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 March 31, 2011





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


MARCH 31, 2011 (unaudited) AND DECEMBER 31, 2010 (audited)





ASSETS





March 31,


December 31,2011


2010Cash and cash equivalents

$
500,296


$
620,415LoansSecured by deeds of trustPrincipal


3,783,844



3,522,715Advances


15,467



21,772Accrued interest


49,233



50,494Unsecured, net of discount of $56,165 and $59,262 for March 31, 2011and December 31, 2010, respectively


169,449



180,442Allowance for loan losses


(518,497
)


(515,400
)Net loans


3,499,496



3,260,023Receivables, affiliate


—



9,229Receivables, other


12,222



—Real estate owned (REO)Held for sale


1,833,002



2,085,913Held as investment


1,542,465



1,542,4653,375,467



3,628,378Total assets

$
7,387,481


$
7,518,045





LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL





LiabilitiesAccounts payable

$
81,909


$
54,953CapitalPartners’ capitalLimited partners’ capital, subject to redemption


7,298,997



7,456,517General partners’ capital


6,575



6,575Total partners’ capital


7,305,572



7,463,092Total liabilities and capital

$
7,387,481


$
7,518,045








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 Months Ended March 31, 2011 and 2010


(unaudited)








2011


2010RevenuesInterest incomeInterest on loans

$
60,698


$
116,999Other interest


—



324Total interest income


60,698



117,323Interest expense


—



—Net interest income


60,698



117,323Late fees


229



4,394Gain on sale of REO


131



—Other


1,798



3,718Total revenues, net


62,856



125,435Provision for loan losses


3,097



3,097Operating ExpensesMortgage servicing fees


5,689



12,216Asset management fees


2,450



2,593Costs from Redwood Mortgage Corp.


3,152



2,947Professional services


28,902



51,191Impairment loss, REO held for sale, net


27,809



(5,303
)REO holding costs


7,930



6,226Other


44



1,047Total operating expenses


75,976



70,917Net income (loss)

$
(16,217
)

$
51,421Net income (loss)General partners (1%)

$
(162
)

$
467Limited partners (99%)


(16,055
)


50,954$
(16,217
)

$
51,421Net income (loss) per $1,000 invested by limited partnersfor entire period-where income (loss) is reinvested

$
(8
)

$
6-where partner receives income (loss) in monthlydistributions

$
(8
)

$
6








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 Three Months Ended March 31, 2011


(unaudited)











Limited


GeneralPartners


Partners


TotalBalance, beginning of period

$
7,456,517


$
6,575


$
7,463,092Net loss


(16,055
)


(162
)


(16,217
)Early withdrawal penalties


(1,648
)


—



(1,648
)Partners' withdrawals


(139,817
)


162



(139,655
)Balance, end of period

$
7,298,997


$
6,575


$
7,305,572











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 Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 and 2010


(unaudited)





2011


2010Cash flows from operating activitiesNet income/(loss)
$
(16,217
)

$
51,421Adjustments to reconcile net income/(loss) tonet cash provided by (used in) operating activitiesProvision for loan losses

3,097



3,097Gain on sale of REO

(131
)


—Equity losses (gains) on REO held for sale, net

27,809



(5,303
)(1,648
)


(2,604
)Amortization of discount unsecured loans

(3,097
)


(3,097
)Change in operating assets and liabilitiesLoans unsecured

14,090



14,640Accrued interest
1
1,261



(685
)Advances

4,130



(12,332
)Receivable from affiliate

9,229



(34,635Other receivables

(12,222
)


—Accounts payable

9,391



14,311Payable to affiliate

—



46,582Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

35,692



71,395Cash flows from investing activitiesPrincipal collected on loans

8,652



4,950Loans originated

(650,000
)


—Payments for development of real estate

(17,651
)


(39,428
)Proceeds from disposition of real estate

642,843



—Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

(16,156
)


(34,478
)Cash flows from financing activitiesPartners’ withdrawals

(139,655
)


(150,255
)Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

(139,655
)


(150,255
)Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

(120,119
)


(113,338
)Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year

620,415



255,097Cash and cash equivalents - end of period
$
500,296


$
141,759Supplemental disclosures of cash flow informationReal estate acquired through foreclosure/settlement on loans,net of liabilities assumed
$
382,394


$
672,906Cash paid for interest
$
25,867


$
5,791





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





6


REDWOOD MORTGAGE INVESTORS VII


(A California Limited Partnership)


Notes to Financial Statements


March 31, 2011 (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, 2010 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The results of operations for the three month period ended March 31, 2011 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





Reclassifications





Certain reclassifications, not affecting previously reported net income or total partner capital, have been made to the previously issued financial statements to conform to the current year presentation.





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.





7


REDWOOD MORTGAGE INVESTORS VII


(A California Limited Partnership)


Notes to Financial Statements


March 31, 2011 (unaudited)







NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)





Management estimates (continued)





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.





