IDS LIFE ACCOUNT RE OF IDS LIFE INSURANCE CO
POS AM, 1997-04-08
LIFE INSURANCE
Previous: NEW ENGLAND INVESTMENT COMPANIES L P, PREM14A, 1997-04-08
Next: AMRION INC, 10-K, 1997-04-08






<PAGE>




                SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                      Washington, D.C. 20549

                             FORM S-1
                  POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 16
              TO REGISTRATION STATEMENT NO. 33-13375

                               Under

                    The Securities Act of 1933

                        IDS Life Account RE
                                of
                    IDS Life Insurance Company
        (Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

                             Minnesota
  (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

                                63
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
     (Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number)

                            41-0823832
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
               (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

             IDS Tower 10, Minneapolis, MN 55440-0010
                          (612) 671-3131
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
   (Address,  including zip code, and telephone number,  including area code, of
      registrant's principal executive offices)

                    Mary Ellyn Minenko, Counsel
                    IDS Life Insurance Company
          IDS Tower 10, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55440-0010
                          (612) 671-3678
     (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
            including area code, of agent for service)

It is proposed that this filing become effective on May 1, 1997.

If any of the Securities being registered on this Form are to be
offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under
the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box. [X]



<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>



                              Calculation of Registration Fee
  <S>                    <C>            <C>                      <C>                   <C>
                                                                 Proposed
  Title of each class                   Proposed                 maximum
  of securities to be    Amount to be   maximum offering         aggregate offering    Amount of
  registered             registered     price per unit           price                 registration fee
  N/A


</TABLE>


<PAGE>




                        IDS LIFE ACCOUNT RE
                             ISSUED BY
                    IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

                       Cross-Reference Sheet
                    Pursuant to Regulation S-K
                            Item 501(b)

Form S-1 Item Number and Caption             Location in Prospectus

1.  Forepart of the Registration
    Statement and Outside Front
    Cover Page of Prospectus.................Outside Front Cover

2.  Inside Front and Outside Back
    Cover Pages of Prospectus................Inside Front Cover

3.  Summary Information, Risk Factors
    and Ratio of Earnings to Fixed
    Charges..................................Summary of Contents, Risk
                                             Factors

4.  Use of Proceeds..........................Investment Objectives of
                                             the Account, Investment
                                             Restrictions, Other
                                             Investment Policies

5.  Determination of Offering Price..........The Contracts--Accumulation
                                             Period

6.  Dilution.................................Not Applicable

7.  Selling Security Holders.................Not Applicable

8.  Plan of Distribution.....................Distribution of Contracts

9.  Description of Securities to Be
    Registered...............................The Contracts--Accumulation
                                             Period, Annuity Period

10. Interests of Named Experts and
    Counsel..................................Not Applicable

11. Information with Respect to the
    Registrant...............................IDS Life, The Account,
                                             Legal Proceedings,
                                             Investment Objectives of
                                             the Account, Investment
                                             Restrictions, Other
                                             Investment Policies,
                                             Appendix A, Appendix B,
                                             Conflicts of Interest

12. Disclosure of Commission Position
    on Indemnification for Securities
    Act Liabilities..........................See Item 14 in Part II



<PAGE>




                              PART I.

                INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Attached hereto and made a part hereof is the Prospectus.



<PAGE>




Real Estate Variable Annuity
   
Prospectus/May 1, 1997
    

This prospectus  describes  Individual  Deferred Variable Annuity Contracts (the
Contracts)  offered by IDS Life Insurance  Company (IDS Life), in which purchase
payments  accumulate  on a variable  basis and pay  retirement  benefits  to the
owner. The Contracts are available for non-qualified  retirement plans only. The
Contracts are not available for Individual  Retirement Annuities (IRAs),  401(k)
plans, 403(b) plans or other qualified plans.

Effective May 1, 1995, IDS Life discontinued new contract sales of the Account.

The minimum  initial  purchase  payment for a Contract was $5,000;  or $2,000 if
concurrently the owner agreed to make additional  monthly  purchase  payments of
not less than $100 each by means of a bank  authorization.  Additional  purchase
payments  may be made in amounts of at least $2,000 each or, if made by means of
a bank  authorization,  of not less than $100 per month.  The maximum  aggregate
additional  purchase  payments in any one contract  year after the first may not
exceed  $50,000.  Purchase  payments  are  allocated to IDS Life Account RE (the
Account),  a  segregated  asset  account of IDS Life.  See The Account  section.
Contract  values of the Account and annuity  payments from the Account will vary
with the performance of the  investments of the Account.  There is no guaranteed
minimum  contract  value.  Owners of the Contracts bear the complete  investment
risk of the Account.

IDS Life Account RE
Individual Deferred Variable
Annuity Contracts

Sold by:
IDS Life Insurance Company
IDS Tower 10
Minneapolis,  MN 55440-0010
Telephone: (612) 671-3733
   
These  securities  have not been approved or  disapproved  by the Securities and
Exchange Commission or any state securities  commission,  nor has the Securities
and  Exchange  Commission  or any state  securities  commission  passed upon the
accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a
criminal offense. This prospectus should be retained for future reference.
    
IDS LIFE IS NOT A FINANCIAL  INSTITUTION,  AND THE  SECURITIES IT OFFERS ARE NOT
DEPOSITS  OR  OBLIGATIONS  OF,  OR  GUARANTEED  OR  ENDORSED  BY  ANY  FINANCIAL
INSTITUTION NOR ARE THEY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT  INSURANCE  CORPORATION,
THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER AGENCY.




<PAGE>




   
Since the Account has experienced substantial net contract terminations over the
past  several  years,  the Account  does not intend to acquire  additional  real
estate related  investments.  Further, the Account intends to liquidate the real
estate related investments that it currently holds when it becomes  advantageous
or  necessary  to do so.  During 1996,  the Account  liquidated  two real estate
related investments.
    

Although additional purchase payments may be made into existing contracts, prior
to making any additional purchase payment an existing contract owner should bear
in  mind  that  the  Account  intends  to  liquidate  its  real  estate  related
investments  over time.  Moreover,  the Account will not be acquiring any new or
additional  real  estate  related  investments  with the cash  flow or  proceeds
generated  by the  operations  or  sales of its  existing  real  estate  related
investments. Such funds, to the extent not used to pay the Account's obligations
under existing  contracts or the redemption of  accumulation  units purchased by
IDS  Life,  will  be  invested  in  short-term  debt  instruments  and  possibly
intermediate-term  bonds with  maturities of up to five years.  Accordingly,  an
existing contract owner should carefully consider these facts in light of his or
her own investment objectives before making any additional purchase payment into
an existing contract.

IDS Life will furnish to each owner an annual report  showing the current number
of accumulation or annuity units,  the value per unit and the contract value. In
addition,  IDS Life will send to each owner annual financial  statements for the
Account audited by independent auditors.

The Contracts  involve a  substantial  degree of risk,  particularly  due to the
illiquidity  of the assets of the  Account.  Over the past few years the Account
has experienced  substantial  contract surrenders in excess of contract purchase
payments.  IDS Life is  purchasing  accumulation  units in the Account.  See the
Other  Investment  Policies--Borrowing  Policies,  Risk  Factors,  Conflicts  of
Interest-Borrowings  from IDS Life; and Management's  Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations sections.  The ability of an owner
of a Contract to withdraw the contract value is subject to certain  restrictions
and, under certain circumstances, payments under the Contracts may be suspended.
See the Contract Charges and Deductions and the Suspension and Delay of Payments
sections. In addition, the investment and operation of the assets of the Account
involve certain conflicts of interest.
See the Conflicts of Interest section.

Effective May 1, 1995, IDS Life  discontinued new contract sales of the Account.
IDS Life will continue to accept and process  additional  purchase payments into
existing  contracts in amounts specified in the Prospectus,  whether by means of
previously  established  bank  authorizations  or otherwise.  IDS Life also will
continue to service existing contracts and honor any surrender requests.




<PAGE>




IDS Life will purchase  accumulation  units in order to maintain the Account and
to increase its liquidity. IDS Life will make these payments so that no contract
holder is disadvantaged  because sales of new contracts have been  discontinued.
IDS Life will make additional  payments into the Account for accumulation  units
as needed in order to fund all of the Account's  obligations under the contracts
such as paying death benefits and surrenders.

By purchasing  accumulation  units, IDS Life will have an ownership  interest in
the Account.  Since IDS Life will not actually purchase a contract,  it will not
be subject to surrender  charges.  However,  IDS Life, as holder of accumulation
units,  will  participate  in the  increase  or  decrease  in the  value  of the
Account's  investments  just as other owners of accumulation  units do. IDS Life
may realize a gain or loss on its accumulation units when redeemed.

IDS Life currently expects to hold the accumulation units it purchases until the
surrender of all outstanding contracts or until the Account's liquidity improves
(through,  for example,  one or more sales of real estate related  investments),
thereby permitting the Account to satisfy its anticipated contract  obligations.
Because IDS Life may purchase a significant  amount of accumulation  units,  IDS
Life may be subject to certain conflicts of interest it would not otherwise have
if it had not purchased such accumulation units, including,  among other things,
a conflict in approving periodic  valuations of real estate related  investments
made by the Investment Adviser.

Summary of Contents

This prospectus offers Individual  Deferred Variable Annuity Contracts  designed
primarily to allow owners to participate in the investment performance of a pool
of real estate related  investments held or owned by the Account.  An owner will
receive variable retirement payments depending upon his choice of annuity.

See the Definitions section for the definition of many of the terms used in this
prospectus.

The Account is a segregated  asset account of IDS Life  established  pursuant to
the laws of the State of Minnesota. The assets of the Account are not subject to
any liabilities arising out of any other assets or business of IDS Life. Income,
gains and losses of the Account are  credited to or charged  against the Account
without regard to any other income, gains or losses of IDS Life. IDS Life is not
liable for any obligations of the Account. IDS Life is liable for fulfillment of
the terms of the Contracts,  including the obligations to pay death benefits and
to  guarantee  the  annuity  purchase  rates in the  Contracts.  See The Account
section.

The minimum  initial  purchase  payment for a Contract was $5,000;  or $2,000 if
concurrently the owner agreed to make additional  monthly  purchase  payments of
not less than $100 each by means of a bank  authorization.  Additional  purchase
payments  may be made in amounts of at least $2,000 each or, if made by means of
a bank


<PAGE>

authorization, of not less than $100 per month. The maximum aggregate additional
purchase  payments  in any one  contract  year  after the  first may not  exceed
$50,000.  IDS Life, at its  discretion,  may permit greater  maximum  initial or
additional  purchase payments in certain instances.  No sales charge is deducted
from any purchase  payment when made.  See The Contract --  Accumulation  Period
section.

During the first  eight  years  after any  purchase  payment,  surrender  of the
Contract  will be subject to assessment  of a surrender  charge,  based upon the
number of payment  years  that have  elapsed  since the  purchase  payment.  The
surrender charge,  which is a contingent  deferred sales charge, is 8 percent of
the amount  surrendered during the first payment year and decreases by 1 percent
per year  thereafter  to 1  percent  in the  eighth  payment  year.  There is no
surrender charge on amounts  surrendered  after the eighth payment year. See The
Contract -- Accumulation Period section.

IDS Life  assesses the Account a daily charge for  mortality  and expense  risks
that  amounts to an  aggregate  of 1 percent on an annual  basis of the  average
daily asset  value.  IDS Life  assesses  the Account a daily charge for an asset
management  fee that  amounts to an aggregate of 1.25 percent on an annual basis
of the average daily asset value of the Account, subject to increase by not more
than 0.25 percent per year in the event the Account's real property  investments
exceed a certain rate of return on an annual  basis.  IDS Life also assesses the
Account an acquisition  and mortgage  placement fee that amounts to 3.75 percent
of the total cash investment to be paid or advanced by the Account in connection
with  each  real  property  investment,  mortgage  loan and land  sale-leaseback
investment.  Portions  of the asset  management  and  acquisition  and  mortgage
placement fees will be paid by IDS Life to the Investment  Adviser,  JMB Annuity
Advisers. See the Contract Charges and Deductions section.

The  investment  objectives  of  the  Account  are to  provide  for  payment  of
retirement  income  under the  Contracts  by seeking to preserve and protect the
Account's  assets in real  (i.e.,  inflation-adjusted)  terms;  to  provide  for
compounding of income through the  reinvestment  of cash flow from  investments;
and to provide for  increases in income  through  capital  appreciation  of real
property investments and, to the extent available, through participations in the
capital  appreciation or gross revenues or income of the real properties subject
to mortgage loans or land  sale-leaseback  investments of the Account.  IDS Life
seeks to achieve these  objectives by investing  approximately  50 percent to 70
percent  of  the  Account's  assets  in  such   income-producing  real  property
investments as office buildings, shopping centers, apartment complexes and other
real  properties,  and  approximately  15 percent to 40 percent of the Account's
assets in mortgage loans and land sale-leaseback investments.  However, IDS Life
is  permitted to alter such  percentages  in  accordance  with  changing  market
conditions or under other circumstances. To enable the Account to meet its needs
for liquidity, certain of the Account's assets may


<PAGE>


be invested in short-term debt instruments and intermediate-term
bonds with maturities of up to five years.  See the Investment
Objectives of the Account section.

There is no assurance that enough suitable investments will be found or that the
investment objectives of the Account will be achieved.  Owners bear the complete
investment risk of the Contracts.  Contract values will fluctuate depending upon
the investment performance of the Account, which will reflect the performance of
the Account's  portfolio of investments and the charges and deductions  assessed
under the Contracts.

Under  present  law, an owner is not taxed on the  increases  in contract  value
until  distributions  occur, either through the surrender of the Contract or the
receipt  of  annuity  payments,  or until a change of  ownership  occurs.  Under
certain  circumstances,  a tax  penalty  of  10  percent  of  the  portion  of a
distribution  representing income to the owner may be assessed for distributions
made prior to age 59-1/2.  See the  Certain  Federal  Income Tax  Considerations
section.

Because the assets of the  Account  will be  invested  primarily  in real estate
related investments,  the investment  performance of the Account will be subject
to all of the risks  generally  incident to investments in real estate,  such as
the  uncertainty  of cash flow to meet  obligations,  the  uncertainty in making
market  valuations of properties,  adverse changes in national or local economic
conditions,  the cost of funds and other factors affecting real estate.  See the
Risk Factors -- General Risks of Real Property Investments section.  Owners will
bear all  investment  risk of the  Account's  portfolio.  In addition,  the real
estate  related  investments  made  or to be made by the  Account  are  illiquid
investments.  Accordingly,  owners  will bear the risk that  benefits  under the
Contracts  will not be  immediately  payable  in the  event  that a  substantial
portion of the Account's assets is required to be used to redeem Contracts.  IDS
Life is purchasing  accumulation units in the Account.  However,  it is possible
that necessary  funds for the payment of benefits under the Contracts may not be
readily  obtainable by the Account either  through  borrowings by the Account or
through the  disposition  of real estate  related  investments  on  commercially
reasonable terms. In such event, payments may be suspended for up to six months.
In the event of any  suspension  of payments,  the cash  available  will be used
first to pay any  obligations of the Account (other than contract  obligations);
second, to make annuity payments;  third, to pay death benefits; and finally, to
pay any contract  surrenders.  See the Suspension and Delay of Payments section.
For  information  regarding  certain  other  risk  factors  that may  affect the
operation and performance of the Account and the value of its  investments,  see
the Risk Factors section.  IDS Life, the Investment Adviser and their respective
affiliates  may have  potential  conflicts of interest with respect to operating
the  Account,   including  the  fact  that  the  arrangements  relating  to  the
compensation  of IDS Life under the Contracts are not the result of arm's-length
negotiations and that IDS Life, the Investment  Adviser and their affiliates may
make real estate


<PAGE>

investments  for their own  accounts or those of other  entities  and may render
real  estate  investment  services to other  entities  that may have the same or
substantially  similar  investment  objectives as those of the Account.  See the
Conflicts of Interest section.

Premium or other taxes that may be payable to a state or other government agency
in  connection  with the purchase of  Contracts  may be deducted  from  purchase
payments or from the contract value.

See page __, where a description of the real estate related investments made for
IDS Life Account RE begins.



<PAGE>



Table of Contents                                              Page

   
Summary of Contents..........................................
Definitions..................................................
IDS Life.....................................................
The Account..................................................
Description of the Investment Adviser and Affiliates.........
Investment Objectives of the Account.........................
Investment Restrictions......................................
Other Investment Policies....................................
Real Estate Related Investments..............................
Summary of Investments.......................................
Risk Factors.................................................
Conflicts of Interest........................................
The Contract -- Accumulation Period..........................
Contract Charges and Deductions..............................
Suspension and Delay of Payments.............................
Transfer of Ownership........................................
Beneficiary..................................................
Annuity Period...............................................
Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations....................
Valuation of Assets..........................................
Distribution of Contracts....................................
State Regulation.............................................
Experts......................................................
Registration Statement.......................................
Reports......................................................
Financial Statements.........................................
Legal Proceedings............................................
Appendix A:  Directors and principal executive officers
             of IDS Life.....................................
Appendix B:  Directors, executive officers and certain
             other officers of JMB Realty Corporation........
Summary of Selected Financial Information....................
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
  Financial Condition and Results of Operations..............
Index to Financial Statements................................
    



<PAGE>

Definitions

Some terms used in this prospectus:

Account -- IDS Life Account RE, a segregated asset account of IDS Life.

Accumulation Unit -- An accumulation  unit is an accounting unit of measure.  It
is used to calculate the contract value prior to settlement.

Accumulation Unit Value -- The accumulation unit value is determined by dividing
the Account's net asset value by the number of accumulation units outstanding at
the end of the valuation period.

Annuitant -- The person on whose life monthly payments depend.

Annuity Unit -- An annuity unit is an accounting unit of measure.  It is used to
calculate  the  value of  annuity  payments  from the  Account  on and after the
retirement date.

Asset Value -- The Account's  asset value is determined by  calculating  (i) the
total value of the Account's assets less (ii) the amount of any accrued expenses
or  liabilities  other than any  borrowings  in  connection  with the  purchase,
financing, improvement, development or refinancing of real property investments.

Beneficiary -- The  beneficiary is the party entitled to receive the benefits to
be paid at the death of the annuitant or owner.

Contract -- An Individual Deferred Variable Annuity Contract offered by means of
this prospectus.

Contract Value -- The sum of the value of the accumulation units attributable to
the Contract.

Contract Year -- A period of 12 months,  starting on the  effective  date of the
Contract and on each anniversary of the effective date.

Land  Sale-Leaseback -- Land  sale-leaseback  means a transaction  involving the
purchase of land on which  improvements are constructed,  are under construction
or are under contract to be constructed,  and the lease of such land pursuant to
a land or ground lease  generally to the owner or developer of the  improvements
on the land. Such land  sale-leasebacks  may be subordinated to a first mortgage
and other liens or security  interests (whether or not also held by the Account)
that are liens on the entire property including the land.

Mortgage  Loan -- Mortgage loan means a first  mortgage  loan,  subordinated  or
junior  mortgage  loan  or  wrap-around  mortgage  evidenced  by  notes,  bonds,
debentures  and other  evidences  of  indebtedness,  and which is  secured  by a
mortgage, trust deed, deed



<PAGE>

of trust, deed to secure debt or other liens on interests,  including  leasehold
interests  in  land  and/or   improvements  that  are  constructed,   are  being
constructed or are under contract to be constructed.

Net Asset Value -- The Account's  net asset value is  determined by  calculating
the total  value of the  Account's  assets,  less the amount of any  expenses or
liabilities,  including tax liabilities,  mortgage indebtedness,  administrative
expenses,  that portion of organizational  and offering expenses being amortized
and the accrued but unpaid  daily  charges for  mortality  and expense  risk and
asset management fees.

Organizational  and Offering  Expenses --  Organizational  and offering expenses
means the following  expenses that are incurred in connection with the formation
and  qualification  of the Account,  in the  registration of the Contracts under
applicable  Federal  and  state  law,  and  in  marketing  the  Contracts:   (a)
registration fees, filing fees and taxes, (b) the costs of qualifying, printing,
amending, supplementing, mailing and distributing the registration statement and
prospectus, (c) direct expenses (including salaries and related salary expenses)
of  officers  and  employees  of IDS  Life,  the  Investment  Adviser  and their
affiliates  while directly  engaged in organizing the Account and in registering
and  qualifying  the  Contracts,  and (d) accounting and legal fees and expenses
(including  those fees and expenses of the  Investment  Adviser's  attorneys and
accountants)   incurred  in  connection  therewith,   provided,   however,  that
organizational and offering expenses will not include selling commissions or any
other costs or expenses relating to marketing the Contracts.

Owner -- The person or party having ownership of the annuity and who is entitled
to receive its benefits.

Purchase Payment -- Payment made to IDS Life for the annuity.

Real Property  Investments -- Real property  investments are equity interests in
existing  real  properties  that are  completed  at the time of  commitment  for
purchase and, to a lesser  extent,  properties  that are under  construction  or
under contract for development.

Retirement Date -- The date shown on the Contract on which annuity  payments are
to begin. The date may be changed as provided in the Contract.

Surrender  Charge -- A  deferred  sales  charge is  applied  if the  annuity  is
surrendered  within a certain  number of years from when a  purchase  payment is
made.

Surrender Value -- The total value of the annuity after any applicable surrender
charge has been deducted.




<PAGE>



Valuation Date -- A normal business day,  Monday through Friday,  except for the
following holidays: New Year's Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday,  Memorial Day,
Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Valuation  Period -- The interval of time commencing at the close of business on
each  valuation  date and ending at the close of business on the next  valuation
date.

IDS Life

IDS Life is a stock life insurance  company  organized in 1957 under the laws of
the  State of  Minnesota.  IDS Life is a wholly  owned  subsidiary  of  American
Express Financial Corporation,  which itself is a wholly owned subsidiary of the
American  Express  Company.  IDS Life acts as a direct writer of life  insurance
policies  and  annuities  and as the  investment  manager of various  investment
companies. IDS Life is licensed to write life insurance and annuity contracts in
49 states and the  District of  Columbia.  The  headquarters  of IDS Life is IDS
Tower 10, Minneapolis,  MN 55440-0010.  For information concerning the directors
and principal  executive  officers of IDS Life, see Appendix A. For  information
concerning  the  financial  statements  of IDS  Life,  see  Index  to  Financial
Statements.

The Account

The  Account  was  established  in March  1987 by a  resolution  of the Board of
Directors of IDS Life as a segregated asset account,  pursuant to Minnesota law,
and commenced  operations in August 1987. IDS Life purchased the initial 200,000
accumulation units of the Account.  Such units were subsequently redeemed by IDS
Life at the then current  accumulation unit value. The Account holds assets that
are segregated  from all of IDS Life's other assets and is not  chargeable  with
liabilities  arising out of any other  business of IDS Life.  The Account is not
registered as an investment  company  under the  Investment  Company Act of 1940
(the 1940 Act).

The  Account  is under the  control  and  management  of IDS Life.  The board of
directors  and  officers  of IDS  Life are  responsible  for  management  of the
Account.  The owners of the Contracts  have no voting rights with respect to the
Account.  For  information  regarding  the  directors  and  principal  executive
officers of IDS Life, see Appendix A. For  information  concerning the financial
statements of IDS Life, see Index to Financial Statements.

IDS Life does not guarantee the investment performance of the Account and is not
responsible for the liabilities of the Account. However, IDS Life is responsible
for  fulfillment of the terms of each Contract,  including  payment of the death
benefits and the guarantee of the minimum  annuity  purchase rates  contained in
the Contracts.




<PAGE>



Description of the Investment Adviser and Affiliates

IDS Life will provide  services in connection  with the acquisition or placement
and  management of the assets of the Account.  IDS Life, in turn, has contracted
with  JMB  Annuity  Advisers  (the  Investment  Adviser),  an  Illinois  general
partnership,  to  provide  investment  selection,  management,  disposition  and
consulting  services with respect to the real estate related  investments of the
Account. The Investment Adviser is primarily responsible for the identification,
evaluation,   investigation,   negotiation,  selection  and  recommendation  for
purchase or placement  of any real estate  related  assets for the Account.  IDS
Life maintains an investment  committee  that is  responsible  for approving all
real estate related  investments  or  dispositions  on behalf of the Account.  A
quorum of such investment  committee consists of any two members, who may act on
behalf of the committee.

   
The partners of the Investment  Adviser are JMB Realty  Corporation (JMB), which
is the managing partner of the Investment Adviser,  and an affiliate of JMB. The
Investment  Adviser  is  responsible  for  the  day-to-day   administration  and
management  of  the  real  estate  related  investments  of  the  Account.   For
information regarding the directors and principal executive officers of JMB, see
Appendix  B.  JMB  has  been  engaged  principally  in real  estate  investment,
brokerage,  management and sales since December 1968. Through Dec. 31, 1996, JMB
has managed or advised,  directly or through affiliates,  real estate investment
partnerships that had purchased real estate (directly or through other entities)
for an aggregate purchase price (including  mortgage  indebtedness),  plus other
initial cash payments,  of  approximately  11.3 billion.  Through Dec. 31, 1996,
JMB,  directly  or through  affiliates,  had  purchased  real estate for its own
corporate  accounts and affiliated  accounts having an aggregate  purchase price
(including  mortgage   indebtedness)  of  approximately  5.6  billion.  See  the
Conflicts of Interest section for a description of conflicts of interest arising
out of the activities of the Investment Adviser and its affiliates.
    

In  December  1994,   certain   affiliates  of  the   Investment   Adviser  sold
substantially all of their assets to an unaffiliated third party that acts as an
adviser to institutional investors with respect to real estate investments,  and
in connection with this sale, certain  management  personnel of these affiliates
of the Investment  Adviser became  management  personnel of the purchaser or its
related  entities.  These  affiliates  of the  Investment  Adviser  included JMB
Institutional  Realty Corporation and its related real estate advisory entities,
which acted as advisers or  managers  of  qualified  pension and  profit-sharing
plans, tax-exempt foundations and endowments and other institutional  investors,
and JMB Properties Company,  which was engaged in performing property management
services for office,  industrial  and  multi-family  real  properties.  Prior to
December 1994, JMB Institutional  Realty Corporation and its related real estate
advisory entities were advisers or managers of certain  institutional  investors
that have invested jointly with the Account in Northridge and Southridge  Malls,
Monmouth  Mall and the 1225  Connecticut  office  building,  and JMB  Properties
Company


<PAGE>



   
acted  as  property  manager  for one of the  Account's  current  real  property
investments,  the 1225  Connecticut  office  building,  and one of the Account's
former real property investments,  the West Springfield Terrace Apartments.  See
the Real  Estate  Related  Investments  section.  As a result of the  sale,  the
institutional  investors  that have  invested  jointly  with the  Account are no
longer advised or managed by affiliates of the Investment  Adviser. In addition,
the officers and directors of 1225 Investment  Corporation,  which owns the 1225
Connecticut  office  building,  are no longer  affiliated or associated with the
Investment  Adviser.  See the Risk  Factors  -- Risks  of  Joint  Ownership  and
Conflicts of Interest -- Possible Joint Venture  Investments  with Affiliates of
the  Investment  Adviser or IDS Life  sections.  The successor to JMB Properties
Company's  assets assumed  property  management of the 1225  Connecticut  office
building  and the West  Springfield  Terrace  Apartments  on the same terms that
existed prior to sale.
    

The  Investment  Adviser is not liable  for any error of  investment  selection,
judgment or law except for willful  misfeasance,  bad faith or negligence on the
part of the Investment  Adviser in the  performance of its obligations or duties
under the  investment  advisory  agreement.  See the  Conflicts  of  Interest --
Limitation on Liability section.

Compensation of IDS Life, the Investment Adviser and their
Affiliates in Connection with Real Estate Related Services

IDS Life is paid an asset management fee for its services in connection with the
management  of the assets of the  Account.  This fee is accrued on a daily basis
and deducted on a monthly  basis and is equal on an annual basis to 1.25 percent
of the  average  daily  asset  value of the  Account,  subject  to  increase  as
described  below. A portion of the asset management fee equal to 0.95 percent of
the average daily asset value is paid by IDS Life to the Investment  Adviser for
its services in connection with the management of the real estate related assets
of the Account.  In the event that the Account's real property  investments have
produced a rate of return for the Account (measured for each calendar year) that
exceeds the rate of return as measured for such period by the FRC Property Index
(which is released in April of each year for the preceding calendar year) by 0.5
percent per year, then the Investment Adviser shall be entitled to an additional
amount equal to 0.05 percent of the average daily asset value of the Account for
such  calendar  year.  The  Investment  Adviser  also  will  be  entitled  to an
additional  amount equal to 0.01 percent (up to a maximum of 0.2 percent) of the
average  daily asset value of the Account for each 0.1 percent by which the rate
of return of the  Account's  real  property  investments  for such calendar year
exceeds  the rate of return as  measured  for such period by such index plus 0.5
percent per year. Rate of return shall be calculated on a quarterly basis and in
general  shall mean the sum of all net income from  operations  of the Account's
real  property  investments  (without  deducting  any asset  management  fees or
certain  other  expenses of the Account) and  realized  and  unrealized  capital
appreciation or depreciation on the



<PAGE>



Account's  real  property  investments  (net  of all  acquisition  and  mortgage
placement fees) for the calendar  quarter taken as a percentage of the aggregate
asset value of such investments  (net of all acquisition and mortgage  placement
fees) as of the beginning of such calendar quarter.  Additionally,  IDS Life and
the Investment Adviser will not be entitled to, and will forego, that portion of
the asset  management  fee,  as  calculated  above,  attributable  to the use of
indebtedness  in  excess  of 40  percent  of the  aggregate  value of all of the
Account's real property investments.

IDS Life receives an acquisition  and mortgage  placement fee of 3.75 percent of
the total cash  investment to be paid or advanced by the Account,  including all
cash down payments,  interest,  points,  special  reserves and all other initial
cash payments in connection  with each real property  investment,  mortgage loan
and land  sale-leaseback  made by the  Account.  The amount  paid to IDS Life is
measured by the cash  investment  to be paid by the  Account  for real  property
investments  or  land  sale-leasebacks  or the  amount  to be  borrowed  under a
mortgage loan by the borrower for mortgage  loans. A portion of the  acquisition
and mortgage placement fee equal to 3.50 percent of the total cash investment to
be paid or  advanced  by the  Account  in  connection  with each  real  property
investment, mortgage loan and land sale-leaseback made by the Account is paid to
the  Investment  Adviser in  consideration  of the  services  of the  Investment
Adviser and its affiliates in connection  with the  identification,  evaluation,
investigation,   negotiation,  selection  and  recommendation  for  purchase  or
placement  of real estate  related  investments  for the  Account.  In addition,
certain  expenses of IDS Life, the Investment  Adviser and their  affiliates are
reimbursed as described under the Contract  Charges and Deductions  section.  At
its discretion, the Investment Adviser may provide any or all of its services to
the  Account  through  affiliates,  in which  event  fees may be payable to such
affiliates.

In some instances, some or all of the acquisition and mortgage placement fee may
be paid by the sellers of  properties  or  borrowers.  This fee will  indirectly
affect the  Account  because the payment of the fee by the seller of property or
borrower  may  affect the terms on which the  seller or  borrower  is willing to
close the transaction.  To the extent that the seller or borrower pays less than
3.75 percent,  the additional amount will be paid directly by the Account to IDS
Life.  Fees and  expenses  paid to IDS Life or the  Investment  Adviser  and its
affiliates will reduce the assets of the Account for purposes of calculating the
accumulation or annuity unit value.

Property Management, Insurance Brokerage and Mortgage Brokerage

Certain of the Account's retail properties may be managed by JMB or an affiliate
of JMB such as Urban Retail Properties Co. Under property management agreements,
the company  employed to manage the property  usually collects the rental income
on the property and deducts its fee and the costs of operating the property such
as insurance premiums,  taxes,  repairs and improvements and other costs related
to the maintenance  and operation of the property.  The balance of rental income
is remitted to the owner of the property.

<PAGE>

To the extent  agreements  are entered  into with a JMB  affiliate to manage the
real property  investments  owned directly by the Account,  such  agreements are
subject  to the  approval  of IDS Life and are  expected  to be on terms no less
favorable to the Account than those customarily  charged for similar services in
the relevant  geographical  area.  For real  property  investments  in which the
Account owns an interest through a joint venture, such agreements are subject to
the approval of the joint venture.

JMB  Insurance  Agency,  Inc.,  which  is  engaged  in the  insurance  brokerage
business, may provide insurance brokerage services in connection with certain of
the Account's  investments.  JMB Insurance Agency, Inc. will receive commissions
and/or fees for such services at rates that are set by the  insurance  companies
for the classes of coverage involved. JMB or its affiliates may provide mortgage
brokerage services in connection with the financing or refinancing of certain of
the  Account's  real  property  investments.  To the extent  that  services  are
provided,  such affiliates will receive a fee equal to 1 percent of the proceeds
advanced under such financing or refinancing.

JMB or its affiliates also may provide other real estate related services to the
Account. Any such additional services and the terms thereof with respect to real
estate related  investments owned directly by the Account will be subject to the
approval of IDS Life.

Investment Objectives of the Account

   
Since the Account has experienced substantial net contract terminations over the
past  several  years,  the Account  does not intend to acquire  additional  real
estate related  investments.  Further, the Account intends to liquidate the real
estate related investments that it currently holds when it becomes  advantageous
or  necessary  to do so.  During 1996,  the Account  liquidated  two real estate
related investments.
    

The  investment  objectives  of  the  Account  are to  provide  for  payment  of
retirement  income  under the  Contracts by seeking to: (1) preserve and protect
the Account's assets in real (i.e.,  inflation-adjusted)  terms; (2) provide for
compounding of income through  reinvestment of cash flow from  investments;  and
(3)  provide  for  increases  in income  through  capital  appreciation  of real
property investments and, to the extent available, through participations in the
capital appreciation, gross revenues or income of the real properties subject to
mortgage  loans  or  land  sale-leasebacks.  There  is  no  guarantee  that  the
investment objectives of the Account will be attained. The assets of the Account
will be invested primarily in real estate related investments. It is anticipated
that  approximately  50 percent to 70 percent of the  Account's  assets  will be
invested in such income-producing real property investments as office buildings,


<PAGE>



shopping   centers,   apartment   complexes  and  other  real  properties,   and
approximately  15 percent to 40 percent of the Account's assets will be invested
in  mortgage  loans  and land  sale-leaseback  investments,  which  may  include
participations  in the  appreciation or the gross revenues or income of the real
properties  that are the subject of the  mortgage  loans or land  sale-leaseback
investments.   However,  IDS  Life  will  have  the  discretion  to  alter  such
percentages in accordance with changing market conditions or under certain other
circumstances if it deems it advisable given the Account's investment objectives
and portfolio or the liquidity  considerations of the Account.  IDS Life expects
to diversify the Account's investments  consistent with the Treasury regulations
regarding  diversification  for  variable  annuities.  Other  than  meeting  the
diversification  requirements of Section 817(h) of the Internal  Revenue Code of
1986, as amended,  there are no limits on the  percentage of Account assets that
may  be  invested  in  one  property.   See  the  Certain   Federal  Income  Tax
Considerations -- Diversification Requirements section.

Real Property Investments

The Account  will seek to  diversify  its  investments  geographically  and will
consider and review  investments in areas throughout the United States.  Some of
the Account's real property  investments may be owned jointly by the Account, on
one hand,  and the seller of a property (or an affiliate of the seller),  on the
other hand. The Account also may enter into joint investments with affiliates of
the Investment Adviser.  Such joint ownership may take the form of joint venture
partnerships,  tenancies-in-common or other legal arrangements.  The Account may
acquire existing  properties that are debt-financed,  thereby assuming leverage,
or may  incur  indebtedness  in  connection  with the  acquisition  of such real
property  investments,  but  it is  currently  anticipated  that  the  aggregate
indebtedness on all real property  investments of the Account will not exceed 50
percent of the purchase  price (i.e.,  total  consideration  paid for properties
including all liens and mortgages on the  properties,  but excluding  points and
prepaid  interest)  plus other  initial  cash  payments in  connection  with the
purchase of all properties.  However, in connection with the refinancing of real
property investments,  the aggregate  indebtedness of the Account may exceed the
maximum level currently contemplated.  See the Risk Factors -- Risks of Leverage
section.

Types of Real  Property  Investments.  The Account is  expected to acquire  real
property  investments  only of the following  types:  shopping  centers,  office
buildings,  multi-use  complexes  and  other  commercial  properties,  apartment
complexes  and  buildings,  mobile  home parks and  industrial  properties.  The
Account does not intend to invest in  agricultural  properties  or single family
dwellings.

To attain the Account's stated objectives,  it will be necessary for the Account
to acquire properties that will generate cash in excess of that required to meet
the  gross  operating  expenses  of the  Account.  To do  this  it is  currently
anticipated that a significant



<PAGE>

portion of the  Account's  assets will be invested in existing  real  properties
that are completed at the time of  commitment  for purchase or  investment.  The
Account  also  may  acquire  recently  constructed  properties  that may in some
instances  be subject to  agreements  with  sellers (or  affiliates  of sellers)
providing  for  certain  minimum  levels of income or funding  of cash  deficits
during the early years of the Account's ownership.  In the event such agreements
are negotiated, there can be no guarantee that the sellers or other parties will
be able to carry out such  obligations.  Upon the expiration of or default under
such  agreements,  there can be no  assurance  that the Account  will be able to
maintain the level of  operating  income that is necessary to produce the return
it was previously experiencing or anticipated.

It is currently  anticipated that the property acquired by the Account generally
will be real estate that is ready for occupancy.  Additionally, the Account may,
to a lesser extent,  invest in developmental  real estate deemed consistent with
the  Account's  objectives,  and the  Account  then will be subject to the risks
inherent in such properties.

Mortgage Loans

Types  of  Mortgage  Loans.  Mortgage  loans  made by the  Account  may  include
conventional mortgage loans that pay fixed or variable rates of interest and, to
the extent  available,  mortgage  loans that have a  participation  (as  defined
below).

The  properties to be subject to mortgage  loans are  anticipated  to consist of
commercial   properties  (such  as  office  buildings  and  shopping   centers),
residential properties (such as garden apartment complexes,  high-rise apartment
buildings and mobile home parks) and industrial  properties.  The mortgage loans
generally will be secured by properties with an income producing potential based
on historical or projected  data.  Mortgage loans generally will not be personal
obligations  of the borrower and generally  will not be insured or guaranteed by
governmental agencies or otherwise.  The Account will not make mortgage loans to
IDS Life, the Investment Adviser or their affiliates.

First  Mortgage  Loans.  It is expected that the Account may make first mortgage
loans  secured by mortgages on existing  income-producing  property.  Such first
mortgage loans may provide for  interest-only  payments and a balloon payment at
maturity.

The yield on a traditional  first mortgage loan has historically  been less than
that of a wrap-around  mortgage loan on the same property.  However,  because of
innovations  involving the terms and conditions of first mortgage loans, such as
the use of variable interest rates,  equity  participations and similar devices,
the yield on a first  mortgage loan may, in certain  instances,  be greater than
that of a wrap-around mortgage loan on the same property.




<PAGE>

Wrap-around Mortgage Loans. The Account also may make wrap-around mortgage loans
on  income-producing  real properties that are already subject to prior mortgage
indebtedness. A wrap-around mortgage loan is one having a principal amount equal
to the  outstanding  balance  under the prior  existing  mortgage  loan plus the
amount  actually  to be advanced by the lender  under the  wrap-around  mortgage
loan,  thereby  providing the owner of a property with additional  funds without
disturbing the existing  loan. The terms of a wrap-around  mortgage loan made by
the Account  typically  will  require the  borrower  to make all  principal  and
interest payments on the underlying loan to the Account,  which in turn will pay
the holder of the existing  first  mortgage  loan.  Because the  existing  first
mortgage  loan is  preserved,  the  lien  of the  wrap-around  mortgage  loan is
necessarily junior to it.

Junior  Mortgage  Loans.  The Account also may invest in other  junior  mortgage
loans.  Junior  mortgage loans will be secured by mortgages that are subordinate
to one or more prior liens on the real  property and  generally,  but not in all
cases,  will provide for repayment in full prior to the end of the  amortization
period or maturity of the senior mortgages.  Recourse on such loans will include
the real property  encumbered by the Account's mortgage and additionally may, in
some instances,  include other collateral or personal guarantees by the borrower
or its affiliates.

The Account generally will make junior or wrap-around mortgage loans only if the
senior  mortgage or  mortgages,  when  combined  with the amount of the mortgage
loan,  would not exceed the maximum  amount that the Account would be willing to
commit to a first  mortgage loan and only under such  circumstances  and on such
property as to which the Account would otherwise make a first mortgage loan.

Participations.  The Account will seek to make mortgage  loans that, in addition
to charging a base rate of interest,  will  include  provisions  permitting  the
Account  to  participate  (a  participation)  in the  economic  benefits  of the
underlying  property through the receipt of additional interest in the form of a
percentage of the gross or net revenues  derived from  operation of the property
and/or of the  increase in the value of the property  realized by the  borrower,
such as through sale or refinancing of the property.  Such arrangements also may
involve  the grant to the  Account of an option to acquire  the  property  or an
undivided  interest in the property  securing  the loan.  To the extent that the
Account  negotiates  the right to receive  additional  interest in the form of a
percentage of the gross revenues or otherwise,  the current fixed cash return to
the Account from such an investment  generally will be less than would otherwise
be the case. It is expected that the Account  generally will be entitled to such
percentage  participations when the gross or net revenues derived from operation
of the property exceed a certain base amount, which may be subject to adjustment
upon an increase in real estate taxes or other similar operating  expenses.  The
form and extent of such  additional  interest to be received by the Account will
vary with


<PAGE>



each transaction depending on such factors as the equity investment of the owner
or developer of the property, other financing or credit obtained by the owner or
developer, the fixed base interest rate on the mortgage loan by the Account, any
other  security  arrangement  and the cash flow and pro forma cash flow from the
property. It is intended that the Account would utilize such additional interest
as a hedge against  inflation on the assumption  that as prices  increase in the
economy  generally,  the rental prices obtained by properties,  such as shopping
centers  or  office  buildings,  will  increase  and  that  there  should  be  a
corresponding  increase  in  the  value  of  such  properties.  There  can be no
assurance,  however,  that  participations  will be  negotiated on behalf of the
Account or, if obtained,  that,  even allowing for  inflation,  such  additional
interest or  increased  values  will in fact be  received.  In that  event,  the
Account would be entitled to receive only the fixed portion of its return.

Standards  for  Mortgage  Loan  Investments.   In  making  mortgage  loans,  the
Investment  Adviser will consider,  among other things,  a loan-to-value  ratio,
operating  cash  income  from the  property,  the  real  estate  management  and
operating  experience of the borrower,  the financial  strength of the borrower,
and  expectations  for the property in the market.  In addition,  the Investment
Adviser  will  analyze  any  available  historical  expenses  and the  projected
expenses of the property,  present and expected  levels of rentals and occupancy
rates,  general  economic  conditions in the area where the property is located,
competition  and  potential  competition  from  other  properties  in the  area,
compatibility  with the  general  investment  objectives  of the Account and any
other factors that the Investment Adviser believes are relevant. In general, the
amount of each mortgage loan made by the Account will not exceed,  when added to
the  amount  of any  existing  indebtedness,  90  percent  of the  estimated  or
appraised value of the property mortgaged.

Investments in Land Sale-Leasebacks

A portion  of the  Account's  investments  may  consist  of real  property  land
sale-leasebacks.  In a  transaction  of this type,  the Account  will  typically
purchase the land on which  income-producing  improvements  are  constructed and
simultaneously  lease the land, generally to the seller, under a long-term lease
(sometimes  known as a ground lease).  The Account's land  sale-leasebacks  will
involve  properties  similar to those as to which it will make  mortgage  loans.
Ground  leases  may be for  terms  ranging  up to 99 years and may  provide  for
payments from the ground leases in escalating amounts.

Generally,  under the terms of a ground  lease,  the  tenant  will  operate,  or
provide for the operation of, the property and be responsible for the payment of
all costs, including taxes, mortgage debt service, maintenance and repair of the
improvements  and  insurance.  Upon  termination  of the  ground  lease  and any
renewals thereof, the improvements may become the property of the Account,


<PAGE>

although the ground lease may be for a substantial period of time, and there can
be no assurance as to the value of the improvements at the end of such period.

The Investment Adviser often will seek to obtain for the Account, in addition to
base rents in its land  sale-leasebacks,  participations  in the appreciation of
the improvements or the gross revenues or income therefrom.  The  participations
may take such forms as a percentage  of the gross  revenues of the ground lessee
above a base amount (which may be subject to adjustment upon an increase in real
property taxes or upon other events), a share of the proceeds of future mortgage
financings or refinancings  that are not used for  construction or the reduction
of existing  mortgage  indebtedness,  a share of the proceeds  from the eventual
sale of the improvements, or other interests.

The Account may invest in land  sale-leasebacks  that are  subordinated to other
interests  in the land or  improvements,  such as a first or other  mortgage  or
lien. In those situations,  the Account's land  sale-leaseback  interest will be
subject to greater  risks.  In general,  the  aggregate  amount of such first or
other  mortgage  or  lien  and  the  value  of the  land  subject  to  the  land
sale-leaseback will not exceed 90 percent of the estimated or appraised value of
the land and improvements  thereon at the time of financing.  In some cases, the
Account  may grant to the ground  lessee an option to acquire  the land from the
Account after a period of years.  The option  exercise price would  generally be
based upon the fair market  value of the land,  considering  such factors as the
increase in the gross revenues from the property,  the rental payments  actually
received by the Account or other  objective  criteria  reflecting  the increased
value of the  property.  In  making  investments  in land  sale-leasebacks,  the
Investment  Adviser will consider  factors  similar to those described under the
Standards for Mortgage Loan Investments section above.

Liquid Assets

The Account may invest  certain of its assets in short-term  liquid  instruments
such as U.S.  government  securities,  securities  issued or fully guaranteed by
U.S.  government  agencies,  securities  issued or fully guaranteed by states or
municipalities,   certificates  of  deposit  and  time  or  demand  deposits  in
commercial banks, bankers'  acceptances,  savings and loan association deposits,
deposits in members of the Federal  Home Loan Bank System or  commercial  paper.
The Account also may invest in intermediate-term  bonds with maturities of up to
five years when IDS Life determines the extension of the maturity period for the
liquid  assets is  warranted.  (For  information  regarding the valuation of the
liquid asset investments, see the Valuation of Assets -- Liquid Assets section.)

<PAGE>

Investment Restrictions

The Account may not:

1.       Purchase common stock, warrants, or other equity securities
         or invest in any company for the purpose of exercising
         control or management (except for joint ventures or
         partnerships relating to real estate related investments as
         described herein or except where real property is the
         principal asset of a company and its acquisition can best be
         effected by the acquisition of the securities of the
         company).

2.       Engage in underwriting of securities issued by others.

3.       Purchase or sell oil, gas or other mineral exploration or
         development programs.

These investment restrictions may be changed only by a resolution adopted by the
Board of Directors  of IDS Life.  The Account  intends to make only  investments
that will not result in the Account  being  deemed to be an  investment  company
under the 1940 Act.

Other Investment Policies

Borrowing Policies

It is contemplated  that the Account will incur  indebtedness in connection with
the purchase, improvement, development and refinancing of properties. Generally,
the Account will attempt to make real property  investments  in which  aggregate
mortgage   indebtedness  of  all  real  property  investments  does  not  exceed
approximately 50 percent of the purchase price (i.e.,  total  consideration paid
for the  properties  including  all liens and  mortgages on the  properties  but
excluding  points and prepaid  interest)  plus other  initial  cash  payments in
connection  with the  purchase  of all  properties.  There can be no  assurance,
however,  that such a degree of leverage  will be obtained,  and the Account may
acquire some properties  that,  when completed,  will be owned on an unleveraged
basis or on a basis of leverage  substantially in excess of 50 percent. There is
no limit on the amount of leverage that can be used to acquire any one property.

