UNITED STATES


SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION


Washington, D.C.  20549





FORM 10-Q





(Mark One)




[X]
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934





For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2010





OR





[   ]
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934





For the transition period from ___________ to _____________





Commission File Number: 000-19992





REDWOOD MORTGAGE INVESTORS VII,


a California Limited Partnership


(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)








California
94-3094928(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)








900 Veterans Blvd., Suite 500, Redwood City, CA
94063(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)








(650) 365-5341


(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)








Not Applicable


(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)








1


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 for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. [X] YES    [   ]  NO





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





Large accelerated filer [   ]
Accelerated filer [   ]Non-accelerated filer    [   ]

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company [X]





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


[   ] YES    [X] NO














2


Part I –FINANCIAL INFORMATION





Item 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS





REDWOOD MORTGAGE INVESTORS VII


(A California Limited Partnership)


Balance Sheets


SEPTEMBER 30, 2010 (unaudited) AND DECEMBER 31, 2009 (audited)





ASSETS





September 30,


December 31,2010


2009Cash and cash equivalents

$
423,482


$
255,097LoansSecured by deeds of trustPrincipal balances


3,828,068



5,234,540Advances


22,433



85,887Accrued interest


68,645



122,298Unsecured, net of discount of $62,359 and $71,649 for September30, 2010and December 31, 2009, respectively


193,469



225,919Allowance for loan losses


(428,000
)


(419,322
)Net loans


3,684,615



5,249,322Receivable from affiliate


106,645



—Investment in limited liability company


1,226,050



1,226,050Real estate held for sale


2,017,600



126,000Real estate held as investment


1,542,465



1,542,465Total assets

$
9,000,857


$
8,398,934





LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL





LiabilitiesAccounts payable

$
26,463


$
19,217Mortgage payable


1,022,180



—Payable to affiliate


—



85,851Total liabilities


1,048,643



105,068CapitalPartners’ capitalLimited partners’ capital, subject to redemption


7,943,633



8,285,264General partners’ capital


8,581



8,602Total partners’ capital


7,952,214



8,293,866Total liabilities and capital

$
9,000,857


$
8,398,934








The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


3


REDWOOD MORTGAGE INVESTORS VII


(A California Limited Partnership)


Statements of Operations


For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 and 2009


(unaudited)








THREE MONTHS ENDED


NINE MONTHS ENDEDSEPTEMBER 30,


SEPTEMBER 30,2010


2009


2010


2009RevenuesLoansInterest

$
90,621


$
121,654


$
312,553


$
399,707Late fees


72



459



4,884



1,443Total loan revenue


90,693



122,113



317,437



401,150Other interest


41



1,165



472



3,010Gain on sale of REO


10,541



—



10,541



—Other


3,193



2,072



10,637



4,054Total revenues


104,468



125,350



339,087



408,214Interest expense


18,916



—



48,445



6,000Provision for loan losses


2,531



—



11,576



32,479Operating ExpensesMortgage servicing fees


9,091



13,595



31,260



42,112Asset management fees


2,524



2,845



7,677



8,586Costs from Redwood Mortgage Corp.


5,201



3,025



9,326



9,130Professional services


14,698



29,190



97,824



64,633Rental operations, net


(21,538
)


—



(54,094
)


—Impairment (gain)/loss on REO


(9,852
)


—



(9,852
)


—Loss on forfeiture of REO


—



124,756



—



124,756Real estate owned holding costs


24,033



4,670



50,200



17,327Other


8,950



916



13,896



6,053Total operating expenses


33,107



178,997



146,237



272,597Net income

$
49,914


$
(53,647
)

$
132,829


$
97,138Net incomeGeneral partners (  1%)

$
499


$
(792
)

$
1,328


$
971Limited partners (99%)


49,415



(52,855
)


131,501



96,167$
49,914


$
(53,647
)

$
132,829


$
97,138Net income per $1,000 invested bylimited partners for entire periodWhere income is reinvested

$
6


$
(6
)

$
16


$
10Where partner receives income in monthlydistributions

$
6


$
(5
)

$
16


$
11








The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


4


REDWOOD MORTGAGE INVESTORS VII


(A California Limited Partnership)


Statements of Changes in Partners’ Capital


For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010


(unaudited)











Limited


GeneralPartners


Partners


TotalBalance at beginning of period

$
8,285,264


$
8,602


$
8,293,866Net income


131,501



1,328



132,829Early withdrawal penalties


(8,968
)


—



(8,968
)Partners' withdrawals


(464,164
)


(1,349
)


(465,513
)Balance at end of period

$
7,943,633


$
8,581


$
7,952,214











The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


5


REDWOOD MORTGAGE INVESTORS VII


(A California Limited Partnership)


Statements of Cash Flows


For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 and 2009


(unaudited)





2010


2009Cash flows from operating activitiesNet income

$
132,829


$
97,138Adjustments to reconcile net income tonet cash provided by (used in) operating activitiesProvision for loan losses


11,576



32,479Realized (gain)/loss on sale of real estate


(10,541
)


—Early withdrawal penalty credited to income


(8,968
)


(2,511
)Amortization of discount unsecured loans


(9,290
)


(9,290
)Impairment loss/(gain) on real estate


(9,852
)


124,756Change in operating assets and liabilitiesLoans unsecured


41,740



43,008Accrued interest


(8,940
)


(69,419
)Advances


(25,847
)


(44,015
)Receivable from affiliate


(106,645
)


5,838Accounts payable


(24,492
)


5,099Payable to affiliate


(85,851
)


23,848Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities


(104,281
)


206,931Cash flows from investing activitiesPrincipal collected on loans


694,972



746,400Payments for development of real estate


(370
)


(6,104
)Proceeds from disposition of real estate


54,647



—Payments on investment in limited liability company


—



(125,922
)Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities


749,249



614,374Cash flows from financing activitiesPayments on mortgage payable


(11,070
)


—Partners’ withdrawals


(465,513
)


(405,868
)Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities


(476,583
)


(405,868
)Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents


165,385



415,437Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year


255,097



183,779Cash and cash equivalents - end of period

$
423,482


$
599,216Supplemental disclosures of cash flow informationNon-cash investing activitiesLoans foreclosed including related interest and advances

$
860,543


$
212,603Payables, including mortgages taken subject to collateralforeclosure


1,064,988



—Real estate acquired through foreclosure on loans receivable

$
1,925,531


$
212,603Cash paid for interest

$
48,445


$
6,000





The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.





6


REDWOOD MORTGAGE INVESTORS VII


(A California Limited Partnership)


Notes to Financial Statements


September 30, 2010 (unaudited)








NOTE 1 – GENERAL





In the opinion of the management of the partnership, the accompanying unaudited financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of normal, recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the financial information included therein. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements included in the partnership’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The results of operations for the nine month period ended September 30, 2010 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results to be expected for the full year.





Redwood Mortgage Investors VII is a California Limited Partnership organized in 1989. The general partners are Michael R. Burwell, an individual, and Gymno Corporation, a California corporation that is owned and controlled by Michael R. Burwell through his individual stock ownership and as trustee of certain family trusts. The partnership was organized to engage in business as a mortgage lender for the primary purpose of making loans secured by deeds of trust on California real estate. Loans are being arranged and serviced by Redwood Mortgage Corp. (RMC), an affiliate of the general partners.





The rights, duties and powers of the general and limited partners of the partnership are governed by the limited partnership agreement and Sections 15611 et seq. of the California Corporations Code. Income taxes – federal and state – are the obligation of the partners, if and when taxes apply, other than for the annual California franchise taxes levied on and paid by the partnership.








NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES





Management estimates





The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions about the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities, at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported periods. Such estimates relate principally to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, including the valuation of impaired loans (which itself requires determining the fair value of the collateral), and the valuation of real estate held for sale and held as investment, at acquisition and subsequently. Actual results could differ significantly from these estimates.





Collateral fair values are reviewed quarterly and the protective equity for each loan is computed. As used herein, “protective equity” is the arithmetic difference between the fair value of the collateral, net of any senior liens, and the loan balance, where “loan balance” is the sum of the unpaid principal, advances and the recorded interest thereon. This computation is done for each loan (whether impaired or performing), and while loans secured by collateral of similar property type are grouped, there is enough distinction and variation in the collateral that a loan-by-loan, collateral-by-collateral analysis is appropriate.





The fair value of the collateral is determined by exercise of judgment based on management’s experience informed by appraisals (by licensed appraisers), brokers’ opinion of values, and publicly available information on in-market transactions. Historically, it has been rare for determinations of fair value to be made without substantial reference to current market transactions. However, in recent years, due to the low levels of real estate transactions, and the rising number of transactions that are distressed (i.e., that are executed by an unwilling seller – often compelled by lenders or other claimants - and/or executed without broad exposure or with market exposure but with few, if any, resulting offers), more interpretation, judgment and interpolation/extrapolation within and across property types is required.





7


REDWOOD MORTGAGE INVESTORS VII


(A California Limited Partnership)


Notes to Financial Statements


September 30, 2010 (unaudited)







NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)





Management estimates (continued)





Appraisals of commercial real property generally present three approaches to estimating value: 1) market comparables or sales approach; 2) cost to replace and 3) capitalized cash flows or investment approach. These approaches may or may not result in a common, single value. The market-comparables approach may yield several different values depending on certain basic assumptions, such as, determining highest and best use (which may or may not be the current use); determining the condition (e.g. as-is, when-completed, or for land when-entitled); and determining the unit of value (e.g. as a series of  individual unit sales or as a bulk disposition). Further complicating this process already subject to judgment, uncertainty and imprecision are the current low transaction volumes in the residential, commercial and land markets, and the variability that has resulted. This exacerbates the imprecision in the process, and requires additional considerations and inquiries as to whether the transaction was entered into by a willing seller in a functioning market or the transaction was completed in a distressed market, in which the predominant number of sellers are surrendering properties to lenders in partial settlement of debt (as is currently prevalent in the residential markets and is occurring more frequently in commercial markets) and/or participating in “arranged sales” to achieve partial settlement of debts and claims and to generate a tax advantage. Either way, the present market is at historically low transaction volumes with neither potential buyers nor sellers willing to transact. In certain asset classes the time elapsed between transactions – other than foreclosures – was 12 or more months.





The uncertainty in the process is exacerbated by the tendency in a distressed market for lesser-quality properties to transact while upper echelon properties remain off the market - or come on and off the market – because these owners often believe in the intrinsic value of their properties (and the recoverability of that value) and are unwilling to accept non-economic offers from opportunistic – often all cash – acquirers taking advantage of distressed markets. This accounts for the ever lower transaction volumes for higher quality properties which exacerbate the perception of a broadly declining market in which each succeeding transaction establishes a new low.