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.  Management’s analysis of these secondary sources, as well as the analysis of comparable sales, assists management in preparing its estimates regarding valuations, such as collateral fair value.  However, such estimates are inherently imprecise and actual results could differ significantly from such estimates.





8


REDWOOD MORTGAGE INVESTORS VII


(A California Limited Partnership)


Notes to Financial Statements


March 31, 2011 (unaudited)









NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)





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.





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.





9


REDWOOD MORTGAGE INVESTORS VII


(A California Limited Partnership)


Notes to Financial Statements


March 31, 2011 (unaudited)









NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)





Allowance for loan losses (continued)





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.





Real estate owned (REO) held for sale





REO held for sale includes real estate acquired in full or partial settlement of loan obligations generally through foreclosure that is being marketed for sale.  REO 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, REO 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 owned (REO) held as investment





REO held as investment includes real estate acquired in full or partial settlement of loan obligations generally 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. REO 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.


10


REDWOOD MORTGAGE INVESTORS VII


(A California Limited Partnership)


Notes to Financial Statements


March 31, 2011 (unaudited)









NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)





Investment in limited liability company





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





Recently issued accounting pronouncements




On April 5, 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-02, “A Creditor’s Determination of Whether Restructuring is a Troubled Debt Restructuring,” providing guidance to lenders for evaluating where a modification or restructuring of a loan as a Troubled Debt Restructuring (TDR). ASU 2011-02 provides expanded guidance on whether:  1) the lender has granted a “concession” and 2) whether the borrower is experiencing “financial difficulties.” The ASU is effective for the first interim or annual period beginning after June 15, 2011 (i.e. the third quarter of 2011) and is required to be applied retroactively for all modifications and restructuring activities in 2011. This ASU ends the FASB’s deferral of the additional disclosures about TDR activities required by ASU 2010-20.


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 month period ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, 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.





Three months ended March 31,2011


2010Maximum chargeable by RMC

$
8,534


$
18,324Waived by RMC


(2,845
)


(6,108
)Net charged

$
5,689


$
12,216





- 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.


11


REDWOOD MORTGAGE INVESTORS VII


(A California Limited Partnership)


Notes to Financial Statements


March 31, 2011 (unaudited)









NOTE 3 – GENERAL PARTNERS AND RELATED PARTIES (continued)





Asset management fees are summarized in the following table.





Three months ended March 31,2011


2010Maximum chargeable by general partners

$
7,351


$
7,779Waived by general partners


(4,901
)


(5,186
)Net charged

$
2,450


$
2,593





- 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 March 31, 2011 and 2010, were $3,152 and $2,947, respectively.








NOTE 4 – LOANS





The partnership generally funds loans with a fixed interest rate and a five-year term. Approximately 41% 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.





- Secured loans unpaid principal balance(principal) - Secured loan transactions are summarized in the following table for the three months ended March 31.





2011


2010Principal, beginning of year

$
3,522,715


$
5,234,540New loans


650,000



—Borrower repayments


(8,652
)


(4,950
)Foreclosures


(380,219
)


(540,500
)Other


—



—Principal, end period

$
3,783,844


$
4,689,090





12


REDWOOD MORTGAGE INVESTORS VII


(A California Limited Partnership)


Notes to Financial Statements


March 31, 2011 (unaudited)









NOTE 4 – LOANS (continued)





- Loan characteristics- Secured loans had the characteristics presented in the following table.





March 31,


December 31,2011


2010Number of secured loans


17



17Secured loans - principal

$
3,783,844


$
3,522,715Secured loans - interest rates range (fixed)


5.13 - 10.50
%


5.13 - 10.50
%Average secured loan - principal

$
222,579


$
207,219Average principal as percent of total principal


5.88
%


5.88
%Average principal as percent of partners’ capital


3.05
%


2.78
%Largest secured loan - principal

$
649,580


$
399,692Largest principal as percent of total principal


17.17
%


11.35
%Largest principal as percent of partners’ capital


8.89
%


5.36
%Largest principal as percent of total assets


8.79
%


5.32
%Smallest secured loan - principal

$
87,436


$
87,632Smallest principal as percent of total principal


2.31
%


2.49
%Smallest principal as percent of partners’ capital


1.20
%


1.17
%Smallest principal as percent of total assets


1.18
%


1.17
%Number of counties where security is located (all California)


14



14Largest percentage of principal in one county


20.16
%


21.69
%Number of secured loans in foreclosure


—



1Secured loans in foreclosure – principal

$
—


$
380,219Number of secured loans with an interest reserve


—



—Interest reserves

$
—


$
—





As of March 31, 2011, the partnership’s largest loan, in the unpaid principal balance of $649,580 was secured by a single-family residence located in Los Angeles County, California. This loan has an interest rate of 9.25% and matures in December 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


