The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this report.

This Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, principally, but not only, under the captions "Business," "Risk Factors," and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." We caution investors that any forward-looking statements in this report, or which management may make orally or in writing from time to time, are based on management's beliefs and on assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management. When used, the words "anticipate,", "believe,", "expect," "intend," "may," "might," "plan," "estimate," "project," "should," "will," "result" and similar expressions which do not relate solely to historical matters are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions and are not guarantees of future performance, which may be affected by known and unknown risks, trends, uncertainties, and factors, that are beyond our control. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, estimated, or projected. We caution you that, while forward-looking statements reflect our good faith beliefs when we make them, they are not guarantees of future performance and are impacted by actual events when they occur after we make such statements. We expressly disclaim any responsibility to update our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Accordingly, investors should use caution in relying on past forward-looking statements, which are based on results and trends at the time they are made, to anticipate future results or trends.

Some of the risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements include, among others, the following:

• general risks affecting the real estate industry (including, without limitation, the inability to enter into or renew leases, dependence on tenants' financial condition, and competition from other developers, owners and operators of real estate);

• risks associated with the availability and terms of financing and the use of debt to fund acquisitions and developments;

• failure to manage effectively our growth and expansion into new markets or to integrate acquisitions successfully;

• risks and uncertainties affecting property development and construction (including, without limitation, construction delays, cost overruns, inability to obtain necessary permits and public opposition to such activities);

• risks associated with downturns in the national and local economies, increases in interest rates, and volatility in the securities markets;

• costs of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other similar laws and regulations;

• potential liability for uninsured losses and environmental contamination;

• risks associated with our dependence on key personnel whose continued service is not guaranteed; and

• the other risk factors identified in this Form 10-K, including those described under the caption "Risk Factors."

The risks included here are not exhaustive. Other sections of this report, including Part I, Item 1A. "Risk Factors," include additional factors that could adversely affect our business and financial performance. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risk factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for management to predict all such risk factors, nor can we assess the impact of

all such risk factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. Investors should also refer to our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for future periods and current reports on Form 8-K as we file them with the SEC, and to other materials we may furnish to the public from time to time through Forms 8-K or otherwise.

Overview

ARL was organized in 1999. In August 2000, ARL acquired American Realty Trust, Inc. ("ART") and National Realty, L.P. ("NRLP"). ART was the successor to a business trust organized in 1961 to provide investors with a professionally managed, diversified portfolio of real estate and mortgage loan investments selected to provide opportunities for capital appreciation as well as current income. The business trust merged into ART in 1987. ART owns a portfolio of real estate and mortgage loan investments. NRLP was organized in 1987, and subsequently acquired all of the assets and assumed all of the liabilities of 35 public and private limited partnerships. NRLP also owned a portfolio of real estate and mortgage loan investments.

ARL subsidiaries own approximately 82.8% of the outstanding shares of common stock of Transcontinental Realty Investors, Inc., a Nevada corporation ("TCI"), which has its common stock listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. ("NYSE"). ARL has consolidated TCI's accounts and operations since March 31, 2003. At December 31, 2007, TCI owned approximately 24.9% of the outstanding common stock of Income Opportunity Realty Investors, Inc., ("IOT"), a public company whose shares are listed and traded on the American Stock Exchange.

Approximately 76% of ARL's common stock is owned by Realty Advisors and its subsidiaries( Prime, Inc, and OneRealco Stock Holdings, Inc.). Other affiliated companies own approximately 12% of ARL's outstanding common shares. ARL is a "C Corporation" for U.S. federal income tax purposes and files an annual consolidated income tax return with TCI. ARL does not qualify as a Real Estate Investment Trust ("REIT") for federal income tax purposes primarily due to ARL's majority ownership of the Company. In addition, TCI owns 276,972 shares of common stock of ARL.