The Account also may acquire real  property  investments  for which no permanent
financing has been  obtained and for which the  Investment  Adviser,  subject to
market  conditions,  intends  to  obtain  permanent  financing  on behalf of the
Account in the future. There is no assurance that the Investment Adviser will be
successful in obtaining such financing on favorable  terms. The proceeds of such
financings may be invested in additional investments of the Account.

The  Account  also may  borrow in order to meet  working  capital  or  liquidity
requirements.  Some of those  borrowings may be secured by mortgages or liens on
real property  investments or other investments made by the Account. The Account
will not obtain


<PAGE>

permanent  mortgage  financing from IDS Life or its  affiliates,  but may obtain
short-term  borrowings  from IDS Life or its  affiliates  for  working  capital,
liquidity or other purposes.

Borrowing  requires  the Account to pay  interest to the lender and thus may, in
certain instances,  inhibit the Account from achieving its investment objectives
and may increase the Account's risk.

In addition, to the extent that borrowing is incurred,  the Account's income may
be reduced  because  of the need to service  any such  indebtedness.  Also,  the
amount of fees paid to IDS Life and the  Investment  Adviser and its  affiliates
may be increased  due to the fact that certain of such fees are  calculated as a
percentage  of  the  Account's  assets,  including  those  attributable  to  the
Account's  mortgage  indebtedness.  See the  Conflicts of Interest -- Receipt of
Commissions, Fees and Other Compensation by IDS Life, the Investment Adviser and
Affiliates section.

Joint Venture Investments

The  Account  may  invest  in real  property  investments,  land  sale-leaseback
transactions or mortgage loans jointly with others,  including affiliates of IDS
Life or the Investment Adviser, through joint venture partnerships or otherwise.
See the  Conflicts  of Interest  --  Possible  Joint  Venture  Investments  with
Affiliates of the Investment  Adviser or IDS Life section.  The Account reserves
the right to participate in such joint  investments  either at the initiation of
investment or during the time it holds an investment.

Real Estate Related Investments

The Account has made the real estate related investments described below. Due to
the  substantial net contract  terminations  experienced by the Account over the
past  several  years,  the Account  does not intend to acquire  additional  real
estate  related  investments.  See the Risk Factors -- Liquidity  Considerations
section.

Summary of Investments

The  following is a table which sets forth all real estate  related  investments
presently  made or  committed  to be made by the  Account as of the date of this
prospectus.


<PAGE>

Real Property Investments

                                                      Long-Term
                            Cash payments made       Indebtedness
                             or to be made (a)    Amount      Rate
Shopping Centers
Northridge Mall
Milwaukee, Wis. (b)........    $5,838,000          none       N/A

Southridge Mall
Greendale/Greenfield
Milwaukee, Wis. (b)........     6,170,000       $2,072,700    8.35%

   
Office Building
1225 Connecticut Avenue
Washington, D.C. (b)........    9,000,000        1,143,100    6.98%

                               $21,008,000      $3,215,800
    

Mortgage Loan and Land Sale-Leaseback Investment

   
                                                Cash payments made
                                                 or to be made (a)
Shopping Center
Monmouth Mall
Eatontown, New Jersey (b)......................     $11,154,000

(a)      Includes cash down  payments,  amounts funded or committed to be funded
         for mortgage loans,  prepayment  premiums,  special  reserves and other
         cash  payments  made or  expected to be made out of the  Account's  net
         assets but does not include  acquisition  and mortgage  placement fees,
         mortgage financing fees and other  acquisition,  placement or financing
         costs.

(b)  The  interest  of the  Account in this  investment  is owned by the Account
     through a joint  venture.  The amount  shown for the  property  under "Cash
     payments  made or to be made"  includes  only the  cash  investment  of the
     Account in the joint venture for this  investment  and does not reflect any
     investment  by any other joint  venturers  in the  investment  owned by the
     joint  venture.  For real property  investments in which the Account has an
     equity  interest,  the  amount  shown for the  investment  under  Long-Term
     Indebtedness  reflects the Account's  proportionate  share,  based upon its
     percent interest in the joint venture,  of the amount of financing which is
     encumbering the property held by the joint venture.
    

The Account's investments in Northridge Mall and Southridge Mall and in the land
sale-leaseback  investment and first leasehold mortgage loan secured by Monmouth
Mall have been made through two joint venture  partnerships,  the other partners
of which include institutional  investors.  The percent interest of each partner
in these two joint  ventures  is  determined  generally  based on the timing and
amount of capital contributed by all partners.


<PAGE>


The Account made a capital  contribution of approximately  $12,008,000 in return
for an approximate 5.92 percent interest in N/S Associates, which owns interests
in Northridge Mall and Southridge Mall, and made an initial capital contribution
of $10,000,000 in return for an  approximate  6.97 percent  interest in Monmouth
Associates,  which owns the  underlying  land  subject to a ground lease of, and
holds a first  leasehold  mortgage on,  Monmouth Mall. JMB Group Trust IV, which
had been  advised by an  affiliate  of the  Investment  Adviser but is currently
advised by an unaffiliated  third party,  owns the majority  percent interest in
each of N/S Associates and Monmouth Associates.

   
In May 1994,  Monmouth  Associates agreed to finance the cost of a renovation of
Monmouth  Mall. The maximum  amount of the  renovation  loan is $29,100,000  and
through  December  31,  1996,  Monmouth  Associates  had  funded   approximately
$24,615,000 of the renovation  loan for Monmouth Mall.  Fundings of principal on
the loan have been made from cash  reserves  held by Monmouth  Associates,  cash
flow from  interest and ground rent payments  received from the  borrower/lessee
and capital  contributions made to Monmouth  Associates by its partners pro rata
based  upon  their  respective  interests.   The  aggregate  amount  of  capital
contributions  to finance the loan, is approximately  $9,830,000.  The Account's
share of these capital  contributions is approximately  $685,000.  The aggregate
amount of the  renovation  loan,  including  accrued  and  deferred  interest of
approximately $1,300,000, is currently expected to be approximately $26,125,000.
Remaining  fundings  for the  renovation  loan are expected to be made from cash
flow and funds currently held by Monmouth  Associates.  Monmouth  Associates may
also be required to make certain  additional loans to pay a portion of the costs
of certain  tenant  improvements  or other  ordinary  capital  expenditures.  In
addition,   Monmouth   Associates  may  provide  additional   financing  to  the
borrower/lessee  in order to pay costs to be  incurred  in  connection  with the
replacement of a department  store tenant at Monmouth Mall.  However,  it is not
currently expected that this would occur during 1997.

The renovation is nearing completion with tenant improvement work for one of the
larger  tenants and retainage  work  remaining.  The occupancy of mall shops and
outparcel space at the shopping center as of December 31, 1996 was approximately
83 percent.  However,  the mall shops and outparcel space are  approximately  86
percent leased. Leasing and occupancy at the shopping center have been adversely
affected by tenant bankruptcies occuring in 1995.
    

In general, joint venture partnership agreements for N/S Associates and Monmouth
Associates  provide that decisions  concerning the joint ventures and their real
estate  investments  are to be made by the vote or approval of the joint venture
partner  or  partners  holding  a  majority  of  the  percent  interests  in the
respective joint ventures.

Under the respective joint venture partnership agreements, in the event that one
or more,  but less than all, of the joint venture  partners  propose to sell the
joint  venture's  entire interest in a real estate related  investment  during a
specified period commencing

<PAGE>

generally  not earlier  than the end of the fourth year after the funding of the
investment  and ending 10 years after such  funding,  each other  joint  venture
partner  not  approving  such sale will have a right of first  offer to purchase
such investment on the terms set forth in a notice of the proposed sale from the
joint  venture  partners  desiring  such  sale.  If more than one joint  venture
partner  elects to exercise a right of first  offer,  each of the joint  venture
partners  making  such  election  will have the right to purchase an interest in
such  investment  based  upon the  proportion  of its  percent  interest  in the
respective joint venture to the aggregate percent interests of all joint venture
partners  making such election.  If no joint venture  partner elects to exercise
the right of first offer,  the joint  venture  partners  approving  the sale may
effect such sale on behalf of the respective  joint venture for a sales price of
not less than 90 percent of the proposed sales price and on other terms at least
as favorable to the respective joint venture as those set forth in the notice of
proposed sale.

In general,  each joint venture  partner may sell its interest in the respective
joint  venture  subject to each other  joint  venture  partner's  right of first
refusal to purchase the interest,  and any such sale may not be made without the
consent  of all  other  joint  venture  partners  unless  it is to be made to an
affiliate  of the  selling  joint  venture  partner or to certain  institutional
investors,  a "Fortune 500" corporation or an affiliate thereof, or to an entity
of similar  financial  standing or  sophistication  of the  foregoing  or of the
selling joint venture partner.

Northridge Mall
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Northridge  Mall,  located in Milwaukee,  Wisconsin,  was completed in 1972. The
mall shops and four adjacent  department  stores  comprising the shopping center
contain approximately 1,053,000 square feet of gross leasable area, of which N/S
Associates owns approximately  399,000 square feet. The remaining 654,000 square
feet of gross  leasable area are occupied by four  department  stores,  three of
which own their own stores and a portion of the parking area.  These four stores
are  Younkers,   which  leases  its  store  from  an  unaffiliated  third  party
(approximately  166,000 square feet), J.C. Penney (approximately  168,000 square
feet), Sears (approximately 169,000 square feet) and Boston Store (approximately
151,000 square feet). Existing operating covenants for occupancy of their stores
by Younkers  extend through  January 1999 and by Boston Store through 2000. J.C.
Penney and Sears, whose operating  covenants expired in August 1992, continue to
operate their respective stores at the shopping center.

   
The  acquisition  of  Younkers by  Proffitt's,  Inc.  eliminated  the need for a
possible  anchor  replacement at both Northridge and Southridge  malls.  Carson,
Pirie Scott & Co. had made a bid in 1995 to purchase the Younkers  chain,  which
operates at both malls. Carson's already operates the Boston Store at Northridge
and Southridge, and had indicated that they would not continue
    


<PAGE>
   
operating the Younkers  store if they  acquired the chain.  The  acquisition  by
Proffitt's eliminated the need for an anchor replacement at both centers.
    

The shopping  center is located on an  approximate  105-acre  site, of which N/S
Associates owns  approximately  32 acres, at the northwest  corner of West Brown
Deer Road and North 76th  Street on the north side of  Milwaukee.  The  shopping
center is a two-level center of masonry construction and contains a large center
court  atrium with a fountain  and  skylights.  The entire  parking lot contains
parking for approximately 7,800 automobiles.

   
Real estate taxes on the portion of the shopping  center owned by N/S Associates
were  approximately  $2,508,000  for the 1996 tax year and are  estimated  to be
approximately  $2,054,000  for the 1997 tax year. By contesting  the real estate
taxes,  the  manager of the  property  was able to achieve a  reduction  in real
estate taxes for 1996 and 1995.
    

The shopping  center is subject to competition  from other retail  properties in
the  vicinity.  In the  opinion of the  Investment  Adviser,  the portion of the
shopping center owned by N/S Associates is adequately insured.

   
The  portion  of the  shopping  center  owned  by  N/S  Associates  consists  of
approximately  388,000  square  feet of mall  space and  11,000  square  feet of
storage space.  The mall space is currently  approximately 77 percent leased and
occupied by 121 tenants.  Tenant leases for mall space have minimum  terms,  not
including  renewal  options,  ranging from one to 20 years,  with current annual
base rents ranging from  approximately  $12 to $199 per square foot. The current
average annual base rent for mall space is approximately $19.86 per square foot.
The average  annual  occupancy  rates  (based upon  occupancy at the end of each
month during the year) and approximate average annual base rents per square foot
for the mall space for the past five years are as follows:

                            Average Annual
          Average Annual       Base Rent
Year      Occupancy Rate    Per Square Foot
1992            87%             $22.20
1993            87%             $22.30
1994            80%             $22.65
1995            90%             $22.78
1996            80%             $19.86
    

Substantially  all of the  leases  contain  provisions  pursuant  to  which  N/S
Associates is entitled to  participate  in tenant gross  receipts  above certain
minimum  amounts,  and most leases  entitle N/S  Associates to receive  tenants'
contributions for operating expenses and real estate taxes.  Certain of the more
recent leases provide for N/S Associates' participation in tenant gross receipts
above certain minimum amounts without receipt by N/S Associates of any specified
annual base rent or tenant  contributions for operating  expenses or real estate
taxes.



<PAGE>



N/S Associates  acquired its interest in the shopping center in April 1988 for a
purchase price of approximately  $89,653,000 paid in cash at closing, subject to
the  existing  mortgage  loans  with a then  outstanding  aggregate  balance  of
approximately  $18,454,000.  At closing, N/S Associates established a reserve of
approximately  $8.9  million  that  has  been  used to pay for  certain  capital
improvements  made at the shopping center,  including  certain asbestos removal,
construction of a food court and center and side court improvements.

   
It is expected that additional  asbestos removal will be undertaken from time to
time. For 1997 N/S Associates has currently  budgeted  approximately  $4,329,000
for tenant  improvements  and asbestos  abatement  for certain  tenant spaces at
Northridge  Mall.  Such  amount is expected to be paid out of the cash flow from
the property.
    

In February  1995,  N/S  Associates  repaid the two  mortgage  loans  secured by
Northridge Mall, as well as the mortgage loan secured by Southridge Mall, out of
the proceeds of a new loan in the principal  amount of $35,000,000  secured by a
mortgage on Southridge  Mall. In addition,  approximately  $2,900,000 of the net
proceeds  from  the new  mortgage  loan  was  used to pay  tenant  improvements,
asbestos   abatement  and  other  capital  costs  incurred  for  Northridge  and
Southridge Malls during 1995.

The portion of the shopping  center owned by N/S  Associates is being managed by
an affiliate of the Investment  Adviser under an agreement  pursuant to which it
is obligated to manage the property and collect all receipts from  operations of
the  property.  The  affiliate of the  Investment  Adviser is paid an annual fee
equal to 3.75 percent of the gross  receipts of the property plus  reimbursement
of certain direct expenses in connection with the management of the property.

Northridge Mall has been adversely affected by a perception that it is an unsafe
place to shop.  This  perception  has resulted in declining  sales and occupancy
over the past several years.  Compounding the problem of declining sales are the
high  operating  costs  for  tenants  due to the high real  estate  taxes at the
shopping  center.  By  contesting  the real  estate  taxes,  the  manager of the
property  was able to achieve a reduction  in taxes in 1996 and 1995.  Occupancy
has also been  affected  by  continuing  tenant  bankruptcies.  To  counter  the
negative  image  for  Northridge  Mall,  N/S  Associates  made  certain  capital
improvements  including parking lot lighting and improved interior lighting, and
implemented  operational  programs to improve the shopping  center's  safety and
appearance,  as well as  instituted  certain  marketing  efforts to enhance  its
image. In addition,  N/S Associates  continues to seek to increase  occupancy by
aggressively  marketing  space  for  new and  renewal  tenants  through  leasing
incentives,  as well as cooperating  with existing  tenants who need  short-term
rent reductions in order to maintain occupancy of their space.  Certain positive
sales trends appear to indicate a modest  improvement,  however,  elimination of
the negative perception is expected to take some time.


<PAGE>

   
The following is a schedule of expiration of leases  (exclusive of storage space
and  assuming  no  renewals  or  cancellations)  and  current  annual base rents
allocable thereto as of Dec. 31, 1996:

Year of         Number              Current     Percentage of
Expiration        of     Square      Annual     Current Annual
of Leases       Tenants   Feet      Base Rent     Base Rent
- -----------------------------------------------------------
1997 __________   25     81,283   $  308,508        5.01%
1998 __________   26     60,361    1,413,492       22.93
1999 __________   24     44,210    1,178,040       19.11
2000 __________   10     12,150      465,480        7.55
2001 __________    9     17,415      500,808        8.13
2002 __________    9     16,738      573,348        9.30
2003 __________    3     16,620      492,144        7.98
2004 __________    4     12,899      299,088        4.85
2005 __________    3      4,548      147,972        2.40
2006 __________    7     17,613      334,344        5.42
2007 __________    2      6,759      135,528        2.20
2008 __________    2     13,739      314,856        5.12
- --------------------------------------------------------
    

Southridge Mall
Greendale/Greenfield (Milwaukee),
Wisconsin

Southridge  Mall,  completed in 1970, is located in the Village of Greendale and
City of  Greenfield  south of  Milwaukee,  Wisconsin.  The mall  shops  and five
adjacent department stores comprising the shopping center contain  approximately
1,295,000  square feet of gross  leasable  area,  of which N/S  Associates  owns
approximately  435,000  square  feet,  including  the  space  leased  to  Kohl's
Department Store, one of the anchor tenants, and approximately 2,000 square feet
of storage  space.  The  remaining  approximately  860,000  square feet of gross
leasable area are occupied by four department  stores,  three of which own their
own stores and a portion of the parking  area.  These four stores are  Younkers,
which leases its store from an unaffiliated third party  (approximately  203,000
square  feet),   Boston  Store   (approximately   221,000  square  feet),  Sears
(approximately  251,000  square  feet) and J.C.  Penney  (approximately  185,000
square  feet).  Existing  operating  covenants  for occupancy of their stores by
Younkers  extend  through  January 1999 and by Boston Store through  2000.  J.C.
Penney and Sears,  whose operating  covenants have expired,  continue to operate
their respective stores at Southridge Mall.

   
The  acquisition  of  Younkers by  Proffitt's,  Inc.  eliminated  the need for a
possible  anchor  replacement at both Northridge and Southridge  malls.  Carson,
Pirie Scott & Co. had made a bid in 1995 to purchase the Younkers  chain,  which
operates  stores at both malls.  Carson's  already  operates the Boston Store at
Northridge  and  Southridge,  and had  indicated  that they  would not  continue
operating the Younkers  store if they  acquired the chain.  The  acquisition  by
Proffitt's eliminated the need for an anchor replacement at both centers.
    


<PAGE>

The shopping center is located on an  approximately  105-acre site, of which N/S
Associates  owns  approximately  34 acres,  at the  intersection  of West Grange
Avenue and South 76th Street in Milwaukee  County.  It is a two-level  center of
masonry  construction  and  contains a large center court atrium with a fountain
and skylights.  The entire parking lot contains parking for approximately  6,900
automobiles.

   
Real estate taxes on the portion of the shopping  center owned by N/S Associates
were  approximately  $4,088,000  for the 1996 tax year and are  estimated  to be
approximately  $3,628,000  for the 1997 tax year. By contesting  the real estate
taxes,  the  manager of the  property  was able to achieve a  reduction  in real
estate taxes for 1996 and 1995.
    

The shopping  center is subject to competition  from other retail  properties in
the  vicinity.  In the  opinion of the  Investment  Adviser,  the portion of the
shopping center owned by N/S Associates is adequately insured.

   
The portion of the  shopping  center  owned by N/S is  approximately  94 percent
leased  and  occupied  by 132  tenants.  During  the third  quarter  of 1995 N/S
Associates  and Kohl's  entered into an amendment of its lease.  Pursuant to the
lease amendment, the term of Kohl's lease has been extended from 2001 until 2015
and the tenant space has been increased by  approximately  19,000 square feet to
approximately 85,000 square feet, exclusive of storage space. Kohl's is required
to pay annual base rent of $9.25 per square foot, as well as one-half of its pro
rata share for real estate taxes and a fixed amount for common area  maintenance
expense.  Kohl's is also obligated to pay as additional rent a percentage of its
gross  receipts  in  excess  of a  minimum  amount  of  annual  sales  which was
determined  after the tenant occupied the entire leased space. N/S Associates is
responsible for paying the costs of asbestos removal for the tenant space, which
is substantially complete as of Dec. 31, 1996. Kohl's was obligated to pay other
costs associated with the leased space,  including tenant improvements and lease
buy-out and relocation costs of other tenants. The lease amendment also contains
an  operating  covenant  pursuant to which  Kohl's is  obligated  to operate its
retail store at Southridge Mall until 2005, subject to earlier termination under
certain circumstances. Although the lease amendment reduces Kohl's overall rent,
the  expansion  of its space and the  extension of its lease term is expected to
stabilize the shopping center on a long-term basis by ensuring Kohl's  continued
occupancy and therefore its continued  contribution to customer  traffic.  Other
tenant leases  (exclusive of storage  space) have minimum  terms,  not including
renewal  options,  ranging from 3 to 15 years,  with  current  annual base rents
ranging  from  approximately  $10.00 to $116.00  per square  foot.  The  current
average annual base rent for mall space is approximately $23.79 per square foot.
    


<PAGE>

The average  annual  occupancy  rates  (based upon  occupancy at the end of each
month during the year) and approximate average annual base rents per square foot
for tenant space (inclusive of Kohl's  Department Store but exclusive of storage
space) for the past five years are as follows:

   
                            Average Annual
          Average Annual       Base Rent
Year      Occupancy Rate    Per Square Foot
1992           87%              $20.90
1993           90%              $21.20
1994           91%              $20.90
1995           95%              $20.40
1996           90%              $23.79

Substantially  all of the  leases  contain  provisions  pursuant  to  which  N/S
Associates is entitled to  participate  in tenant gross  receipts  above certain
minimum amounts and to receive tenants' contributions for operating expenses and
real estate taxes.  N/S Associates  acquired its interest in the shopping center
in April 1988 for a purchase price of approximately  $96,865,000 paid in cash at
closing,  subject to the existing  first  mortgage loan with a then  outstanding
balance of approximately  $18,536,000.  N/S Associates  established a reserve of
approximately $7,250,000 which has been used for certain capital improvements at
the shopping center including, among other things, asbestos abatement and center
and side court  improvements.  For 1997, N/S  Associates has currently  budgeted
approximately  $983,000 for tenant improvements,  asbestos abatement and capital
improvements  at Southridge  Mall. Such amount is expected to be paid out of the
cash flow from the property.
    

In February 1995, N/S Associates  repaid the mortgage loan secured by Southridge
Mall, as well as the two mortgage  loans secured by Northridge  Mall, out of the
proceeds  of a new loan in the  principal  amount of  $35,000,000  secured  by a
mortgage on  Southridge  Mall.  In  addition,  approximately  $2,900,000  of net
proceeds from the new mortgage loan were used to pay for tenant improvements and
other  capital costs  incurred for  Northridge  and  Southridge  Malls.  The new
mortgage  loan has a term of seven  years,  bears  interest at 8.35  percent per
annum and requires monthly  payments of interest only aggregating  approximately
$2,923,000  per annum  prior to  maturity  in  February  2002,  when the  entire
principal  amount and any accrued and unpaid  interest  will be due and payable.
The new mortgage loan permits only a prepayment in full,  subject to the payment
of a premium of the greater of 1 percent of the outstanding principal balance of
the loan and an  amount  calculated  pursuant  to a  defined  yield  maintenance
formula.  The remedies under the new mortgage loan are generally  limited to the
property securing the loan.

The portion of the shopping  center owned by N/S  Associates is being managed by
an affiliate of the Investment  Adviser under an agreement  pursuant to which it
is obligated to manage the property and collect all receipts from  operations of
the  property.  The affiliate of the  Investment  Adviser is paid a fee equal to
3.75


<PAGE>

percent of the gross  receipts of the  property  plus  reimbursement  of certain
direct expenses in connection with the management of the property.

The  following  is a  schedule  of  expiration  of leases  (inclusive  of Kohl's
Department  Store but  exclusive  of storage  space and  assuming no renewals or
cancellations)  and current annual base rents  allocable  thereto as of Dec. 31,
1996:

   
Year of         Number              Current     Percentage of
Expiration        of     Square      Annual     Current Annual
of Leases       Tenants   Feet      Base Rent     Base Rent
- -----------------------------------------------------------
1997..........    22     39,011    $  498,420        5.35%
1998..........    21     50,631     1,490,796       16.01
1999..........    13     19,766       438,756        4.71
2000..........    22     39,042     1,281,828       13.76
2001..........    22     37,902     1,096,500       11.77
2002..........     9     13,245       561,816        6.03
2003..........     8     32,651       810,444        8.70
2004..........     7     25,697       663,900        7.13
2005..........     9     21,072       673,764        7.23
2006..........     8     24,767       717,588        7.71
2007..........     2      3,206        80,400         .86
2009..........     1      7,507       210,192        2.26
2015..........     1     85,247       788,535        8.48
- ---------------------------------------------------------
    

Monmouth Mall
Eatontown, New Jersey

In October 1988 Monmouth Associates (i) acquired certain land underlying a super
regional  shopping center in Eatontown,  New Jersey known as Monmouth Mall, (ii)
leased the land to the owner of the  shopping  center  pursuant  to a  long-term
ground lease,  and (iii) made a first mortgage loan to the owner of the shopping
center  secured  by the  leasehold  estate  and the  improvements  thereon.  The
borrower  under the first  leasehold  mortgage  loan and lessee under the ground
lease  (hereinafter the  "borrower/lessee")  is a partnership whose partners are
not affiliated with Monmouth Associates or any of its joint venture partners.

The shopping  center is being  reconfigured  in connection  with the  renovation
discussed  below.  Upon completion of the  renovation,  the shopping center will
contain  approximately  1,503,000  square feet of gross  leasable area, of which
approximately  614,000  square  feet will  consist of mall shops  (approximately
470,000  square  feet),  a fifteen  screen cinema  (approximately  77,000 square
feet),  outparcel buildings  (approximately  17,000 square feet) and storage and
basement area  (approximately  50,000 square feet). The remaining gross leasable
area includes four department stores,  which are Macy's  (approximately  262,000
square feet), J.C. Penney (approximately  203,000 square feet), Abraham & Straus
(approximately  265,000  square feet) and Lord & Taylor  (approximately  159,000
square feet).  Existing operating  covenants of the anchor department stores for
reimbursement  of a specified  amount of common area  maintenance  expenses  and
operation of a


<PAGE>

retail  business at their stores (which may be different from the current retail
business),  generally  extend to 1998 for Abraham & Straus,  2005 for Macy's and
Lord & Taylor,  and 2006 for J.C. Penney,  with certain option or renewal rights
thereafter in favor of Abraham & Straus and Lord & Taylor.

Federated Department Stores,  which owns Abraham & Straus,  completed its merger
with Macy's,  and in January 1995 Federated  Department Stores announced that it
would close the entire  Abraham & Straus chain of stores and either convert them
to other stores or sell them.  Federated Department Stores converted the Abraham
& Straus  store at Monmouth  Mall to a Stern's  store in the spring of 1995,  as
permitted under the terms of its operating agreement. Macy's covenant to operate
a  department  store (in  addition  its  covenant to operate a retail  business)
expired in 1995.  Preliminary  discussions  with  Macy's  continue  regarding  a
possible  extension of their operating  covenant,  but there can be no assurance
any such extension will be finalized.  The Macy's store  continues to operate at
Monmouth Mall.

The shopping center is located on an approximately  104-acre site located at the
intersection  of Routes 35 and 36 and  Wyckoff  Road in  Eatontown,  New Jersey.
Macy's owns its own  department  store and  approximately  2 acres of underlying
land,  and  J.C.  Penney  owns  its own  store  and  approximately  12  acres of
underlying  land. The remaining  approximately  90 acres of land  underlying the
shopping  center were  acquired by Monmouth  Associates  subject to the right of
Stern's to acquire  the land  underlying  its store.  Stern's,  which  currently
leases its store and the  approximately  14 acres of underlying land for nominal
base rent, has the right to acquire the  underlying  land at any time after 1998
and to  acquire  its store at any time  after  2028,  in each  case for  nominal
consideration.  The  shopping  center is a  multi-level  super  regional  center
constructed of structural  steel framing with concrete block facing.  The entire
parking  lot (a portion of which is owned by certain of the  department  stores)
contains combined surface and deck parking for approximately 8,225 automobiles.

The Lord & Taylor lease provides for annual base rent of  approximately  $60,400
and an initial term of 16 years ending in 2006 with six 10-year  renewal options
at the  same  annual  base  rent.  Each  of Lord &  Taylor  and  Stern's  pays a
percentage of its gross receipts above a certain minimum amount as well as a pro
rata share of the real estate taxes as additional  rent. Sony Theaters  operates
the cinema under a lease that commenced in 1994 and provides for an initial term
of 21 years  with a current  annual  base rent of  approximately  $711,000  with
specified  periodic  increases.  The lease  also  requires  the  tenant to pay a
specified amount of operating expense reimbursements and a pro rata share of the
real estate taxes, as well as a percentage of its gross receipts above a certain
minimum  amount as  additional  rent.  The lease also  provides  for five 5-year
renewal options with specified increases in annual base rent. In addition to its
own department  store,  Macy's also leases  approximately  36,400 square feet of
space from the borrower/lessee for its children's store at the shopping center.

<PAGE>

   
Real  estate  taxes  on  the  portion  of  the  shopping  center  owned  by  the
borrower/lessee  were  approximately  $1,687,839  for the  1996 tax year and are
estimated to be  approximately  $2,071,362  for the 1997 tax year.  The shopping
center is  subject to  competition  from other  retail  properties  in the area,
including an approximately  1,300,000 square foot shopping center that opened in
the general  vicinity in August 1990. In the opinion of the Investment  Adviser,
the portion of the shopping  center owned by the  borrower/lessee  is adequately
insured.

The mall shops and  outparcel  space at the  shopping  center are  currently  86
percent  leased by 136  tenants  with  current  annual base rents  ranging  from
approximately  $2 to $121 per square foot and a current average annual base rent
of  approximately  $24.90 per square foot.  Leases for mall shops and  outparcel
space have minimum terms, not including  renewal  options,  ranging from 5 to 15
years. Due to the renovation of the shopping center discussed below, the current
occupancy of the mall shops and outparcel space is approximately 83 percent. The
average  annual  occupancy  rates (based upon occupancy at the end of each month
during the year) and  approximate  average annual base rents per square foot for
the mall shops and outparcel space for the past five years are as follows:

                            Average Annual
          Average Annual       Base Rent
Year      Occupancy Rate    Per Square Foot
1992           82%              $19.85
1993           81%              $19.95
1994           67%              $21.40
1995           69%              $24.76
1996           75%              $24.90
    

Substantially all of the leases contain provisions pursuant to which tenants are
required to pay  specified  percentages  of their gross  receipts  above certain
minimum  amounts  as  additional  rent and to pay  their  pro rata  share of the
operating expenses and real estate taxes of the shopping center.

The Limited owns a number of apparel store tenants who have the following leases
of mall space at Monmouth Mall:

   
                                   Current
                                   Square      Annual     Original
    Tenant                          Feet     Base Rent      Term
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
The Limited                         8,470     $99,522     12 years
The Limited Too                     3,952      92,872     12 years
Lerner New York                     7,045     140,900     12 years
Compagnie International Express    10,957     128,745     12 years
Structure                           5,849     137,451     12 years
Victoria's Secret                   6,908     162,338     12 years
Lane Bryant                         4,137      60,000     13 years
Mozzarellas Cafe                    5,051     114,425     15 years
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
    


<PAGE>


In October 1988, Monmouth  Associates (i) purchased  approximately 88.5 acres of
land  underlying the shopping center (subject to the right of Stern's to acquire
the  approximately  14 acres underlying its store) for $13,000,000 paid in cash;
(ii) leased the land back to the borrower/lessee  pursuant to a long-term ground
lease;  and  (iii)  made a  first  mortgage  loan  in the  principal  amount  of
$128,920,000  to the  borrower/lessee  secured by the  leasehold  estate and the
improvements  thereon. The ground lease, which has a term of 75 years commencing
in October 1988  (subject to earlier  termination  in the event of a sale of the
land as described below),  provides for monthly base rent aggregating $1,170,000
annually with minimum  payments of $650,000.  The ground lease also provides for
contingent rent (payable  quarterly out of the excess,  if any, of substantially
all of the gross receipts from the operations of the shopping center received by
the  borrower/lessee  over  certain  base  amounts)  equal  to the  sum of (x) a
specified  annual  amount  (commencing  in the fourth lease year at $390,000 per
annum and  increasing in the sixth lease year to $520,000 per annum),  increased
until  paid at the  "applicable  rate"  of  interest  payable  under  the  first
leasehold  mortgage  loan  described  below (such amount as so increased  herein
called the "rent shortfall amount"),  plus (y) 15 percent of the balance of such
excess gross receipts  remaining  after  deducting the aggregate  amount paid at
such time of the rent shortfall  amount under the ground lease and the "interest
shortfall amount" under the first leasehold mortgage loan as described below.

The first leasehold  mortgage loan has a term of 15 years to October 2003, which
may be extended from time to time at the option of Monmouth Associates for up to
an additional 20 years,  subject to  acceleration  of the loan in the event of a
joint sale of the property or a purchase by either  Monmouth  Associates  or the
borrower/lessee of the other party's entire interest in the property.

The first leasehold mortgage loan provides for monthly payments of base interest
at a base rate of 5.98  percent  per annum  for the first two loan  years,  7.97
percent  per annum for the third loan year and 5 percent per annum for each loan
year thereafter.  The first leasehold  mortgage loan also provides for quarterly
payments  of  contingent  interest  (payable  out  of the  excess,  if  any,  of
substantially  all of the gross  receipts  from the  operations  of the shopping
center received by the  borrower/lessee  over certain base amounts) equal to the
sum of (x) the difference  between the amount of interest payable on the loan at
the  "applicable  rate"  and that  payable  at the base  rate  described  above,
increased until paid at the applicable rate (such amount as so increased  herein
called the "interest shortfall  amount"),  plus (y) 45 percent of the balance of
such excess gross receipts  remaining after deducting the aggregate  amount paid
at such  time of the rent  shortfall  amount  under  the  ground  lease  and the
interest   shortfall  amount  under  the  first  leasehold  mortgage  loan.  The
"applicable  rate"  under the loan is 5.98  percent  per annum for the first two
loan  years,  7.97  percent  per annum for the next  three  loan  years and 8.97
percent per annum for each loan year thereafter.

<PAGE>

   
In May 1994,  Monmouth  Associates agreed to finance the cost of a renovation of
Monmouth Mall. The maximum amount of the renovation  loan is $29,100,000  and as
of December  31, 1996  fundings of  $24,615,000  have been made.  Certain of the
fundings  for the  renovation  loan have been made out of cash  reserves and the
cash  flow  of  Monmouth  Associates  as  well  as  out  of  additional  capital
contributions  to Monmouth  Associates  made pro rata based upon the  respective
interests of its joint venture partners.  The Account's share of such additional
capital  contributions would be approximately  $727,000 based on its approximate
6.97  percent  interest  in  Monmouth  Associates  of  which  $685,000  had been
contributed  as of December  31, 1996.  The  renovation  of the shopping  center
includes,  among other  things,  the addition of a food court and cinema and the
re-merchandising  of  approximately   300,000  square  feet  of  space  and  was
substantially completed in December 1995.
    

The  renovation  loan will  mature  contemporaneously  with the first  leasehold
mortgage  loan in  October  2003,  subject to (i)  acceleration  in the event of
default or certain  other  events,  including a joint sale of the entire fee and
leasehold  interests in Monmouth Mall, or (ii) extension of the loan maturity by
Monmouth  Associates under certain  circumstances for up to 20 years on the same
loan terms prior to the extension (other than the maturity date). The renovation
loan is secured by a leasehold mortgage  subordinated to the leasehold mortgages
securing  the first  leasehold  mortgage  loan and certain  other loans made for
tenant  improvements  or  other  ordinary  capital  expenditures  and is  cross-
defaulted  with those loans as well as the ground lease.  The remedies under the
renovation loan are generally  limited to the property  securing the obligation.
Payment of principal and accrued interest of the renovation loan is subordinated
to the  payment of certain  other  amounts  payable to  Monmouth  Associates  in
connection with the ground lease and the first leasehold mortgage loan.

Under  the  terms  of the  ground  lease,  as  amended  in  connection  with the
renovation  loan,  upon a  joint  sale  or  refinancing  of  the  land  and  the
improvements thereon,  Monmouth Associates generally will be entitled to receive
out of the proceeds of such sale or  refinancing  the sum of (a) any accrued and
unpaid rent shortfall amount plus $13,000,000 (and any other amounts invested in
the land),  plus (b) after  payment of principal and any accrued and unpaid base
interest on the first  leasehold  mortgage  loan and the  renovation  loan,  the
return to the  borrower/lessee  of payments  made to cover any cost  overruns in
connection with the renovation,  and payment of any outstanding additional loans
by Monmouth  Associates and any advances by the  borrower/lessee to pay the cost
of certain capital or tenant  improvements  described  below,  together with any
accrued and unpaid  interest  thereon,  17.5 percent of such  remaining  sale or
refinancing  proceeds until Monmouth  Associates has received aggregate payments
under the ground  lease  equal to an  internal  rate of return of 11 percent per
annum on its investment in the land,  plus (c)  thereafter,  12.5 percent of any
such remaining sale or refinancing  proceeds. In general, the remedies under the
ground lease are limited to the property securing such obligation.

<PAGE>

Under the terms of the first  leasehold  mortgage loan, as amended in connection
with the renovation  loan,  upon a joint sale or refinancing of the land and the
improvements thereon, Monmouth Associates will be entitled to receive out of the
proceeds of such sale or  refinancing,  after  deducting  the accrued and unpaid
rent shortfall  amount plus  $13,000,000  (and any other amounts invested in the
land) payable to Monmouth  Associates pursuant to the terms of the ground lease,
the sum of (a)(i) any accrued and unpaid  interest  shortfall  amount,  (ii) the
outstanding  principal  amount of the  first  leasehold  mortgage  loan plus any
accrued and unpaid base  interest  thereon,  and (iii)  after  repayment  of the
outstanding  principal amount of the renovation loan, and any accrued and unpaid
interest thereon,  the return to the  borrower/lessee  of payments made to cover
any cost  overruns in  connection  with the  renovation,  and  repayment  of any
additional loans by Monmouth  Associates and any advances by the borrower/lessee
to pay the cost of  certain  capital  or tenant  improvements  described  below,
together  with any accrued and unpaid  interest  thereon,  52.5  percent of such
remaining  sale or refinancing  proceeds until Monmouth  Associates has received
aggregate  payments under the first leasehold mortgage loan equal to an internal
rate of return of 11  percent  per annum on the  principal  amount of such loan,
plus (b)  thereafter,  37.5 percent of any such  remaining  sale or  refinancing
proceeds.  In the event that the loan continues  until its stated  maturity date
(as it may be extended  from time to time)  without a joint sale of the property
or a sale of Monmouth  Associates'  entire  interest in the  property,  Monmouth
Associates  will be entitled to receive an amount that would provide it the same
consideration  payable to it as the first leasehold  mortgage lender (but not as
the ground lessor) under a joint sale of the property described above,  assuming
that the  property  were sold for its  appraised  fair market  value.  Aggregate
interest  payable may not exceed a specified  simple interest rate per annum. In
general, except for a prepayment in connection with a joint sale of the property
or a sale to the borrower/lessee of Monmouth  Associates' entire interest in the
property as described below, no prepayment of the first leasehold  mortgage loan
may be made. In general,  the remedies under the first  leasehold  mortgage loan
are limited to the property  securing such obligation.  The  borrower/lessee  is
obligated,  at its own expense,  to remove any asbestos  from the portion of the
shopping center owned by the borrower/lessee under certain circumstances.

Monmouth  Associates also is required to make other  additional loans to finance
the  cost of 60  percent  of  tenant  improvements  or  other  ordinary  capital
expenditures  that exceed the amounts reserved by the  borrower/lessee  for such
expenditures,  provided  that the  borrower/lessee  advances  the  remaining  40
percent of such expenditures.  The interest payable on any such additional loans
(as well as on any advances made by the borrower/lessee) is to be at the greater
of the applicable rate under the first leasehold mortgage loan as in effect from
time to time or the market rate of interest charged by institutional lenders for
similar loans.  These  additional  loans generally  require payments of interest
only  until  maturity  of the  first  leasehold  mortgage  loan  (including  any
extension thereof described above), at which time the outstanding  principal and
any accrued and unpaid interest under the additional

<PAGE>

loans will be due and  payable.  The  additional  loans may be prepaid  prior to
maturity without a prepayment charge.  Pursuant to such  requirements,  Monmouth
Associates  has  loaned  the   borrower/lessee  an  aggregate  of  approximately
$3,085,000 at fixed interest rates ranging from 8.25 percent to 10.5 percent per
annum in connection with the cost of tenant  improvements  and ordinary  capital
expenditures,  including tenant lease expenditures and termination  payments. In
connection with the termination of a previous  department store lease,  Monmouth
Associates  has advanced an  additional  $1,250,000  as an  expansion/renovation
loan,  which together with accrued interest through October 1991, bears interest
at 13 percent per annum, and has permitted the  borrower/lessee to defer payment
of  approximately  $729,000 of base  interest,  which also bears  interest at 13
percent per annum on the deferred amount.  These loan amounts have been advanced
out of interest and lease payments  received under the first leasehold  mortgage
loan and ground lease along with the reserves of Monmouth Associates.

The  mortgage  loan  and  renovation  loan,  as well as the  ground  lease,  all
discussed above,  accrue interest at a higher rate than the actual cash payments
of interest.  In April 1992 Monmouth  Associates put these loans on non-accrual,
based on the uncertainty as to the  collectibility of such contingent  interest.
During 1995,  accrued interest,  from the periods prior to April 1992,  totaling
$3,576,000 was written off due to the uncertainty as to  collectibility of these
accrued amounts.

Under the terms of the ground  lease,  at any time after  October 2001  Monmouth
Associates has the right, and at any time after October 2002 the borrower/lessee
has the right, to cause a joint sale of the land and the portion of the shopping
center owned by the  borrower/lessee,  subject to the right of first  refusal of
the other  party to the ground  lease to  acquire  the  entire  interest  in the
property of the party  proposing  such joint  sale.  In the event that the first
leasehold  mortgage loan continues until its stated maturity date (including any
extension of such maturity date described above),  the  borrower/lessee  has the
option to purchase Monmouth  Associates' interest in both the land and the first
leasehold  mortgage  loan for an aggregate  amount that would  provide  Monmouth
Associates  the same  consideration  payable  to it as ground  lessor  and first
leasehold  mortgage lender under a joint sale of the property  described  above,
assuming that the property were sold for its appraised fair market value.

In general, except for certain transfers by Monmouth Associates to an affiliate,
each of Monmouth Associates and the borrower/lessee may only transfer its entire
respective  interest  in the  property  (including  its  interest  in the  first
leasehold  mortgage  loan),  subject to the  consent of the other  party and the
other  party's  right of first  refusal to acquire  such  interest.  In general,
neither Monmouth  Associates nor the  borrower/lessee  may transfer a portion of
its interest in the property.

<PAGE>

The portion of the shopping center owned by the borrower/lessee is being managed
by an affiliate of the  borrower/lessee  under a long-term agreement pursuant to
which it is  obligated  to manage the  property  and collect all  receipts  from
operations  of the  property  for a fee  equal  to 3.5  percent  of the base and
percentage  rents from the  property.  In  addition,  the manager is entitled to
compensation  for leasing and re-leasing  services at the shopping  center.  The
following is a schedule of expiration  of present  leases for the mall shops and
outparcel space exclusive of storage and basement space and assuming no renewals
or cancellations) and current annual base rents allocable thereto as of Dec. 31,
1996:

   
Year of         Number              Current     Percentage of
Expiration        of     Square      Annual     Current Annual
of Leases       Tenants   Feet      Base Rent     Base Rent
- -----------------------------------------------------------
1997..........     6      15,642  $  269,104        2.6%
1998..........     7      18,504     480,986        4.6
1999..........     7       8,236     264,764        2.5
2000..........     6      48,101     701,026        6.7
2001..........    12      20,228     895,547        8.6
2002..........     9      24,977     910,147        8.7
2003..........    11      34,842   1,110,789       10.6
2004..........     8       7,690     373,191        3.6
2005..........    25      30,900   1,471,541       14.1
2006..........    21      67,265   1,414,650       13.5
2007..........    16      71,028   1,656,499       15.9
2008..........     2       5,361     157,232        1.5
2010..........     3      11,729     253,517        2.4
2011..........     1      42,500     425,000        4.1
2015..........     2      12,625      64,128         .6
- -------------------------------------------------------
    

1225 Connecticut Avenue
Washington, D.C.

In May  1990  the  Account  acquired  an  interest  in a newly  formed  Delaware
corporation  (the  Corporation)  owned  jointly with certain other  persons,  as
described  below.  The Corporation  has acquired an office  building  located in
Washington,  D.C. known as 1225 Connecticut Avenue, N.W. (1225 Connecticut),  an
eight-story reinforced concrete frame building containing 183,530 square feet of
rentable office space, 18,438 square feet of rentable retail space, 6,416 square
feet of below grade storage space and 100,024 square feet of subsurface  parking
space for over 300  automobiles.  The building,  which was completed in 1968, is
located on an  approximately  33,000  square foot site that  fronts  Connecticut
Avenue, 18th Street and "N" Street, N.W.

   
The office and retail space of 1225  Connecticut is currently 100 percent leased
and occupied under leases having original  minimum terms (not including  renewal
options)  which vary in duration from 5-1/2 to 12 years with current annual base
rents ranging from approximately  $17.50 to $48.90 per rentable square foot. The
current   average   annual  base  rent  for  the  office  and  retail  space  is
approximately $33.69 per square foot. The storage space is
    

<PAGE>

currently 59 percent  leased and occupied under leases having  original  minimum
terms (not including  renewal  options) that vary in duration from 5 to 12 years
with the current annual base rents ranging from  approximately  $11.05 to $15.00
per square foot.  The current  average annual base rent for the storage space is
approximately  $11.30 per square foot. The average annual occupancy rates (based
upon occupancy at the end of each month during the year) and approximate average
annual base rents per square  foot for the office and retail  space for the past
five years are as follows:

   
                            Average Annual
          Average Annual       Base Rent
Year      Occupancy Rate    Per Square Foot
1992           99%              $20.35
1993           95%              $28.60
1994           96%              $32.60
1995           100%             $30.29
1996           100%             $33.69
    

Substantially all of the office and retail leases contain provisions, subject to
certain limitations,  requiring tenants to pay, in addition to their annual base
rent,  their  pro-rata  share of real estate taxes and  operating  expenses over
certain base amounts. In addition,  leases covering a majority of the office and
retail space contain  provisions,  subject to certain  limitations,  pursuant to
which rents may be increased based upon changes in a consumer price index from a
base year.

Ernst & Young  currently  leases  approximately  80 percent of the office space.
Effective  January 1, 1995 per the terms of the Third Amendment to the Ernst and
Young lease,  the lease term of the fourth floor  premises  consisting of 26,328
square feet was amended to expire on June 30, 2007.  In addition,  the amendment
modified the monthly  base rent to $33.82 per average  square foot for the total
leased  premises of 159,664  square feet.  Effective  August 1, 1995,  Ernst and
Young  entered  into a Fourth  Amendment  to occupy  2,023 square feet of retail
space to expire June 30, 2007. As a result,  the Ernst & Young leases  generally
are as follows:

   
                                      Current
                                      Annual
                         Square        Base         Expiration
Tenant                    Feet         Rent            Date
Ernst & Young:
  Ground Floor            1,676       $17.50          June 2007
  2nd,4th,5th,6th,7th,
     & 8th floors       157,968        34.00          June 2007
  Retail Space            2,023        24.00          June 2007
    


In connection  with the  extension  and  expansion of its leases,  Ernst & Young
received certain leasing  incentives,  including a tenant improvement  allowance
and a rent credit for its fourth floor space

<PAGE>

for a portion of the lease term  commencing in 1995. The primary lease for Ernst
& Young covers  approximately  157,968  square feet of space,  not including the
ground floor and retail space.

   
The real estate and vault taxes on 1225 Connecticut were approximately  $990,000
for the tax year  ended  September  30,  1996.  Such  taxes are  expected  to be
approximately  $887,000  for  the  tax  year  ended  September  30,  1997.  1225
Connecticut is subject to competition from several other commercial  projects in
its vicinity,  including a number of office  buildings  owned by entities either
sponsored or advised by an affiliate of the Investment  Adviser.  In the opinion
of the Investment Adviser, the building is adequately insured.
    