March 31, 2011 (unaudited)








NOTE 4 – LOANS (continued)





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





March 31, 2011

December 31, 2010Loans

Principal

Percent

Loans

Principal

PercentFirst trust deeds
14

$
3,271,681

87
%
14

$
3,008,868

86
%Second trust deeds
2


424,727

11

2


426,215

12Third trust deeds
1


87,436

2

1


87,632

2Total secured loans



3,783,844

100
%
17


3,522,715

100
%Liens due other lenders at loan closing



483,378






483,378Total debt


$
4,267,222





$
4,006,093Appraised property value at loan closing


$
7,862,368





$
6,837,118Loan to value (LTV) (1)



54.27
%





58.59
%





(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.





March 31, 2011

December 31, 2010Loans

Principal

Percent

Loans

Principal

PercentSingle family (2)
13

$
2,650,954

69
%
12

$
2,006,657

57
%Multi-family
1


96,869

3

1


96,869

3Commercial
2


748,754

20

3


1,129,911

32Land
1


287,268

8

1


289,278

8Total secured loans
17

$
3,783,845

100
%
17

$
3,522,715

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


March 31, 2011 (unaudited)









NOTE 4 – LOANS (continued)





- Scheduled maturities - Secured loans at March 31, 2011 are scheduled to mature as presented in the following table.





Scheduled maturities
Loans

Principal

Percent2011
2

$
225,853

6
%2012
4


979,073

262013
2


332,847

92014
1


213,820

62015
5


1,522,548

40Thereafter
3


509,703

13Total future maturities
17


3,783,844

100Matured at March 31, 2011
—


—

—Total secured loans
17

$
3,783,844

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 – There were no secured loans past maturity at March 31, 2011 or December 31, 2010..





- Delinquency - Secured loan principal summarized by payment delinquency is presented in the following table.





March 31,


December 31,2010


201030-89 days past due

$
153,000


$
96,86990-179 days past due


96,869



380,219180 or more days past due


—



—Total past due


249,869



477,088Current


3,533,975



3,045,627Total secured loans

$
3,783,844


$
3,522,715





The partnership reports delinquency based upon the most recent contractual agreement with the borrower.





Interest income accrued on loans contractually past due more than 90 days as to principal or interest payments during the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 was $2,544 and $0, respectively.





At March 31, 2011, the partnership had five workout agreements in effect with an aggregate principal of $961,920. Four of the five borrowers, with an aggregate principal of $808,920, had made all required payments under the workout agreements and the loans were included in the above table as current. Four of the five loans, with an aggregate principal of $827,896 were designated impaired and in non-accrual status. The other loan was not designated impaired and was accruing interest.





At December 31, 2010, the partnership had five workout agreements in effect with an aggregate principal of $964,664. The borrowers had made all required payments under the workout agreements and the loans were included in the above table as current. Four of the five loans, with an aggregate principal of $830,640 were designated impaired and in non-accrual status. The other loan was not designated impaired and was accruing interest.





15


REDWOOD MORTGAGE INVESTORS VII


(A California Limited Partnership)


Notes to Financial Statements


March 31, 2011 (unaudited)









NOTE 4 – LOANS (continued)





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





March 31,


December 31,2011


2010Number of loans


4



5Principal

$
827,896


$
1,210,859Advances


14,460



21,670Accrued interest


22,067



27,971Loan balance

$
864,423


$
1,260,500Foregone interest

$
14,985


$
89,526





At March 31, 2011, there was one loan contractually past due 90 or more days as to principal or interest, with a principal balance of $96,869 and still accruing interest.  At December 31, 2010, there were no loans contractually past due 90 or more days as to principal or interest and not in non-accrual status.





- Impaired Loans –Impaired loans had the balances shown and the associated allowance for loan losses as presented in the following table.





March 31,


December 31,2011


2010Principal

$
827,896


$
1,210,859Recorded investment (3)

$
864,423


$
1,260,499Impaired loans without allowance

$
—


$
382,394Impaired loans with allowance

$
864,423


$
878,105Allowance for loan losses, impaired loans

$
370,000


$
370,000





(3)
Recorded investment is the sum of principal, advances, and interest accrued for financial reporting purposes.





Impaired loans had the average balances and interest income recognized and received in cash as presented in the following table for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and the year ended December 31, 2010.