ARL is an externally advised and managed real estate investment company that owns a diverse portfolio of income-producing properties and land held for development. The Company's portfolio of income-producing properties includes residential apartment communities, office buildings, hotels, a trade mart located in Denver, Colorado and other commercial properties. ARL's investment strategy includes acquiring existing income-producing properties as well as developing new properties on land already owned or acquired for a specific development project. ARL acquires land primarily in in-fill locations or high-growth suburban markets. ARL is an active buyer and seller and during 2008 acquired over $119 million and sold over $179 million of land and income-producing properties. As of December 31, 2008, the Company owned approximately 11,437 units in 59 residential apartment communities, one single family residential, 34 commercial properties comprising almost 5.9 million rentable square feet and five hotels containing a total of 808 rooms. In addition, ARL owned 12,578 acres of land held for development and 5 projects under construction. The Company currently owns income-producing properties and land in 20 states as well as in the U.S. Virgin Islands. ARL finances its acquisitions primarily through operating cash flow, proceeds from the sale of land and income-producing properties and debt financing primarily in the form of property-specific first-lien mortgage loans from commercial banks and institutional lenders. ARL finances it development projects principally with short-term, variable interest rate construction loans that are converted to long-term, fixed rate amortizing mortgages when the development project is completed and occupancy has been stabilized. The Company will, from time to time, also enter into partnerships with various investors to acquire income-producing properties or land and to sell interests in certain of its wholly owned properties. When the Company sells assets, it may carry a portion of the sales price generally in the form of a short-term, interest bearing seller-financed note receivable. The Company generates operating revenues primarily by leasing apartment units to residents; leasing office, retail and industrial space to

commercial tenants; and renting hotel rooms to guests. ARL is advised by Prime under a contractual arrangement that is reviewed annually by ARL's Board of Directors. ARL's commercial properties are managed by Regis Commercial while the Company's hotels are managed by Regis Hotel. ARL currently contracts with five third-party companies to manage the Company's apartment communities.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or GAAP, requires management to use judgment in the application of accounting policies, including making estimates and assumptions. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. These judgments affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. If our judgment or interpretation of the facts and circumstances relating to various transactions had been different, it is possible that different accounting policies would have been applied resulting in a different presentation of our financial statements. From time to time, we evaluate our estimates and assumptions. In the event estimates or assumptions prove to be different from actual results, adjustments are made in subsequent periods to reflect more current information. Below is a discussion of accounting policies that we consider critical in that they may require complex judgment in their application or require estimates about matters that are inherently uncertain.

Real Estate

Upon acquisitions of real estate, ARL assesses the fair value of acquired tangible and intangible assets, including land, buildings, tenant improvements, "above" and "below-market" leases, origination costs, acquired in-place leases, other identified intangible assets and assumed liabilities in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 141, "Business Combinations" and allocates the purchase price to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities, including land at appraised value and buildings at replacement cost.

We assess and consider fair value based on estimated cash flow projections that utilize appropriate discount and/or capitalization rates, as well as available market information. Estimates of future cash flows are based on a number of factors including the historical operating results, known and anticipated trends, and market and economic conditions. The fair value of the tangible assets of an acquired property considers the value of the property as if it were vacant. We also consider an allocation of purchase price of other acquired intangibles, including acquired in-place leases that may have a customer relationship intangible value, including (but not limited to) the nature and extent of the existing relationship with the tenants, the tenants' credit quality and expectations of lease renewals. Based on our acquisitions to date, our allocation to customer relationship intangible assets has been immaterial.

We record acquired "above" and "below market" leases at their fair values (using a discount rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) equal to the difference between (1) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to each in-place lease and (2) management's estimate of fair market lease rates for each corresponding in-place lease, measured over a period equal to the remaining term of the lease for above-market leases and the initial term plus the term of any below-market fixed rate renewal options for below-market leases.

Other intangible assets acquired include amounts for in-place lease values that are based on our evaluation of the specific characteristics of each tenant's lease. Factors to be considered include estimates of carrying costs during hypothetical expected lease-up periods considering current market conditions, and costs to execute similar leases. In estimating carrying costs, we include real estate taxes, insurance and other operating expenses and estimates of lost rentals at market rates during the expected lease-up periods, depending on local market conditions. In estimating costs to execute similar leases, we consider leasing commissions, legal and other related expenses.

Real estate is stated at depreciated cost. The cost of buildings and improvements includes the purchase price of property, legal fees and other acquisition costs. Costs directly related to the development of properties are capitalized. Capitalized development costs include interest, property taxes, insurance, and other project costs incurred during the period of development.

Management reviews its long-lived assets used in operations for impairment when there is an event or change in circumstances that indicates impairment in value. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of its assets is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value. If such impairment is present, an impairment loss is recognized based on the excess of the carrying amount of the asset over its fair value. The evaluation of anticipated cash flows is highly subjective and is based in part on assumptions regarding future occupancy, rental rates and capital requirements that could differ materially from actual results in future periods.

