FR EA
1036-00002 · Client 1036 · Closing Deliverables
closing-checklist-responsibility-matrix.xlsx DOCUMENT Capital Markets
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Contract analysis Extract to table

[sheet: Closing Checklist]

Item No.CategoryDocument / DeliverableDescriptionResponsible Party — PrimaryResponsible Party — SecondaryTarget DateStatusNotes
1Registration StatementRegistration Statement on Form S-3 (Universal Shelf)Universal shelf registration statement for up to $2,000,000,000 in securities (common shares, preferred shares, senior and subordinated debt securities, depositary shares, warrants, and units) filed by Fairwater Real Estate Investment Trust (CIK 0001387204; SIC 6798) and Fairwater Operating Partnership, L.P. as co-registrants. Automatic shelf registration statement for WKSI under Rule 462(e). Replaces expiring shelf (File No. 333-265410, effective August 1, 2022, expiring August 1, 2025).Calderwood & Harkness LLP (Natasha Forbes / Eric Johannsen)Fairwater REIT (Jonathan Delacroix / Sandra Ellerby); Fairwater OPJuly 18, 2025In ProgressWKSI — effective upon filing. Pay-as-you-go fee under Rule 456(b) / Rule 457(r). Signing officers: Margaret Chen-Whitfield (CEO), Priya Ranganathan (CFO), plus majority of trustees. New shelf expires August 1, 2028.
2Registration StatementBase ProspectusBase prospectus forming part of the Form S-3 covering all registered security classes up to $2,000,000,000. Includes description of common shares ($0.01 par value), preferred shares ($0.01 par value, including outstanding 6.50% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares — 4,000,000 shares, $100,000,000 aggregate liquidation preference), debt securities (base indenture dated March 15, 2020 with Meridian Trust Company as trustee; $750,000,000 outstanding senior unsecured notes), depositary shares, warrants, and units. References credit ratings: BBB (stable) from Brindoval Advisory Group; Baa2 (stable) from Pinnacle Rating Services. Plan of distribution, use of proceeds, federal income tax considerations (REIT qualification under IRC §§ 856–860), legal matters (Calderwood & Harkness LLP), experts (Hargrove & Tillman LLP).Calderwood & Harkness LLP (Natasha Forbes / Eric Johannsen)Fairwater REIT (Jonathan Delacroix)July 18, 2025In ProgressFiled as part of the Form S-3. Portfolio description: 47 multifamily communities, ~14,800 apartment units across MD, VA, NC, GA, FL.
3ATM ProgramATM Prospectus Supplement (Rule 424(b)(5))Prospectus supplement for $500,000,000 at-the-market common share offering program. Agents: Pemberton Zanthor & Co. (lead agent, 50% capacity), Clarendon Securities LLC (co-agent, 30% capacity), Veltrano Capital Partners LLC (co-agent, 20% capacity). Commission: 2.0% of gross proceeds (ATM sales); 2.25% for forward sales (2.0% + 0.25% forward premium). Forward maturity up to 12 months from trade date. 134,270,000 common shares outstanding as of 3/31/2025. NYSE ticker: FRWT. Supersedes prior ATM program ($400,000,000 authorized; ~$200,000,000 sold / ~7,520,000 shares at ~$26.60 avg).Calderwood & Harkness LLP (Natasha Forbes / Eric Johannsen)Fairwater REIT (Sandra Ellerby); Pemberton Zanthor (Thomas Ng); Dunmore Caldwell LLP (Amy Zhou)July 18, 2025 (or promptly after shelf effectiveness)In ProgressFiled under Rule 424(b)(5). Dilution data to be updated. Coordinate with agents on plan of distribution language.