Management has the requisite familiarity with the markets in which the partnership lends generally and of the properties securing its loans specifically to analyze sales-comparables and assess their suitability/applicability. Management is acquainted with market participants – investors, developers, brokers, lenders – that are useful, relevant secondary sources of data and information regarding valuation and valuation variability. These secondary sources may have familiarity with and perspectives on pending transactions, successful strategies to optimize value, and the history and details of specific properties – on and off the market - that enhance the process and analysis that is particularly and principally germane to establishing value in distressed markets and/or property types (such as land held for development and for units in a condominium conversion). Multiple inputs from different sources often collectively provide the best evidence of fair value. In these cases expected cash flows would be considered alongside other relevant information.





Loans, advances and interest income





Loans and advances generally are stated at the unpaid principal balance. Management has discretion to pay amounts (advances) to third parties on behalf of borrowers to protect the partnership’s interest in the loan. Advances include, but are not limited to, the payment of interest and principal on a senior lien to prevent foreclosure by the senior lien holder, property taxes, insurance premiums, and attorney fees. Advances generally are stated at the unpaid balance and accrue interest until repaid by the borrower.





The partnership may on occasion fund a specific loan origination net of an interest reserve to insure timely interest payments at the inception (one to two years) of the loan. As monthly interest payments become due, the partnership funds the payments into the affiliated trust account.





8


REDWOOD MORTGAGE INVESTORS VII


(A California Limited Partnership)


Notes to Financial Statements


September 30, 2010 (unaudited)







NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)





Loans, advances and interest income(continued)





If, based upon current information and events, it is probable the partnership will be unable to collect all amounts due, according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement, a loan may be designated as impaired.Impaired loans are included in management’s periodic analysis of recoverability. Any subsequent payments on impaired loans are applied to late fees and then to reduce first the accrued interest, then advances, and then unpaid principal balances.





The partnership may negotiate and enter into contractual workout agreements with borrowers whose loans are past maturity or who are delinquent in making payments which can delay and/or alter the loan’s cash flow and delinquency status.





Interest is accrued daily based on the unpaid principal balance of the loans. An impaired loan continues to accrue as long as the loan is in the process of collection and is considered to be well-secured. Loans are placed on non-accrual status at the earlier of management’s determination that the primary source of repayment will come from the foreclosure and subsequent sale of the collateral securing the loan (which usually occurs when a notice of sale is filed) or when the loan is no longer considered well-secured. When a loan is placed on non-accrual status, the accrual of interest is discontinued; however, previously recorded interest is not reversed. A loan may return to accrual status when all delinquent interest and principal payments become current in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement.





Allowance for loan losses





Loans and the related accrued interest and advances are analyzed on a periodic basis for ultimate recoverability. Delinquencies are identified and followed as part of the loan system. Delinquencies are determined based upon contractual terms. For impaired loans, a provision is made for loan losses to adjust the allowance for loan losses to an amount considered by management to be adequate, with due consideration to collateral values, such that the net carrying amount (unpaid principal balance, plus advances, plus accrued interest less the specific allowance) is reduced to the present value of future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, or, if a loan is collateral dependent, to the estimated fair value of the related collateral net of any senior loans, which would include costs to sell in arriving at net realizable value if planned disposition of the asset securing a loan is by way of sale.





Loans that are determined not to be individually impaired are grouped by the property type of the underlying collateral, and for each loan and for the total by property type, the amount of protective equity or amount of exposure to loss (i.e., the dollar amount of the deficiency of the fair value of the underlying collateral to the loan balance) is computed. Based on its knowledge of the borrowers and their historical (and expected) performance, and the exposure to loss as indicated in the analysis, management estimates an appropriate reserve by property type for probable credit losses in the portfolio.  Because the partnership is an asset-based lender and because specific regions, neighborhoods and even properties within the same neighborhoods, vary significantly as to real estate values and transaction activity, general market trends, which may be indicative of a change in the risk of a loss, are secondary to the condition of the property, the property type and the neighborhood/region in which the property is located, and do not enter substantially into the determination of the amount of the non-specific (i.e. general) reserves.





The fair value estimates are derived from information available in the real estate markets including similar property, and may require the experience and judgment of third parties such as commercial real estate appraisers and brokers. The partnership charges off uncollectible loans and related receivables directly to the allowance account once it is determined the full amount is not collectible.





9


REDWOOD MORTGAGE INVESTORS VII


(A California Limited Partnership)


Notes to Financial Statements


September 30, 2010 (unaudited)







NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)





Real estate held for sale





Real estate held for sale includes real estate acquired in full or partial settlement of loan obligations generally through foreclosure that is being marketed for sale.  Real estate held for sale is recorded at acquisition at the lower of the recorded investment in the loan, plus any senior indebtedness, or at the property’s net realizable value, which is the fair value less estimated costs to sell, as applicable. Any excess of the recorded investment in the loan over the net realizable value is charged against the allowance for loan losses. The fair value estimates are derived from information available in the real estate markets including similar property, and often require the experience and judgment of third parties such as commercial real estate appraisers and brokers. The estimates figure materially in calculating the value of the property at acquisition, the level of charge to the allowance for loan losses and any subsequent valuation reserves. After acquisition, costs incurred relating to the development and improvement of property are capitalized to the extent they do not cause the recorded value to exceed the net realizable value, whereas costs relating to holding and disposition of the property are expensed as incurred. After acquisition, real estate held for sale is analyzed periodically for changes in fair values and any subsequent write down is charged to operating expenses. Any recovery in the fair value subsequent to such a write down is recorded – not to exceed the net realizable value at acquisition - as an offset to operating expenses. Gains or losses on sale of the property are recorded in other income or expense. Recognition of gains on the sale of real estate is dependent upon the transaction meeting certain criteria related to the nature of the property and the terms of the sale including potential seller financing.





Real estate held as investment





Real estate held as investment includes real estate acquired through foreclosure that is not being marketed for sale and is either being operated, such as rental properties; is being managed through the development process, including obtaining appropriate and necessary entitlements, permits and construction; or are idle properties awaiting more favorable market conditions. Real estate held as investment is recorded at acquisition at the lower of the recorded investment in the loan, plus any senior indebtedness, or at the property’s estimated fair value, less estimated costs to sell, as applicable. After acquisition, costs incurred relating to the development and improvement of the property are capitalized, whereas costs relating to operating or holding the property are expensed. Subsequent to acquisition, management periodically compares the carrying value of real estate to expected undiscounted future cash flows for the purpose of assessing the recoverability of the recorded amounts.  If the carrying value exceeds future undiscounted cash flows, the assets are reduced to estimated fair value.





Investment in limited liability company





An investment in a limited liability company is accounted for using the equity method.





10


REDWOOD MORTGAGE INVESTORS VII


(A California Limited Partnership)


Notes to Financial Statements


September 30, 2010 (unaudited)









NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)





Recently issued accounting pronouncements





In July 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-20, “Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses.” This ASU requires significant new disclosures about the allowance for credit losses and the credit quality of financing receivables. The requirements are intended to enhance transparency regarding credit losses and the credit quality of loan and lease receivables by disclosing an evaluation of (i) the nature of credit risk inherent in the entity’s portfolio of financing receivables, (ii) how that risk is analyzed and assessed in arriving at the allowance for credit losses and (iii) the changes and reasons for those changes in the allowance for credit losses. Under this statement, allowance for credit losses and fair value are to be disclosed by portfolio segment, while credit quality information, impaired financing receivables and nonaccrual status are to be presented by class of financing receivable. Disclosure of the nature and extent, the financial impact and segment information of troubled debt restructurings will also be required. The disclosures are to be presented at the level of disaggregation that management uses when assessing and monitoring the portfolio’s risk and performance. ASU 2010-20 will be effective for the partnership’s financial statements as of December 31, 2010, as it relates to disclosures required as of the end of a reporting period. Disclosures that relate to activity during a reporting period will be required for the partnership’s financial statements that include periods beginning on or after January 1, 2011.








NOTE 3 – GENERAL PARTNERS AND RELATED PARTIES





The following are commissions and/or fees that are paid to the general partners or their affiliates:





- Loan brokerage commissions -For fees in connection with the review, selection, evaluation, negotiation and extension of loans, the general partners may collect loan brokerage commissions (points) limited to an amount not to exceed 4% of the total partnership assets per year. The loan brokerage commissions are paid by the borrowers and thus, are not an expense of the partnership.  Loan brokerage commissions paid by the borrowers in the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, were $0 for all periods.





- Mortgage servicing fees -RMC, a related party, receives monthly mortgage servicing fees of up to 1/8 of 1% (1.5% annually) of the unpaid principal balance of the loan portfolio or such lesser amount as is reasonable and customary in the geographic area where the property securing the mortgage is located. Historically, RMC has charged 1.0% annually, and at times waived additional amounts to enhance the partnership’s earnings. Such fee waivers were not made for the purpose of providing the partnership with sufficient funds to satisfy withdrawal requests, nor were such waivers made in order to meet any required level of distributions, as the partnership has no such required level of distributions. RMC does not use any specific criteria in determining the exact amount of fees to be waived. The decision to waive fees and the amount, if any, to be waived, is made by RMC in its sole discretion.





Mortgage servicing fees are summarized in the following table for the three and nine months ended September 30.





Three months ended September 30,


Nine months ended September 30,2010


2009


2010


2009Maximum chargeable by RMC

$
13,637


$
20,393


$
46,891


$
63,170Waived by RMC


(4,546
)


(6,798
)


(15,631
)


(21,058
)Net charged

$
9,091


$
13,595


$
31,260


$
42,112





11


REDWOOD MORTGAGE INVESTORS VII


(A California Limited Partnership)


Notes to Financial Statements


September 30, 2010 (unaudited)







NOTE 3 – GENERAL PARTNERS AND RELATED PARTIES (continued)





- Asset management fees -The general partners receive monthly fees for managing the partnership’s loan portfolio and operations of up to 1/32 of 1% of the “net asset value” (3/8 of 1% annually).  At times, the general partners have charged less than the maximum allowable rate to enhance the partnership’s earnings.  Such fee waivers were not made for the purpose of providing the partnership with sufficient funds to satisfy withdrawal requests, nor were such waivers made in order to meet any required level of distributions, as the partnership has no such required level of distributions. The general partners do not use any specific criteria in determining the exact amount of fees to be waived. The decision to waive fees and the amount, if any, to be waived, is made by RMC in its sole discretion.





Asset management fees are summarized in the following table for the three and nine months ended September 30.





Three months ended September 30,


Nine months ended September 30,2010


2009


2010


2009Maximum chargeable by general partners

$
7,572


$
8,536


$
23,031


$
25,759Waived by general partners


(5,048
)


(5,691
)


(15,354
)


(17,173
)Net charged

$
2,524


$
2,845


$
7,677


$
8,586





- Costs from RMC -RMC, a related party, is reimbursed by the partnership for operating expenses incurred on behalf of the partnership including, without limitation, accounting and audit fees, legal fees and expenses, postage, and the costs for preparation of reports to limited partners, and out-of-pocket general and administration expenses. Operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, were $5,201 and $3,025, respectively, and for the nine months then ended were $9,326 and $9,130, respectively.








