market-based valuation inputs are often not available; therefore, these assets and liabilities are valued using internal estimates. As subjectivity exists with respect to the valuation estimates used, the fair values disclosed may not equal prices that can ultimately be realized if the assets are sold or the liabilities are settled with third parties.
Below is a description of the valuation methods for the assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on either a recurring or nonrecurring basis and for estimating fair value of financial instruments not recorded at fair value for disclosure purposes. While management believes the valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different estimate of fair value at the measurement date.
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
Cash and restricted cash are recorded at historical cost. The carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value as these instruments have short-term maturities and interest rates that approximate market, a Level 1 measurement.
Loans Held for Investment, at Amortized Cost and Loans Held for Investment, at Fair Value
The Company uses a third-party loan valuation specialist to estimate the fair value of its nonperforming mortgage loans, a Level 3 measurement. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s nonperforming mortgage loans are interest rates, market yield requirements, the probability of default, loss given default, voluntary prepayment speed and loss timing. The Company uses a third-party loan valuation model to estimate the fair value of its performing mortgage loans, a Level 3 measurement. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s performing mortgage loans are discount rate, constant prepayment rate, constant default rate, and loss severity rate. Significant changes in any of those inputs in isolation could result in a significant change to the mortgage loans’ fair value measurement.
Collateral Dependent or Loans Individually Evaluated
Nonaccrual loans held for investment and carried at amortized cost are evaluated individually and are adjusted to the fair value of the collateral when the fair value of the collateral is below the carrying value of the loan. To the extent such a loan is collateral dependent, the Company determines the allowance for credit losses based on the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral. The fair value of each loan’s collateral is generally based on appraisals or broker price opinions obtained, less estimated costs to sell, a Level 3 measurement.
Loans Held for Sale, at Fair Value
The Company elected to account for certain loans originated with the intent to sell at fair value using FASB ASC Topic 825, Financial Instruments (ASC 825). The FVO loans held for sale are measured based on a discounted cash flow model, or on the fair value of securities backed by similar mortgage loans, adjusted for certain factors to approximate the fair value, including the value attributable to mortgage servicing and credit risk, and current commitments to purchase loans, a Level 2 measurement. Management identified all loans to be accounted for at estimated fair value at the instrument level. Changes in fair value are reflected in income as they occur.
Real Estate Owned, Net (“REO”)
Real estate owned, net is initially recorded at the property’s estimated fair value, based on appraisals or broker price opinions obtained, less estimated costs to sell at acquisition date, a Level 3 measurement. From time to time, nonrecurring fair value adjustments are made to real estate owned, net based on the current updated appraised value of the property, or management’s judgment and estimation of value based on recent market trends or negotiated sales prices with potential buyers.
Mortgage Servicing Rights
The Company determined the fair values based on a third-party valuation specialist using a model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income, a Level 3 measurement.
Derivative Instruments
Derivative financial instruments are measured at fair value using readily observable market inputs and the overall fair value measurement is classified as Level 2.
Secured Financing, Net (“Corporate Debt”)
The Company determined the fair values estimate of the secured financing using the estimated cash flows discounted at an appropriate market rate, a Level 3 measurement.