4ATM ProgramAmended and Restated Equity Distribution AgreementAmended and Restated Equity Distribution Agreement among Fairwater REIT, Fairwater OP, Pemberton Zanthor & Co. (lead agent), Clarendon Securities LLC, and Veltrano Capital Partners LLC. Supersedes Equity Distribution Agreement dated November 15, 2019 (as amended August 5, 2022 and March 12, 2023). Governs ATM and forward sales of up to $500,000,000 in common shares under new shelf. Commission: 2.0% ATM / 2.25% forward. Governing law: New York. Includes reps and warranties, covenants, conditions to sales, indemnification, bring-down requirements, Regulation M compliance.Calderwood & Harkness LLP (Vivienne St. Claire / Natasha Forbes)Dunmore Caldwell LLP (Gregory Lassiter / Amy Zhou); Pemberton Zanthor (Rachel Dominguez); Clarendon Securities (Michael Stavros); Veltrano Capital Partners (Karen Albrecht)July 18, 2025In ProgressAgents' counsel to review and comment. Execution by all parties required prior to or concurrent with first sale under new program.
5Corporate AuthorizationsBoard Resolutions — Fairwater REIT Board of TrusteesResolutions authorizing (i) filing of Form S-3 for up to $2,000,000,000, (ii) $500,000,000 ATM program, (iii) execution of Amended and Restated Equity Distribution Agreement, (iv) delegation of pricing/issuance authority to Margaret Chen-Whitfield (CEO), Priya Ranganathan (CFO), and Jonathan Delacroix (General Counsel), and (v) authorization of officers to execute ancillary documents and filings.Calderwood & Harkness LLP (Natasha Forbes)Fairwater REIT (Jonathan Delacroix)July 15, 2025 (Board meeting)In ProgressDraft to be circulated to Jonathan Delacroix for review by July 10, 2025. Board meeting to adopt resolutions in advance of filing.
6Opinions and ConsentsExhibit 5.1 — Legal Opinion of Calderwood & Harkness LLPLegal opinion addressed to Fairwater REIT regarding valid issuance of securities. Opines common shares will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable; preferred shares, debt securities, depositary shares, warrants, and units will be valid and binding obligations, subject to customary assumptions and qualifications. Governed by Maryland law for equity securities. Includes consent to filing and reference in registration statement.Calderwood & Harkness LLP (Vivienne St. Claire)—July 18, 2025Not StartedFiled as Exhibit 5.1 to the Form S-3. Final form to be prepared once registration statement is finalized.
7Opinions and ConsentsExhibit 8.1 — Tax Opinion of Calderwood & Harkness LLPTax opinion addressed to Fairwater REIT regarding REIT qualification under IRC §§ 856–860 for each taxable year commencing with year ended December 31, 2003. Opines proposed method of operation will enable continued REIT qualification. Subject to customary assumptions and reliance on officer's certificate. Includes consent to filing and reference in registration statement and base prospectus.Calderwood & Harkness LLP (Vivienne St. Claire / Robert Adeyemi)Fairwater REIT (Jonathan Delacroix / Priya Ranganathan — officer's certificate on factual matters)July 18, 2025Not StartedFiled as Exhibit 8.1 to the Form S-3. Requires officer's certificate from Fairwater regarding factual representations supporting REIT qualification.
8Opinions and ConsentsConsent of Hargrove & Tillman LLP (Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm)Written consent of Hargrove & Tillman LLP to the incorporation by reference in the Form S-3 of their audit report on Fairwater's consolidated financial statements and to the reference to Hargrove & Tillman as experts in the base prospectus.Hargrove & Tillman LLP (Brian Ogilvie)Fairwater REIT (Priya Ranganathan); Calderwood & Harkness LLP (Eric Johannsen — coordinate)July 18, 2025Not StartedFiled as Exhibit 23.1 to the Form S-3. Hargrove & Tillman to deliver final signed consent on or before filing date.
9Opinions and ConsentsComfort Letter of Hargrove & Tillman LLPComfort letter (SAS 72 / AU Section 634) delivered by Hargrove & Tillman LLP addressed to agents (Pemberton Zanthor, Clarendon Securities, Veltrano Capital Partners) covering financial data in the registration statement and prospectus supplement. Initial comfort letter and subsequent bring-down comfort letters required.Hargrove & Tillman LLP (Brian Ogilvie)Dunmore Caldwell LLP (Gregory Lassiter — review); Pemberton Zanthor (Rachel Dominguez — addressee); Fairwater REIT (Priya Ranganathan — coordinate)July 18, 2025 (initial delivery)Not StartedAgents' counsel to provide requested scope/format. Subsequent bring-down comfort letters due quarterly and upon triggering events per Equity Distribution Agreement.
