Real Estate Investment Trust (the “Trust”) is responsible 
for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting and 
for the assessment of the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting. The 
Trust’s internal control system over financial reporting is a process designed under the 
supervision of the Trust’s principal executive and principal financial officers to provide 
reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation 
of  the  consolidated  financial  statements  in  accordance  with  U.S.  generally  accepted 
accounting principles.

All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. 
Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable 
assurance  with  respect  to  financial  statement  preparation  and  presentation.  Also, 
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk 
that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions.

In  connection  with  the  preparation  of  the  Trust’s  annual  consolidated  financial 
statements, management has undertaken an assessment of the effectiveness of the 
Trust’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  of  December  31,  2009,  based 
on  criteria  established  in  Internal  Control-Integrated  Framework  issued  by  the 
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO 
Framework).  Management’s  assessment  included  an  evaluation  of  the  design  of 
the  Trust’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  and  testing  of  the  operational 
effectiveness of those controls.

Based on this assessment, management has concluded that as of December 31, 2009, 
the  Trust’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  was  effective  at  a  reasonable 
assurance  level  regarding  the  reliability  of  financial  reporting  and  the  preparation  of 
financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted 
accounting principles.

Ernst  &  Young  LLP,  the  independent  registered  public  accounting  firm  that  audited 
the  Trust’s  consolidated  financial  statements  included  in  this  report,  have  issued  an 
unqualified  opinion  on  the  effectiveness  of  the  Trust’s  internal  control  over  financial 
reporting, a copy of which appears on the next page of this annual report.

Form 10-k Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

61

  
  
  
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting 
Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

The Board of Trustees and Shareholders of 
Washington Real Estate Investment Trust
We have audited Washington Real Estate Investment Trust and Subsidiaries’ internal 
control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established 
in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring 
Organizations  of  the  Treadway  Commission  (the  COSO  criteria).  Washington  Real 
Estate Investment Trust’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal 
control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal 
control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on 
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion 
on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We  conducted  our  audit  in  accordance  with  the  standards  of  the  Public  Company 
Accounting  Oversight  Board  (United  States).  Those  standards  require  that  we  plan 
and  perform  the  audit  to  obtain  reasonable  assurance  about  whether  effective 
internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our 
audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, 
assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and 
operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing 
such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe 
that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide 
reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation 
of  financial  statements  for  external  purposes  in  accordance  with  generally  accepted 
accounting  principles.  A  company’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  includes 

those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in 
reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the 
assets	of	the	company;	(2)	provide	reasonable	assurance	that	transactions	are	recorded	
as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally 
accepted  accounting  principles,  and  that  receipts  and  expenditures  of  the  company 
are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors 
of	the	company;	and	(3)	provide	reasonable	assurance	regarding	prevention	or	timely	
detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that 
could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because  of  its  inherent  limitations,  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  may  not 
prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to 
future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of 
changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures 
may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Washington Real Estate Investment Trust and Subsidiaries maintained, 
in  all  material  respects,  effective  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  of 
December 31, 2009, based on the COSO criteria.

We  also  have  audited,  in  accordance  with  the  standards  of  the  Public  Company 
Accounting  Oversight  Board  (United  States),  the  consolidated  balance  sheets  of 
Washington Real Estate Investment Trust and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2009 
and  2008  and  the  related  consolidated  statements  of  income,  shareholders’  equity, 
and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009 
of  Washington  Real  Estate  Investment  Trust  and  Subsidiaries  and  our  report  dated 
February 26, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
McLean, Virginia
February 26, 2010

62

Annual Report 2009

Form 10-k

Report of Independent Registered  
Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Trustees and Shareholders of 
Washington Real Estate Investment Trust
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Washington Real 
Estate  Investment  Trust  and  Subsidiaries  as  of  December  31,  2009  and  2008,  and 
the  related  consolidated  statements  of  income,  shareholders’  equity,  and  cash  flows 
for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009. Our audits also 
included  the  financial  statement  schedule  listed  in  the  Index  at  Item  15(A).  These 
financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. 
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule 
based on our audits.

We  conducted  our  audits  in  accordance  with  the  standards  of  the  Public  Company 
Accounting  Oversight  Board  (United  States).  Those  standards  require  that  we  plan 
and  perform  the  audit  to  obtain  reasonable  assurance  about  whether  the  financial 
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test 
basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An 
audit  also  includes  assessing  the  accounting  principles  used  and  significant  estimates 

made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. 
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material 
respects,  the  consolidated  financial  position  of  Washington  Real  Estate  Investment 
Trust and Subsidiaries at December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the consolidated results of 
their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended 
December 31, 2009, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. 
Also,  in  our  opinion,  the  related  financial  statement  schedule,  when  considered  in 
relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material 
respects the information set forth therein.

We  also  have  audited,  in  accordance  with  the  standards  of  the  Public  Company 
Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Washington Real Estate Investment Trust 
and  Subsidiaries’  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  of  December  31,  2009, 
based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the 
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report 
dated February 26, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
McLean, Virginia
February 26, 2010

Form 10-k Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

63

Consolidated Balance Sheets
as of December 31, 2009 and 2008

(in thousands, except per share data) 
Assets

Land 
Income producing property 

Accumulated depreciation and amortization 

Net income producing property 

Development in progress 

Total real estate held for investment, net 

Investment in real estate sold or held for sale, net 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Restricted cash 
Rents and other receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $6,455 and $6,122, respectively 
Prepaid expenses and other assets 
Other assets related to properties sold or held for sale 

Total assets 

Liabilities

Notes payable 
Mortgage notes payable 
Lines of credit 
Accounts payable and other liabilities 
Advance rents 
Tenant security deposits 
Other liabilities related to properties sold or held for sale 

Total liabilities 

Equity
Shareholders’ equity

Shares	of	beneficial	interest;	$0.01	par	value;	100,000	shares	authorized:	59,811	and	52,434	shares	issued	and	outstanding,	respectively	
Additional paid in capital 
Distributions in excess of net income 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 

Total shareholders’ equity 

Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries 

Total equity 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity 

As adjusted (see Current report on Form 8-K filed July 10, 2009 and note 3 to the consolidated financial statements)

1 
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.

64

Annual Report 2009

Form 10-k

2009 

$   412,137 
1,899,378 
2,311,515 
(474,171) 
1,837,344 
25,031 
1,862,375 
3,841 
11,203 
19,170 
50,525 
97,815 
296 
$2,045,225 

$   688,912 
405,451 
128,000 
52,649 
11,211 
9,854 
85 
1,296,162 

599	
944,825 
(198,412) 
(1,757) 
745,255 
3,808 
749,063 
$2,045,225 

20081

$   410,833
1,854,008
2,264,841
(394,902)
1,869,939
23,732
1,893,671
26,734
11,874
18,823
44,675
112,284
1,346
$2,109,407

$   890,679
421,286
67,000
70,538
8,926
10,084
469
1,468,982

526
777,375
(138,936)
(2,335)
636,630
3,795
640,425
$2,109,407

 
Consolidated Statements of Income
for the Years Ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007

(in thousands, except per share data) 
Revenue

Real estate rental revenue 

Expenses

Utilities 
Real estate taxes 
Repairs and maintenance 
Property administration 
Property management 
Operating services and common area maintenance 
Other real estate expenses 
Depreciation and amortization 
General and administrative 

Real estate operating income 

Other income (expense)
Interest expense 
Other income 
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt, net 
Gain from non-disposal activities 

Income from continuing operations 
Discontinued operations:

Income from operations of properties sold or held for sale 
Gain on sale of real estate 

Net income 

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries 

Net income attributable to the controlling interests 
Basic net income attributable to the controlling interests per share

Continuing operations 
Discontinued operations, including gain on sale of real estate 

Net income attributable to the controlling interests per share 
Diluted net income attributable to the controlling interests per share

Continuing operations 
Discontinued operations, including gain on sale of real estate 

Net income attributable to the controlling interests per share 

Weighted average shares outstanding—basic 
Weighted average shares outstanding—diluted 
Dividends declared and paid per share 

See accompanying notes to the financial statements.

2009 

$306,929 

21,484 
32,734 
12,064 
9,807 
7,628 
16,581 
4,275 
94,042 
13,906 
212,521 
94,408 

(75,001) 
1,205 
5,336 
73 
(68,387) 
26,021 

1,579 
13,348 
40,948 
(203) 
$  40,745 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

  0.45 
0.26 
  0.71 

  0.45 
0.26 
  0.71 
56,894 
56,968 
  1.73 

2008 

$278,691 

19,288 
27,950 
11,003 
9,855 
7,830 
14,151 
3,422 
85,659 
12,110 
191,268 
87,423 

(75,041) 
1,073 
(5,583) 
17 
(79,534) 
7,889 

4,129 
15,275 
27,293 
(211) 
$  27,082 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

  0.15 
0.40 
  0.55 

  0.15 
0.40 
  0.55 
49,138 
49,217 
  1.72 

2007

$248,899

16,383
21,691
9,147
7,060
7,045
13,057
2,976
68,364
14,882
160,605
88,294

(66,336)
1,875
—
1,303
(63,158)
25,136

7,510
25,022
57,668
(217)
$  57,451

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

  0.54
0.71
  1.25

  0.53
0.71
  1.24
45,911
46,049
  1.68

Form 10-k Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

65

 
 
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
for the Years Ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007

(in thousands) 
Balance, December 31, 2006 

Net income attributable to the controlling interests 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 
Distributions to noncontrolling interests 
Issuance of units to noncontrolling interest holder 
Dividends 
Equity offering, net of issuance costs 
Equity component of convertible notes, net of issuance costs 
Share options exercised 
Share grants, net of share grant amortization and forfeitures 

Balance, December 31, 2007 
Comprehensive income:

Net income attributable to the controlling interests 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 
Change in fair value of interest rate hedge 

Total comprehensive income 
Distributions to noncontrolling interests 
Dividends 
Equity offerings, net of issuance costs 
Shares issued under Dividend Reinvestment Program 
Share options exercised 
Share grants, net of share grant amortization and forfeitures 

Balance, December 31, 2008 
Comprehensive income:

Net income attributable to the controlling interests 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 
Change in fair value of interest rate hedge 

Total comprehensive income 
Distributions to noncontrolling interests 
Dividends 
Equity offerings, net of issuance costs 
Shares issued under Dividend Reinvestment Program 
Share options exercised 
Share grants, net of share grant amortization and forfeitures 

Balance, December 31, 2009 

See accompanying notes to the financial statements. 

66

Annual Report 2009

Form 10-k

Shares 
45,042 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
1,600 
— 
13 
27 

46,682 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
5,466 
125 
120 
41 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
55 
1 
1 
1 

52,434 

526 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
7,240 
88 
3 
46 
59,811 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
72 
1 
— 
— 
$599 

Shares of 
Beneficial 
Interest at 
Par Value 
$451 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
16 
— 
— 
1 

Additional 
Paid in 
Capital 
$509,326 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
57,745 
12,435 
313 
2,707 

Distributions 
in Excess of 
Net Income 
Attributable 
to the 

Total 

Accumulated 
Other 
Controlling  Comprehensive  Shareholders’ 
Income 
  — 
$ 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

Interests 
$  (59,855) 
57,451 
— 
— 
— 
(78,050) 
— 
— 
— 
— 

Equity 
$ 449,922 
57,451 
— 
— 
— 
(78,050) 
57,761 
12,435 
313 
2,708 

Noncontrolling 
Interests in 
Subsidiaries 
$1,739 
— 
217 
(156) 
1,976 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

Total 
Equity
$ 451,661
57,451
217
(156)
1,976
(78,050)
57,761
12,435
313
2,708

468 

582,526 

(80,454) 

— 

502,540 

3,776 

506,316

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
184,878 
4,102 
2,642 
3,227 

777,375 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
160,843 
2,478 
45 
4,084 
$944,825 

27,082 
— 
— 
— 
— 
(85,564) 
— 
— 
— 
— 

(138,936) 

40,745 
— 
— 
— 
— 
(100,221) 
— 
— 
— 
— 
$(198,412) 

— 
— 
(2,335) 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

(2,335) 

— 
— 
578 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
$(1,757) 

27,082 
— 
(2,335) 
24,747 
— 
(85,564) 
184,933 
4,103 
2,643 
3,228 

636,630 

40,745 
— 
578 
41,323 
— 
(100,221) 
160,915 
2,479 
45 
4,084 
$ 745,255 

— 
211 
— 
211 
(192) 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

3,795 

— 
203 
— 
203 
(190) 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
$3,808 

27,082
211
(2,335)
24,958
(192)
(85,564)
184,933
4,103
2,643
3,228

640,425

40,745
203
578
41,526
(190)
(100,221)
160,915
2,479
45
4,084
$ 749,063

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
for the Years Ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007

(in thousands) 
Cash flows from operating activities

Net income 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

Gain on sale of real estate 
Depreciation and amortization, including amounts in discontinued operations 
Provision for losses on accounts receivable 
Amortization of share grants, net 
Amortization of debt premiums, discounts and related financing costs 

Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt, net 
Changes in operating other assets 
Changes in operating other liabilities 

Net cash provided by operating activities 

Cash flows from investing activities
Real estate acquisitions, net1 
Capital improvements to real estate 
Development in progress 
Net cash received for sale of real estate 
Non-real estate capital improvements 

Net cash used in investing activities 

Cash flows from financing activities

Line of credit borrowings 
Line of credit repayments 
Dividends paid 
Distributions to noncontrolling interests 
Proceeds from equity offerings under dividend reinvestment program 
Proceeds from mortgage notes payable 
Principal payments—mortgage notes payable 
Proceeds from debt offering 
Financing costs 
Net proceeds from equity offerings 
Notes payable repayments, including penalties for early extinguishment 
Net proceeds from exercise of share options 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized 

2009 

2008 

2007

$   40,948 

$   27,293 

$   57,668

(13,348) 
94,447 
6,889 
3,085 
6,957 
(5,336) 
(14,576) 
(16,165) 
102,901 

(19,828) 
(27,337) 
(2,135) 
36,842 
(351) 
(12,809) 

214,500 
(153,500) 
(100,221) 
(190) 
2,479 
37,500 
(54,030) 
— 
(847) 
160,915 
(197,414) 
45 
(90,763) 
(671) 
11,874 
$   11,203 

$   69,292 

(15,275) 
86,898 
4,346 
3,228 
7,669 
5,583 
(13,648) 
(8,979) 
97,115 

(168,230) 
(37,272) 
(15,509) 
40,231 
(642) 
(181,422) 

165,000 
(290,500) 
(85,564) 
(192) 
4,103 
81,029 
(3,488) 
100,000 
(1,924) 
184,933 
(81,344) 
2,643 
74,696 
(9,611) 
21,485 
$   11,874 

$   68,616 

(25,022)
71,024
2,011
2,707
7,042
—
(14,319)
15,366
116,477

(294,166)
(41,122)
(66,996)
56,344
(3,200)
(349,140)

258,200
(126,700)
(78,050)
(156)
—
—
(10,797)
150,000
(5,144)
57,761
—
313
245,427
12,764
8,721
$   21,485

$   57,499

See note 3 to the consolidated financial statements for the supplemental discussion of non-cash investing and financing activities, including the assumption of mortgage debt in conjunction with some of our real estate acquisitions.

1 
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.

Form 10-k Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

67

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
for the Years Ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007

The following is a breakdown of the taxable percentage of our dividends for 2009, 2008 
and 2007, respectively (unaudited):

1.  Nature of Business
Washington Real Estate Investment Trust (“We” or “WRIT”), a Maryland real estate 
investment  trust,  is  a  self-administered,  self-managed  equity  real  estate  investment 
trust, successor to a trust organized in 1960. Our business consists of the ownership and 
development of income-producing real estate properties in the greater Washington 
Metro region. We own a diversified portfolio of office buildings, medical office buildings, 
industrial/flex centers, multifamily buildings and retail centers.

2009 
2008 
2007 

Ordinary 
Income 
75% 
60% 
90% 

Return of 
Capital 
17% 
18% 
10% 

2.  Accounting Policies

Unrecaptured 
Section 1250 
Gain 
7% 
6% 
0% 

Capital 
Gain
1%
16%
0%

Federal Income Taxes
We believe that we qualify as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) under Sections 
856-860  of  the  Internal  Revenue  Code  and  intend  to  continue  to  qualify  as  such. 
To maintain our status as a REIT, we are required to distribute 90% of our ordinary 
taxable  income  to  our  shareholders.  When  selling  properties,  we  have  the  option 
of (a) reinvesting the sale price of properties sold, allowing for a deferral of income 
taxes  on  the  sale,  (b)  paying  out  capital  gains  to  the  shareholders  with  no  tax  to 
WRIT or (c) treating the capital gains as having been distributed to the shareholders, 
paying the tax on the gain deemed distributed and allocating the tax paid as a credit 
to  the  shareholders.  In  May  2009,  we  sold  a  multifamily  property,  Avondale,  for  a 
gain of $6.7 million. In July 2009, we sold an industrial property, Tech 100 Industrial 
Park,  and  an  office  property,  Brandywine  Center,  for  gains  of  $4.1  million  and  
$1.0 million, respectively. In November 2009, we sold an industrial property, Crossroads 
Distribution  Center,  for  a  gain  of  $1.5  million.  In  June  2008,  we  sold  two  industrial 
properties, Sullyfield Center and The Earhart Building, for a gain of $15.3 million. The 
gains from the sales were paid out to the shareholders.

Generally,  no  provisions  for  income  taxes  are  necessary  except  for  taxes  on 
undistributed REIT taxable income and taxes on the income generated by our taxable 
REIT subsidiaries (“TRS”). A TRS is subject to corporate federal and state income tax 
on its taxable income at regular statutory rates. Certain of our taxable REIT subsidiaries 
have net operating loss carryforwards available of approximately $5.3 million. These 
carryforwards begin to expire in 2028. We have considered estimated future taxable 
income and have determined that a full valuation allowance for our net deferred tax 
assets is appropriate. There were no income tax provisions or material deferred income 
tax items for our TRS for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.

Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of WRIT and 
its majority owned subsidiaries, after eliminating all intercompany transactions.

New Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2009, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 168, The FASB Accounting Standards 
Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principals, a replacement 
of FASB Statement No. 162 (FASB Accounting Standards Codification section 105-10-
65). This statement establishes the Codification as the source of authoritative GAAP 
recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities. The Codification 
is the culmination of a project to organize and simplify authoritative GAAP literature 
by reorganizing the various and dispersed GAAP pronouncements within a consistent 
structure.  This  statement  is  effective  for  financial  statements  issued  for  interim  and 
annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. The issuance of this statement and the 
Codification does not change GAAP and does not have any impact on our consolidated 
financial statements.