The Corporation has elected to qualify as a real estate  investment trust (REIT)
pursuant to sections  856 through 860 of the Internal  Revenue Code of 1986,  as
amended (the Code).  For each taxable year that the  Corporation  qualifies as a
REIT, the Corporation in general will not be subject to federal corporate income
tax or the District of Columbia  corporate  franchise tax on its regular taxable
income and will not be taxable on  long-term  capital  gain income to the extent
its income is  distributed  as  dividends.  If the  Corporation  were to fail to
qualify as a REIT, it would be taxed at rates  applicable to corporations on its
taxable income, whether or not distributed. Because it is a corporation, it will
not be subject to the  District  of  Columbia  franchise  tax on  unincorporated
businesses,  which is  imposed  on any trade or  business  conducted  within the
District by an unincorporated person, including a partnership.

The Account owns  approximately 16.3 percent of the outstanding shares of common
stock of the Corporation.  Approximately 44 percent of the outstanding shares of
common stock of the Corporation are owned by a publicly held real estate limited
partnership  affiliated with the Investment Adviser.  There is no other class of
stock of the  Corporation  authorized  or  outstanding,  and no other  shares of
common stock may be issued without the consent of  shareholders  owning at least
96 percent of the then  outstanding  shares of common stock of the  Corporation.
The major  shareholders  of the  Corporation  (including the Account)  owning in
excess of 99 percent of the Corporation's  outstanding stock have entered into a
shareholders' agreement which provides, among other things, that upon a proposed
sale of shares the non-selling  major  shareholders  shall have a right of first
refusal to buy out the selling major  shareholders'  shares in the  Corporation;
the  approval  of  shareholders  owning at least 96 percent  of the  outstanding
common stock of the  Corporation  is required to make certain  major  decisions;
and,  in  the  event  of a  disagreement  regarding  a  proposed  sale  of  1225
Connecticut,  the major  shareholders not desiring to sell would have a right of
first  refusal  to  purchase  the  other  major  shareholders'   shares  in  the
Corporation and if all of such shares are not acquired  pursuant to the exercise
of such  right of first  refusal,  the  Corporation  may  conclude a sale of the
property.


<PAGE>

The Corporation  purchased 1225 Connecticut from the seller for a purchase price
of  approximately  $54,125,000,  consisting  of  $51,425,000  paid in  cash  and
approximately $2,700,000 of mortgage indebtedness then encumbering the property.
In  connection  with the  acquisition  of the  property,  the  Corporation  paid
approximately $2,130,000 for real estate brokerage commissions to an independent
third party and certain closing costs.  The Account  contributed  $9,000,000 for
its interest in the Corporation.

   
In January  1994 the  Corporation  refinanced  its mortgage  loan,  which had an
outstanding  principal  balance  of  approximately  $1,667,000  at the  time  of
refinancing,  with  a new  first  mortgage  loan  in  the  principal  amount  of
$7,000,000 that bears interest at 6.98 percent per annum.  The new loan requires
monthly payments of interest only aggregating  $488,600 per annum until maturity
in February  2001 when the entire  outstanding  principal  amount  together with
accrued  interest  will be due and payable.  Under  certain  circumstances,  the
principal amount of the loan may be prepaid in whole (but not in part),  subject
to a prepayment premium based upon the present value of the difference,  if any,
between  the  remaining  scheduled  monthly  payments on the loan at the date of
prepayment and the amount such monthly payments would be if the interest rate on
the loan were equal to the yield on a U.S. government security with a comparable
maturity  date.  Pursuant to the deed of trust  securing the mortgage  loan, the
Corporation is prohibited  from modifying  Ernst & Young's primary lease or from
entering into certain other tenant leases without the lender's consent. Prior to
selling the property or encumbering  the property with any additional  debt, the
Corporation  must  obtain the consent of the  lender,  which may be  arbitrarily
withheld.  However,  subject  to certain  restrictions,  the  Corporation  has a
one-time right to transfer title to the property  together with an assumption of
the mortgage loan. The excess net proceeds from the refinancing in the amount of
approximately $5,300,000 were used to pay a substantial portion of the costs for
lobby and other common area  renovation  costs,  a sprinkler  system and certain
tenant improvement costs related to the Ernst & Young lease extension.
    

The property is being managed  under an agreement  pursuant to which the manager
is  obligated  to manage  1225  Connecticut,  collect all of the  receipts  from
operations  and,  to the extent  available  from such  receipts,  pay all of the
expenses of the property.  The manager is paid a fee equal to 2.5 percent of the
gross revenues of the property,  plus  reimbursement for certain direct expenses
of the manager.  The property had been  managed by JMB  Properties  Company,  an
affiliate of the Investment  Adviser,  until December 1994,  when JMB Properties
Company sold substantially all of its assets to an unaffiliated third party, and
certain  management  personnel  of  JMB  Properties  Company  became  management
personnel  of the  third  party.  As a result  of  sale,  the  successor  to JMB
Properties  Company's assets now acts as manager of 1225 Connecticut on the same
terms that existed prior to the sale.


<PAGE>

   
1225 Connecticut leases approximately 80% of the available space of the property
to one  tenant  under  leases,  all with  terms of 12 years.  For the year ended
December 31, 1996 such tenant represented approximately 71% of total revenues.

An  unaffiliated  third party  leases and  operates  the entire  parking  garage
(subject to certain  parking rights  provided for tenants of the property) for a
term extending  until November 1997. The lease provides for a fixed rent payment
of $485,000 a year and provides that the lessee shall pay the operating expenses
of the parking garage, but does not provide such lessee with an option to extend
the term of the lease.
    

The  following is a schedule of expiration of leases for office and retail space
(assuming no renewals or cancellations)  and current annual base rents allocable
thereto:

   
Year of                                  Current     Percentage of
Expiration     Number of       Square     Annual     Current Annual
of Leases       Tenants         Feet     Base Rent      Base Rent
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
2000..........     3           22,103     $753,689       11.11%
2001..........     1            3,026      106,614        1.57
2002..........     1            9,909      277,452        4.09
2005..........     1            5,263      197,113        2.91
2007..........     1          161,667    5,448,794       80.32
- --------------------------------------------------------------
    

For a description of all types of fees and  compensation  payable by the Account
to IDS Life or the  Investment  Adviser in connection  with the  acquisition  or
placement  of real estate  related  investments  on behalf of the  Account,  see
Compensation  of IDS  Life,  the  Investment  Adviser  and their  Affiliates  in
Connection  with Real  Estate  Related  Services  under the  Description  of the
Investment Adviser and Affiliates section.

For further information  regarding the Account's real estate related investments
and their operations see the  Management's  Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations section.

Risk Factors

There are certain  risk  factors  that may affect  owners  participating  in the
Account or the Account's investments.

General Risks of Real Property Investments

The real property investments will be subject to the risks generally incident to
the ownership of real property,  including the  uncertainty of cash flow to meet
obligations,  adverse changes in national  economic  conditions,  changes in the
investment  climate for real estate,  adverse changes in local market conditions
due to  changes  in  general  or  local  economic  conditions  and  neighborhood
characteristics, changes affecting rental rates and property values arising from
changes in interest rates and in the availability,

<PAGE>

cost and  terms of  mortgage  funds,  the  need for  unanticipated  renovations,
particularly  in older  structures,  changes in real  estate tax rates and other
operating  expenses,  adverse changes in governmental rules and fiscal policies,
acts of God such as  earthquakes or other natural  disasters or man-made  events
such as  environmental  hazards  (that may  result  in  uninsured  losses),  the
financial  condition of the sellers and tenants of properties  and other factors
that are beyond the control of the  Account.  The holding of real estate is also
subject to increases in the cost of ownership. For example, unexpected increases
in the cost of energy that could not be passed  through to tenants  could reduce
the  operating  income  for some  properties.  Currently,  earthquake  insurance
coverage for the full value of real  properties  is generally  not  available on
economic terms. Earthquake insurance for the Account's real property investments
is generally  provided under a blanket policy that includes coverage for various
properties  in which the  Account or entities  affiliated  with,  or  sponsored,
advised  or  managed  by,  the  Investment  Adviser  or its  affiliates  have an
interest,  and coverage may be diluted over time as a result of the  acquisition
of  additional  properties.  In certain  areas,  it is possible that real estate
taxes or other expenses will increase at more rapid rates than in the past. Most
of the Account's real property  investments will be in rental properties and are
subject to the risk of inability to attract or retain tenants, with a consequent
decline in rental  income,  as a result of adverse  changes in local real estate
markets  or other  factors  and the risk of  inability  of tenants to meet their
lease  obligations,  whether as a result of bankruptcy or other adverse business
or economic events,  with a consequent  decline in rental income, as a result of
adverse  conditions or events  affecting their business  operations.  In certain
real  estate  markets,  available  space  currently  exceeds the demand for such
space.  Consequently,  Account  investments  in these  markets  may  rent-up  or
re-lease more slowly, and operating income for such investments may be less than
anticipated.

To the extent that the  Account's  rental income is based on a percentage of the
gross  receipts  of retail  tenants,  its cash flow is  dependent  on the retail
success achieved by such tenants.

While one of the  Account's  objectives is to obtain  reinvestment  of cash flow
from investments,  there can be no guarantee that the Account's investments will
generate  sufficient  revenue  to cover  operating  and  other  expenses  of the
Account.  The  opportunities for sale, and the profitability of any sale, of any
particular  investment  by the  Account  will be  subject to the risk of adverse
changes in real estate market conditions,  which may vary by the size,  location
and type of such investments.

Risks  Related to the Financial  Condition and  Operations of Tenants and to the
Retail Industry

Certain of the Account's  real estate  related  investments  have major tenants,
including department store tenants, or department stores that own one or more of
their own  stores  at the  properties.  See the  discussions  of the  individual

<PAGE>

properties  under the Real Estate  Related  Investments  section.  The Account's
investments  could be adversely  affected by a bankruptcy  or  insolvency,  or a
downturn in the business of, any of the major  tenants or  department  stores at
the properties,  or by the failure of any major tenants or department  stores to
continue,  extend  or renew its  lease  (in the case of a major  tenant)  or its
operating covenant (in the case of a department store).  Generally, a department
store that owns its own store agrees to operate the store and pay part of common
area  expenses  for a  specified  period  of time  pursuant  to  such  operating
covenants. A filing for protection from creditors under the bankruptcy laws by a
tenant or department  store could result in the rejection and termination of the
tenant's lease or the department  store's operating  covenants.  During the past
few years,  leases of certain mall tenants at Northridge Mall were terminated in
connection with their filings for protection from creditors under the bankruptcy
laws while other mall tenants at the property have been granted  short-term rent
reductions.  There is no assurance that any tenants or department  stores at the
properties  in which  the  Account  has  invested  will not file for  bankruptcy
protection  and  terminate  their  obligations  under their  leases or operating
covenants.  In addition,  any such tenant and department store may, from time to
time, experience a downturn in its business,  which may result in a reduction or
failure  to make  payments  when due.  In the event of a default  by a tenant or
department  store under its  obligations,  there may be delays in enforcing  the
rights  against such tenant or  department  store and  substantial  costs may be
incurred  associated  with the  protection  of the  Account's  investment in the
affected  property,  including  costs  incurred in renovating and re-leasing the
property or obtaining a replacement department store.

   
The retailing industry in recent years has been affected by consolidations among
large retail store owners.  These consolidations in some instances have resulted
in store  closings  and  other  reductions  in  existing  operations.  Federated
Department  Stores,  which has merged with R.H.  Macy and Company,  the owner of
Macy's, announced that it will close its Abraham & Straus store chain and either
convert those existing  stores to other units within the Federated group or sell
them.  Subsequently,  Macy's  converted  the  Abraham & Straus  stores to Sterns
stores.  While N/S Associates has certain  rights under  operating  covenants to
require  stores to be operated  through  January  1999,  it is possible that N/S
Associates  could  incur  costs in the  future in  connection  with  replacement
department stores at those shopping centers.  In addition,  certain of the other
department  stores at  Northridge  and  Southridge  Malls are not  subject to an
operating  covenant  requiring them to operate their  department  stores for any
specified period of time, although they have not indicated an intention to cease
operating any of their stores.  See the discussions of Northridge and Southridge
Malls under the Real  Estate  Related  Investments  Section.  Consolidations  or
reduced  operations  by  department  stores or other  retail  owners may have an
adverse  effect on the  retail  properties  in which the  Account  has  invested
through decreased revenues and higher
    

<PAGE>

operating costs due to greater vacancies and additional costs for renovation and
re-leasing of properties or incentive  contributions for replacement  department
stores.

Mortgage Loans

All mortgage loans are subject to the risk of default by the borrowers, in which
event the Account may be required to foreclose, or pursue other remedies, on the
underlying  property  to protect  the value of its  investment.  The  borrower's
ability to make mortgage  payments and the amount realizable by the Account upon
default depend on the risks generally associated with real estate investments as
described above under the General Risks of Real Property Investments section, as
well as under the Uninsured Losses section below.

Generally,  mortgage loans will not be personal obligations of the borrower,  so
the Account will  generally rely solely on the value of the property as security
for  the  obligations  of the  borrower  to the  Account.  If the  Account  must
foreclose, there can be no assurance as to the amount of investment that will be
recovered. Also, there may be additional delays in receiving payments during any
period of default or foreclosure.

The principal  amount due under a mortgage loan  typically  will be payable in a
lump sum payment at the end of the loan term, and the borrower's ability to make
such repayment may,  particularly in the absence of a borrower with  substantial
additional  assets,  be dependent upon the  borrower's  ability to refinance the
mortgage  loan with  another  lender.  A  borrower's  inability  to obtain  such
refinancing may require a modification or extension of the existing loan made by
the Account or a foreclosure by the Account. Volatility in interest rates during
the  investment  period may result in a delay in the making of mortgage loans or
possibly a lower yield to the Account on its mortgage loans.  Because a mortgage
loan is a long-term investment,  the receipt of interest payments by the Account
during the term of the loan might be below  what it would  otherwise  be able to
receive  under the then  prevailing  market  conditions.  Volatility in interest
rates after investment by the Account may result in prepayment of mortgage loans
to the extent not prohibited by the terms of such investments.

Mortgage  loans  made by the  Account  to  finance  an owner or  developer  of a
property that is newly  constructed,  under  construction  or under contract for
development  will  generally  involve  greater risks than mortgage loans made to
finance a property with an operating history. The Account's commitment to make a
mortgage loan may be permitted to be pledged to a construction  lender,  and the
proceeds to be disbursed under the commitment may be placed in escrow at a fixed
interest rate in connection with such pledge.

The  Investment  Adviser will obtain an  independent  appraisal of the appraised
value of the real estate  subject to each mortgage  loan in connection  with the
placement of such loan. It should be noted,

<PAGE>

however,  that  appraisals  are only  estimates  of  value,  and there can be no
assurance  that,  in the event of a default,  the Account will realize an amount
equal to the  amount  of its  mortgage  loan.  In the  event of a  default  by a
borrower that  requires the Account to foreclose  upon the property or otherwise
pursue its remedies in order to protect the Account's investment, the Investment
Adviser may seek to obtain a purchaser  for the property  upon such terms as the
Investment Adviser deems reasonable. However, there can be no assurance that the
amount  realized  upon any such sale of the property  underlying a mortgage loan
will result in financial  profit or prevent  loss to the  Account.  In addition,
because of potential  adverse changes in the real estate market for residential,
commercial or industrial properties,  locally or nationally,  the Account may be
forced to operate the  property for a period of time to protect the value of its
investment. In that event, the Account may be required to invest additional sums
to maintain and manage the property.  Under certain  circumstances,  the Account
may retain and operate the property on its own behalf.

Wrap-around  and junior  mortgage  loans and  subordinated  land  sale-leaseback
transactions of the Account, if any, will be subject to greater risks than first
mortgage loans and unsubordinated land sale-leaseback  transactions because such
investments are  subordinate to the liens of senior  mortgages or ground leases.
All mortgage loans, including first mortgage loans, may in certain circumstances
be subordinate to mechanics',  materialmen's,  brokers' or government liens. The
Account  may elect to make  payments,  if it has the legal  right to do so, on a
prior  lien,  including  a senior  mortgage,  in the event of a  default  by the
borrower,  in order to prevent a default on such prior lien or to  discharge  it
entirely.  In the event that the Account forecloses upon a junior or wrap-around
mortgage  loan  or  subordinated  land  sale-leaseback  after a  default  by the
borrower or lessee,  it is possible  that a "due on sale" clause  contained in a
senior mortgage or ground lease,  which  accelerates  the outstanding  principal
balance under such senior mortgage or terminates a ground lease in the case of a
sale of property, may be deemed to apply, increasing the risk of an insufficient
amount of funds being available to the Account after a foreclosure  sale. To the
extent that the Account invests in leasehold mortgage loans that are subordinate
to ground  leases  not owned by the  Account,  a  default  by the  tenant in its
payments  under the lease to the lessor may result in the Account  losing all or
part of its investment.

The  Account,  as the holder of a preferred  position in the event of a default,
should be entitled to foreclose a mortgage  and/or  terminate a lease.  However,
debt  moratoria  and  other  restrictions  on  lenders  (such  as  those in some
jurisdictions  on "due on sale"  clauses) may restrict the Account's  ability to
enforce specifically the terms of the obligations of its borrowers. In addition,
under some circumstances the Account might be treated as liable,  along with the
owner-borrower,  to third parties.  Further,  the amount of interest that may be
charged by the  Account may be limited by state usury  laws,  the  violation  of
which  may  result in  various  remedies,  including  restitution  of  excessive
interest and  unenforceability  of loans.  While the Investment Adviser will use

<PAGE>

diligence in determining  whether  interest rates comply with  applicable  laws,
uncertainties  may exist  with  respect  to  interest  payable  to the  Account,
including  additional  interest  based upon a percentage of the gross  revenues,
income or sale or refinancing proceeds from the underlying property.

Land Sale-Leaseback Transactions

In land sale-leaseback transactions, land and improvements may be subject to the
lien of a first  mortgage and other  mortgages  that may have  priority over the
Account's  equity  interest in the land.  If the ground lessee is unable to meet
its  mortgage  payments,  the  Account  may be forced to make such  payments  to
prevent  foreclosure  and  possible  loss of  investment.  If the ground  lessee
subleases space to subtenants,  the ground lessee's ability to meet its mortgage
payments and rental  obligations  is subject to the risk that  subtenants may be
unable to meet their  sublease  payments  to the  ground  lessee.  In  addition,
subleases  with  subtenants may have shorter terms than the ground lease and the
ground lessee's ability to meet its mortgage payments and rental obligations may
be subject to its ability to obtain renewals of existing  subtenant leases or to
enter into new subtenant leases. The financial stability,  business judgment and
management skill of the ground lessee may provide additional risks.

As with mortgage loans, in the event of default under a ground lease the Account
may be unable to recover its investment and, additionally,  there may be a delay
in  receipt  of  payments  and  loss of  revenues  in the  event of  default  or
subsequent  exercise of default  remedies.  Also,  because  the ground  lessee's
ability to repay the Account may be affected by the ground lessee's  recovery of
rental payments from subtenants,  the Account's ultimate ability to collect will
be affected by all normal  rental  risks,  as set forth in the General  Risks of
Real Property  Investments  section and by all other risks routinely inherent in
real estate investments.

Because a land sale-leaseback is a long-term investment, the receipt of payments
by the Account  during the lease term might be below what it would  otherwise be
able to receive under the then prevailing  market  conditions.  However,  to the
extent the Account is able to enter into participating ground leases, such risks
may be reduced.

Participations

In seeking participations as described under Mortgage Loans -- Participations in
the Investment Objectives of the Account section, the Account may accept a lower
base  interest  or rental rate in order to obtain  such  participations  and the
potential benefit that could result therefrom. Such benefit could be in the form
of a participation in property  appreciation or increases in rental income.  The
value of any participations  depends on the success of the borrower or lessee in

<PAGE>

the leasing of the  underlying  property,  the  management and operation of such
property by the borrower or lessee,  the market  value of such  property and the
factors  generally  affecting real estate  investments  described in the General
Risks  of Real  Property  Investments  section.  As a  result,  there  can be no
assurance  as to how much may be realized by the  Account  from  participations.
Additionally,  it is possible that the Account's interest through participations
in certain  proceeds  may  result in the  characterization  of the  Account as a
partner or a joint venturer with the borrower or lessee,  and the Account could,
accordingly, lose the priority of its security interest or position as lender or
lessor that it would  otherwise have and may be subject to  liabilities  that it
would  otherwise  not have as a lender or lessor.  Care will be exercised in the
negotiation  of  participations  to reduce this risk, but there may be a greater
risk in these situations than if there were no participations.

Liquidity Considerations

Real property  investments,  mortgage loans and land sale-leaseback  investments
generally are illiquid  compared to investments  more commonly made by insurance
company annuity separate  accounts.  The investments of the Account will produce
cash  flow on a  periodic  basis.  Additionally,  the  liquid  assets  (see  the
Investment  Objectives  of the Account -- Liquid  Assets  section)  will provide
certain protection against illiquidity.  However, there can be no assurance that
such short-term  investments  will be sufficient to meet the requirements of the
Account.  Over  the past few  years  the  Account  has  experienced  substantial
contract  surrenders  in excess of  contract  purchase  payments.  In  addition,
contract  charges and  deductions  (except for  surrender  charges)  and funding
obligations of its joint venture  investments  will deplete the Account's liquid
assets,  while  cash flow  from the  Account's  investments  will  increase  the
Account's liquid assets.  The Account may have to pledge its real estate related
investments  for  additional  borrowings  or dispose of those assets in order to
replenish its liquid assets. IDS Life is purchasing  accumulation units in order
to  increase  the  Account's  liquidity.  Therefore,  IDS  Life,  as a holder of
accumulation units, participates in the increase or decrease in the value of the
Account's  investments  in the same manner as any other  holder of  accumulation
units.  However,  IDS Life does not  purchase a Contract and is not subject to a
surrender  charge  at  any  time  in  connection  with  any  redemption  of  its
accumulation  units. See the  Management's  Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations section.

If a disposition  of assets  should be required,  the Account may not be able to
dispose of its  investments  promptly or on  commercially  reasonable  terms. To
avoid a sale on  unreasonable  terms  or if a sale  cannot  be made on a  timely
basis,  it may be necessary to suspend  payments to be made under the Contracts.
See the  Suspension  and Delay of  Payments  section.  During  the period of any
suspension,  the  mortality and expense risk fee, the asset  management  fee and
other charges provided for in the Contracts will continue to accrue. Even with a
suspension of payments,  it may not be possible to generate  sufficient  cash to
replenish the Account's liquid assets or to meet its  obligations,  and a forced
liquidation

<PAGE>

of assets might be necessary.  A liquidation in these circumstances could result
in a  realization  of less  than the full  value of the  assets  so  liquidated.
Therefore  the  Account  could  experience  substantial  losses.  Because of its
liquidity situation, including the substantial net contract redemptions over the
past  several  years,  the Account  does not intend to acquire  additional  real
estate  related  investments.  See the  Management's  Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Liquidity and Capital Resources
section for additional information on the Account's liquidity situation.

Competition in Investments

The Account's real property investments, mortgage loans and land sale-leasebacks
compete  with those of numerous  other  entities,  as well as with  individuals,
corporations, real estate partnerships and other entities engaged in real estate
investment  activities,  including certain  affiliates of the Investment Adviser
and IDS Life.  See the Conflicts of Interest --  Competition by the Account with
Affiliates of the Investment Adviser and IDS Life for Real Property Investments,
Mortgage Loans and Land Sale-Leasebacks section.

Competition  among  private  and   institutional   investors  of  real  property
investments, mortgage loans and land sale-leasebacks has increased substantially
over the years,  with  resulting  increases in the purchase  price paid for real
property and consequent higher fixed costs in the case of equity  investments in
real property and  potentially  greater  credit risks assumed and reduced yields
available  in  connection   with  mortgage   lending  and  land   sale-leaseback
investments for such properties.  There is no assurance  regarding the Account's
success in obtaining suitable investments for the purchase payments.

Risks of Leverage

The real property investments of the Account may be leveraged, i.e., the Account
may finance a portion of the cost of the acquisition of properties by borrowing.
See the Other Investment Policies -- Borrowing Policies section.

The  Account may  refinance  various  properties,  consequently  increasing  the
aggregate   leverage  of  the  Account's   investments   beyond  that  currently
contemplated.  Such borrowing  permits the  acquisition of properties of greater
aggregate cost than could have been financed solely from the Account's  capital,
but it also  increases  the  Account's  exposure  to losses.  The degree of risk
associated  with  leverage  could  increase  if the  Account  were to purchase a
property  subject to an  indebtedness  that had a non-fixed  interest  rate or a
shorter maturity with a resulting balloon payment.  Mortgages  requiring balloon
payments  involve greater risks than mortgages in which the principal  amount is
fully  amortized over the term of the loan,  since the ability of the Account to
repay at maturity the  outstanding  principal  amount of the balloon loan may be
dependent upon the Account's ability to

<PAGE>

obtain  adequate  refinancing.  This  ability  will in turn  be  dependent  upon
economic  conditions and the  availability  of mortgage money in general and the
value of the underlying  properties in  particular,  all of which will be beyond
the  control  of the  Account.  There is no  assurance  that  financing  will be
available  to  refinance  such  balloon  payments  or that  any  such  financing
available will be on favorable  terms.  Principal and interest  payments on such
indebtedness will generally have to be made regardless of rental income from the
Account's  investment.  If mortgage  payments are not paid when due, the Account
may  sustain  a  loss  on its  investment  as a  result  of  foreclosure  by the
mortgagee. See the Other Investment Policies -- Borrowing Policies and Conflicts
of Interest -- Receipt of Commissions,  Fees and Other Compensation by IDS Life,
the Investment Adviser and Affiliates sections.

At the time of  acquisition  of real property  investments,  aggregate  mortgage
indebtedness in connection with the purchase of all real property investments by
the Account is not  expected to exceed 50 percent of the  purchase  price (i.e.,
total consideration paid for properties including all liens and mortgages on the
properties,  but excluding points and prepaid  interest) plus other initial cash
payments in connection with the purchase of all properties.

Risks of Joint Ownership

Some of the  Account's  investments  may be owned jointly by the Account and the
seller  of  the  property  (or  an  affiliate  of the  seller),  and/or  through
investments  in which entities  sponsored,  advised or managed by the Investment
Adviser, IDS Life or their affiliates own an interest in the property.

The  investment by the Account in joint venture  partnerships  or other entities
that own  properties  or  through  other  forms of joint  ownership,  instead of
investing directly in the properties themselves, may under certain circumstances
involve risks not otherwise present,  including,  for example,  risks associated
with the possibility  that the Account's  co-venturer in a property might become
bankrupt,  that such  co-venturer  may at any time  have  economic  or  business
interests or goals that are inconsistent with the business interests or goals of
the Account,  that the co-venturer may be in a position to take actions contrary
to the  instructions  or requests  of the  Account or contrary to the  Account's
policies or objectives  that may subject the  properties  and  consequently  the
Account  to  liabilities  greater  than  those  contemplated  or that the  joint
ownership  arrangement  or a  co-venturer  may limit the  Account's  ability  to
transfer its interest in the joint form of ownership.  In  connection  with such
joint ownership arrangements, the co-venturer may have the right to take certain
actions  with  respect  to the  jointly  owned  property,  including  under some
circumstances the right to determine whether and when the property will be sold.
Ownership  of  real  estate   related   investments   through  joint   ownership
arrangements   may  be  even  more  illiquid  than  direct   ownership  of  such
investments,  and as a consequence  the Account may experience  difficulties  or
delays in attempting to sell such joint ownership investments or may be

<PAGE>

unable to obtain  the full  value of such  investments  in a sale when such time
comes.  The Account may enter into joint  ownership  arrangements  with entities
sponsored,  advised  or  managed by the  Investment  Adviser,  IDS Life or their
affiliates.  See the Conflicts of Interest -- Possible Joint Venture Investments
with Affiliates of the Investment Adviser or IDS Life section.

In  connection  with such an  investment,  the joint  owners may be  required to
approve some or all of the major  decisions  concerning the investment by voting
on the basis of their respective  capital  contributions to, or shareholdings or
ownership  interests in, the joint venture or otherwise.  Thus, there exists the
possibility of an impasse in the event the joint owners disagree. The Investment
Adviser,  on behalf of the  Account,  will attempt to negotiate a right of first
offer or refusal to enable the Account, in the event of a disagreement regarding
a proposed sale of the investment, to purchase the joint owner's interest in the
investment  in the  event  the  Account  does not  wish to sell the  investment.
However,  there is no  assurance  that a right of first  offer or refusal can be
obtained in all cases. The exercise of any right of first offer or refusal would
be subject to the  Account's  having the  financial  resources  to effect such a
purchase, and there can be no assurance that it would have such resources.

Reliance on IDS Life and the Investment Adviser

The owner of a Contract  does not have a vote in  determining  any policy of the
Account. IDS Life, acting with the advice of the Investment Adviser with respect
to real estate related investments,  will make all decisions with respect to the
management of the Account,  including the  determination  as to what real estate
related  investments to make,  subject to the investment  restrictions.  See the
Investment Restrictions section. Owners will have no right or power to take part
in the  management  of the Account.  No person  should  purchase  the  Contracts
offered  hereby  unless such  purchaser is willing to entrust all aspects of the
management  of the Account to IDS Life  acting  with advice from the  Investment
Adviser.

Evaluation and Appraisal Risk

There are risks associated with the method of valuing the assets of the Account,
including the fact that the valuations are based  substantially on appraisals to
be made by independent real estate appraisers and the application of formulae by
the Investment Adviser.  Appraisals represent only the opinions of experts as to
the value of the property and may not represent the true or realizable  value of
the  investment.  The Investment  Adviser also will make certain  determinations
regarding  valuation  of  assets.  There may be  variations  between  the amount
realizable  upon  disposition  and the  stated  value of  assets.  Owners may be
adversely  affected if the valuation  method  results in either  overvaluing  or
undervaluing the Account's  investments.  Both the number of accumulation  units

<PAGE>

credited at purchase  and the amount  payable  under a Contract are based on the
value of the assets of the Account. See the Valuation of Assets -- Real Property
Investments, Mortgage Loans and Land Sale-Leasebacks section.

If the Account  investments are overvalued or undervalued,  the fees paid to IDS
Life and the Investment  Adviser and its affiliates will be greater or less than
the amount that should have been paid to them.

Continuous Offering

Effective May 1, 1995, IDS Life  discontinued new contract sales of the Account.
IDS Life will continue to accept and process  additional  purchase payments into
existing  contracts in amounts specified in the prospectus,  whether by means of
previously   established  bank   authorizations  or  otherwise.   If  there  are
substantial  and  continuing  purchase  payments in excess of  redemptions,  the
Account  will have  additional  funds.  To the extent that  additional  purchase
payments are received,  the Account may have greater  liquidity  during  certain
periods  and, at such times,  it is less  likely that either  premature  sale of
investments  will be  forced  or the  suspension-of-payments  provision  will be
invoked.

IDS Life  purchases  accumulation  units in order to maintain the Account and to
increase its liquidity. IDS Life makes these payments so that no contract holder
is disadvantaged because sales of new contracts have been discontinued. IDS Life
will make additional  payments into the Account for accumulation units as needed
in order to fund all of the Account's  obligations  under the contracts  such as
paying death benefits and surrenders.

Size of Account

Effective May 1, 1995, IDS Life discontinued new contract sales of the Account.

In the  event  that IDS Life were to sell a greater  amount  of  Contracts,  the
Account would be more diversified than would be the case if fewer Contracts were
sold, and the owners would be  proportionately  less exposed to the risks of any
particular investment.  In such case, the risk of loss to the Account and owners
from defaults by borrowers or tenants would be  proportionately  smaller than if
the Account's investments are less diversified.

   
A  significant  amount  of  subsequent  contract  surrenders  has the  effect of
reducing the amount available for investments and limiting diversification. Over
the past few years the Account has experienced  substantial  contract surrenders
in excess of contract purchase payments. As a result the Account does not expect
to acquire  additional  real  estate  related  investments  and the  Account has
liquidated two real estate related investments during 1996. See the Management's
Discussion  and Analysis of Financial  Condition  and Results of  Operations  --
Liquidity and Capital Resources section.
    

<PAGE>

Uninsured Losses

The  Investment  Adviser will arrange  for, or require  proof of,  comprehensive
insurance including liability,  fire and extended coverage, which is customarily
obtained by owners of similar  properties for the real property  investments and
properties  which are  security  for the  mortgage  loans or subject to the land
sale-leaseback  transactions of the Account.  Generally,  under the terms of the
mortgage or ground lease,  such  insurance  will be required to be maintained at
the expense of the mortgagor or ground lessee.  However, there are certain types
of losses, generally of a catastrophic nature such as earthquakes,  floods, wars
or  environmental  hazards or  accidents,  which are either  uninsurable  or not
economically  insurable.  Should such a disaster  occur,  the Account could lose
both its invested principal and anticipated profits from investments.

Environmental and Regulatory Problems

The  availability  of  suitable  investments  and the cost of  construction  and
operation  of  properties  in which the  Account  may  invest  may be  adversely
affected by legislative,  regulatory,  administrative  and enforcement action at
the local,  state and national levels in the areas, among others, of housing and
environmental controls. In addition to possible increasingly  restrictive zoning
regulations and related land use controls,  such  restrictions may relate to air
and water quality standards,  noise pollution and indirect environmental impacts
such as increased motor vehicle activity. In addition, the cost of, or liability
arising from, investments in properties (whether as owner, lender or lessor) may
be increased as a result of current or future  environmental laws or regulations
at the national or local level, or  environmental  concerns,  relating to, among
other matters, the use or presence of hazardous or toxic materials or waste; and
the ownership, sale, financing or refinancing of such properties, or an interest
therein held through a mortgage  loan or land  sale-leaseback,  may be adversely
affected by such increased costs or environmental liabilities.

Federal Income Tax Matters

IDS Life  believes  that the  Contracts  will be treated as annuities  under the
Code,  and that an owner will not be subject to Federal income tax on any income
or earnings of the Account until distributions are made or a change of ownership
of the Contract occurs.  However,  an owner generally will be subject to Federal
income taxation on the portion of distributions  received that represents income
to the owner and may be subject to an additional  10 percent  penalty in certain
circumstances  related  to early  withdrawals.  IDS Life has not sought a ruling
from the  Internal  Revenue  Service  regarding  any of the  Federal  income tax
consequences relevant to the ownership of the Contracts. See the Certain Federal
Income Tax Considerations section.

<PAGE>

Investment Company Act of 1940

IDS Life  proposes  to  operate  the  Account  so that it will not be subject to
registration  under the 1940 Act. This will require monitoring the proportion of
the Account's funds to be placed in various investments so that the Account does
not become  subject to the 1940 Act. As a result,  the Account may forgo certain
investments that could produce a more favorable return for the Account.

Conflicts of Interest

Competition  by the Account with  Affiliates of the  Investment  Adviser and IDS
Life for Real Property Investments, Mortgage Loans and Land Sale-Leasebacks

IDS Life and the  Investment  Adviser  will be subject to various  conflicts  of
interest in carrying out their  responsibilities  to the Account.  Affiliates of
the Investment  Adviser and IDS Life also may be in competition with the Account
in  connection  with the  acquisition,  sale or operation of  properties  or the
making  of  mortgage  loan  or  land   sale-leaseback   investments  under  some
circumstances.

The  Investment  Adviser,  its  affiliates  and affiliates of IDS Life currently
perform  investment  management  and advisory and other  services for other real
estate investment funds (e.g., pension and profit sharing trusts,  corporations,
partnerships  and  segregated  asset  accounts)  similar to the  services  to be
performed for the Account and expect to provide such services to additional real
estate investment funds in the future.  Affiliates of the Investment Adviser and
IDS Life also  invest in real  estate  for their  own  accounts.  IDS Life,  the
Investment  Adviser  and their  affiliates  may  sponsor,  advise or manage real
estate investment funds that have investment  objectives nearly identical to the
Account's.  The Investment  Adviser,  IDS Life or their affiliates also may make
investments  meeting such  investment  objectives  for their own  accounts.  The
Investment  Adviser,  IDS Life and such  affiliates  and real estate  investment
funds sponsored, advised or managed by the Investment Adviser, IDS Life or their
affiliates may be in competition with the Account for investments  under certain
circumstances.  Competition  in the  acquisition  or  placement  of real  estate
related investments could arise, for example, between the Account and either the
Investment  Adviser,  IDS Life or their affiliates seeking to make an investment
for their own account or between the Account and another real estate  investment
fund sponsored,  advised or managed by the Investment Adviser, IDS Life or their
affiliates having investment objectives  substantially  identical to the Account
or even with  different  investment  objectives.  The  Account  also may acquire
properties  adjacent to properties owned by entities affiliated with, or advised
or managed  by,  the  Investment  Adviser  or IDS Life or  purchase a phase of a
multi-phase  development  in  which an  affiliated  entity  has or  subsequently
acquires an investment  interest in another  phase.  The Account and one or more
entities affiliated with, or advised or

<PAGE>

managed  by,  the  Investment  Adviser or IDS Life may be  competing  in certain
geographical markets for commercial tenants.  There also may be similar sorts of
competition  for the sale of  properties  in  certain  markets.  The  Investment
Adviser,  IDS Life and their  affiliates may provide  services to, and otherwise
deal or do business with,  persons who may be engaged in  transactions  with the
Account.  In addition,  the Account may borrow from, purchase goods and services
from and otherwise do business  with persons who may be engaged in  transactions
with the Investment Adviser, IDS Life and their affiliates.

In the event the Investment Adviser,  IDS Life or their affiliates are presented
with a  potential  investment  that  might be made by the  Account  and  another
investment fund that the Investment Adviser,  IDS Life or an affiliate sponsors,
advises or manages,  the decision as to the  suitability  of the investment by a
particular  fund may take into account such factors as its cash flow, the effect
of the acquisition on diversification of its portfolio, the estimated income tax
effects  of the  investment  on it,  its  policies  relating  to  leverage,  any
regulatory restrictions upon investment policies, funds available for investment
and other  factors.  Neither the Investment  Adviser,  IDS Life nor any of their
affiliates will be obligated to present to the Account any particular investment
opportunity  that  comes  to its  attention,  even if such  opportunity  is of a
character that might be suitable for investment by the Account,  and each of the
Investment  Adviser,  IDS Life and their affiliates shall have the right to take
for its own account (individually or otherwise) or to take for, or recommend to,
others any such particular investment opportunity.

Except as described  under the  Conflicts of Interest -- Possible  Joint Venture
Investments with Affiliates of the Investment  Adviser or IDS Life section,  the
Account will not purchase from or sell to IDS Life,  the  Investment  Adviser or
their affiliates any real estate related investments.  The Account will not make
mortgage loans to IDS Life, the Investment  Adviser or their affiliates and will
not obtain  permanent  mortgage  financing from IDS Life or its affiliates.  The
Account  may obtain  short-term  financing  from IDS Life for  working  capital,
liquidity or other purposes.

Other  activities of the Investment  Adviser,  IDS Life and their affiliates may
utilize the time, effort, financial or other resources of the Investment Adviser
and IDS Life and their  personnel  that  might  otherwise  be  available  to the
Account.

The Investment  Adviser,  IDS Life, their affiliates and any of their employees,
directors  or officers,  may engage from time to time for their own account,  or
for the account of others,  in other business  ventures of any nature, or render
services of any kind to other  business  ventures of any  nature.  No owner,  by
virtue of his interest in the Account,  will have any interest or be entitled to
participate in such other ventures.

<PAGE>

Receipt of Commissions, Fees and Other Compensation by IDS Life,
the Investment Adviser and Affiliates

The Investment  Adviser,  its affiliates and IDS Life will receive,  directly or
indirectly,  acquisition  and  mortgage  placement  fees  from the  Account  for
services  and  advice  in  connection  with  the   identification,   evaluation,
investigation,  negotiation,  selection  and  acquisition  or  placement  of the
Account's initial  investments and in connection with any reinvestment of income
and sale,  financing or refinancing  proceeds of real property  investments  and
proceeds on the  principal  and interest or rent  payments on mortgage  loans or
land sale-leaseback investments. Since the Account is a segregated asset account
of IDS Life, the agreements and arrangements relating to the compensation of IDS
Life  under  the  Contracts  are not the  result of  arm's-length  negotiations.
Because the Investment Adviser,  its affiliates and IDS Life will be entitled to
acquisition  and  mortgage  placement  fees upon  reinvestment  of funds in real
estate  related  investments,  there may be conflicts of interest in determining
whether to invest in shorter-term or longer-term investments,  since the shorter
the term of  investment  the sooner  funds will be available  for  reinvestment.
Conflicts of interest could arise between the  Investment  Adviser and IDS Life,
on the one hand, and the Account, on the other,  because the receipt of fees and
other compensation by the Investment Adviser, its affiliates and IDS Life may be
affected  by  various  determinations  made by IDS Life,  with the advice of the
Investment  Adviser,  including  whether to sell,  finance or refinance any real
property investment and the timing of any such sale, financing or refinancing.

Certain  Account  properties  may be managed by JMB or affiliates of JMB such as
Urban Retail Properties Co. Under property  management  agreements,  the company
employed  to manage the  property  usually  collects  the  rental  income on the
property  and deducts  from such income its fee and the costs of  operating  the
property such as insurance premiums,  taxes,  repairs and improvements and other
costs related to the maintenance  and operation of the property.  The balance of
rental income is remitted to the owner of the property. To the extent agreements
are entered into with a JMB affiliate to manage properties owned directly by the
Account,  such  agreements  are  subject  to the  approval  of IDS  Life and are
expected to be on terms no less favorable to the Account than those  customarily
charged  for  similar  services  in the  relevant  geographical  area.  For real
property  investments  in which the  Account  owns an  interest  through a joint
venture, such agreements are subject to the approval of the joint venture.

JMB  Insurance  Agency,  Inc.,  an  affiliate  of JMB  engaged in the  insurance
brokerage business,  may provide insurance brokerage services in connection with
the Account's  investments.  JMB Insurance Agency, Inc. will receive commissions
and/or fees for such services at rates that are set by the  insurance  companies
for the classes of coverage involved.

<PAGE>

In addition,  JMB or its affiliates may provide mortgage  brokerage  services in
connection  with the financing or  refinancing  of the  Account's  real property
investments.  Since JMB or its affiliates may receive a mortgage  brokerage fee,
conflicts of interest  could arise in  determining  whether any of the Account's
real property  investments  should be debt-financed or whether any such property
should be refinanced  prior to its sale and the amount of any such  financing or
refinancing.

The  compensation of IDS Life and the Investment  Adviser may be affected by the
timing of acquisitions,  the valuation of the assets of the Account,  the amount
of leverage employed in connection with the Account's investments, the timing of
the sale of  properties  of the Account or other factors that are subject to the
influence or  determination  of the  Investment  Adviser and IDS Life, and as to
which the interests of the  Investment  Adviser,  its affiliates or IDS Life may
under certain circumstances be different from those of the Account.

In addition, to the extent that the investments of the Account are overvalued at
any time,  the fees paid to IDS Life and the Investment  Adviser  (including the
incentive  portion  of the  asset  management  fee) and its  affiliates  will be
greater than the amount that should have been paid to them.

Affiliates  of JMB also may provide  other real estate  related  services to the
Account or its investments that may result in conflicts of interest with respect
to the provision of such services.

Possible Joint Venture Investments with Affiliates of the
Investment Adviser or IDS Life

The Account may enter into joint ownership arrangements with entities sponsored,
advised or  managed by IDS Life,  the  Investment  Adviser or their  affiliates,
including  other  segregated  asset  accounts  established  by IDS  Life  or its
affiliates or advised or managed by the  Investment  Adviser or its  affiliates.
Other than as described in the  preceding  sentence,  the Account will not enter
into joint venture  investments  with IDS Life, the Investment  Adviser or their
affiliates investing for their own account except for investments expected to be
made on a  temporary  basis  to  facilitate  the  making  of the  joint  venture
investment.  IDS Life, the Investment Adviser or their respective affiliates, as
a result of their  relationships with more than one joint owner, may be involved
in various  conflicts of interests with respect to the  acquisition,  financing,
operation or sale of any such joint  investment,  including  making decisions or
rendering advice  regarding the timing of any financing,  refinancing or sale of
such joint investment.

In  connection  with such an  investment,  the joint  owners may be  required to
approve some or all of the major decisions  concerning the property by voting on
the basis of their  respective  capital  contributions  to, or  shareholdings or
ownership interests in, the

<PAGE>

joint venture or otherwise.  Thus, there exists the possibility of an impasse in
the event the joint owners disagree or the possibility that a joint owner may be
able to take  certain  actions  with  respect to the jointly  owned  investment.
Additionally, under some circumstances a joint owner may no longer be affiliated
with or advised or  managed by either IDS Life or the  Investment  Adviser or an
affiliate  thereof,  as the case may be. See the  Description  of the Investment
Adviser and its Affiliates section for a discussion of a transaction as a result
of which certain of the joint owners with the Account in its  investments in N/S
Associates,  Monmouth  Associates and 1225 Investment  Corporation are no longer
advised or managed by affiliates of the Investment  Adviser.  As a result,  such
joint owners may in the future have different investment policies or objectives.
See the Real Estate Related Investments section for a discussion of the relevant
procedure  in the  event  there  is a  disagreement  among  these  joint  owners
regarding a sale of the investment.

The  Investment  Adviser,  on behalf of the Account,  generally  will attempt to
negotiate a right of first offer or refusal to enable the Account,  in the event
of a disagreement  regarding a proposed sale of the investment,  to purchase the
joint owner's  interest in the investment in the event the Account does not wish
to sell the  investment.  However,  there is no  assurance  that such a right of
first offer or refusal can be obtained. The exercise of any right of first offer
or refusal  would be subject to the Account  having the  financial  resources to
effect such a purchase,  and there can be no  assurance  that it would have such
resources.

Limitation on Liability

The Investment  Advisory  Agreement between IDS Life and the Investment  Adviser
provides  that  the   Investment   Adviser  will  be  liable  only  for  willful
misfeasance,  bad faith or negligence on the part of the  Investment  Adviser in
the performance of its obligations or duties to the Account.

In addition,  IDS Life has agreed to indemnify  the  Investment  Adviser and its
affiliates, including their officers and directors, against certain liabilities,
including  liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933 (the 1933 Act). Any such
indemnification by IDS Life may be made out of the assets of the Account.

IDS Life as Distributor of the Contracts

IDS Life is the principal  distributor of the Contracts,  and accordingly  there
will be no independent  review of the  structure,  formation or operation of the
Account conducted by a non-affiliated broker-dealer acting as distributor.

The Contract -- Accumulation Period

The Contract  accumulation  period commences with the date on which the Contract
is issued and ends on the retirement date.

<PAGE>

Purchase Payments

   
Although additional purchase payments may be made into existing contracts, prior
to making any additional purchase payment an existing contract owner should bear
in  mind  that  the  Account  intends  to  liquidate  its  real  estate  related
investments   over  time.  The  Account   liquidated  two  real  estate  related
investments  in 1996.  Moreover,  the Account will not be  acquiring  any new or
additional  real  estate  related  investments  with the cash  flow or  proceeds
generated  by the  operations  or  sales of its  existing  real  estate  related
investments. Such funds, to the extent not used to pay the Account's obligations
under existing  contracts or the redemption of  accumulation  units purchased by
IDS  Life,  will  be  invested  in  short-term  debt  instruments  and  possibly
intermediate-term  bonds with  maturities of up to five years.  Accordingly,  an
existing contract owner should carefully consider these facts in light of his or
her own investment objectives before making any additional purchase payment into
an existing contract.
    