NOTE 4 – LOANS





The partnership generally funds loans with a fixed interest rate and a five-year term. Approximately half of all loans outstanding provide for monthly payments of interest only, with the principal due in full at maturity.  The other loans require monthly payments of principal and interest, typically calculated on a 30 year amortization, with the remaining principal balance due at maturity.





The cash flow and the income generated by the real property securing the loan factor into the credit decisions, as does the general creditworthiness, experience and reputation of the borrower. Such considerations though are subordinate to a determination that the value of the real property is sufficient, in and of itself, as a source of repayment. The amount of the partnership’s loan combined with the outstanding debt and claims secured by a senior deed of trust on the property generally will not exceed a specified percentage of the appraised value of the property (the loan to value ratio or LTV) as determined by an independent written appraisal at the time the loan is made.  The loan-to-value ratio generally will not exceed 80% for residential properties (including apartments), 70% for commercial properties, and 50% for land. The excess of the total debt, including the partnership’s loan, and the value of the collateral is the protective equity.





12


REDWOOD MORTGAGE INVESTORS VII


(A California Limited Partnership)


Notes to Financial Statements


September 30, 2010 (unaudited)







NOTE 4 – LOANS (continued)





Secured loan transactions are summarized in the following table for the nine months ended September 30.





2010


2009Unpaid principal balance, beginning of the year

$
5,234,540


$
6,425,871New loans


—



—Borrower repayments


(694,972
)


(746,400
)Foreclosures


(711,500
)


(189,443
)Other


—



—Unpaid principal balance, end of period

$
3,828,068


$
5,490,028





Secured loans had the characteristics presented in the following table.





September 30,


December 31,2010


2009Number of secured loans


18



25Secured loans – unpaid principal balance (or Principal)

$
3,828,068


$
5,234,540Average secured loan

$
212,670


$
209,382Average secured loan as percent of total secured loans


5.56
%


4.00
%Average secured loan as percent of partners’ capital


2.67
%


2.52
%Largest secured loan

$
400,000


$
500,000Largest secured loan as percent of total secured loans


10.45
%


9.55
%Largest secured loan as percent of partners’ capital


5.03
%


6.03
%Largest secured loan as percent of total assets


4.44
%


5.95
%Smallest secured loan

$
87,824


$
39,057Smallest secured loan as percent of total secured loans


2.29
%


0.75
%Smallest secured loan as percent of partners’ capital


1.10
%


0.47
%Smallest secured loan as percent of total assets


0.98
%


0.47
%Number of counties where security is located (all California)


14



16Largest percentage of secured loans in one county


19.97
%


18.13
%Number of secured loans in foreclosure status


1



4Secured loans in foreclosure – unpaid principal balance

$
380,219


$
1,091,719Number of secured loans with an interest reserve


—



—Interest reserves

$
—


$
—Secured loans – interest rates range (fixed)


5.13 – 12.50
%


5.13-10.50
%





As of September 30, 2010, the partnership’s largest loan, in the unpaid principal balance of $400,000 was secured by a mixed use commercial property located in Alameda County, California. This loan has an interest rate of 9.88% and was scheduled to mature in August 2010 but has been extended to November 2015. Larger loans sometimes increase above 10% of the secured loan portfolio or partnership assets as these amounts decrease due to limited partner withdrawals, loan payoffs or restructuring of existing loans.





13


REDWOOD MORTGAGE INVESTORS VII


(A California Limited Partnership)


Notes to Financial Statements


September 30, 2010 (unaudited)









NOTE 4 – LOANS (continued)





- Lien positions - Secured loans had the lien positions presented in the following table.





September 30, 2010

December 31, 2009Loans

Principal

Percent

Loans

Principal

PercentFirst trust deeds
15

$
3,313,636

87
%
21

$
4,215,434

81
%Second trust deeds
2


426,608

11

3


930,733

18Third trust deeds
1


87,824

2

1


88,373

1Total secured loans
18


3,828,068

100
%
25


5,234,540

100
%Liens due other lenders at loan closing



483,378






1,566,711Total debt


$
4,311,446





$
6,801,251Appraised property value at loan closing


$
7,837,122





$
12,095,273Percent of total debt to appraisedvalues (LTV) at loan closing (1)



55.01
%





56.23
%





(1)
Based on appraised values and liens due other lenders at loan closing. The loan to value computation does not take into account subsequent increases or decreases in security property values following the loan closing nor does it include decreases or increases of the amount owing on senior liens to other lenders by payments or interest accruals, if any. Property values likely have changed, particularly over the last two years, and the portfolio’s current loan to value ratio likely is higher than this historical ratio.





- Property type - Secured loans summarized by property type of the collateral are presented in the following table.





September 30, 2010

December 31, 2009Loans

Principal

Percent

Loans

Principal

PercentSingle family (2)
12

$
2,009,271

52
%
19

$
3,409,769

65
%Apartments
1


97,325

3

1


97,575

2Commercial
4


1,430,219

37

4


1,430,219

27Land
1


291,253

8

1


296,977

6Total secured loans
18

$
3,828,068

100
%
25

$
5,234,540

100
%





(2)
Single family properties include owner-occupied and non-owner occupied single family homes, condominium units and condominium complexes.








14


REDWOOD MORTGAGE INVESTORS VII


(A California Limited Partnership)


Notes to Financial Statements


September 30, 2010 (unaudited)








NOTE 4 – LOANS (continued)





- Scheduled maturities - Secured loans are scheduled to mature as presented in the following table.





Scheduled maturities
Loans

Principal

Percent2010
—

$
—

—
%2011
3


362,476

92012
5


1,359,293

362013
2


336,029

92014
1


214,669

6Thereafter
5


855,601

22Total future maturities
16


3,128,068

82Matured at September 30, 2010
2


700,000

18Total secured loans
18

$
3,828,068

100
%





It is the partnership’s experience that loans may be repaid or refinanced before, at or after the contractual maturity date. For matured loans, the partnership may continue to accept payments while pursuing collection of amounts owed from borrowers. Therefore, the above tabulation for scheduled maturities is not a forecast of future cash receipts.





- Matured loans - Secured loans past maturity are summarized in the following table.





September 30,


December 31,2010


2009Secured loans past maturityNumber of loans (3)


2



1Unpaid principal balance

$
700,000


$
214,991Advances


—



—Accrued interest


6,417



1,346Loan balance

$
706,417


$
216,337Percent of loans


18
%


4
%





(3)
One secured loan past maturity at December 31, 2009 is also more than 90 days delinquent.





- Loans in non-accrual status - Secured loans in non-accrual status are summarized in the following table.





September 30,


December 31,2010


2009Secured loans in non-accrual statusNumber of loans


2



5Unpaid principal balance

$
592,157


$
1,306,710Advances


22,037



85,683Accrued interest


—



48,640Loan balance

$
614,194


$
1,441,033Foregone interest


6,091



39,546





Foregone interest related to non-accrual loans above, for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 was $3,046 and $4,711, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, was $6,091 and $4,711, respectively.


15


REDWOOD MORTGAGE INVESTORS VII


(A California Limited Partnership)


Notes to Financial Statements


September 30, 2010 (unaudited)







NOTE 4 – LOANS (continued)





At September 30, 2010, 9.46% of the partnership’s receivable balance was due from one borrower. Interest revenue from this borrower accounted for approximately 8.90% of interest revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.





- Impaired loans - Secured loans designated as impaired loans are summarized in the following table.





Average





InterestUnpaid





Investment


Interest


IncomePrincipal


Loan


Impaired


Income


ReceivedLoans


Balance


Balance


Loans


Accrued


In CashSeptember 30, 2010


4


$
1,058,297


$
1,111,186


$
956,237


$
26,615


$
53,010December 31, 2009


5


$
1,306,710


$
1,441,033


$
801,288


$
98,703


$
62,434





Loans are designated as impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the partnership will be unable to collect all amounts due in accordance with the terms of the loan agreements. For loans designated impaired, but that are deemed well collateralized, no impairment to the investment in the loan is recorded (i.e. there is no specific reserve recorded). At September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, one loan with an outstanding balance of $232,413 had a specific reserve.





During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the partnership modified a loan by extending the maturity date, lowering the interest rate and deferring some payments. The modification qualified as a troubled debt restructuring under GAAP, resulting in a loss of about $8,000.








NOTE 5 – ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES





Allowance for loan losses activity is presented in the following table.





Three months ended September 30,


Nine months ended September 30,2010


2009


2010


2009Balance at beginning of period

$
425,516


$
247,724


$
419,322


$
236,893Provision for loan losses


2,531



—



11,576



32,479Charge-offs, netCharge-offs


(47
)


—



(2,898
)


(21,648
)Recoveries


—



—



—



—Charge-offs, net


(47
)


—



(2,898
)


(21,648
)Balance at September 30,

$
428,000


$
247,724


$
428,000


$
247,724Specific reserves









$
240,584


$
133,711General reserves










187,416



114,013Balance at September 30,









$
428,000


$
247,724Ratio of charge-offs, net during the period toaverage secured loans outstanding duringthe period


0.00
%


0.00
%


0.06
%


0.36
%





16


REDWOOD MORTGAGE INVESTORS VII


(A California Limited Partnership)


Notes to Financial Statements


September 30, 2010 (unaudited)








NOTE 5 – ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (continued)





Allowance for loan losses applicable to secured loans (by property type) and the percentage of unpaid principal balance (by property type) are presented in the following table.





September 30, 2010


December 31, 2009Amount

Percent


Amount

PercentSingle family

$
286,500

52
%

$
272,335

65
%Apartments


1,000

3



1,000

2Commercial


30,500

37



30,500

27Land


10,000

8



10,000

6Total secured loans

$
328,000

100
%

$
313,835

100
%Unsecured loans

$
100,000

100
%

$
105,487

100
%Total allowance for loan losses

$
428,000

100
%

$
419,322

100
%








NOTE 6 – REAL ESTATE HELD FOR SALE





Real estate held for sale activity and changes in the net realizable values are summarized in the following tables for the nine months ended September 30.





2010


2009Real estate held for sale - beginning of the year

$
126,000


$
—Acquisitions


1,925,902



—Dispositions


(44,107
)


—Improvements/betterments


—



—Charge-offs


—



—Changes in net realizable values


9,805



—Real estate held for sale - end of period

$
2,017,600


$
—





Real estate held for sale summarized by property type is presented in the following table.





September 30,


December 31,2010


2009Number of properties


3



1Property typeSingle family

$
173,600


$
—Multi family


1,718,000



—Land


126,000



126,000Total real estate held for sale

$
2,017,600


$
126,000





17


REDWOOD MORTGAGE INVESTORS VII


(A California Limited Partnership)


Notes to Financial Statements


September 30, 2010 (unaudited)







NOTE 6 – REAL ESTATE HELD FOR SALE (continued)





The results of rental operations for properties in real estate held for sale is presented in the following table.





