RESOURCE MORTGAGE CAPITAL INC/VA
POS AM, 1997-02-28
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS
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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
February 27, 1997
                                        Registration No. 33-50705
=================================================================
               SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                --------------------------------
                                 Post-Effective
                               Amendment No. 1 to
                                    FORM S-3


                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                      UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                       ------------------
                         RESOURCE MORTGAGE CAPITAL, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



            VIRGINIA
52-1549373
(State or other jurisdiction (I.R.S. Employer of in corporation or organization)
Identification No.)


                               10900 Nuckols Road
                           Glen Allen, Virginia 23060
                                 (804) 217-5800
  (Address,  including zip code, and telephone  number,  including area code, or
     registrant's principal executive offices)

                                 Thomas H. Potts
                                    President
                         Resource Mortgage Capital, Inc.
                               10900 Nuckols Road
                           Glen Allen, Virginia 23060
                                 (804) 217-5800
  (Name and address, including zip code, and telephone number,
                                    including
                        area code, of agent for service)

                                    Copy to:

                            Elizabeth R. Hughes, Esq.
                Venable, Baetjer and Howard, LLP
               1800 Mercantile Bank & Trust Bldg.
                                 2 Hopkins Plaza
                            Baltimore, Maryland 21201
                                 (410) 244-7400


    Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the
  public: As soon as practicable on or after the effective date
                of this Post-Effective Amendment.




<PAGE>



                              PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
                    (TO PROSPECTUS DATED ____________, 1997)

                                2,000,000 SHARES

                                [GRAPHIC OMITTED]


                         RESOURCE MORTGAGE CAPITAL, INC.

                             SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
                           (PAR VALUE $.01 PER SHARE)


   Pursuant  to  the  terms  of a  Sales  Agency  Agreement  (the  Sales  Agency
Agreement) between Resource Mortgage Capital,  Inc., a Virginia corporation (the
Company),  and PaineWebber  Incorporated  (PaineWebber or the Agent),  a form of
which has been filed as an exhibit to the  Registration  Statement of which this
Prospectus  Supplement is a part and is  incorporated  herein by reference,  the
Company may issue and sell up to 2,000,000  shares (the  Maximum  Amount) of its
common stock, par value $.01 per share (Common Stock), from time to time through
PaineWebber,  as sales agent for the  Company,  which  shares are being  offered
under this Prospectus  Supplement.  Such sales, if any, will be made by means of
ordinary  brokers'  transactions on the New York Stock Exchange (the NYSE). Such
sales will be effected  during a series of one or more pricing  periods (each, a
Pricing Period),  each consisting of five consecutive calendar days in duration,
unless a  shorter  period  has  otherwise  been  agreed  to by the  Company  and
PaineWebber.  During any  Pricing  Period,  the  Company  and  PaineWebber  will
designate  the  number  of shares of stock to be sold as  Average  Market  Price
Shares which shares shall not exceed 4% of the average daily  trading  volume of
the Common  Stock over the  preceding 60  consecutive  calendar  days.  For such
Pricing  Period,  an  Average  Market  Price (as  hereinafter  defined)  will be
computed.  With respect to any Pricing Period,  Average Market Price shall equal
the  average  of the  arithmetic  mean of the high and low  sales  prices of the
Common  Stock of the Company  reported on the NYSE for each  trading day of such
Pricing Period.

   The net proceeds to the Company with respect to sales of Average Market Price
Shares  will equal a  percentage  of the  Average  Market  Price (the  Company's
Percent)  for each share of Common  Stock sold  during the  Pricing  Period plus
Excess  Proceeds  (as defined  below),  if any,  plus  Alternative  Proceeds (as
defined  below),  if any. The Company's  Percent will be 97% with respect to the
first 600,000  shares that may be sold under the Sales Agency  Agreement,  97.5%
for  the  next  600,000  shares  that  may be sold  thereunder,  and 98% for the
remaining  800,000  shares  that may be sold  thereunder.  The  compensation  to
PaineWebber  for such sales in any  Pricing  Period  will  equal the  difference
between  the  aggregate  gross  sales  prices at which such  sales are  actually
effected and the net proceeds to the Company for such sales, but in no case will
exceed the maximum amount permitted  pursuant to any applicable  requirements of
the National  Association  of  Securities  Dealers,  Inc., as determined in good
faith by PaineWebber (the Maximum Commission). In the event that


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.

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK HAS NOT PASSED ON
OR ENDORSED THE MERITS OF THIS OFFERING.  ANY REPRESENTATION TO
THE CONTRARY IS UNLAWFUL.


THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT IS ____________, 1997.

<PAGE>


the average  gross sales price for all Average  Market  Price Shares sold in any
Pricing  Period is equal to or less than the  Company's  Percent of the  Average
Market  Price,  all of the proceeds  from such sales would be for the account of
the Company  and no  compensation  would be payable to the Agent.  To the extent
that  PaineWebber's  compensation  under the foregoing  formula would  otherwise
exceed  the  Maximum  Commission,  the excess  will  constitute  additional  net
proceeds to the Company (the Excess Proceeds).

   During any Pricing  Period,  the Company  may  designate a minimum  price and
instruct  PaineWebber  not to transact  any sales  below such price.  If such an
instruction is given and as a result thereof PaineWebber is unable to sell, on a
daily basis,  shares of Common Stock in any amount  greater than or equal to the
daily pro rata  portion of Average  Market  Price  Shares to be sold during such
Pricing  Period,  then the prices reported on the NYSE for that day shall not be
computed in calculating the Average Market Price for such Pricing Period and the
net proceeds payable to the Company (the Alternative Proceeds) in respect of any
sales of Average Market Price Shares effected that day (the Alternative  Shares)
by  PaineWebber  shall be equal to the  Company's  Percent  times  the  weighted
average  gross sales prices at which  PaineWebber  has actually  effected  sales
during  that  day.  The  compensation  payable  to  PaineWebber  for the sale of
Alternative  Shares  shall be equal to the  difference  between  the gross sales
proceeds  and the net  proceeds to the Company for such sales.  The  Alternative
Shares shall be excluded  from  determining  the net proceeds to the Company for
sales of Average Market Price Shares for such Pricing Period.

   During any Pricing  Period,  the Company and  PaineWebber  may agree upon the
sale of shares  (the  Additional  Shares)  of Common  Stock in  addition  to the
Average  Market  Price  Shares,  such  Additional  Shares to be  included in the
computation of the Maximum Amount.  The compensation to PaineWebber with respect
to each one of the Additional Shares sold in any Pricing Period shall be a fixed
percentage   (PaineWebber's  Percent)  of  the  gross  sales  price  per  share.
PaineWebber's  Percent shall equal 3% with respect to the first  600,000  shares
that may be sold under the Sales  Agency  Agreement,  2.5% for the next  600,000
shares that may be sold thereunder and 2% for the remaining  800,000 shares that
may be sold  thereunder.  Unless  otherwise  indicated  in a further  Prospectus
Supplement, PaineWebber as sales agent will act on a reasonable efforts basis.

   Settlements  of sales of  Additional  Shares and Average  Market  Shares will
occur on the third  business day  following the date on which any such sales are
made.  Purchases of Common Stock from PaineWebber as sales agent for the Company
will  settle the  regular  way on the NYSE.  Compensation  to  PaineWebber  with
respect to sales of Average Market Price Shares will be paid out of the proceeds
of the Average  Market Price Shares that settle the third business day following
the last  day of a  Pricing  Period.  There is no  arrangement  for  funds to be
received in an escrow, trust or similar arrangement.

   At the end of each  Pricing  Period,  the  Company  will  file an  additional
Prospectus  Supplement under the applicable paragraph of Rule 424(b) promulgated
under the  Securities  Act of 1933,  as  amended  (the  Act),  which  Prospectus
Supplement will set forth the dates included in such Pricing Period,  the number
of such  shares  of  Common  Stock  sold  through  PaineWebber  as  sales  agent
(identifying separately the number of Average Market Price Shares), the high and
low prices at which  Average  Market  Price Shares were sold during such Pricing
Period,  the net  proceeds to the Company  and the  compensation  payable by the
Company to  PaineWebber  with respect to such sales pursuant to the formulas set
forth above.

   In  connection  with the sale of the Common  Stock on behalf of the  Company,
PaineWebber  may be deemed to be an  underwriter  within the meaning of the Act,
and the compensation of PaineWebber may be deemed to be underwriting commissions
or discounts. The Company has agreed to provide indemnification and contribution
to PaineWebber  against certain civil liabilities,  including  liabilities under
the Act, as amended.  PaineWebber  may engage in  transactions  with, or perform
services for, the Company in the ordinary course of business.

   The offering of Common  Stock  pursuant to the Sales  Agency  Agreement  will
terminate upon the earlier of (i) the sale of all shares of Common Stock subject
thereto,  or (ii)  termination of the Sales Agency  Agreement.  The Sales Agency
Agreement may be terminated by the Company in its sole  discretion  after giving
ten days written notice. PaineWebber has the right to terminate the Sales Agency
Agreement  after  giving  ten  days  written   notice,   and  in  certain  other
circumstances specified in the Sales Agency Agreement.


                                       S-2


<PAGE>




   PROSPECTUS

[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
              Resource Mortgage Capital, Inc.

  Common Stock, Preferred Stock, Debt Securities Warrants
       to Purchase Common Stock, Warrants to Purchase
              Preferred Stock and Warrants to
                            Purchase Debt Securities

                      ----------------

   Resource Mortgage Capital, a Virginia corporation (the Company),  directly or
through agents, dealers or underwriters  designated from time to time, may issue
and sell from time to time one or more of the following  types of its securities
(the  "Securities"):  (i) shares of its common stock,  par value $0.01 per share
("Common Stock"); (ii) shares of its preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share,
in one or more series ("Preferred Stock"), (iii) debt securities, in one or more
series, any series of which may be either senior debt securities or subordinated
debt securities  (collectively,  "Debt Securities" and, as appropriate,  "Senior
Debt Securities" or "Subordinated Debt  Securities"),  (iv) warrants to purchase
shares of Common  Stock  ("Common  Stock  Warrants");  (v)  warrants to purchase
Preferred Stock  ("Preferred  Stock  Warrants");  (vi) warrants to purchase debt
securities  ("Debt Warrants) and (vii) any combination of the foregoing,  either
individually  or as units  consisting of one or more of the  foregoing  types of
Securities.  The Securities offered pursuant to this Prospectus may be issued in
one or more series,  in amounts,  at prices and on terms to be determined at the
time of the offering of each such series.  The Securities offered by the Company
pursuant to this Prospectus will be limited to  $200,000,000  aggregate  initial
public  offering  price,  including  the  exercise  price  of any  Common  Stock
Warrants, Preferred Stock Warrants and Debt Warrants (collectively,  "Securities
Warrants"). As of the date of this Prospectus,  the Company has issued 1,552,500
shares of its Series A 9.75% Cumulative  Convertible Preferred Stock,  2,196,824
shares  of its  Series  B  9.55%  Cumulative  Convertible  Preferred  Stock  and
1,840,000 shares of its Series C 9.73% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock.

   The  specific  terms  of each  offering  of  Securities  in
respect of which this  Prospectus  is being  delivered are set
forth  in  an  accompanying  Prospectus  Supplement  (each,  a
"Prospectus   Supplement")   relating  to  such   offering  of
Securities.    Such   specific    terms    include,    without
limitation,  to the extent  applicable  (1) in the case of any
series  of  Preferred   Stock,   the  specific   designations,
rights,  preferences,  privileges  and  restrictions  of  such
series of Preferred  Stock,  including  the  dividend  rate or
rates or the method for  calculating  same,  dividend  payment
dates,  voting  rights,   liquidation  preferences,   and  any
conversion,  exchange,  redemption or sinking fund provisions;
(2)  in the  case  of  any  series  of  Debt  Securities,  the
specific   designations,   rights  and  restrictions  of  such
series  of  Debt  Securities,   including  without  limitation
whether  the Debt  Securities  are Senior Debt  Securities  or
Subordinated  Debt  Securities,  the  currency  in which  such
Debt  Securities are  denominated  and payable,  the aggregate
principal amount,  stated maturity,  method of calculating and
dates for payment of interest  and  premium,  if any,  and any
conversion,  exchange,  redemption or sinking fund provisions;
(3)  in  the  case  of  the  Securities  Warrants,   the  Debt
Securities,  Preferred  Stock or Common Stock,  as applicable,
for which each such warrant is  exercisable,  and the exercise
price,  duration,  detachability  and call  provisions of each
such  warrant;  and  (4)  in  the  case  of  any  offering  of
Securities,  to the  extent  applicable,  the  initial  public
offering   price  or  prices,   listing   on  any   securities
exchange,  certain  federal  income tax  consequences  and the
agents,  dealers or  underwriters,  if any,  participating  in
the  offering and sale of the  Securities.  If so specified in
the   applicable   Prospectus   Supplement,   any   series  of
Securities  may be  issued  in whole or in part in the form of
one or more  temporary  or  permanent  Global  Securities,  as
defined herein.
                       ----------------

  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.
                       ----------------

 THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK HAS NOT PASSED
                                      ON OR
   ENDORSED THE MERITS OF THIS OFFERING. ANY REPRESENTATION
                 TO THE CONTRARY IS UNLAWFUL.
                       ----------------

   The  Company  may sell all or a portion  of any  offering  of its  Securities
through  agents,  to or through  underwriters  or dealers,  or directly to other
purchasers.  See "Plan of Distribution." The related  Prospectus  Supplement for
each offering of Securities  sets forth the name of any agents,  underwriters or
dealers  involved  in the  sale  of such  Securities  and  any  applicable  fee,
commission,  discount or  indemnification  arrangement  with any such party. See
"Use of Proceeds."

   This  Prospectus  may not be used to consummate  sales of  Securities  unless
accompanied by a Prospectus Supplement. The delivery in any jurisdiction of this
Prospectus together with a Prospectus Supplement relating to specific Securities
shall not  constitute  an offer in such  jurisdiction  of any  other  Securities
covered by this Prospectus but not described in such Prospectus Supplement.

                       ----------------
The date of this Prospectus is ___________, 1997.


<PAGE>



                              20

   NO  DEALER,  SALESMAN  OR ANY OTHER  PERSON HAS BEEN  AUTHORIZED  TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION  OR TO MAKE  ANY  REPRESENTATIONS  OTHER  THAN  THOSE  CONTAINED  OR
INCORPORATED  BY REFERENCE IN THIS  PROSPECTUS  OR THE  ACCOMPANYING  PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR  REPRESENTATIONS  MUST NOT
BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING  BEEN  AUTHORIZED  BY THE  COMPANY OR ANY  UNDERWRITER,
AGENT OR DEALER.  NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS  PROSPECTUS  OR THE  ACCOMPANYING
PROSPECTUS  SUPPLEMENT NOR ANY DISTRIBUTION OF SECURITIES BEING OFFERED PURSUANT
TO THIS PROSPECTUS AND AN  ACCOMPANYING  PROSPECTUS  SUPPLEMENT  SHALL UNDER ANY
CIRCUMSTANCES CREATE AN IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS
OF THE  COMPANY  SINCE  THE DATE  HEREOF  OR  THEREOF  OR THAT  THE  INFORMATION
CONTAINED HEREIN OR THEREIN IS CORRECT AT ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE HEREOF
OR THEREOF.  THIS PROSPECTUS AND THE ACCOMPANYING  PROSPECTUS  SUPPLEMENT DO NOT
CONSTITUTE  AN  OFFER  TO  SELL,  OR A  SOLICITATION  OF AN  OFFER  TO  PURCHASE
SECURITIES BY ANYONE IN ANY  JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS
NOT  AUTHORIZED OR IN WHICH THE PERSON MAKING THE OFFER OR  SOLICITATION  IS NOT
QUALIFIED  TO DO SO OR TO ANYONE TO WHOM IT IS  UNLAWFUL  TO MAKE SUCH  OFFER OR
SOLICITATION.



                              AVAILABLE INFORMATION

   The Company is subject to the  informational  requirements  of the Securities
Exchange  Act of 1934,  as  amended  (the  "Exchange  Act"),  and in  accordance
therewith  files  reports,  proxy  statements  and  other  information  with the
Securities  and Exchange  Commission  (the  "Commission").  Such reports,  proxy
statements  and other  information  filed by the  Company may be  inspected  and
copied at the public reference  facilities  maintained by the Commission at Room
1024, 450 Fifth Street,  N.W., Judiciary Plaza,  Washington,  D.C. 20549, and at
the Commission's following regional offices:  Chicago Regional Office,  Citicorp
Center 500 West Madison Street,  Suite 1400,  Chicago,  Illinois 60661;  and New
York Regional Office, 7 World Trade Center, New York, New York 10045.  Copies of
such material can also be obtained at prescribed rates from the Public Reference
Section  of  the  Commission  at  450  Fifth  Street,   N.W.,  Judiciary  Plaza,
Washington,  D.C.  20549.  The Common  Stock of the Company is listed on the New
York Stock  Exchange  ("NYSE")  and such  reports,  proxy  statements  and other
information  concerning the Company may also be inspected at the offices of such
Exchange at 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005. The Commission  maintains
a Web site that contains  reports,  proxy and  information  statements and other
information regarding the Company at http://www.sec.gov.

   The Company has filed with the  Commission a  Registration  Statement on Form
S-3 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the  "Securities  Act"),  with
respect to the Securities  offered hereby.  This Prospectus does not contain all
of the information  set forth in the  Registration  Statement,  certain parts of
which  are  omitted  in  accordance  with  the  rules  and  regulations  of  the
Commission.  For  further  information  with  respect  to the  Company  and  the
Securities offered hereby,  reference is made to the Registration  Statement and
the exhibits and schedules thereto.  Statements  contained in this Prospectus as
to the contents of any contract or other documents are not necessarily complete,
and in  each  instance,  reference  is made to the  copy  of  such  contract  or
documents filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, each such statement
being qualified in all respects by such reference.

       INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

The following documents  previously filed with the Commission by the Company are
incorporated in this Prospectus by reference: Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended  December  31,  1995;  Quarterly  Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended March  31,1996;  Quarterly  Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June
30, 1996;  Quarterly  Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter  ended  September  30,
1996; current report on Form 8-K dated February 27, 1997; and the description of
the Company's Common Stock contained in the Company's  Registration Statement on
Form 8-A under the  Exchange  Act,  including  any  amendment or report filed to
update the description.