The minimum  initial  purchase  payment for a Contract was $5,000;  or $2,000 if
concurrently the owner agreed to make additional  monthly  purchase  payments of
not less than $100 each by means of a bank  authorization.  Additional  purchase
payments may be made by means of a bank authorization, if not less than $100 per
month. Additional purchase payments of at least $2,000 each may be made, and the
maximum aggregate additional purchase payment in any one contract year after the
first year may not exceed $50,000. However, additional purchase payments are not
required under a Contract.  IDS Life, in its  discretion,  may agree to permit a
greater maximum initial purchase payment or greater maximum aggregate additional
purchase payments in certain instances.

Allocation of Purchase Payment and Contract Value

Purchase  payments will be allocated to the Account at the price  determined for
accumulation  units as of the end of the valuation  period during which IDS Life
receives each such purchase payment. When a purchase payment is allocated to the
Account,  it is converted into  accumulation  units.  The number of accumulation
units  to be  credited  to a  Contract  as a result  of a  purchase  payment  is
determined by dividing that purchase  payment,  after  deducting any  applicable
premium  taxes,  by the  accumulation  unit value on the date that the  purchase
payment is allocated to the Account.  The contract  value on any valuation  date
can be determined by multiplying  the number of  accumulation  units credited to
the Contract by the value of an accumulation unit on that valuation date.

Contract Surrender

An election to surrender a Contract may be made in writing to the home office of
IDS Life in Minneapolis,  MN. If required by IDS Life, the request for surrender
must be accompanied by the Contract if a request for the full surrender value is
being made. An election to surrender a Contract can be made only while the

<PAGE>

Contract is in force prior to the earlier of the retirement date or the death of
the first to die of the annuitant or owner. The surrender value is determined on
the  basis  of the  accumulation  unit  value in  effect  on the date on which a
request for surrender is received by IDS Life in proper order.

A partial  surrender request not exceeding $50,000 may be made by contacting IDS
Life by telephone.  IDS Life has the  authority to honor any  telephone  partial
surrender request it believes to be authentic and will use reasonable procedures
to confirm that they are. This includes  asking  identifying  questions and tape
recording  calls.  As long as the procedures are followed,  neither IDS Life nor
its affiliates will be liable for any loss resulting from  fraudulent  requests.
At times when the volume of telephone  requests is unusually high, IDS Life will
take special measures to ensure your call is answered as promptly as possible. A
telephone  surrender  request will not be allowed  within 30 days of a phoned-in
address  change.  You may request that telephone  withdrawals  not be authorized
from your account by writing IDS Life.

   
The  surrender  value will be paid  within  seven days after the date on which a
proper request is received by IDS Life, except that under certain  circumstances
IDS Life may delay or suspend payments. See the Suspension and Delay of Payments
section.  You will be charged a fee if you request express mail delivery of your
payment.
    

An owner may  surrender  all or a portion of the  contract  value.  Any  partial
surrender must be for at least $250, and no partial  surrender can be made if it
would reduce the contract value after such surrender to less than $600.

Automated partial  surrenders may be made through a one-time written request (or
other method  acceptable  to IDS Life).  The minimum  surrender  amount from the
Contract  is $50,  and  such  surrender  can be made  on a  monthly,  quarterly,
semi-annual or annual basis. You may start or stop this service at any time, but
you must  give IDS  Life 30 days'  notice  to  change  any  automated  surrender
instructions  that are  currently in place.  Automated  partial  surrenders  are
subject to all of the other  contract  provisions and terms.  Automated  partial
surrenders  may be  restricted by  applicable  law. In addition,  the payment of
additional  purchase  payments,  if allowed under the Contract,  while automated
partial  surrenders are in effect,  may not be appropriate  and therefore is not
permitted.  Automated partial surrenders may result in taxes and penalties being
applied to all or a portion of the amount  surrendered.  See the Certain Federal
Income Tax  Considerations  section.  You should consult your tax adviser if you
have any questions about the taxation of your annuity.

No surrender can be made after the retirement  date or the death of the first to
die of the  annuitant  or owner.  Any amounts  surrendered  and charges that may
apply cannot be repaid. A surrender charge, which is a contingent deferred sales
charge,  will be imposed for any  surrender  made during the first eight payment
years of any purchase  payment.  The surrender charge applies  separately to the
initial purchase payment and to each additional

<PAGE>

purchase  payment.  Regardless of when a purchase  payment is made, the contract
year in which a  purchase  payment  is made is the first  payment  year for that
purchase  payment,   and  succeeding  payment  years  continue  to  be  measured
separately for that purchase payment.

For a partial surrender, accumulation units attributable to the earliest payment
year are  surrendered  first.  The  surrender  charge is 8 percent of the amount
surrendered  during the first  payment year and  decreases by 1 percent per year
thereafter to 1 percent in the eighth payment year. There is no surrender charge
on amounts  surrendered  after the  eighth  payment  year.  In no event will the
aggregate surrender charges imposed exceed 8.5 percent of the aggregate purchase
payments  received.  IDS  Life  may,  in its  discretion,  reduce  or  eliminate
surrender  charges for certain  group sales of the  Contracts.  See the Contract
Charges and Deductions -- Surrender Charges section. Owners should also be aware
that, under certain circumstances,  a surrender before the owner has reached the
age of 59-1/2  may be  subject  to a penalty  under  the Code.  See the  Certain
Federal Income Tax Considerations section.

Contract Charges and Deductions

The following sets forth the deductions  from purchase  payments and the charges
against the Account provided for in the Contract. See the Notes to the Financial
Statements of the Account for further  information  concerning  fees paid by the
Account to IDS Life and the Investment Adviser.

Mortality and Expense Risk Fee

This  charge is applied  daily to the  Account.  The fee equals 1 percent of the
average  daily  asset  value of the  Account on an annual  basis.  It covers the
mortality  risk  and  expense  risk.  IDS  Life  estimates  that   approximately
two-thirds of this fee is for assumption of the mortality risk, and one-third is
for  assumption of the expense risk.  IDS Life will not be entitled to, and will
forgo,  that portion of the mortality and expense risk fee  attributable  to the
use of indebtedness in excess of 40 percent of the aggregate value of all of the
Account's real property investments.

   
The mortality risk is IDS Life's guarantee to pay a death benefit and IDS Life's
guarantee to make retirement payments according to the terms of the Contract, no
matter  how long a  specific  annuitant  lives and no matter how long the entire
group of IDS Life annuitants live. If, as a group,  IDS Life annuitants  outlive
the life expectancy  assumed in IDS Life's actuarial tables,  then IDS Life must
take money from its general assets to meet its obligations.  If, as a group, IDS
Life  annuitants do not live as long as expected,  IDS Life will profit from the
mortality risk fee.
    

The expense  risk portion of the  mortality  and expense risk fee is paid to IDS
Life for its guarantee that the mortality and expense risk fee, asset management
fee and acquisition  and mortgage  placement fee will not increase over the life
of the  Account  and that no new fees  payable  to IDS Life will be added to the
Account.  To the extent such fee does not cover IDS Life's  expenses (other than
any expenses that may be reimbursed as described  under the  Organizational  and

<PAGE>

Offering  Expenses and Operational  Expenses  section below),  any deficit would
have to be made up from IDS Life's  general  assets.  IDS Life also could profit
from the expense risk fee if it is more than sufficient to meet such expenses.

Asset Management Fee

IDS Life is paid an asset management fee for its services in connection with the
management  of the assets of the  Account.  This fee is accrued on a daily basis
and deducted on a monthly  basis and is equal on an annual basis to 1.25 percent
of the average daily asset value of the  investments of the Account,  subject to
increase as described below. A portion of the asset management fee equal to 0.95
percent of the average  daily asset value is paid by IDS Life to the  Investment
Adviser for its services in connection  with the management of the assets of the
Account. In the event that the Account's real property investments have produced
a rate of return for the Account  (measured for each calendar year) that exceeds
the rate of return as measured for such period by the FRC Property  Index (which
is  released  in April  of each  year for the  preceding  calendar  year) by 0.5
percent per year, then the Investment Adviser shall be entitled to an additional
amount equal to 0.05 percent of the average daily asset value of the Account for
such  calendar  year.  The  Investment  Adviser  also  will  be  entitled  to an
additional  amount equal to 0.01 percent (up to a maximum of 0.2 percent) of the
average  daily asset value of the Account for each 0.1 percent by which the rate
of return of the  Account's  real  property  investments  for such calendar year
exceeds  the rate of return as  measured  for such period by such index plus 0.5
percent per annum. Rate of return will be calculated on a quarterly basis and in
general will be the sum of all net income from  operations of the Account's real
property  investments  (without  deducting any asset  management fees or certain
other expenses of the Account) and realized and unrealized capital  appreciation
or  depreciation  on  the  Account's  real  property  investments  (net  of  all
acquisition  and mortgage  placement  fees) for the calendar  quarter taken as a
percentage  of the  aggregate  asset  value  of  such  investments  (net  of all
acquisition  and mortgage  placement  fees) as of the beginning of such calendar
quarter.

IDS Life and the  Investment  Adviser  will not be entitled  to, and will forgo,
that portion of the asset management fee, as calculated  above,  attributable to
the use of  indebtedness  in excess of 40 percent of the aggregate  value of all
the Account's real property investments.

The initial  term of the  investment  advisory  agreement  extended  through the
period  ending  July 1, 1993 and was  renewed  at the  option of the  Investment
Adviser for an additional  five-year term. The investment advisory agreement may
be renewed at the option of the  Investment  Adviser for  additional  three-year
terms for as long as the  Account's  real property  investments  have produced a
rate of return for the Account  for the  10-year  period (or, in the case of the
initial term, the five-year period) ending at the end of any expiring term equal

<PAGE>

to or in excess of 90 percent of the rate of return for such  period as measured
by the FRC  Property  Index or a successor  index.  IDS Life may  terminate  the
investment advisory agreement upon six months' prior written notice in the event
the Account's  rate of return does not equal or exceed 90 percent of the rate of
the return of such index as calculated above.

The  investment  advisory  agreement  may be terminated by IDS Life in the event
there is change in control of JMB under  certain  circumstances  or in the event
there is a  determination  that the  Investment  Adviser  has acted  with  gross
negligence, bad faith or willful misfeasance in the performance of the duties of
the Investment Adviser under the terms of the investment advisory agreement.

Acquisition and Mortgage Placement Fee

IDS Life will receive an acquisition and mortgage  placement fee of 3.75 percent
of the total cash investment to be paid or advanced by the Account in connection
with each real property  investment,  mortgage loan and land sale-leaseback made
by the Account.  The amount paid to IDS Life is measured by the cash  investment
to be paid by the Account (including all cash down payments,  interest,  points,
special  reserves and all other cash payments) for real property  investments or
land  sale-leasebacks  or the amount to be borrowed under a mortgage loan by the
borrower for mortgage loans. A portion of the acquisition and mortgage placement
fee equal to 3.5 percent of the total cash  investment to be paid or advanced by
the Account in connection with each real property investment,  mortgage loan and
land  sale-leaseback  will be paid to the Investment Adviser in consideration of
the  Investment  Adviser's  services  in  connection  with  the  identification,
evaluation,   investigation,   negotiation,  selection  and  recommendation  for
purchase or placement of real estate  related  investments  for the Account.  In
some instances, some or all of this fee may be paid by the sellers of properties
or borrowers.  However, to the extent that the seller or borrower pays less than
3.75 percent, that amount will be paid directly by the Account to IDS Life.

Organizational and Offering Expenses and Operational Expenses

All organizational  and offering expenses are charged to the Account.  All costs
of acquisition, administration and disposition of investments are charged to the
Account.  These costs include  brokerage fees and  commissions,  appraisal fees,
attorneys' fees,  accountants' fees and other similar fees and expenses (such as
travel and  travel-related  expenses) incurred in connection with the investment
process.

Expenses incurred by IDS Life because of the existence of the Account -- such as
regulatory fees and reports, and taxes -- also are charged to the Account. Under
current law, IDS Life does not expect to incur any tax because of the  Account's
investment income, but IDS Life reserves the right to charge the Account for any
taxes  IDS Life does  incur.  Finally,  IDS Life will  charge  the  Account  for
expenses  incurred in  administering  the assets of the Account.  These expenses

<PAGE>

include periodic valuation appraisal costs, legal,  accounting and auditing fees
and expenses,  interest, insurance costs, data processing costs, taxes, mortgage
servicing,  mortgage brokerage,  property management,  travel and travel-related
expenses  and  litigation  costs.  To the extent such  services  are provided by
officers or employees of IDS Life, the Investment  Adviser or their  affiliates,
the Account will  reimburse  such entities for  specifically  identified  direct
costs   (including   salary  and  salary  related   expenses)   associated  with
administering the assets of the Account.

Operational  income and expenses will be estimated  periodically and credited or
deducted  ratably on a daily basis in determining  accumulation and annuity unit
values  with  periodic  adjustments,  if  necessary,  to credit  or  charge  the
differences between actual and estimated operational income and expenses.

Premium Taxes

Certain state and local governments  impose premium taxes. These taxes generally
range in an amount of up to 3.5  percent  and  depend  on the  owner's  state of
residence  or the  state in which the  Contract  was sold.  In some  cases,  the
premium taxes will be deducted from the purchase  payment before it is allocated
to the Account.  In other cases,  the deduction will not be made until the owner
surrenders the Contract or retirement payments begin.

Surrender Charges

A surrender charge,  which is a contingent  deferred sales charge payable to IDS
Life,  will be assessed  against the Contract after the initial 10-day period of
the Contract and during the first eight years after any  purchase  payment.  The
surrender charge is 8 percent of the amount surrendered during the first payment
year and  decreases by 1 percent per year  thereafter to 1 percent in the eighth
payment  year.  There is no surrender  charge on amounts  surrendered  after the
eighth payment year. See the Contract Surrender section.

Suspension and Delay of Payments

IDS Life will attempt to make  payments  under the  Contracts  within seven days
whenever the Account has cash available. However, IDS Life reserves the right to
defer making any such payments  under the  Contracts for up to six months.  This
reservation of the right to suspend  payments is only intended to be utilized in
the emergency circumstances set forth in the remainder of this section.  Subject
to any suspension of payments described below, IDS Life guarantees that payments
on death of the first to die of the  annuitant or owner prior to the  retirement
date will be made  within  seven days of receipt by IDS Life of its death  claim
requirements after the


<PAGE>

death of the annuitant or owner, whichever occurs first. In addition, payment of
surrender  values  may be  delayed  if a check for a  purchase  payment  has not
cleared the bank on which it was drawn.

IDS Life may suspend any payments due under the  Contracts  beyond the seven-day
period for up to six months when IDS Life  determines that there is insufficient
cash  available  to meet  all  current  surrender  requests  and  other  payment
obligations of the Account and the sale of the real estate related assets of the
Account could not be made on a timely basis on commercially reasonable terms. In
the event of any suspension of payments,  the cash available will be used in the
following order of priority:

First  --  to  meet  any   obligations  the  Account  has  other  than  Contract
obligations. Such obligations would include those expenses necessary to continue
the  operation of the Account,  other than fees to IDS Life,  which fees will be
deferred until ALL Contract obligations are satisfied.

Second -- to make  annuity  payments in full or pro rata  depending  on the cash
available.  All  annuitants  will be  treated  as a class,  including  those who
annuitize during the suspension. No other payments will be made until all unpaid
annuity payments are made.

Third -- to make  payments  due on the death of the  annuitant or the owner that
became  due and  payable  after the  declaration  of  suspension.  All payees of
payments on death will be treated as a class and  payments  may be made pro rata
depending upon the cash available.

Finally -- no  payments of  surrender  values  will be  permitted  during such a
suspension  while any  annuity  payments or  payments  on death  remain  unpaid.
Depending upon the cash available,  any payments of surrender values during such
suspension will be made in accordance with the order in which surrender requests
are received by IDS Life.

If a payment of a surrender or an annuity  payment is deferred,  the amount will
be determined  as of the end of the valuation  period during which the surrender
request was received or the annuity  payment was due,  and, with respect to such
amount, participation in the investment experience of the Account will cease. If
IDS Life  defers a payment of a surrender  or an annuity  payment for 30 days or
more, IDS Life will credit  interest on the amount of the payment at a rate of 3
percent  per  year  or  such  higher  rate  as  IDS  Life,  in  its  discretion,
establishes.  If IDS Life defers  payment on death for more than seven days, IDS
Life will  credit  interest  on the amount of payment at a rate of 3 percent per
year or such higher rate as IDS Life,  in its  discretion,  establishes  or that
which is required by law.

Owners who remain in the Account will bear the investment  risk that real estate
related  investments  of the  Account  will  have  to be  sold  under  emergency
circumstances that could result in the realization

<PAGE>

by  the  Account  of  less  than  the  investment   value  of  such  investments
notwithstanding  any  suspension  or delay in  payments as  permitted  under the
Contracts.

Transfer of Ownership

The  owner  may  transfer  ownership  of the  Contract,  at any time  while  the
annuitant is living, by filing a transfer of ownership with IDS Life at its home
office.  IDS Life  will not be bound by any  transfer  of  ownership  until  the
written transfer in form and substance acceptable to IDS Life is received by it.
IDS Life is not responsible for the validity of any transfer. A transfer will be
effective  as of the date of  request  for the  transfer,  subject to any action
taken or payment made by IDS Life prior to receipt of the transfer.  IDS Life is
not liable as to any payment or other  settlement  made by it before  receipt of
the transfer.

INASMUCH AS A TRANSFER MAY BE A TAXABLE EVENT, OWNERS SHOULD
CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISERS SHOULD THEY WISH TO TRANSFER THEIR
CONTRACTS.

Beneficiary

The beneficiary is the party named by the owner,  in a form  satisfactory to IDS
Life, to receive the benefits of the Contract if the owner or the annuitant dies
while the  Contract is in force.  Only those  beneficiaries  who are living when
death  benefits  become  payable  may  share  in the  benefits,  if  any.  If no
beneficiary  is then  living,  IDS Life will pay the  benefits to the owner,  if
living,  otherwise to the owner's  estate.  The owner may change the beneficiary
anytime while the  annuitant is living by  satisfactory  written  request to IDS
Life.  Once the change is  received  by IDS Life,  it will take effect as of the
date of the owner's request,  subject to any action taken or payment made by IDS
Life before such receipt.

If the annuitant or owner dies before the retirement  date while the Contract is
in force, IDS Life will pay to the beneficiary:

1.       the greater of the contract value or the purchase payments
         paid less any amounts surrendered (if death occurred prior to
         the annuitant's attaining age 75); otherwise

2.       the contract value (if death occurred on or after the
         annuitant reached age 75).

3.       if, under a Contract issued to a resident of Pennsylvania, an annuitant
         or owner dies  before the  retirement  date  while the  Contract  is in
         force,  IDS Life will pay to the  beneficiary  the contract value only.
         This is  true  whether  or not  death  occurs  prior  to the  annuitant
         attaining age 75 or after the annuitant reaches age 75.

These amounts will be payable in a lump sum upon the receipt of IDS Life's death
claim requirements  after the death of the annuitant or owner,  whichever occurs
first.

<PAGE>

In lieu of a lump sum  payment,  the  beneficiary  may elect to receive  payment
under any annuity option available under the Contract provided:

1.       the beneficiary elects the plan within 60 days after IDS Life
         receives due proof of death; and

2.       payments begin no later than one year after the date of
         death; and

3.       the plan provides payments over a period which does not
         exceed the life of the beneficiary or the life expectancy of
         the beneficiary.

In this event, the reference to annuitant in the annuity  provisions shall apply
to the  beneficiary.  Any amounts payable or applied by IDS Life as described in
this  section  will be based on the contract  value as of the  valuation  period
during which IDS Life's death claim requirements are fulfilled.

In order for the beneficiary to receive the death benefit,  the beneficiary must
send,  or have sent,  due proof of death of the  annuitant or owner to IDS Life,
IDS Tower  10,  Minneapolis,  MN  55440-0010.  The  beneficiary  should  clearly
indicate  whether  a lump  sum  payment  is  desired  or if the  beneficiary  is
selecting one of the available annuity options under the Contract.

If the owner's death occurs prior to the retirement date, the owner's spouse, if
designated  as sole  beneficiary,  may elect in writing to forgo  receipt of the
death  benefit  and instead  continue  the  Contract in force as its owner.  The
election by the spouse must be made within 60 days after IDS Life  receives  due
proof of death.

If the annuitant dies after the retirement  date,  the amount  payable,  if any,
will be as provided in the annuity option then in effect.

Annuity Period

Variable Annuity

A variable annuity is an annuity with payments that are not  predetermined as to
dollar amount.  Payments will vary  according to the  investment  results of the
Account.   Annuity   payments  will  be  made  to  the  owner  unless  different
instructions  are  specified  in  writing.  The  owner  may  or  may  not be the
annuitant. The choice is made by the owner in the application for the Contract.

Retirement Date and Annuity Options

A retirement date is established at the time of application.  An owner must give
IDS Life written  instructions for paying  retirement  benefits at least 30 days
before the annuitant's  retirement date. In the event no instructions are given,
IDS Life will make  payments  under  Plan B  described  below  with 120  monthly
payments guaranteed.

<PAGE>

The retirement date may not be after the later of the annuitant's  85th birthday
or the tenth Contract  anniversary.  The retirement  date cannot be earlier than
the fifth Contract anniversary.

Change of Retirement Date or Annuity Option

An owner may change the retirement  date or the annuity option on written notice
received  at IDS  Life's  home  office  at  least 30 days  prior to the  current
retirement date.

Settlement Value of Annuity

Retirement  payments generally are made to the owner, who may be the same as the
annuitant.  The amount available on the retirement date is called the settlement
value. The settlement value equals the current value of your investment,  called
the  contract  value.  Before  annuity  payments  begin,  IDS Life will  require
satisfactory  proof that the annuitant is living. IDS Life also may require that
an owner  exchange his Contract for a  supplemental  contract  that provides for
annuity payments.

Because the  investments  of the Account  fluctuate  in value each day, IDS Life
will not  guarantee  that the  settlement  value or the total of the  retirement
payments will exceed or even equal the amount of the purchase payments.

The owners will receive  statements  on the value of their  investments  and any
other  required  information  at  least  annually.  An  owner  has the  right to
determine  whether annuity payments are to be made on a fixed-dollar or variable
basis,  or a  combination  of fixed and  variable.  A fixed  annuity is one with
payments  that are  guaranteed  by IDS Life as to dollar  amount.  Fixed annuity
payments after the first payment will never be less than the amount of the first
payment.  At settlement,  subject to the  conditions  then set by IDS Life as to
minimum dollar amounts and settlement  rates,  part or all of the contract value
may be used to  provide a  fixed-dollar  annuity.  Only  variable  payments  are
described in the remainder of this section.

Annuity Options

The owner of a Contract has the right to decide how  retirement  payments are to
be made.  The owner may  select one of the  retirement  payment  plans  outlined
below,  or  IDS  Life  and  the  owner  may  mutually  agree  on  other  payment
arrangements. Amounts of variable payments depend on:

`     the annuity table in the Contract;
`     the annuitant's age;
`     the retirement payment plan selected; and
`     the investment performance of the Account.

Because the performance of the Account will  fluctuate,  payments will vary from
month to month. The assumed investment rate referred to in the following annuity
options is 5 percent per year.

<PAGE>

`Plan A -- Life  Annuity  -- No Refund --  Monthly  payments  are made until the
annuitant's  death.  Payments  end with  the last  monthly  payment  before  the
annuitant's  death. No further payments will be made. An owner should understand
that if the  annuitant  dies  after  even the  first  monthly  payment,  no more
payments would be made.

   
`Plan B -- Life Annuity with 5, ten or 15 Years Certain -- Monthly  payments are
made until the annuitant's death. However, payments are guaranteed for 5, ten or
15 years,  depending upon the term selected by the owner.  If the annuitant dies
before  those  guaranteed  payments  have been made,  then IDS Life will keep on
making  payments to a designated  secondary  payee.  If a secondary payee is not
named,  or if the secondary  payee dies before the annuitant,  then the value of
the remaining guaranteed payments, based on the assumed investment rate, will be
paid to the annuitant's estate.
    

`Plan C -- Life Annuity -- Installment Refund -- Monthly payments are made until
the annuitant's death, with IDS Life's guarantee that payments will continue for
at least the number of months  determined by dividing the amount of the contract
value being applied  under the plan by the amount of the first monthly  payment.
If the annuitant dies before those guaranteed  payments have been made, IDS Life
will continue to make payments to the designated secondary payee. If a secondary
payee is not named,  or if the secondary  payee dies before the annuitant,  then
the value of the remaining guaranteed payments,  based on the assumed investment
rate, will be paid to the annuitant's estate.

   
`Plan D -- Joint and Last Survivor Life Annuity -- No Refund -- Monthly payments
are made while both the  annuitant and a joint  annuitant are living.  If either
annuitant dies,  monthly payments continue at the full amount until the death of
the surviving  annuitant.  Payments end with the death of the second  annuitant,
and no further payments will be made.
    

Minimum Annuity Payments

Annuity  payments will be made monthly.  The  annuity's  contract  value will be
calculated  at the  retirement  date.  If the  calculations  show  that  monthly
payments  would be under $20,  IDS Life  reserves  the right to pay the contract
value in one lump  sum.  For tax  consequences  of a lump sum  payment,  see the
Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations section.

First Variable Annuity Payment

When  retirement  payments  are to begin,  IDS Life will  compute  the number of
annuity units to be credited to the owner.  This is  accomplished by determining
the contract  value of the annuity as of the valuation date on or next preceding
the seventh  calendar  day before the  retirement  date and then  deducting  any
applicable premium tax.

<PAGE>

The result is applied to the annuity table  contained in the Contract or another
table at least as favorable.  The lifetime  variable  annuity  payments are then
calculated  according to the retirement  payment plan chosen.  The annuity table
assumes  an  investment  rate of 5 percent  and  shows  the  amount of the first
monthly  payment  for each  $1,000  of  value  according  to the age  and,  when
applicable,  sex of the annuitant  (unisex table of settlement  rates will apply
when required by law).

These  calculations give the total of the first monthly payment.  This amount is
divided by the annuity unit value on the valuation date on or next preceding the
seventh  calendar day before the  retirement  date.  The result is the number of
annuity units to be credited to the owner.

Annuity Unit Value

The  annuity  unit  value for the  Account  was  originally  set at $1. IDS Life
determines  current  annuity  unit values by  multiplying  the last annuity unit
value by the product of:

`the net investment factor and
`the neutralizing factor.

The net investment  factor  measures the change in the Account's net asset value
from one  valuation  period to the next and is equal to the  quotient of the net
asset value determined as of the current valuation date divided by the net asset
value on the immediately  preceding  valuation date. See the Valuation of Assets
section.  The purpose of the neutralizing  factor is to offset the effect of the
assumed investment rate built into the annuity table. With an assumed investment
rate of 5 percent,  the neutralizing  factor is 0.999866 for a one-day valuation
period.

The value of an annuity unit reflects the investment  performance of the Account
and will vary.

Substitution of 3.5 Percent Annuity

If  requested  at  least 30 days  before  the  retirement  date,  IDS Life  will
substitute  an annuity table based upon an assumed 3.5 percent  investment  rate
for the 5 percent investment rate annuity table contained in the Contract.

The assumed investment rate affects both the amount of the first payment and the
extent to which subsequent  payments  increase or decrease.  Using the 5 percent
table results in a higher initial payment, but later payments will increase more
slowly when annuity  unit values are rising and decrease  more rapidly when they
are declining.

<PAGE>

Subsequent Variable Annuity Payments

The method of calculation of the first monthly payment is explained in the First
Variable Annuity Payment section above.  Subsequent  variable payments will vary
according to the investment performance of the Account. Amounts of later monthly
payments are calculated by multiplying:

`the annuity unit value on the valuation  date on or  immediately  preceding the
seventh calendar day before the payment is due; by

`the fixed number of annuity units credited to the owner.

Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations

The  following  summary is a general  discussion of certain  Federal  income tax
consequences  under present law that may involve  owners.  This summary does not
discuss all aspects of Federal income taxation that may be relevant. Prospective
investors should consult their own tax adviser as to the specific Federal income
tax  consequences of the ownership of the Contracts,  as well as the application
of other Federal,  state,  local and foreign income and other tax laws. IDS Life
believes that the Contracts  will be treated as annuities  under the Code,  and,
therefore, an owner should not be subject to Federal income tax on any income or
earnings of the Account until  distributions  are made to such owner or a change
of ownership of the Contract  occurs.  IDS Life has not sought a ruling from the
Internal Revenue Service (the Service)  regarding the tax status of the Account.
See the Risk Factors -- Federal Income Tax Matters section.

In addition,  the  qualification of the Contracts as annuities  depends upon IDS
Life and the Account meeting the detailed factual and legal  requirements of the
Code and regulations on a continuing basis, including the maintenance of certain
diversification  requirements as discussed below. No assurance can be given that
the actual operations of IDS Life and the Account will satisfy such requirements
or that the  applicable  law will not change and adversely  affect IDS Life, the
Account or the owners.

Taxation of the Account

The Account is not a separate  taxpayer for purposes of Federal income taxation.
Although  investment income derived by the Account is technically  includable in
IDS  Life's  gross  income for  Federal  income  tax  purposes,  IDS Life is not
expected  to have any income tax payable as a result of such  investment  income
provided it continues to comply with certain requirements. In the event IDS Life
does incur Federal or state income taxes  attributable to the Account,  IDS Life
will receive appropriate reimbursement from the Account for such taxes.

<PAGE>

Diversification Requirements

In order for the  Contracts  to be treated as annuities  for Federal  income tax
purposes, the Account must meet certain  diversification  requirements regarding
variable  annuities  contained  in  Section  817(h) of the Code and  regulations
promulgated thereunder. If the Account does not satisfy these requirements,  the
owners would be subject to current  Federal  income  taxation on any earnings or
income derived by the Account.

IDS Life intends to maintain the  Account's  investments  in such a manner as to
satisfy the diversification requirements contained in Section 817(h) of the Code
and  regulations  thereunder.  In  order to do so,  the  Account  must  meet the
following  requirements:  (i) no  more  than 55  percent  of its  assets  may be
invested in any one  investment;  (ii) no more than 70 percent of its assets may
be invested in any two investments;  (iii) no more than 80 percent of its assets
may be  invested in any three  investments;  and (iv) no more than 90 percent of
its assets may be invested in any four  investments.  All  interests in the same
real  property  project will be treated as a single  investment  for purposes of
these  requirements.  In addition,  in the case of government  securities,  each
government agency or  instrumentality  shall be treated as a separate issuer for
purposes of these  requirements.  After an initial start-up period,  the Account
must  satisfy  the  above  requirements  within  30 days  after  the end of each
calendar quarter.

Taxation of Distributions

Section 72 of the Code governing  distributions  from annuity contracts provides
that the recipient of an annuity  distribution  does not include in gross income
that part of any amount received as an annuity that bears the same ratio to such
amount as the  investment  in the  contract  on the  annuity  starting  date (as
adjusted  for any  refund  feature)  bears  to the  expected  return  under  the
contract. In the event that the total amount of payments to be received under an
annuity  contract  varies in accordance  with the  investment  experience of the
variable  annuity  account after the  recipient's  annuity  starting  date,  the
recipient will not include in gross income any amount received in a taxable year
to the extent  such  amount does not exceed the  recipient's  investment  in the
contract  (as adjusted  for any refund  feature)  divided by the number of years
over which the payments are anticipated to be received.  Such exclusion from the
recipient's  gross income,  however,  cannot exceed the recipient's  unrecovered
investment in the contract  immediately prior to the receipt of such amount. Any
amount received upon the surrender of an annuity  contract (that may include the
proceeds of a loan when the annuity contract is used as collateral) generally is
included in the gross income of the  recipient to the extent that the cash value
of the contract  (determined without regard to any surrender charge) exceeds the
investment in the contract.

<PAGE>

In addition,  the owner of an annuity  contract may be subject to an IRS penalty
equal to 10 percent of the amount of a distribution  that is includable in gross
income  (in  addition  to  income  taxes),   unless,  among  other  things,  the
distribution  (1) is made on or after the owner  reaches the age 59-1/2;  (2) is
made on or after the death of the owner of the contract or the primary annuitant
if the owner is not an  individual;  (3) is  attributable  to the owner becoming
disabled;  or (4) is part of a series of substantially  equal periodic  payments
made at least annually for the life or life expectancy of the owner.

Valuation of Assets

Accumulation  unit value is  determined  as of the close of the  business day on
each day that IDS Life is open for business.

The  accumulation  unit  value for the  Account  was  originally  set at $1. The
current  accumulation  unit value is determined by taking the last  accumulation
unit value for the Account  and  multiplying  it by the  current net  investment
factor. The net investment factor measures the Account's investment  performance
for the  valuation  period.  The net  investment  factor is  determined by first
calculating  the net  investment  income for the  period  (i.e.,  the  Account's
income,  net realized and unrealized  capital gains or losses on investments and
expenses),  items that may be  estimated  periodically  and credited or deducted
ratably  on a daily  basis  with  periodic  adjustments  to credit or charge the
differences  between  actual and estimated  items of income,  gains or losses as
described  below.  The  Account's net  investment  income then is divided by the
Account's net asset value at the beginning of the valuation  period to determine
the net  investment  rate.  The  Account's  net  asset  value is  determined  by
calculating  the total gross value of the  Account's  assets and  reducing  that
amount by any  expenses or  liabilities,  including  tax  liabilities,  mortgage
indebtedness,  administrative  expenses,  that  portion  of  organizational  and
offering  expenses being  amortized and the accrued but unpaid daily charges for
mortality  and  expense  risk  and  asset  management  fees.  Finally,  the  net
investment  factor is calculated.  The net  investment  factor for any valuation
period is the sum of one plus the net  investment  rate.  If the  Account  has a
negative net investment rate for the period,  the net investment  factor will be
less than one.  Because  the net  investment  factor may be greater or less than
one, the accumulation unit value may increase or decrease.

Accumulation unit value will vary with the value of the underlying assets in the
Account  and in  accordance  with the  charges and  deductions  assessed.  These
charges  and  deductions  will be  assessed  directly  against the assets of the
Account itself rather than by  liquidating  accumulation  units.  Assessments of
premium taxes and the surrender  charges are made  separately  for each Contract
and do not affect the accumulation unit value.

<PAGE>

The  amount  of the  Account's  net  income  from  its  real  estate  and  other
investments will be based upon estimates of the Account's  revenues and expenses
for its real estate and other  investments  and the  Account's  operations  on a
monthly  basis.  The value of the Account's  assets will be increased on a daily
basis by a proportionate  amount of the estimated net income for the month.  The
Account will receive on a periodic basis reports of the actual operating results
for its real estate and other investments, and appropriate adjustments to credit
or charge the differences between actual and estimated operating results will be
made to the Account's assets.  Because the daily accrual of estimated net income
is based on estimates  that may not reflect the actual  revenues and expenses of
the  Account,  owners will bear the risk that this  procedure  will result in an
overvaluing or undervaluing of the Account's assets.

Real Property Investments, Mortgage Loans and Land Sale-Leasebacks

The asset values of the Account's real property  investments  and mortgage loans
and land sale-leaseback  investments initially will be their cost (including the
acquisition and mortgage placement fees, legal fees and expenses,  closing costs
and other acquisition or placement  expenses),  unless  circumstances  otherwise
indicate that a different asset value should be used.  Thereafter,  periodically
or upon the  occurrence of events that indicate a change in the asset value of a
real property investment,  mortgage loan or land sale-leaseback  investment held
by the Account,  the  Investment  Adviser will determine the asset value of such
investments in accordance  with the procedures  described  below.  The Account's
asset value will take into  account the current  values of any notes  receivable
held by the  Account in  connection  with the  previous  sale of any real estate
related  investments.  Such  values  will be  estimated  by the  application  of
discount rate or rates deemed  appropriate by the Investment Adviser in light of
the then current market conditions.  The Account's asset value also will include
the income and expenses  attributable  to the real estate  related  assets which
will be determined or estimated periodically and credited or deducted ratably on
a daily  basis with  periodic  adjustments  to credit or charge the  differences
between actual and estimated  income or expenses as described above. At the time
of  purchase,  and at least  once  every two years  thereafter,  the  Investment
Adviser  shall  cause each real  estate  related  investment  (other  than fixed
interest  rate  mortgage  loans)  owned  by the  Account  or the  real  property
underlying  such  investment  to be  appraised  by an  independent  appraiser or
appraisers or an existing  appraisal to be updated.  The cost of such appraisals
will be charged to the Account.

The  Investment  Adviser will  determine the asset values of the Account's  real
property investments and its mortgage loans and land sale-leaseback  investments
with participation  features based upon certain  methodologies and various other
factors.  A discounted cash flow methodology  used by the Investment  Adviser is
based upon various assumptions,  including, but not limited to, occupancy rates,
rental rates, expense levels and capitalization rates upon

<PAGE>

sale,  which are used to make  projections of each such  investment's  estimated
cash flow  (including  the fixed interest or fixed rental income from a mortgage
loan  or land  sale-leaseback  with a  participation  feature)  over an  11-year
period. For this purpose,  it also is assumed that the real property  comprising
or underlying each such investment is sold at the end of the tenth year based on
the  anticipated  cash flow of the real property for the eleventh year. (The use
of this time  period  does not mean that such  investments  will be held for any
specific  period  but  was  chosen  as an  acceptable  frame  of  reference  for
estimating  asset  values.)  After these  estimated  cash flow and sale proceeds
amounts are calculated, they are discounted to their present value (using a rate
or rates  then  deemed  appropriate  by the  Investment  Adviser  based upon the
current market conditions) in order to estimate what a buyer would be willing to
pay for each such real property on a current basis.

Given the decline in the real estate  markets  generally over the past few years
and the consequent difficulty in estimating, among other things, occupancy rates
and rental rates over  extended  periods of time,  the  Investment  Adviser also
employs a "direct  capitalization"  methodology.  Under  this  methodology,  the
Investment  Adviser  generally  determines the  preliminary  asset values of the
Account's   real  property   investments   and  its  mortgage   loans  and  land
sale-leaseback   investments  with  participation  features  by  estimating  the
stabilized  annual Net Operating Income After Average Capital Costs for the real
property  comprising or underlying  each such  investment and applying a current
capitalization  rate (as deemed  appropriate by the  Investment  Adviser for the
particular  real  property  and the  relevant  market  conditions)  to such  Net
Operating  Income  After  Average  Capital  Costs.  A  preliminary  asset  value
determined for a particular  real property as described  above is reduced by the
aggregate  deficiency  (if any) in the  estimated  net  operating  income  after
capital  costs  relative to the  stabilized  annual Net  Operating  Income After
Average  Capital Costs of such real property for any year(s)  preceding the year
in which the stabilized  annual Net Operating Income After Average Capital Costs
is expected to be achieved in order to estimate  what a buyer would pay for such
real property on a current basis.

In addition to using the foregoing  methodologies,  the Investment  Adviser also
considers  a  number  of  other  factors,   including,  among  others,  periodic
independent appraisals of the real properties and comparisons of existing rental
rates relative to estimated market rental rates. The relative weight to be given
a  particular  methodology  or any other  relevant  factors in  determining  the
estimated  asset  value of a  particular  real  property  will  depend  upon the
Investment   Adviser's   assessment  of  the  existing  and  anticipated  market
conditions and property specific factors relevant to such real property.  In the
case of real property investments jointly owned with other entities and mortgage
loans and land sale-leaseback investments with participation features, the asset
value of any such investment will be based on the

<PAGE>

Account's share of the current asset value of each such real property determined
by its joint ownership or equity participation arrangement.

The  Account's  fixed  interest  mortgage  loans  and  fixed  rental  rate  land
sale-leaseback  investments  without  participation  features  are valued by the
Investment Adviser. The Investment Adviser determines the value by comparing the
interest  rates  on the  Account's  mortgage  loans  or the  rentals  under  the
Account's ground leases with interest rates on U.S.  Treasury debt  instruments,
plus an additional amount determined by the Investment Adviser  representing its
judgment as to the differential  between the amount at which commercial  lenders
would make similar  mortgage  loans or land  sale-leaseback  investments of such
duration and the rate on U.S.  Treasury debt  instruments.  The  differential is
selected  by  the  Investment  Adviser  based  upon  the  Investment   Adviser's
evaluation of both the  activities of commercial  mortgage  lenders at such time
and  the  features  of  the  particular  investment,  including  the  underlying
property, its rent structure and the nature of its tenants.

A formula is applied  periodically to adjust the value based upon changes in the
U.S.  Treasury debt instrument  rates  originally used to value the investments.
The valuation resulting from the formula generally will continue in effect until
the next  periodic  application  of the  formula.  The  Investment  Adviser will
evaluate quarterly (unless the Investment Adviser becomes aware of circumstances
that would  warrant a more frequent  evaluation)  the interest  differential  at
which commercial  lenders are making fixed interest rate mortgage loans or fixed
rental rate land  sale-leaseback  investments to determine whether an adjustment
needs to be made in the formula.  The Investment Adviser will obtain information
relative to commercial lenders by surveys of lending institutions  considered to
be representative, as well as from other sources.

It should be noted that the  determination of the Account's asset value will not
necessarily  reflect  the  true or  realizable  value of the  Account's  assets.
Although  IDS Life and the  Investment  Adviser  believe  that the  assumptions,
estimates  and  methodologies  used  in  determining  the  asset  values  of the
Account's  investments  are  reasonable,  there  can be no  assurance  that such
assumptions, estimates and methodologies will in fact prove correct or that such
values would in fact be  realized.  In  addition,  it is unlikely  that all real
properties  in which the  Account has an  interest  would be sold for cash,  but
rather certain  properties may in fact be sold for cash and notes.  Furthermore,
although  at  least  once  every  two  years  the  Investment  Adviser  will use
independent  appraisals  of the real  properties  in  determining  asset values,
appraisals  are  only  estimates  and do not  necessarily  reflect  the  true or
realizable value of an investment. Moreover, such appraisals are only one factor
that is considered by the Investment  Adviser to determine the value of the real
estate related investments of the Account. In addition, the expenses that may be
borne  by  the  Account  in  connection  with  the  acquisition,   placement  or
disposition of a real

<PAGE>

estate related investment will not be deducted in determining asset value by the
Investment Adviser. The valuation of investments made by the Account also may be
adjusted by the Investment  Adviser based upon events that come to its attention
affecting the real property  investments or the  properties  subject to mortgage
loans or land  sale-leaseback  investments,  which it believes  will increase or
decrease  realizable value, or events or market conditions  generally  affecting
the  values  of  the  real  property   investments,   mortgage   loans  or  land
sale-leaseback investments.  For example, adjustments may be made for the events
that  affect  the  property   comprising  a  real  property  investment  or  the
surrounding  area or  events  indicating  an  impairment  of the  borrower's  or
lessee's  ability to make  payments  with  respect  to a  mortgage  loan or land
sale-leaseback investment.

There can be no  assurance  that the factors for which an  adjustment  should be
made will come to the attention of the Investment Adviser. Additionally, because
the evaluation of such factors may be subjective, there can be no assurance that
adjustments  will be made in all cases in which  the value of the real  property
investments,  mortgage loans or land sale-leaseback investments may be affected.
If the Investment Adviser believes it to be necessary,  more frequent appraisals
will be conducted.

The above  method of  valuation  may be changed by IDS Life (after  consultation
with the Investment  Adviser) should it determine that another method would more
accurately reflect the value of the Account's investments. Changes in the method
of valuation  could  result in a change in the  contract  value that may have an
adverse  effect  on  either  or  both  existing  owners  and new  purchasers  of
Contracts.  As a result  of a  change  in the  valuation  method,  there  may be
variations  between the values at which owners  purchase  Contracts based upon a
different valuation method adopted by IDS Life. Written notice (included in this
section of the prospectus or otherwise) of any material  change in the valuation
method  will be mailed to all owners.  Although  the  valuation  method has been
selected  because IDS Life and the Investment  Adviser believe it will provide a
reasonable approximation of the value of the Account's investments, there may be
variations  between the amount  realizable upon disposition and the stated value
of such assets. Owners may be adversely affected if the valuation method results
in either overvaluing or undervaluing the Account's investments. Both the number
of  accumulation  units credited to an owner at the time a Contract is purchased
and the amount  payable  under the Contract are based on the value of the assets
of  the  Account.  Should  the  valuation  method  overstate  the  value  of the
investments,  a new owner at the time of purchase  will be  credited  with fewer
accumulation  units  than  if the  value  were  correctly  stated  and a  person
receiving  payments  under the  Contract  during the time such  valuation  is in
effect  will  receive  payments  in  excess  of those to which  the  person  was
entitled, to the detriment of other owners.

Alternatively,  if the valuation  method  understates the value of the assets, a
new owner will be credited with more accumulation units at the time of purchase,
to the detriment of other owners, and a

<PAGE>

person  receiving  payments  under a Contract  will receive less than the person
otherwise would receive had the assets been correctly valued.  See also the Risk
Factors --  Evaluation  and  Appraisal  Risk and the  Conflicts  of  Interest --
Receipt of Commissions,  Fees and Other Compensation by IDS Life, the Investment
Adviser and Affiliates sections.

Liquid Assets

The liquid assets of the Account,  including accrued income,  gains or losses on
such  investments,  also will be taken into account in determining the Account's
asset  value.  Short-term  investments  of the Account  will be held to maturity
unless  the  circumstances  warrant  otherwise.  Instruments  for  which  market
quotations are readily  available are valued at the last reported sales price on
the principal  market for the instrument.  Other  instruments are valued at fair
market value as determined in good faith by IDS Life.

IDS Life has concluded that for short-term instruments with remaining maturities
of 60 days or less,  including  instruments with penalties for early withdrawal,
the fair market value shall be their  amortized cost value unless the particular
circumstances of an instrument indicate otherwise.  If any short-term instrument
containing early withdrawal penalties is redeemed prior to maturity, the related
expense will be recorded as incurred.

Distribution of Contracts

The Contracts are offered by IDS Life.  IDS Life is a  broker-dealer  registered
under  the  Securities  Exchange  Act of  1934  and a  member  of  the  National
Association of Securities  Dealers,  Inc. Sales of the Contracts will be made by
registered  representatives  of IDS Life who are also licensed insurance agents.
IDS Life will pay from its general  account  commissions  which may vary, but in
the aggregate are not  anticipated to exceed an amount equal to 6 percent of the
purchase  payments.  Registered  representatives  of IDS Life may receive direct
sales  incentive items and may  participate in marketing  incentive  programs in
connection with the sale of the Contracts. It is possible that certain marketing
incentive  programs may be based in part on the sale of Contracts and in part on
the sale of other securities. IDS Life will pay the costs (or an allocable share
of such costs) incurred for such sales  incentive items and marketing  incentive
programs.

State Regulation

IDS Life is subject to the laws of the State of  Minnesota  governing  insurance
companies and to the  regulations  of the Department of Commerce of the State of
Minnesota.  An  annual  statement  in the  prescribed  form is  filed  with  the
Department  of Commerce of the State of Minnesota  each year covering IDS Life's
operation for the preceding year and its financial  condition at the end of such
year.  Regulation  by the  Department  of  Commerce  of the  State of  Minnesota
includes periodic examination to determine IDS Life's contract

<PAGE>

liabilities  and  reserves  so that the  Department  of Commerce of the State of
Minnesota  may  certify  that these  items are  correct.  IDS  Life's  books and
accounts  are  subject to review by the  Department  of Commerce of the State of
Minnesota at all times. A full examination of IDS Life's operations is conducted
periodically  by the  National  Association  of  Insurance  Commissioners.  Such
regulation  does  not,  however,   involve  any  supervision  of  the  Account's
management or IDS Life's investment practices or policies. In addition, IDS Life
is subject to regulation  under the  insurance  laws of other  jurisdictions  in
which it operates.

Experts

   
The  financial  statements  of the Account as of Dec.  31, 1996 and 1995 and for
each of the years in the three-year  period ended Dec. 31, 1996, were audited by
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.