Three months ended September 30,


Nine months ended September 30,2010


2009


2010

2009Rental income

$
30,235


$
—


$
75,015

$
—Operating expensesProperty taxes


4,357



—



8,714


—Management, administration and insurance


2,060



—



6,006


—Utilities, maintenance and other


2,280



—



6,201


—Advertising and promotions


—



—



—


—Total operating expenses


8,697



—



20,921


—Rental operations, net

$
21,538


$
—


$
54,094

$
—





Interest expense on the mortgage securing the rental property for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 was $18,916 and $48,445, respectively.





In June 2010 the partnership acquired through foreclosure, a single family residence located in San Joaquin County, California. The partnership’s investment at acquisition was $173,600.  The property is currently vacant and has been listed for sale.





In February 2010 the partnership, along with two affiliated partnerships, acquired through foreclosure, a 22-unit condominium complex, in which the partnership holds a 16.67% ownership interest. The property is subject to a senior loan with an interest rate of 7.21%. At acquisition the transaction resulted in an increase to real estate held as investment of $1,708,195, reductions to secured loans of $500,000, accrued interest of $55,020, advances of $92,199 and the partnership's share of the unpaid principal balance of the senior loan and other related payables was $1,060,975. Following its acquisition, the property has been operated as a rental property, pending the planned sale of the units. As of September 30, 2010, all of the units have been leased to tenants. An independent, professional management firm has been engaged to oversee property operations. The property is currently listed for sale with a national real estate firm.





In January 2010 the partnership acquired through foreclosure a single family residence located in San Bernardino County, California.  The partnership’s net investment at acquisition was $44,106. The property was sold in July, 2010.








NOTE 7 – REAL ESTATE HELD AS INVESTMENT





Real estate held as investment activity and changes in the impairment reserves are summarized in the following table for the nine months ended September 30.





2010


2009Balance beginning of the year

$
1,542,465


$
1,942,067Acquisitions


—



212,603Dispositions


—



—Improvements/betterments


—



1,370Change in impairment reserve


—



(17,647
)Balance at end of period

$
1,542,465


$
2,138,393





18


REDWOOD MORTGAGE INVESTORS VII


(A California Limited Partnership)


Notes to Financial Statements


September 30, 2010 (unaudited)









NOTE 7 – REAL ESTATE HELD AS INVESTMENT (continued)





Real estate held as investment summarized by property type is presented in the following table.





September 30,


December 31,2010


2009Number of properties


2



2Property typeLand

$
1,542,465


$
1,542,465Total real estate held as investment

$
1,542,465


$
1,542,465








NOTE 8 – INVESTMENT IN LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY





In February 2005, the partnership jointly with three other affiliated partnerships acquired through foreclosure a multi-unit property located in an upscale neighborhood in San Francisco. At the time, the partnership’s loan balance totaled $836,702. Upon acquisition the partnership transferred its interest to Larkin Property Company, LLC (“Larkin”). The partnership owns 8% of the ownership interests in Larkin and 92% is owned by three other affiliates of the partnership. Management believes the fair value of the property exceeds the combined partnerships’ investment. Larkin intends to undertake additional improvements to the property. The property is not leased and does not generate any revenues. The partnership and the other affiliated owners have made and are continuing to make additional improvements to the property in preparation for the planned sale of the property. As of September 30, 2010, the partnership has capitalized $389,348 in costs, net of recovery in 2006 from the guarantors of the original loan, related to this property. At September 30, 2010, the partnership’s investment in Larkin totaled $1,226,050.








NOTE 9 – MORTGAGE PAYABLE





In February 2010, the partnership, along with two affiliated partnerships, acquired a property subject to an existing senior mortgage held by a bank. The senior loan has an interest rate of 7.21%, requires monthly payments of principal and interest, and matures on September 14, 2011. As of September 30, 2010, the partnership’s share of the unpaid principal balance of the senior loan was $1,022,180.







NOTE 10 – FAIR VALUE


GAAP defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. An orderly transaction is a transaction that assumes exposure to the market for a period prior to the measurement date to allow for marketing activities that are usual and customary for transactions involving such assets and liabilities; it is not a forced transaction. Market participants are buyers and sellers in the principal market that are (i) independent, (ii) knowledgeable, (iii) able to transact and (iv) willing to transact.





19


REDWOOD MORTGAGE INVESTORS VII


(A California Limited Partnership)


Notes to Financial Statements


September 30, 2010 (unaudited)








NOTE 10 – FAIR VALUE(continued)


The partnership determines the fair values of its assets and liabilities based on the fair value hierarchy established in GAAP. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value (Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3). Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the partnership has the ability to access at the measurement date. An active market is a market in which transactions occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs reflect the partnership’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability (including assumptions about risk). Unobservable inputs are developed based on the best information available in the circumstances and may include the partnership’s own data.





The partnership does not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis.





Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of September 30, 2010:





Fair Value Measurement at Report Date UsingQuoted Prices


Significantin Active


Other


SignificantMarkets for


Observable


UnobservableIdentical Assets


Inputs


InputsItem

(Level 1)


(Level 2)


(Level 3)


TotalImpaired loans

$
—


$
—


$
979,186


$
979,186Real estate held for sale

$
—


$
—


$
1,718,000


$
1,718,000Real estate held as investment

$
—


$
—


$
—


$
—





Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of December 31, 2009:





Fair Value Measurement at Report Date UsingQuoted Prices


Significantin Active


Other


SignificantMarkets for


Observable


UnobservableIdentical Assets


Inputs


InputsItem

(Level 1)


(Level 2)


(Level 3)


TotalImpaired loans

$
—


$
211,500


$
116,412


$
327,912Real estate held for sale

$
—


$
—


$
126,000


$
126,000Real estate held as investment

$
—


$
—


$
233,783


$
233,783





20


REDWOOD MORTGAGE INVESTORS VII


(A California Limited Partnership)


Notes to Financial Statements


September 30, 2010 (unaudited)








NOTE 10 – FAIR VALUE(continued)


The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value:





(a)
Cash and cash equivalents. The carrying amount equals fair value. All amounts, including interest bearing accounts, are subject to immediate withdrawal.





(b)
Secured loans. The fair value of the non-impaired loans of $2,770,000 and $3,996,000 at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively, was estimated based upon projected cash flows discounted at the estimated current interest rates at which similar loans would be made. For impaired loans in which a specific allowance is established based on the fair value of the collateral, the collateral fair value is determined by exercise of judgment based on management’s experience informed by appraisals (by licensed appraisers), brokers opinion of values, and publicly available information on in-market transactions (Level 2 inputs).  Historically, it has been rare for determinations of fair value to be made without substantial reference to current market transactions.  However, in recent years, due to the low number of real estate transactions, and the rising number of transactions that are distressed (i.e., that are executed by an unwilling seller – often compelled by lenders or other claimants - and/or executed without broad exposure or with market exposure but with few, if any, resulting offers), more interpretation, judgment and interpolation/extrapolation within and across property types is required (Level 3 inputs).





(c)
Unsecured loans.  Unsecured loans are valued at their principal less any discount or loss reserves established by management after taking into account the borrower’s creditworthiness and ability to repay the loan.





(d)
Real estate held. Real estate acquired in full or partial settlement of loan obligations, generally through foreclosure, is recorded at acquisition at the lower of the recorded investment in the loan, plus any senior indebtedness, or at the property’s fair value less estimated costs to sell, as applicable.  The fair value estimates are derived from information available in the real estate markets including similar property, and often require the experience and judgment of third parties such as commercial real estate appraisers and brokers.  Historically, it has been rare for determinations of fair value to be made without substantial reference to current market transactions.  However, in recent years, due to the low number of real estate transactions, and the rising number of transactions that are distressed (i.e., that are executed by an unwilling seller – often compelled by lenders or other claimants - and/or executed without broad exposure or with market exposure but with few, if any, resulting offers), more interpretation, judgment and interpolation/extrapolation within and across property types is required.








NOTE 11 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES





Loan commitments





The partnership may make construction and rehabilitation loans which are not fully disbursed at loan inception.  The partnership typically approves the borrowers up to a maximum loan balance; however, disbursements are made periodically upon completion of phases of the construction or rehabilitation or as otherwise required under the loan documents.  At September 30, 2010, there were no undisbursed loan funds. The partnership does not maintain a separate cash reserve to hold the undisbursed obligations, which are intended to be funded.





From time to time, the partnership may negotiate various workout agreements with borrowers whose loans are past maturity or who are delinquent in making payments. The partnership is not obligated to fund additional money as of September 30, 2010.





21


REDWOOD MORTGAGE INVESTORS VII


(A California Limited Partnership)


Notes to Financial Statements


September 30, 2010 (unaudited)





NOTE 11 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (continued)





Legal proceedings





In the normal course of business, the partnership may become involved in various legal proceedings such as assignment of rents, bankruptcy proceedings, appointment of receivers, unlawful detainers, judicial foreclosure, etc., to enforce the provisions of the deeds of trust, collect the debt owed under the promissory notes, or to protect, or recoup its investment from the real property secured by the deeds of trust and to resolve disputes between borrowers, lenders, lien holders and mechanics.  None of these actions typically would be of any material importance. As of the date hereof, the partnership is not involved in any legal proceedings other than those that would be considered part of the normal course of business.








NOTE 12 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS





None








22


ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS





The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the unaudited financial statements and notes thereto, which are included in Item 1 of the Report, as well as the audited financial statements and the notes thereto, and “Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in the partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.





Forward-Looking Statements





Certain statements in this Report on Form 10-Q which are not historical facts may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements regarding the partnership’s expectations, hopes, intentions, beliefs and strategies regarding the future. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding future interest rates and economic conditions and their effect on the partnership and its assets, trends in the California real estate market, estimates as to the allowance for loan losses, estimates of future limited partner withdrawals, 2010 annualized yield estimates, expectations regarding the level of loan delinquencies or foreclosures, plans to develop, hold or sell certain properties, beliefs relating to the impact on the partnership from current economic conditions and trends in the financial and credit markets, expectations as to when liquidations will resume or how long reduced earnings distributions will be in effect, beliefs regarding the partnership’s ability to recover its investment in certain properties, beliefs regarding the effect of borrower foreclosures on liquidity, the use of excess cash flow and the intention not to sell the partnership’s loan portfolio. Actual results may be materially different from what is projected by such forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include unexpected changes in economic conditions and interest rates, the impact of competition and competitive pricing, regulatory changes, and downturns in the real estate markets in which the partnership has made loans. All forward-looking statements and reasons why results may differ included in this Form 10-Q are made as of the date hereof, and we assume no obligation to update any such forward-looking statement or reason why actual results may differ.