   All documents filed by the Company  pursuant to Sections 13(a),  13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the  Exchange  Act after the date of this  Prospectus  and prior to the
termination of the offering of all Securities shall be deemed to be incorporated
by reference in this  Prospectus and to be a part hereof from the date of filing
of such documents.  Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed
to be  incorporated  by  reference  herein  shall be  deemed to be  modified  or
superseded  for  purposes  of this  Prospectus  to the extent  that a  statement
contained  herein or in any  accompanying  Prospectus  Supplement  relating to a
specific  offering of Securities  or in any other  subsequently  filed  document
which also is or is deemed to be  incorporated  by reference  herein modifies or
supersedes such statement.  Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be
deemed,  except as so  modified  or  superseded,  to  constitute  a part of this
Prospectus or any accompanying Prospectus Supplement.  Subject to the foregoing,
all information appearing in this Prospectus is qualified in its entirety by the
information appearing in the documents incorporated herein by reference.

   The  Company  will  furnish  without  charge  to each  person  to  whom  this
Prospectus  is delivered,  on the written or oral request of any such person,  a
copy of any and all of the documents  described  above under  "Incorporation  of
Certain Documents by Reference,"  other than exhibits to such documents,  unless
such  exhibits  are  specifically  incorporated  by reference  therein.  Written
requests should be directed to: Resource Mortgage  Capital,  Inc., 10900 Nuckols
Road, Glen Allen,  Virginia 23060,  Attention:  Investor  Relations,  Telephone:
(804) 217-5800.


<PAGE>


                                   THE COMPANY

   Resource  Mortgage  Capital,  Inc.  (the  Company) is a mortgage and consumer
finance company which uses its production  operations to create  investments for
its portfolio.  Currently,  the Company's primary production  operations include
the origination of loans secured by multi-family  properties and the origination
of loans secured by manufactured  homes. Since its inception in 1987 through May
13, 1996, the Company's principal production operations included the purchase or
origination of single-family  loans. The Company sold such operations on May 13,
1996 to Dominion Mortgage Services,  Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dominion
Resources, Inc. (NYSE: D).

    The  Company  will  generally  securitize  loans  funded as  collateral  for
collateralized bonds, limiting its credit risk and providing long-term financing
for its portfolio. The majority of the Company's current investment portfolio is
comprised of loans or  securities  that have coupon rates which adjust over time
(subject to certain  limitations)  in  conjunction  with  changes in  short-term
interest  rates.  The Company  intends to expand its  production  sources in the
future to include  other  financial  products,  such as  commercial  real estate
loans.

   The Company's  principal source of earnings is the net interest income on its
investment portfolio. The Company's investment portfolio consists principally of
collateral for collateralized bonds,  adjustable-rate  mortgage (ARM) securities
and loans held for securitization.  The Company funds its portfolio  investments
with both  borrowings and cash raised from the issuance of equity  capital.  For
the  portion of  portfolio  investments  funded  with  borrowings,  the  Company
generates  net  interest  income to the extent  that there is a positive  spread
between the yield on the earning assets and the cost of borrowed funds. For that
portion of the balance  sheet that is funded with equity  capital,  net interest
income is primarily a function of the yield generated from the interest  earning
asset.  The cost of the  Company's  borrowings  may be increased or decreased by
interest rate swap, cap, or floor agreements.

   Generally,  during a period of  rising  interest  rates,  the  Company's  net
interest spread earned on its investment  portfolio will decrease.  The decrease
of the net interest  spread  results from (i) the lag in resets of the ARM loans
underlying the ARM securities and collateral for  collateralized  bonds relative
to the rate resets on the associated  borrowings and (ii) rate resets on the ARM
loans which are generally  limited to 1% every six months,  while the associated
borrowings  have no such  limitation.  As interest  rates  stabilize and the ARM
loans reset,  the net interest margin may be restored to its former level as the
yields on the ARM loans adjust to market  conditions.  Conversely,  net interest
margin may increase following a fall in short-term interest rates. This increase
may be  temporary  as the  yields  on the ARM  loans  adjust  to the new  market
conditions after a lag period. In each case,  however,  the Company expects that
the  increase  or  decrease  in the net  interest  spread  due to changes in the
short-term  interest  rates is  temporary.  The net interest  spread may also be
increased or decreased by the cost or proceeds of the interest rate swap, cap or
floor agreements.

   The Company seeks to generate growth in earnings and dividends per share in a
variety  of  ways,  including  (i)  adding  investments  to its  portfolio  when
opportunities   in  the  market  are  favorable;   (ii)  developing   production
capabilities  to  originate  and  acquire  financial  assets  in order to create
attractively  priced  investments  for its  portfolio,  as well as  control  the
underwriting  and servicing of such financial  assets;  and (iii) increasing the
efficiency with which the Company utilizes its equity capital over time.

   The  Company  elects to be taxed as a real estate  investment  trust (a REIT)
and, as a result,  is required to distribute  substantially  all of its earnings
annually to its shareholders.  In order to grow its equity base, the Company may
issue  additional  preferred or common stock.  Management  strives to issue such
additional shares when it believes  existing  shareholders are likely to benefit
from such  offerings  through  higher  earnings and  dividends per share than as
compared  to the level of  earnings  and  dividends  the  Company  would  likely
generate without such offerings.



<PAGE>



                                Other Information

   The  Company,  and  its  qualified  real  estate  investment  trust  ("REIT")
subsidiaries,  have  elected  to be  treated  as a REIT for  federal  income tax
purposes.  A REIT must distribute  annually  substantially  all of its income to
shareholders.  The Company and its qualified  REIT  subsidiaries  (collectively,
"Resource  REIT")  generally  will not be subject  to federal  income tax to the
extent that  certain  REIT  qualifications  are met.  Certain  other  affiliated
entities  which  are  consolidated  with the  Company  for  financial  reporting
purposes,  are not  consolidated  for federal  income tax purposes  because such
entities  are not  qualified  REIT  subsidiaries.  All  taxable  income of these
affiliated  entities  are  subject  to federal  and state  income  taxes,  where
applicable. See "Federal Income Tax Considerations."

   The  principal  executive  office of the Company is located at 10900  Nuckols
Road, Glen Allen, Virginia 23060, telephone number: (804) 217-5800.

                                 USE OF PROCEEDS

   Unless otherwise  specified in the applicable  Prospectus  Supplement for any
offering of Securities,  the net proceeds from the sale of Securities offered by
the Company will be available for the general corporate purposes of the Company.
These general corporate purposes may include,  without limitation,  repayment of
maturing obligations,  redemption of outstanding indebtedness,  financing future
acquisitions   (including  acquisitions  of  loans,  mortgage  loans  and  other
mortgage-related  products),  capital expenditures and working capital.  Pending
any such uses,  the  Company  may invest the net  proceeds  from the sale of any
Securities  or may use them to reduce  short-term  indebtedness.  If the Company
intends  to use  the  net  proceeds  from a sale  of  Securities  to  finance  a
significant  acquisition,  the related Prospectus  Supplements will describe the
material terms of such acquisition.

   If Debt  Securities  are issued to one or more  persons in  exchange  for the
Company's  outstanding debt securities,  the accompanying  Prospectus Supplement
related  to such  offering  of Debt  Securities  will set  forth  the  aggregate
principal  amount of the  outstanding  debt  securities  which the Company  will
receive in such  exchange and which will cease to be  outstanding,  the residual
cash payment,  if any,  which the Company may receive from such persons or which
such persons may receive from the Company, as appropriate,  the dates from which
the Company will pay interest  accrued on the outstanding  debt securities to be
exchanged  for the offered  Debt  Securities  and an  estimate of the  Company's
expenses in respect of such offering of the Debt Securities.

         RATIO OF AVAILABLE EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

   The Company's ratio of available earnings to fixed charges was 1:1 or greater
in each of the last five fiscal years.
The ratios were as follows:


                                    Year ended December 31,
                                1996 1995  1994   1993   1992
                                -------------------------------
Ratio of available
earnings to fixed               1.56:1.26:11.35:11.69:1 1.80:1
charges (1)

(1) For purposes of computing the ratios,  "available  earnings"  consist of net
income  before  income taxes plus  interest and debt expense and excludes  fixed
charges  related  to  Collateralized  bonds  issued  by the  Company  which  are
nonrecourse to the Company. This sum is divided by fixed charges, which consists
of total interest and debt expense, to determine the ratio of available earnings
to fixed charges.


   These  ratios  represent  a  measure  of the  ability  to meet  debt  service
obligations from funds generated from operations.

                            DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES

   The following is a brief  description  of the material terms of the Company's
capital stock.  This  description does not purport to be complete and is subject
in all  respects  to  applicable  Virginia  law  and to  the  provisions  of the
Company's Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, copies of which are on file with
the Commission as described under  "Available  Information" and are incorporated
by reference herein.

                                     General

   The  Company  may offer under this  Prospectus  one or more of the  following
categories of its  Securities:  (i) shares of its Common Stock,  par value $0.01
per share; (ii) shares of its Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, in one
or more series;  (iii) Debt  Securities,  in one or more  series,  any series of
which may be either Senior Debt Securities or Subordinated Debt Securities; (iv)
Common Stock Warrants;  (v) Preferred Stock  Warrants;  (vi) Debt Warrants;  and
(vii)  any  combination  of  the  foregoing,  either  individually  or as  units
consisting  of one or more of the types of  Securities  described in clauses (i)
through (vi). The terms of any specific  offering of  Securities,  including the
terms  of any  units  offered,  will be set  forth  in a  Prospectus  Supplement
relating to such offering.

   The Company's authorized equity capitalization  consists of 50 million shares
of Common  Stock,  par value $0.01 per share and 50 million  shares of preferred
stock, par value $0.01 per share. Neither the holders of the Common Stock nor of
any  preferred  stock,  now or  hereafter  authorized,  will be  entitled to any
preemptive or other  subscription  rights. The Common Stock is listed on the New
York Stock Exchange.  The Company  intends to list any additional  shares of its
Common  Stock  which are issued and sold  hereunder.  The  Company  may list any
series of its Preferred Stock which are offered and sold hereunder, as described
in the Prospectus Supplement relating to such series of Preferred Stock.

                                  Common Stock

   As of December 31, 1996, there were 20,653,593  outstanding  shares of Common
Stock held by 3,416  holders of record.  Holders of Common Stock are entitled to
receive  dividends  when, as and if declared by the Board of  Directors,  out of
funds  legally  available  therefor.  Dividends  on any  outstanding  shares  of
preferred  stock must be paid in full  before  payment of any  dividends  on the
Common  Stock.  Upon  liquidation,  dissolution  or winding  up of the  Company,
holders of Common Stock are entitled to share  ratably in assets  available  for
distribution after payment of all debts and other liabilities and subject to the
prior rights of any holders of any preferred stock then outstanding.

   Holders of Common  Stock are  entitled to one vote per share with  respect to
all  matters  submitted  to a vote of  shareholders  and do not have  cumulative
voting rights.  Accordingly,  holders of a majority of the Common Stock entitled
to vote in any election of directors may elect all of the directors standing for
election, subject to the voting rights (if any) of any series of preferred stock
that  may  be  outstanding  from  time  to  time.  The  Company's   Articles  of
Incorporation  and  Bylaws  contain no  restrictions  on the  repurchase  by the
Company  of shares of the Common  Stock.  All the  outstanding  shares of Common
Stock are validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

                                 Preferred Stock

   The Board of Directors is authorized to designate with respect to each series
of preferred stock the number of shares in each such series,  the dividend rates
and  dates  of  payment,  voluntary  and  involuntary  liquidation  preferences,
redemption  prices,  whether  or not  dividends  shall  be  cumulative  and,  if
cumulative,  the date or dates  from  which the same  shall be  cumulative,  the
sinking fund  provisions,  if any,  for  redemption  or purchase of shares,  the
rights,  if any, and the terms and  conditions  on which shares can be converted
into or exchanged for shares of another class or series,  and the voting rights,
if any. As of the date  hereof,  there were  1,552,500  shares of Series A 9.75%
Cumulative  Convertible  Preferred  Stock,  2,196,824  shares  of Series B 9.55%
Cumulative  Convertible  Preferred Stock and 1,840,000  shares of Series C 9.73%
Cumulative  Convertible  Preferred  Stock  (collectively,  the Preferred  Stock)
issued and outstanding.

   Any  preferred  shares  issued  will  rank  prior to the  Common  Stock as to
dividends and as to  distributions  in the event of liquidation,  dissolution or
winding  up of the  Company.  The  ability  of the Board of  Directors  to issue
preferred  stock,  while  providing  flexibility  in  connection  with  possible
acquisitions and other corporate purposes,  could, among other things, adversely
affect the voting powers of holders of Common Stock.

                               Securities Warrants

General

    The Company may issue Securities  Warrants for the Purchase of Common Stock,
Preferred  Stock or Debt  Securities.  Such  warrants  are referred to herein as
Common  Stock  Warrants,   Preferred   Stock  Warrants  or  Debt  Warrants,   as
appropriate.  Securities  Warrants may be issued  independently or together with
any other Securities  covered by the Registration  Statement and offered by this
Prospectus and any accompanying  Prospectus Supplement and may be attached to or
separate from such other Securities.  Each series of Securities Warrants will be
issued under a separate agreement (each, a "Securities Warrant Agreement") to be
entered into between the Company and a bank or trust company,  as agent (each, a
"Securities  Warrant  Agent"),  all as set  forth in the  Prospectus  Supplement
relating to the particular issue of offered Securities  Warrants.  Each issue of
Securities  Warrants will be evidenced by warrant  certificates (the "Securities
Warrant Certificates"). The Securities Warrant Agent will act solely as an agent
of the Company in connection with the Securities  Warrant  Certificates and will
not assume any  obligation  or  relationship  of agency or trust for or with any
holders of Securities  Warrant  Certificates or beneficial  owners of Securities
Warrants.  Copies of the definitive Securities Warrant Agreements and Securities
Warrant  Certificates  will be filed with the  Commission  by means of a Current
Report on Form 8-K in connection  with the offering of such series of Securities
Warrants.

   If Securities Warrants are offered, the applicable Prospectus Supplement will
describe  the  terms  of such  Securities  Warrants,  including  in the  case of
Securities  Warrants for the purchase of Debt  Securities,  the following  where
applicable:  (i) the  offering  price;  (ii) the  currencies  in which such Debt
Warrants are being offered;  (iii) the designation,  aggregate principal amount,
currencies, denominations and terms of the series of Debt Securities purchasable
upon  exercise  of such Debt  Warrants;  (iv) the  designation  and terms of any
Securities  with which such Debt  Warrants  are being  offered and the number of
such Debt Warrants  being offered with each such  Security;  (v) the date on and
after which such Debt Warrants and the related  Securities  will be transferable
separately;  (vi)  the  principal  amount  of  the  series  of  Debt  Securities
purchasable  upon  exercise of each such Debt Warrant and the price at which the
currencies in which such principal  amount of Debt Securities of such series may
be purchased upon such  exercise;  (vii) the date on which the right to exercise
such Debt Warrants  shall commence and the date on which such right shall expire
(the  "Expiration  Date");  (viii)  whether the Debt  Warrant  will be issued in
registered or bearer form; (ix) certain federal income tax consequences; and (x)
any other material terms of such Debt Warrants.

   In the case of  Securities  Warrants for the  purchase of Preferred  Stock or
Common Stock,  the applicable  Prospectus  Supplement will describe the terms of
such  Securities  Warrants,  including the following where  applicable:  (i) the
offering price; (ii) the aggregate number of shares purchasable upon exercise of
such Securities  Warrants,  and in the case of Securities Warrants for Preferred
Stock,  the  designation,  aggregate number and terms of the series of Preferred
Stock  purchasable  upon  exercise  of  such  Securities  Warrants;   (iii)  the
designation and terms of the Securities with which such Securities  Warrants are
being offered and the number of such Securities Warrants being offered with each
such Security; (iv) the date on and after which such Securities Warrants and the
related Securities will be transferable separately;  (v) the number of shares of
Preferred Stock or shares of Common Stock purchasable upon exercise of each such
Securities  Warrant  and the price at which such  number of shares of  Preferred
Stock of such  series  or shares of  Common  Stock  may be  purchased  upon such
exercise;  (vi) the date on which the right to exercise such Securities Warrants
shall commence and the Expiration  Date on which such right shall expire;  (vii)
certain federal income tax consequences;  and (viii) any other material terms of
such Securities Warrants.

   Securities  Warrant  Certificates may be exchanged for new Securities Warrant
Certificates  of  different  denominations,  may  (if  in  registered  form)  be
presented for  registration  of transfer,  and may be exercised at the corporate
trust  office  of the  appropriate  Securities  Warrant  Agent or  other  office
indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.  Prior to the exercise of any
Securities  Warrant to purchase Debt  Securities,  holders of such Debt Warrants
will not have any of the rights of Holders  of the Debt  Securities  purchasable
upon such  exercise,  including  the right to  receive  payments  of  principal,
premium,  if any, or interest,  if any, on the Debt Securities  purchasable upon
such exercise or to enforce covenants in the applicable Indenture.  Prior to the
exercise of any Securities Warrants to purchase Preferred Stock or Common Stock,
holders of such Preferred  Stock Warrants or Common Stock Warrants will not have
any  rights  of  holders  of the  respective  Preferred  Stock or  Common  Stock
purchasable  upon such  exercise,  including  the right to receive  payments  of
dividends,  if any, on the Preferred Stock or Common Stock purchasable upon such
exercise or to exercise any applicable right to vote.

Exercise of Securities Warrants

   Each  Securities  Warrant  will entitle the holder  thereof to purchase  such
principal  amount of Debt  Securities or number of shares of Preferred  Stock or
shares of Common Stock,  as the case may be, at such exercise  price as shall in
each case be set  forth  in,  or  calculable  from,  the  Prospectus  Supplement
relating to the offered Securities Warrants.  After the close of business on the
Expiration  Date  (or  such  later  date to which  such  Expiration  Date may be
extended by the Company), unexercised Securities Warrants will become void.

   Securities  Warrants may be exercised by delivering to the Securities Warrant
Agent  payment,  as provided in the  applicable  Prospectus  Supplement,  of the
amount required to purchase the applicable Debt  Securities,  Preferred Stock or
Common Stock  purchasable upon such exercise  together with certain  information
set  forth on the  reverse  side of the  Securities  Warrant  Certificate.  Upon
receipt of such  payment  and the  definitive  Securities  Warrant  Certificates
properly  completed  and duly  executed  at the  corporate  trust  office of the
Securities  Warrant  Agent  or any  other  office  indicated  in the  applicable
Prospectus  Supplement,  the Company  will,  as soon as  practicable,  issue and
deliver  the  applicable  Debt  Securities,  Preferred  Stock  or  Common  Stock
purchasable  upon such exercise.  If fewer than all of the  Securities  Warrants
represented  by  such  Securities  Warrant  Certificate  are  exercised,  a  new
Securities  Warrant  Certificate  will be  issued  for the  remaining  amount of
Securities Warrants.

Amendments and Supplements to Securities Warrant Agreements

   Each Securities Warrant Agreement may be amended or supplemented  without the
consent of the holders of the Securities  Warrants  issued  thereunder to effect
changes that are not inconsistent with the provisions of the Securities Warrants
and that do not adversely  affect the interests of the holders of the Securities
Warrants.