10CertificatesSecretary's Certificate — Fairwater REITCertificate of Jonathan Delacroix (EVP, General Counsel & Secretary) certifying (i) incumbency and specimen signatures of authorized officers, (ii) adoption and continued effectiveness of Board resolutions, and (iii) copies of Declaration of Trust and Bylaws as currently in effect.Fairwater REIT (Jonathan Delacroix)Calderwood & Harkness LLP (Eric Johannsen — draft)July 18, 2025 (initial delivery)Not StartedRequired closing deliverable under Equity Distribution Agreement at time of first sale under new program.
11CertificatesCFO Officer's Certificate — Fairwater REITCertificate of Priya Ranganathan (EVP & CFO) certifying (i) accuracy of representations and warranties in Equity Distribution Agreement, (ii) compliance with covenants, (iii) absence of material adverse change since most recent financial statements incorporated by reference, and (iv) no stop order issued. Required for initial delivery and periodic bring-downs (quarterly upon 10-Q/10-K filing and upon triggering events).Fairwater REIT (Priya Ranganathan)Calderwood & Harkness LLP (Eric Johannsen — draft)July 18, 2025 (initial delivery)Not StartedBring-down certificates required periodically under Equity Distribution Agreement. Template to be annexed to Equity Distribution Agreement.
12Opinions and ConsentsNegative Assurance Letter of Calderwood & Harkness LLP (Issuer's Counsel 10b-5 Letter)Negative assurance letter (10b-5 letter) from Calderwood & Harkness LLP addressed to the agents, confirming that nothing has come to the attention of counsel that causes them to believe the registration statement or prospectus contains any untrue statement of material fact or omits a material fact.Calderwood & Harkness LLP (Vivienne St. Claire)—July 18, 2025 (initial delivery)Not StartedRequired closing deliverable under Equity Distribution Agreement. Subsequent bring-downs due quarterly and upon triggering events.
13Opinions and ConsentsNegative Assurance Letter of Dunmore Caldwell LLP (Agents' Counsel 10b-5 Letter)Negative assurance letter (10b-5 letter) from Dunmore Caldwell LLP addressed to the agents, confirming that nothing has come to the attention of counsel that causes them to believe the registration statement or prospectus contains any untrue statement of material fact or omits a material fact.Dunmore Caldwell LLP (Gregory Lassiter)—July 18, 2025 (initial delivery)Not StartedRequired closing deliverable under Equity Distribution Agreement. Subsequent bring-downs due quarterly and upon triggering events.
14SEC Filings / AdministrativeEDGAR Filing and XBRL TaggingElectronic filing of Form S-3 and all exhibits via EDGAR (CIK 0001387204). Inline XBRL tagging of cover page and prospectus as required. Subsequent filing of ATM prospectus supplement under Rule 424(b)(5).Calderwood & Harkness LLP (Eric Johannsen)Fairwater REIT (Sandra Ellerby — EDGAR access codes)July 18, 2025Not StartedConfirm EDGAR access codes and filing agent. XBRL tagging required for cover page data. 424(b)(5) filing for ATM supplement to follow promptly.
15SEC Filings / AdministrativeTransfer Agent Notification — Meridian Trust CompanyNotification to Meridian Trust Company (transfer agent and registrar) of new shelf registration and ATM program. Coordinate share issuance mechanics for ATM sales and forward settlements.Fairwater REIT (Sandra Ellerby)Meridian Trust Company (Paula Jennings)July 18, 2025Not StartedMeridian Trust Company, 55 Elm Street, Hartford, Connecticut 06106. Confirm DTC eligibility and settlement procedures.
16SEC Filings / AdministrativeNYSE Supplemental Listing ApplicationSupplemental listing application with NYSE for common shares issuable under the ATM program (up to $500,000,000 at current market prices). Ticker: FRWT.Fairwater REIT (Sandra Ellerby)Calderwood & Harkness LLP (Eric Johannsen — review)On or before July 18, 2025Not StartedListing application to be filed with NYSE; shares to be listed upon notice of issuance.