Critical Accounting Policies





Management estimates





The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions about the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities, at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported periods.  Such estimates relate principally to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, including the valuation of impaired loans (which itself requires determining the fair value of the collateral), and the valuation of real estate held for sale and held as investment, at acquisition and subsequently. Actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Collateral fair values are reviewed quarterly and the protective equity for each loan is computed. As used herein, “protective equity” is the arithmetic difference between the fair value of the collateral, net of any senior liens, and the loan balance, where “loan balance” is the sum of the unpaid principal, advances and the recorded interest thereon.  This computation is done for each loan (whether impaired or performing), and while loans secured by collateral of similar property type are grouped, there is enough distinction and variation in the collateral that a loan-by-loan, collateral-by-collateral analysis is appropriate.





The fair value of the collateral is determined by exercise of judgment based on management’s experience informed by appraisals (by licensed appraisers), brokers’ opinion of values, and publicly available information on in-market transactions.  Historically, it has been rare for determinations of fair value to be made without substantial reference to current market transactions.  However, in recent years, due to the low levels of real estate transactions, and the rising number of transactions that are distressed (i.e., that are executed by an unwilling seller – often compelled by lenders or other claimants - and/or executed without broad exposure or with market exposure but with few, if any, resulting offers), more interpretation, judgment and interpolation/extrapolation within and across property types is required.





23


Appraisals of commercial real property generally present three approaches to estimating value: 1) market comparables or sales approach; 2) cost to replace and 3) capitalized cash flows or investment approach.  These approaches may or may not result in a common, single value. The market-comparables approach may yield several different values depending on certain basic assumptions, such as, determining highest and best use (which may or may not be the current use); determining the condition (e.g. as-is, when-completed, or for land when-entitled); and determining the unit of value (e.g. as a series of  individual unit sales or as a bulk disposition). Further complicating this process already subject to judgment, uncertainty and imprecision are the current low transaction volumes in the residential, commercial and land markets, and the variability that has resulted. This exacerbates the imprecision in the process, and requires additional considerations and inquiries as to whether the transaction was entered into by a willing seller in a functioning market or the transaction was completed in a distressed market, in which the predominant number of sellers are surrendering properties to lenders in partial settlement of debt (as is currently prevalent in the residential markets and is occurring more frequently in commercial markets) and/or participating in “arranged sales” to achieve partial settlement of debts and claims and to generate tax advantage. Either way, the present market is at historically low transaction volumes with neither potential buyers nor sellers willing to transact. In certain asset classes the time elapsed between transactions – other than foreclosures – was 12 or more months.





The uncertainty in the process is exacerbated by overt (over)conservatism and caution exercised by appraisers. Criticized as having contributed to the asset bubble by inflating values, beginning in the immediate aftermath of the market and economic crisis, as a class the tendency of appraisers now is seemingly to (over)compensate by searching out or over-weighting lower sales comparables, thereby depressing values. It also may be reflective of the tendency in distressed market for lesser-quality properties to transact while upper echelon properties remain off the market – or come on and off the market – because these owners often believe in the intrinsic value of their properties (and the recoverability of that value) and are unwilling to accept “vulture” offers. This accounts for the ever lower transaction volumes for higher-quality properties which exacerbate the perception of a broadly declining market in which each succeeding transaction establishes a new low.





Management has the requisite familiarity with the markets the partnership lends in generally and of the properties securing its loans specifically to analyze sales-comparables and assess their suitability/applicability. Management is acquainted with market participants – investors, developers, brokers, lenders – that are useful, relevant secondary sources of data and information regarding valuation and valuation variability. These secondary sources may have familiarity with and perspectives on pending transactions, successful strategies to optimize value, and the history and details of specific properties - on and off the market – that enhance the process and analysis that is particularly and principally germane to establishing value in distressed markets and/or property types (such as land held for development and for units in a condominium conversion). Multiple inputs from different sources often collectively provide the best evidence of fair value.  In these cases expected cash flows would be considered alongside other relevant information.





Loans, advances and interest income





Loans and advances generally are stated at the unpaid principal balance. Management has discretion to pay amounts (advances) to third parties on behalf of borrowers to protect the partnership’s interest in the loan.  Advances include, but are not limited to, the payment of interest and principal on a senior lien to prevent foreclosure by the senior lien holder, property taxes, insurance premiums, and attorney fees. Advances generally are stated at the unpaid principal balance and accrue interest until repaid by the borrower.





The partnership may fund a specific loan origination net of an interest reserve to insure timely interest payments at the inception (one to two years) of the loan. As monthly interest payments become due, the partnership funds the payments into the affiliated trust account.





If, based upon current information and events, it is probable the partnership will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement, a loan may be designated as impaired. Impaired loans are included in management’s periodic analysis of recoverability. Any subsequent payments on impaired loans are applied to late fees and then to reduce first the accrued interest, then advances, and then unpaid principal balances.





From time to time, the partnership negotiates and enters into contractual workout agreements with borrowers whose loans are past maturity or who are delinquent in making payments which can delay and/or alter the loan’s cash flow and delinquency status.





24


Interest is accrued daily based on the unpaid principal balance of the loans.  An impaired loan continues to accrue as long as the loan is in the process of collection and is considered to be well-secured. Loans are placed on non-accrual status at the earlier of management’s determination that the primary source of repayment will come from the foreclosure and subsequent sale of the collateral securing the loan (which usually occurs when a notice of sale is filed) or when the loan is no longer considered well-secured. When a loan is placed on non-accrual status, the accrual of interest is discontinued; however, previously recorded interest is not reversed. A loan may return to accrual status when all delinquent interest and principal payments become current in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement.





Allowance for loan losses





Loans and the related accrued interest and advances are analyzed on a periodic basis for ultimate recoverability.  Delinquencies are identified and followed as part of the loan system. Delinquencies are determined based upon contractual terms. For impaired loans, a provision is made for loan losses to adjust the allowance for loan losses to an amount considered by management to be adequate, with due consideration to collateral values, such that the net carrying amount (unpaid principal balance, plus advances, plus accrued interest less the specific allowance) is reduced to the present value of future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, or, if a loan is collateral dependent, to the estimated fair value of the related collateral net of any senior loans, which would include costs to sell in arriving at net realizable value if planned disposition of the asset securing a loan is by way of sale.





Loans determined not to be individually impaired are grouped by the property type of the underlying collateral, and for each loan and for the total by property type, the amount of protective equity or amount of exposure to loss (i.e., the dollar amount of the deficiency of the fair value of the underlying collateral to the loan balance) is computed.  Based on its knowledge of the borrowers and their historical (and expected) performance, and the exposure to loss as indicated in the analysis, management estimates an appropriate reserve by property type for probable credit losses in the portfolio.  Because the partnership is an asset-based lender and because specific regions, neighborhoods and even properties within the same neighborhoods, vary significantly as to real estate values and transaction activity, general market trends, which may be indicative of a change in the risk of a loss, are secondary to the condition of the property, the property type and the neighborhood/region in which the property is located, and do not enter substantially into the determination of the amount of the non-specific (i.e. general) reserves.





The fair value estimates are derived from information available in the real estate markets including similar property, and may require the experience and judgment of third parties such as commercial real estate appraisers and brokers. The partnership charges off uncollectible loans and related receivables directly to the allowance account once it is determined the full amount is not collectible.





Real estate held for sale





Real estate held for sale includes real estate acquired in full or partial settlement of loan obligations generally through foreclosure that is being marketed for sale.  Real estate held for sale is recorded at acquisition at the lower of the recorded investment in the loan, plus any senior indebtedness, or at the property’s net realizable value, which is the fair value less estimated costs to sell, as applicable. Any excess of the recorded investment in the loan over the net realizable value is charged against the allowance for loan losses. The fair value estimates are derived from information available in the real estate markets including similar property, and often require the experience and judgment of third parties such as commercial real estate appraisers and brokers. The estimates figure materially in calculating the value of the property at acquisition, the level of charge to the allowance for loan losses and any subsequent valuation reserves. After acquisition, costs incurred relating to the development and improvement of property are capitalized to the extent they do not cause the recorded value to exceed the net realizable value, whereas costs relating to holding and disposition of the property are expensed as incurred. After acquisition, real estate held for sale is analyzed periodically for changes in fair values and any subsequent write down is charged to operating expenses. Any recovery in the fair value subsequent to such a write down is recorded – not to exceed the net realizable value at acquisition - as an offset to operating expenses. Gains or losses on sale of the property are recorded in other income or expense. Recognition of gains on the sale of real estate is dependent upon the transaction meeting certain criteria related to the nature of the property and the terms of the sale including potential seller financing.





25


Real estate held as investment





Real estate held as investment includes real estate acquired through foreclosure that is not being marketed for sale and is either being operated, such as rental properties; is being managed through the development process, including obtaining appropriate and necessary entitlements, permits and construction; or are idle properties awaiting more favorable market conditions. Real estate held as investment is recorded at acquisition at the lower of the recorded investment in the loan, plus any senior indebtedness, or at the property’s estimated fair value, less estimated costs to sell, as applicable. After acquisition, costs incurred relating to the development and improvement of the property are capitalized, whereas costs relating to operating or holding the property are expensed. Subsequent to acquisition, management periodically compares the carrying value of real estate to expected undiscounted future cash flows for the purpose of assessing the recoverability of the recorded amounts.  If the carrying value exceeds future undiscounted cash flows, the assets are reduced to estimated fair value.





Recently issued accounting pronouncements





In July 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-20, “Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses.” This ASU requires significant new disclosures about the allowance for credit losses and the credit quality of financing receivables. The requirements are intended to enhance transparency regarding credit losses and the credit quality of loan and lease receivables by disclosing an evaluation of (i) the nature of credit risk inherent in the entity’s portfolio of financing receivables, (ii) how that risk is analyzed and assessed in arriving at the allowance for credit losses and (iii) the changes and reasons for those changes in the allowance for credit losses. Under this statement, allowance for credit losses and fair value are to be disclosed by portfolio segment, while credit quality information, impaired financing receivables and nonaccrual status are to be presented by class of financing receivable. Disclosure of the nature and extent, the financial impact and segment information of troubled debt restructurings will also be required. The disclosures are to be presented at the level of disaggregation that management uses when assessing and monitoring the portfolio’s risk and performance. ASU 2010-20 will be effective for the partnership’s financial statements as of December 31, 2010, as it relates to disclosures required as of the end of a reporting period. Disclosures that relate to activity during a reporting period will be required for the partnership’s financial statements that include periods beginning on or after January 1, 2011.




Related Parties





The general partners of the partnership are Gymno Corporation and Michael R. Burwell. Most partnership business is conducted through RMC, which arranges services and maintains the loan portfolio for the benefit of the partnership. The fees received by the general partners are paid pursuant to the partnership agreement and are determined at the sole discretion of the general partners, subject to limitations imposed by the partnership agreement. In the past the general partners have elected not to take the maximum compensation. See Note 3 (General Partners and Related Parties) to the financial statements included in Part I, Item 1. of this Report for a detailed discussion of the various partnership activities for which the general partners and related parties are compensated.




Contributed Capital




The general partners jointly or severally are required to contribute to the partnership an amount equal to 1/10 of 1% of the aggregate capital contributions of the limited partners.  As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, a general partner, Gymno Corporation, had contributed $11,973 as capital in accordance with the partnership agreement.