In  December  2007,  the  FASB  issued  SFAS  No.  141(R),  Business  Combinations  (FASB 
Accounting  Standards  Codification  section  805-10-65),  a  revision  of  SFAS  No.  141. 
This  statement  changes  the  accounting  for  acquisitions  by  specifically  eliminating  the 
step  acquisition  model,  changing  the  recognition  of  contingent  consideration  from 
being recognized when it was probable to being recognized at the time of acquisition, 
disallowing  the  capitalization  of  pre-acquisition  and  transaction  costs,  and  delaying 
when  restructuring  related  to  acquisitions  can  be  recognized.  Our  adoption  of  the 
standard for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2009 resulted in a $0.8 million increase 
in general and administrative expense, as previously capitalized pre-acquisition costs 
were expensed as a period cost.

68

Annual Report 2009

Form 10-k

 
 
 
 
 
In March 2008 the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments 
and  Hedging  Activities,  an  Amendment  of  FASB  Statement  No.  133  (FASB  Accounting 
Standards Codification section 815-10-65). This statement requires entities to provide 
greater  transparency  about  how  and  why  an  entity  uses  derivative  instruments, 
and  how  derivative  instruments  and  related  hedged  items  affect  an  entity’s  financial 
position, results of operations, and cash flows. To meet these objectives, this statement 
requires  (a)  qualitative  disclosures  about  objectives  for  using  derivatives  by  primary 
underlying risk exposure and by purpose or strategy, (b) information about the volume 
of derivative activity, (c) tabular disclosures about balance sheet location and gross fair 
value amounts of derivative instruments, income statement and other comprehensive 
income location and amounts of gains and losses on derivative instruments by type of 
contract, and (d) disclosures about credit risk-related contingent features in derivative 
agreements. We adopted this statement effective for the fiscal year beginning January 1,  
2009. This statement required us to provide expanded disclosures of our interest rate 
hedge contract and to present certain disclosures in tabular format (See note 2 to the 
consolidated financial statements).

In September 2006, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements 
(FASB Accounting Standards Codification section 820-10-65). This statement defines 
fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with GAAP, 
and  expands  disclosures  about  fair  value  measurements.  On  February  12,  2007,  the 
FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 
157 (FASB Accounting Standards Codification section 820-10-65), which amends FASB 
Statement  No.  157  to  delay  the  effective  date  for  all  non-financial  assets  and  non-
financial liabilities, except for those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the 
financial statements on a recurring basis (i.e. at least annually) to fiscal years beginning 
after November 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. We do not have 
significant assets or liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, and therefore 
the adoption of this statement for non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities on 
January 1, 2009 did not have a material impact on our financial statements. However, 
starting in 2009 we apply FASB Statement No. 157 as a part of our fair value allocation 
to any properties acquired.

In  May  2009,  the  FASB  issued  FASB  Statement  No.  165,  Subsequent  Events  (FASB 
Accounting  Standards  Codification  section  855-10-65).  This  statement  requires 
disclosure of the date through which subsequent events have been evaluated, as well 
as whether that date is the date the financial statements were issued. We adopted this 
statement effective for the quarter ending June 30, 2009. The required disclosure is in 
note 16 to the consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition
We lease multifamily properties under operating leases with terms of generally one year 
or less. We lease commercial properties (our office, medical office, retail and industrial 

segments)  under  operating  leases  with  average  terms  of  three  to  seven  years.  We 
recognize rental income and rental abatements from our multifamily and commercial 
leases when earned on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Recognition of rental 
income  commences  when  control  of  the  facility  has  been  given  to  the  tenant.  We 
record a provision for losses on accounts receivable equal to the estimated uncollectible 
amounts. We base this estimate on our historical experience and a review of the current 
status of our receivables. We recognize percentage rents, which represent additional 
rents based on gross tenant sales, when tenants’ sales exceed specified thresholds.

We recognize sales of real estate at closing only when sufficient down payments have 
been obtained, possession and other attributes of ownership have been transferred to 
the buyer and we have no significant continuing involvement.

We recognize cost reimbursement income from pass-through expenses on an accrual 
basis over the periods in which the expenses were incurred. Pass-through expenses 
are comprised of real estate taxes, operating expenses and common area maintenance 
costs which are reimbursed by tenants in accordance with specific allowable costs per 
tenant lease agreements.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Accounts receivable primarily represents amounts accrued and unpaid from tenants in 
accordance with the terms of the respective leases, subject to our revenue recognition 
policy. We review receivables monthly and establish reserves when, in the opinion of 
management, collection of the receivable is doubtful. We establish reserves for tenants 
whose  rent  payment  history  or  financial  condition  casts  doubt  upon  the  tenants’ 
ability  to  perform  under  their  lease  obligations.  When  we  deem  the  collection  of  a 
receivable to be doubtful in the same quarter that we established the receivable, then 
we  recognize  the  allowance  for  that  receivable  as  an  offset  to  real  estate  revenues. 
When  we  deem  a  receivable  that  was  initially  established  in  a  prior  quarter  to  be 
doubtful, then we recognize the allowance as an operating expense. In addition to rents 
due currently, accounts receivable include amounts representing minimal rental income 
accrued on a straight-line basis to be paid by tenants over the remaining term of their 
respective leases.

We include notes receivable balances of $8.5 million and $8.6 million as of December 31, 
2009 and 2008, respectively, in our accounts receivable balances.

Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries
We entered into an operating partnership agreement with a member of the entity that 
previously owned Northern Virginia Industrial Park in conjunction with the acquisition 
of this property in May 1998. This resulted in a noncontrolling ownership interest in 
this property based upon defined company ownership units at the date of purchase. 
The operating partnership agreement was amended and restated in 2002 resulting in 
a reduced noncontrolling ownership percentage interest. We account for this activity 

Form 10-k Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

69

by  applying  the  noncontrolling  owner’s  percentage  ownership  interest  to  the  net 
income of the property and reporting such amount in our net income attributable to 
noncontrolling interests.

In August 2007 we acquired a 0.8 acre parcel of land located at 4661 Kenmore Avenue, 
Alexandria,  Virginia  for  future  medical  office  development.  The  acquisition  was 
funded by issuing operating partnership units in our operating partnership, which is a 
consolidated subsidiary of WRIT. This resulted in a noncontrolling ownership interest 
in this property based upon defined company operating partnership units at the date 
of purchase.

Net  income  attributable  to  noncontrolling  interests  was  $202,700,  $211,000  and 
$216,900 for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. None 
of the income from noncontrolling interests is attributable to discontinued operations 
or accumulated other comprehensive income. Quarterly distributions are made to the 
noncontrolling owners equal  to  the  quarterly  dividend  per share for each operating 
partnership unit.

Income  attributable  to  the  controlling  interests  from  continuing  operations  was  
$25.8 million, $7.7 million and $24.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 
2008 and 2007, respectively.

The operating partnership units could have a dilutive impact on our earnings per share 
calculation. They are not dilutive for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 
2007, and are not included in our earnings per share calculations.

Deferred Financing Costs
External costs associated with the issuance or assumption of mortgages, notes payable 
and  fees  associated  with  the  lines  of  credit  are  capitalized  and  amortized  using  the 
effective  interest  rate  method  or  the  straight-line  method  which  approximates  the 
effective interest rate method over the term of the related debt. As of December 31, 
2009 and 2008 deferred financing costs of $18.1 million and $21.3 million, respectively, 
net  of  accumulated  amortization  of  $10.3  million  and  $9.0  million,  were  included  in 
prepaid expenses and other assets on the balance sheets. The amortization is included 
in interest expense in the accompanying statements of income. The amortization of 
debt costs included in interest expense totaled $3.1 million, $3.6 million and $3.5 million 
for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Deferred Leasing Costs
We capitalize and amortize costs associated with the successful negotiation of leases, 
both external commissions and internal direct costs, on a straight-line basis over the 
terms of the respective leases. If an applicable lease terminates prior to the expiration 
of its initial lease term, we write off the carrying amount of the costs to amortization 
expense.  As  of  December  31,  2009  and  2008,  we  included  deferred  leasing  costs 

of  $33.1  million  and  $31.0  million,  respectively,  net  of  accumulated  amortization  of 
$11.7 million and $10.2 million, in prepaid expenses and other assets on the balance 
sheets. The amortization of deferred leasing costs included in amortization expense 
for properties classified as continuing operations totaled $4.8 million, $3.6 million and  
$2.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

We  capitalize  and  amortize  against  revenue  leasing  incentives  associated  with  the 
successful negotiation of leases on a straight-line basis over the terms of the respective 
leases. If an applicable lease terminates prior to the expiration of its initial lease term, 
we  write  off  the  carrying  amount  of  the  costs  as  a  reduction  of  revenue.  As  of 
December 31, 2009 and 2008, we included deferred leasing incentives of $12.2 million 
and  $11.8  million,  respectively,  net  of  accumulated  amortization  of  $1.6  million  and  
$0.5  million,  in  prepaid  expenses  and  other  assets  on  the  balance  sheets.  The 
amortization  of  deferred  leasing  incentives  included  as  a  reduction  of  revenue  for 
properties  classified  as  continuing  operations  totaled  $1.2  million,  $0.4  million  and 
$0.1 million, for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Real Estate and Depreciation
We depreciate buildings on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives ranging from 
28  to  50  years.  We  capitalize  all  capital  improvement  expenditures  associated  with 
replacements, improvements or major repairs to real property that extend its useful 
life and depreciate them using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives 
ranging from 3 to 30 years. We also capitalize costs incurred in connection with our 
development  projects,  including  capitalizing  interest  and  other  internal  costs  during 
periods in which qualifying expenditures have been made and activities necessary to 
get the development projects ready for their intended use are in progress. In addition, 
we capitalize tenant leasehold improvements when certain criteria are met, including 
when we supervise construction and will own the improvements. We depreciate all 
tenant improvements over the shorter of the useful life of the improvements or the 
term  of  the  related  tenant  lease.  Real  estate  depreciation  expense  from  continuing 
operations for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $75.8 million, 
$68.5 million and $55.0 million, respectively. We charge maintenance and repair costs 
that do not extend an asset’s life to expense as incurred.

We capitalize interest costs incurred on borrowing obligations while qualifying assets 
are  being  readied  for  their  intended  use.  Total  interest  expense  capitalized  to  real 
estate assets related to development and major renovation activities was $1.4 million, 
$2.3  million  and  $6.7  million  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2009,  2008  and 
2007, respectively. We amortize capitalized interest over the useful life of the related 
underlying assets upon those assets being placed into service.

We recognize impairment losses on long-lived assets used in operations and held for 
sale, development assets or land held for future development, if indicators of impairment 

70

Annual Report 2009

Form 10-k

are present and the net undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those 
assets  are  less  than  the  assets’  carrying  amount  and  estimated  undiscounted  cash 
flows associated with future development expenditures. If such carrying amount is in 
excess of the estimated cash flows from the operation and disposal of the property, 
we would recognize an impairment loss equivalent to an amount required to adjust 
the  carrying  amount  to  the  estimated  fair  value.  The  estimated  fair  value  would  be 
calculated  in  accordance  with  current  GAAP  fair  value  provisions.  During  2009  and 
2008,  we  expensed  $0.1  million  and  $0.6  million,  respectively,  included  in  general 
and  administrative  expenses,  related  to  development  projects  no  longer  considered 
probable.  There  were  no  property  impairments  recognized  during  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2007.

We record real estate acquisitions as business combinations in accordance with GAAP. 
We record acquired or assumed assets, including physical assets and in-place leases, 
and  liabilities,  based  on  their  fair  values.  We  record  goodwill  when  the  purchase 
price  exceeds  the  fair  value  of  the  assets  and  liabilities  acquired. We  determine  the 
estimated fair values of the assets and liabilities in accordance with current GAAP fair 
value provisions. We determine the fair values of acquired buildings on an “as-if-vacant” 
basis  considering  a  variety  of  factors,  including  the  physical  condition  and  quality  of 
the buildings, estimated rental and absorption rates, estimated future cash flows and 
valuation  assumptions  consistent  with  current  market  conditions.  We  allocate  the 
“as-if-vacant” fair value to land, building and tenant improvements based on property 
tax  assessments  and  other  relevant  information  obtained  in  connection  with  the 
acquisition of the property.

The  fair  value  of  in-place  leases  consists  of  the  following  components—(a)  the 
estimated cost to us to replace the leases, including foregone rents during the period 
of finding a new tenant and foregone recovery of tenant pass-throughs (referred to as 
“absorption	cost”);	(b)	the	estimated	cost	of	tenant	improvements,	and	other	direct	
costs	associated	with	obtaining	a	new	tenant	(referred	to	as	“tenant	origination	cost”);	
(c)  estimated  leasing  commissions  associated  with  obtaining  a  new  tenant  (referred 
to	as	“leasing	commissions”);	(d)	the	above/at/below	market	cash	flow	of	the	leases,	
determined by comparing the projected cash flows of the leases in place to projected 
cash	flows	of	comparable	market-rate	leases	(referred	to	as	“net	lease	intangible”);	and	
(e) the value, if any, of customer relationships, determined based on our evaluation of 
the specific characteristics of each tenant’s lease and our overall relationship with the 
tenant (referred to as “customer relationship value”). We have attributed no value to 
customer relationship value as of December 31, 2009 and 2008.

We discount the amounts used to calculate net lease intangibles using an interest rate 
which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired. We include tenant origination 
costs  in  income  producing  property  on  our  balance  sheet  and  amortize  the  tenant 
origination  costs  as  depreciation  expense  on  a  straight-line  basis  over  the  remaining 

life  of  the  underlying  leases.  We  classify  leasing  commissions  and  absorption  costs  as 
other  assets  and  amortize  leasing  commissions  and  absorption  costs  as  amortization 
expense  on  a  straight-line  basis  over  the  remaining  life  of  the  underlying  leases.  We 
classify net lease intangible assets as other assets and amortize net lease intangible assets 
on a straight-line basis as a decrease to real estate rental revenue over the remaining 
term of the underlying leases. We classify net lease intangible liabilities as other liabilities 
and amortize net lease intangible liabilities on a straight-line basis as an increase to real 
estate rental revenue over the remaining term of the underlying leases. Should a tenant 
terminate its lease, we write off the unamortized portion of the tenant origination cost, 
leasing commissions, absorption costs and net lease intangible associated with that lease.

Balances,  net  of  accumulated  depreciation  or  amortization,  as  appropriate,  of  the 
components of the fair value of in-place leases at December 31, 2009 and 2008 are as 
follows (in millions):

December 31,

2009 

2008

Gross 

Gross 

Carrying  Accumulated 

Carrying  Accumulated 

Value  Amortization  Net 
$19.0 
$20.8 
$39.8 

Value  Amortization  Net
$24.8
$40.9 

$16.1 

$49.6 
$  9.7 
$32.2 

$22.7 
$  6.4 
$14.7 

$26.9 
$  3.3 
$17.5 

$50.7 
$  9.8 
$33.0 

$16.3 
$  5.4 
$10.3 

$34.4
$  4.4
$22.7

$12.1 

$  0.4 

$11.7 

$12.1 

$  0.2 

$11.9

Tenant origination costs 
Leasing commissions/ 
  absorption costs 
Net lease intangible assets 
Net lease intangible liabilities 
Below-market ground  
lease intangible asset 

Amortization  of  these  components  combined  was  $9.4  million,  $11.2  million  and 
$9.0  million  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2009,  2008  and  2007,  respectively. 
Amortization  of  these  components  combined  over  the  next  five  years  is  projected 
to be $7.2 million, $5.2 million, $4.0 million, $3.6 million and $3.5 million for the years 
ending December 31, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. No value had been 
assigned to customer relationship value at December 31, 2009 or 2008.

Discontinued Operations
We classify properties as held for sale when they meet the necessary criteria, which 
include: (a) senior management commits to and actively embarks upon a plan to sell 
the assets, (b) the sale is expected to be completed within one year under terms usual 
and customary for such sales and (c) actions required to complete the plan indicate 
that  it  is  unlikely  that  significant  changes  to  the  plan  will  be  made  or  that  the  plan 
will be withdrawn. Depreciation on these properties is discontinued, but operating 
revenues, operating expenses and interest expense continue to be recognized until 
the date of sale.

Form 10-k Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

71

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues and expenses of properties that are either sold or classified as held for sale 
are presented as discontinued operations for all periods presented in the consolidated 
statements of income. Interest on debt that can be identified as specifically attributed 
to these properties is included in discontinued operations. We do not have significant 
continuing involvement in the operations of any of our disposed properties.

Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include investments readily convertible to known amounts 
of cash with original maturities of 90 days or less.

Restricted Cash
Restricted cash at December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 consisted of $19.2 million 
and $18.8 million, respectively, in funds escrowed for tenant security deposits, real estate 

tax, insurance and mortgage escrows and escrow deposits required by lenders on certain 
of our properties to be used for future building renovations or tenant improvements.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value
For  assets  and  liabilities  measured  at  fair  value  on  a  recurring  basis,  quantitative 
disclosures about the fair value measurements are required to be disclosed separately 
for each major category of assets and liabilities. The only assets or liabilities we had 
at December 31, 2009 and 2008 that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis 
are the assets held in the Supplemental Executive Retirement Program (“SERP”) and 
the interest rate hedge contracts. We base the valuations related to these items on 
assumptions  derived  from  significant  other  observable  inputs  and  accordingly  these 
valuations fall into Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair values of these assets and 
liabilities at December 31, 2009 and 2008 are as follows (in millions):

Assets:

SERP 
Liabilities:

Derivatives 

Fair 
Value 

$1.1 

$1.8 

December 31, 2009 

Quoted Prices 
in Active 
Markets for 
Identical Assets 
(Level 1) 

$— 

$— 

Significant 
Other 
Observable 
Inputs 
(Level 2) 

$1.1 

$1.8 

Significant 
Unobservable 
Inputs 
(Level 3) 

$— 

$— 

Fair 
Value 

$0.6 

$2.3 

December 31, 2008

Quoted Prices 
in Active 
Markets for 
Identical Assets 
(Level 1) 

Significant 
Other 
Observable 
Inputs 
(Level 2) 

Significant 
Unobservable 
Inputs 
(Level 3)

$— 

$— 

$0.6 

$2.3 

$—

$—

Derivative Instruments
In February 2008, we entered into an interest rate swap with a notional amount of 
$100 million that qualifies as a cash flow hedge. In May 2009, we entered into a forward 
interest rate swap with a notional amount of $100 million that qualifies as a cash flow 
hedge  (see  note  6  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements  for  further  details).  We 
enter into interest rate swaps to manage our exposure to variable rate interest risk. 
We do not purchase derivatives for speculation. Our cash flow hedges are recorded 
at  fair  value.  We  record  the  effective  portion  of  changes  in  fair  value  of  cash  flow 
hedges in other comprehensive income. We record the ineffective portion of changes 
in  fair  value  of  cash  flow  hedges  in  earnings  in  the  period  affected.  We  assess  the 
effectiveness of our cash flow hedges both at inception and on an ongoing basis. We 
deemed the hedges to be effective for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, 
as applicable.