Common Stock Warrant Adjustments

      Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable  Prospectus  Supplement,  the
exercise price of, and the number of shares of Common Stock covered by, a Common
Stock Warrant are subject to adjustment in certain  events,  including:  (i) the
issuance of Common Stock as a dividend or distribution on the Common Stock; (ii)
subdivisions  and  combinations  of the Common Stock;  (iii) the issuance to all
holders  of  Common  Stock of  certain  rights  or  warrants  entitling  them to
subscribe for or purchase  Common Stock within the number of days,  specified in
the applicable Prospectus Supplement, after the date fixed for the determination
of the  stockholders  entitled to receive such rights or warrants,  at less than
the  current  market  price (as  defined  in the  Securities  Warrant  Agreement
governing such series of Common Stock  Warrants);  and (iv) the  distribution to
all  holders  of Common  Stock of  evidences  of  indebtedness  or assets of the
Company  (excluding  certain cash dividends and distributions  described below).
The terms of any such  adjustment  will be specified  in the related  Prospectus
Supplement for such Common Stock Warrants.

No Rights as Stockholders

   Holders of Common Stock Warrants will not be entitled by virtue of being such
holders,  to vote,  to  consent,  to receive  dividends,  to  receive  notice as
stockholders  with  respect to any meeting of  stockholders  for the election of
directors  of the  Company  of any  other  matter,  or to  exercise  any  rights
whatsoever as stockholders of the Company.

Existing Securities Holders

   The Company may issue, as a dividend at no cost, such Securities  Warrants to
holders  of record of the  Company's  Securities  or any  class  thereof  on the
applicable record date. If Securities Warrants are so issued to existing holders
of Securities,  the applicable  Prospectus Supplement will describe, in addition
to the  terms  of the  Securities  Warrants  and the  Securities  issuable  upon
exercise  thereof,  the  provisions,  if any,  for a holder  of such  Securities
Warrants who validly exercises all Securities  Warrants issued to such holder to
subscribe  for  unsubscribed   Securities   (issuable  pursuant  to  unexercised
Securities  Warrants  issued to other  holders)  to the extent  such  Securities
Warrants have not been exercised.

                                 Debt Securities

General

   The Company may offer one or more series of its Debt Securities  representing
general, unsecured obligations of the Company. Any series of Debt Securities may
either (1) rank prior to all  subordinated  indebtedness of the Company and pari
passu with all other unsecured  indebtedness  of the Company  outstanding on the
date of the issuance of such Debt Securities  ("Senior Debt  Securities") or (2)
be subordinated in light of payments to certain other obligations of the Company
outstanding on the date of issuance  ("Subordinated  Debt Securities").  In this
Prospectus,  any indenture  relating to Subordinated Debt Securities is referred
to as a "Subordinated  Indenture" and the term "Indenture"  refers to Senior and
Subordinated Indentures, collectively.

   The aggregate  principal amount of Debt Securities which may be issued by the
Company will be set from time to time by the Board of  Directors.  Further,  the
amount  of Debt  Securities  which may be  offered  by this  Prospectus  will be
subject to the aggregate  initial offering price of Securities  specified in the
Registration Statement.  Each Indenture will permit the issuance of an unlimited
amount of Debt  Securities  thereunder  from time to time in one or more series.
Additional  debt  securities  may be issued  pursuant  to  another  registration
statement for issuance under any Indenture.  Any offering of Debt Securities may
be denominated in any currency composite designated by the Company.

   The following  description of the Debt Securities which may be offered by the
Company  hereunder  describes  certain  general terms and provisions of the Debt
Securities to which any Prospectus  Supplement may relate.  The particular terms
and  provisions  of the Debt  Securities  and the extent to which the  following
general  provisions  may  apply  to such  offering  of Debt  Securities  will be
described in the accompanying Prospectus Supplement relating to such offering of
Debt  Securities.  The  following  descriptions  of  certain  provisions  of the
Indentures do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their  entirety by
reference  to the  form  of  Senior  Indenture  or  Subordinated  Indenture,  as
appropriate.  The  definitive  Indenture  relating  to  each  offering  of  Debt
Securities  will be filed with the  Commission  by means of a Current  Report on
Form 8-K in connection  with the offering of such Debt  Securities.  All article
and section  references  appearing  herein are  references  to the  articles and
sections  of  the  appropriate   Indenture  and,  unless  defined  herein,   all
capitalized  terms have the  respective  meanings  specified in the  appropriate
Indenture.
   The Prospectus  Supplement  relating to any offering of Debt  Securities will
set forth the following  terms and other  information  to the extent  applicable
with respect to the Debt Securities being offered thereby;  (1) the designation,
aggregate principal amount,  authorized  denominations and priority of such Debt
Securities;  (2) the price (expressed as a percentage of the aggregate principal
amount of such Debt  Securities) at which such Debt  Securities  will be issued;
(3) the  currency  or  currency  units  for  which  the Debt  Securities  may be
purchased  and in  which  the  principal  of , and any  interest  on  such  Debt
Securities may be payable;  (4) the stated  maturity of such Debt  Securities or
means by which a  maturity  date may be  determined;  (5) the rate at which such
Debt  Securities will bear interest or the method by which such rate of interest
is to be  calculated  (which  rate  may be zero  in the  case  of  certain  Debt
Securities  issued at a price  representing a discount from the principal amount
payable at  maturity);  (6) the periods  during which such interest will accrue,
the dates on which such  interest  will be payable  (or the method by which such
dates may be determined; including without limitation that such rate of interest
may  bear  an  inverse   relationship   to  some  index  or  standard)  and  the
circumstances  under  which the  Company  may defer  payment  of  interest;  (7)
redemption provisions,  including any optional redemption, required repayment or
mandatory  sinking fund provisions;  (8) any terms by which such Debt Securities
may be convertible into shares of the Company's Common Stock, Preferred Stock or
any other  Securities of the Company,  including a description of the Securities
into which any such Debt Securities are convertible;  (9) any terms by which the
principal of such Debt Securities will be exchangeable  for any other Securities
of the Company;  (10) whether such Debt  Securities  are issuable as  definitive
Fully-Registered  Securities  (as defined  below) or Global  Securities  and, if
Global Securities are to be issued,  the terms thereof,  including the manner in
which  interest  thereon will be payable to the  beneficial  owners  thereof and
other book-entry  procedures,  any terms for exchange of such Global  Securities
into  definitive   Fully-Registered   Securities  (as  defined  below)  and  any
provisions  relating to the issuance of a temporary  Global  Security;  (11) any
additional restrictive covenants included for the benefit of the holders of such
Debt Securities;  (12) any additional events of default provided with respect to
such Debt  Securities;  (13) the terms of any Securities  being offered together
with such Debt Securities,  (14) whether such Debt Securities represent general,
unsecured  obligations  of the Company and (15) any other material terms of such
Debt Securities.

   If any of the Debt  Securities  are  sold for  foreign  currency  units,  the
restrictions, elections, tax consequences, specific terms, and other information
with respect to such issue of Debt  Securities  and such  currencies or currency
units will be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating to thereto.

Indenture Provisions

   The Debt  Securities  may be  issued in  definitive,  fully  registered  form
without coupons ("Fully Registered  Securities"),  or in a form registered as to
principal  only with coupons or in bearer form with  coupons.  Unless  otherwise
specified in the Prospectus  Supplement,  the Debt Securities will only be Fully
Registered Securities.  In addition, Debt Securities of a series may be issuable
in the form of one or more Global  Securities,  which will be  denominated in an
amount equal to all or a portion of the aggregate  principal amount of such Debt
Securities. See "Global Securities" below.

   One or more series of Debt  Securities may be sold at a substantial  discount
below their stated principal  amount,  bearing no interest or interest at a rate
that  at the  time of  issuance  is  below  market  rates.  Federal  income  tax
consequences  and special  considerations  applicable to any such series will be
described in the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto.

   Unless otherwise indicated in the related Prospectus  Supplement for a series
of Debt  Securities,  there are no provisions  contained in the Indentures  that
would  afford  holders of Debt  Securities  protection  in the event of a highly
leveraged transaction involving the Company.

   Global Securities. Any series of Debt Securities may be issued in whole or in
part in the form of one or more Global  Securities  that will be deposited with,
or on behalf of, the Depository identified in the Prospectus Supplement relating
to such  series.  Unless and until it is  exchanged in whole or in part for Debt
Securities  in  individually  certificated  form,  a Global  Security may not be
transferred  except as a whole to a nominee of the  Depository  for such  Global
Security,  or by a  nominee  for  the  Depository  to  the  Depository,  or to a
successor of the Depository or a nominee of such successor.

   The specific terms of the Depository  arrangement  with respect to any series
of Debt  Securities and the rights of, and  limitations on, owners of beneficial
interests in a Global Security representing all or a portion of a series of Debt
Securities  will be  described  in the  Prospectus  Supplement  relating to such
series.

   Modification  of  Indentures.  Unless  otherwise  specified  in  the  related
Prospectus  Supplement,  each  Indenture,  the  rights  and  obligations  of the
Company,  and the rights of the Holders may be modified  with  respect to one or
more series of Debt  Securities  issued under such Indenture with the consent of
the Holders of not less than a majority in principal  amount of the  outstanding
Debt Securities of each such series  affected by the  modification or amendment.
No  modification  of the terms of  payment  of  principal  or  interest,  and no
modification  reducing the percentage  required for  modification,  is effective
against any Holder without his consent.

   Events of Default.  Unless  otherwise  specified  in the  related  Prospectus
Supplement,  each  Indenture,  will  provide  that the  following  are Events of
Default with respect to any series of Debt  Securities  issued  thereunder:  (1)
default in the payment of the principal of any Debt Security of such series when
and as the same shall be due and  payable;  (2) default in making a sinking fund
payment,  if any,  when and as the same shall be due and payable by the terms of
the Debt  Securities  of such series;  (3) default for 30 days in payment of any
installment of interest on any Debt Securities of such series; (4) default for a
specified  number of days after notice in the performance of any other covenants
in respect of the Debt Securities of such series contained in the Indenture; (5)
certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, or court appointment
of a receiver,  liquidator,  or trustee of the Company or its property;  and (6)
any other Event of Default  provided in the  applicable  supplemental  indenture
under which such series of Debt  Securities is issued.  An Event of Default with
respect to a particular series of Debt Securities issued under an Indenture will
not necessarily  constitute an Event of Default with respect to any other series
of Debt Securities  issued under such Indenture.  The trustee under an Indenture
may  withhold  notice to the  Holders  of any series of Debt  Securities  of any
default  with  respect to such  series  (except in the payment of  principal  or
interest) if it considers such withholding in the interests of such Holders.

   If an Event of Default  with respect to any series of Debt  Securities  shall
have occurred and be continuing,  the appropriate trustee under the Indenture or
the Holders of not less than 25% in the aggregate  principal  amount of the Debt
Securities  of  such  series  may  declare  the  principal,  or in the  case  of
discounted  Debt  Securities,  such  portion  thereof as may be described in the
Prospectus  Supplement,  of all the Debt Securities of such series to be due and
payable immediately.

   Within four months after the close of each fiscal year, the Company will file
with each  trustee  under the  indentures  a  certificate,  signed by  specified
officers,  stating  whether or not such officers have  knowledge of any default,
and, if so, specifying each such default and the nature thereof.

   Subject to  provisions  relating to its duties in case of default,  a trustee
under the Indentures  shall be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights
or powers under the applicable Indenture at the request,  order, or direction of
any Holder,  unless such Holders  shall have offered to such trustee  reasonable
indemnity.  Subject to such  provisions  for  indemnification,  the Holders of a
majority in principal amount of the Debt Securities of any series may direct the
time, method, and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to
the  appropriate  trustee,  or exercising any trust or power conferred upon such
trustee, with respect to the Debt Securities of such series.

   Payment and Transfer.  Principal  of, and premium and  interest,  if any, on,
fully Registered Securities will be payable at the Place of Payment as specified
in the applicable Prospectus  Supplement,  provided that payment of interest, if
any,  may be  made,  unless  otherwise  provided  in the  applicable  Prospectus
Supplement,  by check  mailed to the person in whose names such Debt  Securities
are  registered  at the close of  business on the day or days  specified  in the
Prospectus  Supplement or transfer to an account maintained by the payee located
inside the United  States.  The principal of, and premium and interest,  if any,
on,  Debt  Securities  in other  forms  will be payable in the manner and at the
place or places as  designated  by the Company and  specified in the  applicable
Prospectus  Supplement.  Unless otherwise provided in the Prospectus Supplement,
payment of interest may be made,  in the case of Bearer  Security by transfer to
an account maintained by the payee with a bank outside the United States.

   Fully Registered  Securities may be transferred or exchanged at the corporate
trust  office of the  trustee or any other  office or agency  maintained  by the
Company  for  such  purposes,  subject  to the  limitations  in  the  applicable
Indenture,  without  the  payment of any  service  charge  except for any tax or
governmental charge incidental thereto.  Provisions with respect to the transfer
and  exchange  of Debt  Securities  in  other  forms  will be set  forth  in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement.

   Defeasance.  The  Indentures  provide  that each will  cease to be of further
effect with respect to a certain series of Debt  Securities  (except for certain
obligations  to register  the  transfer or  exchange of  Securities)  if (a) the
Company  delivers  to  the  Trustee  for  the  Securities  of  such  series  for
cancellation  of  all  Securities  of  all  series  and  the  coupons,  if  any,
appertaining thereto, or (b) if the Company deposits into trust with the Trustee
money or United  States  government  obligations,  that,  through the payment of
interest  thereon and  principal  thereof in accordance  with their terms,  will
provide  money in an  amount  sufficient  to pay all of the  principal  of,  and
interest on, the Securities of such series on the dates such payments are due or
redeemable in accordance with the terms of such Securities.

         Certain Charter and Virginia Law Provisions

   Unless the amendment  effects an extraordinary  transaction,  the Articles of
Incorporation  of the Company may be amended with the approval of the holders of
a majority  of the  outstanding  shares of Common  Stock,  subject to the voting
rights (if any) of any series of preferred  stock that may be  outstanding  from
time to time. Amendments that effect extraordinary  transactions,  which include
mergers, share exchanges, a sale of substantially all the assets of the Company,
the  dissolution of the Company or the share  ownership  restrictions  described
below,  require  the  approval  of the  holders of more than  two-thirds  of the
outstanding  shares of Common Stock  (subject to any voting rights of any series
of preferred stock outstanding).

   Special  meetings  of the  shareholders  of the  Company  may be  called by a
majority of the Board of Directors,  a majority of the  unaffiliated  directors,
the Chairman of the Board, the President or generally by shareholders holding at
least 25% of the outstanding  shares of Common Stock entitled to be voted at the
meeting.

   Virginia law and the Articles of  Incorporation  of the Company  provide that
the directors and officers of the Company shall have no liability to the Company
or its  shareholders  in certain actions brought by or on behalf of shareholders
of the Company unless such officer or director has engaged in willful misconduct
or violations of federal or state securities laws and certain other activities.

      Repurchase of Shares and Restrictions on Transfer

   Two of the requirements  for  qualification  for the tax benefits  accorded a
REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("the Code"),  are that
(i)  during  the  last  half of each  taxable  year  not  more  than  50% of the
outstanding  shares  may be  owned  directly  or  indirectly  by five  or  fewer
individuals  and (ii) there must be at least 100  shareholders  for at least 335
days in each taxable year. Those  requirements apply for all taxable years after
the year in which a REIT elects REIT status.

   The  Articles of  Incorporation  prohibit any person or group of persons from
acquiring or holding, directly or indirectly, ownership of a number of shares of
capital  stock in excess of 9.8% of the  outstanding  shares.  Shares of capital
stock  owned by a person  or group of  persons  in excess  of such  amounts  are
referred to as "Excess Shares." For this purpose the term "ownership" is defined
in accordance with the Code, the  constructive  ownership  provisions of Section
544 of the Code and Rule 13d-3  promulgated under the Exchange Act, and the term
"group"  is defined to have the same  meaning as that term has for  purposes  of
Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act. Accordingly, shares of capital stock owned
or deemed to be owned by a person  who  individually  owns less than 9.8% of the
shares outstanding may nevertheless be Excess Shares.

   For purposes of determining whether a person holds Excess Shares, a person or
group will be treated as owning not only  shares of capital  stock  actually  or
beneficially  owned,  but also any shares of capital  stock  attributed  to such
person or group under the constructive ownership provisions contained in Section
544 of the Code.

   The Articles of  Incorporation  provide that in the event any person acquires
Excess  Shares,  each Excess Share may be redeemed at any time by the Company at
the closing price of a share of capital stock on the New York Stock  Exchange on
the last  business  day prior to the  redemption  date.  From and after the date
fixed for redemption of Excess Shares, such shares shall cease to be entitled to
any  distribution  and other  benefits,  except only the right to payment of the
redemption price for such shares.

   Under the  Articles of  Incorporation  any  acquisition  of shares that would
result in failure  to  qualify  as a REIT under the Code is void to the  fullest
extent  permitted by law, and the Board of Directors is  authorized to refuse to
transfer  shares to a person if, as a result of the transfer,  that person would
own Excess Shares.  Prior to any transfer or transaction  which, if consummated,
would cause a shareholder to own Excess Shares,  and in any event upon demand by
the Board of Directors,  a  shareholder  is required to file with the Company an
affidavit setting forth, as to that shareholder,  the information required to be
reported in returns filed by  shareholders  under  Treasury  Regulation  Section
1.857-9  under the Code and in reports filed under Section 13(d) of the Exchange
Act.  Additionally,  each proposed  transferee of shares of capital stock,  upon
demand of the Board of  Directors,  also may be required to file a statement  or
affidavit  with the Company  setting forth the number of shares already owned by
the transferee and any related person.

   The  Common  Stock may not be  purchased  by  nonresident  aliens or  foreign
entities.  In  addition,  the  Common  Stock  may not be  held by  "disqualified
organizations"  within  the  meaning of Section  860E(e)(5)  of the Code,  which
generally  includes  governmental  entities  and other  tax-exempt  persons  not
subject to the tax on unrelated business taxable income.

                          Transfer Agent and Registrar

   The  transfer  agent and the  registrar  for the  Company's
Common Stock is First Union  National Bank of North  Carolina,
Charlotte, North Carolina.

                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

   The Company may sell  Securities  (1) through  underwriters  or dealers,  (2)
directly  to  one or  more  purchasers,  or (3)  through  agents.  A  Prospectus
Supplement  will set forth the terms of the offering of the  Securities  offered
thereby, including the name or names of any underwriters,  the purchase price of
the Securities,  and the proceeds to the Company from the sale, any underwriting
discounts and other items constituting underwriters'  compensation,  any initial
public offering price, any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid
to dealers,  and any securities  exchange on which the Securities may be listed.
Only  underwriters  so named  in the  Prospectus  Supplement  are  deemed  to be
underwriters in connection with the Securities offered thereby.