26


Results of Operations





The partnership’s operating results for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 are discussed below.





Changes during the three months ended September 30, 2010

versus 2009



Changes during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 versus 2009Dollars

Percent



Dollars

PercentRevenueLoansInterest
$
(31,033
)
(26
)
%

$
(87,154
)
(22
)
%Late fees

(387
)
(84
)



3,441

238Total loan revenue

(31,420
)
(26
)



(83,713
)
(21
)Other interest

(1,124
)
(96
)



(2,538
)
(84
)Gain on sale of real estate

10,541

—




10,541

—Other

1,121

54




6,583

162Total revenues

(20,882
)
(17
)



(69,127
)
(17
)Interest expense

18,916

—




42,445

707Provision for loan losses

2,531

—




(20,903
)
(64
)Operating expensesMortgage servicing fees

(4,504

(33
)



(10,852
)
(26
)Asset management fees

(321
)
(11
)



(909
)
(11
)Costs through Redwood Mortgage Corp.

2,176

72




196

2Professional services

(14,492
)
(50
)



33,191

51Rental operations, net

(21,538
)
—




(54,094
)
—Impairment (gain)/loss on real estate

(9,852
)
—




(9,852
)
—Loss on forfeiture of real estate

124,756

100




124,756

100Real estate owned holding costs

19,363

415




32,873

190Other

8,034

877




7,843

130Total operating expenses

(145,890
)
(82
)



(126,360
)
(46
)Net income
$
(103,561
)
(193
)
%

$
35,691

37

%





Please refer to the above table throughout the discussions of Results of Operations.





Comparison of the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 versus the same periods ended September 30, 2009





Revenue – Loans – Interest





27


The interest on loans decreased for 2010 due to a decrease in the average secured loan portfolio balance. Each period includes income gained through amortization of discount on unsecured notes, which has been eliminated in the calculation of the average interest rate.  The following table recaps the three and nine month averages.





Three Months ended September 30,


Nine Months endedSeptember 30,Average




AverageInterest




InterestAverage

Rate


Average

RateSecured

Adjusted


Secured

AdjustedLoan

For


Loan

ForYear

Balance

Discount


Balance

Discount2009

$
5,737,650

8.27
%

$
5,974,221

8.71
%2010

$
4,143,870

8.45
%

$
4,698,888

8.61
%





Late fees





The increase in late fees for the nine month period ended September 30, 2010 from the same period in 2009 is due to the partnership’s collection of $4,152 of late fees in the first quarter of 2010, from a receiver/borrower related to a loan subsequently foreclosed in 2010.





Gain on sale of real estate





The gain on sale of real estate for the three and nine month period ended September 2010 reflects the gain realized by the partnership upon its disposition of a property held for sale in July of 2010.  (See Note 6 to the financial statements)





Other income





The increase in other income for both the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 is primarily due to early withdrawal penalties of $3,008 collected in the three month period of 2010, compared to $1,396 for the same period in 2009, and $8,968 collected in the nine month period of 2010 compared to $2,511 for the same period in 2009.





Interest Expense





The increased interest expense for both the three and nine month periods of 2010 is due to the partnership’s monthly payments on the senior mortgage securing the rental property acquired by foreclosure in February 2010.





Provision for losses on loans





The decrease in provision for loan losses for the nine month period ended September 30, 2010 compared to the same period in 2009, is due to the provision taken in the second quarter of 2009 due to loan impairments.





Operating Expenses





The decrease in mortgage servicing fees for both the three and nine month periods of 2010 is due to the reduction in the average loan balance (see table above for Revenue – loans– Interest).





The increase in professional services for the nine month period ended September 30, 2010 was due to increases in professional costs for legal services, audits and tax return processing [in the first half of 2010], reflecting management’s increased need to consult with experts as more issues have arisen related to delinquent and impaired loans, and real estate owned.  The decrease in professional services during the three month period ended September 30, 2010, compared to the same period in 2009 is due to an easing of the need for such services during such period.





28


The rental operations for both the three and nine month periods of 2010 is due to the partnership acquisition of a rental property in February 2010.  Please see the earlier discussion under Revenue - Rental Income in this item.





The increase in real estate owned holding costs for both the three and nine month periods of 2010 is primarily due to costs (including delinquent and current property taxes) related to real estate acquired in the 2nd quarter of 2010.





Operating expenses of rental operations and depreciation of rental properties are presented in the following table for the three and nine months ended September 30.





Three months ended September 30,


Nine months ended September 30,2010


2009


2010

2009Rental income

$
30,235


$
—


$
75,015

$
—Operating expensesProperty taxes


4,357



—



8,714


—Management, administration and insurance


2,060



—



6,006


—Utilities, maintenance and other


2,280



—



6,201


—Advertising and promotions


—



—



—


—Total operating expenses


8,697



—



20,921


—Rental operations, net

$
21,538


$
—


$
54,094

$
—





Interest expense on the mortgage securing the rental property was $18,916 and $48,445 for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010, respectively.





Allowance for Losses





The allowance for loan losses is principally the total of the specific reserves for loans designated impaired (and therefore deemed collateral dependent). The increase in payment defaults is the primary cause of the increase in impaired loans as shown in the detail of delinquent loans and loans designated impaired below.




Average





InterestUnpaid





Investment


Interest


IncomePrincipal


Loan


Impaired


Income


ReceivedLoans


Balance


Balance


Loans


Accrued


In CashSeptember 30, 2010


4


$
1,058,297


$
1,111,186


$
956,237


$
26,615


$
53,010December 31, 2009


5


$
1,306,710


$
1,441,033


$
801,288


$
98,703


$
62,434





For impaired loans, a provision is made for loan losses to adjust the allowance for loan losses to an amount considered by management to be adequate, with due consideration to collateral values, such that the net carrying amount (unpaid principal balance, plus advances, plus accrued interest less the specific allowance) is reduced to the present value of future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, or, if a loan is collateral dependent, to the estimated fair value of the related collateral net of any senior loans, which would include costs to sell in arriving at net realizable value if planned disposition of the asset securing a loan is by way of sale. Loans that are determined not to be individually impaired are grouped by the property type of the underlying collateral, and for each loan and for the total by property type, the amount of protective equity or amount of exposure to loss (i.e., the dollar amount of the deficiency of the fair value of the underlying collateral to the loan balance) is computed.  Based on its knowledge of the borrowers and their historical (and expected) performance, and the exposure to loss, management estimates an appropriate reserve by property type for probable credit losses in the portfolio. The decline in real estate transactions and volumes has impacted adversely the protective equity for substantially all loans and the allowance for loan losses increased correspondingly.





29


The partnership may enter into a workout agreement with a borrower whose loan is past maturity or whose loan payments are delinquent. Typically, a workout agreement allows the borrower to extend the maturity date of the balloon payment and/or allows the borrower to make current monthly payments while deferring for periods of time, past due payments, or allows additional time to pay the loan in full. By deferring maturity dates of balloon payments or deferring past due payments, workout agreements may adversely affect the partnership’s cash flow and may be classified for financial reporting purposes as a troubled debt restructuring. If a workout agreement cannot be reached, if the borrower repeatedly is delinquent and/or if the collateral is at risk, the general partners may initiate foreclosure by filing a notice of default. This may result – unless the delinquency is satisfied by the borrower or a workout agreement is negotiated – in a foreclosure sale, often resulting in the title to the collateral property being taken by the partnership in satisfaction of the debt. Both troubled debt restructurings and foreclosure sales may result in charge-offs being recorded as offsets to the allowance for loan losses. The partnership charges off uncollectible loans and related receivables directly to the allowance account once it is determined the full amount is not collectible.





During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the partnership modified a loan by extending the maturity date, lowering the interest rate and deferring some payments.  The modification qualified as a troubled debt restructuring under GAAP, resulting in a loss of about $8,000.





Activity in the allowance for loan losses is presented in the following table.





Three months ended September 30,


Nine months ended September 30,2010


2009


2010


2009Balance at beginning of period

$
425,516


$
247,724


$
419,322


$
236,893Provision for loan losses


2,531



—



11,576



32,479Charge-offs, netCharge-offs


(47
)


—



(2,898
)


(21,648
)Recoveries


—



—



—



—Charge-offs, net


(47
)


—



(2,898
)


(21,648
)Balance at September 30,

$
428,000


$
247,724


$
428,000


$
247,724Specific reserves









$
240,584


$
133,711General reserves










187,416



114,013Balance at September 30,









$
428,000


$
247,724Ratio of charge-offs, net during the period toaverage secured loans outstandingduring the period


0.00
%


0.00
%


0.06
%


0.36
%





The partnership may restructure loans which are delinquent or past maturity. This is done either through the modification of an existing loan or by re-writing a whole new loan. It could involve, among other changes, an extension in maturity date, a reduction in repayment amount, a reduction in interest rate or granting an additional loan.





30


Liquidity and Capital Resources





The partnership relies upon loan payoffs, borrowers’ mortgage payments, partnership operations and partner liquidations, sale of real estate owned and to a lesser degree, retention of income for the source of funds for new loans. Recently, mortgage interest rates have decreased somewhat from those available at the inception of the partnership. If interest rates were to increase substantially, the yield of the partnership’s loans may provide lower yields than other comparable debt-related investments. Additionally, since the partnership has made primarily fixed rate loans, if interest rates were to rise, the likely result would be a slower prepayment rate for the partnership. This could cause a lower degree of liquidity as well as a slowdown in the ability of the partnership to invest in loans at the then current interest rates. Conversely, in the event interest rates were to decline, the partnership could experience significant borrower prepayments, which, if the partnership can only obtain the then existing lower rates of interest may cause a dilution of the partnership’s yield on loans, thereby lowering the partnership’s overall yield to the limited partners. Cash is generated from borrower payments of interest, principal, loan payoffs and from the partnership’s sale of real estate owned properties.





Currently the credit and financial markets are facing a significant and prolonged disruption. As a result, loans are not readily available to borrowers or purchasers of real estate.  These credit constraints have impacted the partnership and our borrowers’ ability to sell properties or refinance their loans in the event they have difficulty making loan payments or their loan matures.  Borrowers are also generally finding it more difficult to refinance or sell their properties due to the general decline in California real estate values in recent years. The partnership’s loans generally have shorter maturity terms than typical mortgages. As a result, constraints on the ability of our borrowers to refinance their loans on or prior to maturity have had and will likely continue to have a negative impact on their ability to repay their loans. This has resulted, and may continue to result, in increasing number of loans designated as impaired. If, based upon current information and events, it is probable the partnership will be unable to collect all amounts due, according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement, a loan may be designated as impaired. Impaired loans are individually reviewed for ultimate collectability based on the fair value of the underlying collateral and the financial resources of the borrower. In the event a borrower is unable to repay a loan at maturity due to their inability to refinance the loan or otherwise, the partnership may consider extending the maturing loan through workouts or modifications, or foreclosing on the property as the general partners deem appropriate based on their evaluation of each individual loan.A slow down or reduction in loan repayments would likely reduce the partnership’s cash flows and restrict the partnership’s ability to invest in new loans or provide earnings and capital distributions.