The fair value and balance sheet locations of the interest rate swaps as of December 31, 
2009 and 2008, are as follows (in millions):

Accounts payable and other liabilities 

December 31, 2009  December 31, 2008

Fair Value 
$1.8 

Fair Value
$2.3

The interest rate swaps have been effective since inception. The gain or loss on the 
effective swaps is recognized in other comprehensive income, as follows (in millions):

Change in other comprehensive income (loss) 

Years Ended December 31, 
2008
2009 
Fair Value
Fair Value 
$(2.3)
$0.5 

72

Annual Report 2009

Form 10-k

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative instruments expose us to credit risk in the event of non-performance by the 
counterparty under the terms of the interest rate hedge agreement. We believe that 
we minimize our credit risk on these transactions by dealing with major, creditworthy 
financial institutions. As part of our ongoing control procedures, we monitor the credit 
ratings  of  counterparties  and  our  exposure  to  any  single  entity,  thus  minimizing  our 
credit risk concentration.

Stock Based Compensation
We  currently  maintain  equity  based  compensation  plans  for  trustees,  officers  
and  employees  and  previously  also  maintained  option  plans  for  trustees,  officers  
and employees.

We  recognized  compensation  expense  for  time-based  share  units  ratably  over  the 
period from the service inception date through the vesting period based on the fair 
market value of the shares on the date of grant. We initially measure compensation 
expense for restricted performance-based share units at fair value at the grant date 
as  payouts  are  probable,  and  we  remeasure  compensation  expense  at  subsequent 
reporting  dates  until  all  of  the  award’s  key  terms  and  conditions  are  known  and  a 
vesting has occurred. We amortize such performance-based share units to expense 
over  the  performance  period.  However,  we  measure  compensation  expense  for 
performance-based  share  units  with  market  conditions  based  on  the  grant  date  fair 
value, as determined using a Monte Carlo simulation, and we amortize the expense 
ratably over the requisite service period, regardless of whether the market conditions 
are achieved and the awards ultimately vest. Compensation expense for the trustee 
grants which fully vest immediately, is fully recognized upon issuance based upon the 
fair market value of the shares on the date of grant.

We previously issued stock options to officers, non-officer key employees and trustees. 
We last issued stock options to officers in 2002, to non-officer key employees in 2003 
and to trustees in 2004. We issued all stock options prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 
123(R) and accounted for the stock options in accordance with APB No. 25, whereby 
if  options  are  priced  at  fair  market  value  or  above  at  the  date  of  grant  and  if  other 
requirements are met then the plans are considered fixed and no compensation expense 
is recognized. Accordingly, we have recognized no compensation cost for stock options.

Earnings per Common Share
We determine “Basic earnings per share” using the two-class method as our unvested 
restricted  share  awards  have  non-forfeitable  rights  to  dividends,  and  are  therefore 
considered participating securities. We compute basic earnings per share by dividing 
net income attributable to the controlling interest less the allocation of undistributed 
earnings  to  unvested  restricted  share  awards  and  units  by  the  weighted-average 
number of common shares outstanding for the period.

We  also  determine  “Diluted  earnings  per  share”  under  the  two-class  method  with 
respect  to  the  unvested  restricted  share  awards.  We  further  evaluate  any  other 
potentially  dilutive  securities  at  the  end  of  the  period  and  adjust  the  basic  earnings 
per share calculation for the impact of those securities that are dilutive. Our dilutive 
earnings per share calculation includes the dilutive impact of employee stock options 
based  on  the  treasury  stock  method  and  our  performance  share  units  under  the 
contingently issuable method. The dilutive earnings per share calculation also considers 
our operating partnership units and 3.875% convertible notes under the if-converted 
method.  The  operating  partnership  units  and  3.875%  convertible  notes  were  anti-
dilutive for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.

Form 10-k Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

73

The	following	table	sets	forth	the	computation	of	basic	and	diluted	earnings	per	share	(amounts	in	thousands;	except	per	share	data):

Basic earnings:

Income from continuing operations 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 
Allocation of undistributed earnings to unvested restricted share awards and units 
Adjusted income from continuing operations attributable to the controlling interests 
Income from discontinued operations, including gain on sale of real estate 
Adjusted net income attributable to the controlling interests 

Effect of dilutive securities:

Employee stock options and performance share units 

Diluted earnings:

Adjusted income from continuing operations attributable to the controlling interests 
Income from discontinued operations, including gain on sale of real estate 
Adjusted net income attributable to the controlling interests 

Basic earnings:

Income from continuing operations 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 

Allocation of undistributed earnings to unvested restricted share awards and units 

Adjusted income from continuing operations attributable to the controlling interests 
Income from discontinued operations, including gain on sale of real estate 
Adjusted net income attributable to the controlling interests 

Effect of dilutive securities:

Employee stock options and performance share units 

Diluted earnings:

Adjusted income from continuing operations attributable to the controlling interests 
Income from discontinued operations, including gain on sale of real estate 
Adjusted net income attributable to the controlling interests 

Income 
(Numerator) 

Year Ended December 31, 2009
Shares 
(Denominator) 

$26,021 
(203) 
(111) 
25,707 
14,927 
40,634 

— 

25,707 
14,927 
$40,634 

56,894 
56,894 
56,894 
56,894 
56,894 
56,894 

74 

56,968 
56,968 
56,968 

Income 
(Numerator) 

Year Ended December 31, 2008
Shares 
(Denominator) 

$  7,889 
(211) 
(98) 
7,580 
19,404 
26,984 

— 

7,580 
19,404 
$26,984 

49,138 
49,138 
49,138 
49,138 
49,138 
49,138 

79 

49,217 
49,217 
49,217 

Per Share 
Amount

$ 0.46
(0.01)
—
0.45
0.26
0.71

—

0.45
0.26
$ 0.71

Per Share 
Amount

$ 0.16
(0.01)
—
0.15
0.40
0.55

—

0.15
0.40
$ 0.55

74

Annual Report 2009

Form 10-k

 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings:

Income from continuing operations 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 
Allocation of undistributed earnings to unvested restricted share awards and units 
Adjusted income from continuing operations attributable to the controlling interests 
Income from discontinued operations, including gain on sale of real estate 
Adjusted net income attributable to the controlling interests 

Effect of dilutive securities:

Employee stock options and performance share units 

Diluted earnings:

Adjusted income from continuing operations attributable to the controlling interests 
Income from discontinued operations, including gain on sale of real estate 
Adjusted net income attributable to the controlling interests 

Income 
(Numerator) 

Year Ended December 31, 2007
Shares 
(Denominator) 

$25,136 
(217) 
(256) 
24,663 
32,532 
57,195 

— 

24,663 
32,532 
$57,195 

45,911 
45,911 
45,911 
45,911 
45,911 
45,911 

138 

46,049 
46,049 
46,049 

Per Share 
Amount

$ 0.55
—
(0.01)
0.54
0.71
1.25

—

0.53
0.71
$ 1.24

Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes
We can recognize a tax benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that a particular tax 
position will be sustained upon examination or audit. To the extent that the “more 
likely than not” standard has been satisfied, the benefit associated with a tax position 
is measured as the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being recognized 
upon settlement.

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
We  recorded  other  comprehensive  loss  of  $1.8  million  and  $2.3  million  as  of 
December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, to account for the changes in valuation 
of the interest rate swaps.

3.  Real Estate Investments

We are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax of the states of Maryland 
and Virginia, and the District of Columbia. However, as a REIT, we generally are not 
subject to income tax on our net income distributed as dividends to our shareholders.

Continuing Operations
Our real estate investment portfolio, at cost, consists of properties located in Maryland, 
Washington, D.C. and Virginia as follows (in thousands):

Tax returns filed for 2006 through 2009 tax years are subject to examination by taxing 
authorities. We classify interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions, if any, 
in our financial statements as a component of general and administrative expense.

Use of Estimates in the Financial Statements
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management 
to make certain 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.

Reclassifications
Certain  prior  year  amounts  have  been  reclassified  to  conform  to  the  current  
year presentation.

Office 
Medical office 
Retail 
Multifamily 
Industrial/flex 

December 31,

2009 
$1,024,938 
394,804 
267,932 
319,375 
304,466 
$2,311,515 

2008
$1,011,722
367,651
266,897
316,837
301,734
$2,264,841

The amounts above reflect properties classified as continuing operations, which means 
they are to be held and used in rental operations (income producing property).

We  have  several  properties  in  development.  In  the  office  segment,  Dulles  Station, 
Phase II remains in development. In the medical office segment, we have land under 

Form 10-k Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

75

 
 
 
 
 
 
development  at  4661  Kenmore  Avenue.  The  cost  of  our  real  estate  portfolio  in 
development as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 is illustrated below (in thousands):

December 31,

Office 
Medical office 
Retail 
Multifamily 
Industrial/flex 

2009 
$19,442 
5,153 
371 
65 
— 
$25,031 

2008
$18,453
4,815
239
225
—
$23,732

Our  results  of  operations  are  dependent  on  the  overall  economic  health  of  our 
markets,  tenants  and  the  specific  segments  in  which  we  own  properties.  These 
segments  include  general  purpose  office,  medical  office,  retail,  multifamily  and 
industrial. All segments are affected by external economic factors, such as inflation, 
consumer  confidence,  unemployment  rates,  etc.  as  well  as  changing  tenant  and 
consumer  requirements.  Because  the  properties  are  located  in  the  Washington 
metro  region,  the  Company  is  subject  to  a  concentration  of  credit  risk  related  to 
these properties.

As of December 31, 2009 no single property or tenant accounted for more than 10% 
of total assets or total real estate rental revenue.

Properties we acquired during the years ending December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:

Acquisition Date 
August 13, 2009 
Total 2009 
February 22, 2008 
May 21, 2008 
September 3, 2008 
December 2, 2008 
Total 2008 
February 8, 2007 
March 1, 2007 
March 9, 2007 
June 1, 2007 
June 1, 2007 
June 1, 2007 
August 16, 2007 
August 30, 2007 
December 4, 2007 
Total 2007 

Property 
Lansdowne Medical Office Building 

6100 Columbia Park Road 
Sterling Medical Office Building 
Kenmore Apartments (374 units) 
2445 M Street 

270 Technology Park 
Monument II 
2440 M Street 
Woodholme Medical Office Building 
Woodholme Center 
Ashburn Farm Office Park 
CentreMed I & II 
4661 Kenmore Avenue 
2000 M Street 

Type 
Medical Office 

Industrial/Flex 
Medical Office 
Multifamily 
Office 

Industrial/Flex 
Office 
Medical Office 
Medical Office 
Office 
Medical Office 
Medical Office 
Land for Development 
Office 

Rentable 
Square Feet 
(unaudited) 
87,000 
87,000 
150,000 
36,000 
270,000 
290,000 
746,000 
157,000 
205,000 
110,000 
125,000 
73,000 
75,000 
52,000 
n/a 
227,000 
1,024,000 

Contract 
Purchase Price 
(in thousands)
$  19,900
$  19,900
$  11,200
6,500
58,300
181,400
$257,400
$  26,500
78,200
50,000
30,800
18,200
23,000
15,300
3,750
73,500
$319,250

As discussed in note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, we record the acquired 
physical assets (land, building and tenant improvements), in-place leases (absorption, tenant 
origination costs, leasing commissions, and net lease intangible assets/liabilities), and any other 

liabilities at their fair values. Our sole 2009 acquisition, Lansdowne Medical Office Building, 
was vacant as of the acquisition date, so we did not acquire any absorption costs, leasing 
commissions, tenant origination costs or net intangible lease assets/liabilities during 2009.

76

Annual Report 2009

Form 10-k

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We  have  allocated  the  total  purchase  price  of  the  above  acquisitions  as  follows  
(in millions):

Land 
Buildings 
Tenant origination costs 
Leasing commissions/absorption costs 
Net lease intangible assets 
Net lease intangible liabilities 
Furniture, fixtures & equipment 
Discount on assumed mortgage 
Total1 

Allocation of Purchase Price
2008 
$  80.8 
140.1 
10.4 
18.2 
1.8 
(10.4) 
1.0 
10.1 
$252.0 

2009 
$  1.3 
18.6 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
$19.9 

2007
$  43.0
258.6
11.8
17.7
0.4
(10.5)
—
—
$321.0

1 

Additional settlement costs, closing costs and adjustments are included in the basis for 2008 and 2007.

A note receivable with a fair value of $7.3 million was acquired in conjunction with 2445 M Street and is recorded 
separately as a note receivable in accounts receivable and other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.

The  difference  in  total  2008  contract  purchase  price  of  properties  acquired  of  
$257.4 million and the acquisition cost per the consolidated statements of cash flows 
of $168.2 million is primarily the $101.9 million mortgage note assumed, offset by cash 
escrow  accounts  acquired  totaling  $11.4  million,  both  related  to  the  2445  M  Street 
purchase. The remaining difference of $1.3 million is for additional settlement costs, 
closing  costs  and  non-cash  adjustments  on  all  2008  acquisitions.  The  difference  in 
total 2007 contract purchase price of properties acquired of $319.3 million and the 

acquisition cost per the consolidated statements of cash flows of $294.2 million is the 
$26.8 million in mortgages assumed on the acquisitions of Woodholme Medical Office 
Building, Woodholme Center and Ashburn Farm Office Park, offset by $1.7 million for 
additional settlement costs, closing costs and adjustments on all acquisitions.

Discontinued Operations
We dispose of assets (sometimes using tax-deferred exchanges) that no longer meet 
our long-term strategy or return objectives and where market conditions for sale are 
favorable. The proceeds from the sales may be reinvested into other properties, used 
to fund development operations or to support other corporate needs, or distributed 
to our shareholders. Properties are considered held for sale when they meet specified 
criteria (see note 2—Discontinued Operations). Depreciation on these properties is 
discontinued at that time, but operating revenues, other operating expenses and interest 
continue to be recognized until the date of sale. We have one property classified as 
held for sale at December 31, 2009 and five as held for sale at December 31, 2008, as 
follows (in thousands):

December 31,

Office property 
Multifamily property 
Industrial/Flex properties 
Total 
Less accumulated depreciation 

Properties that were sold or classified as held for sale during the three years ending December 31, 2009 are as follows:

Disposition Date 
May 13, 2009 
July 23, 2009 
July 31, 2009 
November 13, 2009 

Total 2009 
June 6, 2008 
Total 2008 
September 26, 2007 
Total 2007 

Property 
Avondale 
Tech 100 Industrial Park 
Brandywine Center 
Crossroads Distribution Center 
Charleston Business Center 

Type 
Multifamily 
Industrial 
Office 
Industrial 
Industrial 

Sullyfield Center/The Earhart Building 

Industrial 

Maryland Trade Center I & II 

Office 

Rentable 
Square Feet 
(unaudited) 
170,000 
166,000 
35,000 
85,000 
85,000 
541,000 
336,000 
336,000 
342,000 
342,000 

2009 
$ 

  — 
— 
4,915 
$ 4,915 
(1,074) 
$ 3,841 

Contract 
Sales Price 
(in thousands) 
$19,800 
10,500 
3,300 
4,400 
Held for sale 
$38,000 
$41,100 
$41,100 
$58,000 
$58,000 

2008
$   3,050
17,227
17,796
$ 38,073
(11,339)
$ 26,734

Gain on Sale 
(in thousands)
$  6,700
4,100
1,000
1,500
n/a
$13,300
$15,300
$15,300
$25,000
$25,000

Form 10-k Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

77

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income by each property classified as discontinued operations is summarized 
below (in thousands):

Property 
Maryland Trade Center I & II 
Sullyfield Center 
The Earhart Building 
Avondale 
Charleston Business Center 
Tech 100 Industrial Park 
Brandywine Center 
Crossroads Distribution Center 

Segment 
Office 
Industrial 
Industrial 
Multifamily 
Industrial 
Industrial 
Office 
Industrial 

Operating Income for the Year Ending 
December 31,
2008 
 — 
$ 
1,070 
421 
861 
718 
668 
192 
199 
$4,129 

2009 
 — 
$ 
— 
— 
392 
688 
261 
85 
153 
$1,579 

2007
$2,474
1,492
754
784
710
807
195
294
$7,510

Charleston  Business  Center,  an  industrial  property,  met  the  criteria  necessary  for 
classification as held for sale as of March 31, 2009. Senior management has committed 
to, and actively embarked upon, a plan to sell this asset and the sale is expected to 
be completed within one year under terms usual and customary for such sales, with 
no  indications  that  the  plan  will  be  significantly  altered  or  abandoned.  Depreciation 
on this property has been discontinued as of the date it was classified as held for sale, 
but operating revenues and expenses continue to be recognized until the date of sale. 
Under GAAP, revenues and expenses of properties that are classified as held for sale 
are treated as discontinued operations for all periods presented in the consolidated 
statements of income.