March 31,


December 31,2011


2010Average recorded investment

$
1,062,461


$
1,350,766Interest income recognized

$
—


$
3,046Interest income received in cash

$
—


$
44,050








16


REDWOOD MORTGAGE INVESTORS VII


(A California Limited Partnership)


Notes to Financial Statements


March 31, 2011 (unaudited)









NOTE 5 – ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES





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





Three months ended March 31,2011


2010Balance, beginning of period

$
515,400


$
419,322Provision for loan losses


3,097



3,097Charge-offs, netCharge-offs


—



—Recoveries


—



—Charge-offs, net


—



—Balance, end of period

$
518,497


$
422,419Specific reserves

$
370,000


$
133,711General reserves


148,497



288,708Balance, end of period

$
518,497


$
422,419Ratio of charge-offs, net during the period to average securedloans outstanding during the period


—
%


—
%





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





March 31, 2011


December 31, 2010Amount

Percent


Amount

PercentSingle family

$
385,9977

699
%

$
375,9000

577
%Multi-family


1,0000

33



1,0000

33Commercial


30,5000

200



30,5000

322Land


10,0000

88



10,0000

88Total secured loans

$
427,4977

1000
%

$
417,4000

1000
%Unsecured loans

$
91,0000

1000
%

$
98,0000

1000
%Total allowance for loan losses

$
518,4977

1000
%

$
515,4000

1000
%














17


REDWOOD MORTGAGE INVESTORS VII


(A California Limited Partnership)


Notes to Financial Statements


March 31, 2011 (unaudited)









NOTE 6 – REAL ESTATE OWNED (REO) HELD FOR SALE





REO held for sale activity and changes in the net realizable values are summarized in the following tables for the three months ended March 31.





2011


2010REO held for sale, beginning of year

$
2,085,913


$
126,000Acquisitions


399,959



682,363Dispositions


(642,712
)


—Improvements/betterments


1,759



—Charge-offs


—



—Changes in net realizable values


(11,917
)


—REO held for sale, end of period

$
1,833,002


$
808,363





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





March 31,


December 31,2011


2010Number of properties


4



4Property typeSingle family

$
—


$
125,100Multi family


1,307,043



1,834,813Commercial


399,959



—Land


126,000



126,000Total REO held for sale

$
1,833,002


$
2,085,913





In February 2010, the partnership, along with two affiliated partnerships, acquired through foreclosure, a 22 unit, condominium complex, in which the partnership held a 16.67% ownership interest. The property was subject to a senior loan with an interest rate of 7.21%. In February of 2011, the property was sold.  The property value had been adjusted in December 2010 to recognize the contracted sales price.  While the property was owned, it was operated as apartment rentals.  During the three months ended March 31, 2011, the property had net rental earnings of $12,031 before interest expense on the related mortgage of $25,867.  For the same period in 2010, the property had net earnings of $11,904 before interest expense on the related mortgage of $5,791.





In February 2011, the partnership acquired through foreclosure a commercial property located in Daly City, California in San Mateo County.  Pending eviction proceedings, the property will be listed for sale.





In January 2011, the partnership sold a single family residence it had acquired in June 2010 through foreclosure.  A minor gain on sale of $131 was realized.





The partnership jointly with three other affiliated partnerships acquired through foreclosure a multi-unit property located in San Francisco, California. 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 affiliated partnerships. Larkin has performed a substantial renovation and remodeling of the property and intends to undertake additional renovation to several un-remodeled units. The property is not leased and does not generate any revenues. The partnership plans to sell the remodeled units as tenant in common interests. As of December 31, 2010 several of the units are listed for sale, and the property was transferred from REO, held as investment.





18


REDWOOD MORTGAGE INVESTORS VII


(A California Limited Partnership)


Notes to Financial Statements


March 31, 2011 (unaudited)









NOTE 7 – REAL ESTATE OWNED (REO) HELD AS INVESTMENT





REO held as investment activity and changes in the impairment reserves are summarized in the following table for the three months ended March 31.





2011


2010Balance, beginning of year

$
1,542,465


$
1,542,465Acquisitions


—



—Dispositions


—



—Improvements/betterments


—



—Change in impairment reserve


—



—Balance, end of period

$
1,542,465


$
1,542,465





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





March 31,


December 31,2011


2010Number of properties


2



2Property type, land

$
1,542,465


$
1,542,465Total REO held as investment

$
1,542,465


$
1,542,465





In December 2009, the partnership and two affiliated partnerships jointly acquired by foreclosure an undeveloped parcel of land located in Ceres, California in Stanislaus County. The partnership’s investment at foreclosure was approximately $234,000.





The partnership with two affiliated partnerships jointly owns vacant land acquired by a deed in lieu of foreclosure in 2004 located in Stanislaus County, California. It is comprised of two lots, totaling approximately 10 acres. The partnership’s investment at foreclosure was approximately $1,309,000







NOTE 8 – 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


March 31, 2011 (unaudited)






NOTE 8 – FAIR VALUE




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 March 31, 2011:





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

$
—


$
—


$
—


$
—REO held for sale

$
—


$
—


$
1,833,002


$
1,833,002REO held as investment

$
—


$
—


$
—


$
—





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

$
—


$
—


$
878,105


$
878,105REO held for sale

$
—


$
—


$
2,085,913


$
2,085,913REO held as investment

$
—


$
—


$
—


$
—





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.