   If underwriters are used in the sale in a firm commitment  underwriting,  the
Securities will be acquired by the underwriters for their own account and may be
resold  from  time to time in one or  more  transactions,  including  negotiated
transactions,  at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices  determined
at the time of  sale.  The  obligations  of the  underwriters  to  purchase  the
Securities will be subject to certain conditions precedent, and the underwriters
will be obligated to purchase all the  Securities  of the series  offered by the
Company's  Prospectus  Supplement if any of the Securities  are  purchased.  Any
initial  public  offering  price and any  discounts  or  concessions  allowed or
reallowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to time.

   Only  underwriters  named  in the  Prospectus  Supplement  are  deemed  to be
underwriting  in  connection  with the  Securities  in  respect  of  which  such
Prospectus  Supplement and this Prospectus are delivered and any firms not named
therein  are not  parties  to the  underwriting  agreement  in  respect  of such
Securities and will have no direct or indirect participation in the underwriting
thereof,  although they may  participate in the  distribution of such Securities
under circumstances where they may be entitled to a dealer's commission.

   Securities  may  also be sold  directly  by the  Company  or  through  agents
designated by the Company from time to time. The  Securities  offered hereby may
also be sold from time to time  through  agents for the  Company by means of (i)
ordinary  broker's  transactions,  (ii) block  transactions  (which may  involve
crosses) in accordance with the rules of the Exchanges, in which such agents may
attempt to sell Securities as agent but may purchase and resell all or a portion
of the blocks as principal, (iii) "fixed price offerings" in accordance with the
rules of the  Exchanges,  or (iv) a combination  of any such methods of sale. In
connection  therewith,  distributors'  or  sellers'  commissions  may be paid or
allowed  which  will not exceed  those  customary  in the types of  transactions
involved. A Prospectus  Supplement sets forth the terms of any such "fixed price
offering,"  "exchange  distributions"  and  "special  offerings."  If the  agent
purchases  Securities  as principal,  it may sell such  Securities by any of the
methods  described  above.  Any  agent  involved  in the  offering  and  sale of
Securities in respect of which this  Prospectus  is delivered is named,  and any
commissions  payable  by the  Company  to  such  agent  are  set  forth,  in the
Prospectus  Supplement.  Unless otherwise  indicated herein or in the Prospectus
Supplement,  any such agent is acting on a best-efforts  basis for the period of
its appointment.

   If so  indicated in the  Prospectus  Supplement,  the Company will  authorize
agents,  underwriters,  or dealers to  solicit  offers by certain  institutional
investors to purchase Securities  providing for payment and delivery on a future
date  specified in the  Prospectus  Supplement.  There may be limitations on the
minimum amount which may be purchased by any such  institutional  investor or on
the portion of the aggregate principal amount of the particular Securities which
may be sold pursuant to such arrangements. Institutional investors to which such
offers may be made,  when  authorized,  include  commercial  and savings  banks,
insurance  companies,  pension  funds,  investment  companies,  educational  and
charitable  institutions,  and such other institutions as may be approved by the
Company.  The  obligations  of any  such  purchasers  pursuant  to such  delayed
delivery and payment  arrangements  will not be subject to any conditions except
(1) the purchase by an institution of the particular Securities shall not at the
time of delivery be prohibited  under the laws of any jurisdiction in the United
States  to  which  such  institution  is  subject,  and  (2) if  the  particular
Securities are being sold to  underwriters,  the Company shall have sold to such
underwriters  the total  principal  amount of such Securities less the principal
amount  thereof  covered by such  arrangements.  Underwriters  will not have any
responsibility   in  respect  of  the  validity  of  such  arrangements  or  the
performance of the Company or such institutional investors thereunder.

   Agents and underwriters  may be entitled under  agreements  entered into with
the Company to indemnification by the Company against certain civil liabilities,
including  liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, or to contribution with
respect to payments which the agents or underwriters  may be required to make in
respect thereof.  Agents and  underwriters  may engage in transactions  with, or
perform services for, the Company in the ordinary course of business.

   If an agent or agents are utilized in the sale, such persons may be deemed to
be  "underwriters",  and any documents,  commissions or concessions  received by
them from the Company or any profit on the resale of  Securities  by them may be
deemed to be underwriting  discounts and  commissions  under the Securities Act.
Any such person who may be deemed to be an underwriter and any such compensation
received from the Company will be described in the Prospectus Supplement.



<PAGE>


              FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

Federal Income Taxation of Shareholders

   The  following  section is a general  summary of certain  federal  income tax
aspects of an investment in the Company that should be considered by prospective
shareholders.  The discussion in this section is based on existing provisions of
the Code, existing and proposed Treasury regulations,  existing court decisions,
and existing rulings and other administrative  interpretations.  There can be no
assurance that future Code provisions or other legal  authorities will not alter
significantly  the tax  consequences  described  below.  No  rulings  have  been
obtained  from  the  Internal  Revenue  Service  concerning  any of the  matters
discussed in this section.

   The Company  and its  qualified  REIT  subsidiaries  (collectively  "Resource
REIT") believes it has complied,  and intends to comply in the future,  with the
requirements for  qualification as a REIT under the Code. The federal income tax
provisions governing REITs and their shareholders are extremely complicated, and
what  follows is only a very  brief and  general  summary of the most  important
considerations for shareholders. ACCORDINGLY, PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS ARE URGED TO
CONSULT  THEIR OWN TAX  ADVISORS  CONCERNING  THE  FEDERAL,  STATE AND LOCAL TAX
CONSEQUENCES  OF THE  PURCHASE,  OWNERSHIP  AND  DISPOSITION  OF  SHARES  OF THE
COMPANY.

General Considerations

   Resource REIT believes it has complied,  and intends to comply in the future,
with the  requirements  for  qualification  as a REIT  under the Code.  Venable,
Baetjer  and  Howard,  LLP,  counsel to the  Company,  has given the Company its
opinion  to the effect  that,  as of the date  hereof  and based on the  various
representations  made to it by the Company with  respect to its income,  assets,
and  activities  since its  inception,  and subject to certain  assumptions  and
qualifications stated in such opinion, (i) Resource REIT qualifies for treatment
as a REIT under the Code and (ii) the organization  and  contemplated  method of
operation of Resource REIT are such as to enable it to continue so to qualify in
subsequent years,  provided the various operational  requirements of REIT status
are satisfied in those years.  However,  investors should be aware that opinions
of counsel are not binding on the courts or the Internal Revenue Service. To the
extent that Resource REIT  qualifies as a REIT for federal  income tax purposes,
it  generally  will not be subject  to  federal  income tax on the amount of its
income  or  gain  that  is  distributed  to   shareholders.   However,   certain
nonqualified  REIT  subsidiaries  of the Company,  which  operate the  Company's
production  operations  and are  included  in the  Company's  consolidated  GAAP
financial statements, are not qualified REIT subsidiaries.  Consequently, all of
the  nonqualified  REIT  subsidiary's  taxable  income is subject to federal and
state income taxes.

   The  REIT  rules  generally  require  that a REIT  invest  primarily  in real
estate-related  assets,  its  activities be passive  rather than active,  and it
distribute annually to its shareholders a high percentage of its taxable income.
The Company  could be subject to a number of taxes if it failed to satisfy those
rules or if it acquired certain types of income-producing  real property through
foreclosure.  Although no complete assurances can be given, the Company does not
expect that it will be subject to material amounts of such taxes.

   Resource REIT's failure to satisfy certain Code requirements  could cause the
Company to lose its status as a REIT.  If  Resource  REIT failed to qualify as a
REIT for any taxable year, it would be subject to federal  income tax (including
any  applicable  minimum tax) at regular  corporate  rates and would not receive
deductions  for  dividends  paid to  shareholders.  As a result,  the  amount of
after-tax  earnings  available for  distribution to shareholders  would decrease
substantially.  While the Board of Directors  intends to cause  Resource REIT to
operate  in a manner  that will  enable it to  qualify  as a REIT in all  future
taxable  years,  there can be no certainty  that such intention will be realized
because, among other things, qualification hinges on the conduct of the business
of Resource REIT.

Taxation of Distributions by the Company

   Assuming that Resource REIT maintains its status as a REIT, any distributions
that are properly designated as "capital gain dividends" generally will be taxed
to shareholders as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long a shareholder
has owned his shares.  Any other  distributions  out of Resource REIT current or
accumulated  earnings and profits will be dividends  taxable as ordinary income.
Shareholders will not be entitled to dividends-received  deductions with respect
to any  dividends  paid by Resource  REIT.  Distributions  in excess of Resource
REIT's current or  accumulated  earnings and profits will be treated as tax-free
returns of capital,  to the extent of the  shareholder's  basis in his shares of
capital stock,  and as gain from the  disposition of shares,  to the extent they
exceed  such  basis.  Shareholders  may not  include on their own returns any of
Resource  REIT  ordinary  or  capital  losses.   Distributions  to  shareholders
attributable to "excess inclusion income" of Resource REIT will be characterized
as excess  inclusion income in the hands of the  shareholders.  Excess inclusion
income can arise from  Resource  REIT's  holdings of residual  interests in real
estate   mortgage   investment   conduits   and  in  certain   other   types  of
mortgage-backed  security structures created after 1991. Excess inclusion income
constitutes  unrelated business taxable income ("UBTI") for tax-exempt  entities
(including employee benefit plans and individual  retirement  accounts),  and it
may not be offset by current deductions or net operating loss carryovers. In the
unlikely event that the Company's  excess  inclusion  income is greater than its
taxable  income,  the  Company's  distribution  would be based on the  Company's
excess inclusion income. Although Resource REIT itself would be subject to a tax
on any excess  inclusion  income  that  would be  allocable  to a  "disqualified
organization"   holding  its  shares,   Resource  REIT's  by-laws  provide  that
disqualified organizations are ineligible to hold Resource REIT's shares.

   Dividends  paid by Resource REIT to  organizations  that generally are exempt
from federal  income tax under Section  501(a) of the Code should not be taxable
to them as UBTI  except to the extent  that (i)  purchase  of shares of Resource
REIT was financed by "acquisition  indebtedness," (ii) such dividends constitute
excess inclusion income or (iii) with respect to the trusts owning more than 10%
of the shares of Resource REIT,  under certain  circumstances  a portion of such
dividend is  attributable  to UBTI.  Because an  investment in Resource REIT may
give rise to UBTI or trigger the filing of an income tax return  that  otherwise
would  not  be   required,   tax-exempt   organizations   should  give   careful
consideration to whether an investment in Resource REIT is prudent.

Taxation of Dispositions of Shares of the Common Stock

   In general,  any gain or loss realized upon a taxable  disposition  of shares
will be treated as  long-term  capital gain or loss if the shares have been held
for more than twelve months and  otherwise as  short-term  capital gain or loss.
However,  any loss  realized upon a taxable  disposition  of shares held for six
months or less will be treated as  long-term  capital  loss to the extent of any
capital gain dividends received with respect to such shares. All or a portion of
any loss realized upon a taxable  disposition  of Shares of Resource REIT may be
disallowed  if other  shares of Resource  REIT are  purchased  (under a dividend
reinvestment plan or otherwise) within 30 days before or after the disposition.

Backup Withholding

   Resource  REIT  generally  is required  to  withhold  and remit to the United
States  Treasury 31% of the  dividends  or certain  gross  proceeds  paid to any
shareholder  who (i) fails to  furnish  Resource  REIT  with a correct  taxpayer
identification  number,  (ii)  is the  subject  of a  notification  received  by
Resource  REIT that such  shareholder  has  underreported  dividend  or interest
income to the Internal  Revenue Service,  or (iii) under certain  circumstances,
fails to certify to Resource REIT that he is not subject to backup  withholding.
An individual's taxpayer identification number is his social security number.



<PAGE>


Debt Securities

   The Debt  Securities will be taxable as  indebtedness.  Interest and original
issue discount, if any, on a Debt Security will be treated as ordinary income to
a holder. Any special tax  considerations  applicable to a Debt Security will be
described in the related Prospectus Supplement.

Exercise of Securities Warrants

   Upon a  holder's  exercise  of a  Securities  Warrant,  the holder  will,  in
general,  (i) not  recognize  any income,  gain or loss for  federal  income tax
purposes,  (ii) receive an initial tax basis in the Security  received  equal to
the sum of the holder's tax basis in the  exercised  Securities  Warrant and the
exercise  price paid for such  Security and (iii) have a holding  period for the
Security received beginning on the date of exercise.

Sale or Expiration of Securities Warrants

   If a holder of a  Securities  Warrant  sells or  otherwise  disposes  of such
Securities  Warrant  (other than by its  exercise),  the holder  generally  will
recognize  capital  gain or loss (long term capital gain or loss if the holder's
holding period for the Securities  Warrant  exceeds twelve months on the date of
disposition; otherwise, short term capital gain or loss) equal to the difference
between (i) the cash and fair market value of other  property  received and (ii)
the holder's tax basis (on the date of  disposition)  in the Securities  Warrant
sold. Such a holder  generally will recognize a capital loss upon the expiration
of an  unexercised  Securities  Warrant  equal to the  holder's tax basis in the
Securities Warrant on the expiration date.

State and Local Tax Considerations

   State  and  local  tax laws may not  correspond  to the  federal  income  tax
principles discussed in this section. Accordingly,  prospective investors should
consult their tax advisers concerning the state and local tax consequences of an
investment in Resource REIT.

                                 LEGAL OPINIONS

   The  validity  of the shares  will be passed upon for the Company by Venable,
Baetjer and Howard, LLP, Baltimore, Maryland.

                                     EXPERTS

      The  consolidated  financial  statements  and  schedules  of  the  Company
included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 1995, and the consolidated  financial statements of the Company for the year
ended  December 31, 1996 included in the Company's  Form 8-K dated  February 27,
1997, have been audited by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent  auditors,  as set
forth in their reports included therein,  and incorporated  herein by reference.
Such  financial  statements and schedules  have been  incorporated  by reference
herein in reliance  upon the reports of that firm and upon the authority of that
firm as experts in auditing and accounting.




<PAGE>


                                     Part II

            INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS


Item 14.  Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution

The estimated expenses, other than sales agency compensation, in connection with
the offering of up to 2,000,000 shares of Common Stock are:

Registration Fee                              $18,750
Legal Fees and Expenses                        65,000
Accounting Fees and Expenses                   10,000
Blue Sky Qualification and Expenses             5,000
including Counsel Fees
New York Stock Exchange Listing Fee             7,000
Miscellaneous                                   5,000
                                              --------

TOTAL                                         $110,750
                                              ========



Item 16. Exhibits

      1.1  Form of Sales Agency Agreement with PaineWebber
Incorporated.

      5.1  Legal Opinion of Venable, Baetjer and Howard, LLP.

      8.1          Tax opinion of Venable, Baetjer and
        Howard, LLP.

      12.2       Ratio of Available Earnings to Fixed Charges.

      23.1 Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.

      23.2         Consent of Venable, Baetjer and Howard,
        LLP (contained in Exhibits 5.1 and 8.1).

<PAGE>




                                   SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the  requirements  of the  Securities  Act of 1933,  the  Registrant
certifies  that it has  reasonable  grounds to believe  that it meets all of the
requirements  for  filing  on Form  S-3 and has  caused  this  Amendment  to the
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,  thereunto
duly  authorized,  in the city of Richmond and the State of Virginia on February
27, 1997.


                                    RESOURCE MORTGAGE
      CAPITAL, INC.

                                    Thomas H.
                                    Potts____________________
                                    Thomas H. Potts,
                                    President
                                    (Principal Executive
                                    Officer)


      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Amendment
to the  Registration  Statement has been signed by the following  persons in the
capacities indicated on February 27, 1997.

Signature                                   Capacity

Thomas H. Potts                      President and Director
- - -------------------
Thomas H. Potts                      (Principal Executive
                                     Officer)

Lynn K. Geurin                       Executive Vice President,
                                     Chief Financial Officer
- - -------------------
Lynn K. Geurin                       (Principal Financial and
                                     Accounting Officer)


*
- - -------------------
J. Sydney                            Director
Davenport, IV

*
- - -------------------
Richard C. Leone                     Director

*
- - -------------------
Paul S. Reid                         Director

*
- - -------------------
Donald B. Vaden                      Director


*By  Thomas H. Potts
     -------------------
            Attorney-in-fact



<PAGE>






                                  EXHIBIT INDEX



EXHIBIT

1.1    Form of Sales Agency Agreement with PaineWebber
       Incorporated.

5.1    Legal Opinion of Venable, Baetjer and Howard, LLP.

8.1    Tax opinion of Venable, Baetjer and Howard, LLP.

12.1   Ratio of Available Earnings to Fixed Charges.

23.1   Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.

23.2   Consent of Venable,  Baetjer and Howard,  LLP  (contained in Exhibits 5.1
       and 8.1).




<PAGE>



1


                                                                     Exhibit 1.1


                         RESOURCE MORTGAGE CAPITAL, INC.

               2,000,000 Shares of Common Stock
                  (par value $.01 per share)


                             SALES AGENCY AGREEMENT

                                             [         ] [  ], 1997


PAINEWEBBER INCORPORATED
1285 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10019


Gentlemen:

      Resource Mortgage Capital,  Inc., a Virginia  corporation (the "Company"),
confirms its agreement with PaineWebber Incorporated (the "Agent"), as follows:

      SECTION 1.  Description of Securities.  The Company  proposes to issue and
sell through the Agent,  as sales agent,  up to 2,000,000  shares (the  "Maximum
Amount") of Common Stock,  par value $.01 per share (the "Stock"),  on the terms
set forth in Section 3 hereof.

      SECTION 2.  Representations  and  Warranties  of the Company.  The Company
represents and warrants to, and agrees with, the Agent that:

      (a) The  Company  meets  the  requirements  for use of Form S-3  under the
Securities  Act of 1933 (the  "Act")  and the rules and  regulations  thereunder
("Rules and  Regulations").  A registration  statement on Form S-3 (Registration
No.  33-50705) with respect to the Stock,  including a form of  prospectus,  has
been prepared by the Company in conformity with the  requirements of the Act and
the Rules and Regulations and filed with the Securities and Exchange  Commission
(the  "Commission")  and has become effective.  Such registration  statement and
prospectus  may have  been  amended  or  supplemented  prior to the date of this
Agreement.  Any such amendment or supplement was so prepared and filed,  and any
such amendment or supplement filed after the effective date of such registration
statement has become  effective.  No stop order suspending the  effectiveness of
the registration  statement has been issued,  and no proceeding for that purpose
has been instituted or threatened by the Commission. Copies of such registration
statement and  prospectus,  any such  amendment or supplement  and all documents
incorporated  by  reference  therein that were filed with the  Commission  on or
prior to the date of this  Agreement  have been  delivered  to the  Agent.  Such
registration  statement,  as it may have heretofore been amended, is referred to
herein  as the  "Registration  Statement,"  and the  final  form  of  prospectus
included in the Registration  Statement, as amended or supplemented from time to
time, is referred to herein as the  "Prospectus."  Any  reference  herein to the
Registration Statement,  the Prospectus,  or any amendment or supplement thereto
shall be deemed to refer to and include the documents incorporated (or deemed to
be  incorporated)  by reference  therein,  and any reference herein to the terms
"amend," "amendment" or "supplement" with respect to the Registration  Statement
or  Prospectus  shall be deemed to refer to and  include  the  filing  after the
execution  hereof of any document with the Commission  deemed to be incorporated
by reference therein.

      (b) Each part of the  Registration  Statement,  when  such part  became or
becomes effective,  and the Prospectus and any amendment or supplement  thereto,
on the date of filing  thereof with the  Commission and at each Closing Date (as
hereinafter  defined),  conformed or will conform in all material  respects with
the  requirements  of the Act and the  Rules and  Regulations;  each part of the
Registration Statement,  when such part became or becomes effective,  did not or
will not  contain  an untrue  statement  of a  material  fact or omit to state a
material fact required to be stated  therein or necessary to make the statements
therein not  misleading;  and the  Prospectus  and any  amendment or  supplement
thereto,  on the date of filing  thereof with the Commission and at each Closing
Date, did not or will not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit
to state a material fact necessary to make the statements  therein, in the light
of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; except that the
foregoing  shall not apply to statements in or omissions  from any such document
in reliance upon, and in conformity with, written  information  furnished to the
Company by or on behalf of the Agent,  specifically  for use in the Registration
Statement, the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto.

      (c) The documents  incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement
or the Prospectus,  or any amendment or supplement thereto,  when they became or
become  effective  under the Act or were or are filed with the Commission  under
the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934, as amended  ("Exchange  Act"), as the case
may be, conformed or will conform in all material respects with the requirements
of the Act or the Exchange Act, as applicable,  and the rules and regulations of
the Commission thereunder.

      (d) The financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries, together
with the related notes and schedules,  set forth or incorporated by reference in
the Registration Statement and Prospectus fairly present the financial condition
and the results of operations and cash flows of the Company and its subsidiaries
as of the dates indicated or for the periods therein specified and were prepared
in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied
throughout the periods involved (except as otherwise stated therein).

      (e) The Company has been duly  incorporated  and is validly  existing as a
corporation  in good standing  under the laws of the state of its  incorporation
with power and  authority  (corporate  and other) to own,  lease and operate its
properties  and to  conduct  its  business  as  described  in  the  Registration
Statement  and  Prospectus;  and the  Company  is duly  qualified  as a  foreign
corporation to transact business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in
which such  qualification  is  required,  whether by reason of the  ownership or
leasing of property or the conduct of  business,  except where the failure to so
qualify and be in good  standing,  considering  all such cases in the aggregate,
would  not  have a  material  adverse  effect  on the  condition,  financial  or
otherwise,  or the  earnings,  business  affairs or  business  prospects  of the
Company and its subsidiaries considered as one enterprise.

      (f)  Each  "significant   subsidiary"  (as  defined  in  Section  1-02  of
Regulation  S-X) of the  Company  has  been  duly  incorporated  and is  validly
existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of
its  incorporation,  has corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate
its  properties  and  conduct  its  business as  described  in the  Registration
Statement  and  Prospectus  and is duly  qualified as a foreign  corporation  to
transact  business and is in good  standing in each  jurisdiction  in which such
qualification  is  required,  whether by reason of the  ownership  or leasing of
property or the conduct of business,  except where the failure to so qualify and
be in good standing  would not have a material  adverse effect on the condition,
financial or otherwise, or the earnings,  business affairs or business prospects
of the Company and its subsidiaries considered as one enterprise; and all of the
issued and outstanding capital stock of each subsidiary has been duly authorized
and validly issued, is fully paid and nonassessable and the outstanding  capital
stock  of each  significant  subsidiary  is owned by the  Company,  directly  or
through subsidiaries, free and clear of any security interest, mortgage, pledge,
lien, encumbrance,  claim or equity. The significant subsidiaries (as defined in
Section 1-02 of Regulation S-X) of the Company are [ ], [ ] and [ ].

      (g) The  outstanding  shares of capital stock of the Company and the Stock
have been duly  authorized and are, or when issued as  contemplated  hereby will
be, validly issued,  fully paid and nonassessable and conform, or when so issued
will conform, to the description thereof in the Prospectus.  The shareholders of
the Company have no preemptive rights with respect to the Stock.

      (h) Except as contemplated in the Prospectus, subsequent to the respective
dates as of which  information  is given in the  Registration  Statement and the
Prospectus,  neither the Company nor any of its  subsidiaries  has  incurred any
liabilities  or  obligations,   direct  or  contingent,   or  entered  into  any
transactions,  not in the ordinary course of business,  that are material to the
Company and its  subsidiaries  considered as a whole, and there has not been any
material  change in the capital stock,  short-term debt or long-term debt of the
Company  and  its  subsidiaries,  or any  material  change,  or any  development
involving  a  prospective  material  change,  in  the  condition,  financial  or
otherwise,  or the  earnings,  business  affairs or  business  prospects  of the
Company and its subsidiaries considered as one enterprise.

      (i) Except as set forth in the Prospectus, there is not pending or, to the
knowledge of the Company, threatened any action, suit or proceeding to which the
Company  or any of its  subsidiaries  is a  party,  before  or by any  court  or
governmental  agency or body, that could reasonably be expected to result in any
material  adverse  change  in the  condition,  financial  or  otherwise,  or the
earnings,  business  affairs  or  business  prospects  of the  Company  and  its
subsidiaries considered as one enterprise,  or that could reasonably be expected
to materially and adversely  affect the properties or assets thereof  considered
as a whole.

      (j) There are no  contracts  or  documents  of the  Company  or any of its
subsidiaries  that are  required  to be filed as  exhibits  to the  Registration
Statement or to any of the documents  incorporated  by reference  therein by the
Act or the  Exchange  Act or by the  rules  and  regulations  of the  Commission
thereunder that have not been so filed.

      (k) All necessary action has been duly and validly taken by the Company to
authorize  the  execution,  delivery and  performance  of this  Agreement.  This
Agreement  has been duly and validly  authorized,  executed and delivered by the
Company and constitutes the legal,  valid and binding obligation of the Company,
enforceable  against the  Company in  accordance  with its terms,  except as the
enforceability thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,
moratorium or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors'  rights
generally and by general equitable principles.

      (l)  The  performance  of  this  Agreement  and  the  consummation  of the
transactions contemplated herein will not result in a breach or violation of any
of the terms and provisions of, or constitute a default under,  any agreement or
instrument  to which the  Company  or any of its  subsidiaries  is a party or by
which it is bound or to which any of the  property  of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries  is subject  except for such breaches or defaults that would not in
the aggregate have a material adverse effect on the Company's ability to perform
its  obligations  under  this  Agreement  or  on  the  condition,  financial  or
otherwise,  or the  earnings,  business  affairs or  business  prospects  of the
Company and its subsidiaries considered as one enterprise,  nor will such action
result in the violation of the Company's  charter or by-laws,  or any statute or
any order, rule or regulation of any court or governmental agency or body having
jurisdiction  over  the  Company  or  any  of  its  subsidiaries  or  any of its
properties; no consent, approval, authorization or order of, or filing with, any
court or  governmental  agency or body is required for the  consummation  by the
Company of the transactions  contemplated by this Agreement,  except such as may
be required by state securities or blue sky laws.

      (m) Each of the Company and its subsidiaries has (i) good and indefeasible
title to all of the properties  and assets  described in the Prospectus as owned
by it,  free and clear of all  liens,  charges,  encumbrances  or  restrictions,
except  such as are  described  in the  Prospectus  or are not  material  to the
business,  condition,  financial or otherwise, or the earnings, business affairs
or business  prospects  of the Company and its  subsidiaries  considered  as one
enterprise,  (ii) peaceful and undisturbed  possession under all material leases
to which it is party as lessee,  (iii) all governmental or regulatory  licenses,
certificates,  permits,  authorizations,  approvals,  franchises or other rights
necessary to engage in the business  currently  conducted by it,  except such as
are not material to the  business,  condition,  financial or  otherwise,  or the
earnings,  business  affairs  or  business  prospects  of the  Company  and  its
subsidiaries  considered as one  enterprise,  (iv) no reason to believe that any
governmental body or agency is considering limiting,  suspending or revoking any
such license, certificate,  permit, authorization,  approval, franchise or right
and (v) not  received  any  notice  of and has no  reason  to  believe  that any
governmental body or agency is considering  enacting,  amending or repealing any
statute,   law,  ordinance  or  regulation  required  to  be  described  in  the
Registration  Statement and Prospectus that is not so described as required. All
material  leases to which the Company or any of its  subsidiaries is a party are
valid and binding and no default has occurred and is continuing thereunder, and,
to the best knowledge of the Company,  no material  defaults by the landlord are
existing under any such leases.

      (n) Each of the Company and its subsidiaries  owns or possesses all of the
patents, patent rights, licenses,  inventions,  copyrights,  know-how (including
trade  secrets  and  other  unpatented   and/or   unpatentable   proprietary  or
confidential information, systems or procedures),  trademarks, service marks and
trade names  presently  employed by them in  connection  with the  business  now
operated  by them,  and neither  the  Company  nor any of its  subsidiaries  has
received  any notice of  infringement  of or conflict  with  asserted  rights of
others  with  respect  to  any of  the  foregoing  which,  if  singly  or in the
aggregate,  if the subject of an unfavorable decision,  ruling or finding, would
result in any material adverse change in the condition,  financial or otherwise,
or in the earnings,  business  affairs or business  prospects of the Company and
its subsidiaries considered as one enterprise.

      (o)  The  Company  and  its  subsidiaries  have  not  violated  and are in
compliance  in  all  material   respects  with  all  material  laws,   statutes,
ordinances,  regulations,  rules and orders of any  foreign,  federal,  state or
local  government  and any other  governmental  department  or  agency,  and any
judgment,  decision,  decree  or order  of any  court  or  governmental  agency,
department or authority,  including,  without  limitation,  environmental  laws.
Neither the Company nor any of its  subsidiaries  has received any notice to the
effect that, or otherwise  been advised  that, it is not in compliance  with any
such statutes,  regulations,  rules, judgments,  decrees, orders,  ordinances or
other laws, and the Company is not aware of any existing circumstances which are
likely to result in material violations of any of the foregoing.

      (p)  The  Company  and  its  qualified   real  estate   investment   trust
subsidiaries are organized in conformity with the requirements for qualification
as, and operate in a manner  that  qualifies  them as, a real estate  investment
trust under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"),  and the
rules and regulations  thereunder and will be so qualified after consummation of
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

      SECTION  3.  Sale  and  Delivery  of  Securities.  On  the  basis  of  the
representations,  warranties and agreements herein contained, but subject to the
terms and  conditions  herein set forth,  the  Company  agrees to issue and sell
through the Agent,  as exclusive  sales agent,  and the Agent agrees to sell, as
sales agent for the Company,  on a reasonable  efforts basis,  up to the Maximum
Amount of Stock during a maximum of 52 Pricing Periods (as hereinafter  defined)
in any one year on the terms  set  forth  herein;  provided,  however,  that the
Company  shall not be  obligated  to issue and sell,  and the Agent shall not be
obligated  to use its best  efforts  to sell,  Stock if the  Stock is at a price
lower than the Minimum Price (as defined  below).  "Minimum Price" means a price
of $25.00 per share or such other amount determined by the Board of Directors of
the  Company and set forth in a  certificate  of the  Company  delivered  to the
Agent.

      The Stock,  up to the  Maximum  Amount,  is to be sold  during one or more
pricing  periods (each a "Pricing  Period"),  each Pricing Period  consisting of
five consecutive  calendar days or such lesser number of days as shall be agreed
to by the  Company  and the Agent.  The  Company and the Agent from time to time
will  designate  Pricing  Period(s)  and the  number of shares of Stock  (not to
exceed 4% of the average daily trading volume of the Stock  calculated  over the
preceding 60 consecutive calendar days) to be sold by the Agent during each such
Pricing Period (the "Average Market Price Shares"). If the Company does not meet
the  exemptive  provisions  set forth in Rule  101(c)(1) of  Regulation M of the
Exchange  Act,  the number of Average  Market  Price  Shares and any  Additional
Shares sold in any  Pricing  Period  shall not exceed 10% of the  average  daily
trading  volume of the Stock for that Pricing  Period.  Subject to the terms and
conditions hereof, the Agent shall use its reasonable efforts to (i) sell all of
the designated  Average Market Price Shares during each such Pricing Period, and
(ii) sell the entire  Maximum  Amount.  The Agent shall sell the shares of Stock
only by means of ordinary  brokers'  transactions on the New York Stock Exchange
(the  "NYSE").  The Agent shall not solicit or arrange for the  solicitation  of
customer's  orders in anticipation  of or in connection with such  transactions,
nor shall it sell short as  principal  shares of Stock of the Company  except in
connection with customary market making activities in the Company's  outstanding
securities. The Agent shall not engage in any special selling efforts or selling
methods  relating to the Stock within the meaning of Rule 100 of Regulation M of
the  Exchange  Act.  The Agent shall  calculate  on a weekly  basis  whether the
Company  meets  the  exemptive  provisions  set  forth in Rule  101(c)(1)  under
Regulation  M of the  Exchange  Act in respect of the  Company's  average  daily
trading volume [and value of the Company's shares owned by  non-affiliates].  If
the Company fails to meet such  provisions,  the Agent will promptly  notify the
Company by telephone,  confirmed by facsimile  transmission.  The Company or the
Agent  may,  upon  notice to the other  party  hereto  by  telephone  (confirmed
promptly by telecopy),  suspend the offering of Stock;  provided,  however, that
such  suspension  or  termination  shall  not  affect  or  impair  the  parties'
respective  obligations  with respect to shares of Stock sold hereunder prior to
the giving of such notice.

      The net  proceeds  (the "Net  Proceeds")  to the  Company  for the Average
Market Price Shares sold by the Agent during a Pricing Period will equal the sum
of (i) the product of (x) the Company's Percent (as defined below) times (y) the
average of the arithmetic mean of the high and low sales prices of the Company's
Common Stock,  (the "Common Stock") reported on the NYSE for each trading day of
such  Pricing  Period  (the  "Average  Market  Price"),  times (z) the number of
Average   Market  Price  Shares  sold  during  such  Pricing  Period  plus  (ii)
Alternative  Proceeds  (defined  below),  if any,  plus  (iii)  Excess  Proceeds
(defined below), if any. Subject to adjustment as set forth in the following two
paragraphs,  the  compensation  to the Agent with respect to the sale of Average
Market  Price  Shares  sold  hereunder  shall equal the  difference  between the
aggregate  gross sales prices at which such sales are  actually  effected by the
Agent and the Net Proceeds.  The "Company's Percent" shall be (i) 97.00% for the
first 600,000 shares of Stock that may be sold pursuant to this Agreement,  (ii)
97.50% for the second  600,000  shares of Stock that may be sold pursuant to the
Agreement  and (iii) 98.00% for all  remaining  shares of Stock that may be sold
pursuant to the Agreement.  The "Agent's  Percent" with respect to any shares of
Stock  to be  sold  pursuant  to this  Agreement  shall  equal  100%  minus  the
applicable Company's Percent.

      To the extent that the  compensation  payable to the Agent hereunder would
otherwise  exceed the maximum  amount  permitted to be received  pursuant to the
rules and  interpretations  of the National  Association of Securities  Dealers,
Inc.  ("NASD"),  as determined in good faith by the Agent, such excess over such
amount shall constitute  "Excess Proceeds" payable to the Company.  In the event
that the average  gross  sales  price in any Pricing  Period is equal to or less
than the Company's Percent of the Average Market Price, all of the proceeds from
such sales would be for the account of the Company and no compensation  would be
payable to the Agent.

      During any Pricing Period, the Company may instruct the Agent by telephone
(confirmed  promptly  by  telecopy)  not to sell  shares of Stock if such  sales
cannot be effected at or above the price  designated  by the Company in any such
instruction.  If such an  instruction is given and as a result thereof the Agent
is unable to sell  shares  of Stock in an  amount  greater  than or equal to the
daily pro rata  portion of Average  Market  Price  Shares to be sold during such
Pricing  Period,  then (i) that day's highest and lowest executed sales price of
Common Stock  reported on the NYSE shall not be included in the  calculation  of
Average  Market  Price and (ii) the net  proceeds  payable to the  Company  (the
"Alternative  Proceeds") and the compensation payable to the Agent in respect of
any sales of Average  Market Price Shares  effected  that day (the  "Alternative
Shares")  by the Agent shall be equal to the  Company's  Percent and the Agent's
Percent,  respectively,  of the weighted average sales prices at which the Agent
has actually effected sales of Stock during that day and the Alternative  Shares
shall be excluded from the number used in clause (i)(z) in the second  preceding
paragraph.

      During any  Pricing  Period,  the Company and the Agent may agree upon the
sale of shares ("Additional Shares") of Stock in addition to the sale of Average
Market  Price  Shares  (such  Additional  Shares to be  included  in the Maximum
Amount).  The compensation to the Agent for sales of Additional Shares shall be,
with respect to any Pricing Period, the Agent's Percent of the gross sales price
per share in connection with the number of Additional Shares sold in any Pricing
Period.  The sale of  Additional  Shares  during any day shall be  confirmed  in
writing by the Agent to the Company following the end of the Pricing Period. All
other  shares  sold  during a Pricing  Period not so  confirmed  shall be deemed
Average Market Price Shares.

      The Agent shall provide written  confirmation to the Company following the
close of business on the final day of each Pricing Period  setting  forth,  with
regard to such Pricing  Period,  the dates included in the Pricing  Period,  the
number of Average Market Price Shares and Additional  Shares,  if any, sold, the
gross  proceeds  from the sale of such shares,  the highest and lowest  executed
sales price at which such shares were sold, the Net Proceeds to the Company, the
amount of Excess Proceeds,  if any, the amount of Alternative  Proceeds, if any,
the compensation  payable by the Company to the Agent with respect to such sales
and the Average Market Price for such Pricing Period.

      Settlement for sales of Additional Shares will occur on the third business
day following the date on which such sales are made.  The amount of proceeds for
such sales to be delivered to the Company  against the receipt of the Additional
Shares  sold  shall  be equal  to the  aggregate  sales  prices  at  which  such
Additional Shares were sold, net of the Agent's  compensation for such sales and
after  deduction  for  any  transaction  fees  imposed  by any  governmental  or
self-regulatory  organization in respect of such sales.  Settlement for sales of
Average  Market Price Shares will also occur on the third business day following
the date on which such sales are made.  On the third  business day following the
end of a Pricing Period (each a "Closing Date"), the Average Market Price Shares
sold through the Agent on the last  business day of such Pricing  Period will be
delivered  by the Company to the Agent  against  payment of the proceeds for the
sale of such  Average  Market Price  Shares less the total  compensation  to the
Agent for the sale of  Average  Market  Price  Shares for such  Pricing  Period;
provided that all or a portion of the  compensation to the Agent for the sale of
the Average  Market Price Shares may be paid from the proceeds  from the sale of
Average  Market  Price  Shares  settling on an earlier day in the event that the
amount of proceeds from the sale of Average Market Price Shares  settling on the
Closing Date is less than the total  compensation due to the Agent in respect of
such  Pricing  Period.  Settlement  for all  shares  shall be  effected  by free
delivery of shares to the Agent's account at The Depository Trust Corporation in
return for payments in same day funds delivered to the account designated by the
Company.

      At the time of each settlement of securities hereunder,  the Company shall
be deemed to have affirmed  each  representation,  warranty,  covenant and other
agreement contained in the Agreement and on each Closing Date, the Company shall
affirm in writing each  representation,  warranty,  covenant and other agreement
contained in this  Agreement.  The Company  covenants  and agrees with the Agent
that on or prior to the  second  business  day  after  the  termination  of each
Pricing  Period,  the  Company  will  file a  prospectus  supplement  under  the
applicable  paragraph  of  Rule  424(b)  of the  Rules  and  Regulations,  which
prospectus  supplement will set forth,  with regard to such Pricing Period,  the
dates  included  within the Pricing  Period,  the number of shares of Stock sold
through the Agent  (separately  identifying  the number of Average  Market Price
Shares),  the highest and lowest  executed  sales price at which Average  Market
Price  Shares were sold,  the Net  Proceeds to the Company and the  compensation
payable  by the  Company to the Agent  with  respect to sales of Average  Market
Price Sales.  Any obligation of the Agent to use its reasonable  efforts to sell
the Stock shall be subject to the continuing accuracy of the representations and
warranties  of the  Company  herein,  to the  performance  by the Company of its
obligations  hereunder  and to the  continuing  satisfaction  of the  additional
conditions specified in Section 5 of this Agreement.

      SECTION  4.  Covenants  of  the  Company.   The  Company
covenants and agrees with the Agent that:

      (a)  During  the  period in which a  prospectus  relating  to the Stock is
required  to be  delivered  under the Act,  the  Company  will  notify the Agent
promptly of the time when any subsequent amendment to the Registration Statement
has become  effective or any  subsequent  supplement to the  Prospectus has been
filed and of any request by the  Commission  for any  amendment or supplement to
the Registration Statement or Prospectus or for additional information;  it will
prepare and file with the  Commission,  promptly upon the Agent's  request,  any
amendments or supplements to the  Registration  Statement or Prospectus that, in
the Agent's reasonable opinion, may be necessary or advisable in connection with
the  distribution  of the  Stock by the  Agent;  the  Company  will not file any
amendment or supplement  to the  Registration  Statement or Prospectus  unless a
copy thereof has been submitted to the Agent a reasonable  period of time before
the  filing  and the  Agent has not  reasonably  objected  thereto;  and it will
furnish to the Agent at the time of filing  thereof a copy of any document  that
upon  filing is deemed  to be  incorporated  by  reference  in the  Registration
Statement or Prospectus; and the Company will cause each amendment or supplement
to the  Prospectus to be filed with the  Commission as required  pursuant to the
applicable paragraph of Rule 424(b) of the Rules and Regulations or, in the case
of any document to be  incorporated  therein by reference,  to be filed with the
Commission  as required  pursuant to the  Exchange  Act,  within the time period
prescribed.

      (b) The Company  will advise the Agent,  promptly  after it shall  receive
notice or obtain  knowledge  thereof,  of the issuance by the  Commission of any
stop order suspending the  effectiveness of the Registration  Statement,  of the
suspension  of the  qualification  of the  Stock  for  offering  or  sale in any
jurisdiction, or of the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for any such
purpose;  and it will  promptly  use its best efforts to prevent the issuance of
any stop  order or to  obtain  its  withdrawal  if such a stop  order  should be
issued.

      (c) Within the time  during  which a  prospectus  relating to the Stock is
required to be delivered  under the Act, the Company will comply as far as it is
able  with all  requirements  imposed  upon it by the Act and by the  Rules  and
Regulations,  as from time to time in force,  so far as  necessary to permit the
continuance  of  sales  of or  dealings  in the  Stock  as  contemplated  by the
provisions hereof and the Prospectus.  If during such period any event occurs as
a result of which the Prospectus as then amended or  supplemented  would include
an  untrue  statement  of a  material  fact  or omit to  state a  material  fact
necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances then
existing,  not misleading,  or if during such period it is necessary to amend or
supplement the Registration  Statement or Prospectus to comply with the Act, the
Company will  promptly  notify the Agent to suspend the offering of Stock during
such period and the Company will amend or supplement the Registration  Statement
or  Prospectus  so as to correct  such  statement  or  omission  or effect  such
compliance.

      (d) The  Company  will use its best  efforts to qualify the Stock for sale
under the securities laws of such  jurisdictions  as the Agent designates and to
continue such  qualifications in effect so long as required for the distribution
of the Stock,  except  that the  Company  shall not be  required  in  connection
therewith to qualify as a foreign corporation or to execute a general consent to
service of process in any jurisdiction.

      (e) The Company  will furnish to the Agent and its counsel (at the expense
of the Company) copies of the Registration Statement,  the Prospectus (including
all  documents  incorporated  by  reference  therein)  and  all  amendments  and
supplements to the Registration  Statement or Prospectus that are filed with the
Commission  during the  period in which a  prospectus  relating  to the Stock is
required to be delivered  under the Act (including all documents  filed with the
Commission  during such period that are deemed to be  incorporated  by reference
therein),  in each case as soon as available and in such quantities as the Agent
may from time to time  reasonably  request and will also  furnish  copies of the
Prospectus to the NYSE in accordance with Rule 153 of the Rules and Regulations.

      (f) The Company will make generally  available to its security  holders as
soon as practicable,  but in any event not later than 15 months after the end of
the Company's current fiscal quarter,  an earnings  statement (which need not be
audited)  covering a 12-month  period that  satisfies the  provisions of Section
11(a) of the Act and Rule 158 of the Rules and Regulations.

      (g) The Company,  whether or not the transactions  contemplated  hereunder
are  consummated or this  Agreement is terminated,  will pay all of its expenses
incident to the performance of its  obligations  hereunder  (including,  but not
limited to, any transaction fees imposed by any governmental or  self-regulatory
organization with respect to transactions contemplated by this Agreement and any
blue sky fees) and will pay the expenses of printing all  documents  relating to
the  offering.  The Agent  will pay its own  out-of-pocket  costs  and  expenses
incurred  in  connection  with  the  entering  into  of this  Agreement  and the
transactions  contemplated by this  Agreement,  including,  without  limitation,
travel, reproduction, printing and similar expenses; provided, however, that the
Company will promptly, upon the request of the Agent, reimburse the Agent for up
to $40,000 of fees and  disbursements  of the Agent's legal counsel  incurred in
connection with the entering into of this Agreement and the matters contemplated
hereby.

      (h) The Company will apply the net proceeds  from the sale of the Stock as
set forth in the Prospectus.

      (i) The Company will not, directly or indirectly, offer or sell any shares
of Common Stock (other than the Stock offered pursuant to the provisions of this
Agreement) or securities  convertible into or exchangeable for, or any rights to
purchase  or  acquire,  Common  Stock  during the  period  from the date of this
Agreement through the final Closing Date for the sale of Stock hereunder without
(a)  giving  the  Agent  at least  five  business  days'  prior  written  notice
specifying  the nature of the proposed  sale and the date of such  proposed sale
and (b)  suspending  activity  under this program for such period of time as may
reasonably be  determined  by agreement of the Company and the Agent;  provided,
however, that no such notice and suspension shall be required in connection with
the  Company's  issuance or sale of (i) shares of Common  Stock  pursuant to any
employee or  director  stock  option or benefits  plan,  stock  ownership  plan,
dividend reinvestment plan or Stockholder  Investment Program of the Company now
in effect as such plans may be amended from time to time,  and (ii) Common Stock
issuable upon  conversion of securities or the exercise of warrants,  options or
other rights in effect or outstanding on the date hereof.

      (j) The Company  will, at any time during the term of this  Agreement,  as
supplemented from time to time, advise the Agent immediately after it shall have
received  notice or obtain  knowledge  thereof,  of any information or fact that
would  alter or affect  any  opinion,  certificate,  letter  and other  document
provided to the Agent pursuant to Section 5 herein.

      (k) Each time that (i) the Registration  Statement or the Prospectus shall
be amended or  supplemented  (other  than a  supplement  filed  pursuant to Rule
424(b) under the Act that contains solely the information set forth in the final
paragraph  of  Section  3 of this  Agreement)  or (ii)  there is filed  with the
Commission any document  incorporated  by reference  into the Prospectus  (other
than any Quarterly  Report on Form 10-Q or a Current Report on Form 8-K,  unless
the Agent shall  otherwise  reasonably  request),  the Company  shall furnish or
cause to be furnished  to the Agent  forthwith a  certificate  dated the date of
filing with the Commission of such amendment,  supplement or other document, the
date of effectiveness of amendment,  as the case may be, in form satisfactory to
the  Agent  to the  effect  that the  statements  contained  in the  certificate
referred to in Section  5(f) hereof  which were last  furnished to the Agent are
true and correct at the time of such amendment,  supplement, filing, as the case
may be, as though made at and as of such time (except that such statements shall
be deemed to relate to the Registration  Statement and the Prospectus as amended
and supplemented to such time) or, in lieu of such certificate, a certificate of
the same tenor as the certificate  referred to in said Section 5(f), modified as
necessary to relate to the Registration  Statement and the Prospectus as amended
and supplemented to the time of delivery of such certificate.

      (l) Each time that (i) the  Registration  Statement or the  Prospectus  is
amended or supplemented  (other than a supplement  filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)
under  the Act that  contains  solely  the  information  set  forth in the final
paragraph  of  Section  3 of this  Agreement)  or (ii)  there is filed  with the
Commission any document  incorporated  by reference  into the Prospectus  (other
than any Quarterly  Report on Form 10-Q or a Current Report on Form 8-K,  unless
the Agent shall  otherwise  reasonably  request),  the Company  shall furnish or
cause to be  furnished  forthwith  to the  Agent and to  counsel  to the Agent a
written  opinion of Venable,  Baetjer and  Howard,  LLP,  counsel to the Company
("Company Counsel"),  or other counsel satisfactory to the Agent, dated the date
of filing with the  Commission of such  amendment,  supplement or other document
and the date of effectiveness of such amendment, as the case may be, in form and
substance  satisfactory to the Agent, of the same tenor as the opinion  referred
to in  Section  5(d)  hereof,  but  modified  as  necessary  to  relate  to  the
Registration  Statement and the  Prospectus as amended and  supplemented  to the
time of delivery of such opinion.


      (m) Each time that the  Registration  Statement or the Prospectus shall be
amended or supplemented to include additional  amended financial  information or
there is filed with the Commission any document  incorporated  by reference into
the Prospectus which contains  additional  amended  financial  information,  the
Company  shall cause KPMG Peat  Marwick  LLP, or other  independent  accountants
satisfactory  to the Agent,  forthwith to furnish the Agent a letter,  dated the
date  of  effectiveness  of  such  amendment,  or the  date  of  filing  of such
supplement or other  document with the  Commission,  as the case may be, in form
satisfactory  to the  Agent,  of the same  tenor as the  letter  referred  to in
Section 5(e) hereof but modified to relate to the Registration Statement and the
Prospectus, as amended and supplemented to the date of such letter.

      (n) The  Company  hereby  consents to the Agent  trading in the  Company's
Common  Stock for the Agent's own account and at the same time as the  Company's
sales pursuant to this Agreement.

      SECTION 5. Conditions of Agent's Obligations. The obligations of the Agent
to sell the Stock as provided herein shall be subject to the accuracy, as of the
date hereof,  and as of each Closing  Date for any Pricing  Period  contemplated
under this  Agreement,  of the  representations  and  warranties  of the Company
herein,  to the performance by the Company of its  obligations  hereunder and to
the following additional conditions:

      (a) No  stop  order  suspending  the  effectiveness  of  the  Registration
Statement  shall have been issued and no proceeding  for that purpose shall have
been instituted or, to the knowledge of the Company or the Agent,  threatened by
the Commission, and any request of the Commission for additional information (to
be included in the Registration  Statement or the Prospectus or otherwise) shall
have been complied with to the Agent's satisfaction.

      (b) The Agent shall not have  advised the  Company  that the  Registration
Statement or  Prospectus,  or any amendment or supplement  thereto,  contains an
untrue  statement of fact that in the Agent's  opinion is material,  or omits to
state a fact that in the  Agent's  opinion is  material  and is  required  to be
stated therein or is necessary to make the statements therein not misleading.

      (c) Except as contemplated in the Prospectus, subsequent to the respective
dates as of which  information  is given in the  Registration  Statement and the
Prospectus,  there shall not have been any material  change,  on a  consolidated
basis, in the capital stock of the Company and its subsidiaries, or any material
adverse change,  or any  development  that may reasonably be expected to cause a
material  adverse  change,  in the  condition  (financial  or other),  business,
prospects,   net  worth  or  results  of  operations  of  the  Company  and  its
subsidiaries,  or any change in the rating  assigned  to any  securities  of the
Company.

      (d) The Agent shall have received at the date of the  commencement  of the
first Pricing Period hereunder (the "Commencement Date") and at every other date
specified in Section 4(l) hereof,  opinions of Company Counsel,  dated as of the
Commencement Date and dated as of such other date,  respectively,  to the effect
that:

           (i) The Company has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as
      a  corporation  in good  standing  under the laws of its  jurisdiction  of
      incorporation,  has full  corporate  power and  authority  to conduct  its
      business as described in the Registration  Statement and Prospectus and is
      duly   qualified   to  do  business  in  each   jurisdiction   where  such
      qualification  is required,  except where the failure to so qualify  would
      not  have a  material  adverse  effect  on  the  condition,  financial  or
      otherwise, or the earnings,  business affairs or business prospects of the
      Company and its subsidiaries considered as one enterprise;

           (ii) Each  "significant  subsidiary" (as such term is defined in Rule
      1-02 of  Regulation  S-X  under  the Act) of the  Company  has  been  duly
      incorporated  (or formed,  in the case of a partnership) and has corporate
      (or  partnership)  power  and  authority  to own,  lease and  operate  its
      properties  and conduct  its  business as  described  in the  Registration
      Statement and Prospectus;  each of the Company's significant  subsidiaries
      is validly existing as a corporation (or partnership,  as the case may be)
      in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its  incorporation;
      and  all  of  the  issued  outstanding  capital  stock  (or  other  equity
      interests) of each  subsidiary of the Company has been duly authorized and
      validly issued, is fully paid and nonassessable,  is owned by the Company,
      directly or  indirectly,  free and clear of any  mortgage,  pledge,  lien,
      encumbrance, claim or equity;

           (iii) The shares of Stock have been duly and validly authorized, and,
      when  issued  and  delivered  to and  paid for by the  purchasers  thereof
      pursuant  to this  Agreement,  will be fully  paid and  nonassessable  and
      conform to the description  thereof in the Prospectus and the shareholders
      of the Company have no  preemptive  rights with respect to the Stock;  all
      corporate  action  required to be taken for the  authorization,  issue and
      sale of the Stock has been validly and sufficiently  taken; and the shares
      of Stock are the subject of an effective registration statement permitting
      their sale in the manner contemplated by this Agreement;

           (iv) The  Registration  Statement has become effective under the Act;
      to  the   knowledge  of  such  counsel  no  stop  order   suspending   the
      effectiveness  of  the  Registration  Statement  has  been  issued  and no
      proceeding  for that  purpose has been  instituted  or  threatened  by the
      Commission;

           (v) The Registration  Statement,  when it became  effective,  and the
      Prospectus and any amendment or supplement  thereto, on the date of filing
      thereof with the  Commission  (and at each Closing Date on or prior to the
      date of the  opinion),  complied as to form in all material  respects with
      the  requirements  of the Act  and  the  Rules  and  Regulations;  and the
      documents  incorporated  by  reference  in the  Registration  Statement or
      Prospectus  or any amendment or  supplement  thereto,  when filed with the
      Commission  under the  Exchange  Act,  complied as to form in all material
      respects  with  the  requirements  of  the  Act or the  Exchange  Act,  as
      applicable, and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder;

           (vi) The description in the Registration  Statement and Prospectus of
      statutes,  legal  and  governmental   proceedings,   contracts  and  other
      documents  are  accurate in all material  respects and fairly  present the
      information  required  to be shown;  and such  counsel  do not know of any
      statutes or legal or governmental  proceedings required to be described in
      the Prospectus that are not described as required,  or of any contracts or
      documents  of a character  required to be  described  in the  Registration
      Statement or Prospectus (or required to be filed under the Exchange Act if
      upon such filing they would be incorporated by reference therein) or to be
      filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement that are not described and
      filed as required;

           (vii)  This  Agreement  has been  duly  authorized,
      executed and delivered by the Company;

           (viii) The execution,  delivery and  performance of this Agreement by
      the Company and the consummation of the transactions  contemplated  herein
      by the Company do not and will not result in a breach or  violation of any
      of the terms  and  provisions  of, or  constitute  a  default  under,  any
      agreement or instrument  known to such counsel to which the Company or any
      of its  subsidiaries is a party or by which it is bound or to which any of
      the property of the Company or any of its  subsidiaries  is subject except
      for such  breaches  or  defaults  that would not in the  aggregate  have a
      material   adverse  effect  on  the  Company's   ability  to  perform  its
      obligations  under  this  Agreement  or on  the  condition,  financial  or
      otherwise, or the earnings,  business affairs or business prospects of the
      Company and its subsidiaries  considered as one enterprise,  nor will such
      action result in the violation of the Company's charter or by-laws, or any
      statute  or any order,  rule or  regulation  known to such  counsel of any
      court or governmental  agency or body having jurisdiction over the Company
      or any of its  subsidiaries  or  any of its  properties;  and no  consent,
      approval,  authorization  or  order  of,  or  filing  with,  any  court or
      governmental  agency  or body is  required  for  the  consummation  of the
      transactions  contemplated  by  this  Agreement  in  connection  with  the
      issuance  or sale of the Stock by the  Company,  except  such as have been
      obtained under the Act and such as may be required under state  securities
      or blue sky laws in connection with the sale and distribution of the Stock
      by the Agent;

           (ix) Except for permits and similar authorizations required under the
      securities  or blue  sky  laws of  certain  states,  no  consent,  waiver,
      approval,   authorization   or  other  order  of  any   regulatory   body,
      administrative  agency or other  governmental body is legally required for
      the sale and issuance of shares of Stock as contemplated hereby and by the
      Prospectus;

           (x) Except as may be disclosed in the Prospectus,  such counsel knows
      of no  actions,  suits or  proceedings  pending or  threatened  against or
      affecting  the  Company  or  any  of its  subsidiaries  or  the  business,
      properties,  business  prospects,  condition  (financial  or otherwise) or
      results of operations of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or any of
      their respective  officers in their  capacities as such,  before or by any
      Federal or state or foreign court, commission, regulatory body, wherein an
      unfavorable  ruling,  decision or finding might  materially  and adversely
      affect the Company or any of its subsidiaries or its business, properties,
      business  prospects,  condition  (financial  or  otherwise)  or results of
      operations; and

           (xi) For all taxable  years  beginning [ ] (the date of the Company's
      initial public offering of Common Stock) and ending [ ], Resource REIT (as
      defined below) has met the requirements for  qualification as a REIT under
      the Code.  Resource REIT will be able to qualify as a REIT for the taxable
      year beginning [ ], 199[ ], provided that after the date hereof,  Resource
      REIT   continues  to  be  organized  and  operated  as  described  in  the
      Registration  Statement and according to  representations  made to us in a
      certificate  of an officer  of the  Company  and  therefore  continues  to
      satisfy the income tests, and distribution, shareholder, recordkeeping and
      other applicable REIT requirements  under the Code.  "Resource REIT" means
      the Company, as aggregated with such wholly-owned  subsidiaries as were in
      existence  during the period for which  reference is made. The information
      presented in the Registration  Statement under the caption  "Taxation," to
      the extent it constitutes matters of law or legal conclusions, is accurate
      in all material respects.

      In addition,  such counsel  shall state that such counsel has no reason to
believe that either the Registration  Statement,  at the time it (including each
Post-Effective   Amendment  thereto)  became  effective,   contained  an  untrue
statement of a material  fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be
stated  therein or necessary to make the  statements  therein not  misleading or
that the Prospectus and any  amendments or supplements  thereto,  on the date of
filing  thereof with the  Commission  and at the  Commencement  Date and at each
Closing  Date  on or  prior  to the  date of the  opinion,  included  an  untrue
statement of a material  fact or omitted to state a material  fact  necessary to
make the statements  therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they
were made, not misleading; it being understood that such counsel need express no
opinion as to the financial  statements or other financial and statistical  data
included in any of the documents mentioned in this paragraph.

      (e) At the Commencement  Date and at such other dates specified in Section
4(m) hereof,  the Agent shall have received a letter from KPMG Peat Marwick LLP,
independent public accountants for the Company, or other independent accountants
satisfactory to the Agent, dated the date of delivery thereof,  substantially in
the  form  attached  hereto  as  Annex I and  otherwise  in form  and  substance
satisfactory to Agent.

      (f) The Agent  shall have  received  from the  Company a  certificate,  or
certificates,  signed by the  Chairman  of the Board,  the  President  or a Vice
President and by the principal  financial or accounting  officer of the Company,
dated as of the Commencement Date and dated as of each Closing Date contemplated
by this Agreement, to the effect that, to the best of their knowledge based upon
reasonable investigation:

           (i)  The  representations  and  warranties  of the  Company  in  this
      Agreement are true and correct,  as if made at and as of the  Commencement
      Date or the Closing Date for such Pricing Period (as the case may be), and
      the Company has complied  with all the  agreements  and  satisfied all the
      conditions  on its part to be  performed  or  satisfied at or prior to the
      Commencement Date and each such Closing Date (as the case may be);

           (ii) No stop order  suspending the  effectiveness of the Registration
      Statement  has been issued,  and no  proceeding  for that purpose has been
      instituted  or, to the  knowledge  of such officer  after due inquiry,  is
      threatened, by the Commission;

           (iii) Since the date of this  Agreement  there has  occurred no event
      required to be set forth in an amendment or supplement to the Registration
      Statement or Prospectus  that has not been so set forth and there has been
      no document  required to be filed under the Exchange Act and the rules and
      regulations  of the Commission  thereunder  that upon such filing would be
      deemed to be incorporated by reference in the Prospectus that has not been
      so filed; and

           (iv)  Since  the  date of this  Agreement,  there  has not  been  any
      material  adverse  change,  on a  consolidated  basis,  in  the  business,
      financial  condition  or  results of  operations  of the  Company  and its
      subsidiaries  considered as one enterprise which has not been described in
      an amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement or Prospectus.

      In addition,  on each Closing Date the  certificate  shall also state that
the  shares  of  Stock  to be sold on that  date  have  been  duly  and  validly
authorized by the Company and that all corporate action required to be taken for
the authorization,  issuance and sale of the Stock on that date has been validly
and sufficiently taken.

      (g) At the  Commencement  Date and on each Closing Date, the Company shall
have furnished to the Agent such appropriate further  information,  certificates
and documents as the Agent may reasonably request.

      All such opinions,  certificates,  letters and other  documents will be in
compliance with the provisions  hereof only if they are satisfactory in form and
substance to the Agent.  The Company will furnish the Agent with such  conformed
copies of such opinions, certificates,  letters and other documents as the Agent
shall reasonably request.

      SECTION 6.  Indemnification and Contribution.

      (a) The Company  agrees to indemnify  and hold harmless the Agent and each
person,  if any,  who controls the Agent within the meaning of Section 15 of the
Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, as follows:

           (i) against any and all loss,  liability,  claim,  damage and expense
      whatsoever,  as incurred,  arising out of any untrue  statement or alleged
      untrue  statement  of  a  material  fact  contained  in  the  Registration
      Statement (or any amendment thereto),  or the omission or alleged omission
      therefrom of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to
      make the  statements  therein not  misleading or arising out of any untrue
      statement or alleged untrue  statement of a material fact contained in any
      preliminary  prospectus or the  Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement
      thereto) or the omission or alleged omission  therefrom of a material fact
      necessary  in order to make the  statements  therein,  in the light of the
      circumstances under which they were made, not misleading;

           (ii) against any and all loss,  liability,  claim, damage and expense
      whatsoever,  as incurred,  to the extent of the  aggregate  amount paid in
      settlement of any litigation,  or any  investigation  or proceeding by any
      governmental  agency or body,  commenced  or  threatened,  or of any claim
      whatsoever based upon any such untrue  statement or omission,  or any such
      alleged untrue statement or omission,  if such settlement is effected with
      the written consent of the Company; and

           (iii) against any and all expense whatsoever, as incurred (including,
      subject to Section 6(c) hereof,  the reasonable fees and  disbursements of
      counsel  chosen  by the  Agent),  reasonably  incurred  in  investigating,
      preparing or defending  against any litigation,  or any  investigation  or
      proceeding by any governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, or
      any claim whatsoever based upon any such untrue statement or omission,  or
      any such alleged untrue statement or omission, to the extent that any such
      expense is not paid under (i) or (ii) above;

provided,  however,  that this indemnity  agreement shall not apply to any loss,
liability,  claim,  damage or expense to the  extent  arising  out of any untrue
statement or omission or alleged  untrue  statement or omission made in reliance
upon and in conformity with written information  furnished to the Company by the
Agent expressly for use in the Registration Statement (or any amendment thereto)
or any preliminary  prospectus or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement
thereto).

      (b) The Agent  agrees to indemnify  and hold  harmless the Company and its
directors and each officer of the Company who signed the Registration Statement,
and each person,  if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of Section
15 of the Act or  Section  20 of the  Exchange  Act  against  any and all  loss,
liability,  claim,  damage and expense  described in the indemnity  contained in
subsection  (a) of this  Section,  as incurred,  but only with respect to untrue
statements or omissions, or alleged untrue statements or omissions,  made in the
Registration Statement (or any amendments thereto) or any preliminary prospectus
or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement  thereto) in reliance upon and
in  conformity  with written  information  furnished to the Company by the Agent
expressly for use in the  Registration  Statement (or any amendment  thereto) or
such  preliminary  prospectus or the  Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement
thereto).

      (c) Any  indemnified  party  that  proposes  to  assert  the  right  to be
indemnified  under  this  Section 6 will,  promptly  after  receipt of notice of
commencement  of any action against such party in respect of which a claim is to
be made against an  indemnifying  party or parties  under this Section 6, notify
each such  indemnifying  party of the  commencement of such action,  enclosing a
copy of all papers served, but the omission so to notify such indemnifying party
will not relieve the  indemnifying  party from (i) any  liability  that it might
have to any  indemnified  party otherwise than under this Section 6 and (ii) any
liability  that  it may  have  to any  indemnified  party  under  the  foregoing
provision of this Section 6 unless,  and only to the extent that,  such omission
results in the forfeiture of substantive  rights or defenses by the indemnifying
party.  If any such  action is  brought  against  any  indemnified  party and it
notifies the indemnifying party of its commencement, the indemnifying party will
be entitled to  participate  in and, to the extent that it elects by  delivering
written notice to the indemnified  party promptly after receiving  notice of the
commencement  of the action from the indemnified  party,  jointly with any other
indemnifying party similarly notified, to assume the defense of the action, with
counsel  satisfactory  to the  indemnified  party,  and  after  notice  from the
indemnifying  party to the  indemnified  party of its  election  to  assume  the
defense,  the indemnifying party will not be liable to the indemnified party for
any  legal or other  expenses  except  as  provided  below  and  except  for the
reasonable costs of investigation subsequently incurred by the indemnified party
in connection  with the defense.  The  indemnified  party will have the right to
employ its own  counsel in any such  action,  but the fees,  expenses  and other
charges of such counsel will be at the expense of such indemnified  party unless
(1) the employment of counsel by the  indemnified  party has been  authorized in
writing by the  indemnifying  party,  (2) the  indemnified  party has reasonably
concluded  (based  on  advice  of  counsel)  that  there  may be legal  defenses
available  to it or other  indemnified  parties  that are  different  from or in
addition  to those  available  to the  indemnifying  party,  (3) a  conflict  or
potential  conflict exists (based on advice of counsel to the indemnified party)
between  the  indemnified  party and the  indemnifying  party (in which case the
indemnifying  party will not have the right to direct the defense of such action
on behalf of the  indemnified  party) or (4) the  indemnifying  party has not in
fact  employed  counsel to assume the defense of such action within a reasonable
time after receiving notice of the commencement of the action,  in each of which
cases the reasonable fees, disbursements and other charges of counsel will be at
the expense of the  indemnifying  party or parties.  It is  understood  that the
indemnifying  party or parties shall not, in connection  with any  proceeding or
related proceedings in the same jurisdiction, be liable for the reasonable fees,
disbursements  and other  charges of more than one  separate  firm  admitted  to
practice in such  jurisdiction at any one time for all such indemnified party or
parties.  All such fees,  disbursements  and other charges will be reimbursed by
the indemnifying party promptly as they are incurred. An indemnifying party will
not be liable for any  settlement  of any action or claim  effected  without its
written consent (which consent will not be unreasonably withheld).

      (d)  In  order  to  provide  for  just  and  equitable   contribution   in
circumstances  in  which  the  indemnification  provided  for in  the  foregoing
paragraphs of this Section 6 is applicable in accordance  with its terms but for
any reason is held to be unavailable  from the Company or the Agent, the Company
and the Agent will contribute to the total losses, claims, liabilities, expenses
and damages  (including any investigative,  legal and other expenses  reasonably
incurred in connection  with,  and any amount paid in settlement of, any action,
suit or proceeding or any claim asserted,  but after deducting any  contribution
received by the Company from persons  other than the Agent,  such as persons who
control the Company  within the meaning of the Act,  officers of the Company who
signed the Registration  Statement and directors of the Company, who also may be
liable for  contribution)  to which the Company and any one or more of the Agent
may be  subject  in such  proportion  as shall be  appropriate  to  reflect  the
relative  benefits  received by the Company on the one hand and the Agent on the
other.  The  relative  benefits  received by the Company on the one hand and the
Agent on the other  hand  shall be deemed  to be in the same  proportion  as the
total net proceeds from the offering (before deducting expenses) received by the
Company bear to the total compensation  (before deducting  expenses) received by
the Agent from the sale of Stock on behalf of the Company.  If, but only if, the
allocation  provided by the  foregoing  sentence is not  permitted by applicable
law, the  allocation  of  contribution  shall be made in such  proportion  as is
appropriate  to  reflect  not  only the  relative  benefits  referred  to in the
foregoing sentence but also the relative fault of the Company,  on the one hand,
and the Agent,  on the other,  with respect to the  statements or omission which
resulted in such loss, claim, liability, expense or damage, or action in respect
thereof, as well as any other relevant equitable  considerations with respect to
such  offering.  Such relative fault shall be determined by reference to whether
the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged
omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Company
or the Agent, the intent of the parties and their relative knowledge,  access to
information  and  opportunity  to correct or prevent such statement or omission.
The  Company  and the Agent  agree  that it would not be just and  equitable  if
contributions  pursuant to this Section 6(d) were to be  determined  by pro rata
allocation or by any other method of allocation which does not take into account
the equitable  considerations  referred to herein. The amount paid or payable by
an  indemnified  party as a result of the loss,  claim,  liability,  expense  or
damage,  or action in respect  thereof,  referred to above in this  Section 6(d)
shall be deemed to include,  for the purpose of this Section 6(d),  any legal or
other expenses  reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with
investigating  or  defending  any such  action  or  claim.  Notwithstanding  the
foregoing  provisions of this Section  6(d),  the Agent shall not be required to
contribute  any amount in excess of the amount by which the total  actual  sales
price at which Stock sold by the Agent  exceeds  the amount of any damages  that
the Agent has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged
untrue  statement or omission or alleged  omission and no person found guilty of
fraudulent  misrepresentation  (within the meaning of Section  11(f) of the Act)
will be  entitled  to  contribution  from any  person who was not guilty of such
fraudulent misrepresentation.  For purposes of this Section 6(d), any person who
controls a party to this  Agreement  within the meaning of the Act will have the
same rights to contribution  as that party,  and each officer of the Company who
signed the  Registration  Statement will have the same rights to contribution as
the Company,  subject in each case to the provisions  hereof. Any party entitled
to contribution,  promptly after receipt of notice of commencement of any action
against  such  party in respect  of which a claim for  contribution  may be made
under this  Section  6(d),  will  notify  any such  party or  parties  from whom
contribution may be sought,  but the omission so to notify will not relieve that
party or parties from whom  contribution may be sought from any other obligation
it or they may have  under  this  Section  6(d).  No party  will be  liable  for
contribution  with  respect to any action or claim  settled  without its written
consent (which consent will not be unreasonably withheld).

      (e) The  indemnity and  contribution  provided by this Section 6 shall not
relieve the Company and the Agent from any  liability  the Company and the Agent
may otherwise have (including,  without limitation,  any liability the Agent may
have for a breach of its obligations under Section 3 hereof).

      SECTION  7.  Representations  and  Agreements  to  Survive  Delivery.  All
representations,   warranties  and  agreements  of  the  Company  herein  or  in
certificates  delivered  pursuant  hereto,  and  the  agreements  of  the  Agent
contained  in Section 6 hereof,  shall  remain  operative  and in full force and
effect regardless of any investigation  made by or on behalf of the Agent or any
controlling  persons,  or the Company (or any of their  officers,  directors  or
controlling persons), and shall survive delivery of and payment for the Stock.

      SECTION 8.  Termination.

      (a) The  Agent  shall  have the  right by  giving  notice  as  hereinafter
specified  at any  time at or prior  to any  Closing  Date,  to  terminate  this
Agreement if (i) any material  adverse  change,  or any development has occurred
that is reasonably  expected to cause material adverse change,  in the business,
financial condition or results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries
has  occurred  which,  in the  judgment  of such Agent,  materially  impairs the
investment quality of the Stock, (ii) the Company shall have failed,  refused or
been unable,  at or prior to the Closing  Date,  to perform any agreement on its
part to be  performed  hereunder,  (iii)  any  other  condition  of the  Agent's
obligations  hereunder is not  fulfilled,  (iv) any  suspension or limitation of
trading in the Stock on the NYSE,  or any setting of minimum  prices for trading
of the Stock on such exchange,  shall have occurred,  (v) any banking moratorium
shall have been declared by Federal or New York  authorities or (vi) an outbreak
or  material  escalation  of major  hostilities  in which the  United  States is
involved,  a declaration of war by Congress,  any other substantial  national or
international  calamity or any other event or occurrence of a similar  character
shall have occurred since the execution of this Agreement  that, in the judgment
of the Agent, makes it impractical or inadvisable to proceed with the completion
of the sale of and  payment  for the  Stock to be sold by the Agent on behalf of
the Company. Any such termination shall be without liability of any party to any
other party except that the provisions of Section 4(g),  Section 6 and Section 7
hereof shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding such termination.

      (b) The  Company  shall have the right,  by giving  notice as  hereinafter
specified,  to  terminate  this  Agreement in its sole  discretion  on the first
anniversary of the date of this Agreement. Any such termination shall be without
liability of any party to any other party except that the  provisions of Section
4(g),  Section 6 and  Section 7 hereof  shall  remain in full  force and  effect
notwithstanding such termination.

      (c) The  Agent  shall  have the  right,  by giving  notice as  hereinafter
specified,  to terminate this Agreement in its sole discretion at any time after
the first anniversary of the date of this Agreement.  Any such termination shall
be without  liability of any party to any other party except that the provisions
of Section  4(g),  Section 6 and Section 7 hereof shall remain in full force and
effect notwithstanding such termination.

      (d) This Agreement shall remain in full force and effect unless terminated
pursuant to Sections 8(a), (b) or (c) above or otherwise by mutual  agreement of
the parties; provided that any such termination by mutual agreement shall in all
cases be deemed to provide  that  Section  4(g),  Section 6 and  Section 7 shall
remain in full force and effect.

      (e) Any  termination  of this  Agreement  shall be  effective  on the date
specified in such notice of termination;  provided that such  termination  shall
not be  effective  until the close of  business  on the date of  receipt of such
notice by the  Agent or the  Company,  as the case may be.  If such  termination
shall occur during a Pricing  Period,  any Additional  Shares and Average Market
Price Shares shall settle in  accordance  with the  provisions  of the second to
last paragraph of Section 3 hereof.

      SECTION 9. Notices.  All notices or  communications  hereunder shall be in
writing  and if sent  to the  Agent  shall  be  mailed,  delivered,  telexed  or
telecopied and confirmed to the Agent at PaineWebber  Incorporated,  1285 Avenue
of the  Americas,  New  York,  New York  10019,  telecopy  no.  (212)  713-4205,
attention: [ ], or if sent to the Company, shall be mailed,  delivered,  telexed
or telecopied  and  confirmed to the Company at 10900 Nuckols Road,  Glen Allen,
Virginia 23060, telecopy no. (804) 217-5860,  attention: [ ]. Each party to this
Agreement  may change such address for notices by sending to the parties to this
Agreement written notice of a new address for such purpose.