Operating results of the properties classified as discontinued operations are summarized 
as follows (in thousands):

Operating Income for the Year Ending 
December 31,
2008 
$ 8,496 
(3,128) 
(1,239) 
$ 4,129 

2009 
$ 3,346 
(1,362) 
(405) 
$ 1,579 

2007
$16,111
(5,940)
(2,661)
$  7,510

Revenues 
Property expenses 
Depreciation and amortization 

78

Annual Report 2009

Form 10-k

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.  Mortgage Notes Payable

On September 27, 1999, we executed a $50.0 million mortgage note payable secured by Munson Hill Towers, Country Club Towers, Roosevelt Towers, Park Adams 
Apartments and the Ashby of McLean. The mortgage bore interest at 7.14% per annum and interest only was payable monthly until October 1, 2009, at which time all unpaid 
principal and interest would have been payable in full. On July 1, 2009, we prepaid this mortgage note payable in its entirety without any prepayment penalties. 
On October 9, 2003, we assumed a $36.1 million mortgage note payable and a $13.7 million mortgage note payable as partial consideration for our acquisition of Prosperity 
Medical Center. The mortgages bear interest at 5.36% per annum and 5.34% per annum respectively. Principal and interest are payable monthly until May 1, 2013, at which time 
all unpaid principal and interest are payable in full. 
On August 12, 2004, we assumed a $10.1 million mortgage note payable with an estimated fair value1 of $11.2 million, as partial consideration for our acquisition of Shady 
Grove Medical Village II. The mortgage bears interest at 6.98% per annum. Principal and interest are payable monthly until December 1, 2011, at which time all unpaid principal 
and interest are payable in full. 
On December 22, 2004, we assumed a $15.6 million mortgage note payable with an estimated fair value1 of $17.8 million, and a $3.9 million mortgage note payable with an 
estimated fair value1 of $4.2 million as partial consideration for our acquisition of Dulles Business Park. The mortgages bear interest at 7.09% per annum and 5.94% per annum, 
respectively. Principal and interest are payable monthly until August 10, 2012, at which time all unpaid principal and interest are payable in full. 
On March 23, 2005, we assumed a $24.3 million mortgage note payable with an estimated fair value1 of $25.0 million as partial consideration for our acquisition of Frederick Crossing. 
The mortgage bears interest at 5.95% per annum. Principal and interest are payable monthly until January 1, 2013, at which time all unpaid principal and interest are payable in full. 
On April 13, 2006, we assumed a $5.7 million mortgage note payable as partial consideration for the acquisition of 9707 Medical Center Drive. The mortgage bears interest at 
5.32% per annum. Principal and interest are payable monthly until July 1, 2028, at which time all unpaid principal and interest are payable in full. 
On June 22, 2006, we assumed a $4.9 million mortgage note payable as partial consideration for the acquisition of Plumtree Medical Center. The mortgage bears interest at 
5.68% per annum. Principal and interest are payable monthly until March 11, 2013, at which time all unpaid principal and interest are payable in full. 
On July 12, 2006, we assumed an $8.8 million mortgage note payable as partial consideration for the acquisition of 15005 Shady Grove Road. The mortgage bears interest at 
5.73% per annum. Principal and interest are payable monthly until March 11, 2013, at which time all unpaid principal and interest are payable in full. 
On August 25, 2006, we assumed a $34.2 million mortgage note payable as partial consideration for the acquisition of 20-50 West Gude Drive. The mortgage bears interest at 
5.86% per annum. Principal and interest are payable monthly until February 11, 2013, at which time all unpaid principal and interest are payable in full. 
On August 25, 2006, we assumed a $23.1 million mortgage note payable as partial consideration for the acquisition of The Crescent and The Ridges. The mortgage bears 
interest at 5.82%2 per annum. Principal and interest are payable monthly until August 11, 20332 at which time all unpaid principal and interest are payable in full. The note may 
be repaid without penalty on August 11, 2010. 
On June 1, 2007, we assumed a $21.2 million mortgage note payable as partial consideration for the acquisition of Woodholme Medical Office Building. The mortgage bears 
interest at 5.29% per annum. Principal and interest are payable monthly until November 1, 2015, at which time all unpaid principal and interest are payable in full. 
On June 1, 2007, we assumed a $3.1 million mortgage note payable and a $3.0 million mortgage note payable as partial consideration for our acquisition of the Ashburn Farm 
Office Park. The mortgages bear interest at 5.56% per annum and 5.69% per annum, respectively. Principal and interest are payable monthly until May 31, 2025 and July 31, 
2023, respectively, at which time all unpaid principal and interest are payable in full. 
On May 29, 2008, we executed three mortgage notes payable totaling $81.0 million secured by 3801 Connecticut Avenue, Walker House and Bethesda Hill. The mortgages 
bear interest at 5.71% per annum and interest only is payable monthly until May 31, 2016, at which time all unpaid principal and interest are payable in full. 
On December 2, 2008, we assumed a $101.9 million mortgage note payable with an estimated fair value1 of $91.7 million as partial consideration for the acquisition of 2445 M 
Street. The mortgage bears interest at 5.62% per annum. Interest is payable monthly until January 6, 2017, at which time all unpaid principal and interest are payable in full. 
On February 2, 2009, we executed a $37.5 million mortgage note payable secured by Kenmore Apartments. The mortgage bears interest at 5.37% per annum. Principal and 
interest are payable monthly until March 1, 2019, at which time all unpaid principal and interest are payable in full. 

December 31,

2009 

2008

$ 

 — 

$  50,000

44,975 

45,811

9,688 

9,992

18,969 

19,610

22,798 

23,304

5,121 

5,278

4,601 

4,684

8,313 

8,468

32,170 

32,815

21,888 

22,277

20,599 

20,897

5,073 

5,291

81,029 

81,029

93,084 

91,830

37,143 
$405,451 

—
$421,286

1 

2 

The fair value of the mortgage notes payable was estimated upon acquisition by WrIT based upon market information and data, such as dealer quotes for instruments with similar terms and maturities. There is no notation when the fair value at 
the inception of the mortgage is the same as the carrying value.
If the loan is not repaid on August 11, 2010, from and after August 11, 2010, the interest rate adjusts to one of the following rates: (i) the greater of (A) 10.82% or (B) the Treasury rate (determined as of August 11, 2010, and defined as the yield 
calculated using linear interpolation approximating the period from August 11, 2010 to August 11, 2033 on the basis of Federal reserve Stat. release H.15-Selected Interest rates under the heading U.S. Governmental Security/Treasury Constant 
Maturities) plus 5%; or (ii) if the Note is an asset of an entity formed for purposes of securitization and pursuant thereto securities rated by a rating agency have been issued, then the rate will equal: the greater of (A) 7.82% or (B) the Treasury 
rate plus 2% . Due to the probability that the mortgage will not be paid off on August 11, 2010, the date reflected in the future maturities schedule is August 11, 2033.

Form 10-k Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

79

 
 
 
 
Total  carrying  amount  of  the  above  mortgaged  properties  was  $645.2  million  and 
$666.0  million  at  December  31,  2009  and  2008,  respectively.  Scheduled  principal 
payments during the five years subsequent to December 31, 2009 and thereafter are 
as follows (in thousands):

2010 
2011 
2012 
2013 
2014 
Thereafter 

Net discounts/premiums 
Total 

Principal Payments
$  4,510
13,788
21,823
107,123
2,038
263,579
412,861
(7,410)
$405,451

5.  Unsecured Lines of Credit Payable
As  of  December  31,  2009,  we  maintained  a  $75.0  million  unsecured  line  of  credit 
maturing in June 2011 (“Credit Facility No. 1”) and a $262.0 million unsecured line of 
credit maturing in November 2010 (“Credit Facility No. 2”).

Credit Facility No. 1
We had $28.0 million outstanding as of December 31, 2009 related to Credit Facility 
No. 1, and $1.4 million in letters of credit issued, with $45.6 million unused and available 
for subsequent acquisitions, capital improvements or general corporate purposes. We 
had no balance outstanding under this facility at December 31, 2008. During 2009, we 
borrowed $64.5 million to fund repurchases of convertible debt, fund the acquisition 
Lansdowne Medical Office Building and pay dividends. We repaid $36.5 million using 
proceeds  from  the  May  2009  equity  offering,  equity  issued  under  our  sales  agency 
financing agreement and property sales.

Borrowings under the facility bear interest at our option of LIBOR plus a spread based 
on the credit rating on our publicly issued debt or the higher of SunTrust Bank’s prime 
rate and the Federal Funds Rate in effect plus 0.5% . The interest rate spread is currently 
42.5 basis points. All outstanding advances are due and payable upon maturity in June 
2011.  Interest  only  payments  are  due  and  payable  generally  on  a  monthly  basis.  For 
the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, we recognized interest expense 
(excluding facility fees) of $40,300, $1,603,900 and $807,200, respectively, representing 
an average interest rate of 0.70%, 5.16% and 5.52% , respectively.

In addition, we pay a facility fee based on the credit rating of our publicly issued debt 
which  currently  equals  0.15%  per  annum  of  the  $75.0  million  committed  capacity, 
without regard to usage. Rates and fees may be adjusted up or down based on changes 

80

Annual Report 2009

Form 10-k

in our senior unsecured credit ratings. For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 
and 2007, we incurred facility fees of $114,100, $103,800 and $53,700, respectively.

Credit Facility No. 2
We had $100.0 million outstanding as of December 31, 2009 related to Credit Facility 
No.  2,  and  $0.9  million  in  letters  of  credit  issued,  with  $161.1  million  unused  and 
available  for  subsequent  acquisitions,  capital  improvements  or  general  corporate 
purposes.  $67.0  million  was  outstanding  under  this  facility  at  December  31,  2008. 
During  2009,  we  borrowed  $150.0  million  to  fund  the  repurchases  of  convertible 
debt, prepay a mortgage note payable and prepay the $100.0 million term loan. We 
repaid $117.0 million using proceeds from the May 2009 equity offering, equity issued 
under our sales agency financing agreement and property sales.

Advances under this agreement bear interest at our option of LIBOR plus a spread based 
on the credit rating of our publicly issued debt or the higher of Wells Fargo Bank’s prime 
rate and the Federal Funds Rate in effect plus 0.5%. The interest rate spread is currently 
42.5 basis points. However, the interest rate on the $100.0 million in borrowings used 
to prepay the term loan is effectively fixed by interest rate swaps (see note 6 to the 
consolidated financial statements). An interest rate swap currently fixes the interest rate 
at 3.375% (2.95% plus the 42.5 basis point spread) through February 19, 2010. When a 
forward interest rate swap becomes effective on February 20, 2010, we anticipate that 
the interest rate on the $100.0 million borrowing will be 2.525% (2.10% plus 42.5 basis 
points) through the forward interest rate swap’s maturity date of November 1, 2011. All 
outstanding advances are due and payable upon maturity in November 2010. Interest 
only payments are due and payable generally on a monthly basis. For the years ended 
December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, we recognized interest expense (excluding facility 
fees) of $513,500, $3,049,000 and $4,579,000 representing an average interest rate of 
1.81%, 4.94% and 5.77%, respectively.

Currently, Credit Facility No. 2 requires us to pay the lender a facility fee on the total 
commitment of 0.15% per annum. These fees are payable quarterly. For the years ended 
December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, we incurred facility fees of $396,900, $393,400 
and $304,200, respectively.

Credit Facility No. 3
Credit Facility No. 3 was a $70.0 million line of credit that was terminated on June 29, 2007 
and replaced by Credit Facility No. 1. At December 31, 2006, $28.0 million was outstanding 
under this facility, which was repaid during the first quarter of 2007 with proceeds from 
the $150 million 3.875% convertible notes issued in January 2007. Advances under this 
agreement bore interest at LIBOR plus a spread based on the credit rating on our publicly 
issued debt. Interest only payments were due and payable on a monthly basis. For the 
year ended December 31, 2007, we recognized interest expense (excluding facility fees) of 
$96,400, representing an average interest rate of 5.90% per annum.

 
 
From July 2005 through June 2007, Credit Facility No. 3 required us to pay the lender 
an annual facility fee on the total commitment of 0.15% , per annum. These fees were 
payable quarterly. For the year ended December 31, 2007, we incurred facility fees 
of $52,800.

Credit Facility No. 1 and No. 2 contain certain financial and non-financial covenants, all 
of which we have met as of December 31, 2009.

Information related to revolving credit facilities is as follows (in thousands):

Total revolving credit facilities at December 31 
Borrowings outstanding at December 31 
Weighted average daily borrowings during the year 
Maximum daily borrowings during the year 
Weighted average interest rate during the year 
Weighted average interest rate at December 31 

2009 
$337,000 
128,000 
33,656 
128,000 

2008 
$337,000 
67,000 
91,262 
192,500 

2007
$275,000
192,500
95,642
192,500

1.62% 
2.79% 

5.01% 
1.48% 

5.73%
5.41%

6.  Notes Payable
On February 20, 1998, we issued $50.0 million of 7.25% unsecured notes due February 25,  
2028 at 98.653% to yield approximately 7.36%.

On  March  17,  2003,  we  issued  $60.0  million  of  5.125%  unsecured  notes  due  March 
2013. The notes bear an effective interest rate of 5.23%. Our total proceeds, net of 
underwriting fees, were $59.1 million. We used portions of the proceeds of these notes 
to repay advances on our lines of credit and to fund general corporate purposes.

On  December  11,  2003,  we  issued  $100.0  million  of  5.25%  unsecured  notes  due 
January 2014. The notes bear an effective interest rate of 5.34% . Our total proceeds, 
net  of  underwriting  fees,  were  $99.3  million.  We  used  portions  of  the  proceeds  of 
these notes to repay advances on our lines of credit.

On  April  26,  2005,  we  issued  $50.0  million  of  5.05%  unsecured  notes  due  May  1, 
2012 and $50.0 million of 5.35% unsecured notes due May 1, 2015, at effective yields 
of  5.064%  and  5.359%  respectively.  The  net  proceeds  from  the  sale  of  the  notes 
of  $99.1  million  were  used  to  repay  borrowings  under  our  lines  of  credit  totaling  
$90.5 million and the remainder was used for general corporate purposes.

On  October  6,  2005,  we  issued  an  additional  $100.0  million  of  the  series  of  5.35% 
unsecured notes due May 1, 2015, at an effective yield of 5.49%. $93.5 million of the  
$98.1 million net proceeds from the sale of these notes was used to repay borrowings under 
our lines of credit and the remainder was used to fund general corporate purposes.

On June 6, 2006, we issued $100.0 million of 5.95% unsecured notes due June 15, 2011 
at 99.951% of par, resulting in an effective interest rate of 5.96% . Our total proceeds, 

net of underwriting fees, were $99.4 million. We used the proceeds of these notes to 
repay advances on one of our lines of credit.

On July 26, 2006, we issued an additional $50.0 million of the series of 5.95% unsecured 
notes due June 15, 2011 at 100.127% of par, resulting in an effective yield of 5.92% . Our 
total proceeds, net of underwriting fees, were $50.2 million. We used the proceeds 
of  these  notes  to  repay  borrowings  under  our  lines  of  credit  and  to  fund  general 
corporate purposes.

On  September  11,  2006,  we  issued  $100.0  million  of  3.875%  convertible  notes  due 
September 15, 2026. On September 22, 2006, we issued an additional $10.0 million 
of the 3.875% convertible notes due September 15, 2026, upon the exercise by the 
underwriter of an over-allotment option granted by WRIT. The notes were issued at 
99.5% of par. Our total proceeds, net of underwriting fees, were $106.7 million. We 
used the proceeds of these notes to repay borrowings under our lines of credit and to 
fund general corporate purposes.

On January 22, 2007, we issued an additional $135.0 million of the 3.875% convertible 
notes  due  September  15,  2026.  On  January  30,  2007,  we  issued  an  additional  
$15.0  million  of  the  3.875%  convertible  notes  due  September  15,  2026,  upon  the 
exercise by the underwriter of an over-allotment option granted by WRIT. The notes 
were  issued  at  100.5%  of  par.  Our  total  proceeds,  net  of  underwriting  fees,  were 
$146.0 million. We used the proceeds of these notes to fund the acquisition of 270 
Technology Park and a portion of the acquisition of Monument II, to repay borrowings 
under our lines of credit and to fund general corporate purposes.

We  recorded  the  3.875%  convertible  notes  in  the  consolidated  balance  sheets  as 
notes payable less a component of the total debt, representing the conversion feature, 
which  is  bifurcated  and  recorded  in  equity.  As  a  result,  as  of  the  inception  of  the 
3.875% convertible notes, we classified $21.0 million of the 3.875% convertible notes’ 
original carrying amount into shareholders’ equity. We accrete to interest expense the 
resulting discount on the debt over the expected life of the debt. The effective rate 
on the 3.875% convertible notes after bifurcating the equity component reflects our 
nonconvertible debt borrowing rate at the inception of the 3.875% convertible notes, 
which was 5.875%.

The  convertible  notes  are  convertible  into  our  common  shares  at  the  option  of 
the  holder,  under  specific  circumstances  or  on  or  after  July  15,  2026,  at  an  initial 
exchange  rate  of  20.090  common  shares  per  $1,000  principal  amount  of  notes. 
This is equivalent to an initial conversion price of $49.78 per common share, which 
represents a 22% premium over the $40.80 closing price of our common shares at 
the time the September 2006 transaction was priced and a 21% premium over the 
$41.17 closing price of our common shares at the time the January 2007 transaction 
was priced. Holders may convert their notes into our common shares prior to the 

Form 10-k Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

81

 
maturity date based on the applicable conversion rate during any fiscal quarter if the 
closing price of our common shares for at least 20 trading days in the 30 consecutive 
trading  day  period  ending  on  the  last  trading  day  of  the  immediate  preceding 
fiscal  quarter  is  more  than  130%  of  the  conversion  price  per  common  share  on 
the  last  day  of  such  preceding  fiscal  quarter.  The  initial  conversion  rate  is  subject 
to  adjustment  in  certain  circumstances  including  an  adjustment  to  the  rate  if  the 
quarterly dividend rate to common shareholders is in excess of $0.4125 per share. 
In addition, the conversion rate will be adjusted if we make distributions of cash or 
other consideration by us or any of our subsidiaries in respect of a tender offer or 
exchange offer for our common shares, to the extent such cash and the value of any 
such other consideration per common share validly tendered or exchanged exceeds 
the  closing  price  of  our  common  shares  as  defined  in  the  note  offering.  Upon  an 
exchange  of  notes,  we  will  settle  any  amounts  up  to  the  principal  amount  of  the 
notes in cash and the remaining exchange value, if any, will be settled, at our option, 
in cash, common shares or a combination thereof. The convertible notes could have 
a dilutive impact on our earnings per share calculation in the future. However, these 
convertible notes are not dilutive for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 
2007, and are not included in our earnings per share calculations.

On or after September 20, 2011, we may redeem the convertible notes at a redemption 
price equal to the principal amount of the convertible notes plus any accrued and unpaid 
interest, if any, up to, but excluding, the purchase date. In addition, on September 15, 
2011, September 15, 2016 and September 15, 2021 or following the occurrence of certain 
change in control transactions prior to September 15, 2011, holders of these notes may 
require  us  to  repurchase  the  convertible  notes  for  an  amount  equal  to  the  principal 
amount of the convertible notes plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon.

During 2009, we repurchased $109.7 million of the convertible notes at an average of 
87.9% of par, resulting in a net gain on extinguishment of debt of $6.8 million, net of 
unamortized debt costs and debt discounts. During 2008, we repurchased $16.0 million 
of the convertible notes at 75.0% of par, resulting in a net gain on extinguishment of 
debt of $2.9 million, net of unamortized debt costs and debt discounts. No repurchases 
were made during 2007. As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, the amount outstanding 
on the convertible notes was $134.3 million and $244.0 million, respectively.

The interest expense recognized relating to the contractual interest coupon and relating 
to the amortization of the discount was as follows (in millions):

2009 
$6.6 
$2.9 

Years Ended December 31,
2008 
$10.1 
$  4.3 

2007
$9.7
$3.9

Contractual interest coupon 
Amortization of the discount 

82

Annual Report 2009

Form 10-k

The carrying amount of the equity component as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 is 
$21.0 million. The net carrying amount of the principal is as follows (in thousands):

Principal, gross 
Unamortized discount 
Principal, net 

December 31,

2009 
$134,328 
(4,307) 
$130,021 

2008
$244,000
(12,047)
$231,953

The remaining discount is being amortized through September, 2011, on the effective 
interest method.

During  the  first  quarter  of  2008,  we  repaid  the  $60  million  outstanding  principal 
balance  under  our  6.74%  10-year  Mandatory  Par  Put  Remarketed  Securities 
(“MOPPRS”) notes. The total aggregate consideration paid to repurchase the notes 
was $70.8 million, which amount included the $8.7 million remarketing option value 
paid to the remarketing dealer and accrued interest paid to the holders. The loss on 
extinguishment  of  debt  was  $8.4  million,  net  of  unamortized  loan  premium  costs, 
upon settlement of these securities.

On February 21, 2008, we entered into a $100 million unsecured term loan (the “Term 
Loan”) with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association. The Term Loan had a maturity 
date of February 19, 2010 and bore interest at our option of LIBOR plus 1.50% or Wells 
Fargo’s prime rate.