The combined  financial  statements of N/S Associates,  Monmouth  Associates and
1225 Investment Corporation (unconsolidated joint ventures of the Account) as of
Dec. 31, 1996 and 1995 and for each of the years in the three-year  period ended
Dec. 31, 1996, were audited by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.

The  consolidated  financial  statements  of IDS Life  Insurance  Company  as of
December  31, 1996 and 1995 and for each of the three years in the period  ended
December 31, 1996, appearing in this Prospectus and Registration  Statement have
been audited by Ernst & Young LLP.

The  financial  statements  referred to above are included in reliance upon such
reports  given upon the  authority  of such firms as experts in  accounting  and
auditing.
    

Registration Statement

A  registration  statement  has been  filed  with the  Securities  and  Exchange
Commission  under the 1933 Act with respect to the  Contracts.  This  prospectus
does not contain all information set forth in the  registration  statement,  its
amendments  and  exhibits,  to  all of  which  reference  is  made  for  further
information  concerning  the  Account,  IDS  Life and the  Contract.  Statements
contained in this  prospectus  as to the content of the Contract and other legal
instruments  are  summaries.  For a  complete  statement  of the terms  thereof,
reference is made to such instruments as filed.

Reports

Owners will receive a confirmation of each purchase payment made with respect to
the Contracts.  Additionally,  IDS Life will, at least  annually,  mail a report
containing  such  information  as  may be  required  by  any  applicable  law or
regulation and a statement  showing the owner's  current number of  accumulation
units or annuity units,  the  accumulation  unit value or annuity unit value and
the total contract value.

<PAGE>

Financial Statements

The contract  values under a Contract will be affected  solely by the investment
results of the Account.  Financial statements of IDS Life included herein should
be considered only as bearing on the ability of IDS Life to meet its obligations
under the Contract.

   
Legal Proceedings

A number of  lawsuits  have been  filed  against  life and  health  insurers  in
jurisdictions  in  which  IDS  Life  does  business  involving  insurers'  sales
practices,  alleged agent misconduct,  failure to properly supervise agents, and
other matters. IDS Life, like other life and health insurers,  from time to time
is involved in such  litigation.  On December 13, 1996, an action of this nature
was commenced in Minnesota  state court.  The plaintiffs  purport to represent a
class consisting of all persons who replaced existing IDS Life policies with new
IDS Life policies from and after January 1, 1985.  Plaintiffs seek damages in an
unspecified  amount and also seek to establish a claims resolution  facility for
the  determination  of  individual  issues.  IDS  Life  filed an  answer  to the
Complaint on February 18, 1997. A similar  action  involving the  replacement of
existing IDS Life insurance policies and annuity contracts was filed in the same
court on March 21, 1997.
    

IDS Life believes it has meritorious defenses to these and other actions arising
in connection with the conduct of its business  activities and intends to defend
them vigorously. IDS Life believes that it is not a party to, nor are any of its
properties  the  subject of, any pending  legal  proceedings  which would have a
material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition.

<PAGE>

Appendix A

The members of the Board of Directors  and the principal  executive  officers of
IDS Life,*  together with the principal  occupation of each during the last five
years, are as follows:

Directors

David R. Hubers
Born in 1943

Director since September  1989;  president and chief  executive  officer,  AEFC,
since August 1993,  and director  since  January  1984.  Senior vice  president,
Finance and chief financial officer, AEFC, from January 1984 to August 1993.

Richard W. Kling
Born in 1940

   
Director  since  February  1984;  president  since  March 1994.  Executive  vice
president,  Marketing and Products, from January 1988 to March 1994. Senior vice
president,  AEFC,  since May 1994.  Director of IDS Life Series  Fund,  Inc. and
chairman of the board of managers  and  president of IDS Life  Variable  Annuity
Funds A and B.
    

Paul F. Kolkman
Born in 1946

   
Director  since May 1984;  executive  vice  president  since  March  1994;  vice
president,  Finance,  from May 1984 to March 1994; vice president,  AEFC,  since
January 1987.
    

James A. Mitchell
Born in 1941

Chairman  of the board  since  March  1994;  director  since  July  1984;  chief
executive  officer since November 1986;  president from July 1984 to March 1994;
executive vice president,  AEFC,  since March 1994;  director,  AEFC, since July
1984; senior vice president, AEFC, from July 1984 to March 1994.

Barry J. Murphy
Born in 1951

Director and executive vice president,  Client Service, since March 1994; senior
vice president,  AEFC,  since May 1994;  senior vice  president,  Travel Related
Services  (TRS),  a subsidiary of American  Express  Company,  from July 1992 to
April 1994; vice president, TRS, from November 1989 to July 1992.

Stuart A. Sedlacek
Born in 1957

Director and executive vice president,  Assured  Assets,  since March 1994; vice
president, AEFC, since September 1988.

<PAGE>

Melinda S. Urion
Born in 1953

   
Director and controller  since  September  1991;  executive vice president since
March 1994;  vice  president and treasurer  from  September  1991 to March 1994;
director,  senior  vice  president  and chief  financial  officer,  AEFC,  since
November 1995;  corporate  controller,  AEFC,  from April 1994 to November 1995;
vice  president,  AEFC, from September 1991 to November 1995;  chief  accounting
officer, AEFC, from July 1988 to September 1991.

Officers other than directors

Morris Goodwin Jr.
Born in 1951

Vice  president and  treasurer  since March 1994;  vice  president and corporate
treasurer,  AEFC,  since July 1989.  Vice  president  and  treasurer of IDS Life
Series Fund, Inc. and IDS Life Variable Annuity Funds A and B.
    

William A. Stoltzmann
Born in 1948

   
Vice  president,  general  counsel and secretary  since 1989; vice president and
assistant  general counsel,  AEFC, since November 1985. Vice president,  general
counsel and secretary,  American  Enterprise  Life Insurance  Company,  American
Partners Life Insurance Company.
    

* The address for all of the directors and principal officers is:
  IDS Tower 10, Minneapolis, MN  55440-0010.

<PAGE>

Appendix B

The  directors,  executive  officers  and certain  other  officers of JMB Realty
Corporation (JMB), the managing partner of the Investment Adviser, are set forth
below.  Many of such  persons are also  officers  and/or  directors  of numerous
affiliated  companies  of JMB and/or  partners of certain  partnerships  (herein
collectively  referred to as the  Associate  Partnerships)  which are  partners,
directly or indirectly,  in publicly  offered real estate  limited  partnerships
sponsored by JMB.

   
Judd D.  Malkin,  59, is  Chairman  and  Director  of JMB, a  Director  of Urban
Shopping  Centers,  Inc., an affiliate of JMB engaged in the business of owning,
managing and developing  shopping centers, an officer and/or director of various
other JMB affiliates and a partner of the Associate Partnerships. Until December
1994 he was also a trustee of JMB Group  Trust I, JMB Group  Trust II, JMB Group
Trust III,  JMB Group  Trust IV and JMB Group Trust V, which until that time had
been advised by an  affiliate of the  Investment  Adviser.  Mr.  Malkin has been
associated with JMB since October 1969. He is a Certified Public Accountant.

Neil G.  Bluhm,  59, is  President  and  Director  of JMB, a  Director  of Urban
Shopping  Centers,  Inc., an affiliate of JMB engaged in the business of owning,
managing and developing  shopping centers, an officer and/or director of various
other JMB affiliates and a partner of the Associate Partnerships. Until December
1994 he was also a trustee of JMB Group  Trust I, JMB Group  Trust II, JMB Group
Trust III,  JMB Group  Trust IV and JMB Group Trust V, which until that time had
been  advised by an  affiliate  of the  Investment  Adviser.  Mr. Bluhm has been
associated with JMB since August 1970. He is a member of the Bar of the State of
Illinois and a Certified Public Accountant.

Burton E. Glazov,  58, is Director of JMB and until  December  1990 served as an
Executive Vice President of JMB. Mr. Glazov has been  associated  with JMB since
June 1971.  He is a member of the Bar of the State of  Illinois  and a Certified
Public Accountant.

Stuart C.  Nathan,  55, is  Executive  Vice  President  and  Director of JMB, an
officer and/or director of various JMB affiliates and a partner of the Associate
Partnerships.  Mr.  Nathan has been  associated  with JMB since July 1972. He is
also a director of Sportmart  Inc., a retailer of sporting goods. He is a member
of the Bar of the State of Illinois.

John G. Schreiber, 50, is Director of JMB, a Director of Urban Shopping Centers,
Inc.,  an  affiliate  of JMB  engaged in the  business of owning,  managing  and
developing shopping centers, and until December 1990 served as an Executive Vice
President of JMB. Mr.  Schreiber  has been  associated  with JMB since  December
1970. Mr. Schreiber is President of Schreiber Investments, Inc., a company which
is engaged in the real estate  investing  business.  He is also a senior advisor
and partner of Blackstone Real Estate Partners, an
    

<PAGE>

   
affiliate of the Blackstone  Group,  L.P. Mr. Schreiber also serves as a Trustee
of Amli Residential  Property Trust, a  publicly-traded  real estate  investment
trust that invests in multi-family properties. He is also a Director of a number
of investment  companies  advised or managed by T. Rowe Price Associates and its
affiliates.  He holds a  master's  degree in  business  administration  from the
Harvard University Graduate School of Business.

A. Lee Sacks,  63, is Director of JMB,  President  and Director of JMB Insurance
Agency, Inc. and a partner of various Associate Partnerships. Mr. Sacks has been
associated with JMB since December 1972.

H. Rigel Barber,  48, is Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President of
JMB, an officer of various  JMB  affiliates  and a partner of various  Associate
Partnerships. Mr. Barber has been associated with JMB since March 1982. He holds
a law degree from the Northwestern  University Law School and is a member of the
Bar of the State of Illinois.

Ira J.  Schulman,  45, is Executive Vice President of JMB, an officer of various
JMB affiliates and a partner of various Associate Partnerships. Mr. Schulman has
been  associated  with JMB since  February  1983. He holds a master's  degree in
business administration from the University of Pittsburgh.

Gary Nickele,  44, is Executive  Vice  President and General  Counsel of JMB, an
officer  and/or  director  of various  JMB  affiliates  and a partner of various
Associate Partnerships.  Mr. Nickele has been associated with JMB since February
1984. He holds a law degree from the  University of Michigan Law School and is a
member of the Bar of the State of Illinois.

Glenn E. Emig, 49, is Executive Vice  President and Chief  Operating  Officer of
JMB, an officer of various  JMB  affiliates  and a partner of various  Associate
Partnerships.  Mr. Emig has been  associated  with JMB since  December  1979. He
holds a master's degree in business  administration  from the Harvard University
Graduate School of Business.
    

<PAGE>

Summary of Selected Financial Information

The following  selected  financial  information  of the Account has been derived
from the audited  financial  statements and should be read in  conjunction  with
those statements and the related notes to financial statements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   

                                                                          Years ended Dec. 31,
                                                1996            1995            1994            1993            1992
<S>                                         <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contract Purchase Payments
(Terminations) net......................    $(2,207,498)    $ 2,291,255     $(5,184,527)    $(6,873,380)    $(6,257,432)
Net Income (loss).......................    $  (153,491)    $(2,378,521)    $  (946,390)    $ 1,816,417     $(5,761,830)
Total Contract Owners' Equity*..........    $33,545,476     $35,906,465     $35,993,731     $42,124,648     $47,181,611
Accumulation Units Outstanding*.........     34,144,955      36,353,929      34,238,180      39,000,431      45,475,432
Accumulation Unit Value.................    $       .98     $       .99     $      1.05     $      1.08     $      1.04
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    


* As of Dec. 31, 1996, IDS Life's  portion of the Total Contract  Owners' Equity
  was $24,492,773 (73%) and IDS Life owned $24,969,872 (73%) of the Accumulation
  Units Outstanding.

<PAGE>

Item 7.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
         CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Financial Condition and Results of Operations
For the Year Ended December 31, 1996 Compared to the Year Ended
December 31, 1995 -
Net assets  decreased  from  $35,906,465  at December 31, 1995 to $33,545,476 at
December 31, 1996.  During this same time period,  the  accumulation  unit value
decreased from $.99 to $.98. The Account experienced net terminations  amounting
to  $2,207,498  for the year ended  December  31, 1996  compared to net sales of
$2,291,255 for the year ended December 31, 1995.  The net  terminations  for the
year ended  December 31, 1996 and the net sales for the year ended  December 31,
1995,  included  approximately  $2,000,000 and  $24,700,000,  respectively,  for
accumulation  units  purchased  by IDS  Life,  which  have  been  used to  repay
principal and accrued  interest on the Account's  revolving  loan payable to IDS
Life and to pay for contract surrenders, as discussed more fully below.

Recorded net loss for the year ended December 31, 1996 was $153,491  compared to
$2,378,521 for the year ended December 31, 1995.

Interest  income for the year  ended  December  31,  1996  primarily  represents
interest  income earned on the Account's  investment in the  participation  in a
mortgage  loan  (Riverpoint  Shopping  Center).  Interest  income also  includes
interest earned on short term investments. The borrower had notified the Lenders
that it was  experiencing  financial  difficulties  and  approached  the Lenders
regarding a loan modification. During the third quarter of 1996, the Lenders and
Borrowers  finalized a loan  modification  whereby  they reached an agreement to
defer payment of a portion of the scheduled debt service from September 15, 1995
to July 15, 1996.  In  conjunction  with the loan  modification  agreement,  the
scheduled  maturity  date of the loan was  accelerated  to  December  31,  1997.
Finally,  the Lenders  agreed to accept at certain  dates  through June 30, 1997
repayment of the loan at specified  amounts.  On December 24, 1996, the borrower
repaid the lenders  $27,400,000 (of which the Account's share was  approximately
$2,800,000) in full satisfaction of the loan as agreed upon.

For the year ended December 31, 1996, the Account's  recorded equity in earnings
of its unconsolidated  joint ventures (N/S Associates,  Monmouth  Associates and
1225  Connecticut)  was  $2,167,460,  compared to $1,924,741  for the year ended
December 31, 1995.  However,  after eliminating the effect of the recognition in
the first quarter of 1995 of income  attributable  to certain lease  termination
fees received by N/S Associates,  the equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint
ventures showed an increase for 1996 of  approximately  12.9 percent compared to
the recorded  equity in earnings for 1995.  The increase is due primarily to (i)
an increase in interest  earned which is now currently  being paid from Monmouth
Associates,  (ii) an increase in rental  income at 1225  Connecticut  due to the
property being 100 percent  leased,  and (iii) lower  interest  expense from N/S
Associates  in 1996 as a result  of  prepayment  charges  incurred  in the first
quarter of 1995 in connection with the repayment and refinancing of the mortgage
loans on Northridge and Southridge Malls. The increase in earnings was partially
offset by lower rental income achieved at Southridge and

<PAGE>

Northridge Malls due to lower occupancy.

Northridge Mall continues to be adversely  affected by the perception that it is
an unsafe place to shop.  This  perception  has resulted in declining  sales and
occupancy over a three-year  period.  Compounding the problem of declining sales
are the high  operating  costs for  tenants at the mall due to high real  estate
taxes. Occupancy has also been affected by tenant bankruptcies during 1993, 1994
and 1995. As of December 31, 1996, occupancy of the mall shops was approximately
77%, including temporary tenants under short term leases.

To counter the negative  perception  of  Northridge  Mall,  N/S  Associates  has
implemented certain capital improvements and operational programs to improve the
shopping center's safety and appearance, as well as instituted certain marketing
efforts to enhance its image.  Certain  recent  positive  sales trends appear to
indicate a modest improvement;  however,  elimination of the negative perception
is expected to take some time. In addition N/S Associates is seeking to increase
occupancy at the shopping  center by  aggressively  marketing  space for new and
renewal tenants through leasing  incentives,  as well as continuing to cooperate
with existing  tenants who need  short-term  rent  reductions in order to retain
occupancy  of their  space.  Part of the  leasing  strategy  includes  targeting
certain  well-recognized  retailers as a group that would become  tenants at the
shopping  center.  It is expected  that the draw of this group of tenants  would
help the  shopping  center  gain  leasing  momentum  and aid in  future  leasing
efforts.

Kohl's  Department  Store, a successful  tenant occupying  approximately  66,000
square feet of space at Southridge Mall,  approached N/S Associates regarding an
expansion  of its tenant  space and a reduction  in its overall  leasing  costs.
During the third  quarter of 1995,  N/S  Associates  and Kohl's  entered into an
amendment  of its lease.  Pursuant  to the lease  amendment,  the term of Kohl's
lease has been  extended  from 2001  until  2015 and the  tenant  space has been
increased by  approximately  19,000 square feet to  approximately  85,000 square
feet,  exclusive of storage space. Kohl's is required to pay annual base rent of
$9.25 per square foot, as well as one-half of its pro rata share for real estate
taxes and a fixed  amount for common area  maintenance  expense.  Kohl's is also
obligated to pay as additional rent a percentage of its gross receipts in excess
of a minimum amount of annual sales determined after the tenant has occupied the
entire leased space.  N/S  Associates  was  responsible  for paying the costs of
asbestos  removal for the tenant space.  Kohl's was obligated to pay other costs
associated  with the  leased  space,  including  tenant  improvements  and lease
buy-out and  relocation  costs.  The lease  amendment also contains an operating
covenant  pursuant to which  Kohl's is  obligated to operate its retail store at
Southridge  Mall  until  2005,  subject  to earlier  termination  under  certain
circumstances.  Although the lease  amendment  reduces  Kohl's overall rent, the
expansion  of its space and the  extension of its lease term is expected to help
stabilize the shopping center on a long-term basis by ensuring Kohl's  continued
occupancy and  contribution to customer.  As of December 31, 1996,  occupancy of
the portion of Southridge  Mall owned by N/S Associates was  approximately  94%,
including temporary tenants under short-term leases.

<PAGE>

For the year ended  December 31, 1996,  the Account  recognized  net  unrealized
depreciation of  participation in mortgage loan of $147,608 as a result of lower
effective rents achieved from the mortgage property upon releasing.  The Account
recognized  net realized  depreciation  on its investment in  wholly-owned  real
estate  property  of  $2,146,691  primarily  as a result of the sale of the West
Springfield  Terrace  apartments,  as discussed below. In addition,  the Account
recognized net unrealized depreciation on its investment in unconsolidated joint
ventures  of  $1,206,750  primarily  a result of (i) a decrease  in the  current
assets of Monmouth  Associates,  which partially resulted from a $4,000,000 cash
distribution  paid in 1996 in which the  Account's  share was  $278,800;  (ii) a
decrease  in  the  estimated  value  of  N/S  Associates  (Northridge  Mall  and
Southridge Mall); and (iii) a decrease in the value of 1225  Connecticut.  These
decreases  were a result of valuations  of the  properties  which  indicated the
properties fair market values.  In addition,  the lower values at Northridge and
Southridge  can be  attributable  to the  factors  discussed  above.  Also,  the
decrease in value at 1225  Connecticut  is partially  due to 80% of the building
being leased to one tenant. This increased the property's risk factor.

The Account paid asset management and mortality  expense risk fees of $1,011,135
and $1,086,516 for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

Distributions from unconsolidated  joint ventures increased for 1996 compared to
1995 primarily due to the Account's share of Monmouth Associates'  distributions
of $278,800.  The increase was partially offset by decreased  distributions from
N/S Associates.

On September  30, 1996 the Account sold land and related  improvements  known as
the West Springfield Terrace  Apartments.  The purchaser was not affiliated with
the Account and the sale price was determined by arm's-length negotiations.  The
sale  price for the land and  improvements  was  $16,100,000  (before  deducting
selling  costs)  and was  paid in cash at  closing.  A  portion  of the net sale
proceeds  was  utilized to retire the first  mortgage  debt with an  outstanding
balance of $7,704,000.

For the Year Ended  December  31, 1995  Compared to the Year Ended  December 31,
1994 -

Net assets  decreased  from  $35,993,731  at December 31, 1994 to $35,906,465 at
December 31, 1995.  During this same time period,  the  accumulation  unit value
decreased from $1.05 to $.99.  The Account  experienced  net sales  amounting to
$2,291,255 for the year ended December 31, 1995 compared to net  terminations of
$5,184,527  for the year ended  December  31,  1994.  The net sales for the year
ended December 31, 1995 include approximately $24,700,000 for accumulation units
purchased  by IDS  Life,  which  has been used to repay  principal  and  accrued
interest  on the  Account's  revolving  loan  payable to IDS Life and to pay for
contract surrenders, as discussed more fully below.

Recorded net loss for the year ended December 31, 1995 was  $2,378,521  compared
to $946,390 for the year ended December 31, 1994.

<PAGE>

Interest income for the year ended December 31, 1995 primarily represents income
earned on the  Account's  investment  in the  participation  in a mortgage  loan
(Riverpoint  Shopping  Center).  Income  generated  from  participation  in  the
mortgage loan remained relatively unchanged compared to the corresponding period
in 1994.  Interest  income for the year ended  December  31, 1994 also  included
interest earned on short-term investments of approximately $21,000.

For the year ended December 31, 1995, the Account's  recorded equity in earnings
of its unconsolidated  joint ventures (N/S Associates,  Monmouth  Associates and
1225  Connecticut)  was  $1,924,741,  compared to $2,094,682  for the year ended
December 31, 1994.  The  decrease in earnings  was  primarily  the result of N/S
Associates'  reduced  earnings as a result of lower  rental  income  achieved at
Northridge Mall due to lower occupancy and higher interest expense  attributable
to prepayment  charges  incurred in the first quarter of 1995 in connection with
the repayment and refinancing of the mortgage loans on Northridge and Southridge
Malls. The decrease was partially offset by the recognition in the first quarter
of 1995 of income attributable to certain lease termination fees received by N/S
Associates in the prior quarter.  In addition,  during 1995 Monmouth  Associates
wrote off the receivable balance of $3,576,000  primarily related to the accrued
interest  resulting  from the  difference  between  the  accrual  and pay  rates
recorded prior to April 1992, due to the uncertainty as to the collectibility of
these amounts.

In addition, the Account recorded rental income of $2,379,439 for the year ended
December 31, 1995 from its wholly-owned real estate investment, West Springfield
Terrace Apartments, compared to $2,235,867 for the year ended December 31, 1994,
was  primarily  due to a modest  increase in effective  rental  rates.  Expenses
related to the wholly-owned  real estate investment  totaled  $1,756,139 for the
year ended December 31, 1995 compared to $1,792,255 for the corresponding period
in 1994.

For the year ended  December 31, 1995,  the Account  recognized  net  unrealized
depreciation of  participation  in mortgage loan of $27,817,  and net unrealized
appreciation on its investment in wholly-owned  real estate property of $138,764
due to a reduction in estimated  capital  expenditures  to be required in future
years at the property,  and net  unrealized  depreciation  on its  investment in
unconsolidated  joint  ventures  of  approximately   $4,000,000.   Approximately
$2,199,000,  $1,748,000 and $53,000 of unrealized depreciation recognized by the
Account  was  attributable  to  the  Account's  investments  in  N/S  Associates
(Northridge  Mall and  Southridge  Mall),  Monmouth  Mall and 1225  Connecticut,
respectively.   The  unrealized   depreciation  recognized  was  the  result  of
reductions in the estimated  value of each of the  investments.  The decrease in
estimated  value for the  investment in Northridge  Mall was  attributed to poor
sales,  a  number  of  tenant  bankruptcies,  lower  occupancy  and the  leasing
challenges it faces as discussed  below. In addition,  the decrease in estimated
value for the  investment  in  Southridge  Mall was  attributed to recent tenant
bankruptcies  and the amendment of Kohl's lease as discussed above. In addition,
the trend of recent  bankruptcies  and general  market  conditions for retailers
could have an adverse  effect on both revenues and occupancy at both  Northridge
and  Southridge  Malls in the future.  The decrease in  estimated  value for the
investment in Monmouth Mall

<PAGE>

was  attributable to lower sales, the slow lease up of renovated mall space, and
the uncertainty of Macy's renewing their operating covenant. While Macy's has an
obligation  to operate a retail  store at this  location  through the year 2005,
their  obligation to operate the store as a Macy's  Department  Store expired in
1995. The Macy's store continues to operate at the Monmouth Mall.

For the year ended  December 31, 1994,  the Account  recognized  net  unrealized
depreciation of investments in  unconsolidated  joint ventures of  approximately
$2,362,000.  Approximately  $217,000,  $751,000  and  $1,428,000  of  unrealized
depreciation  recognized  by the  Account  was  attributable  to  the  Account's
investments  in  the  1225  Connecticut  office  building,   Monmouth  Mall  and
Northridge Mall, respectively, partially offset by a slight amount of unrealized
appreciation of approximately  $34,000 in the Account's investment in Southridge
Mall for the year.

Federated  Department  Stores  converted  the Abraham & Straus store at Monmouth
Mall  to a  Stern's  store  in  early  1995.  Monmouth  Associates  may  provide
additional  financing to the borrower/lessee to pay future costs necessary for a
long-term  solution to replace Abraham & Straus as a department  store tenant at
Monmouth  Mall.  The  recognition  of  unrealized  depreciation  in 1994 for the
Account's   investment  in  Monmouth  Mall  primarily  reflected  the  Account's
estimated  share of the  financing  expected  to be needed in the  future to pay
these costs.

The decrease in the estimated  value of the  investment in the 1225  Connecticut
office building in 1994 was primarily attributable to a reduction in the assumed
long-term  rental rate growth that could be achieved  for the property in future
years.  The decrease in the estimated value for the investment in the Northridge
Mall in 1994 was primarily  attributable  to a reduction in anticipated  leasing
activity and the expected rents to be achieved for the property.  In general, in
1994, it was expected  that the vacancy at  Northridge  Mall would lease up more
slowly and the rents obtained would be lower than previously anticipated.

The Account paid asset management and mortality  expense risk fees of $1,086,516
and $1,268,164 for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively. The
decrease  in  fees  is  primarily  due to the  payment  of the  incentive  asset
management  fees of $137,299 paid in 1994 to the  Investment  Adviser based upon
the performance of the Account's real property  investments  relative to the FRC
Property Index. No incentive asset management fee was payable in 1995.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

For the Year Ended  December  31, 1996  Compared to the Year Ended  December 31,
1995 -

At December 31, 1996, the Account had cash of approximately $103,000 as compared
to  approximately  $587,000 at December 31, 1995. The Account financed a portion
of the contract terminations during 1996 and 1995 through additional investments
made by IDS Life Insurance  Company (IDS Life).  The Account had experienced net
contract  terminations  in 14  consecutive  quarters  with net sales  (including
accumulation units purchased by IDS Life) in six of the last seven quarters.

<PAGE>

The  liquidity  requirements  of the Account  have  generally  been met by funds
provided from the Account's  short-term  investments,  cash  distributions  from
unconsolidated  joint ventures,  operating cash flow, interest income,  proceeds
from the sale of West Springfield  Terrace  apartments,  the Loan repayment from
Riverpoint  Shopping  Center,  proceeds from sales of contracts,  and borrowings
under the line of credit from IDS Life and  purchases of  accumulation  units by
IDS Life discussed below. The primary uses of funds currently are expected to be
for property operating expenses, asset management and mortality and expense risk
fees and payments for contract terminations.

In March  1994,  the Account  obtained a revolving  line of credit for up to $10
million from IDS Life to pay for contract surrenders and other obligations under
the contracts. In June 1995, the revolving credit loan balance of $9,500,000 and
accrued interest were repaid as discussed below.

Effective  May 1, 1995,  new contract  sales of the Account  were  discontinued.
Additional  purchase payments continue to be accepted for existing  contracts in
amounts  specified  in  the  Account's  prospectus,  whether  by  means  of  the
previously established bank authorizations or otherwise. Existing contracts also
continue to be serviced and surrender requests will be honored.

IDS Life  continues  to purchase  accumulation  units in order to  maintain  the
Account and its  liquidity.  IDS Life makes  these  payments so that no contract
holder is disadvantaged  because sales of new contracts have been  discontinued.
The initial payments for accumulation  units that IDS Life made into the Account
in 1995 were used to pay off the amount that the Account had borrowed  under its
revolving  line of credit.  IDS Life  expects  to  continue  to make  additional
payments into the Account for accumulation  units as needed in order to fund all
of the Account's  obligations  under the contracts such as paying death benefits
and  contract  terminations.  As of December 31,  1996,  IDS Life had  purchased
approximately 24,969,872 accumulation units.

By  purchasing  accumulation  units,  IDS Life has an ownership  interest in the
Account.  Since IDS Life does not  purchase  a  contract,  it is not  subject to
surrender  charges.   However,  IDS  Life,  as  holder  of  accumulation  units,
participates  in the  increase  or  decrease  in  the  value  of  the  Account's
investments just as other owners of accumulation  units do. IDS Life may realize
a gain or loss on its accumulation units when redeemed.

IDS Life currently expects to hold the accumulation units it purchases until the
surrender of all outstanding contracts or until the Account's liquidity improves
(through,  for example,  one or more sales of real estate  related  investments)
thereby permitting the Account to satisfy its anticipated contract  obligations.
Because IDS Life may purchase a significant  amount of accumulation  units,  IDS
Life may be subject to certain conflicts of interest it would not otherwise have
if it had not purchased such accumulation units, including,  among other things,
a conflict in approving  periodic  valuations of real estate investments made by
the Investment Adviser.

<PAGE>

Since the Account has experienced substantial net contract terminations over the
past  several  years,  the Account  does not intend to acquire  additional  real
estate related investments.  During 1996, the Account liquidated two real estate
related  investments.  Further, the Account intends to liquidate the real estate
related  investments  that it currently  holds when it becomes  advantageous  or
necessary  to do so.  To the  extent  funds of the  Account  are not used to pay
obligations of the Account,  including  those under existing  contracts,  or the
redemption  of  accumulation  units  purchased  by IDS Life,  such funds will be
invested in short-term  debt  instruments and possibly  intermediate-term  bonds
with maturities of up to five years.

Through  December  31,  1996,  Monmouth  Associates  had  funded   approximately
$24,615,000 of the renovation  loan for Monmouth Mall.  Fundings of principal on
the loan have been made from cash  reserves  held by Monmouth  Associates,  cash
flow from  interest and ground rent payments  received from the  borrower/lessee
and capital  contributions made to Monmouth  Associates by its partners pro rata
based  upon  their  respective  interests.   The  aggregate  amount  of  capital
contributions  to finance the loan, is approximately  $9,830,000.  The Account's
share of these capital  contributions is approximately  $685,000.  The aggregate
amount of the  renovation  loan,  including  accrued  and  deferred  interest of
approximately $1,300,000, is currently expected to be approximately $29,100,000.
Remaining  fundings  for the  renovation  loan are expected to be made from cash
flow and funds currently held by Monmouth  Associates.  Monmouth  Associates may
also be required to make certain  additional loans to pay a portion of the costs
of certain  tenant  improvements  or other  ordinary  capital  expenditures.  In
addition,   Monmouth   Associates  may  provide  additional   financing  to  the
borrower/lessee  in order to pay costs to be  incurred  in  connection  with the
replacement of a department  store tenant at Monmouth Mall.  However,  it is not
currently expected that this would occur during 1997.

The renovation is nearing completion with tenant improvement work for one of the
larger  tenants and retainage  work  remaining.  The occupancy of mall shops and
outparcel space at the shopping center as of December 31, 1996 was approximately
83 percent.  However,  the mall shops and outparcel space are  approximately  86
percent leased. Leasing and occupancy at the shopping center have been adversely
affected by tenant bankruptcies occurring in 1995.

The Account had a loan  outstanding  in the  principal  amount of  approximately
$7,770,000,  prior to its  payoff  in  September  1996 as a result  of the sale,
secured by its wholly-owned  real estate  investment,  West Springfield  Terrace
Apartments.  The loan had an original term of seven years and bore interest at a
rate of 9.5 percent per annum.  The loan required  monthly payments of principal
and  interest  aggregating  $824,000  per  annum  until  November  1996 when the
remaining principal balance was due.

In  February  1995,  N/S  Associates  obtained a new  mortgage  loan  secured by
Southridge Mall in the principal  amount of  $35,000,000.  The new mortgage loan
has a term of seven years, bears interest at 8.35 percent per annum and requires
monthly  payments of interest only prior to maturity.  A portion of the proceeds
from the new mortgage loan was used to repay the two mortgage loans secured by

<PAGE>

Northridge  Mall as well as the mortgage loan  previously  secured by Southridge
Mall.  Remaining net proceeds from the refinancing have been and will be used to
pay tenant  improvement  and other capital costs at  Northridge  and  Southridge
Malls.

N/S Associates currently expects that it will incur approximately  $5,312,000 in
1997 for  tenant  improvement,  asbestos  removal  and  other  capital  items at
Northridge  and  Southridge  Malls.  Actual  amounts  expended  in 1997 may vary
depending on a number of factors,  including actual leasing activity, results of
property  operations,  liquidity  considerations  and market conditions over the
course of the year. N/S Associates undertakes asbestos removal from time to time
at portions of the Northridge and Southridge  Malls as tenant spaces are vacated
and prior to occupancy by new tenants. The cost of tenant improvements, asbestos
removal and other  capital  items  generally  will be provided out of cash flows
from the properties. N/S Associates expended approximately $2,236,000 for tenant
improvements, asbestos removal and other capital projects in 1996.

At December 31, 1996,  real  property  investments (through two  unconsolidated
joint ventures,  N/S Associates and 1225 Connecticut), land sale-leaseback
investment (through an unconsolidated joint venture, Monmouth Associates) and
short-term  investments  represented 42.4 percent,  26.9  percent  and 30.7
percent  of total  assets,  respectively.  At December  31,  1995,  
real  property   investments,   mortgage  loan  and  land sale-leaseback
investments and short-term investments represented 70.6 percent, 27.2 percent
and 2.2 percent of total assets, respectively.

For the Year Ended  December  31, 1995  Compared to the Year Ended  December 31,
1994 -

At December 31, 1995, the Account had cash of approximately $587,000 as compared
to  approximately  $205,000 at December 31, 1994. The Account financed a portion
of the  contract  terminations  during  the third and  fourth  quarters  of 1995
through  additional  investments made by IDS Life Insurance  Company (IDS Life).
The Account had experienced net contract terminations in 14 consecutive quarters
with net sales (including  accumulation units purchased by IDS Life) in the last
three quarters.

The  liquidity  requirements  of the Account  have  generally  been met by funds
provided from the Account's  short-term  investments,  cash  distributions  from
unconsolidated  joint ventures,  operating cash flow, interest income,  proceeds
from sales of contracts,  and borrowings  under the line of credit from IDS Life
and purchases of  accumulation  units by IDS Life discussed  below.  The primary
uses of funds  currently  are  expected to be for property  operating  expenses,
asset  management  and mortality and expense risk fees and payments for contract
terminations.

In March  1994,  the Account  obtained a revolving  line of credit for up to $10
million from IDS Life to pay for contract surrenders and other obligations under
the contracts. In June 1995, the revolving credit loan balance of $9,500,000 and
accrued interest were repaid as discussed below.

Effective  May 1, 1995,  new contract  sales of the Account  were  discontinued.
Additional  purchase payments continue to be accepted for existing  contracts in
amounts specified in the Account's

<PAGE>

prospectus,  whether by means of the previously  established bank authorizations
or  otherwise.  Existing  contracts  also  continue to be serviced and surrender
requests will be honored.

IDS Life  continues  to purchase  accumulation  units in order to  maintain  the
Account and its  liquidity.  IDS Life makes  these  payments so that no contract
holder is disadvantaged  because sales of new contracts have been  discontinued.
The initial payments for accumulation  units that IDS Life made into the Account
were  used to pay off the  amount  that  the  Account  had  borrowed  under  its
revolving  line of credit.  IDS Life  expects  to  continue  to make  additional
payments into the Account for accumulation  units as needed in order to fund all
of the Account's  obligations  under the contracts such as paying death benefits
and  contract  terminations.  As of December 31,  1995,  IDS Life had  purchased
approximately 22,955,910 accumulation units.

By  purchasing  accumulation  units,  IDS Life has an ownership  interest in the
Account.  Since IDS Life does not  purchase  a  contract,  it is not  subject to
surrender  charges.   However,  IDS  Life,  as  holder  of  accumulation  units,
participates  in the  increase  or  decrease  in  the  value  of  the  Account's
investments just as other owners of accumulation  units do. IDS Life may realize
a gain or loss on its accumulation units when redeemed.

IDS Life currently expects to hold the accumulation units it purchases until the
surrender of all outstanding contracts or until the Account's liquidity improves
(through,  for example,  one or more sales of real estate  related  investments)
thereby permitting the Account to satisfy its anticipated contract  obligations.
Because IDS Life may purchase a significant  amount of accumulation  units,  IDS
Life may be subject to certain conflicts of interest it would not otherwise have
if it had not purchased such accumulation units, including,  among other things,
a conflict in approving  periodic  valuations of real estate investments made by
the Investment Adviser.

Since the Account has experienced substantial net contract terminations over the
past  several  years,  the Account  does not intend to acquire  additional  real
estate related  investments.  Further, the Account intends to liquidate the real
estate related investments that it currently holds when it becomes  advantageous
or  necessary  to do so. To the extent  funds of the Account are not used to pay
obligations of the Account,  including  those under existing  contracts,  or the
redemptions  of  accumulation  units  purchased by IDS Life,  such funds will be
invested in short-term  debt  instruments and possibly  intermediate-term  bonds
with maturities of up to five years.

Through  December  31,  1995,  Monmouth  Associates  had  funded   approximately
$21,476,000 of the renovation  loan for Monmouth Mall.  Fundings of principal on
the loan have been made from cash  reserves  held by Monmouth  Associates,  cash
flow from interest and ground rent payments  received from  borrower/lessee  and
capital contributions made to Monmouth Associates by its partners pro rata based
upon their respective  interests.  The aggregate amount of capital contributions
to  finance  the  loan,  including  one  made in  July  1995,  is  approximately
$9,830,000.  The Account's share of these capital contributions is approximately
$685,000. The

<PAGE>

aggregate  amount  of  the  renovation  loan,  including  accrued  and  deferred
interest,  is  currently  expected to be  approximately  $28,500,000.  Remaining
fundings  for the  renovation  loan are  expected  to be made from cash flow and
funds  currently held by Monmouth  Associates.  Monmouth  Associates may also be
required  to make  certain  additional  loans to pay a  portion  of the costs of
certain tenant improvements or other ordinary capital expenditures. In addition,
Monmouth  Associates may provide additional  financing to the borrower/lessee in
order to pay  costs to be  incurred  in  connection  with the  replacement  of a
department store tenant at Monmouth Mall.  However, it is not currently expected
that this would occur during 1996.

The renovative is nearing completion with tenant improvement work for one of the
larger  tenants and retainage  work  remaining.  The occupancy of mall shops and
outparcel space at the shopping center as of December 31, 1995 was approximately
77 percent.  However,  the mall shops and outparcel space are  approximately  86
percent leased,  including  leases whose terms will commence after renovation of
the tenant space permits occupancy.

The Account has a loan  outstanding  in the  principal  amount of  approximately
$7,770,000  as of December 31,  1995,  secured by its  wholly-owned  real estate
investment,  West Springfield Terrace Apartments.  The loan has an original term
of seven years and bears  interest at a rate of 9.5 percent per annum.  The loan
requires  monthly  payments of principal and interest  aggregating  $824,000 per
annum  until  November  of  1996  when  the  remaining   principal   balance  of
approximately  $7,704,000  and any accrued and unpaid  interest  will be due and
payable.   The  current   budget  for  capital   expenditures   during  1996  is
approximately $207,000 for painting, carpet replacement and other capital costs.

In  February  1995,  N/S  Associates  obtained a new  mortgage  loan  secured by
Southridge Mall in the principal  amount of  $35,000,000.  The new mortgage loan
has a term of seven years, bears interest at 8.35 percent per annum and requires
monthly  payments of interest only prior to maturity.  A portion of the proceeds
from the new mortgage  loan was used to repay the two mortgage  loans secured by
Northridge  Mall as well as the mortgage loan  previously  secured by Southridge
Mall.  Remaining net proceeds from the refinancing have been and will be used to
pay tenant  improvement  and other capital costs at  Northridge  and  Southridge
Malls.

N/S Associates currently expects that it will incur approximately  $4,369,000 in
1996 for  tenant  improvements,  asbestos  removal  and other  capital  items at
Northridge  and  Southridge  Malls.  Actual  amounts  expended  in 1996 may vary
depending on a number of factors,  including actual leasing activity, results of
property  operations,  liquidity  considerations  and market conditions over the
course of the year. N/S Associates undertakes asbestos removal from time to time
at portions of the Northridge and Southridge  Malls as tenant spaces are vacated
and prior to occupancy by new tenants. The cost of tenant improvements, asbestos
removal and other  capital  items  generally  will be provided out of cash flows
from the properties. N/S Associates expended approximately $1,967,000 for tenant
improvements, asbestos removal and other capital projects in 1995.

At December 31, 1995, real property investments (through two

<PAGE>

unconsolidated  joint  ventures,  N/S  Associates  and  1225  Connecticut  and a
wholly-owned property,  West Springfield Terrace Apartments),  mortgage loan and
land  sale-leaseback  investments  (through  an  unconsolidated  joint  venture,
Monmouth Associates,  and a participation in the loan for Riverpoint Center) and
short-term investments represented 70.6 percent, 27.2 percent and 2.2 percent of
total assets,  respectively.  At December 31, 1994,  real property  investments,
mortgage loan and land  sale-leaseback  investments  and short-term  investments
represented   72  percent,   27.3  percent  and  .7  percent  of  total  assets,
repsectively.

<PAGE>

Index to Financial Statements
                                                               Page

IDS Life Account RE
   Independent Auditors' Report............................
   Balance Sheets
      Dec. 31, 1996 and 1995...............................
   Statements of Operations, years ended
      Dec. 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.........................
   Statements of Changes in Contract Owners' Equity,
      years ended Dec. 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.............
   Statements of Cash Flows, years ended
      Dec. 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.........................
   Notes to Financial Statements...........................

N/S Associates, Monmouth Associates & 1225 Investment
   Corporation (Unconsolidated Joint Ventures of IDS Life
   Account RE)
   Independent Auditors' Report............................
   Combined Balance Sheets
      Dec. 31, 1996 and 1995...............................
   Combined Statements of Operations, years ended
      Dec. 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.........................
   Combined Statements of Partners' Capital Accounts,
      years ended Dec. 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.............
   Combined Statements of Cash Flows, years ended
      Dec. 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.........................
   Notes to Financial Statements...........................

IDS Life Insurance Company
   Report of Independent Auditors..........................
   Consolidated Balance Sheets, Dec. 31, 1996 and 1995.....
   Consolidated Statements of Income, years ended
      Dec. 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.........................
   Consolidated Statements of Stockholder's Equity, years
      ended Dec. 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994...................
   Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, years ended
      Dec. 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.........................
   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements..............

<PAGE>

                        INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT



The Board of Directors of
  IDS Life Insurance Company and
  Contract Owners of IDS Life Account RE:


We have audited the financial statements of IDS Life Account RE as listed in the
accompanying  index.  These financial  statements are the  responsibility of the
management of IDS Life Insurance  Company.  Our  responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We  conducted  our  audits  in  accordance  with  generally   accepted  auditing
standards.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes
assessing the  accounting  principles  used and  significant  estimates  made by
management,  as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion,  the financial  statements  referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of IDS Life Account RE at December
31, 1996 and 1995, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each
of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1996 in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.



                                    KPMG Peat Marwick LLP


Minneapolis, Minnesota
March 21, 1997



<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>



                           IDS LIFE ACCOUNT RE
                                   of
                        IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

                             BALANCE SHEETS

                                                                    December 31,   December 31,
                                                                        1996           1995


    Assets:
<S>                                                                 <C>            <C>        
     Cash                                                           $   102,737    $   586,729
     Receivable from IDS Life for contracts sold                             --        300,000

     Investments in securities, at value (Note 2)
      (identified cost $10,254,310)                                     10,254,310              --
     Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures,
       at fair value (cost of $36,299,366 and
       $35,858,482 at December 31, 1996
       and December 31, 1995, respectively) (Note 4)                 23,384,605     24,150,472
     Participation in mortgage loan, at fair
       value (cost of $0 and $3,047,188 at December 31, 1996
       and December 31, 1995, respectively) (Note 4)                         --      2,960,806
     Investment in wholly-owned real estate
      property (Note 5):
       Building, at fair value (cost of $0
         and $14,174,329 at December 31, 1996 and
         December 31, 1995, respectively)                                    --     12,380,339
       Land, at fair value (cost of $0 and $3,915,263
         at December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995, respectively)           --      3,915,263
       Deferred borrowing costs, net of accumulated
         amortization of $157,577 at
         December 31, 1995                                                   --         23,879
     Other assets                                                         4,277         43,135
                                                                    ------------   -----------

         Total assets                                               $33,745,929    $44,360,623
                                                                    ============   ===========


    Liabilities:
     Payable to IDS Life for:
       Operating expenses                                           $    42,340    $    76,619
       Contract terminations                                              4,793        271,318
     Accrued mortality and expense risk fee                              32,991         40,420
     Accrued asset management fee                                        41,239         50,525
     Liabilities related to wholly-owned
      real estate property (Note 5):
       Accounts payable and other liabilities                            79,090        244,937
       Mortgage payable                                                     --       7,770,339
                                                                    -----------    -----------

        Total liabilities                                               200,453      8,454,158
                                                                    ===========   ============


    Contract Owners' Equity:
     Net assets applicable to Variable Annuity
       contracts in accumulation period                             $33,545,476    $35,906,465
                                                                    ============   ===========


    Accumulation units outstanding                                   34,144,955     36,353,929
                                                                    ============   ===========

    Net asset value per accumulation unit                           $       .98    $       .99
                                                                    ============   ===========


    See accompanying notes to financial statements.

</TABLE>


<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                            IDS LIFE ACCOUNT RE
                                    of
                         IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

                          STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS



                                                                For the years ended

                                                     December 31,   December 31,   December 31,
                                                         1996           1995           1994


    Income (Note 4):
<S>                                                  <C>            <C>            <C>        
     Interest income                                 $   385,026    $    264,581   $   286,386
     Account's equity in earnings of
       unconsolidated joint ventures                   2,167,460       1,924,741     2,094,682
     Rental income                                     1,887,995       2,379,439     2,235,867
     Realized loss on payoff of participation
       in mortgage loan                                  (24,533)             --            --
     Unrealized depreciation of
       participation in mortgage loan                   (147,608)        (27,817)       (1,577)
     Unrealized appreciation of investment
       in wholly-owned real estate property                   --         138,764            --
     Unrealized depreciation of
       investments in unconsolidated joint ventures   (1,206,750)     (3,999,782)   (2,361,701)
     Realized loss on sale of wholly-owned real estate
       property                                            (725,436)             --            --
                                                         -----------   -------------  -----------

         Total income                                  2,336,154         679,926     2,253,657
                                                     ------------   -------------  -----------


    Expenses (Note 3):
     Asset management fee                                561,742         603,620       765,557
     Mortality and expense risk fee                      449,393         482,896       502,607
     Professional services                                42,133          39,715        36,384
     Amortization of deferred borrowing costs             19,602          25,851        25,852
     Salaries                                             17,562          28,218        34,091
     Revolving loan interest                                  --          94,124        26,169
     Other operating expenses                             17,823          27,884        17,132
     Operating expenses related to wholly-owned
      real estate property:
       Interest                                          551,434         741,811       749,268
       Utilities                                         139,334         153,416       194,543
       Repairs and maintenance                           158,047         219,829       144,472
       Property and other taxes                          160,633         186,440       200,243
       Salaries                                          174,075         181,540       216,137
       Management fees                                    89,712         118,983       112,234
       Other                                             108,155         154,120       175,358
                                                     ------------   -------------  -----------

         Total expenses                                2,489,645       3,058,447     3,200,047
                                                     ------------   -------------  -----------


    Net loss                                         $  (153,491)    $(2,378,521)   $ (946,390)
                                                     =============   ============   ===========



</TABLE>

    See accompanying notes to financial statements.