SFAS No. 144 requires that qualifying assets and liabilities and the results of operations that have been sold, or otherwise qualify as "held for sale", be presented as discontinued operations in all periods presented if the property operations are expected to be eliminated and the Company will not have significant continuing involvement following the sale. The components of the property's net income that is reflected as discontinued operations include the net gain (or loss) upon the disposition of the property held for sale, operating results, depreciation and interest expense (if the property is subject to a secured loan). We generally consider assets to be "held for sale" when the transaction has been approved by our Board of Directors, or a committee thereof, and there are no known significant contingencies relating to the sale, such that the property sale within one year is considered probable. Following the classification of a property as "held for sale", no further depreciation is recorded on the assets.

A variety of costs are incurred in the acquisition, development and leasing of properties. After determination is made to capitalize a cost, it is allocated to the specific component of a project that is benefited. Determination of when a development project is substantially complete and capitalization must cease involves a degree of judgment. Our capitalization policy on development properties is guided by SFAS No. 34 "Capitalization of Interest Cost" and SFAS No. 67 "Accounting for Costs and the Initial Rental Operations of Real Estate Properties". The costs of land and buildings under development include specifically identifiable costs. The capitalized costs include pre-construction costs essential to the development of the property, development costs, construction costs, interest costs, real estate taxes, salaries and related costs and other costs incurred during the period of development. We consider a construction project as substantially completed and held available for occupancy upon the receipt of certificates of occupancy, but no later than one year from cessation of major construction activity. We cease capitalization on the portion
(1) substantially completed and (2) occupied or held available for occupancy, and we capitalize only those costs associated with the portion under construction.

Investment in Unconsolidated Real Estate Ventures

Except for ownership interests in variable interest entities, ARL accounts for our investments in unconsolidated real estate ventures under the equity method of accounting because the Company exercises significant influence over, but does not control, these entities. These investments are recorded initially at cost, as investments in unconsolidated real estate ventures, and subsequently adjusted for equity in earnings and cash contributions and distributions. Any difference between the carrying amount of these investments on the Company's balance sheet and the underlying equity in net assets is amortized as an adjustment to equity in earnings of unconsolidated real estate ventures over the life of the related asset. Under the equity method of accounting, ARL's net equity is reflected within the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and our share of net income or loss from the joint ventures is included within the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The joint venture agreements may designate different percentage allocations among investors for profits and losses; however, ARL's recognition of joint venture income or loss generally follows the joint venture's distribution priorities, which may change upon the achievement of certain investment return thresholds. For ownership interests in variable interest entities, the Company consolidates those in which we are the primary beneficiary.

Recognition of Rental Income

Rental income for commercial property leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the respective lease terms. In accordance with SFAS No. 141, we recognize rental revenue of acquired in-place "above" and "below market" leases at their fair values over the terms of the respective leases. On our Consolidated Balance Sheets, we include as a receivable the excess of rental income recognized over rental payments actually received pursuant to the terms of the individual commercial lease agreements.

Reimbursements of operating costs, as allowed under most of our commercial tenant leases, consist of amounts due from tenants for common area maintenance, real estate taxes and other recoverable costs, and are recognized as revenue in the period in which the recoverable expenses are incurred. We record these reimbursements on a "gross" basis, since we generally are the primary obligor with respect to purchasing goods and services from third-party suppliers, have discretion in selecting the supplier and have the credit risk with respect to paying the supplier.

Rental income for residential property leases is recorded when due from residents and is recognized monthly as earned, which is not materially different than on a straight-line basis as lease terms are generally for periods of one year or less.

For hotel properties, revenues for room sales and guest services are recognized as rooms are occupied and services are rendered.

An allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded for all past due rents and operating expense reimbursements considered to be uncollectible.

Revenue Recognition on the Sale of Real Estate

Sales of real estate are recognized when and to the extent permitted by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 66, "Accounting for Sales of Real Estate" ("SFAS No. 66"), as amended by SFAS No. 144. Until the requirements of SFAS No. 66 for full profit recognition have been met, transactions are accounted for using the deposit, installment, cost recovery or financing method, whichever is appropriate. When ARL provides seller financing, gain is not recognized at the time of sale unless the buyer's initial investment and continuing investment are deemed to be adequate as determined by SFAS No. 66 guidelines.

Non-performing Notes Receivable

ARL considers a note receivable to be non-performing when the maturity date has passed without principal repayment and the borrower is not making interest payments. Any new note receivable that results from a modification or extension of a note considered non-performing will also be considered non-performing, without regard to the borrower's adherence to payment terms.