On May 7, 2009, we entered into an agreement to modify the Term Loan with Wells 
Fargo,  National  Association  to  extend  the  maturity  date  from  February  19,  2010  to 
November 1, 2011. This agreement also increased the interest rate on the Term Loan 
from LIBOR plus 1.50% to LIBOR plus 2.75%. To hedge our exposure to interest rate 
fluctuations on the Term Loan, we previously had entered into an interest rate swap 
on a notional amount of $100 million through the original maturity date of February 19,  
2010. This interest rate swap had the effect of fixing the LIBOR portion of the interest 
rate  on  the  term  loan  at  2.95%  through  February  2010.  The  interest  rate  after  the 
agreement  to  extend  the  maturity  date,  taking  into  account  the  swap,  was  5.70% 
(2.95%  plus  275  basis  points).  On  May  6,  2009,  we  entered  into  a  forward  interest 
rate swap on a notional amount of $100 million for the period from February 20, 2010 
through the maturity date of November 1, 2011. This forward interest rate swap had 
the effect of fixing the LIBOR portion of the interest rate on the term loan at 2.10% 
from  February  20,  2010  through  November  1,  2011.  The  interest  rate  for  that  time 
period, taking into account the forward interest rate swap, would have been 4.85% 
(2.10% plus 275 basis points). The forward interest rate swap agreement is scheduled 
to settle contemporaneously with the maturity of the loan. These swaps qualify as cash 
flow hedges as discussed in note 2 to the consolidated financial statements.

 
 
 
 
On December 1, 2009, we prepaid the $100 million unsecured term loan using proceeds 
from our unsecured line of credit (see note 5 to the consolidated financial statements), 
incurring  a  loss  on  extinguishment  of  debt  of  $1.5  million.  The  interest  rate  swaps 
discussed in the preceding paragraph are now used to fix the current interest rate on 
the $100.0 million borrowing on our unsecured lines of credit at 3.375% (2.95% plus the 
42.5 basis point spread on our unsecured lines of credit). When the forward interest 
rate swap becomes effective on February 20, 2010, we anticipate that the interest rate 
on the $100.0 million borrowing will be 2.525% (2.10% plus 42.5 basis points) through 
the forward interest rate swap’s maturity date of November 1, 2011.

The  following  is  a  summary  of  our  unsecured  note  and  term  loan  borrowings  
(in thousands):

December 31,

5.70% term loan due 2011 
5.95% notes due 2011 
5.05% notes due 2012 
5.125% notes due 2013 
5.25% notes due 2014 
5.35% notes due 2015 
3.875% notes due 2026 
7.25% notes due 2028 
Discount on notes issued 
Premium on notes issued 
Total 

2009 

$ 

 — 
150,000 
50,000 
60,000 
100,000 
150,000 
134,328 
50,000 
(5,435) 
19 
$688,912 

2008
$100,000
150,000
50,000
60,000
100,000
150,000
244,000
50,000
(13,352)
31
$890,679

The required principal payments excluding the effects of note discounts or premium for 
the remaining years subsequent to December 31, 2009 are as follows (in thousands):

2010 
20111 
2012 
2013 
2014 
Thereafter 

$ 

 —
284,328
50,000
60,000
100,000
200,000
$694,328

1  We reflect the 3.875% convertible notes as maturing in 2011 on this schedule due to the fact that we may redeem 
them  at  a  redemption  price  equal  to  the  principal  amount  of  the  notes  plus  any  accrued  and  unpaid  interest,  if 
any, up to, but excluding, the purchase date on or after September 20, 2011. In addition, on September 15, 2011, 
September 15, 2016 and September 15, 2021 or following the occurrence of certain change in control transactions 
prior to September 15, 2011, holders of these notes may require us to repurchase the notes for an amount equal to 
the principal amount of the notes plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon.

Interest on these notes is payable semi-annually. These notes contain certain financial 
and non-financial covenants, all of which we have met as of December 31, 2009.

The covenants under our line of credit agreements require us to insure our properties 
against loss or damage in amounts customarily maintained by similar businesses or as 
they  may  be  required  by  applicable  law.  The  covenants  for  the  notes  require  us  to 
keep all of our insurable properties insured against loss or damage at least equal to 
their  then  full  insurable  value.  We  have  an  insurance  policy  which  has  no  terrorism 
exclusion, except for non-certified nuclear, chemical and biological acts of terrorism. 
Our  financial  condition  and  results  of  operations  are  subject  to  the  risks  associated 
with acts of terrorism and the potential for uninsured losses as the result of any such 
acts. Effective November 26, 2002, under this existing coverage, any losses caused by 
certified acts of terrorism would be partially reimbursed by the United States under 
a formula established by federal law. Under this formula the United States pays 85% 
of  covered  terrorism  losses  exceeding  the  statutorily  established  deductible  paid  by 
the  insurance  provider,  and  insurers  pay  10%  until  aggregate  insured  losses  from  all 
insurers reach $100 billion in a calendar year. If the aggregate amount of insured losses 
under this program exceeds $100 billion during the applicable period for all insured and 
insurers combined, then each insurance provider will not be liable for payment of any 
amount which exceeds the aggregate amount of $100 billion. On December 26, 2007, 
the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007 was signed into law 
and extends the program through December 31, 2014.

7.  Share Options and Grants

2007 Plan
In March 2007, the WRIT Board of Trustees adopted, and in July 2007 WRIT shareholders 
approved,  the  Washington  Real  Estate  Investment  Trust  2007  Omnibus  Long-Term 
Incentive Plan (“2007 Plan”). This plan replaced the Share Grant Plan, which expired on 
December 15, 2007, as well as the 2001 Stock Option Plan and Stock Option Plan for 
Trustees. The shares and options granted pursuant to the above plans are not affected 
by the adoption of the 2007 Plan. However, if an award under the Share Grant Plan is 
forfeited or an award of options granted under the Option Plans expires without being 
exercised, the shares covered by those awards will not be available for issuance under 
the 2007 Plan.

The 2007 Plan provides for the award to WRIT’s trustees, officers and non-officer 
employees  of  restricted  shares,  restricted  share  units,  options  and  other  awards 
up to an aggregate of 2,000,000 shares over the ten year period in which the plan 
will be in effect. Restricted share units are converted into shares of our stock upon 
full vesting through the issuance of new shares. If an award under the 2007 Plan of 
restricted  shares  or  restricted  share  units  is  forfeited  or  an  award  of  options  or 
any other rights granted under the 2007 Plan expires without being exercised, the 
shares covered by any such award would again become available for issuance under 
new awards.

Form 10-k Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

83

 
 
 
 
 
Elected deferrals of short term incentive awards by officers are converted into restricted 
share units which vest immediately on the grant date and WRIT will match 25% of the 
deferred short term incentive in restricted share units, which vest at the end of three 
years.  Dividends  on  these  restricted  share  units  are  paid  in  the  form  of  restricted 
share units valued based on the market value of WRIT’s stock on the date dividends 
are  paid.  We  granted  876  and  4,783  restricted  share  units  to  officers  in  2008  and 
2007, respectively, pursuant to elective short term incentive deferrals. During 2008, 
we granted 263 restricted share units on dividends. In 2009, we granted 458 restricted 
share units on dividends.

Total  compensation  expense  recognized  in  the  consolidated  financial  statements  for 
all share based awards, including share grants, restricted share units and performance 
share units, in each of the three years ending 2009 was (in millions):

20071 
20081 
20091 

Stock-based 
Compensation 
Expense
$2.7
$2.2
$2.0

1 

2007 included $0.6 million related to the accelerated vesting of prior CEo share grant awards as required by FASB 
ASC 505-50 and 718-10 (formerly FAS 123(r), Share Based Payments). 2009 and 2008 included $0.1 million and 
$0.2  million,  respectively,  related  to  the  accelerated  vesting  of  departing  Chief  Financial  officer  share  grant  and 
restricted unit awards.

Options
The  previous  Option  Plans  provided  for  the  grant  of  qualified  and  non-qualified 
options. Options granted under the plans were granted with exercise prices equal to 
the market price on the date of grant, vested 50% after year one and 50% after year 
two  and  expire  ten  years  following  the  date  of  grant.  Options  granted  to  trustees 
were granted with exercise prices equal to the market price on the date of grant and 
were fully vested on the grant date. As discussed in note 2 to the consolidated financial 
statements,  we  accounted  for  option  awards  in  accordance  with  APB  No.  25,  and 
we have recognized no compensation cost for stock options. The last option awards 
to  officers  were  in  2002,  to  non-officer  key  employees  in  2003  and  to  trustees  in 
2004. The following chart details the previously issued and currently outstanding and 
exercisable stock options:

84

Annual Report 2009

Form 10-k

2009 

2008 

2007

Outstanding at January 1 
Granted 
Exercised 
Expired/Forfeited 
Outstanding at December 31 
Exercisable at December 31 

Wtd Avg 
Shares  Ex Price 
$25.31 
317,000 
— 
— 
(2,750)  $16.34 
— 
$25.39 
$25.39 

— 
314,250 
314,250 

Shares 
438,000 
— 

Wtd Avg 
Ex Price  Shares 
451,000 
$24.40 
— 
— 
(119,000)  $22.12 
(2,000)  $17.59 
$25.31 
$25.31 

Wtd Avg 
Ex Price
$24.42
—
(13,000)  $25.07
—
$24.40
$24.40

— 
438,000 
438,000 

317,000 
317,000 

The 314,250 options outstanding at December 31, 2009, all of which are exercisable, 
have  exercise  prices  between  $21.34  and  $33.09,  with  a  weighted-average  exercise 
price  of  $25.39  and  a  weighted  average  remaining  contractual  life  of  2.5  years.  The 
aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding exercisable shares at December 31, 2009 was 
$0.7 million. The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised was minimal in 2009 
and $1.1 million and $0.1 million in 2008 and 2007, respectively. There were no options 
forfeited in 2009.

Share Grants, Restricted Share Units and Performance Share Units
We previously maintained a Share Grant Plan for officers, trustees and other members 
of management. In 2004 and 2005, we granted awards to officers and other members 
of management in the form of restricted shares. We valued the awards based on the 
fair market value at the date of grant. Shares vest ratably over a five year period from 
the date of grant.

Beginning in 2005, we changed annual long-term incentive compensation for trustees 
from options of 2,000 shares plus 400 restricted shares to $30,000 in restricted shares. 
In May 2007, we increased the value of the restricted shares awarded to trustees to 
$55,000. These shares vest immediately and are restricted from sale for the period of 
the trustee’s service.

The 2007 Plan provides for the granting of restricted share units and performance share 
units to officers and other members of management, based upon various percentages 
of  their  salaries  and  their  positions  with  WRIT.  For  officers,  one-third  of  the  award 
is in the form of restricted share units that vest 20% per year based upon continued 
employment and two-thirds of the award is in the form of performance share units 
subject to performance and market conditions. For other members of management, 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
100% of the award is in the form of restricted share units awarded based on one-year 
performance targets that vest ratably over five years from the grant date.

With respect to the officer performance share units that are subject to performance 
conditions, awards are based on three-year cumulative performance targets, for which 
targets will be set annually based on benchmarks with minimum and maximum payout 
thresholds. As the three-year cumulative performance targets are set independently 
each year, the  grant  date  does  not  occur  until  all such targets  are  set  and  all of  the 
significant terms of the award are known. Because payouts are probable, we estimate 
the compensation expense at each reporting period based on the current fair market 
value of the probable award, until the vesting occurs and as progress towards meeting 
target is known. We recognize the expense for such performance-based share units 
ratably over the three-year period with cumulative catch-up adjustments recorded in 
the current period. With respect to the officer performance share units that are subject 
to  market  conditions,  awards  are  based  on  a  cumulative  three-year  market  target 
which  is  set  at  the  beginning  of  the  three-year  period.  We  recognize  compensation 
expense ratably over the three-year service period, based on the grant date fair value, 
as determined using a Monte Carlo simulation, and regardless of whether the market 
conditions are achieved and the awards ultimately vest. All performance share units 
awarded based on achievement of respective performance or market conditions cliff 
vest at the end of the three-year period. The program provides that participants who 
terminate prior to the end of the three-year performance period forfeit their entire 
portion of the award.

The  total  fair  value  of  shares  vested  during  the  years  ending  December  31,  2009,  
2008  and  2007  is  $1.1  million,  $1.3  million  and  $2.9  million,  respectively.  As  of 
December 31, 2009, the total compensation cost related to non-vested share awards 
not  yet  recognized  was  $36,300,  which  we  expect  to  recognize  over  a  weighted 
average period of 14 months.

Restricted Share Units

Vested at January 1 
Unvested at January 1 
Granted 
Vested during year 
Expired/Forfeited 
Unvested at December 31 
Vested at December 31 

2009 

2008 

2007

Wtd Avg 
Grant 

Wtd Avg 
Grant 

Wtd Avg 
Grant 

Shares  Fair Value 
$35.00 
28,914 
$30.63 
106,562 
88,414 
$26.67 
(34,942)  $32.24 
(1,628)  $29.54 
$28.08 
$33.49 

158,406 
63,856 

Shares  Fair Value  Shares  Fair Value

$35.73 
8,154 
$34.35 
80,831 
$26.16 
49,004 
(20,760)  $34.71 
(2,513)  $33.97 
$30.63 
$35.00 

106,562 
28,914 

—
— 
$39.54
21,877 
67,355 
$32.85
(8,154)  $35.73
(247)  $39.54
$34.35
$35.73

80,831 
8,154 

The total fair value of restricted share units vested during the years ending December 31,  
2009, 2008 and 2007 is $0.8 million, $0.7 million and $0.3 million, respectively. The value of 
unvested restricted share units at December 31, 2009 was $4.1 million, which we expect 
to recognize as compensation cost over a weighted average period of 42 months.

The following are tables of activity for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 
2007 related to our share grants, restricted share units, and performance share units.

Performance Share Units
Performance Share Units with Performance Conditions:

Share Grants

2009 

2008 

2007

2009 

2008 

2007

Wtd Avg 
Grant 

Wtd Avg 
Grant 

Wtd Avg 
Grant 

Vested at January 1 
Unvested at January 1 
Granted 
Vested during year 
Expired/Forfeited 
Unvested at December 31 
Vested at December 31 

Shares  Fair Value 
$29.21 
312,006 
$35.04 
34,849 
14,427 
$26.69 
(47,283)  $32.59 
(123)  $32.78 
$32.50 
1,870 
$29.66 
359,289 

Shares  Fair Value  Shares  Fair Value
$28.97 
271,650 
$34.15 
62,530 
13,019 
$26.05 
(40,356)  $30.86 
(344)  $32.70 
$35.04 
$29.21 

$27.17
191,217 
$33.16
115,492 
27,571 
$34.57
(80,433)  $32.85
(100)  $32.50
$34.15
$28.97

34,849 
312,006 

62,530 
271,650 

Vested at January 1 
Unvested at January 1 
Granted 
Vested during year 
Expired/Forfeited 
Unvested at December 31 
Vested at December 31 

Wtd Avg 
Grant 

Shares  Fair Value 
$30.41 
43,000 
$ 
 — 
— 
$22.81 
90,000 
(36,600)  $17.15 
$ 
 — 
$26.69 
$24.31 

— 
53,400 
79,600 

Wtd Avg 
Grant 

Wtd Avg 
Grant 

Shares  Fair Value  Shares  Fair Value

— 
43,000 
— 

$ 
 — 
$30.41 
 — 
$ 
(43,000)  $30.41 
 — 
$ 
$ 
 — 
$30.41 

— 
— 
43,000 

— 
— 
43,000 
— 
— 
43,000 
— 

 —
$ 
$ 
 —
$30.41
 —
$ 
$ 
 —
$30.41
 —
$ 

Form 10-k Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

85

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Performance Share Units with Market Conditions:

2009

Vested at January 1 
Unvested at January 1 
Granted 
Vested during year 
Expired/Forfeited 
Unvested at December 31 
Vested at December 31 

Shares 
— 
— 
37,000 
— 
— 
37,000 
— 

Wtd Avg 
Grant 
Fair Value

 —
$ 
$ 
 —
$20.15
 —
$ 
$ 
 —
$20.15
 —
$ 

The  total  fair  value  of  performance  share  units  vested  during  the  years  ending  
December  31,  2009,  2008  and  2007  is  $0.9  million,  $1.4  million  and  $0.0  million, 
respectively.  As  of  December  31,  2009,  the  future  expected  expense  related  to 
performance share units with performance conditions, estimated based on the probable 
number of performance share units expected to vest under the current plan, totaled 
$2.2  million,  which  we  expect  to  recognize  as  compensation  cost  over  a  weighted 
average period of 21 months. As of December 31, 2009, the future expected expense 
related to performance share units with market conditions, totaled $0.5 million, which 
we expect to recognize over a weighted average period of 24 months.

We determine the fair value of performance share units that contain market conditions 
included in the chart above using a binomial model employing a Monte Carlo method 
as of the grant date. The market condition performance measurement is the cumulative 
three-year average total shareholder return relative to a defined population of 25 peer 
companies. The model evaluates the awards for changing total shareholder return over 
the term of vesting, relative to the peer group, and uses random simulations that are 
based  on  past  stock  characteristics  as  well  as  income  growth  and  other  factors  for 
WRIT and each of the peer companies. There were no performance share units with 
market conditions prior to 2009. The following are the average assumptions used to 
the value awards granted as of December 31, 2009 and their respective determined 
fair value:

Expected volatility 
Risk-free interest rate 
Expected life (from grant date) 
Price of underlying stock at measurement date 
Performance share unit grant date fair value 

86

Annual Report 2009

Form 10-k

2009 Awards

33.4%
1.5%

3.0 years
$17.15
$20.15

We  based  the  expected  volatility  upon  the  historical  volatility  of  our  monthly  share 
closing  prices.  We  based  the  risk-free  interest  rate  used  on  U.S.  Treasury  constant 
maturity  bonds  on  the  measurement  date  with  a  maturity  equal  to  the  market 
condition performance period. We based the expected term on the market condition 
performance period.

8.  Other Benefit Plans
We  have  a  Retirement  Savings  Plan  (the  “401K  Plan”),  which  permits  all  eligible 
employees to defer a portion of their compensation in accordance with the Internal 
Revenue  Code.  Under  the  401K  Plan,  we  may  make  discretionary  contributions  on 
behalf of eligible employees. In each of the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 
2007, we made contributions to the 401K plan of $0.4 million.