20


REDWOOD MORTGAGE INVESTORS VII


(A California Limited Partnership)


Notes to Financial Statements


March 31, 2011 (unaudited)









NOTE 8 – FAIR VALUE (continued)








(b)
Secured loans. The fair value of the non-impaired loans of $3,017,000 and $2,355,000 at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, 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)
REO 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 9 – 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 March 31, 2011, 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 March 31, 2011.





21


REDWOOD MORTGAGE INVESTORS VII


(A California Limited Partnership)


Notes to Financial Statements


March 31, 2011 (unaudited)









NOTE 9 – 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 provisions of the deeds of trust, collect the debt owed under promissory notes, or to protect, or recoup its investment from 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 10 – 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, 2010.





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, 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, 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.  Management’s analysis of these secondary sources, as well as the analysis of comparable sales, assists management in preparing its estimates regarding valuations, such as collateral fair value.  However, such estimates are inherently imprecise and actual results could differ significantly from such estimates.





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 owned (REO) held for sale





REO held for sale includes real estate acquired in full or partial settlement of loan obligations generally through foreclosure that is being marketed for sale.  REO 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, REO 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 owned (REO) held as investment





REO 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. REO 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





The FASB issued ASU 2011-01, “Deferral of the Effective Date of Disclosures about Troubled Debt Restructurings in Update No. 2010-20.” The amendments in ASU 2011-01 temporarily delayed the effective date of the disclosures about troubled debt restructurings in ASU 2010-20 for public entities. The delay was intended to allow the FASB time to complete its deliberations on what constitutes a troubled debt restructuring. The effective date of the new disclosures about troubled debt restructurings for public entities and the guidance for determining what constitutes a troubled debt restructuring will then be coordinated. The deferral in ASU 2011-01 was effective January 19, 2011 (date of issuance).









Related Parties





The general partners of the partnership are Gymno Corporation and Michael R. Burwell. Most partnership business is conducted through Redwood Mortgage Corp. (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 March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, 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 month period ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 are discussed below.





Changes during the three months ended March 31,

2011 versus 2010Dollars


PercentRevenueInterest incomeInterest on loans

$
(56,301
)


(48
)
%Other interest


(324
)


(100
)Total interest income


(56,625
)


(48
)Interest expense


—



—Net interest income


(56,625
)


(48
)Late fees


(4,165
)


(95
)Gain on sale of real estate owned


131



—Other


(1,920
)


(52
)Total revenues


(62,579
)


(50
)Provision for loan losses


—



—Operating expensesMortgage servicing fees


(6,527
)


(53
)Asset management fees


(143
)


(6
)Costs through Redwood Mortgage Corp.


205



7Professional services


(22,289
)


(44
)Impairment loss, REO held for sale, net


33,112



(624
)REO, holding costs


1,704



27Other


(1,003
)


(96
)Total operating expenses


5,059



7Net income (loss)

$
(67,638
)


(132
)
%





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





27


Comparison of the three month period ended March 31, 2011 versus the same period ended March 31, 2010





Revenue – Interest on loans





The interest on loans decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010 due to a decrease in the average secured loan portfolio balance and an increase in amount of foregone interest on the non-accrual loans, which is reflected in the decrease of the effective yield rate. 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 month averages.





March 31,


March 31,2011


2010Average secured portfolio principal

$
3,397,158


$
5,180,860Stated average yield rate


8.70
%


9.07
%Effective yield rate adjusted for discount


6.78
%


8.79
%





Late fees





The decrease in late fees for the three month period ended March 31, 2011 from the same period in 2010 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.





Operating Expenses





The decrease in mortgage servicing fees for both the three month period ended March 31, 2011 is due to the reduction in the average loan balance (see table above for Revenue – Interest on loans).





The decrease in professional services for the three months ended March 31, 2011 is due to decreases in professional costs for legal services, audits and, tax return processing. As more issues rose in 2010 related to delinquent and impaired loans, and real estate owned, management’s need to consult with experts increased.





28


The increase in impairment (gain)/loss on REO for the three month period ended March 31, 2011 is due to higher than anticipated closing costs related to the sale of the property and marketing, maintenance and property tax costs related to real estate transferred in December 2010 from held as investment to held for sale.








Allowance for Losses





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





- Impaired Loans –Impaired loans had the balances shown and the associated allowance for loan losses as presented in the following table.





March 31,


December 31,2011


2010Principal

$
827,896


$
1,210,859Recorded investment (1)

$
864,423


$
1,260,499Impaired loans without allowance

$
—


$
382,394Impaired loans with allowance

$
864,423


$
878,105Allowance for loan losses, impaired loans

$
370,000


$
370,000





(1)
Recorded investment is the sum of principal, advances, and interest accrued for financial reporting purposes.