At the time of their subscription to the partnership, limited partners must elect either to receive monthly, quarterly or annual cash distributions from the partnership, or to compound earnings in their capital account. If an investor initially elects to receive monthly, quarterly or annual distributions, such election, once made, is irrevocable. If the investor initially elects to compound earnings in his/her capital account, in lieu of cash distributions, the investor may, after three (3) years, change the election and receive monthly, quarterly or annual cash distributions. Earnings allocable to limited partners, who elect to compound earnings in their capital account, will be retained by the partnership for making further loans or for other proper partnership purposes and such amounts will be added to such limited partners’ capital accounts.  As of September 30, 2010 and 2009, limited partners electing to withdraw earnings represented 40% and 40%, respectively.





Three months ended September 30,

Nine months ended September 30,2010

2009

2010

2009Distributing

$
17,224


$
27,447


$
53,892


$
96,553Compounding


24,446



40,673



79,618



146,077Total

$
41,670


$
68,120


$
133,510


$
242,630





The partnership also allows the limited partners to withdraw their capital account subject to certain limitations and penalties (see “Withdrawal From Partnership” in the Limited Partnership Agreement). Once a limited partner’s initial five-year holding period has passed, the general partners expect to see an increase in liquidations due to the ability of limited partners to withdraw without penalty. This ability to withdraw five years after a limited partner’s investment has the effect of providing limited partner liquidity and the general partners expect a portion of the limited partners to avail themselves of this liquidity.





31


Capital liquidations, including early withdrawals, made by limited partners are summarized in the following table.





Three months ended September 30,

Nine months ended September 30,2010

2009

2010

2009Capital liquidations-without penalty

$
106,454


$
99,488


$
308,455


$
278,436Capital liquidations-subject to penalty


37,601



17,454



112,102



31,395Total

$
144,055


$
116,942


$
420,557


$
309,831





In some cases in order to satisfy broker-dealers and other reporting requirements, the general partners have valued the limited partners’ interest in the partnership on a basis which utilizes a per unit system of calculation, rather than based upon the investors’ capital account.  This information has been reported in this manner in order to allow the partnership to integrate with certain software used by the broker-dealers and other reporting entities. In those cases, the partnership will report to broker-dealers, trust companies and others a “reporting” number of units based upon a $1.00 per unit calculation. The number of reporting units provided will be calculated based upon the limited partner’s capital account value divided by $1.00. Each investor’s capital account balance is set forth periodically on the partnership account statement provided to investors. The reporting units are solely for broker-dealers requiring such information for their software programs and do not reflect actual units owned by a limited partner or the limited partners’ right or interest in cash flow or any other economic benefit in the partnership. Each investor’s capital account balance is set forth periodically on the partnership account statement provided to investors. The amount of partnership earnings each investor is entitled to receive is determined by the ratio each investor’s capital account bears to the total amount of all investor capital accounts then outstanding. The capital account balance of each investor should be included on any FINRA member client account statement in providing a per unit estimated value of the client’s investment in the partnership in accordance with NASD Rule 2340.





While the general partners have set an estimated value for the units, such determination may not be representative of the ultimate price realized by an investor for such units upon sale. No public trading market exists for the units and none is likely to develop. Thus, there is no certainty the units can be sold at a price equal to the stated value of the capital account.  Furthermore, the ability of an investor to liquidate his or her investment is limited subject to certain liquidation rights provided by the partnership, which may include early withdrawal penalties.





Current Economic Conditions





The United States and California economies continue to suffer and feel the effects of the Great Recession. A sense of uncertainty reigns, leading consumers and businesses to remain cautious. The policy makers in the White House, Congress and Federal Reserve are frustrated with the persistent high rates of unemployment and the sluggish economic growth and continue to make attempts to stimulate the economy. These efforts have yet to manifest themselves in any sort of strong recovery or in significant reductions to unemployment.





Credit markets continue for the most part to be greatly curtailed and the de-leveraging of consumers and businesses continues through the current quarter. Financial institutions, in response to the difficult economic times, have increased underwriting standards and eliminated lending to perceived risky industries in their efforts to shore up balance sheets and credit quality. This has led to a dearth of available credit to many industries, particularly those involved with real estate such as construction, development, and lending for commercial and residential properties. Virtually all credit that is available for real estate is now being provided by the government through Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, HUD, and FHA. These agencies are providing the vast majority of all single family and multi family financing. Without greater availability of credit, real estate will continue to suffer as owners and buyers cannot effectively buy, sell or refinance property, or otherwise take advantage of the current lower interest rate environment. A substantial number of sales transactions that do occur are distressed transactions or even short sales that wipe out the borrower’s equity.





Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was a negative 2.4 percent for the year 2009. In 2010, GDP began the first quarter with a 3.7 percent increase but that quickly slowed to a 1.7 percent increase in the second quarter and an estimated 2.0 percent increase in the third quarter. The falloff of GDP growth during the middle of 2010 has raised fears that the economy may fall into a deflationary cycle and that the recovery will be long and perhaps little improvement will seen in unemployment rates, possibly not rebounding until 2014.





32


Unemployment remains at historically high rates. At the end of 2009, the national unemployment rate had grown to 10 percent. In March 2010 the national unemployment rate declined to 9.7 percent, and then in June 2010 to 9.5 percent, however by October 2010 the unemployment rate had increased to 9.6 percent. In California, the unemployment rate reached 12.6 percent during the first quarter of 2010 – the all time high since statistics have been kept – and has dropped only slightly to 12.4 percent through September 2010. In many areas of California, the unemployment numbers are far higher, particularly in the central valleys and non-urban business centers. The stubbornly high unemployment levels both nationally and in California have many concerned that little recovery is taking place and that we may not be able to create jobs for a long time to come. Due to prolonged periods without work, workers who have lost their jobs might not be able to meet their financial obligations. Overall, the rise in unemployment and its continued historically high levels has caused significant worker concerns regarding their job security and lowered their confidence in their own financial circumstances.





With the general worsening of the United States economy during the Great Recession, delinquencies on real estate loans have risen dramatically, and are ongoing. In California, delinquencies and foreclosures are higher than the national averages. In the first quarter of 2009, the number of notices of default peaked at 135,431 – the highest number ever recorded. A total of 81,054, 70,051 and 83,261 notices of default were filed during the first, second and third quarters of 2010, respectively. Trustee sales, which reflect the number of houses or condominiums lost at the end of the foreclosure process, totaled 42,857, 47,669 and 45,377 for the first, second and third quarters of 2010, respectively. The all-time peak was 79,511 in the third quarter of 2008. Since this recession began, the sheer amount, quarter after quarter, of real estate taken back from borrowers continues to flood the market. In the third quarter of 2010, 35.5 percent of all homes sold were foreclosure resales.





Mortgage interest rates are a key factor in the affordability of real estate. The higher the interest rate, the less affordable real estate becomes. Mortgage interest rates are significantly influenced by the United States 10-year Treasury note rate. Following a downward trend in 2010 the ten year Treasury note rate has continued to fall throughout most of the second half of the year. During October 2010, the ten year Treasury note rate was 2.54 percent. Mortgage interest rates on 30 year fixed rate conforming loans followed the trend of the ten year Treasury note. As measured by Freddie Mac, 30 year fixed rate conforming loans reached their peak in May 2010 at 5.21 percent before descending to 4.17 percent (with an average 0.8 points) for the week ending November 11, 2010. The current 30 year mortgage interest rate is near historical lows. In spite of the current low interest rates, which would normally make homeownership more affordable, it appears that these rates are not a sufficient enough inducement to entice concerned consumers to take on mortgage debt. Borrowers are also facing tight underwriting standards which make it difficult to qualify for financing or refinancing at these rates.





In addition to mortgage rates, home prices also factor into affordability. Median home prices in California have declined from their highs in 2007 at $484,000. According to Dataquick, the median home price in California for March, June and September 2010 was $255,000, 270,000 and 265,000, respectively. The median home price in the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area reached its peak in June and July 2007 at $665,000. For the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area the median home price for March, June and September 2010 was $380,000, $410,000 and $395.000, respectively.





In California, Dataquick reports that 37,295, 43,964 and 33,176 homes and condominiums sold during March, June and September 2010, respectively. Each of these monthly sales volumes represents declines from 2009 levels. Sales in California peaked in 2004 at 65,793. On average, there are about 44,708 sales per month in California.  There is concern that declining sales volumes could begin to exert downward pressure on prices as inventories increase.





A return to a stable economic climate appears to be, at best, slow in arriving and perhaps will include periods of downturn. As sales volumes of homes remain depressed, this will put downward pressure on prices. The Treasury’s recent announcement to keep long term interest rates low may help to keep homes affordable and offer an offset to increased inventories of homes for sale. Another factor in the near term direction of residential real estate prices is the “shadow inventory” of properties that have or will be taken back by lenders.  The volume and timing of the shadow inventory supply entering the market may exert downward pressure upon residential real estate prices, posing a continuing risk that home prices might further decline.  Most analysts expect some further downward pressure on prices as unemployment remains high, credit remains tight (and in some asset classes is virtually non-existent), and consumer confidence remains low.





33


In light of these continuing difficult economic and market conditions, the partnership 1) continues to increase its allowance for loan losses to reflect the payment shortfalls by borrowers and the diminishing fair value of the underlying collateral, which in itself is reflective of the distressed credit and real estate markets; 2) adopts strategies (property by property, borrower by borrower) to protect loan interests in its collateral and take back that collateral when necessary and appropriate; 3) continues to explore opportunities to reduce the exposure to senior debt and claims on the collateral; and 4) offer the properties for sale as markets permit. In some instances, the partnership anticipates realizing losses should it choose to immediately sell properties it acquires. The partnership believes it may be beneficial, in some cases, to hold property as an investment if the property has the potential to generate rental income or the value of the property can be enhanced through improvements or improved management. The current difficult economic conditions and distressed credit and real estate markets are not conducive to real estate sales of some properties and make holding certain properties taken in foreclosure attractive until more normal sales conditions result. This tactic will cause the partnership in many cases to hold properties as investments.





Contractual Obligations





Contractual obligations of the partnership are summarized in the following table as of September 30, 2010.





Contractual Obligation

Total


Less than 1 Year


1-3 Years


3-5 YearsMortgage payable

$
1,022,180


$
1,022,180


$
—


$
—








PORTFOLIO REVIEW





Secured Loan Portfolio





The partnership generally funds loans with a fixed interest rate and a five-year term. Approximately 35% of all loans outstanding provide for monthly payments of interest only, with the principal due in full at maturity.  The other loans require monthly payments of principal and interest, typically calculated on a 30 year amortization, with the remaining principal balance due at maturity.