17ATM ProgramAgent Designation Notices / Sales OrdersForm of sales order / agent designation notice under Amended and Restated Equity Distribution Agreement, designating agent(s) and parameters for individual ATM sales. Agent allocation: Pemberton Zanthor 50%, Clarendon Securities 30%, Veltrano Capital Partners 20% (by capacity).Fairwater REIT (Sandra Ellerby)Pemberton Zanthor (Thomas Ng); Clarendon Securities (Michael Stavros); Veltrano Capital Partners (Karen Albrecht)As needed post-effectivenessN/AForm to be annexed to Equity Distribution Agreement. Actual allocation per individual sales orders at Fairwater's discretion.
18Due DiligenceDue Diligence Session / CallDue diligence session with agents and agents' counsel covering business, financial, and legal matters for the registration statement and prospectus supplement.Calderwood & Harkness LLP (Vivienne St. Claire / Natasha Forbes)Dunmore Caldwell LLP (Gregory Lassiter / Amy Zhou); Pemberton Zanthor (Rachel Dominguez / Thomas Ng); Clarendon Securities (Michael Stavros); Veltrano Capital Partners (Karen Albrecht); Fairwater REIT (Jonathan Delacroix / Sandra Ellerby / Priya Ranganathan)Week of July 7, 2025Not StartedCoordinate schedules for management presentations and document review. Follow-up session if needed.

[sheet: Key Dates & Milestones]

DateMilestone / EventResponsible PartyNotes
2003Fairwater REIT organized under Maryland lawFairwater REITMaryland real estate investment trust
November 15, 2019Original ATM Equity Distribution Agreement executedFairwater REIT / Pemberton Zanthor & Co.ATM program established; Pemberton Zanthor as lead agent
August 1, 2022Prior shelf registration statement declared effective (File No. 333-265410)Fairwater REIT / Calderwood & Harkness LLPThree-year shelf under Rule 415(a)(5); expires August 1, 2025
August 5, 2022ATM program transferred to prior shelf (First Amendment to Equity Distribution Agreement)Fairwater REIT / Pemberton Zanthor
March 12, 2023Second Amendment to Equity Distribution Agreement — addition of Veltrano Capital Partners LLC as co-agentFairwater REIT / Veltrano Capital Partners
October 2023Underwritten follow-on common share offering — $175,000,000Fairwater REIT / Pemberton Zanthor6,481,481 shares at $27.00 per share (before underwriting discount)
June 2024Series A Preferred Share offering — $100,000,000Fairwater REIT4,000,000 shares at $25.00 per share; 6.50% cumulative redeemable
June 10, 2025Engagement letter executed — Calderwood & Harkness LLPCalderwood & Harkness LLP / Fairwater REITFee estimate: $175,000 – $225,000; Matter No. 1036-00002
June 16, 2025Matter opened at Calderwood & Harkness LLPCalderwood & Harkness LLP
Week of July 7, 2025Due diligence session with agents and agents' counselCalderwood & Harkness LLP / Dunmore Caldwell LLP / Agents / Fairwater REITManagement presentations; document review
July 10, 2025Draft Board resolutions circulated to Jonathan DelacroixCalderwood & Harkness LLPFor Board review and comment
July 15, 2025 (est.)Board of Trustees meeting — adoption of resolutionsFairwater REIT (Board of Trustees)Authorizes shelf, ATM program, Equity Distribution Agreement, delegation of authority
July 18, 2025TARGET: File Form S-3 on EDGAR — automatic effectiveness for WKSICalderwood & Harkness LLP / Fairwater REITEffective upon filing under Rule 462(e). EDGAR CIK 0001387204.
July 18, 2025 (or promptly after)File ATM prospectus supplement under Rule 424(b)(5)Calderwood & Harkness LLP$500,000,000 ATM common share program
July 18, 2025Execution of Amended and Restated Equity Distribution AgreementAll partiesFairwater REIT, Fairwater OP, Pemberton Zanthor, Clarendon Securities, Veltrano Capital Partners
July 18, 2025Delivery of initial closing deliverables (opinions, certificates, comfort letter, 10b-5 letters)Calderwood & Harkness LLP / Dunmore Caldwell LLP / Hargrove & Tillman LLP / Fairwater REITSecretary's Certificate, CFO Certificate, Exhibit 5.1, Exhibit 8.1, consents, comfort letter, negative assurance letters
August 1, 2025Expiration of prior shelf registration statement (File No. 333-265410)N/AThree-year anniversary under Rule 415(a)(5). No further sales under prior shelf after this date.