Interest Recognition on Notes Receivable

Interest income is not recognized on notes receivable that have been delinquent for 60 days or more. In addition, accrued but unpaid interest income is only recognized to the extent that the net realizable value of the underlying collateral exceeds the carrying value of the receivable.

Allowance for Estimated Losses

A valuation allowance is provided for estimated losses on notes receivable considered to be impaired. Impairment is considered to exist when it is probable that all amounts due under the terms of the note will not be collected. Valuation allowances are provided for estimated losses on notes receivable to the extent that the investment in the note exceeds management's estimate of fair value of the collateral securing such note.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The following assumptions were used in estimating the fair value of our notes receivable, marketable equity securities and notes payable. For performing notes receivable, the fair value was estimated by discounting future cash flows using current interest rates for similar loans. For non-performing notes receivable, the estimated fair value of our interest in the collateral property was used. For marketable equity securities, fair value was based on the year-end closing market price of each security. For notes payable, the fair value was estimated using current rates for mortgages with similar terms and maturities.

Results of Operations

The discussion of our results of operations is based on management's review of operations, which is based on our segments. Our segments consist of apartments, commercial buildings, hotels, land and other. For discussion purposes, we break these segments down into the following sub-categories; same property portfolio, acquired properties, and developed properties in the lease-up phase. The same property portfolio consists of properties that were held by us for the entire period for both years being compared. The acquired property portfolio consists of properties that we acquired but have not held for the entire period for both periods being compared. Developed properties in the lease-up phase consist of completed projects that are being leased-up. As we complete each phase of the project, we lease up that phase and include those revenues in our continued operations. Once a developed property becomes leased up (80% or more) and is held the entire period for both years; under comparison it is considered to be included in the same property portfolio. Income producing properties that we have sold during the year are reclassified to discontinuing operations for all periods presented.

The following discussion is based on our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006 as included in Part II, Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this report. The prior year's property portfolios have been adjusted for subsequent sales. Continue operations relates to income producing properties that were held during those years as adjusted for sales in the subsequent years.

At December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, we owned or had interests in a portfolio (the Total Property Portfolio) of 99, 110, and 130 income producing properties, respectively. For discussion purposes, we broke this out between continued operations and discontinued operations. The total property portfolio represents all income producing properties held as of December 31 for the year end presented. Sales subsequent to year end represent properties that were held as of year end for the years presented, but sold in the next year. Continuing operations represents all properties that have not been reclassed to discontinued operations as of December 31, 2008 for the year presented. The table below shows the number of income producing properties held by year.

                                                 2008   2007   2006
                  Continued operations             98     82     90
                  Sales subsequent to year end      1     28     40

                  Total property portfolio         99    110    130

Comparison of the year ended December 31, 2008 to the same period ended December 31, 2007;

Our net income applicable to common shares decreased $3.9 million as compared to the prior year. The current year net income applicable to common shares was $20.1 million, which includes gain on land sales of $5.6 million and net income from discontinued operations, net of minority interest of $67.2 million, as compared to prior year net income applicable to common shares of $24.1 million, which includes gain on land sales of $20.4 million and net income from discontinued operations, net of minority interest of $30.6 million.

Revenues

Rental revenues increased by $12.5 million which by segment is an increase in apartment revenues of $12.9 million and land of $2.3 million, offset by a decrease in our hotels of $1.6 million and a decrease in our land and other segment of $1.1 million. Within our apartment portfolio, the majority of the increase came from our developed properties in the lease up phase which increased $11.5 million. Our acquisition of Bridgewood apartments accounted for $0.7 million of the increase with the remaining increase coming from our same property portfolio. We have increased occupancies within our apartment portfolio and there is an overall increased demand for new apartments. Our land portfolio revenues increased as a result of the temporary increase in oil and gas prices. We receive royalty revenues from some of our land holdings. Revenues from our same hotel portfolio are down due to decreased stays, which we attribute to the current state of the economy.

Expenses

Property operating expenses increased by $10.8 million, which by segment is an increase in our apartments of $9.3 million, an increase in our commercial properties of $1.3 million, an increase in our land and other segments of $0.7 million, offset by a decrease in our hotels of $0.5 million. Within the apartment portfolio, the same apartment properties increase of $2.4 million is due to an increase in overall costs and additional repairs and maintenance. The developed apartments increased expenses by $6.5 million, and the current year acquisition increased expenses by $0.4 million. The increase within the commercial portfolio was due to an increase from acquired properties of $3.1 million, offset by a decrease in our same property portfolio of $1.8. The increase within our land and other portfolios is due to the continued increase . . .