<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>



                            IDS LIFE ACCOUNT RE
                                    of
                         IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

               STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY





                                                                 For the years ended

                                                      December 31,  December 31,   December 31,
                                                          1996          1995           1994


<S>                                                  <C>            <C>            <C>         
    Net loss                                         $   (153,491)  $ (2,378,521)  $  (946,390)
    Contract purchase proceeds                          2,049,160     24,922,267     1,452,798
    Contract termination payments                      (4,256,658)   (22,631,012)   (6,637,325)
                                                       -----------   ------------     ---------

    Decrease in net assets                             (2,360,989)       (87,266)   (6,130,917)

    Contract owners' equity at
      beginning of year                                35,906,465     35,993,731     42,124,648
                                                     -------------  -------------  ------------

    Contract owners' equity at end of year           $ 33,545,476   $ 35,906,465   $ 35,993,731
                                                     =============  =============  ============





    Accumulation Unit Activity

      Units purchased with proceeds from sale
        of contracts                                    2,063,252     23,170,080      1,334,632
      Units redeemed for contract terminations         (4,272,226)   (21,054,331)    (6,096,883)
                                                     -------------  -------------  -------------

      Net increase (decrease) in units                 (2,208,974)     2,115,749     (4,762,251)

      Units outstanding at beginning of year           36,353,929     34,238,180     39,000,431
                                                     -------------  -------------  ------------

      Units outstanding at end of year                 34,144,955     36,353,929     34,238,180
                                                     =============  =============  ============


</TABLE>

    See accompanying notes to financial statements.



<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                              IDS LIFE ACCOUNT RE
                                      of
                           IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS


                                                                For the years ended

                                                      December 31,   December 31,   December 31,
                                                          1996           1995           1994


    Cash flows from operating activities:
<S>                                                  <C>             <C>             <C>         
     Net loss                                        $   (153,491)   $ (2,378,521)   $  (946,390)
     Adjustments to reconcile net loss to
     net cash used in operating activities:
       Account's equity in earnings of
         unconsolidated joint ventures                 (2,167,460)     (1,924,741)    (2,094,682)
       Change in accrued interest on participation
         in mortgage loan                                  (5,400)          5,400             --
       Amortization of borrowing costs                     19,602          25,851         25,852
       Change in cumulative discount amortization
         on short-term investments                        (10,926)            --          12,590
       Change in unrealized depreciation of investments
         in unconsolidated joint ventures               1,206,750       3,999,782      2,361,701
       Change in unrealized depreciation (appreciation)
         of participation in mortgage loan                147,608          27,817          1,577
       Loss on payoff of participation in mortgage loan    24,533              --             --
       Change in unrealized (appreciation)
         depreciation of investment in wholly-owned
         real estate property                                  --        (138,764)            --
       Loss on sale of wholly-owned
       real estate property                               725,436              --             --
       Change in other assets                              38,858          (8,628)         1,505
       Change in payable to IDS Life-operating expenses   (34,279)         18,219         (3,889)
       Change in accrued mortality and expense risk fees   (7,429)            284         (4,531)
       Change in accrued asset management fees             (9,286)            354         (5,663)
       Change in payables and other liabilities related
         to wholly-owned real estate property            (165,847)         32,740         49,580
       Change in payable to IDS Life for revolving
         loan interest                                         --          (9,224)         9,224
                                                     -------------  --------------  ------------
           Total adjustments to net loss                 (237,840)      2,029,090        353,264
                                                     -------------  --------------  ------------
           Net cash used in operating activities         (391,331)       (349,431)      (593,126)
                                                     -------------  --------------  -------------

    Cash flows from investing activities:
     Net sales (purchases) of short-term securities   (10,243,384)             --      2,481,059
     Sale of wholly-owned real estate property            15,574,443           --             --
     Capital improvements to wholly-owned real estate          --        (163,781)      (110,874)
     Distributions received from joint ventures         1,726,577       1,504,514      1,457,190
                                                     -------------  --------------  ------------
           Net cash provided by investing activities    7,057,636       1,340,733      3,827,375

    Cash flows from financing activities:
     Proceeds from sales of contracts                   2,349,160      24,627,492      1,448,173
     Payments for contract terminations                (4,523,183)    (22,369,833)    (6,674,263)
     Decrease in mortgage payable                      (7,770,339)        (81,940)       (74,542)
     Change in payable to IDS Life for revolving loan          --      (2,100,000)     2,100,000
     Contributions to Monmouth renovation                      --        (685,151)            --
     Payoff of participation in mortgage loan           2,794,065              --             --
                                                     -------------  --------------  ------------
           Net cash used in financing activities       (7,150,297)       (609,432)    (3,200,632)
                                                     -------------  --------------  -------------
    Net increase (decrease) in cash                      (483,992)        381,870         33,617
    Balance of cash at beginning of year                  586,729         204,859        171,242
                                                     -------------  --------------  ------------
    Balance of cash at end of year                   $    102,737   $     586,729   $    204,859
                                                     =============  ==============  ============


    Supplemental cash flow disclosure:
     Cash paid for mortgage and revolving
      loan interest                                  $    551,434   $     835,935   $    775,437
                                                     =============  ==============  ============



</TABLE>

    See accompanying notes to financial statements.


<PAGE>



                      IDS LIFE ACCOUNT RE
                              of
                   IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

                       December 31, 1996

                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Organization

   IDS Life Account RE (the  Account) is a segregated  asset account of IDS Life
   Insurance  Company (IDS Life) under  Minnesota law. A registration  statement
   under the  Securities Act of 1933 relative to the deferred  variable  annuity
   contracts (the Contracts) issued by the Account became effective on August 6,
   1987.  Effective May 1, 1995, the Account  discontinued  new contract  sales.
   Although  additional  purchase payments may be made into existing  contracts,
   prior to making any additional  purchase  payment an existing  contract owner
   should bear in mind that the  Account  intends to  liquidate  its real estate
   related  investments  over time.  The assets of the  Account are held for the
   exclusive  benefit of contract owners and are not chargeable with liabilities
   arising out of any other business conducted by IDS Life.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

   The accompanying financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis
   of accounting.  Significant  accounting  policies followed by the Account are
   summarized below.

   Investments in Securities
   Investments  in  short-term  securities  maturing  more than 60 days from the
   valuation date are valued at the market price or approximate fair value based
   on current  interest  rates;  those maturing in 60 days or less are valued at
   amortized cost. The Account also may invest in  intermediate-term  bonds with
   maturities  of up to five years which are valued at fair value as  determined
   by reference to market  quotations,  market  indices,  matrices and data from
   independent brokers.

   Security  transactions are accounted for on the date securities are purchased
   or sold. Interest income,  including amortization of premium and discount, is
   accrued daily.

   Consolidation  and  Unconsolidated  Joint Ventures The Account's policy is to
   consolidate  the underlying  assets,  liabilities  and operations of property
   investments  where 50 percent or greater  ownership  position is  maintained.
   Investments  in  unconsolidated  joint  ventures  with less  than 50  percent
   ownership interest are accounted for on the equity method of accounting.

   Investments  in Real Property,  Mortgage Loans and Land/Sale-  Leasebacks The
   Account  initially  values  real  estate  related  investments  at their cost
   (including  acquisition or mortgage  placement fees and other  acquisition or
   placement expenses) unless circumstances  otherwise indicate that a different
   value should be used. Subsequently, the value of these investments

<PAGE>

   will be  periodically  determined  by JMB Annuity  Advisers  (the  Investment
   Adviser).  Procedures  utilized to determine the estimated  value include the
   following:  (i) at the time of purchase and once every two years  thereafter,
   each  real  property   investment   and  each  real  property   underlying  a
   participating  mortgage  loan  or  land  sale-leaseback  investment  will  be
   appraised  by an  independent  appraiser  or an  existing  appraisal  will be
   updated,  (ii) various assumptions  including,  but not limited to, occupancy
   and rental rates, expense levels, net operating income, average capital costs
   and capitalization rates upon sale will be used in determining the discounted
   present value of an  investment's  estimated cash flow and its estimated sale
   proceeds or its asset value under a direct  capitalization  methodology,  and
   (iii) for fixed  interest  rate  mortgage  loans and fixed  rental  rate land
   sale-leaseback investments, estimated values will be determined by comparison
   to  current  interest  rates on U.S.  Treasury  debt as  adjusted  for a risk
   differential of the Account's investments. The relative weight to be given to
   a  particular  methodology  or other  relevant  factors  in  determining  the
   estimated  asset  value of a  particular  real  property  will depend upon an
   assessment of the existing and  anticipated  market  conditions  and property
   specific factors  relevant to such real property.  There is no assurance that
   the assumptions,  estimates and  methodologies  used in valuing the Account's
   real  estate  related  investments  will in fact prove  accurate or that such
   values would in fact be realized. Such estimates involve subjective judgments
   as the actual price of real estate can only be determined between independent
   third parties in sales  transactions.  In addition,  any expenses that may be
   borne by the  Account in  connection  with the  disposition  of a real estate
   related investment are not deducted in determining its estimated value.

   Because the Account  values its real property  investments  at estimated fair
   values, no provision for depreciation expense is recorded.

   Each day the Account will record estimated  income and expenses  attributable
   to real  estate  related  assets.  Periodically,  adjustments  to reflect the
   difference between estimated and actual income and expenses will be made.

   Federal Income Taxes
   IDS Life is taxed as a life insurance company. The Account is treated as part
   of IDS Life for Federal income tax purposes.  Under  existing  Federal income
   tax law,  no income  taxes are  payable  with  respect  to any  income of the
   Account.

   Use of Estimates
   The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
   accounting  principles  requires management to make estimates and assumptions
   that affect the reported  amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
   contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
   the reported  results of operations  during the period.  Actual results could
   differ from those estimates.

<PAGE>

3. Fees and Expenses

   The  Account  pays a  mortality  and  expense  risk fee to IDS Life  which is
   accrued  daily  and is equal,  on an annual  basis,  to 1.00  percent  of the
   average daily asset value, as defined, of the Account.  The mortality risk is
   IDS Life's  guarantee to make retirement  payments  according to the terms of
   the Contract, no matter how long annuitants live. The expense risk portion of
   the fee is paid to IDS Life for its  guarantee  that the various fees paid by
   the Account to IDS Life will not be  increased  in the future.  For the years
   ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, the Account paid IDS Life a mortality
   and expense risk fee of $449,393, $482,896 and $502,607, respectively.

   The Account also pays IDS Life an asset  management  fee equal,  on an annual
   basis, to 1.25 percent of the average daily asset value,  as defined,  of the
   Account.  A portion of this fee,  equal to 0.95 percent of the average  daily
   asset value, is paid by IDS Life to the Investment Adviser. The total fee may
   be  adjusted  upward  to  a  maximum  of  1.50  percent  depending  upon  the
   performance  of the Account's real property  investments as measured  against
   the  FRC  Property  Index.  The  performance-related  portion  of the  fee is
   calculated  and recorded on an annual  basis when the FRC  Property  Index is
   released each year for the preceding  calendar year. No performance fees were
   paid by the Account in 1996 for 1995 or in 1995 for 1994. The performance fee
   paid by the  Account  in 1994 for  1993 was  $137,299.  Any  performance  fee
   adjustment  will be paid  to the  Investment  Adviser.  For the  years  ended
   December 31,  1996,  1995 and 1994,  the Account paid total asset  management
   fees of $561,742, $603,620 and $765,557, respectively.

   IDS Life receives from the Account an acquisition and mortgage  placement fee
   equal to 3.75 percent of the total cash to be paid or advanced by the Account
   (net  of  any  borrowings  in the  case  of  real  property  investments)  in
   connection  with  each  real  property  investment,  mortgage  loan  or  land
   sale-leaseback  investment made by the Account.  A portion of this fee, equal
   to 3.50 percent,  is paid to the Investment  Adviser in consideration for its
   services in  connection  with the  acquisition  or  placement  of real estate
   related  investments of the Account.  No acquisition  and mortgage  placement
   fees were paid in 1996, 1995 or 1994.

   The Account pays for all operational expenses incurred on its behalf. For the
   years  ended  December  31,  1996,  1995 and  1994,  IDS Life was  reimbursed
   $35,385, $56,102 and $51,223,  respectively,  for personnel-related  expenses
   incurred in the administration of the Account.

4. Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Venture Partnerships and
   Participation in Mortgage Loan

   Joint Venture Partnership - N/S Associates

   IDS Life, on behalf of the Account,  entered into a joint venture partnership
   called N/S Associates, which on April 4, 1988

<PAGE>

   acquired  interests in two enclosed  super  regional  shopping malls that are
   described below.

   The terms of N/S Associates'  partnership  agreement  provide that its annual
   net cash  flows  and net  sales or  refinancing  proceeds  generally  will be
   distributed  among all of the partners in  accordance  with their  respective
   percentage ownership interests in N/S Associates.

   The Account  contributed  approximately  $12,008,000 to N/S Associates as its
   capital  contribution.   The  percentage  interest  of  the  Account  in  N/S
   Associates is 5.92 percent.  In connection  with the purchase of the shopping
   malls,  the  Account  paid to IDS  Life  and  the  Investment  Adviser  their
   respective  portions  of  the  acquisition  fee  amounting  to  approximately
   $450,000.

   Summary of Real Estate Investments Made Through N/S Associates

   Milwaukee, Wisconsin - Northridge Mall

   The Account, through N/S Associates, owns an interest in an existing enclosed
   super regional shopping center in Milwaukee,  Wisconsin,  known as Northridge
   Mall.  The mall shops and four  adjacent  department  stores  comprising  the
   shopping center contain approximately 1,053,000 square feet of gross leasable
   area,  of  which  N/S  Associates  owns  approximately  399,000  square  feet
   consisting  of mall shops  (approximately  388,000  square  feet) and storage
   space  (approximately  11,000 square feet). The remaining 654,000 square feet
   of gross leasable area are occupied by four department stores, three of which
   own their own stores and a portion of the parking area. The fourth department
   store leases its space from an unaffiliated third party.

   N/S Associates acquired its interest in the shopping center in April 1988 for
   a purchase price of approximately $108,107,000, of which $89,653,000 was paid
   in cash at  closing,  subject  to the  existing  mortgage  loans  with a then
   outstanding  aggregate balance of approximately  $18,454,000.  In addition to
   the purchase price, a reserve of $8,900,000 was established, all of which had
   been  used to pay  for  certain  capital  improvements  made at the  shopping
   center. In February 1995, the two mortgage loans secured by the property were
   repaid with a portion of the proceeds from the  refinancing of the Southridge
   Mall mortgage loan.

   The  shopping  center is being  managed  by an  affiliate  of the  Investment
   Adviser under a management agreement. The affiliate of the Investment Adviser
   receives  an annual fee equal to 3.75  percent of the gross  receipts  of the
   property plus reimbursement of certain direct expenses in connection with the
   property management.

   Greendale, Wisconsin - Southridge Mall

   The Account, through N/S Associates, owns an interest in an existing enclosed
   super regional shopping center in Greendale,  Wisconsin,  known as Southridge
   Mall.  The mall shops and five  adjacent  department  stores  comprising  the
   shopping center

<PAGE>

   contain approximately  1,297,000 square feet of gross leasable area, of which
   N/S Associates owns  approximately  437,000 square feet,  including the space
   leased to one of the department  stores. The remaining 860,000 square feet of
   gross leasable area are occupied by four other  department  stores,  three of
   which own their own  stores  and a portion of the  parking  area.  The fourth
   department store leases its space from an unaffiliated third party.

   N/S  Associates  acquired its interest in the shopping  center for a purchase
   price of approximately $115,401,000, of which $96,865,000 was paid in cash at
   closing.  In  addition  to the  purchase  price,  a reserve of  approximately
   $7,250,000 was  established for capital  improvements,  all of which had been
   used to pay for certain capital  improvements made at the shopping center. In
   February  1995,  the mortgage  loan secured by the property was repaid with a
   portion of the proceeds from a new mortgage  loan in the principal  amount of
   $35,000,000.  The new mortgage loan has a term of seven years, bears interest
   at 8.35  percent per annum and  requires  monthly  payments of interest  only
   prior to  maturity.  Proceeds  from the new  mortgage  loan were also used to
   repay the two mortgage  loans secured by Northridge  Mall.  The remaining net
   proceeds  from the new loan  were  used to pay  approximately  $2,900,000  of
   tenant  improvement  and other  capital  costs  incurred for  Northridge  and
   Southridge Malls.

   The  shopping  center is being  managed  by an  affiliate  of the  Investment
   Adviser under a management agreement. The affiliate of the Investment Adviser
   receives  an annual fee equal to 3.75  percent of the gross  receipts  of the
   property plus reimbursement of certain direct expenses in connection with the
   property management.

   Joint Venture Partnership - Monmouth Associates

   IDS Life, on behalf of the Account,  entered into a joint venture partnership
   called Monmouth  Associates,  which on October 27, 1988 (i) acquired  certain
   land  underlying a super regional  shopping  center in Eatontown,  New Jersey
   known as Monmouth  Mall,  (ii)  leased the land to the owner of the  shopping
   center  pursuant  to a long-term  ground  lease,  and (iii)  executed a first
   leasehold  mortgage loan to the owner of the shopping  center  secured by the
   leasehold real estate and the  improvements  thereon as more fully  described
   below.  The  owner  of  the  shopping  center  (the   Borrower/Lessee)  is  a
   partnership whose partners are not affiliated with Monmouth Associates.

   The terms of Monmouth  Associates'  partnership  agreement  provide  that its
   annual net cash flows and net sales or refinancing proceeds generally will be
   distributed  among all of the partners in  accordance  with their  respective
   percentage  interests  in  Monmouth   Associates.   The  Account  contributed
   approximately  $10,000,000  to Monmouth  Associates  as its  initial  capital
   contribution.  The  Account  has made  additional  capital  contributions  of
   approximately  $685,000.  The percentage  interest of the Account in Monmouth
   Associates is 6.97 percent.

<PAGE>

   In  connection  with the  investment,  the  Account  paid to IDS Life and the
   Investment Adviser their respective  portions of the acquisition and mortgage
   placement fee amounting to approximately $375,000.

   Summary of Real Estate Investment Made Through Monmouth
   Associates

   Eatontown, New Jersey - Monmouth Mall

   The Account,  through Monmouth  Associates,  acquired an interest in the land
   underlying a shopping center in Eatontown, New Jersey known as Monmouth Mall.
   The mall is  located on  approximately  90 acres of land,  of which  Monmouth
   Associates owns approximately 88.5 acres, subject to the rights of one of the
   department  store  tenants to acquire the land  underlying  its store and the
   improvements thereon for nominal consideration. The remaining acres are owned
   by 2 department stores. Monmouth Associates acquired its interest in the land
   for a purchase price of approximately $13,000,000.

   Monmouth Associates entered into an agreement whereby the land underlying the
   mall is leased back to the  Borrower/Lessee  under a long-term  ground lease.
   The  long-term  ground  lease,  which  has a term of 75 years,  provides  for
   monthly base rent  aggregating  $1,170,000  annually with minimum payments of
   $650,000.  The  long-term  ground lease also  provides for  contingent  rent,
   payable  quarterly  out of the excess,  if any, of  substantially  all of the
   gross receipts from the shopping center received by the Borrower/Lessee  over
   certain  base  amounts,  equal to the sum of (x) a  specified  annual  amount
   (commencing  in the fourth lease year at $390,000 per annum and increasing in
   the sixth lease year to  $520,000  per  annum),  increased  until paid at the
   "applicable rate" of interest payable under the first leasehold mortgage loan
   described  below  (such  amount  as so  increased  herein  called  the  "rent
   shortfall  amount"),  plus (y) 15 percent of the balance of such excess gross
   receipts  remaining after deducting the aggregate amount paid at such time of
   the rent shortfall  amount under the long-term ground lease and the "interest
   shortfall amount" under the first leasehold mortgage loan as described below.

   In  addition,  Monmouth  Associates  made  a  first  leasehold  participating
   mortgage  loan  in the  original  principal  amount  of  $128,920,000  to the
   Borrower/Lessee  which  is  secured  by the  leasehold  real  estate  and the
   improvements thereon. The current loan amount is $127,670,000. The loan has a
   term of 15 years,  which may be  extended  from time to time at the option of
   Monmouth  Associates  for up to an  additional 20 years.  The loan  currently
   provides  for  monthly   payments  of  base   interest  at  a  base  rate  of
   approximately  5.00 percent per annum for each loan year. The first leasehold
   mortgage also provides for quarterly payments of contingent interest, payable
   out of the excess, if any, of substantially all of the gross receipts from

<PAGE>

   the  shopping  center  received  by the  Borrower/Lessee  over  certain  base
   amounts,  equal  to the sum of (x)  the  difference  between  the  amount  of
   interest payable on the loan at the "applicable rate" and that payable at the
   base rate described above,  increased until paid at the applicable rate (such
   amount as so increased herein called the "interest shortfall  amount"),  plus
   (y) 45 percent of the balance of such excess gross receipts  remaining  after
   deducting the aggregate amount paid at such time of the rent shortfall amount
   under the ground  lease and the  interest  shortfall  amount  under the first
   leasehold  mortgage loan. The  "applicable  rate" under the loan currently is
   8.97 percent per annum for each loan year.  In  addition,  upon a joint sale
   or  refinancing  of the  land  and  improvements  or at maturity of the
   leasehold  mortgage  loan,  Monmouth  Associates is entitled to receive 
   certain participations  in the proceeds from such sale or refinancing  after
   payment of its  investment  in the land and/or  repayment of the  principal
   amount of the leasehold mortgage loan. For financial reporting  purposes,  
   Monmouth Associates discontinued the accrual of contingent  interest on the 
   leasehold  mortgage loan in April  1992 as a result  of  uncertainty  as to 
   the  collectibility  of such contingent interest in light of the previous 
   decrease in the estimated value of Monmouth Mall. In addition, for financial
   reporting purposes, no contingent rent was accrued  under the ground lease
   for 1996,  1995 or 1994.  In 1995, Monmouth Associates wrote off the 
   receivable  balance of $3,576,000 primarily related to the accrued interest
   resulting from the difference between the accrual and pay rates ("contingent
   interest") recorded prior to 1992, due to the uncertainty as to the 
   collectibility of these amounts.

   Monmouth  Associates  is obligated to make  certain  additional  loans to the
   Borrower/Lessee under certain circumstances to finance the cost of 60 percent
   of tenant improvements or other ordinary capital  expenditures.  In addition,
   in May  1994,  Monmouth  Associates  made a loan  to  finance  the  cost of a
   renovation of the shopping  center,  which commenced during the third quarter
   of 1994.  The renovation  consists of, among other things,  the addition of a
   food court and  cinema  and the  re-merchandising  of  approximately  300,000
   square  feet of gross  leasable  area.  The  renovation  loan  from  Monmouth
   Associates bears interest at a fixed interest rate of 10.5 percent per annum.
   In addition,  Monmouth Associates' participation in certain levels of sale or
   refinancing  proceeds  from the  property  will be increased  until  Monmouth
   Associates  has  received  aggregate  payments  equal to an internal  rate of
   return of 11  percent  per annum on its  investments  in the land  and/or the
   first  leasehold  mortgage loan. The maximum amount of the renovation loan is
   $29,100,000,  and the cost of the  renovation  is  currently  estimated to be
   $27,800,000,   including  accrued  and  deferred  interest  of  approximately
   $1,300,000.   As  of  December  31,  1996,  Monmouth  Associates  had  funded
   approximately $24,615,000,  using its cash reserves, cash flow and additional
   capital  contributions  made pro rata based upon the respective  interests of
   the joint  venture  partners  in Monmouth  Associates.  The  renovation  loan
   requires monthly payments of interest only until

<PAGE>

   maturity when the entire principal amount and any accrued and unpaid interest
   will be due. The renovation loan will mature contemporaneously with the first
   leasehold mortgage loan in October 2003, subject to acceleration or extension
   of the loan by Monmouth Associates under certain circumstances.

   Joint Venture - 1225 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.

   Washington, D.C. - 1225 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.

   In May 1990,  IDS Life,  on behalf of the Account,  acquired an interest in a
   newly  formed  Delaware   corporation,   1225  Investment   Corporation  (the
   Corporation)  owned jointly with certain other persons  described  below. The
   Corporation acquired an office building located in Washington,  D.C. known as
   1225 Connecticut Avenue, N.W. (1225 Connecticut).

   The  office  building,  which  was  completed  in  1968,  is  an  eight-story
   reinforced concrete frame building containing 184,432 square feet of rentable
   office space,  18,498 square feet of rentable retail space, 6,416 square feet
   of below grade  storage space and 100,024  square feet of subsurface  parking
   space for over 300 automobiles.

   The  Corporation  has  elected to qualify as a real estate  investment  trust
   (REIT)  pursuant to sections 856 through 860 of the Internal  Revenue Code of
   1986,  as amended  (the Code).  For each  taxable  year that the  Corporation
   qualifies  as a REIT,  the  Corporation  in  general  will not be  subject to
   federal corporate income tax or the District of Columbia corporate  franchise
   tax on its regular taxable income and will not be taxed on long-term  capital
   gain  income to the extent its income is  distributed  as  dividends.  If the
   Corporation  were to fail to  qualify  as a REIT,  it would be taxed at rates
   applicable  to  a  corporation  on  its  taxable   income,   whether  or  not
   distributed.

   The Account  owns  approximately  16.3 percent of the  outstanding  shares of
   common stock of the Corporation.  Certain of the outstanding shares of common
   stock of the  Corporation  not owned by the Account are owned by an affiliate
   of the Investment Adviser.

   The  Corporation  purchased 1225  Connecticut  from the seller for a purchase
   price of  approximately  $54,125,000  (net of  prorations  and  miscellaneous
   closing  costs),  consisting of  $51,425,000  paid in cash and  assumption of
   approximately  $2,700,000  of  mortgage  indebtedness  then  encumbering  the
   property.  The  Corporation  paid  approximately  $2,130,000  for real estate
   brokerage  commissions  to an  independent  third party and  certain  closing
   costs.   The  Account   contributed   $9,000,000  for  its  interest  in  the
   Corporation.  The  Account  has  also  paid  acquisition  fees  amounting  to
   $337,500.

   In January 1994,  the  Corporation  refinanced its mortgage loan with a first
   mortgage loan in the principal amount of $7,000,000  bearing interest at 6.98
   percent per annum. The new loan

<PAGE>

   requires  monthly  payments of interest only  aggregating  $488,600 per annum
   until  maturity in February  2001 when the  principal  amount  together  with
   accrued interest will be due and payable.  Under certain  circumstances,  the
   principal  amount  of the loan may be  prepaid  in whole  (but not in  part),
   subject to a prepayment  premium.  Pursuant to the deed of trust securing the
   mortgage loan, the  Corporation is prohibited  from modifying Ernst & Young's
   primary lease or from  entering into certain other tenant leases  without the
   lender's  consent.  Prior to selling the property or encumbering the property
   with any  additional  debt,  the  Corporation  must obtain the consent of the
   lender,  which may be  arbitrarily  withheld.  However,  subject  to  certain
   restrictions,  the  Corporation has a one-time right to transfer title to the
   property together with an assumption of the mortgage loan.

   The  property  is being  managed  under an  agreement  pursuant  to which the
   manager is obligated to manage 1225 Connecticut,  collect all of the receipts
   from operations and, to the extent  available from such receipts,  pay all of
   the  expenses  of 1225  Connecticut.  The  manager is paid a fee equal to 2.5
   percent of the gross revenues of 1225  Connecticut,  plus  reimbursement  for
   certain  direct  expenses of the manager.  The property had  previously  been
   managed by JMB Properties Company, an affiliate of the Investment Adviser. In
   December 1994, JMB Properties Company sold substantially all of its assets to
   an  unaffiliated  third  party,  and  certain  management  personnel  of  JMB
   Properties  Company  became  management  personnel of the third  party.  As a
   result of the sale, the successor to JMB Properties  Company's  assets became
   the  property  manager of the 1225  Connecticut  office  building on the same
   terms that existed prior to the sale.

   1225  Connecticut  leases  approximately 80 percent of the available space of
   the property to one tenant under leases,  all with terms of 12 years. For the
   year ended  December  31,  1996,  such tenant  represented  approximately  77
   percent of total revenues.

   Pursuant to a lease currently in effect,  an unaffiliated  third party leases
   and operates the entire  parking  garage  (subject to certain  parking rights
   provided for tenants of the property) until November 1997. The lease provides
   for a fixed rent payment of $485,000 a year,  provided  that the lessee shall
   pay the  operating  expenses of the parking  garage and does not provide such
   lessee with an option to extend the term of the lease.

<PAGE>

   Unconsolidated Joint Ventures - Summary Information
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

   Summary  information  for the Account of its  investments  in  Unconsolidated
   Joint Ventures as of and for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 is as
   follows:

                                                       As of and for     As of and for
                                                       the year ended    the year ended
                                                       Dec. 31, 1996     Dec. 31, 1995


Account's investment in Unconsolidated
<S>                                                    <C>               <C>          
    Joint Ventures                                     $  23,384,605     $  24,150,472

Account's share of net investment income from
    Unconsolidated Joint Ventures                      $   2,167,460     $   1,924,741

Net depreciation in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures      $  (1,206,750)    $  (3,999,782)

Total net investment income of Unconsolidated
    Joint Ventures                                     $  27,455,000     $  20,070,000

Total assets of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures          $ 343,717,000     $ 346,343,000

Total liabilities of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures     $  52,691,000     $  54,722,000

</TABLE>

   Participation in Mortgage Loan - Riverpoint Associates

   Chicago, Illinois - Riverpoint Center

   In August  1989,  IDS Life,  on behalf of the  Account,  participated  in the
   initial  funding of a non-recourse  participation  first mortgage loan in the
   principal  amount of $26,000,000.  The Account's share of the initial funding
   was  $2,666,660 or 10.26 percent of this loan.  The remaining  portion of the
   loan was funded by affiliates of the Investment Adviser (herein,  the Account
   and said  affiliates  are  collectively  called  the  Lenders).  The Loan was
   secured by a first mortgage on a shopping  center known as Riverpoint  Center
   in Chicago,  Illinois.  The shopping  center was owned by a partnership  (the
   Borrower) whose general partners were not affiliated with any of the Lenders.
   In connection  with the loan,  the Account paid to the  Investment  Adviser a
   mortgage placement fee amounting to approximately  $108,000,  less $37,500 in
   loan origination fees paid to the Investment  Adviser by the Borrower,  for a
   net fee paid of approximately $70,500 paid by the Account.

   Additional  amounts  aggregating   approximately  $2,040,000  (of  which  the
   Account's share was approximately $209,000) had been funded since the Initial
   Funding.  The Borrower did not qualify for any additional  fundings above the
   $28,040,000  which had been funded to date,  and no additional  fundings were
   made by the Lenders.

   The ten-year loan required  periodic payments of interest only and bore basic
   interest at the rate of 8.84  percent per annum in the first loan year,  8.75
   percent per annum  during the second loan year,  increasing  0.50 percent per
   annum in the fourth and 0.25  percent per annum in the seventh loan year to a
   maximum

<PAGE>

   rate of 9.50  percent per annum,  payable  monthly in advance.  The loan also
   provided for additional annual simple accrual of interest at the rate of 2.00
   percent  per  annum  payable  upon  prepayment  or  maturity.  For  financial
   reporting  purposes,  commencing  in August of 1991,  the  Account  suspended
   recognition  of income  related to the  simple  accrual  interest  receivable
   (deferred until  maturity).The loan also provided for additional  interest in
   an amount  equal to a percentage  of annual gross income from the  underlying
   property (exclusive of tenant  reimbursement of expenses) in excess of a base
   amount and, on sale or repayment of the loan, an amount equal to a percentage
   of the subsequent  increase in the value of the underlying property in excess
   of a specified amount.  Such amounts of additional  interest payments made by
   the Borrower would have been used to offset,  on a  dollar-for-dollar  basis,
   the amount of accrued interest payable.  The loan was generally  non-recourse
   to the Borrower and its partners.

   The borrower had  notified  the Lenders  that it was  experiencing  financial
   difficulties and approached the Lenders regarding a loan modification. During
   the third  quarter  of 1996,  the  Lenders  and  Borrowers  finalized  a loan
   modification  whereby they reached an agreement to defer payment of a portion
   of the  scheduled  debt service from  September 15, 1995 to July 15, 1996. In
   conjunction with the loan modification agreement, the scheduled maturity date
   of the loan was accelerated to December 31, 1997. Finally, the Lenders agreed
   to accept at certain  dates  through  June 30, 1997  repayment of the loan at
   specified  amounts.  On December  24, 1996,  the borrower  repaid the lenders
   $27,400,000  (of which the Account's share was  approximately  $2,800,000) in
   full satisfaction of the loan as agreed upon.

   The shopping center,  completed in 1989, is located on approximately 17 acres
   and consists of approximately 200,800 square feet of gross leasable area.

5. Investments in Wholly-owned Real Estate Property

   Fairfax County, Virginia - West Springfield Terrace Apartments

   In August  1989,  IDS Life,  on behalf of the  Account,  acquired  a 244-unit
   garden apartment complex known as West Springfield Terrace Apartments,  which
   is located in Fairfax County, Virginia.

   The apartment complex,  which was completed in 1978,  consists of 17 separate
   three and four-story  buildings of wood frame with brick veneer  construction
   containing  52  one-bedroom   units,  22  one-bedroom  and  den  units,   118
   two-bedroom units, 22 two-bedroom and den units, and 30 three-bedroom  units.
   The  complex   contains  a  swimming  pool,   tennis  court,   clubhouse  and
   approximately 380 parking spaces.

   The Account paid  $15,222,278  for the apartment  complex in cash at closing,
   excluding closing costs and prorations. In connection with the acquisition of
   the property,  the Account paid a prepayment  charge at closing of $92,221 to
   the lender that held the mortgage loan on the property. The Account also paid
   to IDS Life and the Investment Adviser their respective

<PAGE>

   portions of the  acquisition  fee  amounting to $274,834.  At the time of the
   acquisition it was  anticipated  that an additional  amount of  approximately
   $1,450,000 would be used by the Account to pay the cost of upgrading kitchens
   and  bathrooms  and certain other  upgrades and capital  improvements  at the
   complex.  The  renovation  project  was  subsequently  increased  to  include
   replacing certain carpets in units as they were renovated and to increase the
   number of units that received certain  upgrades.  The renovation  project was
   completed during 1992 at an aggregate cost of approximately  $1,900,000.  The
   Account paid IDS Life and the Investment Adviser their respective portions of
   the  acquisition  fee amounting to $18,000 in connection  with the renovation
   project.

   In November 1989, the Account obtained a loan from an institutional lender in
   the  principal  amount  of  $8,000,000  secured  by a first  mortgage  on the
   property.  The loan was repaid in  September  1996 as a result of the sale of
   this  property,  as discussed  below.  The loan had a term of seven years and
   bore interest at a rate of 9.50 percent per annum.  The loan required monthly
   payments  of interest  only during the first three loan years and  thereafter
   was amortizable over a 27-year schedule through monthly payments of principal
   and interest  aggregating  $824,400 per annum until November  1996,  when the
   remaining  principal  balance and any accrued and unpaid interest was due and
   payable.

   On September 30, 1996 the Account sold land and related improvements known as
   the West  Springfield  Terrace  Apartments.  The purchaser was not affiliated
   with  the  Account  and  the  sale  price  was  determined  by   arm's-length
   negotiations.  The sale price for the land and  improvements  was $16,100,000
   (before deducting  selling costs) and was paid in cash at closing.  A portion
   of the net sale proceeds was utilized to retire the first  mortgage debt with
   an outstanding balance of $7,704,000.

   The  apartment  complex was being  managed for a fee equal to 5.00 percent of
   the gross revenues from the property,  plus  reimbursement  of certain direct
   expenses of the  manager.  The property  had  previously  been managed by JMB
   Properties  Company,  an  affiliate  of the  Investment  Adviser,  but  since
   December  1994 has been  managed on the same terms by an  unaffiliated  third
   party that purchased substantially all of JMB Properties Company's assets, as
   discussed in Note 4 in connection with the 1225 Connecticut office building.

6. Liquidity Arrangements with IDS Life

   The Account has experienced  substantial net contract  terminations  over the
   past several  years,  which have adversely  affected its liquidity.  In March
   1994,  the Account  obtained a short-term  revolving line of credit for up to
   $10  million  from  IDS  Life  to  pay  for  contract  surrenders  and  other
   obligations  under the  Contracts.  On June 2,  1995,  the line of credit was
   terminated and the Account repaid the  outstanding  balance under the line of
   credit with the proceeds from accumulation units purchased by IDS Life. As of
   December 31, 1996, IDS Life had cumulatively  contributed  $26,700,000 toward
   the purchase of accumulation units. IDS

<PAGE>

   Life  expects to continue to make  additional  payments  into the Account for
   accumulation units in order to maintain the Account and its liquidity.  As of
   December 31, 1996,  IDS Life's  portion of the  Contract  Owners'  Equity was
   $24,492,773, which represents 73% of total Contract Owners' Equity.

<PAGE>



                Independent Auditors' Report

The Board of Directors of IDS Life
Insurance Company and Contract
Owners of IDS Life Account RE:

We  have  audited  the  accompanying   combined  financial   statements  of  N/S
Associates, Monmouth Associates and 1225 Investment Corporation,  unconsolidated
joint  ventures of IDS Life  Account RE (Note 1), as listed in the  accompanying
index. These combined financial  statements are the  responsibility  of the
Investment  Adviser.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these 
combined  financial  statements based on our audits.

We  conducted  our  audits  in  accordance  with  generally   accepted  auditing
standards.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the combined financial statements are free of
material  misstatement.  An audit includes examining,  on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the combined financial statements.  An
audit also includes  assessing the accounting  principles  used and  significant
estimates  made by the  Investment  Adviser,  as well as evaluating  the overall
combined financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion,  the combined  financial  statements  referred to above  present
fairly,  in all  material  respects,  the  combined  financial  position  of N/S
Associates,  Monmouth Associates and 1225 Investment Corporation as of December
31, 1996 and 1995 and the results of their combined operations and combined cash
flows for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 1996, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.



                              KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP

Chicago, Illinois
March 21, 1997


<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                       IDS LIFE ACCOUNT RE
                  OF IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
N/S Associates, Monmouth Associates and 1225 Investment Corporation
      Unconsolidated Joint Ventures of IDS Life Account RE

                     Combined Balance Sheets

                    December 31, 1996 and 1995


                                      Assets

                                                                          1996            1995
                                                                     -------------   ---------
<S>                                                                   <C>             <C>         
Investments in real estate                                            $323,484,000    $328,270,000
Cash and cash equivalents (note 1)                                      14,603,000      12,908,000
Short-term investments                                                          --              --
Rents, interest, and other receivables                                   2,966,000       2,754,000
Other assets                                                             2,664,000       2,411,000
                                                                     -------------   -------------

                                                                      $343,717,000    $346,343,000


                      Liabilities and Partners' Capital Accounts

Mortgage notes payable (note 3)                                       $ 42,000,000    $ 42,000,000
Accounts payable and other accrued expenses                             10,691,000      12,722,000
                                                                      -------------   ------------

         Total liabilities                                              52,691,000      54,722,000
                                                                      -------------   ------------

Commitments and contingencies (notes 2 and 4)

Partners' capital accounts (notes 1 and 2): IDS Life Account RE:
  Capital contributions                                                 32,856,000      32,856,000
  Cumulative net investment income                                      15,951,000      13,783,000
  Cumulative share of net unrealized depreciation                      (12,915,000)    (11,708,000)
  Cumulative cash distributions                                        (12,507,000)    (10,781,000)
                                                                      -------------   -------------
                                                                        23,385,000      24,150,000

Venture partners:
  Capital contributions                                                379,954,000     379,954,000
  Cumulative net investment income                                     191,319,000     166,032,000
  Cumulative share of net unrealized depreciation                     (155,581,000)   (148,138,000)
  Cumulative cash distributions                                       (148,051,000)   (130,377,000)
                                                                      -------------   -------------
                                                                       267,641,000     267,471,000

         Total partners' capital accounts                              291,026,000     291,621,000
                                                                      -------------   ------------

                                                                      $343,717,000    $346,343,000



</TABLE>

                       See accompanying notes to combined financial statements.



<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                        IDS LIFE ACCOUNT RE
                   OF IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 N/S Associates, Monmouth Associates and 1225 Investment Corporation
        Unconsolidated Joint Ventures of IDS Life Account RE

                  Combined Statements of Operations

             Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994



                                                         1996             1995            1994
                                                    --------------   -------------   ---------

Investment income:
<S>                                                   <C>              <C>             <C>       
 Rental income                                        $38,715,000      38,008,000      41,706,000
 Interest                                               9,827,000       7,685,000       8,083,000
                                                     -------------   -------------   ------------

                                                       48,542,000      45,693,000      49,789,000
                                                     -------------   -------------   ------------

Investment expenses:
 Mortgage and other interest                            3,410,000       4,250,000       3,224,000
 Real estate taxes                                      6,639,000       7,401,000       8,106,000
 Property operating expenses                           10,908,000      13,789,000      10,657,000
 General and administrative                               130,000         183,000         320,000
                                                     -------------   -------------   ------------

                                                       21,087,000      25,623,000      22,307,000
                                                     -------------   -------------   ------------

    Net investment income                            $ 27,455,000      20,070,000      27,482,000
                                                     =============   =============   ============

Unrealized depreciation on investments
 in real estate (note 1)                             $ (8,650,000)    (65,938,000)    (34,437,000)
                                                     =============   =============   =============




</TABLE>

                       See accompanying notes to combined financial statements.

<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                       IDS LIFE ACCOUNT RE
                 OF IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
N/S Associates, Monmouth Associates and 1225 Investment Corporation
       Unconsolidated Joint Ventures of IDS Life Account RE

        Combined Statements of Partners' Capital Accounts

          Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994



                                                      Combined         IDS Life        Venture
                                                        Total         Account RE       Partners

<S>                                                  <C>               <C>           <C>        
Balance at December 31, 1993                         369,546,000       28,769,000    340,777,000

Net investment income                                 27,482,000        2,094,000     25,388,000
Net unrealized depreciation on investments
  in real estate                                     (34,437,000)      (2,361,000)   (32,076,000)
Cash distributions and dividends                     (17,432,000)      (1,457,000)   (15,975,000)
                                                    -------------      -----------   ------------

Balance at December 31, 1994                         345,159,000       27,045,000    318,114,000

Net investment income                                 20,070,000        1,925,000     18,145,000
Cash contributions                                     9,830,000          685,000      9,145,000
Net unrealized depreciation on investments
  in real estate                                     (65,938,000)      (4,000,000)   (61,938,000)
Cash distributions and dividends                     (17,500,000)      (1,505,000)   (15,995,000)
                                                    -------------      -----------   ------------

Balance at December 31, 1995                        $291,621,000       24,150,000    267,471,000
                                                    -------------      ----------    -----------

Net investment income                                 27,455,000        2,168,000     25,287,000
Net unrealized depreciation on investments
   in real estate                                     (8,650,000)      (1,207,000)    (7,443,000)
Cash distributions and dividends                     (19,400,000)      (1,726,000)   (17,674,000)
                                                    -------------      -----------   ------------

Balance at December 31, 1996                        $291,026,000       23,385,000    267,641,000
                                                    ============       ==========    ===========







</TABLE>


                       See accompanying notes to combined financial statements.



<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                      IDS LIFE ACCOUNT RE
                 OF IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
N/S Associates, Monmouth Associates and 1225 Investment Corporation
       Unconsolidated Joint Ventures of IDS Life Account RE

               Combined Statements of Cash Flows

          Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994





                                                         1996            1995            1994
                                                    -------------  --------------    --------

Cash flows from operating activities:
<S>                                                  <C>             <C>               <C>       
 Net investment income                               $ 27,455,000    $ 20,070,000      27,482,000
 Provision for uncollectible accrued interest                  --       3,576,000              --
 Adjustments to reconcile net investment
 income to net cash provided by operating
 activities represented by changes in:
  Rents, interest and other receivables                  (212,000)        135,000        (598,000)
  Other assets                                           (253,000)     (2,129,000)        222,000
  Accounts payable and accrued expenses                  (735,000)     (1,713,000)       (201,000)
                                                     -------------    ------------   -------------

     Net cash provided by operations                   26,255,000      19,939,000      26,905,000
                                                     -------------    ------------   ------------

Cash flows from investing activities:
  Net (purchases) sales of short-term investments              --       7,589,000       1,720,000
  Additions to investments in real estate, net of
  related accounts payable and accrued expenses        (5,160,000)    (16,748,000)    (14,834,000)
                                                     -------------    ------------   -------------

     Net cash provided by (used in)
      investing activities                             (5,160,000)     (9,159,000)    (13,114,000)
                                                     -------------    ------------   -------------

Cash flows from financing activities:
 Principal payments on mortgages payable                       --     (30,929,000)     (2,843,000)
 Cash distributions to partners                       (14,250,000)    (13,000,000)    (13,500,000)
 Cash contributions                                            --       9,830,000           --
 Proceeds from mortgage note payable                           --      35,000,000       7,000,000
 Cash dividends paid to shareholders                   (5,150,000)     (4,500,000)     (3,932,000)
                                                     -------------    ------------   -------------

     Net cash used in financing activities            (19,400,000)     (3,599,000)    (13,275,000)
                                                     -------------    ------------   -------------
     Net increase in cash and cash
       equivalents                                   $  1,695,000       7,181,000         516,000
     Cash and cash equivalents beginning
       of year                                         12,908,000       5,727,000       5,211,000
                                                     -------------    ------------   ------------
     Cash and cash equivalents end
       of year                                       $ 14,603,000      12,908,000       5,727,000
                                                     =============    ============   ============

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
 Cash paid for mortgage and other interest           $  3,412,000       3,759,000       3,201,000
                                                     =============    ============   ============
 Non-cash investing and financing activities:
  Unrealized depreciation on
    investments in real estate                       $ (8,650,000)    (65,938,000)    (34,437,000)
                                                     =============    ============   =============




</TABLE>

                       See accompanying notes to combined financial statements.





<PAGE>



                      IDS LIFE ACCOUNT RE
                 OF IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
N/S Associates, Monmouth Associates and 1225 Investment Corporation
       Unconsolidated Joint Ventures of IDS Life Account RE

              Notes to Combined Financial Statements

           Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994


(1)       Organization and Basis of Accounting

          The accompanying  combined financial statements have been prepared for
the purpose of complying  with Rule 3.09 of Regulation S-X of the Securities and
Exchange  Commission.  The combined financial statements include the accounts of
the  unconsolidated  joint  ventures  in which IDS Life  Account  RE of IDS Life
Insurance Company owns an equity interest. The unconsolidated joint ventures are
N/S Associates, Monmouth Associates and 1225 Investment Corporation.

          The accompanying  combined financial  statements have been prepared on
the market value accrual basis of accounting.

         The preparation of the combined financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted  accounting  principles requires Management to make estimates
and assumptions  that affect the reported  amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of  contingent  assets and  liabilities  at the date of the financial
statements  and the  reported  amounts  of  revenues  and  expenses  during  the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

          The ventures have implemented Statement of Accounting Standards No. 95
"Statement of Cash Flows" which  classifies  receipts and payments  according to
whether  they  stem from  operating,  investing  or  financing  activities.  The
ventures  records  amounts held in U.S.  Government  obligations at cost,  which
approximates market. For the purposes of these statements,  the ventures' policy
is to consider all such amounts held with original maturities of three months or
less ($12,084,000 and $2,200,000 at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively) as
cash equivalents with any remaining amounts reflected as short-term investments.

          Investments  in real  estate are stated at  estimated  fair  value.  A
description  of the  valuation  process  is  contained  in  Note 2 of  Notes  to
Financial  Statements  of the  Account.  Such  note is  incorporated  herein  by
reference.