We  have  adopted  a  non-qualified  deferred  compensation  plan  for  the  officers  and 
members  of  the  Board  of  Trustees.  The  plan  allows  for  a  deferral  of  a  percentage 
of  annual  cash  compensation  and  trustee  fees.  The  plan  is  unfunded  and  payments 
are  to  be  made  out  of  the  general  assets  of  WRIT.  During  2008  the  prior  Chief 
Executive Officer received a lump sum distribution of the present value of his deferred 
compensation. The deferred compensation liability was $0.9 million and $0.8 million at 
December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

We established a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”) effective July 1, 
2002 for the benefit of our prior Chief Executive Officer. Under this plan, upon the 
prior Chief Executive Officer’s termination of employment from WRIT for any reason 
other than death, permanent and total disability, or discharge for cause, he is entitled 
to receive an annual benefit equal to his accrued benefit times his vested interest. We 
accounted for this plan in accordance with FASB ASC 715-30 (formerly SFAS No. 87, 
Employers’  Accounting  for  Pensions),  whereby  we  accrued  benefit  cost  in  an  amount 
that resulted in an accrued balance at the end of the prior Chief Executive Officer’s 
employment in June 2007 which was not less than the present value of the estimated 
benefit  payments  to  be  made.  At  December  31,  2009  the  accrued  benefit  liability 
was $1.7 million. For the three years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, we 
recognized current service cost of $124,000, $132,000 and $253,000, respectively. On 
December  31,  2006,  we  adopted  the  recognition  and  disclosure  provisions  of  FASB 
ASC 715-20 (formerly SFAS No. 158, Employer’s Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension 
and other Post retirement Plans). FASB ASC 715-20 required us to recognize the funded 
status  (i.e.,  the  difference  between  the  fair  value  of  plan  assets  and  the  projected 
benefit obligations) of its pension plan in the December 31, 2006 statement of financial 
position,  with  a  corresponding  adjustment  to  accumulated  other  comprehensive 
income, net of tax. Because the prior Chief Executive Officer’s SERP is unfunded, the 
adoption  of  FASB  ASC  715-20  did  not  have  an  effect  on  our  consolidated  financial 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
condition  at  December  31,  2006,  or  for  any  prior  period  presented  and  it  will  not 
affect  our  operating  results  in  future  periods.  We  currently  have  an  investment  in 
corporate owned life insurance intended to meet the SERP benefit liability since the 
Chief  Executive  Officer’s  retirement.  Benefit  payments  to  the  prior  Chief  Executive 
Officer began in 2008.

In  November  2005,  the  Board  of  Trustees  approved  the  establishment  of  a  SERP 
for the benefit of the officers, other than the prior Chief Executive Officer. This is a 
defined contribution plan under which, upon a participant’s termination of employment 
from  WRIT  for  any  reason  other  than  death,  discharge  for  cause  or  total  and 
permanent disability, the participant will be entitled to receive a benefit equal to the 
participant’s  accrued  benefit  times  the  participant’s  vested  interest.  We  account  for 
this  plan  in  accordance  with  FASB  ASC  710-10  (formerly  EITF  97-14,  Accounting  for 
Deferred Compensation Arrangements Where Amounts Earned are Held in a rabbi Trust 
and  Invested)  and  FASB  ASC  320-10  (formerly  SFAS  No.  115,  Accounting  for  Certain 
Investments in Debt and Equity Securities), whereby the investments are reported at fair 
value, and unrealized holding gains and losses are included in earnings. For the years 
ended  December  31,  2009,  2008  and  2007,  we  recognized  current  service  cost  of 
$280,000, $311,000 and $245,000, respectively.

9.  Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The  following  disclosures  of  estimated  fair  value  were  determined  by  management 
using available market information and established valuation methodologies, including 
discounted  cash  flow.  Many  of  these  estimates  involve  significant  judgment.  The 
estimated  fair  value  disclosed  may  not  necessarily  be  indicative  of  the  amounts  we 
could realize on disposition of the financial instruments. The use of different market 
assumptions or estimation methodologies could have an effect on the estimated fair 
value amounts. In addition, fair value estimates are made at a point in time and thus, 
estimates of fair value subsequent to December 31, 2009 may differ significantly from 
the amounts presented.

Below is a summary of significant methodologies used in estimating fair values and a 
schedule of fair values at December 31, 2009.

Derivatives
The company reports its interest rate swap at fair value in accordance with GAAP, and 
thus the carrying value is the fair value.

Mortgage Notes Payable
Mortgage notes payable consist of instruments in which certain of our real estate assets 
are used for collateral. The fair value of the mortgage notes payable is estimated based 
primarily upon lender quotes for instruments with similar terms and maturities.

Lines of Credit Payable
Lines  of  credit  payable  consist  of  bank  facilities  which  we  use  for  various  purposes 
including  working  capital,  acquisition  funding  or  capital  improvements.  The  lines  of 
credit advances are priced at a specified rate plus a spread. The carrying value of the 
lines of credit payable is estimated to be market value given the adjustable rate of these 
borrowings.

Notes Payable
The  fair  value  of  these  securities  is  estimated  based  primarily  on  lender  quotes  for 
securities with similar terms and characteristics.

(in thousands) 
Cash and cash equivalents,  
including restricted cash 
2445 M Street note receivable 
Interest rate hedge liability 
Mortgage notes payable 
Lines of credit payable 
Notes payable 

Carrying 
Value 

$  30,373 
$  7,157 
$  1,757 
$405,451 
$128,000 
$688,912 

2009 

2008

Fair 
Value 

Carrying 
Value 

Fair 
Value

$  30,373 
$  8,995 
$  1,757 
$406,982 
$128,000 
$693,620 

$  30,697 
$  7,331 
$  2,335 
$421,286 
$  67,000 
$890,679 

$  30,697
$  7,331
$  2,335
$408,089
$  67,000
$712,763

10.  Rentals under Operating Leases
Non-cancelable  commercial  operating  leases  provide  for  minimum  rental  income 
from  continuing  operations  during  each  of  the  next  five  years  and  thereafter  as 
follows (in millions):

Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents includes cash and commercial paper with original maturities 
of less than 90 days, which are valued at the carrying value, which approximates fair 
value due to the short maturity of these instruments.

Notes Receivable
The fair value of the notes is estimated based on quotes for debt with similar terms and 
characteristics or a discounted cash flow methodology using market discount rates if 
reliable quotes are not available.

2010 
2011 
2012 
2013 
2014 
Thereafter 

Rental Income
$203.9
177.0
150.9
128.3
98.7
177.8
$936.6

Form 10-k Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

87

 
 
 
 
 
Apartment leases are not included as the terms are generally for one year. Most of 
these commercial leases increase in future years based on agreed-upon percentages or 
in some instances, changes in the Consumer Price Index. Percentage rents from retail 
centers, based on a percentage of tenants’ gross sales, were $0.2 million, $0.4 million 
and $0.3 million in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Real estate tax, operating expense 
and  common  area  maintenance  reimbursement  income  from  continuing  operations 
was $36.6 million, $30.9 million and $24.9 million for the years ended December 31, 
2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

businesses and professions. Medical office buildings provide offices and facilities for a 
variety of medical services. Retail centers are typically neighborhood grocery store or 
drug store anchored retail centers. Multifamily properties provide rental housing for 
families throughout the Washington metropolitan area. Industrial/flex centers are used 
for flex-office, warehousing, services and distribution type facilities.

Real estate rental revenue as a percentage of the total for each of the five reportable 
operating segments is as follows:

11.  Commitments and Contingencies

Development Commitments
At  December  31,  2009  and  2008,  we  had  various  contracts  outstanding  with  third 
parties in connection with our ongoing development projects. Remaining contractual 
commitments for development projects at December 31, 2009 were $0.6 million.

Litigation
We are involved from time to time in various legal proceedings, lawsuits, examinations 
by various tax authorities and claims that have arisen in the ordinary course of business. 
Management  believes  that  the  resolution  of  such  matters  will  not  have  a  material 
adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

Other
At  December  31,  2009,  we  were  contingently  liable  under  unused  letters  of  credit  in 
the  amounts  of  $885,000  and  $815,000,  related  to  our  assumption  of  mortgage  debt 
on Dulles Business Park and West Gude, respectively, to ensure the funding of certain 
tenant  improvements  and  leasing  commissions  over  the  term  of  the  debt.  We  were 
also contingently liable under unused letters of credit totaling $536,000 related to our 
development projects at Clayborne Apartments and Bennett Park, to ensure the complete 
installation of public improvements in accordance with the projects’ related site plans.

12.  Segment Information
We  have  five  reportable  segments:  office,  medical  office,  retail,  multifamily  and 
industrial/flex  properties.  Office  buildings  provide  office  space  for  various  types  of 

Office 
Medical office 
Retail 
Multifamily 
Industrial/Flex 

2009 
44% 
15% 
14% 
15% 
12% 

Year Ended December 31,
2008 
42% 
16% 
15% 
13% 
14% 

2007
41%
15%
17%
13%
14%

The percentage of total income producing real estate assets, at cost, for each of the five 
reportable operating segments is as follows:

Office 
Medical office 
Retail 
Multifamily 
Industrial/Flex 

December 31,

2009 
44% 
17% 
12% 
14% 
13% 

2008
45%
16%
12%
14%
13%

The accounting policies of each of the segments are the same as those described in 
note 2 to the consolidated financial statements. We evaluate performance based upon 
operating  income  from  the  combined  properties  in  each  segment.  Our  reportable 
operating  segments  are  consolidations  of  similar  properties.  GAAP  requires  that 
segment  disclosures  present  the  measure(s)  used  by  the  chief  operating  decision 
maker  for  purposes  of  assessing  segments’  performance.  Net  operating  income  is  a 
key measurement of our segment profit and loss. Net operating income is defined as 
segment real estate rental revenue less segment real estate expenses.

88

Annual Report 2009

Form 10-k

 
 
 
 
The following table presents revenues and net operating income for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 from these segments, and reconciles net operating 
income of reportable segments to net income as reported (in thousands):

Real estate rental revenue 
Real estate expenses 
Net operating income 

Depreciation and amortization 
Interest expense 
General and administrative 
Other income 
Gain on extinguishment of debt, net 
Gain from non-disposal activities 
Income from discontinued operations 
Gain on sale of real estate 

Net income 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 
Net income attributable to the controlling interests 
Capital expenditures 
Total assets 

Real estate rental revenue 
Real estate expenses 
Net operating income 

Depreciation and amortization 
Interest expense 
General and administrative 
Other income 
Loss on extinguishment of debt, net 
Gain from non-disposal activities 
Income from discontinued operations 
Gain on sale of real estate 

Net income 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 
Net income attributable to the controlling interests 
Capital expenditures 
Total assets 

Office 
$136,457 
48,898 
$  87,559 

Medical 
Office 
$  44,911 
15,218 
$  29,693 

Retail 
$  41,821 
10,680 
$  31,141 

2009

Multifamily 
$  46,470 
19,494 
$  26,976 

Industrial/ 
Flex 
$  37,270 
10,283 
$  26,987 

Corporate 
and Other 
$ 

   — 
— 
   — 

$ 

$  14,200 
$926,433 

$  6,613 
$360,220 

$  1,270 
$225,548 

Office 
$118,293 
42,427 
$  75,866 

Medical 
Office 
$  43,594 
14,177 
$  29,417 

Retail 
$  40,987 
9,647 
$  31,340 

$  2,287 
$240,442 

2008

Multifamily 
$  37,858 
17,436 
$  20,422 

$  2,967 
$251,986 

$ 
 351 
$40,596 

Industrial/ 
Flex 
$  37,959 
9,812 
$  28,147 

Corporate 
and Other 
$ 

   — 
— 
   — 

$ 

$  15,594 
$952,112 

$  6,685 
$346,725 

$  3,075 
$230,917 

$  7,129 
$264,457 

$  4,789 
$268,689 

$ 
 642 
$46,507 

Consolidated
$   306,929
104,573
$   202,356
(94,042)
(75,001)
(13,906)
1,205
5,336
73
1,579
13,348
40,948
(203)
 40,745
$ 
$ 
 27,688
$2,045,225

Consolidated
$   278,691
93,499
$   185,192
(85,659)
(75,041)
(12,110)
1,073
(5,583)
17
4,129
15,275
27,293
(211)
 27,082
$ 
$ 
 37,914
$2,109,407

Form 10-k Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

89

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Office 
$101,987 
34,569 
$  67,418 

Medical 
Office 
$  37,847 
11,651 
$  26,196 

Retail 
$  41,512 
8,921 
$  32,591 

2007

Multifamily 
$  31,364 
13,462 
$  17,902 

Industrial/ 
Flex 
$  36,189 
8,756 
$  27,433 

Corporate 
and Other 
$ 

   — 
— 
   — 

$ 

$  25,401 
$771,614 

$  4,639 
$345,202 

$  2,757 
$230,851 

$  3,578 
$209,448 

$  4,747 
$289,227 

$  3,200 
$50,676 

Consolidated
$   248,899
77,359
$   171,540
(68,364)
(66,336)
(14,882)
1,875
1,303
7,510
25,022
57,668
(217)
 57,451
$ 
 44,322
$ 
$1,897,018

Real estate rental revenue 
Real estate expenses 
Net operating income 

Depreciation and amortization 
Interest expense 
General and administrative 
Other income 
Gain from non-disposal activities 
Income from discontinued operations 
Gain on sale of real estate 

Net income 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 
Net income attributable to the controlling interests 
Capital expenditures 
Total assets 

90

Annual Report 2009

Form 10-k

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
13.  Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
The following table summarizes our financial data by quarter for 2009 and 2008 (in 
thousands, except for per share data):

2009:

Real estate rental revenue 
Income from continuing operations 
Net income 
Net income attributable to the controlling interests 
Income from continuing operations per share

Basic 
Diluted 

Net income per share

Basic 
Diluted 

2008:

Real estate rental revenue 
Income from continuing operations 
Net income 
Net income attributable to the controlling interests 
Income from continuing operations per share

Basic 
Diluted 

Net income per share

Basic 
Diluted 

First 

Quarter1,2
Second  Third 

Fourth

$77,194 
$10,199 
$10,900 
$10,851 

$76,262  $75,607  $77,866
$  6,092  $  4,229  $  5,501
$13,142  $  9,603  $  7,303
$13,090  $  9,550  $  7,254

$  0.19 
$  0.19 

$  0.11  $  0.07  $  0.09
$  0.11  $  0.07  $  0.09

$  0.20 
$  0.20 

$  0.23  $  0.16  $  0.12
$  0.23  $  0.16  $  0.12

$68,489 
$68,118  $69,798  $72,286
$ (4,204)  $  3,532  $  3,945  $  4,616
$ (2,667)  $20,003  $  4,629  $  5,328
$ (2,724)  $19,950  $  4,581  $  5,275

$   (0.09)  $  0.07  $  0.08  $  0.09
$   (0.09)  $  0.07  $  0.08  $  0.09

$   (0.06)  $  0.42  $  0.09  $  0.10
$   (0.06)  $  0.41  $  0.09  $  0.10

1  With regard to per share calculations, the sum of the quarterly results may not equal full year results due to rounding.
The  prior  quarter  results  have  been  restated  to  conform  to  the  current  quarter  presentation.  Specifically,  results 
2 
related to properties sold or held for sale have been reclassified into discontinued operations.

used the net proceeds from the offering to repay borrowings under our lines of credit. 
During  the  fourth  quarter  of  2008,  we  completed  a  public  offering  of  1.725  million 
common shares priced at $35.00 per share, raising $57.6 million in net proceeds. We 
used the net proceeds from the offering to repay borrowings under our lines of credit 
and for general corporate purposes.

During  the  second  quarter  of  2009,  we  completed  a  public  offering  of  5.25  million 
common  shares  priced  at  $21.40  per  share,  raising  $107.5  million  in  net  proceeds. 
We used the net proceeds to repay a mortgage note payable, borrowings under our 
unsecured lines of credit and for general corporate purposes.

During the fourth quarter of 2009, we entered into a sales agency financing agreement 
with  BNY  Mellon  Capital  Markets,  LLC  relating  to  the  issuance  and  sale  of  up  to 
$250.0  million  of  the  our  common  shares  from  time  to  time  over  a  period  of  no 
more than 36 months, replacing a previous agreement made during the third quarter 
of  2008.  Sales  of  our  common  shares  are  made  at  market  prices  prevailing  at  the 
time of sale. Net proceeds for the sale of common shares under this program are 
used  for  the  repayment  of  borrowings  under  our  lines  of  credit,  acquisitions,  and 
general corporate purposes. During 2009, we issued 2.0 million common shares at 
a weighted average price of $27.37 under this program, raising $53.8 million in net 
proceeds. During 2008, we issued 1.1 million common shares at a weighted average 
price of $36.15 under this program, raising $40.7 million in net proceeds.

We  have  a  dividend  reinvestment  program,  whereby  shareholders  may  use  their 
dividends  and  optional  cash  payments  to  purchase  common  shares.  The  common 
shares sold under this program may either be common shares issued by us or common 
shares  purchased  in  the  open  market.  Net  proceeds  under  this  program  are  used 
for general corporate purposes. During 2009, we issued 88,460 common shares at a 
weighted average price of $28.34 per share, raising $2.5 million in net proceeds. During 
2008, we issued 125,348 common shares at a weighted average price of $32.75 per 
share, raising $4.1 million in net proceeds.

14.  Shareholders’ Equity
During  the  second  quarter  of  2008,  we  completed  a  public  offering  of  2.6  million 
common shares priced at $34.80 per share, raising $86.7 million in net proceeds. We 

15.  Subsequent Events
Subsequent events have been evaluated through February 26, 2010, the date of issuance 
for these consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.