Impaired loans had the average balances and interest income recognized and received in cash as presented in the following table for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and the year ended December 31, 2010.





March 31,


December 31,2011


2010Average recorded investment

$
1,062,461


$
1,350,766Interest income recognized

$
—


$
3,046Interest income received in cash

$
—


$
44,050





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.





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





Three months ended

March 31,2011


2010Balance, beginning of period

$
515,400


$
419,322Provision for loan losses


3,097



3,097Charge-offs, netCharge-offs


—



—Recoveries


—



—Charge-offs, net


—



—Balance, March 31

$
518,497


$
422,419Specific reserves

$
370,000


$
133,711General reserves


148,497



288,708Balance, March 31

$
518,497


$
422,419Ratio of charge-offs, net during the period to average securedloans outstanding during the period


—
%


—
%





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.





Liquidity and Capital Resources





The partnership relies upon loan payoffs, borrowers’ mortgage payments, partnership operations and, 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.





30


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 March 31, 2011 and 2010, limited partners electing to withdraw earnings represented 40% and 40%, respectively.





Three months ended

March 31,2011

2010Distributing

$
15,682


$
18,487Compounding


23,178



27,733Total

$
38,860


$
46,220





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).  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.





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





Three months ended

March 31,2011

2010Capital liquidations-without penalty

$
105,708


$
101,697Capital liquidations-subject to penalty


20,596



32,553Total

$
126,304


$
134,250





31


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. 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 majority of the property the partnership owns and property securing the partnership’s loans is located in the nine San Francisco Bay Area counties and the Los Angeles metropolitan area. As a result, the health of the California economy, the California real estate market and the credit markets is of primary concern. Credit markets for real estate secured assets continue to remain extremely tight, with the exception of financing for stabilized multi-family properties.





The de-leveraging of consumers, financial institutions and commercial businesses continues. Financial institutions with an excess of real estate secured loans on their books, have increased underwriting standards and eliminated lending to perceived risky industries in their efforts to shore up balance sheets and credit quality. Historically, the real estate industry has relied upon a ready supply of capital in the form of loans.  These funds generally came from government sponsored agencies such as Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, jumbo loan securitizations, as well as commercial lending institutions of many types holding loans for their own accounts. The new reality is that the credit market has changed and may not recover in the near term.  There is discussion that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the largest suppliers of credit for residential properties, may be wound down. The real estate credit markets may not loosen up any time soon and may have changed, restrictively, forever from what they were just a few years ago.





In addition, CoreLogic released data showing that 11.1 million (23.1 percent) of all residential properties with a mortgage were in negative equity at the end of the fourth quarter of 2010, up from 10.8 million (22.5 percent) the previous quarter. Negative equity means that the borrower owes more than the value of the property. An additional 2.4 million borrowers had less than five percent equity, referred to as near-negative equity, in the fourth quarter. Together, negative equity and near-negative equity mortgages accounted for 27.9 percent of all residential properties with a mortgage nationwide. The borrowers that have mortgages larger than the value of their homes are in a difficult position along with their lenders. If the borrowers desire to sell their property for a myriad of reasons or have difficulty making their payments and are forced to sell their property they will not be able to generate sufficient proceeds from a sale to payoff their lenders unless they have sufficient cash assets that they choose to pay to the lender. Alternatively, they can let the lender take the property in satisfaction of their debt. In these cases the homeowner loses their home and the lender loses a portion of their debt if they choose to sell the acquired property in the near term. Additionally, borrowers with negative equity will find most lenders unwilling to provide new or lower cost financing as there will be inadequate equity to provide a cushion should a borrower default upon their mortgage. This leaves borrowers with negative equity locked into their properties and bound to their existing lender for the foreseeable future.





32


During the first quarter of 2011, interest rates continued to remain low and for those that can qualify for new loans the cost of carrying a mortgage continued to help improve ownership affordability. Even as of May 12, 2011, the Freddie Mac interest rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage was 4.63 percent (with 0.7 points of cost). In spite of historically low rates, credit remains difficult to obtain and consumers remain skeptical of real estate continuing to maintain value particularly in consideration of the declines in property values since 2007. Therefore, many potential purchasers lack the confidence to purchase and demand for real estate remains at historical lows.