August 1, 2028Expiration of new shelf registration statementN/AThree-year anniversary under Rule 415(a)(5)

[sheet: Contacts & Parties]

OrganizationFull Legal NameRole in TransactionContact NameTitleAddressEntity TypeJurisdiction
Fairwater REITFairwater Real Estate Investment TrustIssuer / ClientMargaret Chen-WhitfieldCEO & Chairperson, Board of Trustees7200 Chesapeake Centre Drive, Suite 400, Annapolis, Maryland 21401Maryland real estate investment trustMaryland
Fairwater REITFairwater Real Estate Investment TrustIssuer / ClientDavid KowalczykPresident & COO7200 Chesapeake Centre Drive, Suite 400, Annapolis, Maryland 21401Maryland real estate investment trustMaryland
Fairwater REITFairwater Real Estate Investment TrustIssuer / ClientPriya RanganathanEVP & CFO7200 Chesapeake Centre Drive, Suite 400, Annapolis, Maryland 21401Maryland real estate investment trustMaryland
Fairwater REITFairwater Real Estate Investment TrustIssuer / ClientJonathan DelacroixEVP, General Counsel & Secretary7200 Chesapeake Centre Drive, Suite 400, Annapolis, Maryland 21401Maryland real estate investment trustMaryland
Fairwater REITFairwater Real Estate Investment TrustIssuer / ClientSandra EllerbySVP, Capital Markets & Treasurer7200 Chesapeake Centre Drive, Suite 400, Annapolis, Maryland 21401Maryland real estate investment trustMaryland
Fairwater OPFairwater Operating Partnership, L.P.Co-Registrant / Operating Partnership——7200 Chesapeake Centre Drive, Suite 400, Annapolis, Maryland 21401Limited partnershipMaryland
Calderwood & Harkness LLPCalderwood & Harkness LLPIssuer's CounselVivienne St. ClairePartner, Capital Markets (Responsible Partner)1750 K Street, N.W., Suite 800, Washington, D.C. 20006Limited liability partnershipDistrict of Columbia
Calderwood & Harkness LLPCalderwood & Harkness LLPIssuer's CounselRobert AdeyemiPartner, Capital Markets (Billing Partner)1750 K Street, N.W., Suite 800, Washington, D.C. 20006Limited liability partnershipDistrict of Columbia
Calderwood & Harkness LLPCalderwood & Harkness LLPIssuer's CounselNatasha ForbesSenior Associate, Capital Markets (Lead Associate)1750 K Street, N.W., Suite 800, Washington, D.C. 20006Limited liability partnershipDistrict of Columbia
Calderwood & Harkness LLPCalderwood & Harkness LLPIssuer's CounselEric JohannsenAssociate, Capital Markets (Working Associate)1750 K Street, N.W., Suite 800, Washington, D.C. 20006Limited liability partnershipDistrict of Columbia
Pemberton Zanthor & Co.Pemberton Zanthor & Co.Lead ATM Agent / Lead Bookrunning ManagerRachel DominguezManaging Director, RE Investment Banking390 Madison Avenue, 22nd Floor, New York, New York 10017Corporation (registered broker-dealer)New York
Pemberton Zanthor & Co.Pemberton Zanthor & Co.Lead ATM Agent / Lead Bookrunning ManagerThomas NgDirector, Equity Capital Markets390 Madison Avenue, 22nd Floor, New York, New York 10017Corporation (registered broker-dealer)New York
Clarendon Securities LLCClarendon Securities LLCCo-ATM AgentMichael StavrosManaging Director, RE Capital Markets200 Vesey Street, Suite 3100, New York, New York 10281LLC (registered broker-dealer)Delaware
Veltrano Capital Partners LLCVeltrano Capital Partners LLCCo-ATM AgentKaren AlbrechtManaging Director, ECM1500 Market Street, Suite 2800, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102LLC (registered broker-dealer)Delaware
Dunmore Caldwell LLPDunmore Caldwell LLPAgents' CounselGregory LassiterPartner, Capital Markets601 Lexington Avenue, 35th Floor, New York, New York 10022Limited liability partnershipNew York