Form 10-k Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

91

 
 
Schedule III Consolidated Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation

   Initial Cost(b)

Buildings 
and 

Net 
Improvements 
(Retirements) 
since 

Location 

Land 

Improvements  Acquisition 

Gross Amounts at Which Carried
at December 31, 2009 
Buildings 
and 
Improvements 

Land 

   Total(c) 

Accumulated 
Depreciation at 
December 31, 
2009 

Year of 

Date of 

Construction  Acquisition 

   420,000 $ 
DC  $ 
   336,000 $ 
VA  $ 
   299,000 $ 
VA  $ 
   287,000 $ 
VA  $ 
   322,000 $ 
VA  $ 
VA  $  4,356,000 $ 
MD  $  2,851,000 $ 
MD  $  3,900,000 $ 
VA  $  2,861,000 $ 
VA  $ 
   269,000 $ 
DC  $  28,222,000 $ 
  $  44,123,000 $ 

   892,000 $ 
DC  $ 
MD  $ 
   840,000 $ 
VA  $  4,102,000 $ 
MD  $  1,180,000 $ 
MD  $  1,464,000 $ 
MD  $  4,621,000 $ 
DC  $  7,803,000 $ 
VA  $  6,661,000 $ 
VA  $  12,049,000 $ 
MD  $  2,296,000 $ 
MD  $  1,847,000 $ 
MD  $ 
   714,000 $ 
MD  $  1,564,000 $ 
VA  $ 
  0 $ 
MD  $  5,480,000 $ 
MD  $  3,182,000 $ 
DC  $  31,500,000 $ 
VA  $  1,326,000 $ 
VA  $  9,467,000 $ 
VA  $  15,001,000 $ 
MD  $  11,580,000 $ 
MD  $  2,060,000 $ 

   420,000 $ 
   2,678,000  $  7,478,000  $ 
   336,000 $ 
   1,996,000  $  8,685,000  $ 
   299,000 $ 
   2,562,000  $  12,993,000  $ 
   287,000 $ 
   1,654,000  $  8,041,000  $ 
   322,000 $ 
   3,337,000  $  13,653,000  $ 
 17,102,000  $  12,924,000  $  4,356,000 $ 
   7,946,000  $  6,147,000  $  2,851,000 $ 
 13,412,000  $  11,217,000  $  3,900,000 $ 
  917,000  $  78,007,000  $  4,774,000 $ 
   699,000 $ 
   324,000  $  28,222,000 $ 

 10,576,000  $  7,453,000 
 11,017,000  $  5,831,000 
 15,854,000  $  7,307,000 
   9,982,000  $  6,009,000 
 17,312,000  $  10,284,000 
 34,382,000  $  13,851,000 
 16,944,000  $  6,667,000 
 28,529,000  $  9,862,000 
 81,785,000  $  8,823,000 
 30,558,000  $  3,624,000 
 33,955,000  $ 
 62,501,000  $  1,708,000 
 85,559,000  $189,758,000  $  46,466,000 $   272,974,000 $   319,440,000  $  81,419,000 

 10,156,000 $ 
 10,681,000 $ 
 15,555,000 $ 
   9,695,000 $ 
 16,990,000 $ 
 30,026,000 $ 
 14,093,000 $ 
 24,629,000 $ 
 77,011,000 $ 
 29,859,000 $ 
 34,279,000 $ 

  0  $  30,289,000  $ 

1951 
1964 
1965 
1959 
1963 
1982 
1971/03 
1986 
2007 
2008 
1948 

1960 
1975 
1966 
1970 
1977 
1971 
1976 
1973 

 18,113,000  $  12,026,000 
 32,059,000  $  20,323,000 
 12,961,000  $  3,563,000 
   4,539,000  $  1,597,000 
   5,967,000  $  2,344,000 
 26,491,000  $  12,072,000 
 23,337,000  $  7,636,000 
 34,594,000  $  10,862,000 

 17,221,000 $ 
   892,000 $ 
   3,481,000  $  13,740,000  $ 
 31,219,000 $ 
 10,869,000  $  20,350,000  $ 
   840,000 $ 
   8,859,000 $ 
   3,931,000  $  4,928,000  $  4,102,000 $ 
   3,359,000 $ 
   1,262,000  $  2,097,000  $  1,180,000 $ 
   4,503,000 $ 
   1,554,000  $  2,949,000  $  1,464,000 $ 
 21,870,000 $ 
 11,926,000  $  9,944,000  $  4,621,000 $ 
 15,535,000 $ 
 11,366,000  $  4,168,000  $  7,802,000 $ 
 27,933,000 $ 
 16,742,000  $  11,191,000  $  6,661,000 $ 
 71,825,000  $  30,546,000  $  12,049,000 $   102,371,000 $   114,420,000  $  41,644,000  1972/86/99 
 16,516,000 $ 
 12,188,000  $  4,328,000  $  2,296,000 $ 
 14,212,000 $ 
 11,105,000  $  3,107,000  $  1,847,000 $ 
   5,107,000 $ 
   4,053,000  $  1,054,000  $ 
   714,000 $ 
 13,901,000 $ 
   6,243,000  $  7,658,000  $  1,564,000 $ 
 20,760,000 $ 
 17,096,000  $  3,664,000  $ 
 0 $ 
 51,293,000 $ 
 39,107,000  $  12,186,000  $  5,480,000 $ 
 13,538,000 $ 
 11,281,000  $  2,257,000  $  3,182,000 $ 
 56,261,000 $ 
 54,327,000  $  1,934,000  $  31,500,000 $ 
 19,451,000 $ 
 18,211,000  $  1,240,000  $  1,326,000 $ 
 43,811,000 $ 
   1,225,000  $  42,586,000  $  9,467,000 $ 
   4,080,000 $ 
  494,000  $  3,586,000  $  15,001,000 $ 
 47,803,000 $ 
 43,240,000  $  4,563,000  $  11,580,000 $ 
 10,752,000 $ 
   9,451,000  $  1,302,000  $  2,061,000 $ 

 18,812,000  $  6,014,000 
 16,059,000  $  5,894,000 
   5,821,000  $  1,939,000 
 15,465,000  $  4,227,000 
 20,760,000  $  7,284,000 
 56,773,000  $  16,299,000 
 16,720,000  $  4,628,000 
 87,761,000  $  14,601,000 
 20,777,000  $  3,380,000  2001/03/05 
 53,278,000  $  3,260,000 
 19,081,000  $ 
  0 
 59,383,000  $  6,947,000  1984/86/88 
 12,813,000  $  1,336,000 

1985 
1982 
1986 
1970 
1979 
1974 
1980 
1979 

2007 
n/a 

1989 

Jan 1963 
May 1965 
Jul 1969 
Jan 1969 
Jan 1970 
Aug 1996 
Mar 1996 
Nov 1997 
Feb 2001 
Jun 2003 
Sep 2008 

May 1977 
Aug 1979 
Jul 1992 
Nov 1993 
Nov 1993 
Jan 1995 
Nov 1995 
Oct 1997 
Nov 1997 
May 1999 
May 1999 
Nov 1999 
May 2000 
Oct 2000 
Apr 2001 
July 2002 
Aug 2003 
July 2005 
Dec 2005 
Dec 2005 
Aug 2006 
Aug 2006 

Net 
Rentable 
Square 
   Feet(e)  Units     Life(d)

  Depreciation 

179,000 
170,000 
163,000 
173,000 
259,000 
252,000 
159,000 
226,000 
268,000 
87,000 
270,000 

308  30 Years
191  40 Years
227  35 Years
200  35 Years
279  33 Years
256  30 Years
212  30 Years
195  30 Years
224  28 Years
74  26 Years
374  30 Years

2,206,000  2,540

97,000 
210,000 
76,000 
46,000 
58,000 
198,000 
102,000 
166,000 
523,000 
112,000 
101,000 
40,000 
91,000 
113,000 
267,000 
80,000 
263,000 
89,000 
180,000 
0 
276,000 
49,000 

  28 Years
  41 Years
  50 Years
  50 Years
  50 Years
  30 Years
  30 Years
  30 Years
  30 Years
  30 Years
  30 Years
  30 Years
  30 Years
  30 Years
  30 Years
  30 Years
  30 Years
  30 Years
  30 Years
n/a
  30 Years
  30 Years

Properties 
Multifamily Properties
3801 Connecticut Ave(a) 
Roosevelt Towers 
Country Club Towers 
Park Adams 
Munson Hill Towers 
The Ashby at McLean 
Walker House Apt(a) 
Bethesda Hill Apt(a) 
Bennett Park 
The Clayborne 
The Kenmore(a) 

Office Buildings
1901 Pennsylvania Ave 
51 Monroe St 
515 King St 
The Lexington Bldg 
The Saratoga Bldg 
6110 Executive Blvd 
1220 19th St 
1600 Wilson Blvd 
7900 Westpark Dr 
600 Jefferson Plaza 
1700 Research Blvd 
Parklawn Plaza 
Wayne Plaza 
Courthouse Sq 
One Central Plaza 
Atrium Bldg 
1776 G St 
Albermarle Point 
Dulles Station I 
Dulles Station II(f) 
West Gude(a) 
The Crescent(a) 

92

Annual Report 2009

Form 10-k

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Schedule III Consolidated Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (continued)

   Initial Cost(b)

Buildings 
and 

Net 
Improvements 
(Retirements) 
since 

Gross Amounts at Which Carried
at December 31, 2009 
Buildings 
and 
Improvements 

Accumulated 
Depreciation at 
December 31, 
2009 

Location 

Land 

Land 

Improvements  Acquisition 

MD  $  4,058,000 $ 
VA  $  5,584,000 $ 
VA  $  10,244,000 $ 
MD  $  2,194,000 $ 
DC  $ 
  0 $ 
DC  $  46,887,000 $   106,743,000  $ 

   Total(c) 
 24,170,000  $  2,589,000 
 20,112,000 $ 
 30,873,000  $  3,680,000 
 25,289,000 $ 
 76,401,000  $  7,510,000 
 66,157,000 $ 
 19,949,000  $  1,746,000 
 17,755,000 $ 
 63,173,000  $  5,407,000 
 63,173,000 $ 
   200,000  $  46,887,000 $   106,943,000 $   153,830,000  $  4,446,000 
  $194,596,000 $   653,139,000  $196,645,000  $194,596,000 $   849,784,000 $1,044,380,000  $213,254,000 

 19,207,000  $ 
   905,000  $  4,058,000 $ 
 23,195,000  $  2,094,000  $  5,584,000 $ 
 65,205,000  $ 
   952,000  $  10,244,000 $ 
 16,711,000  $  1,044,000  $  2,194,000 $ 
  0 $ 
 61,101,000  $  2,072,000  $ 

Year of 

Date of 

Construction  Acquisition 
Aug 2006 
Aug 2006 
Mar 2007 
Jun 2007 
Dec 2007 
Dec 2008 

1990 
1967 
2000 
1989 
1971 
1986 

  Depreciation 

Net 
Rentable 
Square 
   Feet(e)  Units     Life(d)
  30 Years
104,000 
  30 Years
140,000 
  30 Years
205,000 
  30 Years
73,000 
  30 Years
227,000 
  30 Years
290,000 
4,176,000

Properties 
The Ridges(a) 
6565 Arlington Blvd 
Monument II 
Woodholme Ctr 
2000 M St 
2445 M St(a) 

Medical Office
Woodburn Medical Park I  VA  $  2,563,000 $ 
Woodburn Medical Park II  VA  $  2,632,000 $ 
8501 Arlington Blvd(a) 
VA  $  2,071,000 $ 
8503 Arlington Blvd(a) 
VA  $  1,598,000 $ 
8505 Arlington Blvd(a) 
VA  $  2,819,000 $ 
Shady Grove Medical II(a)  MD  $  1,995,000 $ 
VA  $  1,251,000 $ 
8301 Arlington Blvd 
VA  $  6,783,000 $ 
Alexandria Prof Ctr 
9707 Medical Ctr Dr(a) 
MD  $  3,069,000 $ 
MD  $  4,094,000 $ 
15001 Shady Grove Rd 
15005 Shady Grove Rd(a)  MD  $  4,186,000 $ 
Plumtree Medical Ctr(a) 
MD  $  1,723,000 $ 
2440 M St 
DC  $  12,500,000 $ 
Woodholme Medical Ctr(a)  MD  $  3,744,000 $ 
Ashburn Farm Prof Ctr(a) 
VA  $  3,770,000 $ 
VA  $  2,062,000 $ 
CentreMed I & II 
4661 Kenmore Ave(f) 
VA  $  3,764,000 $ 
   970,000 $ 
Sterling Medical Office Bldg  VA  $ 
VA  $  1,308,000 $ 
Lansdowne MOB 

 18,464,000  $  5,833,000 
 24,028,000  $  7,308,000 
 28,724,000  $  6,067,000 
 27,622,000  $  5,851,000 
 23,073,000  $  4,479,000 
 18,794,000  $  3,211,000 
   8,883,000  $  1,566,000 
 29,438,000  $  2,950,000 
 15,435,000  $  1,839,000 
 22,053,000  $  2,466,000 
 21,863,000  $  2,259,000 
   8,334,000  $ 
   927,000 
 53,273,000  $  4,733,000 
 29,402,000  $  2,757,000 
 23,634,000  $  1,994,000  1998/00/02 
 15,036,000  $  1,201,000 
   5,153,000  $ 
  0 
   464,000 
   6,620,000  $ 
   231,000 
 20,128,000  $ 
  $  62,902,000 $   313,897,000  $  23,158,000  $  64,291,000 $   335,666,000 $   399,957,000  $  56,136,000 

 12,460,000  $  3,441,000  $  2,563,000 $ 
 17,574,000  $  3,822,000  $  2,632,000 $ 
   336,000  $  2,071,000 $ 
 26,317,000  $ 
   174,000  $  1,598,000 $ 
 25,850,000  $ 
   574,000  $  2,819,000 $ 
 19,680,000  $ 
   198,000  $  1,995,000 $ 
 16,601,000  $ 
   6,589,000  $  1,043,000  $  1,251,000 $ 
 19,676,000  $  2,979,000  $  6,783,000 $ 
 11,777,000  $ 
   589,000  $  3,069,000 $ 
 16,410,000  $  1,549,000  $  4,094,000 $ 
   129,000  $  4,186,000 $ 
 17,548,000  $ 
   5,749,000  $ 
   862,000  $  1,723,000 $ 
 37,321,000  $  3,452,000  $  12,500,000 $ 
 24,587,000  $  1,071,000  $  3,744,000 $ 
   664,000  $  3,770,000 $ 
 19,200,000  $ 
   468,000  $  2,062,000 $ 
 12,506,000  $ 
  0  $  1,389,000  $  5,153,000 $ 
   970,000 $ 
 42,000  $  1,308,000 $ 

 15,901,000 $ 
 21,396,000 $ 
 26,653,000 $ 
 26,024,000 $ 
 20,254,000 $ 
 16,799,000 $ 
   7,632,000 $ 
 22,655,000 $ 
 12,366,000 $ 
 17,959,000 $ 
 17,677,000 $ 
   6,611,000 $ 
 40,773,000 $ 
 25,658,000 $ 
 19,864,000 $ 
 12,974,000 $ 
  0 $ 
   5,650,000 $ 
 18,820,000 $ 

1984 
1988 
2000 
2001 
2002 
1999 
1965 
1968 
1994 
1999 
2002 
1991 
1986/06 
1996 

   5,274,000  $ 
 18,778,000  $ 

1998 
n/a 
1986 
2009 

   376,000  $ 

Retail Centers
   415,000 $ 
MD  $ 
Takoma Park 
   519,000 $ 
MD  $ 
Westminster 
   413,000 $ 
VA  $ 
Concord Centre 
MD  $ 
   796,000 $ 
Wheaton Park 
Bradlee 
VA  $  4,152,000 $ 
Chevy Chase Metro Plaza  DC  $  1,549,000 $ 
MD  $  11,625,000 $ 
Montgomery Village Ctr 

 96,000  $ 
   1,084,000  $ 
   1,775,000  $  9,429,000  $ 
  850,000  $  3,297,000  $ 
  857,000  $  4,066,000  $ 

   415,000 $ 
   519,000 $ 
   413,000 $ 
   796,000 $ 
   5,383,000  $  7,879,000  $  4,152,000 $ 
   4,304,000  $  4,198,000  $  1,549,000 $ 
   9,105,000  $  2,704,000  $  11,625,000 $ 

   1,180,000 $ 
 11,204,000 $ 
   4,147,000 $ 
   4,923,000 $ 
 13,262,000 $ 
   8,502,000 $ 
 11,809,000 $ 

   1,595,000  $  1,090,000 
 11,723,000  $  5,035,000 
   4,560,000  $  2,672,000 
   5,719,000  $  2,727,000 
 17,414,000  $  7,956,000 
 10,051,000  $  4,731,000 
 23,434,000  $  4,193,000 

1962 
1969 
1960 
1967 
1955 
1975 
1969 

Nov 1998 
Nov 1998 
Oct 2003 
Oct 2003 
Oct 2003 
Aug 2004 
Oct 2004 
Apr 2006 
Apr 2006 
Apr 2006 
Jul 2006 
Jun 2006 
Mar 2007 
Jun 2007 
Jun 2007 
Aug 2007 
Aug 2007 
May 2008 
Aug 2009 

Jul 1963 
Sep 1972 
Dec 1973 
Sep 1977 
Dec 1984 
Sep 1985 
Dec 1992 

71,000 
96,000 
92,000 
88,000 
75,000 
66,000 
49,000 
113,000 
38,000 
51,000 
52,000 
33,000 
110,000 
125,000 
75,000 
52,000 
0 
36,000 
87,000 
1,309,000

51,000 
151,000 
76,000 
72,000 
168,000 
49,000 
198,000 

  30 Years
  30 Years
  30 Years
  30 Years
  30 Years
  30 Years
  30 Years
  30 Years
  30 Years
  30 Years
  30 Years
  30 Years
  30 Years
  30 Years
  30 Years
  30 Years
n/a
  30 Years
  30 Years

  50 Years
  37 Years
  33 Years
  50 Years
  40 Years
  50 Years
  50 Years

Form 10-k Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

93

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Schedule III Consolidated Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (continued)

   Initial Cost(b)

Buildings 
and 

Net 
Improvements 
(Retirements) 
since 

Gross Amounts at Which Carried
at December 31, 2009 
Buildings 
and 
Improvements 

Accumulated 
Depreciation at 
December 31, 
2009 

Year of 

Date of 

Construction  Acquisition 

Location 

Land 

Land 

Improvements  Acquisition 

VA  $  5,838,000 $ 
MD  $  6,561,000 $ 
VA  $  2,904,000 $ 
MD  $  13,029,000 $ 
MD  $  12,759,000 $ 
MD  $  4,928,000 $ 
MD  $  11,612,000 $ 

   Total(c) 
 21,701,000  $  3,080,000 
 15,864,000  $  4,832,000 
 13,841,000  $  2,339,000 1951/55/59/90 
 38,884,000  $  6,898,000 
 48,795,000  $  6,344,000  1999–2003 
 18,548,000  $  1,872,000 
 36,174,000  $  3,220,000 
  $  77,100,000 $   134,983,000  $  56,220,000  $  77,100,000 $   191,203,000 $   268,303,000  $  56,989,000 

   2,979,000  $  12,884,000  $  5,838,000 $ 
   6,830,000  $  2,473,000  $  6,561,000 $ 
   5,489,000  $  5,448,000  $  2,904,000 $ 
   440,000  $  13,029,000 $ 
 25,415,000  $ 
   559,000  $  12,759,000 $ 
 35,477,000  $ 
   595,000  $  4,928,000 $ 
 13,025,000  $ 
 22,410,000  $  2,152,000  $  11,612,000 $ 

 15,863,000 $ 
   9,303,000 $ 
 10,937,000 $ 
 25,855,000 $ 
 36,036,000 $ 
 13,620,000 $ 
 24,562,000 $ 

1972 
1970 

1960 
1973 

2000 

Jun 1994 
Aug 1995 
Jun 1998 
Jun 2002 
Mar 2005 
May 2006 
May 2006 

  Depreciation 

Net 
Rentable 
Square 
   Feet(e)  Units     Life(d)
  50 Years
134,000 
  30 Years
227,000 
  30 Years
44,000 
  30 Years
332,000 
  30 Years
295,000 
  30 Years
82,000 
143,000 
  30 Years
2,022,000

   950,000 $ 
VA  $ 
MD  $  2,045,000 $ 
VA  $ 
   878,000 $ 
MD  $  1,335,000 $ 
   862,000 $ 
MD  $ 
VA  $  3,300,000 $ 
VA  $  4,971,000 $ 
   372,000 $ 
VA  $ 
   913,000 $ 
VA  $ 
VA  $  1,052,000 $ 
MD  $ 
   246,000 $ 
VA  $  2,465,000 $ 
MD  $  1,771,000 $ 
VA  $  6,085,000 $ 
VA  $  6,159,000 $ 
MD  $  7,048,000 $ 
MD  $  2,035,000 $ 
MD  $  4,704,000 $ 
MD  $  4,724,000 $ 

   950,000 $ 
   3,317,000  $  1,295,000  $ 
   779,000  $  2,045,000 $ 
   2,091,000  $ 
   3,298,000  $ 
   878,000 $ 
   796,000  $ 
   6,466,000  $  2,679,000  $  1,335,000 $ 
   862,000 $ 
   4,996,000  $  2,022,000  $ 
   4,920,000  $  1,955,000  $  3,300,000 $ 
 25,670,000  $  10,914,000  $  4,971,000 $ 
   372,000 $ 
   1,489,000  $ 
   179,000  $ 
   913,000 $ 
   5,997,000  $  1,460,000  $ 
   6,506,000  $  1,345,000  $  1,052,000 $ 
   1,987,000  $ 
   246,000 $ 
   663,000  $  2,464,000 $ 
   8,397,000  $ 
   322,000  $  1,771,000 $ 
   9,230,000  $ 
 50,504,000  $  2,413,000  $  6,084,000 $ 
   315,000  $  6,159,000 $ 
 40,154,000  $ 
   779,000  $  7,048,000 $ 
 16,223,000  $ 
   9,236,000  $ 
   278,000  $  2,035,000 $ 
   815,000  $  4,704,000 $ 
 21,115,000  $ 
   5,519,000  $  1,324,000  $  4,724,000 $ 

104,000 
1980 
   5,562,000  $  2,388,000 
85,000 
1973 
   4,915,000  $  1,075,000 
87,000 
1981/82 
   4,972,000  $  1,940,000 
167,000 
1985 
 10,480,000  $  4,036,000 
107,000 
1986 
   7,880,000  $  3,124,000 
246,000 
1973 
 10,175,000  $  2,937,000 
787,000 
1968/91 
 41,555,000  $  16,392,000 
32,000 
1985 
   2,040,000  $ 
   713,000 
83,000 
1988 
   8,370,000  $  2,457,000 
95,000 
1986 
   8,903,000  $  2,669,000 
31,000 
1986 
   2,251,000  $ 
   684,000 
137,000 
1980/82 
 11,525,000  $  2,225,000 
141,000 
2000 
 11,323,000  $  1,892,000 
 59,002,000  $  10,850,000  1999/04/05  Dec 04/Apr 05  324,000 
207,000 
 46,628,000  $  6,775,000  2001/03/05 
302,000 
 24,050,000  $  2,816,000 
102,000 
 11,549,000  $  1,438,000 
157,000 
 26,634,000  $  2,570,000 
150,000 
   466,000 
 11,567,000  $ 
3,344,000
  $  51,915,000 $   227,115,000  $  30,351,000  $  51,913,000 $   257,468,000 $   309,381,000  $  67,447,000 
13,057,000  2,540
  $430,636,000 $1,414,693,000  $496,132,000  $434,366,000 $1,907,095,000 $2,341,461,000  $475,245,000 

   4,612,000 $ 
   2,870,000 $ 
   4,094,000 $ 
   9,145,000 $ 
   7,018,000 $ 
   6,875,000 $ 
 36,584,000 $ 
   1,668,000 $ 
   7,457,000 $ 
   7,851,000 $ 
   2,005,000 $ 
   9,061,000 $ 
   9,552,000 $ 
 52,918,000 $ 
 40,469,000 $ 
 17,002,000 $ 
   9,514,000 $ 
 21,930,000 $ 
   6,843,000 $ 

Sep 1985 
Nov 1993 
Oct 1996 
Feb 1997 
Feb 1997 
Oct 1997 
May 1998 
Sep 1998 
Jan 1999 
Apr 1999 
Sep 1999 
Jan 2003 
Mar 2004 

Jul 2005 
Feb 2006 
May 2006 
Feb 2007 
Feb 2008 

1989/05 
2005 
1986/87 
1969 

 18,000  $ 

  50 Years
  50 Years
  30 Years
  30 Years
  30 Years
  30 Years
  30 Years
  30 Years
  30 Years
  30 Years
  30 Years
  30 Years
  30 Years
  30 Years
  30 Years
  30 Years
  30 Years
  30 Years
  30 Years

Properties 
Shoppes of Foxchase 
Frederick County Sq 
800 S. Washington St 
Centre at Hagerstown 
Frederick Crossing(a) 
Randolph Shopping Ctr 
Montrose Shopping Ctr 

Industrial Properties
Fullerton Business Ctr 
Charleston Business Ctr 
The Alban Business Ctr 
Ammendale Tech Park I 
Ammendale Tech Park II 
Pickett Industrial Park 
Northern VA Ind. Park 
8900 Telegraph Rd 
Dulles South IV 
Sully Sq 
Amvax 
Fullerton Industrial Ctr 
8880 Gorman Rd 
Dulles Business Park(a) 
Albemarle Point Place 
Hampton 
9950 Business Pkwy 
270 Technology Park 
6100 Columbia Park Dr 

Total 

(a)  At December 31, 2009, our properties were encumbered by non-recourse mortgage amounts as follows: $32,170,000 on West Gude Drive, $21,888,000 on The ridges and The Crescent, $93,084,000 on 2445 M Street, $44,975,000 on Prosperity 
Medical Center, $9,688,000 on Shady Grove Medical Village, $5,121,000 on 9707 Medical Center Drive, $8,313,000 on 15005 Shady Grove road, $4,601,000 on Plum Tree Medical Center, $20,599,000 on Woodholme Medical Center, $5,073,000 on 
Ashburn Farm office Park II, $22,798,000 on Frederick Crossing, $35,399,000 on 3801 Connecticut Avenue, $16,531,000 on Walker House, $29,099,000 on Bethesda Hill, $18,969,000 on Dulles Business Park and $37,143,000 on The Kenmore.

(b)  The purchase cost of real estate investments has been divided between land and buildings and improvements on the basis of management’s determination of the fair values.
(c)  At December 31, 2009, total land, buildings and improvements are carried at $2,507,428,000 for federal income tax purposes.
(d)  The useful life shown is for the main structure. Buildings and improvements are depreciated over various useful lives ranging from 3 to 50 years.
(e)  residential properties are presented in gross square feet.
(f)  As of December 31, 2009, WrIT had under development an office project with 360,000 square feet of office space and a parking garage to be developed in Herndon, VA (Dulles Station Phase II). WrIT also held a 0.8 acre parcel of land at 4661 Kenmore 

for future medical office development. Additionally, WrIT had investments in various smaller development or redevelopment projects. The total land value not yet placed in service of our development projects at December 31, 2009 was $20.2 million.

94

Annual Report 2009

Form 10-k

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Summary of Real Estate Investments and 
Accumulated Depreciation
The following is a reconciliation of real estate assets and accumulated depreciation for 
the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007:

(in thousands) 
Real estate assets

Balance, beginning of period 
Additions—property acquisitions1 

—improvements1 

Deductions—write-off of disposed assets 
Deductions—property sales 
Balance, end of period 
Accumulated depreciation

Balance, beginning of period 
Additions—depreciation 
Deductions—write-off of disposed assets 
Deductions—property sales 
Balance, end of period 

2009 

2008 

2007

$2,326,646 
20,086 
30,399 
(2,451) 
(33,219) 
$2,341,461 

$   406,241 
82,022 
(2,451) 
(10,567) 
$   475,245 

$2,093,268 
219,380 
45,105 
(1,004) 
(30,103) 
$2,326,646 

$   338,468 
75,254 
(1,004) 
(6,477) 
$   406,241 

$1,716,457
313,355
106,805
(454)
(42,895)
$2,093,268

$   290,003
62,274
(454)
(13,355)
$   338,468

1 

Includes non-cash accruals for capital items and assumed mortgages.

Form 10-k Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

95

Exhibit 31a Certification

I, George F. McKenzie, certify that:

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

  I have reviewed this Amendment No. 1 to the annual report on Form 10-K of 
Washington	Real	Estate	Investment	Trust;

 Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of 
a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements 
made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not 
misleading	with	respect	to	the	period	covered	by	this	report;

 Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information 
included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, 
results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods 
presented	in	this	report;

 The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and 
maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 
13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined 
in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f))for the registrant and have:

a. 

b. 

 Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure 
controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure 
that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated 
subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly 
during	the	period	in	which	this	report	is	being	prepared;

 Designed  such  internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  or  caused  such 
internal  control  over  financial  reporting  to  be  designed  under  our 
supervision,  to  provide  reasonable  assurance  regarding  the  reliability  of 

c. 

d. 

financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external 
purposes	in	accordance	with	generally	accepted	accounting	principles;

 Evaluated  the  effectiveness  of  the  registrant’s  disclosure  controls  and 
procedures  and  presented  in  this  report  our  conclusions  about  the 
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the 
period	covered	by	this	report	based	on	such	evaluation;	and

 Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over 
financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal 
quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) 
that has materially affected, or is reasonable likely to materially affect, the 
registrant’s	internal	control	over	financial	reporting;	and

5. 

 The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most 
recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s 
auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons 
performing the equivalent functions):

a. 

b. 

 All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation 
of  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  which  are  reasonable  likely  to 
adversely  affect  the  registrant’s  ability  to  record,  process,  summarize  and 
report	financial	information;	and

 Any  fraud,  whether  or  not  material,  that  involves  management  or  other 
employees  who  have  a  significant  role  in  the  registrant’s  internal  control 
over financial reporting.

Date: March 12, 2010 

/s/ George F. McKenzie

George F. McKenzie
Chief Executive Officer

96

Annual Report 2009

Form 10-k

 
 
Exhibit 31b Certification

I, Laura M. Franklin, certify that:

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

 I have reviewed this Amendment No. 1 to the annual report on Form 10-K of 
Washington	Real	Estate	Investment	Trust;

 Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of 
a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements 
made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not 
misleading	with	respect	to	the	period	covered	by	this	report;

 Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information 
included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, 
results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods 
presented	in	this	report;

 The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and 
maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 
13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined 
in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f))for the registrant and have:

a. 

b. 

 Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure 
controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure 
that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated 
subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly 
during	the	period	in	which	this	report	is	being	prepared;

 Designed  such  internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  or  caused  such 
internal  control  over  financial  reporting  to  be  designed  under  our 
supervision,  to  provide  reasonable  assurance  regarding  the  reliability  of 
financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external 
purposes	in	accordance	with	generally	accepted	accounting	principles;

c. 

d. 

 Evaluated  the  effectiveness  of  the  registrant’s  disclosure  controls  and 
procedures  and  presented  in  this  report  our  conclusions  about  the 
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the 
period	covered	by	this	report	based	on	such	evaluation;	and

 Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over 
financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal 
quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) 
that has materially affected, or is reasonable likely to materially affect, the 
registrant’s	internal	control	over	financial	reporting;	and

5. 

 The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most 
recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s 
auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons 
performing the equivalent functions):

a. 

b. 

 All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation 
of  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  which  are  reasonable  likely  to 
adversely  affect  the  registrant’s  ability  to  record,  process,  summarize  and 
report	financial	information;	and

 Any  fraud,  whether  or  not  material,  that  involves  management  or  other 
employees  who  have  a  significant  role  in  the  registrant’s  internal  control 
over financial reporting.

Date: March 12, 2010 

 /s/ Laura M. Franklin

Laura M. Franklin
Executive Vice President
 Accounting, Administration and  
Corporate Secretary

Form 10-k Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

97

 
 
 
Exhibit 31c Certification

I, William T. Camp, certify that:

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

 I have reviewed this Amendment No. 1 to the annual report on Form 10-K of 
Washington	Real	Estate	Investment	Trust;

 Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of 
a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements 
made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not 
misleading	with	respect	to	the	period	covered	by	this	report;

 Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information 
included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, 
results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods 
presented	in	this	report;

 The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and 
maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 
13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined 
in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f))for the registrant and have:

a. 

b. 

 Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure 
controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure 
that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated 
subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly 
during	the	period	in	which	this	report	is	being	prepared;

 Designed  such  internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  or  caused  such 
internal  control  over  financial  reporting  to  be  designed  under  our 
supervision,  to  provide  reasonable  assurance  regarding  the  reliability  of 

c. 

d. 

financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external 
purposes	in	accordance	with	generally	accepted	accounting	principles;

 Evaluated  the  effectiveness  of  the  registrant’s  disclosure  controls  and 
procedures  and  presented  in  this  report  our  conclusions  about  the 
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the 
period	covered	by	this	report	based	on	such	evaluation;	and

 Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over 
financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal 
quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) 
that has materially affected, or is reasonable likely to materially affect, the 
registrant’s	internal	control	over	financial	reporting;	and

5. 

 The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most 
recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s 
auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons 
performing the equivalent functions):

a. 

b. 

 All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation 
of  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  which  are  reasonable  likely  to 
adversely  affect  the  registrant’s  ability  to  record,  process,  summarize  and 
report	financial	information;	and

 Any  fraud,  whether  or  not  material,  that  involves  management  or  other 
employees  who  have  a  significant  role  in  the  registrant’s  internal  control 
over financial reporting.

Date: March 12, 2010 

/s/ William T. Camp

William T. Camp
Chief Financial Officer

98

Annual Report 2009

Form 10-k

 
 
Exhibit 32 Written Statement of Chief Executive 
Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

The  undersigned,  the  President  and  Chief  Executive  Officer,  the  Executive  Vice 
President Accounting, Administration and Corporate Secretary, and the Chief Financial 
Officer of Washington Real Estate Investment Trust (“WRIT”), each hereby certifies 
on the date hereof, that:

(a) 

 the Amendment No. 1 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year 
ended December 31, 2009 filed on the date hereof with the Securities and 
Exchange Commission (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements 
of	Section	13	(a)	or	15(d)	of	the	Securities	Exchange	Act	of	1934;	and

(b) 

 the  information  contained  in  the  Report  fairly  presents,  in  all  material 
respects, the financial condition and results of operations of WRIT.

Dated: March 12, 2010 

/s/ George F. McKenzie

George F. McKenzie
President & CEO

Dated: March 12, 2010 

/s/ Laura M. Franklin

Laura M. Franklin
Executive Vice President
 Accounting, Administration and  
Corporate Secretary

Dated: March 12, 2010 

/s/ William T. Camp

William T. Camp
Chief Financial Officer

Form 10-k Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

99

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
WRIT Direct 
WRIT’s dividend reinvestment plan permits 
cash investment of up to the amount specified 
in the plan, plus dividends, and is IRA eligible.

Stock Information 
WRIT is traded on the New York Stock  
Exchange. The symbol listed in the newspaper  
is WRIT. The trading symbol is WRE.

Member 
National Association of  
Real Estate Investment Trusts® 
1875 Eye Street, N.W., Suite 600 
Washington, D.C. 20006-5413

Annual CEO Certification 
WRIT submitted the CEO Certification 
required by the NYSE under Section 303A.  
12(a) without qualifications.

Performance Graph

Set forth below is a graph comparing the cumulative total shareholder 
return (assumes reinvestment of dividends) on WRIT shares with the 
cumulative total return of companies making up the Standard & Poor’s 
500 Stock Index and the MSCI US REIT Index. The MSCI US REIT 
Index is a total-return index representing approximately 85% of the  
US REIT universe.

Comparison of Five Year Cumulative Total Return

$200

$150

$100

$50

$0

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

WRIT

MSCI US REIT Index

S&P 500

Corporate Information

Corporate Headquarters 
Washington Real Estate Investment Trust 
6110 Executive Boulevard, Suite 800 
Rockville, Maryland 20852-3927 
301.984.9400 
800.565.9748 
Fax 301.984.9610 
www.writ.com

Counsel 
Arent Fox LLP 
1050 Connecticut Avenue, N.W. 
Washington, D.C. 20036-5339

Independent Registered  
Public Accounting Firm 
Ernst & Young LLP 
8484 Westpark Drive 
McLean, Virginia 22102

Transfer Agent 
Computershare Trust Company, N.A. 
P.O. Box 43078  
Providence, Rhode Island 02940-3078

Annual Meeting 
WRIT will hold its annual meeting of  
stockholders on May 18, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. at 
the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & 
Conference Center, 5701 Marinelli Road,  
North Bethesda, Maryland.

100 Annual Report 2009 Corporate Information

On January 8, 2010, Writ commenced its 50th year 

by ringing the closing bell at the new York Stock 

exchange. at the ceremony, edmund b. cronin, Jr., 

chairman, and george F. “Skip” Mckenzie, president 

and chief executive Officer, were joined by members 

of management and the board of trustees. Founded in 

1960, Writ is the oldest publicly traded reit formed 

under the landmark real estate investment trust  

act, enabling small and retail investors to more easily 

participate in large-scale, income-producing real  

estate investments. 

Officers

George F. McKenzie 
president and  
Chief Executive Officer

Laura M. Franklin 
Executive vice president  
accounting, administration  
and Corporate Secretary

William T. Camp 
Executive vice president  
and Chief Financial Officer

Thomas C. Morey 
Senior vice president  
and General Counsel

Michael S. Paukstitus 
Senior vice president,  
Real Estate

Thomas L. regnell 
Senior vice president,  
acquisitions

James B. Cederdahl 
managing Director,  
property management

david A. dinardo 
managing Director, 
leasing

Trustees

edmund B. Cronin, Jr. 
Chairman of the  
Board of Trustees,  
Washington Real Estate  
Investment Trust

Chairman, Georgetown  
university hospital

edward S. Civera 
Chairman,  
Catalyst health Solutions, Inc.

John M. derrick, Jr. 
Retired Chairman,  
president and  
Chief Executive Officer,  
pepco holdings, Inc.

Terence C. Golden 
Chairman,  
Bailey Capital Corporation

John P. Mcdaniel 
Retired Chief Executive Officer,  
medStar health

George F. McKenzie 
president and Chief Executive 
Officer, Washington Real Estate 
Investment Trust

Charles T. nason 
Retired Chairman,  
president and  
Chief Executive Officer,  
The acacia Group

Thomas edgie russell, iii 
Retired president and  
Chief Executive Officer, 
partners Realty Trust Inc.

Wendelin A. White 
partner,  
pillsbury Winthrop  
Shaw pittman llp

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©

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Returns

$10,000 invested in WRIT since December 31, 1971, with dividends reinvested,  
would be worth $2,818,765 as of December 31, 2009.

$3,000,000

$2,000,000

$1,000,000

1971  

Annualized Compound 
Total Return
Writ 
nareit equity 
S&p 500 

16.0%
11.6%
9.8%

Price Return
Writ 
naSdaQ 
dJia  

8.9%
8.2% 
6.7%

Source: Bloomberg, www.nareit.com, WRIT

2009 

6110 Executive Boulevard, Suite 800, Rockville, maryland 20852-3927  301.984.9400   800.565.9748   Fax 301.984.9610   www.writ.com