         Market  values have been  estimated  by the  Investment  Adviser.  Such
market  values  involve  subjective  judgments and the actual values can only be
determined by negotiations with independent third parties.

          No provision  for State or Federal  income taxes has been made for N/S
Associates or Monmouth  Associates  as the liability for such taxes,  if any, is
expected  to be that of the  venture  partners  rather  than the  venture.  1225
Investment  Corporation has elected and qualifies to be treated as a real estate
investment trust for Federal income tax purposes. The Corporation had no Federal
income tax liabilities for taxable years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.


<PAGE>



                      IDS LIFE ACCOUNT RE
                 OF IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
N/S Associates, Monmouth Associates and 1225 Investment Corporation
      Unconsolidated Joint Ventures of IDS Life Account RE

       Notes to Combined Financial Statements - (Continued)


          Maintenance and repair expenses are charged to operations as incurred.
Significant   costs  of  physical   improvements  are  capitalized  as  part  of
investments in real estate.

          Fixed rental income is recorded when the obligation for the payment of
rent is incurred according to the terms of the lease agreements.

          Statement  of Financial  Accounting  Standards  No. 107 ("SFAS  107"),
"Disclosures  about Fair Value of Financial  Instruments",  requires entities to
disclose the SFAS 107 value of all financial assets and liabilities for which it
is practicable  to estimate.  Value is defined in the Statement as the amount at
which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing
parties,  other than in a forced or liquidation  sale. The ventures  believe the
carrying  amount of its assets and  liabilities  (excluding  current  portion of
long-term debt) approximates SFAS 107 value due to the relatively short maturity
of these  instruments.  There is no quoted market value available for any of the
ventures'  other  instruments.  Based upon estimates of current market rates for
debt with similar terms, the ventures  discounted the scheduled loan payments to
maturity.  Based upon this  calculation,  the ventures believe that the carrying
value of the mortgage  notes  payable  approximate  market value at December 31,
1996 and 1995.

(2)       Venture Agreements

     A description of the venture agreements are contained in Note 4 of Notes to
Financial  Statements of the Account for the year ended December 31, 1996.  Such
note is incorporated herein by reference.



<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                      IDS LIFE ACCOUNT RE
                 OF IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
N/S Associates, Monmouth Associates and 1225 Investment Corporation
      Unconsolidated Joint Ventures of IDS Life Account RE

       Notes to Combined Financial Statements - (Continued)

(3)       Mortgage Notes Payable

          (a)  Mortgage notes payable consist of the following at
December 31, 1996 and 1995:


                                                                          1996            1995
                                                                     -------------   ---------
8.35% mortgage note, secured by Southridge Mall; payable in
 monthly installments of $244,000 (interest only) until
<S>                   <C>          <C>                                  <C>            <C>       
 maturity on February 1, 2002 (see 3 (b) below)                         35,000,000     35,000,000

6.98% mortgage note, due February 1, 2001, secured by 1225
Connecticut Avenue; interest only, payable monthly                       7,000,000       7,000,000
                                                                       -----------    ------------

           Total mortgage notes payable                                $42,000,000      42,000,000
                                                                       ===========    ============

</TABLE>

      (b) Refinancing - Southridge

    On February 1, 1995, the Partnership  refinanced the existing  mortgage note
on Southridge  Mall in the amount of $35,000,000.  Proceeds,  net of transaction
costs,  were  used to  repay  the  existing  mortgage  notes at  Southridge  and
Northridge  Malls  (including  prepayment  penalties of $155,000  and  $240,000,
respectively).  The remaining  proceeds  which were reserved for future  leasing
costs, capital improvements and other related costs, have been expended.

    Five year maturities of mortgage notes payable are as follows:

        1997 . . . . . . . . . .            $        --
        1998 . . . . . . . . . .                     --
        1999 . . . . . . . . . .                     --
        2000 . . . . . . . . . .                     --
        2001 . . . . . . . . . .              7,000,000

(4)       Leases - As Property Lessor

          The venture has determined  that all leases relating to the two retail
properties and the office building are properly  classified as operating leases;
therefore,  rental income is reported when earned.  Leases with tenants range in
term from one to thirty-two years and provide for fixed minimum rent and partial
to full reimbursement of operating costs. In addition,  substantially all retail
leases  provide for  additional  rent based upon  percentage  of  tenants'  sale
volumes over certain specified amounts.


<PAGE>



                      IDS LIFE ACCOUNT RE
                 OF IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
N/S Associates, Monmouth Associates and 1225 Investment Corporation
      Unconsolidated Joint Ventures of IDS Life Account RE

       Notes to Combined Financial Statements - (Continued)

          Minimum  lease  payments to be received in the future  under the above
operating lease agreements, are as follows:
          1997 . . . . . . . . . .        $ 20,371,162
          1998 . . . . . . . . . .          18,498,130
          1999 . . . . . . . . . .          16,920,740
          2000 . . . . . . . . . .          15,213,911
          2001 . . . . . . . . . .          12,889,407
          Thereafter . . . . . . .          57,575,215
                                          ------------
                                          $141,468,565

         Contingent  rent (based on sales by property  tenants)  from the retail
investments included in rental income is $578,000,  $1,058,000 and $1,010,000 in
1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

         Monmouth   Associates  entered  into  an  agreement  whereby  the  land
underlying  the  Monmouth  shopping  center is leased  under a long-term  ground
lease.  The long-term ground lease,  which has a term of 75 years,  provides for
accrual of annual base rent of $1,170,000 with minimum  payments of $650,000 per
annum.

(5)      Related Party Transactions

         N/S  Associates  has entered  into a  management  agreement  with Urban
Retail  Properties  Company,  (the  "Retail  Manager").  The  Retail  Manager is
entitled to receive a fee of 3.75% of gross  receipts from the operations of the
Malls.  Management  fees earned by the Retail  Manager are  included in property
operating  expenses and aggregated  approximately  $1,132,000 and $1,174,000 for
the periods ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

         1225  Investment  Corporation  had entered into a management  agreement
with JMB Properties  Company.  During  December  1994,  JMB  Properties  Company
assigned the management  agreement to Heitman Washington D.C.  Properties,  Ltd.
("Office  Manager").  The Office Manager is entitled to receive a fee of 2.5% of
gross  receipts from the operations of the Property.  Management  fees earned by
the Office  Manager are included in property  operating  expenses and aggregated
approximately  $188,000 and  $175,000 for the years ended  December 31, 1996 and
1995, respectively.

<PAGE>

                      IDS LIFE ACCOUNT RE
                 OF IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
N/S Associates, Monmouth Associates and 1225 Investment Corporation
      Unconsolidated Joint Ventures of IDS Life Account RE

       Notes to Combined Financial Statements - (Continued)

(6)      Subsequent Events

         (a)  N/S Associates

              In February  1997, the  Investment  Adviser  authorized and paid a
              cash  distribution to the partners  aggregating  $2,500,000.  Each
              partner received its  proportionate  share based on its respective
              ownership percentage.

         (b)  1225 Investment Corporation

              In February 1997, 1225 Investment  Corporation  paid a dividend of
              $1,250,000  ($22.67 per share) to the shareholders of record as of
              December 31, 1996.

         (c)  Monmouth Associates

              In February  1997, the  Investment  Advisor  authorized and paid a
              cash  distribution to the partners  aggregating  $7,500,000.  Each
              partner received its  proportionate  share based on its respective
              ownership percentage.






<PAGE>

Report of Independent Auditors
 

The Board of Directors
IDS Life Insurance Company

We have  audited  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheets  of IDS  Life
Insurance  Company (a wholly  owned  subsidiary  of American  Express  Financial
Corporation)  as of  December  31, 1996 and 1995,  and the related  consolidated
statements of income,  stockholder's equity and cash flows for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 1996. These financial  statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We  conducted  our  audits  in  accordance  with  generally   accepted  auditing
standards.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes
assessing the  accounting  principles  used and  significant  estimates  made by
management,  as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion,  the financial  statements  referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the consolidated financial position of IDS Life Insurance
Company at  December  31,  1996 and 1995,  and the  consolidated  results of its
operations  and its cash flows for each of the three  years in the period  ended
December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

As discussed in Note 1 to the  consolidated  financial  statements,  the Company
changed  its method of  accounting  for certain  investments  in debt and equity
securities in 1994.



Ernst & Young LLP
February 7, 1997
Minneapolis, Minnesota



<PAGE>
IDS Life Financial Information


The financial  statements shown below are those of the insurance company and not
those of any other entity.  They are included in the  prospectus for the purpose
of informing the investor as to the financial condition of the insurance company
and its ability to carry out its obligations under its variable contracts.


                           IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS


                                                        Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,
ASSETS                                                    1996           1995
- ------                                                    ----        ---------
                                                             (thousands)

Investments:
Fixed maturities:
Held to maturity, at amortized cost (Fair value:
1996, $10,521,650; 1995, $11,878,377) ..............   $10,236,379   $11,257,591
Available for sale, at fair value (Amortized cost:
1996, $11,008,622; 1995, $10,146,136) ..............    11,146,845    10,516,212
Mortgage loans on real estate ......................     3,493,364     2,945,495
Policy loans .......................................       459,902       424,019
Other investments ..................................       251,465       146,894

Total investments ..................................    25,587,955    25,290,211

Cash and cash equivalents ..........................       224,603        72,147
Amounts recoverable from reinsurers ................       157,722       114,387
Amounts due from brokers ...........................        11,047            --
Other accounts receivable ..........................        44,089        39,108
Accrued investment income ..........................       343,313       348,008
Deferred policy acquisition costs ..................     2,330,805     2,025,725
Deferred income taxes ..............................        33,923            --
Other assets .......................................        37,364        36,410
Separate account assets ............................    18,535,160    14,974,082

Total assets .......................................   $47,305,981   $42,900,078
                                                       ===========   ===========

<PAGE>

                           IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                     CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued)


                                                       Dec. 31,        Dec. 31
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY                    1996             1995
- ------------------------------------                    ----             ----
                                                             (thousands)


Liabilities:
Future policy benefits:
Fixed annuities ....................................   $21,838,008   $21,404,836
Universal life-type insurance ......................     3,177,149     3,076,847
Traditional life insurance .........................       209,685       209,249
Disability income and long-term care insurance .....       424,200       327,157

Policy claims and other
policyholders' funds ...............................        83,634        56,323
Deferred income taxes ..............................          --         112,904
Amounts due to brokers .............................       261,987       121,618
Other liabilities ..................................       332,078       285,354
Separate account liabilities .......................    18,535,160    14,974,082

Total liabilities ..................................    44,861,901    40,568,370

Stockholder's equity:
Capital stock, $30 par value per share;
100,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding ..         3,000         3,000
Additional paid-in capital .........................       283,615       278,814
Net unrealized gain on investments .................        86,102       230,129
Retained earnings ..................................     2,071,363     1,819,765

Total stockholder's equity .........................     2,444,080     2,331,708

Total liabilities and stockholder's equity .........   $47,305,981   $42,900,078
                                                       ===========   ===========

Commitments and contingencies (Note 6)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

<PAGE>

                                              IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                                           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                   Years ended Dec. 31,
                                                       1996               1995                1994
                                                       ----               ----                ----
                                                                      (thousands)
<S>                                               <C>                 <C>                 <C>
Revenues:
Premiums:
Traditional life insurance                        $    51,403         $   50,193          $   48,184
Disability income and long-term care insurance        131,518            111,337              96,456

Total premiums                                        182,921            161,530             144,640

Policyholder and contractholder charges               302,999            256,454             219,936
Management and other fees                             271,342            215,581             164,169
Net investment income                               1,965,362          1,907,309           1,781,873
Net realized loss on investments                         (159)            (4,898)             (4,282)

Total revenues                                      2,722,465          2,535,976           2,306,336

Benefits and expenses:
Death and other benefits:
Traditional life insurance                             26,919             29,528              28,263
Universal life-type insurance
and investment contracts                               85,017             71,691              52,027
Disability income and
long-term care insurance                               19,185             16,259              13,393

Increase (decrease) in liabilities for future policy benefits:
Traditional life insurance                              1,859             (1,315)             (3,229)
Disability income and
long-term care insurance                               57,230             51,279              37,912

Interest credited on universal life-type
insurance and investment contracts                  1,370,468          1,315,989           1,174,985
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs     278,605            280,121             280,372
Other insurance and operating expenses                261,468            211,642             210,101

Total benefits and expenses                         2,100,751          1,975,194           1,793,824

Income before income taxes                            621,714            560,782             512,512

Income taxes                                         207,138            195,842             176,343

Net income                                         $  414,576         $  364,940          $  336,169
                                                   ==========         ==========          ==========
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                                  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
                                             Three years ended Dec. 31, 1996
                                                       (thousands)

                                                            Additional    Net Unrealized
                                              Capital           Paid-In     Gain (Loss) on     Retained
                                               Stock            Capital       Investments      Earnings            Total
                                               -----            -------       -----------      --------            -----
<S>                                           <C>            <C>           <C>               <C>              <C>
Balance, Dec. 31, 1993                         $3,000         $ 222,000     $      114        $1,468,230       $1,693,344
Initial adoption of SFAS No. 115                   --                --        181,269                --          181,269
Net income                                         --                --             --           336,169          336,169
Change in net unrealized
gain (loss) on  investments                        --                --       (457,091)               --         (457,091)
Cash dividends                                     --                --             --          (165,000)        (165,000)

Balance, Dec. 31, 1994                          3,000           222,000       (275,708)        1,639,399        1,588,691
Net income                                         --                --             --           364,940          364,940
Change in net unrealized
gain (loss) on investments                         --                --        505,837                --          505,837
Capital contribution from parent                   --            56,814             --                --           56,814
Loss on reinsurance transaction
with affiliate                                     --                --             --            (4,574)          (4,574)
Cash dividends                                     --                --             --          (180,000)        (180,000)

Balance, Dec. 31, 1995                          3,000           278,814        230,129         1,819,765        2,331,708
Net income                                         --                --             --           414,576          414,576
Change in net unrealized
gain (loss) on investments                         --                --       (144,027)               --         (144,027)
Capital contribution from parent                   --             4,801             --                --            4,801
Other changes                                      --                --             --             2,022            2,022
Cash dividends                                     --                --             --          (165,000)        (165,000)

Balance, Dec. 31, 1996                         $3,000          $283,615       $ 86,102        $2,071,363       $2,444,080
                                                =====           =======         ======          ========         ========
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                                              CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

                                                                       Years ended Dec. 31,
                                                            1996               1995                1994
                                                            ----               ----                ----
                                                                            (thousands)
<S>                                                      <C>                <C>                 <C>      
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income                                               $ 414,576          $ 364,940           $ 336,169
Adjustments to reconcile net income to
net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Policy loan issuance, excluding universal
life-type insurance                                        (49,314)           (46,011)            (37,110)
Policy loan repayment, excluding universal
life-type insurance                                         41,179             36,416              33,384
Change in amounts recoverable from reinsurers              (43,335)           (34,083)            (25,006)
Change in other accounts receivable                         (4,981)            12,231             (28,551)
Change in accrued investment income                          4,695            (30,498)            (10,333)
Change in deferred policy acquisition
costs, net                                                (294,755)          (196,963)           (192,768)
Change in liabilities for future policy
benefits for traditional life,
disability income and
long-term care insurance                                    97,479             85,575              55,354
Change in policy claims and other
policyholders' funds                                        27,311              6,255               5,552
Change in deferred income taxes                            (65,609)           (33,810)            (19,176)
Change in other liabilities                                 46,724             (6,548)               (122)
(Accretion of discount)
amortization of premium, net                               (23,032)           (22,528)             30,921
Net realized loss on investments                               159              4,898               4,282
Policyholder and contractholder
charges, non-cash                                         (154,286)          (140,506)           (126,918)
Other, net                                                 (10,816)             3,849              (8,709)

Net cash (used in) provided by operating
activities                                               $ (14,005)         $   3,217           $  16,969
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                                    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued)


                                                                         Years ended Dec. 31,
                                                            1996               1995                1994
                                                                            (thousands)
<S>                                                   <C>                <C>                   <C>
Cash flows from investing activities:
Fixed maturities held to maturity:
Purchases                                             $    (43,751)      $ (1,007,208)         $ (879,740)
Maturities, sinking fund payments and calls                759,248            538,219           1,651,762
Sales                                                      279,506            332,154              58,001
Fixed maturities available for sale:
Purchases                                               (2,299,198)        (2,452,181)         (2,763,278)
Maturities, sinking fund payments and calls              1,270,240            861,545           1,234,401
Sales                                                      238,905            136,825             374,564
Other investments, excluding policy loans:
Purchases                                                 (904,536)          (823,131)           (634,807)
Sales                                                      236,912            160,521             243,862
Change in amounts due from brokers                         (11,047)             7,933              (2,214)
Change in amounts due to brokers                           140,369           (105,119)           (124,749)

Net cash used in investing activities                     (333,352)        (2,350,442)           (842,198)

Cash flows from financing activities:
Activity related to universal life-type insurance
and investment contracts:
Considerations received                                  3,567,586          4,189,525           3,566,814
Surrenders and death benefits                           (4,250,294)        (3,141,404)         (3,602,392)
Interest credited to account balances                    1,370,468          1,315,989           1,174,985
Universal life-type insurance policy loans:
Issuance                                                   (86,501)           (84,700)            (78,239)
Repayment                                                   58,753             52,188              50,554
Capital contribution from parent                             4,801                 --                  --
Cash dividends to parent                                  (165,000)          (180,000)           (165,000)

Net cash provided by financing activities                  499,813          2,151,598             946,722

Net increase (decrease) in cash and
cash equivalents                                           152,456           (195,627)            121,493

Cash and cash equivalents at
beginning of year                                           72,147            267,774             146,281

Cash and cash equivalents at
end of year                                          $     224,603        $    72,147         $   267,774
                                                         =========           ========            ========
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

<PAGE>


                           IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                  ($ thousands)

1. Summary of significant accounting policies

   Nature of business

   IDS Life Insurance  Company (the Company) is a stock life  insurance  company
   organized  under the laws of the State of Minnesota.  The Company is a wholly
   owned subsidiary of American Express Financial Corporation, which is a wholly
   owned subsidiary of American Express Company. The Company serves residents of
   all  states  except  New York.  IDS Life  Insurance  Company of New York is a
   wholly owned  subsidiary of the Company and serves New York State  residents.
   The Company also wholly owns  American  Enterprise  Life  Insurance  Company,
   American  Centurion Life Assurance Company (ACLAC) and American Partners Life
   Insurance Company.

   The Company's  principal  products are deferred  annuities and universal life
   insurance,  which are  issued  primarily  to  individuals.  It offers  single
   premium and flexible premium deferred  annuities on both a fixed and variable
   dollar  basis.  Immediate  annuities  are  offered  as  well.  The  Company's
   insurance  products include universal life (fixed and variable),  whole life,
   single  premium  life and term  products  (including  waiver of  premium  and
   accidental death benefits).  The Company also markets  disability  income and
   long-term care insurance.

   Basis of presentation

   The accompanying  consolidated  financial  statements include the accounts of
   the Company and its wholly  owned  subsidiaries.  All  material  intercompany
   accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

   The  accompanying  consolidated  financial  statements  have been prepared in
   conformity  with  generally  accepted  accounting  principles  which  vary in
   certain  respects from reporting  practices  prescribed or permitted by state
   insurance regulatory authorities.

   The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
   accounting  principles  requires management to make estimates and assumptions
   that affect the reported  amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
   contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
   the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
   Actual results could differ from those estimates.

   Investments

   Fixed  maturities  that the  Company  has both the  positive  intent  and the
   ability to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity and carried at
   amortized  cost.  All  other  fixed  maturities  and  all  marketable  equity
   securities  are  classified  as available for sale and carried at fair value.
   Unrealized  gains and losses on  securities  classified as available for sale
   are carried as a separate component of stockholder's  equity, net of deferred
   taxes.

   Realized investment gain or loss is determined on an identified cost basis.

   Prepayments  are  anticipated  on  certain   investments  in  mortgage-backed
   securities  in  determining  the constant  effective  yield used to recognize
   interest income.  Prepayment estimates are based on information received from
   brokers who deal in mortgage-backed securities.

   Mortgage loans on real estate are carried at amortized cost less reserves for
   mortgage  loan losses.  The  estimated  fair value of the  mortgage  loans is
   determined by a discounted  cash flow analysis using mortgage  interest rates
   currently offered for mortgages of similar maturities.

   Impairment of mortgage loans is measured as the excess of the loan's recorded
   investment over its present value of expected principal and interest payments
   discounted  at the  loan's  effective  interest  rate,  or the fair  value of
   collateral.  The  amount of the  impairment  is  recorded  in a  reserve  for
   mortgage loan losses.  The reserve for mortgage loans losses is maintained at
   a level that management  believes is adequate to absorb  estimated  losses in
   the  portfolio.  The level of the  reserve  account  is  determined  based on
   several factors,  including historical experience,  expected future principal
   and  interest  payments,   estimated   collateral  values,  and  current  and
   anticipated economic and political conditions. Management regularly evaluates
   the adequacy of the reserve for mortgage loan losses.

   The Company  generally  stops  accruing  interest on mortgage loans for which
   interest   payments  are  delinquent   more  than  three  months.   Based  on
   management's  judgement  as to  the  ultimate  collectibility  of  principal,
   interest  payments received are either recognized as income or applied to the
   recorded investment in the loan.

   The cost of interest rate caps and floors is amortized to  investment  income
   over the life of the  contracts  and  payments  received as a result of these
   agreements  are recorded as investment  income when  realized.  The amortized
   cost of  interest  rate caps and  floors is  included  in other  investments.
   Amounts paid or received under  interest rate swap  agreements are recognized
   as an adjustment to investment income.

   Policy loans are carried at the aggregate of the unpaid loan  balances  which
   do not exceed the cash surrender values of the related policies.

   When  evidence  indicates a decline,  which is other than  temporary,  in the
   underlying value or earning power of individual investments, such investments
   are written down to the fair value by a charge to income.

   Statements of cash flows

   The  Company  considers  investments  with a  maturity  at the  date of their
   acquisition of three months or less to be cash equivalents.  These securities
   are carried principally at amortized cost which approximates fair value.

   Supplementary information to the consolidated statements of cash flows
   for the years ended Dec. 31 is summarized as follows:

                                         1996         1995          1994
                                      ---------      --------      -----
     Cash paid during the year for:
       Income taxes                    $317,283     $191,011     $226,365
       Interest on borrowings             4,119        5,524        1,553

   Recognition of profits on annuity contracts and insurance policies

   Profits on fixed  deferred  annuities are  recognized by the Company over the
   lives  of  the  contracts,  using  primarily  the  interest  method.  Profits
   represent the excess of investment  income earned from investment of contract
   considerations over interest credited to contract owners and other expenses.

   The  retrospective  deposit  method  is  used  in  accounting  for  universal
   life-type  insurance.  This method  recognizes  profits over the lives of the
   policies  in  proportion  to  the  estimated  gross  profits  expected  to be
   realized.

   Premiums on traditional life,  disability income and long-term care insurance
   policies  are  recognized  as revenue  when due,  and  related  benefits  and
   expenses  are  associated  with  premium  revenue in a manner that results in
   recognition  of  profits  over the  lives  of the  insurance  policies.  This
   association  is  accomplished  by means of the  provision  for future  policy
   benefits and the deferral and subsequent  amortization of policy  acquisition
   costs.

   Policyholder and contractholder charges include the monthly cost of insurance
   charges and issue and  administrative  fees.  These  charges also include the
   minimum  death  benefit  guarantee  fees  received  from  the  variable  life
   insurance  separate  accounts.  Management and other fees include  investment
   management fees and mortality and expense risk fees from the variable annuity
   and variable life insurance separate accounts and underlying funds.

   Deferred policy acquisition costs

   The costs of acquiring new business,  principally sales compensation,  policy
   issue costs,  underwriting and certain sales expenses,  have been deferred on
   insurance  and annuity  contracts.  The deferred  acquisition  costs for most
   single premium deferred annuities and installment  annuities are amortized in
   relation  to  surrender  charge  revenue  and a  portion  of  the  excess  of
   investment income earned from investment of the contract  considerations over
   the interest credited to contract owners.  The costs for universal  life-type
   insurance and certain installment  annuities are amortized as a percentage of
   the  estimated  gross profits  expected to be realized on the  policies.  For
   traditional life,  disability  income and long-term care insurance  policies,
   the costs are amortized over an  appropriate  period in proportion to premium
   revenue.

   Liabilities for future policy benefits

   Liabilities  for  universal  life-type  insurance,  single  premium  deferred
   annuities and installment annuities are accumulation values.

   Liabilities  for  fixed  annuities  in a  benefit  status  are  based  on the
   Progressive  Annuity  Table with interest at 5 percent,  the 1971  Individual
   Annuity Table with interest at 7 percent or 8.25 percent,  or the 1983a Table
   with  various  interest  rates  ranging  from  5.5  percent  to 9.5  percent,
   depending on year of issue.

   Liabilities  for future  benefits on traditional  life insurance are based on
   the net level  premium  method and  anticipated  rates of  mortality,  policy
   persistency  and interest  earnings.  Anticipated  mortality  rates generally
   approximate the 1955-1960 Select and Ultimate Basic Table for policies issued
   prior to 1980,  the  1965-1970  Select and Ultimate  Basic Table for policies
   issued from  1981-1984 and the 1975-1980  Select and Ultimate Basic Table for
   policies  issued after 1984.  Anticipated  policy  persistency  rates vary by
   policy form,  issue age and policy  duration with  persistency  on cash value
   plans generally  anticipated to be better than  persistency on term insurance
   plans.  Anticipated  interest  rates are 4% for policies  issued before 1974,
   5.25% for policies issued from 1974-1980,  and range from 10% to 6% depending
   on policy form,  issue year and policy  duration  for  policies  issued after
   1980.

   Liabilities for future  disability income policy benefits include both policy
   reserves  and  claim  reserves.  Policy  reserves  are based on the net level
   premium  method  and  anticipated  rates  of  morbidity,   mortality,  policy
   persistency and interest earnings.  Anticipated  morbidity rates are based on
   the 1964  Commissioners  Disability Table for policies issued before 1996 and
   the 1985 CIDA table for policies issued in 1996.  Anticipated mortality rates
   are based on the 1958  Commissioners  Standard  Ordinary  Table for  policies
   issued before 1996 and the 1975-1980 Basic Table for policies issued in 1996.
   Anticipated policy  persistency rates vary by policy form,  occupation class,
   issue age and policy duration. Anticipated interest rates are 3% for policies
   issued  before  1996 and grade from 7.5% to 5% over five  years for  policies
   issued in 1996.  Claim  reserves are  calculated on the basis of  anticipated
   rates  of  claim  continuance  and  interest   earnings.   Anticipated  claim
   continuance  rates are based on the 1964  Commissioners  Disability Table for
   claims incurred before 1993 and the 1985 CIDA Table for claims incurred after
   1992. Anticipated interest rates are 8% for claims incurred prior to 1992, 7%
   for claims incurred in 1992 and 6% for claims incurred after 1992.

   Liabilities  for future  long-term care policy  benefits  include both policy
   reserves  and  claim  reserves.  Policy  reserves  are based on the net level
   premium  method  and  anticipated  rates  of  morbidity,   mortality,  policy
   persistency and interest earnings.  Anticipated  morbidity rates are based on
   the 1985 National Nursing Home Survey.  Anticipated mortality rates are based
   on the 1983a Table. Anticipated policy persistency rates vary by policy form,
   issue age and policy duration. Anticipated interest rates are 9.5% grading to
   7% over 10 years for policies  issued from  1989-1992 and 7.75% grading to 7%
   over 4 years for policies issued after 1992. Claim reserves are calculated on
   the basis of anticipated  rates of claim  continuance and interest  earnings.
   Anticipated  claim  continuance  rates are based on the 1985 National Nursing
   Home Survey.  Anticipated  interest rates are 8% for claims incurred prior to
   1992, 7% claims incurred in 1992 and 6% for claims incurred after 1992.

   Reinsurance

   The maximum  amount of life insurance risk retained by the Company on any one
   life is $750 of life and waiver of premium  benefits  plus $50 of  accidental
   death benefits.  The maximum amount of disability income risk retained by the
   Company on any one life is $6 of monthly  benefit for benefit  periods longer
   than three  years.  The  excesses  are  reinsured  with other life  insurance
   companies on a yearly  renewable  term basis.  Graded  premium whole life and
   long-term care policies are primarily reinsured on a coinsurance basis.

   Federal income taxes

   The Company's  taxable income is included in the consolidated  federal income
   tax return of American Express Company. The Company provides for income taxes
   on a separate return basis,  except that, under an agreement between American
   Express  Financial  Corporation and American Express Company,  tax benefit is
   recognized for losses to the extent they can be used on the  consolidated tax
   return.  It is the  policy  of  American  Express  Financial  Corporation  to
   reimburse subsidiaries for all tax benefits.

   Included  in other  liabilities  at Dec.  31,  1996 and 1995 are  $33,358 and
   ($13,415),  respectively,   receivable  from/(payable  to)  American  Express
   Financial Corporation for federal income taxes.

   Separate account business

   The separate  account  assets and  liabilities  represent  funds held for the
   exclusive  benefit  of the  variable  annuity  and  variable  life  insurance
   contract owners.

   The Company makes  contractual  mortality  assurances to the variable annuity
   contract  owners  that the net assets of the  separate  accounts  will not be
   affected by future variations in the actual life expectancy experience of the
   annuitants and the beneficiaries from the mortality  assumptions  implicit in
   the annuity  contracts.  The Company  makes  periodic  fund  transfers to, or
   withdrawals  from, the separate  accounts for such actuarial  adjustments for
   variable  annuities that are in the benefit payment period. For variable life
   insurance,  the Company  guarantees that the rates at which insurance charges
   and  administrative  fees are deducted  from  contract  funds will not exceed
   contractual maximums. The Company also guarantees that the death benefit will
   continue payable at the initial level regardless of investment performance so
   long as minimum premium payments are made.

   Accounting changes

   The Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board's (FASB) Statement  of  Financial
   Accounting  Standards (SFAS)  No. 121,  "Accounting  for  the  Impairment  of
   Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of," was effective
   Jan. 1, 1996.  The new rule did not have a material  impact on the  Company's
   results of operations or financial condition.  The Company adopted SFAS No.
   115, "Accounting for Certain  Investments in Debt and Equity Securities." The
   effect of  adopting the  new rule was to  increase  stockholder's  equity by
   $181,269,  net of tax, as of Jan. 1, 1994,  but the adoption had no impact on
   the Company's net income.

   Reclassification

   Certain 1995 and 1994 amounts have been  reclassified  to conform to the 1996
   presentation.

2. Investments

   Fair values of investments in fixed maturities represent quoted market prices
   and estimated  values when quoted prices are not available.  Estimated values
   are  determined  by  established  procedures  involving,  among other things,
   review of market  indices,  price levels of current  offerings of  comparable
   issues,  price  estimates  and  market  data  from  independent  brokers  and
   financial files.

   Net realized gain (loss) on investments for the years ended Dec. 31 is
   summarized as follows:

                                          1996           1995            1994
                                       --------        --------        --------

   Fixed maturities ............       $  8,736        $  9,973        $ (1,575)
   Mortgage loans ..............         (8,745)        (13,259)         (3,013)
   Other investments ...........           (150)         (1,612)            306
                                       --------        --------        --------
                                       $   (159)       $ (4,898)       $ (4,282)
                                       ========        ========        ========

   <PAGE>
   Changes in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments for the
   years ended Dec. 31 are summarized as follows:

                                         1996          1995            1994
                                     ----------    ------------     -----------
   Fixed maturities:
      Held to maturity .......     $  (335,515)     $ 1,195,847     $(1,329,740)
      Available for sale .....        (231,853)         811,649        (720,449)
   Equity securities .........             (52)           3,118          (2,917)

   The  amortized  cost,  gross  unrealized  gains and losses and fair values of
   investments in fixed maturities and equity securities at Dec. 31, 1996 are as
   follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    Gross       Gross
                                        Amortized  Unrealized  Unrealized   Fair
   Held to maturity                         Cost      Gains     Losses      Value
   ----------------                         ----      -----     ------      -----
<S>                                      <C>         <C>      <C>          <C>
   U.S. Government agency obligations    $ 44,002    $   933  $  1,276     $ 43,659
   State and municipal obligations          9,685        412        --       10,097
   Corporate bonds and obligations      8,057,997    356,687    47,639    8,367,045
   Mortgage-backed securities           2,124,695     21,577    45,423    2,100,849
                                     ------------  ---------   ------- ------------
                                      $10,236,379   $379,609   $94,338  $10,521,650
                                      ===========   ========   =======  ===========

                                                      Gross       Gross
                                       Amortized  Unrealized  Unrealized       Fair
   Available for sale                       Cost      Gains      Losses        Value
   ------------------                       ----      -----      ------        -----
   U.S. Government agency obligations $    77,944   $  2,607   $     96  $    80,455
   State and municipal obligations         11,032      1,336         --       12,368
   Corporate bonds and obligations      3,701,604    122,559     24,788    3,799,375
   Mortgage-backed securities           7,218,042    104,808     68,203    7,254,647
                                       ----------   --------     ------  -----------
   Total fixed maturities              11,008,622    231,310     93,087   11,146,845
   Equity securities                        3,000        308         --        3,308
                                      -----------   --------    -------  -----------
                                      $11,011,622   $231,618    $93,087  $11,150,153
                                      ===========   ========    =======  ===========
</TABLE>

   The  amortized  cost,  gross  unrealized  gains and losses and fair values of
   investments in fixed maturities and equity securities at Dec. 31, 1995 are as
   follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                       Gross         Gross
                                          Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized     Fair
   Held to maturity                           Cost      Gains       Losses        Value

<S>                                     <C>           <C>          <C>       <C>
   U.S. Government agency obligations   $    64,523   $  3,919     $    --   $    68,442
   State and municipal obligations           11,936        362          32        12,266
   Corporate bonds and obligations        8,921,431    620,327      36,786     9,504,972
   Mortgage-backed securities             2,259,701     42,684       9,688     2,292,697
                                        -----------  ---------     -------   -----------
                                        $11,257,591   $667,292     $46,506   $11,878,377
                                        ===========   ========     =======   ===========

                                                        Gross        Gross
                                          Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized     Fair
   Available for sale                        Cost       Gains       Losses        Value

   U.S. Government agency obligations   $    84,082  $   3,248    $     50   $    87,280
   State and municipal obligations           11,020      1,476          --        12,496
   Corporate bonds and obligations        2,514,308    186,596       3,451     2,697,453
   Mortgage-backed securities             7,536,726    206,288      24,031     7,718,983
                                         ----------   --------     -------    ----------
   Total fixed maturities                10,146,136    397,608      27,532    10,516,212
   Equity securities                          3,156        361          --         3,517
                                         ----------   --------     -------    ----------
                                        $10,149,292   $397,969     $27,532   $10,519,729
                                        ===========   ========     =======   ===========
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
   The amortized cost and fair value of investments in fixed  maturities at Dec.
   31, 1996 by contractual  maturity are shown below.  Expected  maturities will
   differ from contractual  maturities  because  borrowers may have the right to
   call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

                                           Amortized             Fair
   Held to maturity                           Cost               Value

   Due in one year or less               $    197,711       $    200,134
   Due from one to five years               2,183,374          2,294,335
   Due from five to ten years               4,606,775          4,779,690
   Due in more than ten years               1,123,824          1,146,642
   Mortgage-backed securities               2,124,695          2,100,849
                                         ------------       ------------
                                          $10,236,379        $10,521,650

                                            Amortized             Fair
   Available for sale                         Cost                Value

   Due in one year or less               $    227,051       $    229,650
   Due from one to five years                 851,428            899,098
   Due from five to ten years               2,140,579          2,182,079
   Due in more than ten years                 571,522            581,371
   Mortgage-backed securities               7,218,042          7,254,647
                                         ------------       ------------
                                          $11,008,622        $11,146,845

   During  the years  ended  Dec.  31,  1996,  1995 and 1994,  fixed  maturities
   classified  as held to maturity  were sold with  amortized  cost of $277,527,
   $333,508 and $61,290,  respectively. Net gains and losses on these sales were
   not  significant.  The sale of these fixed  maturities was due to significant
   deterioration in the issuers' creditworthiness.

   As a result of adopting the FASB Special Report,  "A Guide to  Implementation
   of Statement 115 on  Accounting  for Certain  Investments  in Debt and Equity
   Securities," the Company reclassified securities with a book value of $91,760
   and net unrealized  gains of $881 from held to maturity to available for sale
   in December 1995.

   In addition,  fixed maturities  available for sale were sold during 1996 with
   proceeds of $238,905 and gross realized gains and losses of $571 and $16,084,
   respectively.  Fixed maturities available for sale were sold during 1995 with
   proceeds of $136,825 and gross  realized gains and losses of $nil and $5,781,
   respectively.  Fixed maturities available for sale were sold during 1994 with
   proceeds  of  $374,564  and gross  realized  gains and  losses of $1,861  and
   $7,602, respectively.

   At Dec. 31, 1996, bonds carried at $13,571 were on deposit with various
   states as required by law.

<PAGE>

   Net investment income for the years ended Dec. 31 is summarized as follows:

                                         1996            1995           1994
                                        ---------       -------        -----

   Interest on fixed maturities       $1,666,929      $1,656,136    $1,556,756
   Interest on mortgage loans            283,830         232,827       196,521
   Other investment income                43,283          35,936        38,366
   Interest on cash equivalents            5,754           5,363         6,872
                                   -------------         -------   -----------
                                       1,999,796       1,930,262     1,798,515
   Less investment expenses               34,434          22,953        16,642
                                    ------------       ---------    ----------
                                      $1,965,362      $1,907,309    $1,781,873
                                      ==========      ==========    ==========

   At Dec. 31, 1996, investments in fixed maturities comprised 84 percent of the
   Company's total invested  assets.  These  securities are rated by Moody's and
   Standard & Poor's (S&P),  except for securities carried at approximately $1.9
   billion which are rated by American Express  Financial  Corporation  internal
   analysts using criteria  similar to Moody's and S&P. A summary of investments
   in fixed maturities, at amortized cost, by rating on Dec. 31 is as follows:

     Rating                              1996               1995
     ------                          -----------         -----------
     Aaa/AAA ....................... $ 9,460,134         $ 9,907,664
     Aaa/AA ........................       2,870               3,112
     Aa/AA .........................     241,914             279,403
     Aa/A ..........................     192,631             154,846
     A/A ...........................   2,949,895           3,104,122
     A/BBB .........................   1,034,661             871,782
     Baa/BBB .......................   4,531,515           4,417,654
     Baa/BB ........................     768,285             657,633
     Below investment grade ........   2,063,096           2,007,511
                                     -----------         -----------
                                     $21,245,001         $21,403,727

   At Dec. 31, 1996, 95 percent of the securities rated Aaa/AAA are GNMA, FNMA
   and FHLMC mortgage-backed securities.  No holdings of any other issuer are
   greater than 1 percent of the Company's  total investments in fixed
   maturities.
<PAGE>

   At Dec. 31, 1996, approximately 13.7 percent of the Company's invested assets
   were mortgage loans on real estate.  Summaries of mortgage loans by region of
   the United States and by type of real estate are as follows:

                                 Dec. 31, 1996               Dec. 31, 1995
                           -------------------------    ------------------------
                           On Balance   Commitments    On Balance   Commitments
     Region                   Sheet     to Purchase       Sheet     to Purchase
   ------------------      -----------   -----------    -----------   ----------
   East North Central      $  777,960      $  19,358     $  720,185    $ 67,206
   West North Central         389,285         29,620        303,113      34,411
   South Atlantic             891,852         35,007        732,529     111,967
   Middle Atlantic            553,869         17,959        508,634      37,079
   New England                310,177         14,042        244,816      40,452
   Pacific                    190,770          4,997        168,272      23,161
   West South Central         105,173         11,246         61,860      27,978
   East South Central          75,176             --         58,462      10,122
   Mountain                   236,597         11,401        184,964      16,774
                           ----------       --------       --------      ------
                            3,530,859        143,630      2,982,835     369,150
   Less allowance for losses   37,495             --         37,340          --
                           ----------       --------        -------         ---
                           $3,493,364       $143,630     $2,945,495    $369,150
                           ==========       ========     ==========    ========

                                   Dec. 31, 1996                Dec. 31, 1995
                           -------------------------    ------------------------
                           On Balance    Commitments    On Balance   Commitments
     Property type             Sheet     to Purchase       Sheet     to Purchase
- -----------------------     ---------      ---------    -----------  -----------
Department/retail stores   $1,154,179      $  68,032    $   985,660    $ 134,538
Apartments                  1,119,352         23,246      1,038,446       84,978
Office buildings              611,395         27,653        464,381       62,664
Industrial buildings          296,944          6,716        255,469       22,721
Hotels/motels                  97,870          6,257         31,335       48,816
Nursing/retirement homes       88,226          1,877         80,864        4,378
Mixed Use                      73,120             --         53,169           --
Medical buildings              67,178          8,289         57,772        2,495
Other                          22,595          1,560         15,739        8,560
                         ------------     ----------      ---------     --------
                            3,530,859        143,630      2,982,835      369,150
Less allowance for losses      37,495             --         37,340           --
                         ------------         ------      ---------       ------
                           $3,493,364       $143,630     $2,945,495     $369,150
                           ==========       ========     ==========     ========
<PAGE>

Mortgage loan fundings are restricted by state insurance regulatory  authorities
to 80  percent  or less of the  market  value of the real  estate at the time of
origination  of the loan. The Company holds the mortgage  document,  which gives
the right to take  possession  of the property if the borrower  fails to perform
according to the terms of the agreement. The fair value of the mortgage loans is
determined by a discounted  cash flow analysis  using  mortgage  interest  rates
currently offered for mortgages of similar  maturities.  Commitments to purchase
mortgages  are made in the ordinary  course of  business.  The fair value of the
mortgage commitments is $nil.

At Dec. 31, 1996 and 1995, the Company's  recorded  investment in impaired loans
was  $79,441 and $83,874  with a reserve of $16,162 and  $19,307,  respectively.
During 1996 and 1995,  the average  recorded  investment  in impaired  loans was
$74,338 and $74,567, respectively.

The Company  recognized $4,889 and $5,014 of interest income related to impaired
loans for the year ended Dec. 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

The  following  table  presents  changes in the  reserve for  investment  losses
related to all loans:

                                            1996              1995
                                         ---------         --------
Balance, Jan. 1 ....................      $ 37,340         $ 35,252
Provision for investment losses ....        10,005           15,900
Loan payoffs .......................        (4,700)         (11,900)
Foreclosures .......................        (5,150)          (1,350)
Other ..............................            --             (562)
                                          --------         --------
Balance, Dec. 31 ...................      $ 37,495         $ 37,340
                                          ========         ========

At Dec. 31, 1996,  the Company had  commitments to purchase  affordable  housing
limited partnership  investments of $28,476, which is recorded as a liability in
the accompanying  balance sheets.  The total amounts  committed in 1997 and 1998
are $25,234 and  $3,242,  respectively.  The  Company  also had  commitments  to
purchase  real estate  investments  for $35,425.  Commitments  to purchase  real
estate  investments are made in the ordinary course of business.  The fair value
of these commitments is $nil.

<PAGE>

3. Income taxes

   The Company  qualifies  as a life  insurance  company for federal  income tax
   purposes.  As such,  the  Company  is subject to the  Internal  Revenue  Code
   provisions applicable to life insurance companies.

   Income tax expense consists of the following:

                                     1996          1995          1994
                                    ------       --------      -------
   Federal income taxes:
         Current                   $260,357      $218,040     $186,508
         Deferred                   (65,609)      (33,810)     (19,175)
                                   --------      --------     --------
                                    194,748       184,230      167,333
   State income taxes-current        12,390        11,612        9,010
                                  ---------       -------       ------
   Income tax expense              $207,138      $195,842     $176,343
                                   ========      ========     ========

   Increases  (decreases)  to the federal  tax  provision  applicable  to pretax
   income based on the statutory rate are attributable to:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        1996                  1995                  1994
                                 -----------------     -----------------     -----------------
                                 Provision    Rate     Provision    Rate     Provision    Rate
<S>                              <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>       <C>         <C>
        Federal income
          taxes based on
        the statutory rate       $217,600    35.0%      $196,274    35.0%     $179,379    35.0%
        Increases (decreases)
        are attributable to:
        Tax-excluded interest
          and dividend income      (9,636)   (1.6)        (8,524)   (1.5)       (9,939)   (2.0)
        Other, net                (13,216)   (2.1)        (3,520)   (0.6)       (2,107)   (0.4)
                                ---------   -----       --------    ----      --------    ----
        Federal income taxes     $194,748    31.3%      $184,230    32.9%     $167,333    32.6%
                                 ========   =====       ========    ====      ========    ====
</TABLE>

   A portion  of life  insurance  company  income  earned  prior to 1984 was not
   subject to current  taxation  but was  accumulated,  for tax  purposes,  in a
   policyholders'  surplus  account.  At  Dec.  31,  1996,  the  Company  had  a
   policyholders' surplus account balance of $20,114. The policyholders' surplus
   account  is  only  taxable  if  dividends  to  the  stockholder   exceed  the
   stockholder's  surplus  account  or if the  Company is  liquidated.  Deferred
   income taxes of $7,040 have not been established  because no distributions of
   such amounts are contemplated.

<PAGE>

   Significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities
   as of Dec. 31  are as follows:

                                           1996            1995
                                          -------         -----
   Deferred tax assets:
   Policy reserves                       $724,412       $600,176
   Life insurance guarantee
      fund assessment reserve              29,854         26,785
   Other                                    2,763             --
                                        ---------        -------
   Total deferred tax assets              757,029        626,961
                                        ---------        -------

   Deferred tax liabilities:
   Deferred policy acquisition costs      665,685        590,762
   Unrealized gain on investments          48,486        129,653
   Investments, other                       8,935         17,152
   Other                                       --          2,298
                                         --------        -------
   Total deferred tax liabilities         723,106        739,865
                                         --------        -------
   Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)$  33,923      $(112,904)
                                        =========      =========

   The Company is required to establish a "valuation  allowance" for any portion
   of the deferred tax assets that management believes will not be realized.  In
   the opinion of  management,  it is more likely than not that the Company will
   realize  the  benefit of the  deferred  tax assets  and,  therefore,  no such
   valuation allowance has been established.

4. Stockholder's equity

   During 1996,  the Company  received a $4,801  capital  contribution  from its
   parent,  American  Express  Financial  Corporation.  During 1995, the Company
   received  a  $39,700  capital  contribution  from its  parent  in the form of
   investments in fixed  maturities and mortgage loans.  In addition,  effective
   Jan. 1, 1995, the Company began consolidating the financial results of ACLAC.
   This  change  reflected  the  transfer of  ownership  of ACLAC from Amex Life
   Assurance  Company (Amex Life), a former  affiliate,  to the Company prior to
   the sale of Amex Life to an  unaffiliated  third party on Oct. 2, 1995.  This
   transfer  of  ownership  to the  Company  has  been  reflected  as a  capital
   contribution of $17,114 in the accompanying financial statements.  The effect
   of this change in reporting entity was not significant and prior periods have
   not been restated.

   As discussed in Note 5, the Company entered into a reinsurance agreement with
   Amex Life during 1995. As a result of this transaction,  a loss of $4,574 was
   realized and reported as a direct charge to retained earnings.

   Other changes in the statements of stockholder's equity are primarily related
   to reinsurance transactions with affiliates.

   Retained  earnings  available for distribution as dividends to the parent are
   limited to the Company's  surplus as determined in accordance with accounting
   practices  prescribed by state insurance  regulatory  authorities.  Statutory
   unassigned surplus  aggregated  $1,261,592 as of Dec. 31, 1996 and $1,103,993
   as of Dec.  31,  1995 (see Note 3 with  respect  to the  income tax effect of
   certain  distributions).  In addition,  any dividend distributions in 1997 in
   excess of approximately  $351,306 would require approval of the Department of
   Commerce of the State of Minnesota.