      SECTION 10.  Parties.  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be
binding upon the Company and the Agent and their  respective  successors and the
controlling persons, officers and directors referred to in Section 6 hereof, and
no other person will have any right or obligation hereunder.

      SECTION 11.  Adjustments  for Stock Splits.  The parties  acknowledge  and
agree that all share related  numbers  contained in this  Agreement  (including,
without limitation,  the Maximum Amount and the Minimum Price) shall be adjusted
to take into account any stock split effected with respect to the Stock.

      SECTION  12.  Entire  Agreement.  This  Agreement  constitutes  the entire
agreement and  supersedes  all other prior and  contemporaneous  agreements  and
undertakings, both written and oral, among the parties hereto with regard to the
subject matter hereof.

      SECTION 13.  APPLICABLE  LAW.  THIS  AGREEMENT  SHALL BE
GOVERNED BY, AND  CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE  WITH,  THE INTERNAL
LAWS  OF  THE  STATE  OF  NEW  YORK  WITHOUT   REGARD  TO  THE
PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAWS.

      SECTION  14.   Counterparts.   This   Agreement  may  be
executed in two or more  counterparts,  each of which shall be
deemed  an  original,   but  all  of  which   together   shall
constitute one and the same instrument.

      If the  foregoing  correctly  sets  forth the  understanding  between  the
Company and the Agent,  please so indicate in the space  provided below for that
purpose,  whereupon this letter shall constitute a binding agreement between the
Company and the Agent.  Alternatively,  the  execution of this  Agreement by the
Company and its  acceptance  by or on behalf of the Agent may be evidenced by an
exchange of telegraphic or other written communications.

                                  Very truly yours,

                                  RESOURCE  MORTGAGE  CAPITAL,
INC.


                                  By:
                                  Name:
                                  Title:





ACCEPTED as of the date
first above written

PAINEWEBBER INCORPORATED


By:
Name:
Title:


<PAGE>


                                     ANNEX I

                  [Form of Letter from Accountants]





<PAGE>



                                                                         Exhibit
                                    5.1
VENABLE, BAETJER AND HOWARD, LLP.
Including professional corporations
1800 Mercantile Bank & Trust Building
Two Hopkins Plaza
Baltimore, Maryland  21201-2978
(410) 244-7400, Fax (410) 244-7742

February 27, 1997


Resource Mortgage Capital, Inc.
10900 Nuckols Road
Glen Allen, Virginia 23060

      Re:  Registration Statement on Form S-3
                  (Reg. No. 33-50705)

Ladies and Gentlemen:

           We have  acted as counsel  to  Resource  Mortgage  Capital,  Inc.,  a
Virginia  corporation  (the  "Company"),  in connection with its proposed public
offering of up to  2,000,000  shares of its Common  Stock , $0.01 par value (the
"Common  Stock"),  pursuant  to a  Registration  Statement  filed  on  Form  S-3
(Registration No. 33-50705)  ("Registration  Statement").  On February 27, 1997,
the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange  Commission a  Post-effective
Amendment No. 1 (the  "Amendment") to the  Registration  Statement  containing a
Prospectus Supplement and a Prospectus.

           In that  connection,  we have  examined  originals  or copies of such
documents,  corporate  records and other instruments as we have deemed necessary
or  appropriate  for  purposes  of  this  opinion   including  the  Articles  of
Incorporation,  as amended  and the  By-laws of the  Company.  We have  assumed,
without   independent   verification,   the   genuineness  of  signatures,   the
authenticity of documents and the conformity with originals of copies.

           Based on the  foregoing,  we are of the  opinion  that the  shares of
Common Stock being sold by the Company,  when issued and sold in accordance with
the terms of the Sales Agency Agreement in substantially  the same form filed as
Exhibit  1.1  to  the  Amendment,   will  be  validly  issued,  fully  paid  and
non-assessable.

           We hereby  consent  to the use of this  opinion  as an exhibit to the
Amendment  and  the  reference  to  our  firm  under  "Legal  Opinions"  in  the
Prospectus.

           By giving the foregoing consent,  we do not admit that we come within
the  category  of persons  whose  consent  is  required  under  Section 7 of the
Securities Act of 1933.


                                Very truly yours,


                          VENABLE, BAETJER AND HOWARD, LLP



<PAGE>



                                                                         Exhibit
12.1


RATIO OF  AVAILABLE  EARNINGS  TO FIXED  CHARGES  AND RATIO OF
EARNINGS  TO  COMBINED  FIXED  CHARGES  AND  PREFERRED   STOCK
DIVIDENDS



                                           Year Ended
                               -----------------------------------

                                1996   1995   1994   1993   1992
                               -----------------------------------

Net income before              $71,731$41,933$49,680$57,291$45,217
income taxes

Fixed charges (interest
  expense, net of
  non-recourse interest
  expense, other CMO           128,309162,762143,27882,586 56,341
  expenses and
  provision for losses)
                               -----------------------------------

Total  Available               $200,04$204,69$192,95$139,87$101,588
Earnings (as defined)
                               ===================================

Preferred Stock
Dividend                       $10,009$2,746   -      -      -
     Requirements

Ratio of Available
Earnings                       1.56:1 1.26:1 1.35:1 1.69:1 1.80:1
     to Fixed Charges
                               ===================================

Ratio of Available
  Earnings to
  Combined    Fixed            1.52:1 1.25:1 1.35:1 1.69:1 1.80:1
  Charges and Preferred
  Stock Dividends
                               ===================================




<PAGE>


                                                                         Exhibit
8.1

                                February 27, 1997


Resource Mortgage Capital, Inc.
10900 Nuckols Road
Glen Allen, Virginia 23060

                                 Re: Tax Opinion

Ladies and Gentlemen:

          We have acted as counsel to Resource Mortgage Capital, Inc. ("RMC") in
connection with the preparation of a registration  statement (the  "Registration
Statement") to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect
to an offering of shares of RMC's common stock.  You have  requested our opinion
regarding  RMC's  qualification  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 its 1996 taxable year. Unless otherwise  stated,  all
section  references herein are to the Code. In addition,  you have requested our
opinion with respect to whether RMC's  organization and  contemplated  method of
operations  are such as to enable it to  continue  to  qualify as a REIT for its
1997 taxable year and subsequent taxable years.

          RMC  has  a  number  of  wholly-owned  subsidiaries  ("qualified  REIT
subsidiaries"),  the income,  liabilities,  and assets of which are consolidated
with those of RMC for federal  income tax  purposes.  This letter refers to RMC,
together with such subsidiaries,  as "Consolidated  RMC." In connection with the
opinions rendered below, we have examined the following:

          1.   The Articles of Incorporation of RMC, as amended;

          2.   The bylaws of RMC as restated on June 22, 1992;

          3.   Consolidated RMC's federal income tax returns for
its taxable years 1994 and 1995; and

          4.   The prospectus included in the registration
statement with which this letter has been filed.

          In connection with the opinions rendered below, we have assumed that:

          1.   Each of the documents referred to above has been
duly authorized, executed, and delivered, is authentic, if an
original, or accurate, if a copy, and has not been amended;

          2. During  Consolidated RMC's 1997 taxable year and subsequent taxable
years,  it will  continue  to conduct its affairs in a manner that will make the
representations set forth below true for such years;

          3. Neither RMC nor any  subsidiary of RMC will make any  amendments to
its  organizational  documents  after the date of this opinion that would affect
Consolidated RMC's qualification as a REIT for any taxable year; and

          4. No actions will be taken by  Consolidated  RMC or any subsidiary of
RMC after the date hereof that would have the effect of altering  the facts upon
which the opinions set forth below are based.

          Furthermore,  we have relied  upon the  correctness  of the  following
representations of Consolidated RMC and its authorized  representatives that, at
all times relevant hereto:

          1. Neither RMC nor any subsidiary thereof has ever been subject by law
to the  supervision  or  examination  by state,  or federal  authorities  having
supervision over banking institutions.

          2.  Neither  RMC nor any  subsidiary  thereof  has ever been a savings
institution chartered or supervised as a savings and loan or similar association
under federal or state law.

          3.  Neither  RMC nor any  subsidiary  thereof  has  ever  been a small
business investment company operating under the Small Business Investment Act of
1958.

          4. Neither RMC nor any  subsidiary  thereof was created by or pursuant
to an act of a state  legislature  for purposes of promoting,  maintaining,  and
assisting  the economy and industry  within a state on a regional or  state-wide
basis by making loans to be used in trades or businesses  which would  generally
not be made by banks  within  such  region  or state in the  ordinary  course of
business.

          5.   Neither RMC nor any subsidiary thereof was an
insurance company to which Subchapter L of the Code applies.

          6.   Beneficial ownership of the shares of RMC (the
"Shares") was held by 100 or more persons.

          7. At no time during the last half of any  taxable  year was more than
50% in value of the outstanding stock of RMC owned,  directly or indirectly,  by
or for five or fewer  individuals.  For this purpose,  the Shares are treated as
owned  indirectly by or for an individual if such individual would be treated as
owning such Shares under section 544 as modified by section 856(h)(1)(B).

          8.   Consolidated RMC's election to be treated as a
REIT was properly made and has not been terminated or revoked.

          9. At the close of each  quarter  of each  taxable  year  seventy-five
percent (75%) or more of the value of Consolidated  RMC's total assets consisted
of cash and cash items (including  receivables arising in the ordinary course of
Consolidated RMC's operations),  government  securities,  and real estate assets
(including interests in real property,  interests in mortgages on real property,
and  interests in REMICs to the extent  provided in section  856(c)(6)(E)),  and
shares or transferable  certificates  of beneficial  interest in other qualified
REITs) (the "75% test").

          10. With respect to any  consumer  installment  loans on  manufactured
housing,  which are assets of  Consolidated  RMC as  described  in  paragraph  9
immediately above, that the associated manufactured housing units are secured to
a site and are inherently permanent structures.

          11. Not more than five percent (5%) of the value of Consolidated RMC's
total assets  consisted of securities of any one issuer (if such  securities are
not includable under the 75% test), and Consolidated RMC owned not more than ten
percent (10%) of the  outstanding  voting  securities of any one issuer (if such
securities are not includable under the 75% test).

          12.  Consolidated RMC did not receive or accrue any
rents from either real or personal property.

          13. Consolidated RMC did not receive or accrue as income,  directly or
indirectly,  any  interest or other amount  determined  in whole or in part with
reference to the income or profits derived by any person (excluding interest (A)
based solely on a fixed percentage or percentages of receipts or sales or (B) to
the extent described in section 856(f)(2) of the Code).

          14.  Consolidated RMC did not own any mortgage whose terms entitled it
to receive a specified  portion of any gain  realized on the sale or exchange of
the real  property  securing  the mortgage or any gain that would be realized if
such property were sold on a specified date.

          15. At least  seventy-five  percent (75%) of Consolidated  RMC's gross
income  (excluding  gross income from prohibited  transactions)  for any taxable
year was derived from:

               (a)  interest  on  obligations  secured by  mortgages  (including
consumer  installment  loans on  manufactured  housing)  on real  property or on
interests in real property,

               (b) gain  from the sale or  other  disposition  of real  property
(including  interests  in real  property  and  interests  in  mortgages  on real
property)  which was not held as inventory or primarily for sale to customers in
the ordinary course of its trade or business,

               (c)  dividends  or other  distributions  on, and gain (other than
gain  from  prohibited  transactions)  from the sale or  other  disposition  of,
transferable  shares (or  transferable  certificates of beneficial  interest) in
other REITs,

               (d)  abatements and refunds of taxes on real
property,

               (e)  income and gain derived from foreclosure
property,

               (f)  amounts  (other  than  amounts  the  determination  of which
depends in whole or in part on the income or profits of any person)  received or
accrued as consideration  for entering into agreements (i) to make loans secured
by mortgages  on real  property or on  interests  in real  property,  or (ii) to
purchase  or lease real  property  (including  interests  in real  property  and
interests in mortgages on real property),

               (g) gain from the sale or other disposition of real estate assets
which is not a prohibited transaction solely by reason of section 857(b)(6), and

               (h) income which was  attributable  to stock or debt  instruments
acquired through the temporary investment of new capital and received or accrued
during  the one year  period  beginning  on the date on which  Consolidated  RMC
received such capital.

          16. At least  ninety-five  percent (95%) of  Consolidated  RMC's gross
income  (excluding  gross income from prohibited  transactions)  for any taxable
year was derived from:

               (a)  sources which satisfy the seventy-five
percent (75%) income test described in paragraph 15 above,

               (b)  dividends,

               (c)  interest,

               (d) payments with respect to bona fide  interest rate swap,  cap,
or  floor  agreements   entered  into  to  hedge  any  variable   interest  rate
indebtedness  incurred or to be incurred to acquire or carry real estate  assets
("interest rate agreements"), and

               (e)  gain  from  the  sale or other  disposition  of  stocks  and
securities (including interest rate agreements).

          17. Less than thirty percent (30%) of Consolidated  RMC's gross income
for any taxable year was derived from the sale or other disposition of:

               (a)  stock or securities (including interest rate
agreements) held for less than one year,

               (b)  property in a transaction which is a
prohibited transaction, and

               (c) real  property  (including  interests  in real  property  and
interests  in mortgages  on real  property)  held for less than four years other
than (i) property compulsorily or involuntarily  converted within the meaning of
section 1033, and (ii) property which is foreclosure property.

          18. For each taxable year, the deduction for dividends paid during the
taxable year (determined  without regard to capital gains dividends)  equaled or
exceeded (i) the sum of  ninety-five  percent (95%) of  Consolidated  RMC's real
estate investment trust taxable income for the taxable year (determined  without
regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding any net capital gains),
and ninety-five  percent (95%) of the excess of the net income from  foreclosure
property over the tax imposed on such income by section 857(b)(4)(A), minus (ii)
any excess noncash income as determined under section 857(e).

          19. All  distributions  paid by  Consolidated  RMC with respect to its
Shares were pro rata with no preference to any share of stock as compared to any
other  shares of the same class and with no  preference  (other than as required
under the  Amended  Articles  of  Incorporation  of RMC  between  its common and
preferred stock) to one class of stock as compared to another class.

          20.  As of the close of any taxable year, Consolidated
RMC had no earnings and profits accumulated in any non-REIT year.

          21.  During  its  taxable  year  1996,  RMC  has  had  at  least  2000
shareholders  of record of its  Shares on any  dividend  record  date.  In prior
taxable years,  RMC had at least 201 shareholders of record of its Shares in any
dividend record date.

          22. Within  thirty (30) days after the end of each taxable  year,  RMC
demanded written  statements from  shareholders of record who at any time during
the last six (6) months of RMC's  taxable  year owned 5% (or 1%, as the case may
be), or more of the Shares disclosing (i) the actual owners of the Shares (those
persons  required to include  RMC's  dividends  in gross  income),  (ii) and the
maximum  number of Shares  (including  the number  and face value of  securities
convertible  into Shares) that were  considered  owned,  directly or  indirectly
(within the meaning of section 544 as modified by section  856(h)(1)(B)) by each
of the actual owners of the Shares.

          23. RMC  maintained  the  information  received  with  respect to such
written demands in its filing district  available for inspection by the Internal
Revenue Service at any time.

          24. RMC  maintained  sufficient  records to show that it complied with
the 75% test  described at paragraph 9 above for all taxable years in its filing
district available for inspection by the Internal Revenue Service at any time.

          25.  RMC and the plan administrator under RMC's
Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan (the "Plan") have
administered the Plan in accordance with the terms of the
prospectus describing the Plan.

          26. RMC has owned all the stock of each qualified  REIT  subsidiary at
all times during the period of such corporation's existence.

          27.  During  its 1997  taxable  year  and  subsequent  taxable  years,
Consolidated  RMC  expects to  continue  to satisfy  all of the  representations
described in paragraphs 1 through 25 above.

          As used herein,  the term "prohibited  transaction"  means the sale or
other  disposition  of  property  held as  inventory  or  primarily  for sale to
customers in the ordinary  course of Consolidated  RMC's trade or business.  The
term "foreclosure property" means any real property (including interests in real
property) and any personal property incident to such real property,  acquired by
Consolidated  RMC  as  the  result  of  its  having  bid  in  such  property  at
foreclosure,   or  having  otherwise  reduced  such  property  to  ownership  or
possession  by agreement or process of law after there was a default (or default
was  imminent)  on a lease of such  property  or on an  indebtedness  which such
property  secured.  Such term does not include property acquired by Consolidated
RMC as a result of  indebtedness  arising from the sale or other  disposition of
property  held as inventory or for sale in the ordinary  course of  Consolidated
RMC's  trade or  business  which  was not  originally  acquired  as  foreclosure
property.

          Based solely on the documents,  assumptions,  and  representations set
forth  above,  and without  further  investigation,  we are of the opinion  that
Consolidated  RMC  qualified  as a REIT in its  1996  taxable  year and that its
organization and contemplated method of operation are such that it will continue
to so qualify for its 1997 taxable year and subsequent taxable years.  Except as
described  herein we have  performed no further due  diligence  and have made no
efforts to verify the accuracy or genuineness of the documents, assumptions, and
representations set forth above.

          The foregoing  opinion is based on current  provisions of the Code and
Treasury  Regulations,  published  administrative  interpretations  thereof, and
published  court  decisions.  The  Internal  Revenue  Service has not yet issued
Regulations or administrative interpretations with respect to various provisions
of the Code relating to REIT  qualification.  No assurance can be given that the
law will not change in a way that will prevent  Consolidated RMC from qualifying
as a REIT or that the  Internal  Revenue  Service  will not  disagree  with this
opinion.

          The  foregoing  opinion  is limited  to  federal  income  tax  matters
addressed  herein,  and no other  opinions  are  rendered  with respect to other
federal  tax  matters or any issues  arising  under the tax laws of any state or
locality.  We undertake no  obligation  to update this opinion after the date of
this letter.  This opinion letter is solely for the  information  and use of the
addressee and may not be relied upon,  quoted, or otherwise used for any purpose
by any other person without our express written consent.

          We consent to the references to this firm in the prospectus filed with
the  Registration  Statement  and to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to
the  Registration  Statement  in which the  prospectus  is  included.  We do not
thereby  admit that we are  within the  category  of  persons  whose  consent is
required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules
and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder.

                              Very truly yours,

                              VENABLE, BAETJER, AND HOWARD, LLP


<PAGE>



                                                                    Exhibit 23.1


                         Consent of Independent Auditors



The Board of Directors
Resource Mortgage Capital, Inc.


We consent to the use of our reports incorporated by reference
in the registration statement on Form S-3 of Resource Mortgage
Capital, Inc. (No. 33-50705) and to the reference to our firm
under the heading "Experts" in the prospectus.


                                   KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP


Richmond, Virginia
February 27, 1997




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