Dunmore Caldwell LLPDunmore Caldwell LLPAgents' CounselAmy ZhouAssociate, Capital Markets601 Lexington Avenue, 35th Floor, New York, New York 10022Limited liability partnershipNew York
Meridian Trust CompanyMeridian Trust CompanyTransfer Agent & Registrar; Indenture Trustee (Senior Notes)Paula JenningsVP, Corporate Trust Services55 Elm Street, Hartford, Connecticut 06106State-chartered trust companyConnecticut
Hargrove & Tillman LLPHargrove & Tillman LLPIndependent Registered Public Accounting FirmBrian OgilvieAudit Partner, Real Estate Practice155 North Wacker Drive, Suite 3200, Chicago, Illinois 60606Limited liability partnershipIllinois
Brindoval Advisory GroupBrindoval Advisory GroupCredit Rating Agency (BBB / stable)———CorporationNew York
Pinnacle Rating ServicesPinnacle Rating ServicesCredit Rating Agency (Baa2 / stable)———CorporationNew York
The Corporation Trust IncorporatedThe Corporation Trust IncorporatedRegistered Agent (Maryland) for Fairwater REIT——351 West Camden Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201—Maryland

[sheet: Capitalization & Key Financials]

ItemAmount / ValueNotes
New Shelf Aggregate Offering Amount$2,000,000,000Base prospectus cover
New ATM Program Size$500,000,000ATM prospectus supplement — common shares
Prior ATM Program Size$400,000,000Prior prospectus supplement
Prior ATM Shares Sold (Gross Proceeds)~$200,000,000~7,520,000 shares at ~$26.60 weighted average price
Total Securities Issued Under Prior Shelf~$475,000,000$200M (ATM) + $175M (follow-on common) + $100M (Series A preferred)
ATM Agent Commission2.0% of gross proceedsEquity Distribution Agreement — at-the-market sales
Forward Sale Commission2.25% of gross proceeds2.0% base + 0.25% forward premium
Common Shares Outstanding134,270,000As of 3/31/2025; $0.01 par value
Common Share Price (Close)$28.45As of 6/13/2025
Equity Market Capitalization$3,819,981,500134,270,000 × $28.45
Preferred Shares Outstanding (Series A)4,000,0006.50% Series A Cumulative Redeemable; $25.00 liquidation preference per share
Preferred Aggregate Liquidation Preference$100,000,0004,000,000 × $25.00
Total OP Units Outstanding139,450,000134,270,000 REIT-owned + 5,180,000 third-party LP units
REIT Ownership of OP96.29%134,270,000 ÷ 139,450,000
Senior Unsecured Notes Outstanding$750,000,000$250M 3.875% due 2028 + $300M 4.250% due 2031 + $200M 5.100% due 2034 (issued by Fairwater OP)
Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility (Total)$600,000,000
Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility (Drawn)$175,000,000Undrawn: $425,000,000; as of 3/31/2025
Secured Mortgage Debt$480,000,000As of 3/31/2025
Total Consolidated Debt$1,405,000,000$750M (notes) + $175M (revolver drawn) + $480M (mortgages)
Cash and Cash Equivalents$42,000,000As of 3/31/2025
Total Enterprise Value~$5,282,981,500$3,820M (equity) + $100M (preferred) + $1,405M (debt) – $42M (cash)
Brindoval Advisory Group RatingBBB (stable)Senior unsecured notes
Pinnacle Rating Services RatingBaa2 (stable)Senior unsecured notes
Portfolio Size47 communities / ~14,800 unitsMultifamily — MD, VA, NC, GA, FL; as of 3/31/2025
Fairwater REIT EIN52-2384761
Fairwater OP EIN52-2384805
SEC CIK Number0001387204
SIC Code6798Real Estate Investment Trusts
NYSE Ticker SymbolFRWT
Fiscal Year EndDecember 31
Prior Shelf File Number333-265410Effective August 1, 2022; expires August 1, 2025
Base Indenture DateMarch 15, 2020Trustee: Meridian Trust Company
C&H Matter Number1036-00002
C&H Fee Estimate$175,000 – $225,000Exclusive of disbursements and filing fees