The number of California new and resale houses and condominiums sold during March 2011 was 36,417. That was up 33.3 percent from 27,320 in February, and down 2.4 percent from 37,295 for March 2010. California sales for the month of March have varied from a low of 24,565 in 2008 to a high of 68,848 in 2005.  Distressed property sales made up about 57 percent of California’s March resale market. Of the existing homes sold, 39.3 percent were properties that had been foreclosed on during the past year. That was down from 40.1 percent in February and down from 40.3 percent in March a year ago. The all-time high was in February 2009 at 58.5 percent. Additionally, short sales – transactions where the sale price fell short of what was owed on the property – made up an estimated 17.6 percent of resales. That was down from an estimated 18.8 percent in February but the same as a year earlier and up from 11.4 percent two years ago.
   The median price paid for a California home in March 2011 was $249,000, up 2.0 percent from $244,000 in February, and down 2.4 percent from $255,000 for March a year ago. The year-over-year decrease was the sixth in a row after eleven months of increases. The bottom of the current residential real estate cycle was $221,000 in April 2009, while the peak was at $484,000 in early 2007. While we are above the current historical median price low set in April 2009, the recent decreases in median price and low sales volumes continue to lead to expectations that real estate values will not increase significantly in the near term remote and are more indicative of a real estate market struggling with oversupply as a result of too many properties being delivered to the market from lenders due to borrower defaults and lack of demand.


The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew at a 1.8 percent rate during the first quarter of 2011. While this is a positive sign that the overall US economy is improving, real estate, which was one of the worst hit industries of the Great Recession, continues to be severely and adversely impacted by the downturn of the last four years. Jobs are an important factor effecting home affordability.  The national unemployment rose in the United States from 9.3 percent in 2009 to 9.6 percent in 2010, the highest level since 1983. As of March 2011 the national unemployment rate had decreased to 8.8 percent, still high but moving downward as the economy has begun to create jobs.





At the same time, unemployment rose in California to its highest level since records began in 1976. In December 2010, the state posted a 12.5 percent unemployment rate, up from 12.2 percent in December 2009. By March 2011 the unemployment rate in California had declined to 12.0 percent, which is a significant improvement but still an unemployment rate that clearly illustrates the economic difficulties in the state and the depth of the Great Recession.





The San Francisco Bay Area fared better than the state as a whole, with unemployment falling in the Silicon Valley from 11.5 percent in December 2009, to 10.7 percent in December 2010 and to 10.6 percent in March 2011 and in the San Francisco-Oakland region from 10.2 percent in December 2009, to 9.9 percent in December 2010 and rising to 10.0 percent as of March 2011. Overall, the rapid rise in unemployment in recent years has caused significant worker concerns regarding job security and lowered confidence in their own financial circumstances. Spending on new homes, upgrades to larger homes and remodeling of existing housing are all highly dependent upon consumer sentiment and financial circumstances. Until unemployment drops considerably or returns to more normal levels, residential real estate values and a more normal real estate market will be hard pressed to emerge and begin a solid recovery.





Overall, there are signs that general economic conditions are improving. Unemployment has remained high but is not generally rising. Home prices fell on average but not nearly by the magnitudes in preceding years. Interest rates are remaining low and consumer sentiment while low is improving. The ends of recessions and periods of home price depreciation are often one of the most opportune times to make loans. Borrowers that qualify for a mortgage, particularly under stringent underwriting guidelines, are often the highest performing groups of borrowers in the long run. There is less competition from other lenders as they are still sitting on the sidelines or have left the industry altogether. With well collateralized loans, low loan-to-value lenders should avoid the dangers of lending into a bubble market and face limited exposure to further real estate value declines.





The company views the current economic conditions as a period in which to continue to stabilize its existing borrower base and to stabilize the properties it has acquired either through making cosmetic improvements in order to enhance the sale of these properties or to improve cash flows on properties held through leasing, improving tenancies and reducing property expenses.





33


Contractual Obligations





None.





PORTFOLIO REVIEW





Secured Loan Portfolio





The partnership generally funds loans with a fixed interest rate and a five-year term.  Approximately 41% 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.





- Secured loans unpaid principal balance(principal) - Secured loan transactions are summarized in the following table for the three months ended March 31.





2011


2010Principal, beginning of year

$
3,522,715


$
5,234,540New loans


650,000



—Borrower repayments


(8,652
)


(4,950
)Foreclosures


(380,219
)


(540,500
)Other


—



—Principal, end period

$
3,783,844


$
4,689,090





- Loan characteristics- Secured loans had the characteristics presented in the following table.





March 31,


December 31,2011


2010Number of secured loans


17



17Secured loans - principal

$
3,783,844


$
3,522,715Secured loans - interest rates range (fixed)


5.13 - 10.50
%


5.13 - 10.50
%Average secured loan - principal

$
222,579


$
207,219Average principal as percent of total principal


5.88
%


5.88
%Average principal as percent of partners’ capital


3.05
%


2.78
%Largest secured loan - principal

$
649,580


$
399,692Largest principal as percent of total principal


17.17
%


11.35
%Largest principal as percent of partners’ capital


8.89
%


5.36
%Largest principal as percent of total assets


8.79
%


5.32
%Smallest secured loan - principal

$
87,436


$
87,632Smallest principal as percent of total principal


2.31
%


2.49
%Smallest principal as percent of partners’ capital


1.20
%


1.17
%Smallest principal as percent of total assets


1.18
%


1.17
%Number of counties where security is located (all California)


14



14Largest percentage of principal in one county


20.16
%


21.69
%Number of secured loans in foreclosure


—



1Secured loans in foreclosure – principal

$
—


$
380,219Number of secured loans with an interest reserve


—



—Interest reserves

$
—


$
—





34


As of March 31, 2011, the partnership’s largest loan, in the unpaid principal balance of $649,580 was secured by a single-family residence located in Los Angeles County, California. This loan has an interest rate of 9.25% and matures in December 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.





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





March 31, 2011

December 31, 2010Loans

Principal

Percent

Loans

Principal

PercentFirst trust deeds
14

$
3,271,681

87
%
14

$
3,008,868

86
%Second trust deeds
2


424,727

11

2


426,215

12Third trust deeds
1


87,436

2

1


87,632

2Total secured loans



3,783,844

100
%
17


3,522,715

100
%Liens due other lenders at loan closing



483,378






483,378Total debt


$
4,267,222





$
4,006,093Appraised property value at loan closing


$
7,862,368





$
6,837,118Loan to value (LTV) (1)



54.27
%





58.59
%





(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.





March 31, 2011

December 31, 2010Loans

Principal

Percent

Loans

Principal

PercentSingle family (2)
13

$
2,650,954

69
%
12

$
2,006,657

57
%Multi-family
1


96,869

3

1


96,869

3Commercial
2


748,754

20

3


1,129,911

32Land
1


287,268

8

1


289,278

8Total secured loans
17

$
3,783,845

100
%
17

$
3,522,715

100
%





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





- Scheduled maturities - Secured loans at March 31, 2011 are scheduled to mature as presented in the following table.





Scheduled maturities
Loans

Principal

Percent2011
2

$
225,853

6
%2012
4


979,073

262013
2


332,847

92014
1


213,820

62015
5


1,522,548

40Thereafter
3


509,703

13Total future maturities
17


3,783,844

100Matured at March 31, 2011
—


—

—Total secured loans
17

$
3,783,844

100
%





35


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 - There were no secured loans past maturity at March 31, 2011 or December 31, 2010..








- Delinquency - Secured loan principal summarized by payment delinquency is presented in the following table.





March 31,


December 31,2010


201030-89 days past due

$
153,000


$
96,86990-179 days past due


96,869



380,219180 or more days past due


—



—Total past due


249,869



477,088Current


3,533,975



3,045,627Total secured loans

$
3,783,844


$
3,522,715





The partnership reports delinquency based upon the most recent contractual agreement with the borrower.





At March 31, 2011, the partnership had five workout agreements in effect with an aggregate principal of $961,920. Four of the five borrowers, with an aggregate principal of $808,920, had made all required payments under the workout agreements and the loans were included in the above table as current. Four of the five loans, with an aggregate principal of $827,896 were designated impaired and in non-accrual status. The other loan was not designated impaired and was accruing interest.





At December 31, 2010, the partnership had five workout agreements in effect with an aggregate principal of $964,664. The borrowers had made all required payments under the workout agreements and the loans were included in the above table as current. Four of the five loans, with an aggregate principal of $830,640 were designated impaired and in non-accrual status. The other loan was not designated impaired and was accruing interest.





Interest income accrued on loans contractually past due more than 90 days as to principal or interest payments during the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 was $2,544 and $0, respectively.





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





March 31,


December 31,2011


2010Number of loans


4



5Principal

$
827,896


$
1,210,859Advances


14,460



21,670Accrued interest


22,067



27,971Loan balance

$
864,423


$
1,260,500Foregone interest

$
14,985


$
89,526





At March 31, 2011 there was one loan contractually past due 90 or more days as to principal or interest, with a principal balance of $96,869 and still accruing interest.  At December 31, 2010 there were no loans contractually past due 90 or more days as to principal or interest and not in non-accrual status.











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As of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the partnership held secured loans in the following locations:





March 31, 2011

December 31, 2010Loans

Principal

Percent

Loans

Principal

PercentSan Francisco Bay Area
11

$
2,383,214

63
%
12

$
2,768,371

79
%Other Northern California
3


464,743

12

3


467,587

13Southern California
3


935,887

25

2


286,757

8Total secured loans
17

$
3,783,844

100
%
17

$
3,522,715

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 the partnership is a smaller reporting company.








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 March 31, 2011 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the partnership’s internal control over financial reporting.





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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 provisions of the deeds of trust, collect the debt owed under promissory notes, or to protect, or recoup its investment from 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 the partnership is 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














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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

May 16, 2011











/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)

May 16, 2011








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