The cash flow and the income generated by the real property securing the loan factor into the credit decisions, as does  the general creditworthiness, experience and reputation of the borrower. Such considerations though are subordinate to a determination that the value of the real property is sufficient, in and of itself, as a source of repayment. The amount of the partnership’s loan combined with the outstanding debt and claims secured by a senior deed of trust on the property generally will not exceed a specified percentage of the appraised value of the property (the loan to value ratio or LTV) as determined by an independent written appraisal at the time the loan is made. The loan-to-value ratio generally will not exceed 80% for residential properties (including apartments), 70% for commercial properties, and 50% for land. The excess of the total debt, including the partnership’s loan, and the value of the collateral is the protective equity.





Secured loan transactions are summarized in the following table for the nine months ended September 30.





2010


2009Unpaid principal balance, beginning of the year

$
5,234,540


$
6,425,871New loans


—



—Borrower repayments


(694,972
)


(746,400
)Foreclosures


(711,500
)


(189,443
)Other


—



—Unpaid principal balance, end of period

$
3,828,068


$
5,490,028





34


Secured loans had the characteristics presented in the following table at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009.





September 30,


December 31,2010


2009Number of secured loans


18



25Secured loans – unpaid principal balance (or Principal)

$
3,828,068


$
5,234,540Average secured loan

$
212,670


$
209,382Average secured loan as percent of total secured loans


5.56
%


4.00
%Average secured loan as percent of partners’ capital


2.67
%


2.52
%Largest secured loan

$
400,000


$
500,000Largest secured loan as percent of total secured loans


10.45
%


9.55
%Largest secured loan as percent of partners’ capital


5.03
%


6.03
%Largest secured loan as percent of total assets


4.44
%


5.95
%Smallest secured loan

$
87,824


$
39,057Smallest secured loan as percent of total secured loans


2.29
%


0.75
%Smallest secured loan as percent of partners’ capital


1.10
%


0.47
%Smallest secured loan as percent of total assets


0.98
%


0.47
%Number of counties where security is located (all California)


14



16Largest percentage of secured loans in one county


19.97
%


18.13
%Number of secured loans in foreclosure status


1



4Secured loans in foreclosure – unpaid principal balance

$
380,219


$
1,091,719Number of secured loans with an interest reserve


—



—Interest reserves

$
—


$
—Secured loans – interest rates range (fixed)


5.13 – 12.50
%


5.13-10.50
%





As of September 30, 2010, the partnership’s largest loan, in the unpaid principal balance of $400,000 was secured by a mixed use commercial property located in Alameda County, California. This loan has an interest rate of 9.88% and was scheduled to mature in August 2010, but the maturity date has been extended to November 2015. Larger loans sometimes increase above 10% of the secured loan portfolio or partnership assets as these amounts decrease due to limited partner withdrawals, loan payoffs and restructuring of existing loans.





35


Secured loans had the lien positions presented in the following table at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009.





September 30, 2010

December 31, 2009Loans

Principal

Percent

Loans

Principal

PercentFirst trust deeds
15

$
3,313,636

87
%
21

$
4,215,434

81
%Second trust deeds
2


426,608

11

3


930,733

18Third trust deeds
1


87,824

2

1


88,373

1Total secured loans
18


3,828,068

100
%
25


5,234,540

100
%Liens due other lenders at loan closing



483,378






1,566,711Total debt


$
4,311,446





$
6,801,251Appraised property value at loan closing


$
7,837,122





$
12,095,273Percent of total debt to appraisedvalues (LTV) at loan closing (1)



55.01
%





56.23
%





(1)
Based on appraised values and liens due other lenders at loan closing. The loan to value computation does not take into account subsequent increases or decreases in security property values following the loan closing nor does it include decreases or increases of the amount owing on senior liens to other lenders by payments or interest accruals, if any. Property values likely have changed, particularly over the last two years, and the portfolio’s current loan to value ratio likely is higher than this historical ratio.





Secured loans summarized by property type of the collateral are presented in the following table at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009.





September 30, 2010

December 31, 2009Loans

Principal

Percent

Loans

Principal

PercentSingle family (2)
12

$
2,009,271

52
%
19

$
3,409,769

65
%Apartments
1


97,325

3

1


97,575

2Commercial
4


1,430,219

37

4


1,430,219

27Land
1


291,253

8

1


296,977

6Total secured loans
18

$
3,828,068

100
%
25

$
5,234,540

100
%





(2) Single family properties include owner-occupied and non-owner occupied single family homes, and condominium units.  From time to time, loan originations in one sector or property type become more active due to prevailing market conditions.





Secured loans are scheduled to mature as presented in the following table at September 30, 2010.





Scheduled maturities
Loans

Principal

Percent2010
—

$
—

—
%2011
3


362,476

92012
5


1,359,293

362013
2


336,029

92014
1


214,669

6Thereafter
5


855,601

22Total future maturities
16


3,128,068

82Matured at September 30, 2010
2


700,000

18Total secured loans
18

$
3,828,068

100
%





It is the partnership’s experience that loans may be repaid or refinanced before, at or after the contractual maturity date.  On matured loans the partnership may continue to accept payments while pursuing collection of amounts owed from borrowers. Therefore, the above tabulation for scheduled maturities is not a forecast of future cash receipts.





36


Secured loans past maturity are summarized in the following table at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009.





September 30,


December 31,2010


2009Secured loans past maturityNumber of loans (3)


2



1Unpaid principal balance

$
700,000


$
214,991Advances


—



—Accrued interest


6,417



1,346Loan balance

$
706,417


$
216,337Percent of loans


18
%


4
%





(3)
One secured loan past maturity at December 31, 2009 is also more than 90 days delinquent.





Secured loans in nonaccrual status are summarized in the following table at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009.





September 30,


December 31,2010


2009Secured loans in nonaccrual statusNumber of loans


2



5Unpaid principal balance

$
592,157


$
1,306,710Advances


22,037



85,683Accrued interest


—



48,640Loan balance

$
614,194


$
1,441,033Foregone interest


6,091



39,546





Foregone interest related to non-accrual loans above, for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 was $3,046 and $4,711, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, was $6,091 and $4,711, respectively.





As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the partnership held secured loans in the following locations:





September 30, 2010

December 31, 2009Loans

Principal

Percent

Loans

Principal

PercentSan Francisco Bay Area
13

$
3,071,871

80
%
16

$
3,765,389

72
%Other Northern California
3


468,911

12

5


893,275

17Southern California
2


287,286

8

4


575,876

11Total secured loans
18

$
3,828,068

100
%
25

$
5,234,540

100
%





Loans designated as impaired and the allowance for loan losses are presented and discussed under Part I – Item 2, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.








ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK





Not included as a smaller reporting company.








37


ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES





Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures





The partnership carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the general partners of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the partnership’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the general partners concluded the partnership’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.





Changes to Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.





There have not been any changes in the partnership’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the quarter ended September 30, 2010 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the partnership’s internal control over financial reporting.





38


PART II – OTHER INFORMATION





ITEM 1.              Legal Proceedings





In the normal course of business, the partnership may become involved in various types of legal proceedings such as assignment of rents, bankruptcy proceedings, appointment of receivers, unlawful detainers, judicial foreclosure, etc., to enforce the provisions of the deeds of trust, collect the debt owed under the promissory notes, or to protect, or recoup its investment from the real property secured by the deeds of trust and resolve disputes between borrowers, lenders, lien holders and mechanics. None of these actions would typically be of any material importance.  As of the date hereof, the partnership is not involved in any legal proceedings other than those that would be considered part of the normal course of business.








ITEM 1A.           Risk Factors





Not included as a smaller reporting company.








ITEM 2.              Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds





Not Applicable.








ITEM 3.              Defaults Upon Senior Securities





Not Applicable.








ITEM 4.               (Removed and Reserved)








ITEM 5.              Other Information





None.








ITEM 6.              Exhibits





31.1 Certification of General Partner pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


31.2 Certification of General Partner pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


32.1 Certification of General Partner pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


32.2 Certification of General Partner pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002














39


SIGNATURES





Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized.








REDWOOD MORTGAGE INVESTORS VII








Signature
Title
Date





/S/ Michael R. BurwellMichael R. Burwell

General Partner

November 15, 2010











/S/ Michael R. BurwellMichael R. Burwell

President of Gymno Corporation, (Principal Executive Officer); Director of Gymno Corporation Secretary/Treasurer of Gymno Corporation (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

November 15, 2010








40





Exhibit 31.1


GENERAL PARTNER CERTIFICATION





I, Michael R. Burwell, certify that:





1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Redwood Mortgage Investors VII, a California Limited Partnership (the “Registrant”);





2.
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;





3.
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;





4.
The Registrant’s other certifying officers 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 15-d-15(f)) for the Registrant and have:





(a)
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 is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;





(b)
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)
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





(d)
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 forth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably 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 the Registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):





(a)
all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and





(b)
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.








/s/ Michael R. Burwell


_____________________________


Michael R. Burwell, General Partner


November 15, 2010


41


Exhibit 31.2





PRESIDENT AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER CERTIFICATION





I, Michael R. Burwell, certify that:





1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Redwood Mortgage Investors VII, a California Limited Partnership (the “Registrant”);





2.
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;





3.
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;





4.
The Registrant’s other certifying officers 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 15-d-15(f)) for the Registrant and have:





(a)
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 is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;





(b)
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)
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





(d)
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 forth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably 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 the Registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):





(a)
all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and





(b)
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.





/s/ Michael R. Burwell


_____________________________


Michael R. Burwell, President, and


Chief Financial Officer of Gymno


Corporation, General Partner


November 15, 2010


42


Exhibit 32.1








CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO


18 U.S.C SECTION 1350,


AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO


SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002








In connection with the Quarterly Report of Redwood Mortgage Investors VII (the “Partnership”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2010 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), pursuant to 18 U.S.C. (S) 1350, as adopted pursuant to (S) 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, I, Michael R. Burwell, certify that to the best of my knowledge:





(1)
The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and





(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the partnership at the dates and for the periods indicated.





A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Redwood Mortgage Investors VII and will be retained by Redwood Mortgage Investors VII and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

















/s/ Michael R. Burwell


_____________________________


Michael R. Burwell, General Partner


November 15, 2010


43





Exhibit 32.2








CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO


18 U.S.C SECTION 1350,


AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO


SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002








In connection with the Quarterly Report of Redwood Mortgage Investors VII (the “Partnership”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2010 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), pursuant to 18 U.S.C. (S) 1350, as adopted pursuant to (S) 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, I, Michael R. Burwell, certify that to the best of my knowledge:





(1)
The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and





(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the partnership at the dates and for the periods indicated.





A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Redwood Mortgage Investors VII and will be retained by Redwood Mortgage Investors VII and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

















/s/ Michael R. Burwell


_____________________________


Michael R. Burwell, President, and


Chief Financial Officer of Gymno


Corporation, General Partner


November 15, 2010





44