   Statutory net income for the years ended Dec. 31 and capital and surplus as
   of Dec. 31 are summarized as follows:

                                       1996            1995           1994
                                      ------          ------        ------
   Statutory net income            $ 365,585       $ 326,799       $ 294,699
   Statutory capital and surplus   1,565,082       1,398,649       1,261,958

   Dividends paid to American  Express  Financial  Corporation  were $165,000 in
   1996, $180,000 in 1995, and $165,000 in 1994.

5. Related party transactions

   The Company has loaned funds to American Express Financial  Corporation under
   a collateral loan agreement.  The balance of the loan was $11,800 and $25,800
   at Dec.  31, 1996 and 1995,  respectively.  This loan can be  increased  to a
   maximum of $75,000 and pays interest at a rate equal to the preceding month's
   effective  new money  rate for the  Company's  permanent  investments.  It is
   collateralized  by equity  securities  valued at $116,543 at Dec.  31,  1996.
   Interest  income on related party loans  totaled  $780,  $1,371 and $2,894 in
   1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

   The Company  purchased a five year  secured note from an  affiliated  company
   which had an  outstanding  balance of $nil and  $19,444 at Dec.  31, 1996 and
   1995,  respectively.  The note bears a fixed rate of 8.42  percent.  Interest
   income on the above note totaled $1,637,  $1,937 and $2,278 in 1996, 1995 and
   1994, respectively.

   The Company has a reinsurance  agreement  whereby it assumed 100 percent of a
   block of single  premium life  insurance  business  from Amex Life  Assurance
   Company  (Amex  Life),  a former  affiliate.  The  accompanying  consolidated
   balance  sheets at Dec.  31, 1996 and 1995  include  $758,812  and  $764,663,
   respectively, of future policy benefits related to this agreement.

   The Company has a  reinsurance  agreement to cede 50 percent of its long-term
   care insurance business to Amex Life. The accompanying  consolidated  balance
   sheets at Dec. 31, 1996 and 1995 include $134,121 and $95,484,  respectively,
   of reinsurance receivables related to this agreement. Premiums ceded amounted
   to $32,917,  $25,553 and $20,360 and  reinsurance  recovered from  reinsurers
   amounted to $5,135, $4,998 and $3,022 for the years ended Dec. 31, 1996, 1995
   and 1994, respectively.

   The Company has a reinsurance  agreement to assume deferred annuity contracts
   from Amex Life. At Oct. 1, 1995, a $803,618  block of deferred  annuities and
   $28,327 of deferred policy acquisition costs were transferred to the Company.
   The  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheet  at Dec.  31,  1996  includes
   $828,298 of future policy benefits related to this agreement.  Contracts with
   future policy benefits  totaling $50,400 were still reinsured with the former
   affiliate at Dec.  31,  1996.  The  remaining  contracts  had been novated to
   Company contracts.

   Until July 1, 1995, the Company  participated  in the IDS Retirement  Plan of
   American Express Financial  Corporation which covered all permanent employees
   age 21 and over who had met certain employment  requirements.  Effective July
   1, 1995, the IDS Retirement Plan was merged with American  Express  Company's
   American Express Retirement Plan, which simultaneously was amended to include
   a  cash  balance  formula  and  a  lump  sum  distribution  option.  Employer
   contributions  to the plan are based on  participants'  age, years of service
   and total  compensation  for the year.  Funding of retirement  costs for this
   plan complies with the applicable minimum funding  requirements  specified by
   ERISA.  The Company's share of the total net periodic  pension cost was $174,
   $155 and $156 in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

   The  Company  also  participates  in defined  contribution  pension  plans of
   American  Express  Company  which  cover all  employees  who have met certain
   employment requirements.  Company contributions to the plans are a percent of
   either each employee's eligible compensation or basic contributions. Costs of
   these plans charged to operations in 1996,  1995 and 1994 were $990, $815 and
   $957, respectively.

   The Company  participates  in defined  benefit  health care plans of American
   Express  Financial  Corporation  that provide  health care and life insurance
   benefits to retired  employees  and  retired  financial  advisors.  The plans
   include   participant   contributions   and   service   related   eligibility
   requirements.  Upon  retirement,  such  employees are considered to have been
   employees  of  American  Express  Financial  Corporation.   American  Express
   Financial  Corporation  expenses these benefits and allocates the expenses to
   its  subsidiaries.  Accordingly,  costs of such  benefits  to the Company are
   included in employee  compensation and benefits and cannot be identified on a
   separate company basis.

   Charges  by  American  Express   Financial   Corporation  for  use  of  joint
   facilities,  marketing  services  and  other  services  aggregated  $397,362,
   $377,139,  and $335,183  for 1996,  1995 and 1994,  respectively.  Certain of
   these costs are included in deferred policy  acquisition  costs. In addition,
   the  Company  rents its home office  space from  American  Express  Financial
   Corporation on an annual renewable basis.

6. Commitments and contingencies

   At Dec. 31, 1996 and 1995, traditional life insurance and universal life-type
   insurance in force aggregated $67,274,354 and $59,683,532,  respectively,  of
   which  $3,875,921 and $3,771,204  were reinsured at the respective year ends.
   The Company also  reinsures a portion of the risks assumed  under  disability
   income  and  long-term  care  policies.  Under  all  reinsurance  agreements,
   premiums  ceded to  reinsurers  amounted to $48,250,  $39,399 and $31,016 and
   reinsurance  recovered  from  reinsurers  amounted to $15,612,  $14,088,  and
   $10,778  for the years  ended  Dec.  31,  1996,  1995 and  1994.  Reinsurance
   contracts  do  not  relieve  the  Company  from  its  primary  obligation  to
   policyholders.

   A number of  lawsuits  have been filed  against  life and health  insurers in
   jurisdictions in which the Company and its subsidiaries do business involving
   insurers'  sales  practices,  alleged agent  misconduct,  failure to properly
   supervise agents, and other matters. In December 1996, an action of this type
   was brought against the Company and its parent,  American  Express  Financial
   Corporation.  The plaintiffs  purport to represent a class  consisting of all
   persons who replaced existing Company policies with new Company policies from
   and after Jan. 1, 1985.  The complaint  puts at issue  various  alleged sales
   practices and  misrepresentations,  alleged  breaches of fiduciary duties and
   alleged violations of consumer fraud statutes.  Plaintiffs seek damages in an
   unspecified amount and seek to establish a claims resolution facility for the
   determination of individual  issues.  The Company and its parent believe they
   have meritorious defenses to the claims raised in the lawsuit. The outcome of
   any litigation cannot be predicted with certainty,  particularly in the early
   stages of an action.  In the opinion of  management,  however,  the  ultimate
   resolution of the above  lawsuit and others filed against the Company  should
   not have a material  adverse effect on the Company's  consolidated  financial
   position.

   During 1996, the Company  settled the federal tax audit for 1987 through 1989
   tax years.  There was no material impact as a result of that audit. Also, the
   IRS is  currently  auditing  the  Company's  1990  through  1992  tax  years.
   Management  does not believe  there will be a material  impact as a result of
   this audit.

7. Lines of credit 

   The  Company  has  available  lines of credit with two banks and its parent
   aggregating $175,000, of which $100,000 is with its parent. The lines of
   credit are at 40 to 80 basis  points over the lenders' cost of funds or equal
   to the prime rate,  depending on which line of credit agreement is used.  The
   $25,000 line of credit with one bank expired on Dec. 31, 1996 and the Company
   did not seek renewal. The $50,000 line  of credit with the other bank expires
   on  June 30, 1997  and  the  Company expects  to seek  renewal.  Borrowings
   outstanding under these agreements were $nil at Dec. 31, 1996 and 1995.

8. Derivative financial instruments

   The  Company  enters  into  transactions   involving   derivative   financial
   instruments to manage its exposure to interest rate risk,  including  hedging
   specific  transactions.  The Company does not hold derivative instruments for
   trading purposes. The Company manages risks associated with these instruments
   as described below.

   Market risk is the  possibility  that the value of the  derivative  financial
   instruments  will  change  due to  fluctuations  in a factor  from  which the
   instrument derives its value,  primarily an interest rate. The Company is not
   impacted by market risk related to derivatives held for non-trading  purposes
   beyond  that  inherent  in cash  market  transactions.  Derivatives  held for
   purposes  other than trading are largely used to manage risk and,  therefore,
   the cash flow and  income  effects  of the  derivatives  are  inverse  to the
   effects of the underlying transactions.

   Credit risk is the  possibility  that the  counterparty  will not fulfill the
   terms of the  contract.  The  Company  monitors  credit  exposure  related to
   derivative  financial  instruments through established  approval  procedures,
   including  setting  concentration  limits by counterparty  and industry,  and
   requiring  collateral,  where  appropriate.  A vast majority of the Company's
   counterparties are rated A or better by Moody's and Standard & Poor's.

   Credit  exposure  related to interest rate caps and floors is measured by the
   replacement  cost of the contracts.  The replacement cost represents the fair
   value of the instruments.

   The  notional or contract  amount of a  derivative  financial  instrument  is
   generally used to calculate the cash flows that are received or paid over the
   life of the  agreement.  Notional  amounts  are not  recorded  on the balance
   sheet. Notional amounts far exceed the related credit exposure.

<PAGE>

   The Company's holdings of derivative financial instruments are as follows:

                               Notional    Carrying      Fair      Total Credit
   Dec. 31, 1996                Amount       Value       Value       Exposure
   -------------              ---------     -------     --------   ------------
   Assets:
    Interest rate caps      $ 4,000,000     $16,227     $  7,439      $  7,439
    Interest rate floors      1,000,000       2,041        4,341         4,341
    Interest rate swaps       1,000,000          --      (24,715)           --
                             ----------     -------     --------       -------
                             $6,000,000     $18,268     $(12,935)      $11,780
                             ==========     =======     ========       =======
   Dec. 31, 1995
   Assets:
     Interest rate caps      $5,100,000     $26,680     $  8,366       $ 8,366
                             ==========     =======     ========       =======

   The fair  values  of  derivative  financial  instruments  are based on market
   values,  dealer quotes or pricing  models.  The interest rate caps and floors
   expire on various  dates from 1996 to 2001.  The  interest  rate swaps are in
   effect through 2001.

   Interest  rate  caps,  swaps and floors  are used  principally  to manage the
   Company's  interest  rate risk.  These  instruments  are used to protect  the
   margin between  interest  rates earned on investments  and the interest rates
   credited to related annuity contract holders.

9. Fair values of financial instruments

   The Company  discloses fair value  information  for most on- and  off-balance
   sheet  financial  instruments  for which it is  practicable  to estimate that
   value.  Fair  values  of life  insurance  obligations  and all  non-financial
   instruments,  such as deferred  acquisition  costs are excluded.  Off-balance
   sheet  intangible  assets,  such as the  value of the field  force,  are also
   excluded.  Management  believes the value of excluded  assets is significant.
   The fair value of the Company,  therefore, cannot be estimated by aggregating
   the amounts presented.

                                           1996                        1995
                                          ------                      -----
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 Carrying         Fair        Carrying         Fair
   Financial Assets               Value           Value         Value         Value
   ----------------               -----           -----         -----         -----
<S>                            <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>        
   Investments:
     Fixed maturities (Note 2):
       Held to maturity        $10,236,379   $10,521,650   $11,257,591   $11,878,377
       Available for sale       11,146,845    11,146,845    10,516,212    10,516,212
     Mortgage loans on
       real estate (Note 2)      3,493,364     3,606,077     2,945,495     3,184,666
     Other:
       Equity securities (Note 2)    3,308         3,308         3,517         3,517
       Derivative financial
         instruments (Note 8)       18,268       (12,935)       26,680         8,366
       Other                        63,993        66,242        52,182        52,182
   Cash and
     cash equivalents (Note 1)     224,603       224,603        72,147        72,147
   Separate account assets
     (Note 1)                   18,535,160    18,535,160    14,974,082    14,974,082

   Financial Liabilities
     Future policy benefits
       for fixed annuities      20,641,986    19,721,968    20,259,265    19,603,114
     Separate account 
         liabilities            17,358,087    16,688,519    14,208,619    13,665,636
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

   At Dec.  31,  1996 and 1995,  the  carrying  amount  and fair value of future
   policy benefits for fixed annuities exclude life insurance-related  contracts
   carried at  $1,112,155  and  $1,070,598,  respectively,  and policy  loans of
   $83,867 and $74,973,  respectively. The fair value of these benefits is based
   on the status of the  annuities at Dec. 31, 1996 and 1995.  The fair value of
   deferred  annuities is estimated as the carrying  amount less any  applicable
   surrender charges and related loans. The fair value for annuities in non-life
   contingent  payout  status is  estimated  as the present  value of  projected
   benefit payments at rates appropriate for contracts issued in 1996 and 1995.

   At Dec. 31, 1996 and 1995, the fair value of liabilities  related to separate
   accounts is estimated as the carrying  amount less any  applicable  surrender
   charges and less  variable  insurance  contracts  carried at  $1,177,073  and
   $765,463, respectively.

10.Segment information

   The Company's operations consist of two business segments;  first, individual
   and group life insurance, disability income and long-term care insurance, and
   second,  annuity  products  designed for  individuals,  pension plans,  small
   businesses  and   employer-sponsored   groups.  The  consolidated   condensed
   statements  of income for the years ended Dec.  31,  1996,  1995 and 1994 and
   total  assets at Dec. 31, 1996,  1995 and 1994 by segment are  summarized  as
   follows:

                                          1996           1995            1994
                                         ------         ------          -----
   Net investment income:
   Life, disability income
     and long-term care insurance   $    262,998   $    256,242   $     247,047
   Annuities                           1,702,364      1,651,067       1,534,826
                                     -----------    -----------    ------------
                                     $ 1,965,362    $ 1,907,309    $  1,781,873
                                     ===========    ===========    ============
   Premiums, charges and fees:
   Life, disability income
     and long-term care insurance   $    448,389   $    384,008   $     335,375
   Annuities                             308,873        249,557         193,370
                                    ------------   ------------   -------------
                                    $    757,262   $    633,565   $     528,745
                                    ============   ============   =============
   Income before income taxes:
   Life, disability income
     and long-term care insurance   $    161,115   $    125,402   $     122,677
   Annuities                             460,758        440,278         394,117
   Net loss on investments                  (159)        (4,898)         (4,282)
                                   -------------  -------------  --------------
                                    $    621,714   $    560,782   $     512,512
                                    ============   ============   =============
   Total assets:
   Life, disability income
     and long-term care insurance   $  7,028,906   $  6,195,870    $  5,269,188
   Annuities                          40,277,075     36,704,208      30,478,355
                                     -----------    -----------     -----------
                                     $47,305,981    $42,900,078     $35,747,543
                                     ===========    ===========     ===========

   Allocations of net investment  income and certain general  expenses are based
   on various assumptions and estimates.

   Assets are not  individually  identifiable by segment and have been allocated
   principally based on the amount of future policy benefits by segment.

   Capital  expenditures  and  depreciation   expense  are  not  material,   and
   consequently, are not reported.

<PAGE>

                             PART II.

              INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 13.  Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

     The expenses of the issuance and  distribution  of the interests in the IDS
Life  Account  RE of IDS Life  Insurance  Company to be  registered,  other than
commissions on sales of the Contracts, are to be borne by the registrant.

Item 14.  Indemnification of Directors and Officers

     Section  300.083  of  Minnesota  Law  provides  in part that a  corporation
organized  under  such  law  shall  have  power to  indemnify  anyone  made,  or
threatened to be made, a party to a threatened, pending or completed proceeding,
whether civil or criminal, administrative or investigative, because he is or was
a director or officer of the corporation,  or served as a director or officer of
another corporation at the request of the corporation. Indemnification in such a
proceeding  may  extend  to  judgments,  penalties,  fines and  amounts  paid in
settlement,  as well as to reasonable  expenses,  including  attorneys' fees and
disbursements.  In a civil proceeding, there can be no indemnification under the
statute,  unless it appears that the person seeking indemnification has acted in
good faith and in a manner he  reasonably  believed to be in, or not opposed to,
the best  interests  of the  corporation  and its  shareholders  and unless such
person has received no improper personal benefit; in a criminal proceeding,  the
person seeking indemnification must also have no reasonable cause to believe his
conduct was unlawful.

     Article IX of the By-laws of the IDS Life  Insurance  Company  requires the
IDS Life  Insurance  Company to indemnify  directors  and officers to the extent
indemnification is permitted as stated by the preceding paragraph,  and contains
substantially the same language as the above-mentioned Section 300.083.

     Article IX, paragraph (2), of the By-laws of the IDS Life Insurance Company
provides as follows:

     "Section  2. The  Corporation  shall  indemnify  any person who was or is a
party or is threatened  to be made a party,  by reason of the fact that he is or
was a director,  officer,  employee or agent of this  Corporation,  or is or was
serving at the direction of the Corporation as a director,  officer, employee or
agent  of  another  corporation,  partnership,  joint  venture,  trust  or other
enterprise, to any threatened,  pending or completed action, suit or proceeding,
wherever  brought,  to the fullest extent  permitted by the laws of the State of
Minnesota,  as now existing or  hereafter  amended,  provided  that this Article
shall not  indemnify or protect any such  director,  officer,  employee or agent
against any  liability to the  Corporation  or its security  holders to which he
would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross
negligence,  in the  performance  of his  duties or by  reason  of his  reckless
disregard of his obligations and duties."

<PAGE>

     The parent  company of IDS Life  Insurance  Company  maintains an insurance
policy which  affords  liability  coverage to directors  and officers of the IDS
Life Insurance Company while acting in that capacity. IDS Life Insurance Company
pays its proportionate share of the premiums for the policy.

     Insofar as  indemnification  for liability arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 may be permitted to directors,  officers and controlling  persons of the
registrant pursuant to the foregoing  provisions,  or otherwise,  the registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities  and Exchange  Commission
such  indemnification  is against  public policy as expressed in the Act and is,
therefore,  unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against
such liabilities  (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred
or paid by a director,  officer or  controlling  person of the registrant in the
successful  defense of any  action,  suit or  proceeding)  is  asserted  by such
director,  officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been  settled by  controlling  precedent,  submit to a court of  appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such  indemnification  by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of
such issue.

Item 15.  Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

          None

Item 16.  Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(a)  Exhibits

    3.1   Copy of Certificate of Incorporation of IDS Life
          Insurance Company, dated July 24, 1957, filed
          electronically as Exhibit No. 3.0 to Registrant's Post-
          Effective Amendment No. 12 to Registration Statement
          No. 33-13375, is incorporated herein by reference.

    3.2   Copy of Amended By-laws of IDS Life Insurance Company,
          filed electronically as Exhibit No. 3.1 to Registrant's
          Post-Effective Amendment No. 12 to Registration Statement
          No. 33-13375, is incorporated herein by reference.

    3.3   Certified Copy of Resolution of the Board of Directors of
          IDS Life Insurance Company, dated March 18, 1987,
          establishing IDS Life Account RE, filed electronically as
          Exhibit No. 3.2 to Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment
          No. 12 to Registration Statement No. 33-13375, is
          incorporated herein by reference.

    4.1   Form of Deferred Variable Annuity Contract, as previously
          filed.

    4.2   Copy of Deed of Trust Note together with certain documents relating to
          mortgage  loan  secured by West  Springfield  Terrace  Apartments,  as
          previously filed.



<PAGE>


    4.3   Copy of Line of Credit Agreement, dated March 30, 1994,
          between IDS Life Account RE and IDS Life Insurance
          Company (including a copy of the executed promissory
          note, dated March 30, 1994), filed electronically as
          Exhibit No. 4.2 to Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment
          No. 12 to Registration Statement No. 33-13375, is
          incorporated herein by reference.

    5.    Copy of Opinion of counsel regarding legality of
          contracts, as previously filed.

   10.1   Copy of Investment  Advisory  Agreement between JMB Annuity Associates
          and IDS Life Insurance Company  respecting the IDS Life Account RE, as
          previously filed.

   10.2   Copy of  Agreement  together  with certain  documents  relating to the
          purchase of an interest in Northridge Mall, as previously filed.

   10.3   Copy of Management  Agreement with respect to management of Northridge
          Mall,  Second  Amended and  Restated  Articles of  Partnership  of N/S
          Associates and Amendment to Operating Agreement, as previously filed.

   10.4   Copy of  Agreement  together  with certain  documents  relating to the
          purchase of an interest in Southridge Mall, as previously filed.

   10.5   Copy of Management  Agreement with respect to management of Southridge
          Mall and Amendment to Operating Agreement, as previously filed.

   10.6   Copy of Commitment  Letter  relating to the funding of a participating
          mortgage loan secured by Riverpoint Center, as previously filed.

   10.7   Copy of Commitment and Agreement for Sale/Leaseback and Leasehold Loan
          with respect to Monmouth Mall, as previously filed.

   10.8   Copy of Investment  Advisory  Agreement and Articles of Partnership of
          Monmouth Associates, as previously filed.

   10.9   Copy of Amended  and  Restated  Articles  of  Partnership  of Monmouth
          Associates, as previously filed.

  10.10   Copy of Agreement together with certain documents relating to purchase
          of West Springfield Terrace Apartments, as previously filed.

  10.11   Copy of Agreement together with certain documents relating to purchase
          of an interest in 1225 Connecticut Avenue, as previously filed.



<PAGE>


  21.     List of subsidiaries of IDS Life Insurance Company:

       o  American Centurion Life Assurance Company
       o  American Enterprise Life Insurance Company
       o  American Partners Life Insurance Company
       o  IDS Life Insurance Company of New York

  23.1    Consent of  Independent  Auditors  (KPMG Peat Marwick  LLP),  is filed
          electronically herewith.

  23.2     Consent of Independent Auditors (Ernst & Young LLP), is
           filed electronically herewith.

  24.      Directors Power of Attorney, dated March 12, 1997, is
           filed electronically herewith as Exhibit No. 24.


16.(b)  Financial Statement Schedules

          Financial Statement Schedules and Reports of Independent Auditors, are
          filed electronically herewith.

          Financial Statement Schedules

          IDS Life Account RE
          Independent Auditors' Report on Schedules, dated March
          21, 1997.

            Schedule III      -    Participation in Mortgage Loan
                                   on Real Estate and Interest
                                   Earned on Participation in
                                   Mortgage
            Schedule IV       -    Real Estate Owned and Rental
                                   Income

          N/S Associates, Monmouth Associates & 1225 Investment
          Corporation, Unconsolidated Joint Ventures of IDS
          Life Account RE
            Independent Auditors' Report, dated March 21, 1997.

            Schedule III      -    Participation in Mortgage Loan
                                   on Real Estate and Interest
                                   Earned on Participation in
                                   Mortgage

            Schedule IV       -    Real Estate Owned and Rental
                                     Income

          IDS Life Insurance Company
            Report of Independent Auditors, dated February 7, 1997.

            Schedule I        -    Consolidated Summary of
                                   Investments Other than
                         Investments in Related Parties
            Schedule III      -    Supplementary Insurance
                                   Information

<PAGE>

            Schedule IV       -    Reinsurance
            Schedule V        -    Valuation and Qualifying
                                   Accounts

          All other schedules to the consolidated  financial statements required
          by Article 7 of  Regulation  S-X are not  required  under the  related
          instructions or are inapplicable and, therefore, have been omitted.

Item 17.  Undertaking

Registrant hereby undertakes:

         (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made,
a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

         (i)      To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3)
                  of the Securities Act of 1933;

         (ii)     To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after
                  the effective date of the registration  statement (or the most
                  recent post-effective amendment thereof which, individually or
                  in  the  aggregate,  represent  a  fundamental  change  in the
                  information set forth in the registration statement;

         (iii)    To include any material  information  with respect to the plan
                  of distribution  not previously  disclosed in the registration
                  statement or any material  change to such  information  in the
                  registration statement.

         (2) That,  for the  purpose  of  determining  any  liability  under the
Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed a new
registration  statement  relating to the  securities  offered  therein,  and the
offering of such  securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof.

         (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective  amendment
any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of
the offering.

<PAGE>

                            SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the  requirements  of the Securities Act of 1933, IDS Life Insurance
Company has duly caused this  Registration  Statement  to be signed on behalf of
the Registrant by the  undersigned,  thereunto  duly  authorized in this City of
Minneapolis, and State of Minnesota on the 8th day of April, 1997.

                  IDS Life Account RE of IDS Life Insurance Company
                                 (Registrant)

                          By IDS Life Insurance Company

                                    By /s/ Richard W. Kling*
                                Richard W. Kling

Pursuant to the  requirements of the Securities Act of 1933,  this  Registration
Statement  has been  signed  below by the  following  persons in the  capacities
indicated on the 8th day of April, 1997.

Signature                          Title

/s/ James A. Mitchell*             Chairman of the Board
    James A. Mitchell              and Chief Executive
                                   Officer

/s/ Richard W. Kling*              Director and President
    Richard W. Kling

/s/ David R. Hubers*               Director
    David R. Hubers

/s/ Paul F. Kolkman*               Director and Executive Vice
    Paul F. Kolkman                President

/s/ Barry J. Murphy*               Director and Executive Vice
    Barry J. Murphy                President, Client Service

/s/ Stuart A. Sedlacek*            Director and Executive Vice
    Stuart A. Sedlacek             President, Assured Assets

/s/ Melinda S. Urion*              Director, Executive Vice
    Melinda S. Urion               President and Controller

*Signed pursuant to Power of Attorney dated March 12, 1997, filed
electronically herewith as Exhibit No. 24.


By:




     Mary Ellyn Minenko




<PAGE>










                    Independent Auditors' Report on Schedules


The Board of Directors of
  IDS Life Insurance Company and
  Contract Owners of IDS Life Account RE:


The audits  referred  to in our report  dated  March 21,  1997 on the  financial
statements  of IDS Life  Account RE  included  the related  financial  statement
schedules as of December 31, 1996, included in the Registration Statement. These
financial  statement  schedules are the  responsibility of the management of IDS
Life Insurance  Company.  Our  responsibility  is to express an opinion on these
financial  statement  schedules  based  on  our  audits.  In our  opinion,  such
financial  statement  schedules,  when  considered  in  relation  to  the  basic
financial  statements taken as a whole,  present fairly in all material respects
the information set forth therein.




                                    KPMG Peat Marwick LLP


Minneapolis, Minnesota
March 21, 1997


<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Schedule III

                               IDS LIFE ACCOUNT RE
                                       of
                           IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY


                Participation in Mortgage Loan on Real Estate and
                           Interest Earned on Participation in Mortgage


                                December 31, 1996



                           Part 1 - Participation in Mortgage           Part 2 - Interest Earned on
                          Loan on Real Estate at Close of Year          Participation in Mortgage

Liens on Shopping Center:
                                      Principal unpaid    Amount of        Interest due
Riverpoint Center        Carrying         at close      mortgage being     & accrued at      Interest
Chicago, Illinois       Amount (A)        of period       foreclosed      end of period    Income Earned

<S>    <C>             <C>            <C>                 <C>             <C>              <C>         
       1996            $          --  $         --        $    --         $         --     $    256,843
                       -------------  =============       =========       =============    ============

       1995            $   2,966,206  $   2,875,853       $    --         $     (5,400)    $    264,581
                       =============  =============       =========       =============    ============

       1994            $   2,994,023  $   2,875,853       $    --         $         --     $    265,288
                       =============  =============       =========       =============    ============



</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

(A) - Reconciliation  of the carrying value of the participation in the mortgage
loan:

                                                             1996              1995              1994
                                                        -------------     -------------     ---------

<S>                                                     <C>               <C>               <C>          
      Balance at the beginning of year...........       $   2,966,206     $   2,994,023     $   2,995,600

      Changes during year:
        Unrealized depreciation..................            (147,608)          (27,817)           (1,577)
        Loan repayment...........................          (2,794,065)               --                --
        Realized loss............................             (24,533)               --                --
                                                        --------------     -------------    -------------

      Balance at end of year.....................                  --         2,966,206         2,994,023
                                                        --------------     -------------    -------------


</TABLE>

<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Schedule IV
                               IDS LIFE ACCOUNT RE
                                                of
                           IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY


                       Real Estate Owned and Rental Income

                                December 31, 1996

                  Part 1 - Real Estate Owned at End of Year (A)
Apartment Complex:

 West Springfield                        Amount at                                                         Amount at
Terrace Apartments                    which carried      Cost of                        Carrying value     which carried
  Fairfax County,       Amount of     at beginning     improvements,     Unrealized    of real estate    at close of
    Virginia           encumbrances   of period (A)         etc.         Appreciation       sold           period (B)

<S>   <C>              <C>            <C>               <C>               <C>           <C>              <C>         
      1996             $         --   $ 16,295,602      $    136,544      $         --  $(16,432,146)    $         --
                       ============   =============     ============      ============= =============    ============

      1995             $  7,770,339   $ 15,993,057      $    163,781      $    138,764            --     $ 16,295,602
                       ============   =============     ============      ============= =============    ============

      1994             $  7,852,279   $ 15,882,183      $    110,874      $          --           --     $ 15,993,057
                       ============   ============      ============      ============= =============    ============

</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 Part 2 - Rental Income

                         Rents due         Total rental      Expended for
                        and accrued           income        interest taxes,    Net income
                         at end of          applicable       repairs, and      applicable
                           period           to period          expenses        to period

<S>   <C>               <C>                <C>               <C>              <C>       
      1996              $        --        $ 1,760,141       $ 1,381,391      $  378,750
                        ============       ===========       ===========      ==========

      1995              $     4,016        $ 2,379,439       $ 1,756,139      $  623,300
                        ============       ===========       ===========      ==========

      1994              $    (1,895)       $ 2,235,867       $ 1,792,255      $  443,612
                        ============       ===========       ===========      ==========

</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

(A) Reconciliation of real estate owned:
                                                              1996               1995            1994
                                                          ------------      ------------     --------

<S>                                                       <C>               <C>             <C>         
      Balance at the beginning of period..........        $ 16,295,602      $ 15,993,057    $ 15,882,183

      Additions (deductions) during the year:
        Improvements, etc.........................             136,544           163,781          110,874
        Unrealized appreciation...................                  --           138,764               --
        Carrying value of real estate sold........         (16,432,146)               --               --
                                                          -------------     -------------    ------------

      Balance at end of year......................        $         --      $ 16,295,602     $ 15,993,057
                                                          =============     =============    ============
</TABLE>

(B)   Reserve for  depreciation is not applicable as real estate owned is stated
      at estimated fair market value.





<PAGE>







                          Independent Auditors' Report



The Board of Directors of IDS Life
Insurance Company and Contract
Owners of IDS Life Account RE:


Under date of March 21, 1997 we reported on the combined financial statements of
N/S   Associates,   Monmouth   Associates  and  1225   Investment   Corporation,
unconsolidated  joint  ventures of IDS Life  Account RE, as of December 31, 1996
and 1995, and the related combined  statements of operations,  partners' capital
and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31,
1996,  as  contained  in the  annual  report on Form 10-K of IDS Life  Insurance
Company for the year 1996. In connection  with our audits of the  aforementioned
combined  financial  statements,  we also audited the related combined financial
statement  schedules  as  listed  in  the  accompanying  index.  These  combined
financial  statement schedules are the responsibility of the Investment Adviser.
Our  responsibility  is to  express  an  opinion  on  these  combined  financial
statement schedules based on our audits.

In our opinion, such combined financial statement schedules,  when considered in
relation to the basic combined  financial  statements taken as a whole,  present
fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.


                                            KPMG Peat Marwick LLP


Chicago, Illinois
March 21, 1997



<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>




Schedule III

                             IDS LIFE ACCOUNT RE of
                           IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                               Monmouth Associates
                Unconsolidated Joint Venture of IDS Life Account RE
                 Participation in Mortgage Loan on Real Estate and
                   Interest Earned on Participation in Mortgage

                               December 31, 1996



                           Part 1 - Participation in Mortgage           Part 2 - Interest Earned on
                          Loan on Real Estate at Close of Year         on Participation in Mortgage

Liens on Shopping Center:
                                      Principal unpaid    Amount of        Interest due
  Monmouth Mall          Carrying         at close      mortgage being     & accrued at      Interest
Eatontown, New Jersey    Amount (A)       of period       foreclosed      end of period    Income Earned

<S>    <C>             <C>            <C>                 <C>             <C>              <C>         
       1996            $ 109,556,000  $ 160,033,000       $    --         $    772,000     $  9,159,000

       1995            $ 108,000,000  $ 158,373,000       $    --         $    742,000     $  6,994,000

       1994            $ 119,154,000  $ 141,056,000       $    --         $  3,960,000     $  7,641,000





</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>



(A) - Reconciliation  of the carrying value of the participation in the mortgage
loan:

                                                             1996              1995              1994
                                                        -------------     -------------     ---------

<S>                                                     <C>               <C>               <C>          
      Balance at the beginning of year...........       $ 108,000,000     $ 119,154,000     $ 119,650,000

      Changes during year:
        Additional fundings......................           1,556,000        17,317,000         9,318,000
        Unrealized depreciation..................                  --       (28,471,000)       (9,814,000)
                                                        --------------     -------------    --------------

      Balance at end of year.....................       $ 109,556,000     $ 108,000,000     $ 119,154,000
                                                        ==============    ==============    =============



</TABLE>

<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


Schedule IV
                       IDS LIFE ACCOUNT RE of
                     IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 N/S Associates, Monmouth Associates and 1225 Investment Corporation
        Unconsolidated Joint Ventures of IDS Life Account RE

            Combined Real Estate Owned and Rental Income

                         December 31, 1996

                  Part 1 - Real Estate Owned at End of Year (C)
                                                                                            Amount at
                                                          Cost of                          which carried
                         Amount of                      improvements,       Unrealized      at close of
                       encumbrances   Initial Cost           etc.          Depreciation    period (A)(B)
Retail properties:
Northridge Mall,
<S>                    <C>            <C>               <C>               <C>              <C>         
 Milwaukee, WI         $         --   $108,107,000      $ 15,469,000      $(80,976,000)    $ 42,600,000
Southridge Mall,
 Greendale, WI         $ 35,000,000   $115,401,000      $ 16,702,000      $(25,775,000)    $106,328,000
Office Building:
 1225 Connecticut Ave.,
  Washington, D.C.     $  7,000,000   $ 54,775,000      $  7,638,000      $ (10,413,000)    $ 52,000,000
Ground Lease:
 Monmouth Mall,
  Eatontown, NJ        $         --   $ 13,000,000      $         --      $         --     $ 13,000,000
                       ------------   ------------      ------------      --------------   ------------
                       $ 42,000,000   $291,283,000      $ 39,809,000      $(117,164,000)   $213,928,000
                       ============   ============      ============      ==============   ============
</TABLE>


                                 Part 2 - Rental Income

                                       Rents due
                                      and accrued
                                       at end of
                                         period
Retail Properties:
 Northridge Mall,
  Milwaukee, WI                        $   158,000
 Southridge Mall,
  Greendale, WI                        $   185,000
 Office Building:
  1225 Connecticut Ave.,
   Washington, D.C.                    $    92,000
                                       -----------

                                       $   435,000



(A)   The  aggregate  cost of real estate owned at December 31, 1996 for Federal
      Income tax purposes was approximately $466,855,400.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

(B) Reconciliation of real estate owned:
                                                            1996               1995            1994
                                                        ------------      ------------     --------

<S>                                                     <C>               <C>              <C>         
      Balance at the beginning of period..........      $220,270,000      $254,500,000     $272,660,000

      Additions (deductions), including
        unrealized depreciation...................        (6,342,000)      (34,230,000)     (18,160,000)
                                                        -------------     -------------    -------------

      Balance at end of year......................      $213,928,000      $220,270,000     $254,500,000
                                                        =============     =============    ============
</TABLE>

(C)   -  Reconciliation  for depreciation is not applicable as real estate owned
      is stated at estimated market value.




<PAGE>










                         Report of Independent Auditors


The Board of Directors
IDS Life Insurance Company


We have audited the  consolidated  financial  statements  of IDS Life  Insurance
Company as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and for each of the three years in the
period  ended  December  31,  1996,  and have  issued our report  thereon  dated
February 7, 1997 (included elsewhere in this Registration Statement). Our audits
also included the financial  statements  schedules  listed in Item 16(b) of this
Registration Statement.  These schedules are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on our audits.

In our  opinion,  the  financial  statement  schedules  referred to above,  when
considered  in  relation  to the basic  financial  statements  taken as a whole,
present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.



Ernst & Young LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
February 7, 1997



<PAGE>

IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SCHEDULE III - SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION ($ thousands)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

    Column A     Column B      Column C  Column D    Column E    Column F   Column G    Column H    Column I      Column J  Column K

    Segment      Deferred      Future    Unearned  Other policy  Premium      Net       Benefits,  Amortization    Other    Premiums
                  policy       policy    premiums   claims and  revenue    investment   claims,     of deferred  operating  written
                 acquisition  benefits,              benefits                income    losses and    policy       expenses
                   cost        losses,                payable                          settlement   acquisition
                              claims and                                                 expenses     costs
                                loss
                               expenses
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>           <C>           <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>
Annuities     $  1,398,025  $ 21,838,008 $       -  $    50,137  $        -  $1,702,364  $    2,724  $   189,645  $ 180,942    N/A



Life, DI, and
Long-term 
Care Insurance      932,780    3,811,034          -       33,497     182,921     262,998     187,486       88,960     80,526   N/A

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total         $  2,330,805  $ 25,649,042 $       -  $    83,634  $  182,921  $1,965,362  $  190,210  $   278,605  $ 261,468    N/A

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SCHEDULE III - SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION ($ thousands)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

    Column A      Column B     Column C    Column D    Column E    Column F   Column G    Column H    Column I    Column J  Column K

    Segment      Deferred     Future       Unearned  Other policy  Premium      Net       Benefits,  Amortization Other     Premiums
                  policy      policy       premiums   claims and  revenue    investment   claims,     of deferred operating  written
                 acquisition benefits,                benefits                income     losses and    policy     expenses
                   cost       losses,                 payable                            settlement   acquisition
                              claims and                                                  expenses     costs
                               loss
                               expenses
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>            <C>         <C>          <C>        <C>           <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>            <C>
Annuities      $ 1,227,169 $ 21,404,836 $       -  $     28,191  $       -  $1,651,067  $    2,693  $   189,626  $  166,191     N/A



Life, DI, 
and Long-term 
Care Insurance     798,556    3,613,253          -        28,132    161,530     256,242     164,749       90,495      45,451    N/A


- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total          $ 2,025,725 $ 25,018,089 $       -  $     56,323  $ 161,530  $1,907,309  $  167,442  $   280,121  $  211,642     N/A

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SCHEDULE III - SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION ($ thousands)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

  Column A        Column B    Column C    Column D    Column E    Column F  Column G    Column H    Column I      Column J  Column K

   Segment       Deferred     Future      Unearned  Other policy  Premium     Net       Benefits,  Amortization   Other     Premiums
                  policy      policy      premiums   claims and  revenue   investment   claims,     of deferred  operating   written
                 acquisition benefits,              benefits                income     losses and    policy       expenses
                   cost       losses,                payable                           settlement   acquisition
                             claims and                                                 expenses     costs
                               loss
                              expenses
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>            <C>         <C>          <C>       <C>          <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>             <C>
Annuities      $ 1,150,585 $ 19,361,979 $       - $    23,888  $        - $1,534,826  $   (5,762) $   194,060  $  131,515      N/A



Life, DI, and
Long-term Care
Insurance         714,739    3,346,931          -      26,180     144,640    247,047     134,128       86,312      78,586      N/A


- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total          $ 1,865,324 $ 22,708,910 $       - $    50,068  $  144,640 $1,781,873  $  128,366  $   280,372  $  210,101      N/A

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SCHEDULE IV - REINSURANCE ($ thousands)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Column A              Column B       Column C        Column D      Column E    Column F

                             Gross amount  Ceded to other   Assumed from      Net     % of amount
                                            companies     other companies   Amount   assumed to net
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                        <C>            <C>            <C>              <C>               <C>  
For the year ended
  December 31, 1996

Life insurance in force    $  65,571,173  $   3,875,921  $     1,703,181  $63,398,433       2.69%
===================================================================================================

Premiums:
  Life insurance           $      54,111  $       3,253  $           545  $   51,403        1.06%
  DI & LTC insurance             164,561         33,043               --     131,518        0.00%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total premiums             $     218,672  $      36,296  $           545  $  182,921        0.30%
===================================================================================================

For the year ended
  December 31, 1995

Life insurance in force    $  57,895,180  $   3,771,204  $     1,788,352  $55,912,328       3.20%
===================================================================================================

Premiums:
  Life insurance           $      53,089  $       2,648  $          (248) $   50,193       -0.49%
  DI & LTC insurance             137,016         25,679               --     111,337        0.00%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total premiums             $     190,105  $      28,327  $          (248) $  161,530       -0.15%
===================================================================================================

For the year ended
  December 31, 1994

Life insurance in force    $  50,814,651  $   3,246,608  $     1,851,916  $49,419,959       3.75%
===================================================================================================

Premiums:
  Life insurance           $      51,219  $       3,354  $           319  $   48,184        0.66%
  DI & LTC insurance             114,049         17,593               --      96,456        0.00%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total premiums             $     165,268  $      20,947  $           319  $  144,640        0.22%
===================================================================================================
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SCHEDULE V - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS ($ thousands)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Column A           Column B        Column C                       Column D      Column E

                                                  Additions
                                                -------------
                                 Balance at                       Charged to
              Description         Beginning      Charged to     Other Accounts- Deductions-  Balance at End
                                  of Period   Costs & Expenses     Describe      Describe *    of Period
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                  <C>                   <C>               <C>          <C>       <C>    
For the year ended
  December 31, 1996
- ------------------------------
Reserve for Mortgage Loans           $37,340               $155              $0           $0        $37,495
Reserve for Other Investments         $4,713              ($750)             $0           $0         $3,963

For the year ended
  December 31, 1995
- ------------------------------
Reserve for Mortgage Loans           $35,252             $1,088              $0      ($1,000)       $37,340
Reserve for Other Investments         $7,515            ($2,802)             $0           $0         $4,713

For the year ended
  December 31, 1994
- ------------------------------
Reserve for Mortgage Loans           $35,020               $232              $0           $0        $35,252
Reserve for Fixed Maturities         $22,777           ($16,777)             $0       $6,000             $0
Reserve for Other Investments        $10,700            ($3,185)             $0           $0         $7,515

* 1995 amount represents a reserve on mortgage loans which were transferred from an affiliate. 
  1994 amount represents a direct writedown of the related investments in fixed maturities.
</TABLE>


<PAGE>

IDS LIFE ACCOUNT RE (REVA)
Registration Number 33-13375

EXHIBIT INDEX

23.1 Consent of Independent Auditors (KPMG Peat Marwick LLP)

23.2 Consent of Independent Auditors (Ernst & Young LLP)

24.  Directors Power of Attorney



<PAGE>









                          Independent Auditors' Consent



The Board of Directors
IDS Life Insurance Company:


We consent to the use of our report  incorporated herein and to the reference to
our firm under the heading "EXPERTS" in the prospectus.




                                            KPMG Peat Marwick LLP


Minneapolis, Minnesota
April 8, 1997



<PAGE>





                                                 Exhibit 23.2



                         Consent of Independent Auditors


We consent to the  reference to our firm under the caption  "Experts" and to the
use of our  reports  dated  February 7, 1997 with  respect to the  consolidated
financial   statements   and  schedules  of  IDS  Life   Insurance   Company  in
Post-Effective  Amendment  No. 16 to the  Registration  Statement  (Form S-1 No.
33-13375) and related  Prospectus of IDS Life Account RE for the registration of
interests  in variable  annuity  contracts  to be offered by IDS Life  Insurance
Company.


                               /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota
April 8th, 1997



<PAGE>


                           IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

City of Minneapolis

State of Minnesota

         Each of the undersigned,  as directors of IDS Life Insurance Company on
behalf of the below listed  registrants that previously have filed  registration
statements and amendments thereto pursuant to the requirements of the Securities
Act of 1933 and the  Investment  Company  Act of 1940  with the  Securities  and
Exchange Commission:

                                                        1933 Act     1940 Act
                                                        Reg. Number  Reg. Number
IDS Life Variable Account 10
  IDS Life Flexible Portfolio Annuity                   33-62407     811-07355
IDS Life Accounts F, IZ, JZ, G, H, N, KZ, LZ and MZ
  IDS Life Flexible Annuity                             33-4173      811-3217
IDS Life Accounts F, IZ, JZ, G, H, N, KZ, LZ and MZ
  IDS Life Variable Retirement and Combination
  Retirement Annuities                                  2-73114      811-3217
IDS Life Accounts F, IZ, JZ, G, H, N, KZ, LZ and MZ
  IDS Life Employee Benefit Annuity                     33-52518     811-3217
IDS Life Accounts F, IZ, JZ, G, H, N, KZ, LZ and MZ
  IDS Life Group Variable Annuity Contract              33-47302     811-3217
IDS Life Insurance Company
  IDS Life Group Variable Annuity Contract
  (Fixed Account)                                       33-48701       N/A
IDS Life Insurance Company
  IDS Life Guaranteed Term Annuity                      33-28976       N/A
IDS Life Insurance Company
  IDS Life Flexible Payment Market Value Annuity        33-50968       N/A
IDS Life Variable Life Separate Account
  Flexible Premium Variable Life Insurance Policy       33-11165     811-4298
IDS Life Variable Life Separate Account
  Flexible Premium Survivorship Variable
  Life Insurance Policy                                 33-62457     811-4298
IDS Life Variable Life Separate Account
  Single Premium Variable Life
  Insurance Policy                                      2-97637      811-4298
IDS Life Variable Account for Smith Barney
  Single Premium Variable Life Insurance Policy         33-5210      811-4652
IDS Life Account SBS
  Symphony Annuity                                      33-40779     812-7731
IDS Life Account RE
IDS Life Real Estate Variable Annuity                   33-13375       N/A
IDS Life Variable Annuity Fund A                        2-29081      811-1653
IDS Life Variable Annuity Fund B                        2-47430      811-1674

hereby  constitutes  and appoints  William A.  Stoltzmann,  Mary Ellyn  Minenko,
Eileen J. Newhouse, Sherilyn K. Beck, Colin Lancaster, Bruce Kohn and Timothy S.
Meehan or any one of them, as her or his attorney-in-fact and agent, to sign for
her or him in her or his name, place and stead any and all filings, applications
(including  applications for exemptive relief),  periodic reports,  registration
statements  (with all  exhibits  and other  documents  required or  desirable in

<PAGE>

connection therewith),  other documents, and amendments thereto and to file such
filings,   applications,   periodic  reports,   registration  statements,  other
documents,  and amendments thereto with the Securities and Exchange  Commission,
and any  necessary  states,  and grants to any or all of them the full power and
authority  to do and  perform  each and  every  act  required  or  necessary  in
connection therewith.

     Dated the 12th day of March, 1997.



/s/ David R. Hubers                             March 10, 1997
- ---------------------------------
    David R. Hubers
    Director


/s/ Richard W. Kling                            March 12, 1997
- ---------------------------------
    Richard W. Kling
    Director and President


/s/ Paul F. Kolkman                             March 11, 1997
- ---------------------------------
    Paul F. Kolkman
    Director and Executive Vice
    President


/s/ James A. Mitchell                           March 10, 1997
- ---------------------------------
    James A. Mitchell
    Director, Chairman of the
    Board and Chief Executive Officer


/s/ Barry J. Murphy                             March 10, 1997
- ---------------------------------
    Barry J. Murphy
    Director and Executive Vice
    President, Client Service


/s/ Stuart A. Sedlacek                          March 7, 1997
- ---------------------------------
    Stuart A. Sedlacek
    Director and Executive Vice
    President, Assured Assets


/s/ Melinda S. Urion                            March 10, 1997
- ---------------------------------
    Melinda S. Urion
    Director, Executive Vice
    President and Controller



© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission