10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

[X]         QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE

ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2012

or

[   ]       TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE

ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _____ to _____

Commission File Number: 001-33652

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Washington	26-0610707
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization	(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
201 Wells Avenue South, Renton, Washington	98057
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:	(425) 255-4400

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes [X] No [   ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes [X] No [   ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer [   ]        Accelerated filer [X]         Non-accelerated filer [   ]       Smaller reporting company [   ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes [   ] No [X]

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: As of May 4, 2012, 18,805,168 shares of the issuer’s common stock, $0.01 par value per share, were outstanding.

1

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC.

FORM 10-Q

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART 1 - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1 - Financial Statements	3
Item 2 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition                and Results of Operations	31
Item 3 - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	44
Item 4 - Controls and Procedures	48
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION	49
Item 1 - Legal Proceedings	49
Item 1A - Risk Factors	49
Item 2 - Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	49
Item 3 - Defaults upon Senior Securities	49
Item 4 - Mine Safety Disclosures	49
Item 5 - Other Information	49
Item 6 - Exhibits	49
SIGNATURES	51

2

Item 1. Financial Statements

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)
	March 31,			December 31,
Assets	2012			2011
Cash on hand and in banks	$	5,186		$	4,620
Interest-bearing deposits		152,177			160,141
Investments available-for-sale, at fair value		140,676			129,002
Loans receivable, net of allowance of $14,832 and $16,559		680,737			703,288
Premises and equipment, net		18,702			18,922
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost		7,413			7,413
Accrued interest receivable		3,897			3,856
Federal income tax receivable		1,058			1,060
Other real estate owned ("OREO")		22,448			26,044
Prepaid expenses and other assets		5,028			5,044
Total assets	$	1,037,322		$	1,059,390
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Interest-bearing deposits	$	758,415		$	782,652
Noninterest-bearing deposits		5,633			6,013
Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank		83,066			83,066
Advance payments from borrowers for taxes and insurance		4,056			2,093
Accrued interest payable		196			184
Other liabilities		3,281			4,062
Total liabilities		854,647			878,070
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' Equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 10,000,000 shares,
no shares issued or outstanding		-			-
Common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 90,000,000 shares;
issued and outstanding 18,805,168 shares at March 31, 2012
and December 31, 2011		188			188
Additional paid-in capital		189,209			188,816
Retained earnings, substantially restricted		4,559			3,937
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax		569			511
Unearned Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP") shares		(11,850	)		(12,132	)
Total stockholders' equity		182,675			181,320
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	1,037,322		$	1,059,390
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

3

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012			2011
Interest income
Loans, including fees	$	10,472		$	12,428
Investments available-for-sale		593			1,205
Interest-bearing deposits		97			76
Total interest income	$	11,162		$	13,709
Interest expense
Deposits		2,941			4,513
Federal Home Loan Bank advances		511			576
Total interest expense	$	3,452		$	5,089
Net interest income		7,710			8,620
Provision for loan losses		1,700			1,200
Net interest income after provision for loan losses	$	6,010		$	7,420
Noninterest income
Net gain on sale of investments		194			511
Other		87			85
Total noninterest income	$	281		$	596
Noninterest expense
Compensation and employee benefits		3,427			3,289
Occupancy and equipment		405			402
Professional fees		473			480
Data processing		181			209
Gain on sale of OREO property, net		(221	)		(626	)
OREO market value adjustments		310			628
OREO related expenses, net		489			850
Regulatory assessments		97			710
Insurance and bond premiums		100			247
Marketing		52			61
Other general and administrative		308			332
Total noninterest expense	$	5,621		$	6,582
Income before provision for federal income taxes		670			1,434
Provision for federal income taxes		48			-
Net income	$	622		$	1,434
Basic earnings per share	$	0.04		$	0.08
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.04		$	0.08
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

4

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012				2011
Net Income		$	622			$	1,434
Other comprehensive income, before tax:
Unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale securities			252				66
Reclassification adjustment for net gains realized in income			(194	)			(511	)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax			58				(445	)
Income tax benefit related to items of other comprehensive income			-				(430	)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax			58				(15	)
Total comprehensive income		$	680			$	1,419
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

5

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)
													Accumulated
													Other
						Additional							Comprehensive			Unearned				Total
			Common			Paid-in				Retained			Income,			ESOP				Stockholders'
	Shares		Stock			Capital				Earnings			net of tax			Shares				Equity
Balances at December 31, 2011		18,805,168		$	188		$	188,816			$	3,937		$	511		$	(12,132	)		$	181,320
Comprehensive income:
Net income		-			-			-				622			-			-				622
Change in fair value of investments
available-for-sale		-			-			-				-			58			-				58
Total comprehensive income																						680
Compensation related to stock options
and restricted stock awards		-			-			479				-			-			-				479
Allocation of 28,213 ESOP shares		-			-			(86	)			-			-			282				196
Balances at March 31, 2012		18,805,168		$	188		$	189,209			$	4,559		$	569		$	(11,850	)		$	182,675
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

6

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012			2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	622		$	1,434
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provision for loan losses		1,700			1,200
OREO market value adjustments		310			628
Gain on sale of OREO property, net		(221	)		(626	)
Depreciation of premises and equipment		263			269
Net amortization of premiums and discounts on investments		452			691
ESOP expense		196			145
Compensation expense related to stock options and restricted stock awards		479			473
Net realized gain on investments available-for-sale		(194	)		(511	)
Deferred federal income taxes		-			430
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Prepaid expenses and other assets		16			16
Accrued interest receivable		(41	)		347
Accrued interest payable		12			16
Other liabilities		(781	)		(10	)
Federal income taxes, net		2			(430	)
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	2,815		$	4,072
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sales of investments		11,000			9,701
Capitalized improvements in OREO		-			(88	)
Proceeds from sales of OREO properties		5,353			9,199
Principal repayments on investments		5,592			10,350
Purchases of investments		(28,466	)		(4,303	)
Net decrease in loans receivable		19,005			48,625
Purchases of premises and equipment		(43	)		(25	)
Net cash provided by investing activities	$	12,441		$	73,459
Balance, carried forward	$	15,256		$	77,531

7

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012			2011
Balance, brought forward	$	15,256		$	77,531
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net decrease in deposits		(24,617	)		(14,000	)
Net increase in advance payments from borrowers for taxes and insurance		1,963			2,037
Net cash used by financing activities	$	(22,654	)	$	(11,963	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash		(7,398	)		65,568
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period		164,761			98,427
End of period	$	157,363		$	163,995
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	$	3,440		$	5,073
Federal income taxes	$	45		$	-
Noncash transactions:
Loans, net of deferred loan fees and allowance for loan losses transferred to OREO	$	1,846		$	10,277
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

8

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SELECTED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 1 – Description of Business

First Financial Northwest, Inc. (“First Financial Northwest” or the “Company”), a Washington corporation, was formed on June 1, 2007 for the purpose of becoming the holding company for First Savings Bank Northwest (“First Savings Bank” or “the Bank”) in connection with the conversion from a mutual holding company structure to a stock holding company structure. First Financial Northwest’s business activities generally are limited to passive investment activities and oversight of its investment in First Savings Bank. Accordingly, the information presented in the consolidated financial statements and related data, relates primarily to First Savings Bank. First Financial Northwest is a savings and loan holding company and is subject to regulation by the Federal Reserve Board (“FRB”). First Savings Bank is regulated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) and the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (“DFI”).

First Savings Bank is a community-based savings bank primarily serving King, and to a lesser extent, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties through our full-service banking office located in Renton, Washington. First Savings Bank’s business consists of attracting deposits from the public and utilizing these deposits to originate one-to-four family residential, multifamily, commercial real estate, business, consumer and construction/land development loans.

As used throughout this report, the terms “we”, “our”, “us”, or the “Company” refer to First Financial Northwest, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiary First Savings Bank Northwest, unless the context otherwise requires.

Note 2 – Regulatory Items

On April 14, 2010, the Office of Thrift Supervision (“OTS”) and members of the Board of Directors of First Financial Northwest entered into an informal supervisory agreement or Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”), which is now enforced by the FRB as the successor to the OTS. Under the terms of the MOU, the Company agreed, among other things, to provide notice to and obtain a written non-objection from the FRB prior to the Company (a) declaring a dividend or redeeming any capital stock and (b) incurring, issuing, renewing or repurchasing any new debt.

On March 27, 2012, the Bank’s regulators, the FDIC and the DFI terminated the Consent Order (“Order”) which became effective on September 24, 2010. In place of the Order, the Bank entered into an MOU, which is an informal regulatory action, with the FDIC and DFI. The Order was terminated as a result of the steps the Bank took in complying with the Order and reducing its level of classified assets, increasing earnings, augmenting management and improving the overall condition of the Bank.

The MOU with the Bank contains provisions concerning the management and directors of the Bank, interest rate risk, minimum capital levels, the allowance for loan and lease losses (“ALLL”), lending and collection policies, policies concerning the Bank and its affiliates, restrictions on paying dividends and a requirement to furnish progress reports to the FDIC and DFI. A copy of the MOU with the Bank is attached to the Form 8-K that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on April 2, 2012.

Note 3 – Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) for complete financial statements. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, as filed with the SEC. In our opinion, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP have been included. All significant intercompany balances and transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries have been eliminated in consolidation. Operating results for the three months ended

9

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SELECTED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

March 31, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended December 31, 2012. In preparing the unaudited consolidated financial statements, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change relate to the ALLL, the valuation of other real estate owned (“OREO”) and the underlying collateral of loans in the process of foreclosure, deferred tax assets and the fair value of financial instruments.

Certain amounts in the unaudited consolidated financial statements for prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current unaudited financial statement presentation.

Note 4 – Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In April 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-03, Reconsideration of Effective Control for Repurchase Agreements. The update amends existing guidance to remove from the assessment of effective control, the criterion requiring the transferor to have the ability to repurchase or redeem the financial assets on substantially the agreed terms, even in the event of default by the transferee and, as well, the collateral maintenance implementation guidance related to that criterion. ASU No. 2011-03 is effective for the Company’s reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2011. The guidance applies prospectively to transactions or modification of existing transactions that occur on or after the effective date and early adoption is not permitted. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In April 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs (International Financial Reporting Standards). The update amends existing guidance regarding the highest and best use and valuation premise by clarifying these concepts are only applicable to measuring the fair value of nonfinancial assets.  The Update also clarifies that the fair value measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities which have offsetting market risks or counterparty credit risks that are managed on a portfolio basis, when several criteria are met, can be measured at the net risk position. Additional disclosures about Level 3 fair value measurements are required including a quantitative disclosure of the unobservable inputs and assumptions used in the measurement, a description of the valuation process in place, and discussion of the sensitivity of fair value changes in unobservable inputs and interrelationships about those inputs as well as disclosure of the level of the fair value of items that are not measured at fair value in the financial statements but disclosure of fair value is required. The provisions of ASU No. 2011-04 were effective for the Company’s reporting period beginning after December 15, 2011 and should be applied prospectively. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income. The update amends current guidance to allow a company the option of presenting the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The provisions do not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income or when an item of other comprehensive must be reclassified to net income. The amendments do not change the option for a company to present components of other comprehensive income either net of related tax effects or before related tax effects, with one amount shown for the aggregate income tax expense (benefit) related to the total of other comprehensive income items. The amendments do not affect how earnings per share is calculated or presented.  The provisions of ASU No. 2011-05 were effective for the Company’s reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011 and should be applied retrospectively. Early adoption is permitted and there are no required transition disclosures.  The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-11, Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. The update requires an entity to offset, and present as a single net amount, a recognized eligible asset and a recognized eligible liability when it has an unconditional and legally enforceable right of setoff and intends either to settle the asset and liability on a net basis or to realize the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. The

10

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SELECTED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

ASU requires an entity to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements to enable users of its financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on its financial position. The amendments are effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the ASU but does not expect it will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-12, Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update 2011-05 (“ASU 2011-12”). This ASU defers only those changes in ASU 2011-05 that relate to the presentation of reclassification adjustments. ASU 2011-12 was issued in order to allow the FASB time to redeliberate whether to present on the face of the financial statements the effects of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the components of net income and other comprehensive income for all periods presented. While the FASB is considering the operational concerns about the presentation requirements for reclassification adjustments and the needs of financial statement users for additional information about reclassification adjustments, the Company will continue to report reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income consistent with the presentation requirements in effect before the issuance of ASU 2011-05. ASU 2011-12 is effective for the Company’s financial statements for annual and interim periods beginning after December 31, 2011, and must be applied prospectively. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Note 5 – Investments

Investment securities available-for-sale are summarized as follows:

	March 31, 2012
				Gross			Gross
	Amortized			Unrealized			Unrealized
	Cost			Gains			Losses				Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Mortgage-backed investments:
Fannie Mae		$	54,829		$	1,109		$	(14	)		$	55,924
Freddie Mac			12,740			451			-				13,191
Ginnie Mae			6,884			130			-				7,014
Municipal bonds			2,084			30			(251	)			1,863
U.S. Government sponsored entities and agencies			62,782			21			(119	)			62,684
		$	139,319		$	1,741		$	(384	)		$	140,676

	December 31, 2011
				Gross			Gross
	Amortized			Unrealized			Unrealized
	Cost			Gains			Losses				Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Mortgage-backed investments:
Fannie Mae		$	50,981		$	1,182		$	-			$	52,163
Freddie Mac			19,285			560			-				19,845
Ginnie Mae			7,416			79			-				7,495
Municipal bonds			2,085			32			(270	)			1,847
U.S. Government sponsored entities and agencies			47,934			2			(284	)			47,652
		$	127,701		$	1,855		$	(554	)		$	129,002

11

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SELECTED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

The following table summarizes the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized loss by length of time those investments have been continuously in an unrealized loss position:

	March 31, 2012
	Less Than 12 Months							12 Months or Longer							Total
				Unrealized							Unrealized							Unrealized
	Fair Value			Loss				Fair Value			Loss				Fair Value			Loss
	(In thousands)
Mortgage-backed investments:
Fannie Mae		$	2,975		$	(14	)		$	-		$	-			$	2,975		$	(14	)
Municipal bonds			-			-				1,156			(251	)			1,156			(251	)
U.S. Government sponsored
entities and agencies			45,113			(119	)			-			-				45,113			(119	)
		$	48,088		$	(133	)		$	1,156		$	(251	)		$	49,244		$	(384	)

		December 31, 2011
	Less Than 12 Months								12 Months or Longer						Total
				Unrealized							Unrealized							Unrealized
	Fair Value			Loss				Fair Value			Loss				Fair Value			Loss
	(In thousands)
Municipal bonds		$	-		$	-			$	1,137		$	(270	)		$	1,137		$	(270	)
U.S. Government sponsored
entities and agencies			45,039			(284	)			-			-				45,039			(284	)
		$	45,039		$	(284	)		$	1,137		$	(270	)		$	46,176		$	(554	)

At March 31, 2012, we had one security with a gross unrealized loss totaling $251,000 with a fair value totaling $1.2 million that had an unrealized loss for greater than one year. At December 31, 2011, this same security had a gross unrealized loss totaling $270,000 with a fair value totaling $1.1 million that had an unrealized loss for greater than one year. We reviewed the financial condition of the entity underlying this security at both March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, and determined an other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) was not warranted.

On a quarterly basis, management makes an assessment to determine whether there have been any events or economic circumstances to indicate that a security on which there is an unrealized loss is impaired on an other-than-temporary basis. We consider many factors including the severity and duration of the impairment, recent events specific to the issuer or industry, and for debt securities, external credit ratings and recent downgrades. Securities on which there is an unrealized loss that is deemed to be an OTTI are written down to fair value. For equity securities, the write-down is recorded as a realized loss in noninterest income on our Consolidated Statements of Income. For debt securities, if we intend to sell the security or it is likely that we will be required to sell the security before recovering its cost basis, the entire impairment loss would be recognized in earnings as an OTTI. If we do not intend to sell the security and it is not likely that we will be required to sell the security but we do not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security, only the portion of the impairment loss representing credit losses would be recognized in earnings. The credit loss on a security is measured as the difference between the amortized cost basis and the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected. Projected cash flows are discounted by the original or current effective interest rate depending on the nature of the security being measured for potential OTTI. The remaining impairment related to all other factors, the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and fair value, is recognized as a charge to other comprehensive income (“OCI”). Impairment losses related to all other factors are presented as separate categories within OCI. For the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, we did not have any OTTI losses on investments.

12

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SELECTED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investments available-for-sale at March 31, 2012, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Investments not due at a single maturity date, primarily mortgage-backed investments, are shown separately.

	March 31, 2012
	Amortized Cost		Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Due after one year through five years	$	50,053	$	49,992
Due after five years through ten years		820		838
Due after ten years		13,993		13,717
		64,866		64,547
Mortgage-backed investments		74,453		76,129
	$	139,319	$	140,676

Under Washington State law, in order to participate in the public funds program we are required to pledge as collateral an amount equal to 100% of the public deposits we hold in the form of eligible securities. Investments with a market value of $29.8 million and $31.8 million were pledged as collateral for public deposits at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, both of which exceeded collateral requirements established by the Washington Public Deposit Protection Commission.

We sold $10.8 million and $9.2 million of investments during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 resulting in gross gains of $194,000 and $511,000, respectively. There were no losses on sales of securities during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

13

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SELECTED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 6 - Loans Receivable

Loans receivable are summarized as follows:

	March 31, 2012			December 31, 2011
	(In thousands)
One-to-four family residential (1)		$	325,316		$	335,412
Multifamily:
Permanent			110,319			110,148
Construction			-			3,526
			110,319			113,674
Commercial real estate:
Permanent			213,391			218,032
Construction			12,500			12,500
Land			1,780			1,811
			227,671			232,343
Construction/land development (2):
One-to-four family residential			1,475			6,194
Multifamily			855			855
Commercial			1,104			1,104
Land development			16,156			16,990
			19,590			25,143
Business			3,620			3,909
Consumer			11,439			12,499
Total loans			697,955			722,980
Less:
Loans in process			598			1,372
Deferred loan fees, net			1,788			1,761
ALLL			14,832			16,559
Loans receivable, net		$	680,737		$	703,288

_____________
(1)	Includes $146.2 million and $147.4 million of non-owner occupied loans at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.
(2)	Excludes construction loans that will convert to permanent loans. We consider these loans to be "rollovers" in that one loan is originated for both the construction loan and permanent financing. These loans are classified according to the underlying collateral. As a result, at March 31, 2012, we had $12.5 million, or 5.5%, of our total commercial real estate portfolio and no one-to-four family residential or multifamily loans in these "rollover" type of loans. At December 31, 2011, we had $12.5 million, or 5.4%, of our total commercial real estate portfolio and $3.5 million, or 3.1%, of our total multifamily loan portfolio and no one-to-four family residential loans in these "rollover" type of loans. At both March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, $1.8 million of commercial real estate land loans were not included in the construction/land development category because we classify raw land or buildable lots where we do not intend to finance the construction as commercial real estate land loans.

At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, there were no loans classified as held for sale.

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           The following tables represent a summary of our ALLL and loan portfolio by loan type and impairment method:

		At or For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
		One-to-Four								Construction/
		Family					Commercial			Land
		Residential			Multifamily		Real Estate			Development			Business			Consumer			Total
ALLL:		(In thousands)
Beginning balance		$	5,756		$	950	$	6,846		$	2,503		$	154		$	350		$	16,559
	Charge-offs		(718	)		-		(2,614	)		(74	)		-			(293	)		(3,699	)
	Recoveries		-			-		171			100			-			1			272
	Provision		775			1,407		1,272			(1,805	)		(119	)		170			1,700
Ending balance		$	5,813		$	2,357	$	5,675		$	724		$	35		$	228		$	14,832
	General reserve	$	5,343		$	2,357	$	5,576		$	724		$	35		$	228		$	14,263
	Specific reserve	$	470		$	-	$	99		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	569
Loans (1):
Total Loans		$	325,280		$	110,081	$	227,666		$	19,271		$	3,620		$	11,439		$	697,357
	General reserve (2)	$	264,946		$	106,636	$	208,731		$	10,280		$	3,620		$	11,205		$	605,418
	Specific reserve (3)	$	60,334		$	3,445	$	18,935		$	8,991		$	-		$	234		$	91,939

_____________ 

(1) Net of undisbursed funds.

(2) Loans collectively evaluated for impairment.

(3) Loans individually evaluated for impairment.

		At or For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2011
		One-to-Four									Construction/
		Family						Commercial			Land
		Residential			Multifamily			Real Estate			Development			Business		Consumer			Total
ALLL:											(In thousands)
Beginning balance		$	8,302		$	1,893		$	6,742		$	5,151		$	7	$	439		$	22,534
	Charge-offs		(585	)		(26	)		(2,080	)		(926	)		-		(58	)		(3,675	)
	Recoveries		5			-			-			185			-		1			191
	Provision		34			(121	)		2,613			(1,343	)		6		11			1,200
Ending balance		$	7,756		$	1,746		$	7,275		$	3,067		$	13	$	393		$	20,250
	General reserve	$	6,596		$	1,684		$	5,351		$	1,483		$	13	$	298		$	15,425
	Specific reserve	$	1,160		$	62		$	1,924		$	1,584		$	-	$	95		$	4,825
Loans (1):
Total Loans		$	375,858		$	128,678		$	255,532		$	40,938		$	1,026	$	16,767		$	818,799
	General reserve (2)	$	307,401		$	125,470		$	234,006		$	17,453		$	1,026	$	16,552		$	701,908
	Specific reserve (3)	$	68,457		$	3,208		$	21,526		$	23,485		$	-	$	215		$	116,891

____________ 

(1) Net of undisbursed funds.

(2) Loans collectively evaluated for impairment.

(3) Loans individually evaluated for impairment.

Nonperforming loans, net of undisbursed funds, were $26.4 million and $23.7 million at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. Foregone interest on nonaccrual loans for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was $377,000, compared to $857,000 for the same quarter in 2011.

Loans committed to be advanced in connection with impaired loans at both March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were $36,000.

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The following tables present a summary of loans individually evaluated for impairment by the type of loan:

		At or For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
				Unpaid
		Recorded		Principal		Related
		Investment (1)		Balance (2)		Allowance
		(In thousands)
Loans with no related allowance:
	One-to-four family residential:
	Owner occupied	$	8,679	$	9,562	$	-
	Non-owner occupied		38,253		39,379		-
	Multifamily		3,445		3,570		-
	Commercial real estate		16,630		21,871		-
	Construction/land development		8,991		14,299		-
	Consumer		234		510		-
Total			76,232		89,191		-
Loans with an allowance:
	One-to-four family residential:
	Owner occupied		4,251		4,363		181
	Non-owner occupied		9,151		9,326		289
	Commercial real estate		2,305		2,305		99
Total			15,707		15,994		569
Total impaired loans:
	One-to-four family residential:
	Owner occupied		12,930		13,925		181
	Non-owner occupied		47,404		48,705		289
	Multifamily		3,445		3,570		-
	Commercial real estate		18,935		24,176		99
	Construction/land development		8,991		14,299		-
	Consumer		234		510		-
Total		$	91,939	$	105,185	$	569

____________
(1)	Represents the loan balance less charge-offs.
(2)	Contractual loan principal balance.

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		At or For the Year Ended December 31, 2011
				Unpaid
		Recorded		Principal		Related
		Investment (1)		Balance (2)		Allowance
		(In thousands)
Loans with no related allowance:
	One-to-four family residential:
	Owner occupied	$	8,007	$	8,931	$	-
	Non-owner occupied		40,406		42,794		-
	Multifamily		3,453		3,578		-
	Commercial real estate		12,802		15,957		-
	Construction/land development		9,199		22,776		-
	Consumer		70		70		-
Total			73,937		94,106		-
Loans with an allowance:
	One-to-four family residential:
	Owner occupied		4,588		4,724		180
	Non-owner occupied		9,575		9,735		325
	Commercial real estate		1,817		1,817		59
Total			15,980		16,276		564
Total impaired loans:
	One-to-four family residential:
	Owner occupied		12,595		13,655		180
	Non-owner occupied		49,981		52,529		325
	Multifamily		3,453		3,578		-
	Commercial real estate		14,619		17,774		59
	Construction/land development		9,199		22,776		-
	Consumer		70		70		-
Total		$	89,917	$	110,382	$	564

___________
(1)	Represents the loan balance less charge-offs.
(2)	Contractual loan principal balance.

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 The following table presents the average recorded investment and the interest income recognized on impaired loans.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012					2011
	Average			Interest		Average		Interest
	Recorded			Income		Recorded		Income
	Investment			Recognized		Investment		Recognized
	(In thousands)
Loans with no related allowance:
One-to-four family residential:
Owner occupied		$	8,343	$	53	$	8,785	$	116
Non-owner occupied			39,329		545		45,700		667
Multifamily			3,449		42		2,511		42
Commercial real estate			14,716		193		12,549		164
Construction/land development			9,095		-		9,828		-
Consumer			152		1		167		1
Total			75,084		834		79,540		990
Loans with an allowance:
One-to-four family residential:
Owner occupied			4,420		99		4,317		-
Non-owner occupied			9,363		46		9,393		-
Multifamily			-		-		350		-
Commercial real estate			2,061		34		7,073		-
Construction/land development			-		-		18,424		-
Consumer			-		-		4		-
Total			15,844		179		39,561		-
Total impaired loans:
One-to-four family residential:
Owner occupied			12,763		152		13,102		116
Non-owner occupied			48,692		591		55,093		667
Multifamily			3,449		42		2,861		42
Commercial real estate			16,777		227		19,622		164
Construction/land development			9,095		-		28,252		-
Consumer			152		1		171		1
Total		$	90,928	$	1,013	$	119,101	$	990

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The following is a summary of information pertaining to nonperforming assets and troubled debt restructured loans (“TDRs”):

	March 31,		December 31,
	2012		2011
	(In thousands)
Nonperforming assets (1):
Nonaccrual loans	$	22,739	$	18,613
Nonaccrual troubled debt restructured loans		3,644		5,079
Total nonperforming loans		26,383		23,692
OREO		22,448		26,044
Total nonperforming assets	$	48,831	$	49,736
Performing troubled debt restructured loans	$	65,556	$	66,225
Nonaccrual troubled debt restructured loans		3,644		5,079
Total troubled debt restructured loans	$	69,200	$	71,304

______________
(1)	There were no loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing interest at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

Nonaccrual and Past Due Loans. Loans are considered past due if the required principal and interest payments have not been received as of the date such payments were due. Loans are placed on nonaccrual when they are 90 days delinquent or when, in management’s opinion, the borrower is unable to meet scheduled payment obligations.

A loan is considered impaired when we have determined that we may be unable to collect payments of principal or interest when due under the terms of the loan. In the process of identifying loans as impaired, management takes into consideration factors which include payment history and status, collateral value, financial condition of the borrower and the probability of collecting scheduled payments in the future. Minor payment delays and insignificant payment shortfalls typically do not result in a loan being classified as impaired. The significance of payment delays and shortfalls is considered by management on a case-by-case basis, after taking into consideration the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including payment history and the amounts of any payment shortfall, length and reason for delay and the likelihood of a return to stable performance. Impairment is measured on a loan-by-loan basis for all loans in the portfolio.

The following table is a summary of nonaccrual loans by loan type:

	March 31,		December 31,
	2012		2011
	(In thousands)
One-to-four family residential	$	8,691	$	9,808
Multifamily		949		949
Commercial real estate		7,588		3,736
Construction/land development		8,991		9,199
Consumer		164		-
Total nonaccrual loans	$	26,383	$	23,692

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(Unaudited)

The following tables represent a summary of the aging of loans by type:

	Loans Past Due at March 31, 2012
					90 Days and Greater (1)
	30-59 Days		60-89 Days				Total		Current		Total Loans (2)
	(In thousands)
Real estate:
One-to-four family residential:
Owner occupied	$	1,918	$	1,434	$	4,448	$	7,800	$	171,282	$	179,082
Non-owner occupied		985		70		2,159		3,214		142,984		146,198
Multifamily		2,047		-		949		2,996		107,085		110,081
Commercial real estate		2,183		-		2,149		4,332		223,334		227,666
Construction/land development		766		-		4,991		5,757		13,514		19,271
Total real estate		7,899		1,504		14,696		24,099		658,199		682,298
Business		-		-		-		-		3,620		3,620
Consumer		644		48		164		857		10,582		11,439
Total	$	8,543	$	1,552	$	14,860	$	24,956	$	672,401	$	697,357

_____________

(1)	There were no loans 90 days past due and still accruing interest at March 31, 2012.
(2)	Net of undisbursed funds.

	Loans Past Due at December 31, 2011
					90 Days and Greater (1)
	30-59 Days		60-89 Days				Total		Current		Total Loans (2)
	(In thousands)
Real estate:
One-to-four family residential:
Owner occupied	$	2,594	$	1,318	$	4,076	$	7,988	$	180,009	$	187,997
Non-owner occupied		761		-		3,224		3,985		143,394		147,379
Multifamily		-		-		949		949		112,314		113,263
Commercial real estate		633		-		2,621		3,254		228,583		231,837
Construction/land development		-		-		9,199		9,199		15,525		24,724
Total real estate		3,988		1,318		20,069		25,375		679,825		705,200
Business		240		-		-		240		3,669		3,909
Consumer		1,133		-		-		1,133		11,366		12,499
Total	$	5,361	$	1,318	$	20,069	$	26,748	$	694,860	$	721,608

___________

(1)	There were no loans 90 days past due and still accruing interest at December 31, 2011.
(2)	Net of undisbursed funds.

Credit Quality Indicators.  We utilize a nine-point risk rating system and assign a risk rating for all credit exposures. The risk rating system is designed to define the basic characteristics and identify risk elements of each credit extension. Credits risk rated 1 through 5 are considered to be “pass” credits. Pass credits can be assets where there is virtually no credit risk, such as cash secured loans with funds on deposit with the Bank. Pass credits also include credits that are on our watch list, where the borrower exhibits potential weaknesses, which may, if not checked or corrected, negatively affect the borrower’s financial capacity and threaten their ability to fulfill debt obligations in the future. Credits classified as special mention are risk rated 6 and possess weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention. Special mention assets do not expose the Bank to sufficient risk to warrant adverse classification in the substandard, doubtful or loss categories. Substandard credits are risk rated 7. An asset is considered substandard if it is inadequately protected by the current net worth and payment capacity of the borrower or of any collateral pledged. Substandard assets include those characterized by the distinct possibility that we will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Assets classified as doubtful are risk rated 8 and have all the weaknesses inherent in those credits classified as substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make collection or liquidation in full highly questionable and improbable, on the basis of

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(Unaudited)

currently existing facts, conditions and values. Assets classified as loss are risk rated 9 and are considered uncollectible and cannot be justified as a viable asset for the Bank.

The following tables represent a summary of loans by type and risk category:

	March 31, 2012
	One-to-Four									Construction/
	Family						Commercial			Land
	Residential			Multifamily			Real Estate			Development			Business			Consumer			Total (1)
	(In thousands)
Risk Rating:
Pass		$	299,706		$	102,925		$	200,902		$	9,091		$	3,620		$	10,290		$	626,534
Special mention			12,871			6,207			13,892			1,189			-			763			34,922
Substandard			12,703			949			12,872			8,991			-			386			35,901
Total		$	325,280		$	110,081		$	227,666		$	19,271		$	3,620		$	11,439		$	697,357
____________
(1) Net of undisbursed funds.

	December 31, 2011
	One-to-Four									Construction/
	Family						Commercial			Land
	Residential			Multifamily			Real Estate			Development			Business			Consumer			Total (1)
	(In thousands)
Risk Rating:
Pass		$	307,807		$	106,900		$	203,997		$	15,101		$	3,909		$	11,822		$	649,536
Special mention			13,193			5,414			14,256			424			-			488			33,775
Substandard			14,376			949			13,584			9,199			-			189			38,297
Total		$	335,376		$	113,263		$	231,837		$	24,724		$	3,909		$	12,499		$	721,608
____________
(1) Net of undisbursed funds.

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(Unaudited)

The following tables summarize the loan portfolio by type and payment activity:

	March 31, 2012
	One-to-Four Family Residential			Multifamily			Commercial Real Estate			Construction/  Land Development			Business			Consumer			Total (3)
	(In thousands)
Performing (1)		$	316,589		$	109,132		$	220,078		$	10,280		$	3,620		$	11,275		$	670,974
Nonperforming (2)			8,691			949			7,588			8,991			-			164			26,383
Total		$	325,280		$	110,081		$	227,666		$	19,271		$	3,620		$	11,439		$	697,357

__________

(1)	There were $173.7 million of owner-occupied and $142.9 million of non-owner occupied one-to-four family residential loans classified as performing.
(2)	There were $5.4 million of owner-occupied and $3.3 million of non-owner occupied one-to-four family residential loans classified as nonperforming.
(3)	Net of undisbursed funds.

	December 31, 2011
	One-to-Four Family Residential			Multifamily			Commercial Real Estate			Construction/  Land Development			Business			Consumer			Total (3)
	(In thousands)
Performing (1)		$	325,568		$	112,314		$	228,101		$	15,525		$	3,909		$	12,499		$	697,916
Nonperforming (2)			9,808			949			3,736			9,199			-			-			23,692
Total		$	335,376		$	113,263		$	231,837		$	24,724		$	3,909		$	12,499		$	721,608

_______________

(1)	There were $183.0 million of owner-occupied and $142.6 million of non-owner occupied one-to-four family residential loans classified as performing.
(2)	There were $5.0 million of owner-occupied and $4.8 million of non-owner occupied one-to-four family residential loans classified as nonperforming.
(3)	Net of undisbursed funds.

The following table presents our TDRs recorded investment prior to the modification and after the modification:

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
	Number of Loans		Pre- Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment		Post- Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
	(Dollars in thousands)
TDRs that Occurred During the Period:
One-to-four family residential:
Principal and interest with interest rate concession		1	$	214	$	214
Commercial:
Interest only payments with interest rate concession		1		496		496
Total		2	$	710	$	710

At March 31, 2012, the Company had $36,000 in commitments to extend additional credit to borrowers whose loan terms have been modified in TDRs. All TDRs are also classified as impaired loans and are included in the loans individually evaluated for impairment in the calculation of the ALLL.

The TDRs that occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2012 were primarily a result of granting the borrower interest rate concessions for a period of time ranging from one to three years. The impaired portion of the loan with an interest rate concession for a specific period of time is calculated based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate. The effective interest rate is the rate of

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(Unaudited)

return implicit on the original loan. This impaired amount reduces the ALLL and a valuation allowance is established to reduce the loan balance. As loan payments are received in future periods, the ALLL entry is reversed and the valuation allowance is reduced utilizing the level yield method over the modification period. TDRs resulted in a charge to the ALLL of $569,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012.

The following is a summary of loans that were modified as TDRs within the previous 12 months and for which there was a payment default during the three months ended March 31, 2012.

	Types of Modifications
	Number of Loans		Interest Only Payments		Interest Rate Concession
	(Dollars in thousands)
TDRs that Subsequently Defaulted:
One-to-four family residential		1	$	347	$	-

TDRs that default after they have been modified are typically evaluated individually on a collateral basis. Any additional impairment further reduces the ALLL.

Note 7 – Other Real Estate Owned

The following table is a summary of OREO:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Beginning balance	$	26,044		$	30,102
Loans transferred to OREO		1,846			10,277
Capitalized improvements		-			88
Dispositions of OREO, net		(5,132	)		(8,573	)
Market value adjustments		(310	)		(628	)
Ending balance	$	22,448		$	31,266

OREO includes properties acquired by the Bank through foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure. OREO at March 31, 2012 consisted of $6.2 million in one-to-four family residential homes, $6.5 million in construction/land development projects and $9.7 million in commercial real estate properties.

Note 8 – Fair Value

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.

We determined the fair values of our financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair values. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our estimates for market assumptions.

Valuation inputs refer to the assumptions market participants would use in pricing a given asset or liability using one of the three valuation techniques. Inputs can be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs are those assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the particular asset or liability. These inputs are based on market data and are obtained from an independent source. Unobservable inputs are assumptions based on our own information or estimate of assumptions used by market participants in pricing the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs are based on the best and most current information available on the measurement date.

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(Unaudited)

   All inputs, whether observable or unobservable, are ranked in accordance with a prescribed fair value hierarchy:

·   Level 1 – Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

·   Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable.

·   Level 3 – Instruments whose significant value drivers are unobservable.

The tables below present the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (there were no transfers between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 recurring measurements during the periods presented):

	Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2012
				Quoted Prices in			Significant
				Active Markets			Other			Significant
	Fair Value			for Identical			Observable			Unobservable
	Measurements			Assets (Level 1)			Inputs (Level 2)			Inputs (Level 3)
	(In thousands)
Available-for-sale investments:
Mortgage-backed investments:
Fannie Mae		$	55,924		$	-		$	55,924		$	-
Freddie Mac			13,191			-			13,191			-
Ginnie Mae			7,014			-			7,014			-
Municipal bonds			1,863			-			1,863			-
U.S. Government sponsored
entities and agencies			62,684			-			62,684			-
		$	140,676		$	-		$	140,676		$	-

	Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2011
				Quoted Prices in			Significant
				Active Markets			Other			Significant
	Fair Value			for Identical			Observable			Unobservable
	Measurements			Assets (Level 1)			Inputs (Level 2)			Inputs (Level 3)
	(In thousands)
Available-for-sale investments:
Mortgage-backed investments:
Fannie Mae		$	52,163		$	-		$	52,163		$	-
Freddie Mac			19,845			-			19,845			-
Ginnie Mae			7,495			-			7,495			-
Municipal bonds			1,847			-			1,847			-
U.S. Government sponsored
entities and agencies			47,652			-			47,652			-
		$	129,002		$	-		$	129,002		$	-

The estimated fair value of Level 2 investments is based on quoted prices for similar investments in active markets, identical or similar investments in markets that are not active and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable.

24

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SELECTED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

The tables below present the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis:

	Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2012
				Quoted Prices in			Significant
				Active Markets			Other			Significant
	Fair Value			for Identical			Observable			Unobservable			Total
	Measurements			Assets (Level 1)			Inputs (Level 2)			Inputs (Level 3)			Losses
	(In thousands)
Impaired loans including undisbursed but
committed funds of $36 (included in
loans receivable, net) (1)		$	91,406		$	-		$	-		$	91,406		$	569
OREO (2)			22,448			-			-			22,448			310
		$	113,854		$	-		$	-		$	113,854		$	879
______________
(1) The loss represents the specific reserve against loans that were considered impaired at March 31, 2012.
(2) The loss represents OREO market value adjustments for the quarter ended March 31, 2012.

	Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2011
					Quoted Prices in		Significant
				Active Markets			Other		Significant
	Fair Value				for Identical		Observable		Unobservable			Total
	Measurements				Assets (Level 1)		Inputs (Level 2)		Inputs (Level 3)			Losses
	(In thousands)
Impaired loans including undisbursed but
committed funds of $36 (included in
loans receivable, net) (1)		$	89,389		$	-	$	-		$	89,389		$	564
OREO (2)			26,044			-		-			26,044			1,924
		$	115,433		$	-	$	-		$	115,433		$	2,488
____________
(1) The loss represents the specific reserve against loans that were considered impaired at December 31, 2011.
(2) The loss represents OREO market value adjustments for the year ended December 31, 2011.

The fair value of impaired loans is calculated using the collateral value method or on a discounted cash flow basis. Inputs used in the collateral value method include appraised values, estimates of certain completion costs and closing and selling costs. Some of these inputs may not be observable in the marketplace.

OREO properties are measured at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value, less costs to sell. Fair values are generally based on third party appraisals of the property, resulting in a Level 3 classification. In cases where the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, less costs to sell, an impairment loss is recognized.

The following table presents quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements for financial instruments measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.

	March 31, 2012
			Valuation		Range
	Fair Value		Technique(s)	Unobservable Input(s)	(Weighted Average)
	(Dollars in thousands)
Impaired loans	$	91,406	Market approach	Adjusted for differences between the comparable sales	0.0% - 35.0% (0.7%)
OREO	$	22,448	Market approach	Adjusted for differences between the comparable sales	0.0% - 22.2% (1.3%)

25

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SELECTED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments were as follows:

	March 31, 2012
	Fair			Fair Value Measurements Using:
	Value			Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(In thousands)
Financial Assets:
Cash on hand and in banks		$	5,186	$	5,186	$	5,186	$	-	$	-
Interest-bearing deposits			152,177		152,177		152,177		-		-
Investments available-for-sale			140,676		140,676		-		140,676		-
Loans receivable, net			680,737		711,336		-		-		711,336
Federal Home Loan Bank stock			7,413		N/A		N/A		-		-
Accrued interest receivable			3,897		3,897		-		3,897		-
Financial Liabilities:
Deposits			212,951		212,951		212,951		-		-
Certificates of deposit			551,097		557,505		-		-		557,505
Advances from the FHLB			83,066		84,603		-		84,603		-
Accrued interest payable			196		196		-		196		-

	December 31, 2011
	Carrying			Estimated
	Value			Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Financial Assets:
Cash on hand and in banks		$	4,620	$	4,620
Interest-bearing deposits			160,141		160,141
Investments available-for-sale			129,002		129,002
Loans receivable, net			703,288		738,266
Federal Home Loan Bank stock			7,413		7,413
Accrued interest receivable			3,856		3,856
Financial Liabilities:
Deposits			218,621		218,621
Certificates of deposit			570,044		577,570
Advances from the FHLB			83,066		84,926
Accrued interest payable			184		184

Fair value estimates, methods, and assumptions are set forth below for our financial instruments.

·   Financial instruments with book value equal to fair value: The fair value of financial instruments that are short-term or reprice frequently and that have little or no risk are considered to have a fair value equal to book value. These instruments include cash on hand and in banks, interest-bearing deposits, Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle (“FHLB”) stock, accrued interest receivable and accrued interest payable. FHLB stock is not publicly-traded, however, it may be redeemed on a dollar-for-dollar basis, for any amount the Bank is not required to hold, subject to the FHLB’s discretion. The fair value is therefore equal to the book value.

·   Investments available-for-sale: The fair value of all investments, excluding FHLB stock, was based upon quoted market prices for similar investments in active markets, identical or similar investments in markets that are not active and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable.

26

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SELECTED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

·   Loans receivable: For variable rate loans that reprice frequently and with no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying values. The fair value of fixed-rate loans is estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, utilizing interest rates that would be offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality. As a result of current market conditions, cash flow estimates have been further discounted to include a credit factor. The fair value of nonperforming loans is estimated using the fair value of the underlying collateral.

·   Liabilities: The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as statement, NOW, and money market accounts, is equal to the amount payable on demand. The fair value of certificates of deposit is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows using current interest rates for certificates of deposit with similar remaining maturities. The fair value of FHLB advances is estimated based on discounting the future cash flows using current interest rates for debt with similar remaining maturities.

·   Off balance sheet commitments: No fair value adjustment is necessary for commitments made to extend credit, which represents commitments for loan originations or for outstanding commitments to purchase loans. These commitments are at variable rates, are for loans with terms of less than one year and have interest rates which approximate prevailing market rates, or are set at the time of loan closing.

Fair value estimates are based on existing balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business. The fair value has not been estimated for assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments.

Note 9 – Federal Home Loan Bank Stock

At March 31, 2012, we held $7.4 million of FHLB stock. FHLB stock is carried at par ($100 per share) and does not have a readily determinable fair value. Ownership of FHLB stock is restricted to the FHLB and member institutions, and can only be purchased and redeemed at par. As a result of ongoing turmoil in the capital and mortgage markets, the FHLB has a risk-based capital deficiency largely as a result of write-downs on its private label mortgage-backed securities portfolio.

Management evaluates FHLB stock for impairment. The determination of whether this investment is impaired is based on our assessment of the ultimate recoverability of cost rather than by recognizing temporary declines in value. The determination of whether a decline affects the ultimate recoverability of cost is influenced by criteria such as: (1) the significance of any decline in net assets of the FHLB as compared to the capital stock amount for the FHLB and the length of time this situation has persisted, (2) commitments by the FHLB to make payments required by law or regulation and the level of such payments in relation to the operating performance of the FHLB, (3) the impact of legislative and regulatory changes on institutions and, accordingly, the customer base of the FHLB and (4) the liquidity position of the FHLB.

On October 25, 2010, the FHLB agreed to the stipulation and issuance of a Consent Order by its primary regulator, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (“FHFA”). The Consent Order sets forth requirements for capital management, asset composition, and other operational and risk management improvements. In addition, the FHLB may not repurchase member stock or pay dividends, until they achieve and maintain financial thresholds established by the FHFA as part of the agency’s supervisory process, subject to FHFA approval. These restrictions are not expected to have a material effect on our financial position, liquidity or results of operation. We have determined there is no OTTI on the FHLB stock investment as of March 31, 2012.

Note 10 - Stock-Based Compensation

In June 2008, our shareholders approved the First Financial Northwest, Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (“Plan”). The Plan provides for the grant of stock options, restricted stock and stock appreciation rights.

27

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SELECTED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Total compensation expense for the Plan was $479,000 and $473,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and the related income tax benefit was $168,000 and $166,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Stock Options

The Plan authorizes the grant of stock options totaling 2,285,280 shares to our directors, advisory directors, officers and employees. Option awards are granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of our common stock at the grant date. These option awards have a vesting period of five years, with 20% vesting on the anniversary date of each grant date and a contractual life of ten years. Any unexercised stock options will expire ten years after the grant date or sooner in the event of the award recipient’s death, disability or termination of service with the Company or the Bank. We have a policy of issuing new shares from authorized but unissued common stock upon the exercise of stock options. At March 31, 2012, remaining options for 911,756 shares of common stock were available for grant under the Plan.

The fair value of each option award is estimated on the grant date using a Black-Scholes model that uses the following assumptions. The dividend yield is based on the current quarterly dividend in effect at the time of the grant. Historical employment data is used to estimate the forfeiture rate. The historical volatility of our stock price over a specified period of time is used for the expected volatility assumption. We base the risk-free interest rate on the U.S. Treasury Constant Maturity Indices in effect on the date of the grant. We elected to use the “Share-Based Payments” method permitted by the SEC to calculate the expected term. This method uses the vesting term of an option along with the contractual term, setting the expected life at the midpoint. There were no options granted during the first quarter ended March 31, 2012.

The following is a summary of our stock option plan awards for the three months ended March 31, 2012:

				Weighted-Average
				Remaining	Aggregate		Weighted-Average
		Weighted-Average		Contractual	Intrinsic		Grant-Date
	Shares	Exercise Price		Term in Years	Value		Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
Outstanding at January 1, 2012	1,373,524	$	9.52	6.60	$	94	$	1.91
Granted	-		-	-		-		-
Exercised	-		-	-				-
Forfeited or expired	-		-	-				-
Outstanding at March 31, 2012	1,373,524		9.52	6.35		185		1.91
Expected to vest assuming a 3%
forfeiture rate over the vesting term	552,322		9.33	6.41		143
Exercisable at March 31, 2012	804,114		9.66	6.30		37

As of March 31, 2012, there was $675,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options granted under the Plan. The cost is expected to be recognized over the remaining weighted-average vesting period of 1.4 years.

Restricted Stock Awards

The Plan authorizes the grant of restricted stock awards amounting to 914,112 shares to our directors, advisory directors, officers and employees. Compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period of the awards based on the fair value of the stock at the grant date. The restricted stock awards’ fair value is equal to the value on the grant date. Shares awarded as restricted stock vest ratably over a five-year period beginning at the grant date with 20% vesting on the anniversary date of each grant date. At March 31, 2012, remaining restricted

28

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SELECTED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

awards for 167,078 shares were available to be issued. Shares that have been repurchased totaled 304,094 and are held in trust until they are issued in connection with the agreement.

The following is a summary of changes in nonvested restricted stock awards for the three months ended March 31, 2012: 

				Weighted-Average
				Grant-Date
Nonvested Shares	Shares			Fair Value
Nonvested at January 1, 2012		310,494		$	9.66
Granted		-			-
Vested		(6,400	)		8.35
Forfeited		-			-
Nonvested at March 31, 2012		304,094			9.69
Expected to vest assuming a 3% forfeiture
rate over the vesting term		294,970

As of March 31, 2012, there was $2.1 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to nonvested shares granted as restricted stock awards. The cost is expected to be recognized over the remaining weighted-average vesting period of 1.6 years. The total fair value of shares that vested during both of the quarters ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 was $53,000.

Note 11 – Federal Income Taxes

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. These calculations are based on many complex factors including estimates of the timing of reversals of temporary differences, the interpretation of federal income tax laws and a determination of the differences between the tax and the financial reporting basis of assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ significantly from the estimates and interpretations used in determining the current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities.

Our primary deferred tax assets relate to our ALLL, our contribution to the First Financial Northwest Foundation and an impairment charge relating to a past investment in the AMF Ultra Short Mortgage Fund.

Under GAAP, a valuation allowance is required to be recognized if it is “more likely than not” that a portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.  Our policy is to evaluate our deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis and record a valuation allowance for our deferred tax asset if we do not have sufficient positive evidence indicating that it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax asset will be realized. At March 31, 2012, we considered positive and negative evidence, which includes cumulative losses in the most recent three year period and uncertainty regarding short-term future earnings. We further considered that GAAP places heavy emphasis on prior earnings in determining the realizable deferred tax asset.  After reviewing and weighing these various factors, in 2010 we recorded a valuation allowance for the balance of the deferred tax asset in excess of the tax carryback refund potential, resulting in no deferred tax asset at March 31, 2012.

29

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SELECTED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 12 – Earnings Per Share

The following table presents a reconciliation of the components used to compute basic and diluted earnings per share:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012		2011
	(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
Net income	$	622	$	1,434
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding		17,601,687		17,488,842
Plus common stock options considered outstanding for
dilutive purposes (excludes antidilutive options)		14,965		33
Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding		17,616,652		17,488,875
Basic earnings per share	$	0.04	$	0.08
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.04	$	0.08

Options to purchase an additional 1,323,524 shares of common stock at both March 31, 2012 and 2011 were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because their exercise price resulted in them being antidilutive.

Note 13 – Segment Information

Our activities are considered to be a single industry segment for financial reporting purposes. We are engaged in the business of attracting deposits from the general public and originating loans for our portfolio in our primary market area. Substantially all income is derived from a diverse base of commercial and residential real estate loans, consumer lending activities and investments.

30

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Forward-looking statements:

Certain matters discussed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements relate to our financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance or business. Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical fact, are based on certain assumptions and are generally identified by use of the words “believe,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “forecasts,” “intends,” “plans,” “targets,” “potentially,” “probably,” “projects,” “outlook” or similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” and “could.” Forward-looking statements include statements with respect to our beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, assumptions and statements about, among other things, expectations of the business environment in which we operate, projections of future performance or financial items, perceived opportunities in the market, potential future credit experience, and statements regarding our mission and vision. These forward-looking statements are based upon current management expectations and may, therefore, involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results, performance, or achievements may differ materially from those suggested, expressed, or implied by forward-looking statements as a result of a wide variety or range of factors including, but not limited to: the credit risks of lending activities, including changes in the level and trend of loan delinquencies and write-offs that may be affected by deterioration in the housing and commercial real estate markets and may lead to increased losses and nonperforming assets in our loan portfolio, and may result in our allowance for loan losses not being adequate to cover actual losses, and require us to materially increase our reserves; changes in general economic conditions, either nationally or in our market areas; changes in the levels of general interest rates, and the relative differences between short and long term interest rates, deposit interest rates, our net interest margin and funding sources; fluctuations in the demand for loans, the number of unsold homes and other properties and fluctuations in real estate values in our market areas; results of examinations of us by the FRB and our bank subsidiary by the FDIC, the DFI or other regulatory authorities, including the possibility that any such regulatory authority may initiate additional enforcement actions against the Company or the Bank to take additional corrective action and refrain from unsafe and unsound practices which also may require us, among other things, to increase our reserve for loan losses, write-down assets, change our regulatory capital position or affect our ability to borrow funds or maintain or increase deposits, which could adversely affect our liquidity and earnings; our compliance with regulatory enforcement actions, including the requirements and restrictions that have been imposed upon the Company under the memorandum of understanding with the FRB and the memorandum of understanding the Bank entered into with the FDIC and the DFI and the possibility that the Company and the Bank will be unable to fully comply with these informal enforcement actions which could result in the imposition of additional requirements or restrictions; our ability to pay dividends on our common stock; our ability to attract and retain deposits; further increases in premiums for deposit insurance; our ability to control operating costs and expenses; the use of estimates in determining the fair value of certain of our assets, which estimates may prove to be incorrect and result in significant declines in valuation; difficulties in reducing risk associated with the loans on our balance sheet; staffing fluctuations in response to product demand or the implementation of corporate strategies that affect our work force and potential associated charges; computer systems on which we depend could fail or experience a security breach; our ability to retain key members of our senior management team; costs and effects of litigation, including settlements and judgments; our ability to implement our branch expansion strategy; our ability to successfully integrate any assets, liabilities, customers, systems, and management personnel we have acquired or may in the future acquire into our operations and our ability to realize related revenue synergies and cost savings within expected time frames and any goodwill charges related thereto; our ability to manage loan delinquency rates; increased competitive pressures among financial services companies; changes in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits; legislative or regulatory changes that adversely affect our business including changes in regulatory policies and principles, including the interpretation of regulatory capital or other rules; the impact of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the implementing regulations; the availability of resources to address changes in laws, rules, or regulations or to respond to regulatory actions; adverse changes in the securities markets; inability of key third-party providers to perform their obligations to us; changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the financial institution regulatory agencies or the Financial Accounting Standards Board, including additional guidance and interpretation on accounting issues and details of the implementation of new accounting methods; the economic impact of war or any terrorist activities; other economic, competitive, governmental, regulatory, and technological factors affecting our operations; pricing, products and services; and other risks detailed in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 (“2011 Form 10-K”). Any of the forward-looking statements that we make in this Form 10-Q and in the other public reports and statements we make may turn out to be wrong because of the inaccurate assumptions we might make, because of the factors illustrated above or because of other factors that we cannot foresee. Because of these and other uncertainties, our actual future results may be materially different from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on our behalf. Therefore, these factors should be considered in evaluating the forward-looking statements, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. We undertake no responsibility to update or revise any forward-looking statements.

Regulatory Items

On April 14, 2010, the OTS and members of the Board of Directors of First Financial Northwest entered into an informal supervisory agreement or Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”), which is now enforced by the FRB as the successor to the OTS. Under the terms of the MOU, the Company agreed, among other things, to provide notice to and obtain a written non-objection from the FRB prior to the Company (a) declaring a dividend or redeeming any capital stock and (b) incurring, issuing, renewing or repurchasing any new debt.

On March 27, 2012, the Bank’s regulators the FDIC and the DFI terminated the Consent Order (“Order”) which became effective on September 24, 2010. In place of the Order, the Bank entered into an MOU, which is an informal regulatory action, with the FDIC and DFI. The Order was terminated as a result of the steps the Bank took in complying with the Order and reducing its level of classified assets, increasing earnings, augmenting management and improving the overall condition of the Bank.

31

The MOU with the Bank contains provisions concerning the management and directors of the Bank, interest rate risk, minimum capital levels, the allowance for loan and lease losses, lending and collection policies, policies concerning the Bank and its affiliates, restrictions on paying dividends and a requirement to furnish progress reports to the FDIC and DFI. A copy of the MOU with the Bank is attached to the Form 8-K that we filed with the SEC on April 2, 2012.

Overview

First Savings Bank is a community-based savings bank primarily serving King, and to a lesser extent, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties through our full-service banking office located in Renton, Washington. First Savings Bank’s business consists of attracting deposits from the public and utilizing these funds to originate one-to-four family residential, multifamily, commercial real estate, business, consumer and construction/land development loans. Our current business strategy emphasizes one-to-four family residential, multifamily and commercial real estate lending.

Our primary source of revenue is net interest income. Net interest income is the difference between interest income, which is the income that we earn on our loans and investments, and interest expense, which is the interest that we pay on our deposits and borrowings. Changes in levels of interest rates affect our net interest income.

An offset to net interest income is the provision for loan losses which represents the quarterly charge to operations which is required to adequately provide for probable losses inherent in our loan portfolio.

Noninterest expense consists primarily of compensation and employee benefits, occupancy and equipment, data processing, marketing, postage and supplies, professional services, expenses associated with OREO and deposit insurance premiums. Compensation and employee benefits consist primarily of the salaries paid to our employees, payroll taxes, expenses for retirement benefits, the equity incentive plan and other employee benefits. Occupancy and equipment expenses consist primarily of real estate taxes, depreciation charges, maintenance and costs of utilities. OREO expenses consist of market value adjustments related to real estate that we own as well as maintenance costs, taxes, insurance and gains/losses resulting from the sale of these properties.

Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was $622,000, or $0.04 per diluted share, as compared to net income of $1.4 million, or $0.08 per diluted share for the three months ended March 31, 2011.The change in operating results in the first quarter of 2012, as compared to the first quarter of 2011 was primarily the result of a $910,000 decrease in net interest income, a $500,000 increase in the provision for loan losses to $1.7 million, a $315,000 decrease in noninterest income, primarily the result of a $317,000 decrease in net gains on sales of investments, a decrease of $961,000 in noninterest expense, primarily due to a decrease of $274,000 in net OREO related expenses, and decreases of $613,000 and $147,000 related to regulatory assessments and insurance and bond premiums, respectively, and a $48,000 increase in the provision for federal income taxes.

During the three months ended March 31, 2012, our total loan portfolio decreased $25.0 million, or 3.5% from December 31, 2011, primarily due to a $10.1 million, or 3.0% decrease in one-to-four family residential loans. In addition, our construction/land development loans decreased $5.6 million, or 22.1%, commercial real estate loans decreased $4.7 million, or 2.0%, and multifamily loans decreased $3.4 million, or 3.0%, all contributing to the overall decrease in our total loan portfolio.

32

The following table details the breakdown of the types of loans to our five largest borrowing relationships at March 31, 2012:

	One-to-Four Family					Commercial
	Residential					Real Estate		Construction/		Aggregate
	(Rental					(Rental		Land		Balance
Borrower (1)	Properties)			Multifamily		Properties)		Development		of Loans (2)
	(In thousands)
Real estate builder		$	21,192	$	-	$	101	$	4,995	$	26,288
Real estate builder (3)			14,802		-		232		4,136		19,170
Real estate investor			-		-		18,146		-		18,146
Real estate investor			10,276		5,002		940		-		16,218
Real estate builder (4)			14,460		-		818		-		15,278
Total		$	60,730	$	5,002	$	20,237	$	9,131	$	95,100

______________

(1)	The composition of borrowers represented in the table may change between periods.
(2)	Net of undisbursed funds.
(3)	Of this amount, impaired loans consisted of $13.3 million in performing one-to-four family residential loans, $4.1 million in nonperforming construction/land development loans and $100,000 in nonperforming one-to-four family residential loans.
(4)	Of this amount, impaired loans consisted of $12.1 million in performing one-to-four family residential loans, $818,000 in performing commercial real estate loans and $1.5 million in nonperforming one-to-four family residential loans.

These borrowers represent 13.6% of our loans, net of undisbursed funds, a decrease of $1.8 million from December 31, 2011. Of the three builders listed above, two are operating under restructured loan plans established by the Bank. As of March 31, 2012, they continue to perform in accordance with the terms of the plans. The remaining three borrowers were current on their loan payments at March 31, 2012. We monitor the performance of these borrowing relationships very closely due to the concentration risk they possess in relation to the entire loan portfolio.

Critical Accounting Policies

Critical accounting policies are those that involve significant judgments and assumptions by management and that have, or could have, a material impact on our income or the carrying value of our assets. The following are our critical accounting policies.

Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses.Management recognizes that loan losses may occur over the life of a loan and that the ALLL must be maintained at a level necessary to absorb specific losses on impaired loans and probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio. Our methodology for analyzing the ALLL consists of two components: general and specific allowances. The general allowance is determined by applying factors to our various groups of loans. Management considers factors such as charge-off history, current economic conditions in our market area, borrowers’ ability to repay, the regulatory environment, competition, geographic and loan type concentrations, policy and underwriting standards, nature and volume of the loan portfolio, management’s experience level, our loan review and grading systems, the value of underlying collateral and the level of problem loans in assessing the ALLL. The specific allowance component is created when management believes that the collectability of a specific loan has been impaired and a loss is probable. The specific reserves are computed using current appraisals, listed sales prices and other available information less costs to complete (if any) and costs to sell the property. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available or as future events differ from predictions. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Bank’s ALLL. Such agencies may require management to make adjustments to the allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination.

Our Board of Directors approves the provision for loan losses on a quarterly basis. The allowance is increased by the provision for loan losses, which is charged against current period earnings and decreased by the amount of actual loan charge-offs, net of recoveries.

We believe that the accounting estimate related to the ALLL is a critical accounting estimate because it is highly susceptible to change from period-to-period requiring management to make assumptions about probable

33

losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The impact of an unexpected large loss could deplete the allowance and potentially require increased provisions to replenish the allowance, which would negatively affect earnings. For additional information, see the section titled “We may be required to make further increases in our provision for loan losses and to charge-off additional loans in the future, which could adversely affect our results of operations,” within the section titled “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our 2011 Form 10-K.

Valuation of OREO and Foreclosed Assets. Real estate properties acquired through foreclosure or by deed-in-lieu of foreclosure are recorded at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated costs to sell. Fair value is generally determined by management based on a number of factors, including third-party appraisals of fair value in an orderly sale. Accordingly the valuation of OREO is subject to significant external and internal judgment. If the carrying value of the loan at the date a property is transferred into OREO exceeds the value less estimated costs to sell, the excess is charged to the ALLL. Management periodically reviews OREO values to determine whether the property continues to be carried at the lower of its recorded book value or fair value, net of estimated costs to sell. Any further decreases in the value of OREO are considered valuation adjustments and are charged to noninterest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Expenses from the maintenance and operations and any gains or losses from the sales of OREO are included in noninterest expense.

Deferred Taxes. Deferred taxes arise from a variety of sources, the most significant being: a) expenses, such as our charitable contribution to the First Financial Northwest Foundation, that can be carried forward to be utilized against profits in future years; b) expenses recognized in our financial statements but disallowed in our tax return until the associated cash flow occurs; and c) write-downs in the value of assets for financial statement purposes that are not deductible for tax purposes until the asset is sold or deemed worthless.

We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount which can be recognized in line with the relevant accounting standards. The level of deferred tax asset recognition is influenced by management’s assessment of our historic and future profitability profile. At each balance sheet date, existing assessments are reviewed and, if necessary, revised to reflect changed circumstances. In a situation where income is less than projected or recent losses have been incurred, the relevant accounting standards require convincing evidence that there will be sufficient future tax capacity.

Other-Than-Temporary Impairments in the Market Value of Investments. Declines in the fair value of any available-for-sale or held to maturity investment below their cost that is deemed to be other-than-temporary results in a reduction in the carrying amount of the investment to that of fair value. A charge to earnings and an establishment of a new cost basis for the investment is made. Unrealized investment losses are evaluated at least quarterly to determine whether such declines should be considered other-than-temporary and therefore be subject to immediate loss recognition. Although these evaluations involve significant judgment, an unrealized loss in the fair value of a debt security is generally deemed to be temporary when the fair value of the investment security is below the carrying value primarily due to changes in interest rates and where there has not been significant deterioration in the financial condition of the issuer. An unrealized loss in the value of an equity security is generally considered temporary when the fair value of the security is below the carrying value primarily due to current market conditions and not deterioration in the financial condition of the issuer. Other factors that may be considered in determining whether a decline in the value of either a debt or an equity security is other-than-temporary include ratings by recognized rating agencies; the extent and duration of an unrealized loss position; actions of commercial banks or other lenders relative to the continued extension of credit facilities to the issuer of the security; the financial condition, capital strength and near-term prospects of the issuer and recommendations of investment advisors or market analysts. Therefore continued deterioration of market conditions could result in additional impairment losses recognized within the investment portfolio.

Comparison of Financial Condition at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011

General. Total assets were $1.0 billion at March 31, 2012, a decrease of $22.1 million, or 2.1%, from December 31, 2011. Decreases in interest-bearing deposits of $8.0 million, net loans receivable of $22.6 million and $3.6 million in OREO were partially offset by increases in cash on hand and in banks of $566,000 and investment securities of $11.7 million. Total liabilities were $854.6 million at March 31, 2012, a decrease of $23.4 million, or 2.7%, from December 31, 2011. The decline in total liabilities was primarily the result of a decrease of $24.2 million in interest-bearing deposits, partially offset by a $2.0 million increase in advance payments from

34

borrowers for taxes and insurance. Stockholders’ equity increased $1.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, primarily due to net income of $622,000 and a $479,000 increase related to stock options and restricted stock awards.

Assets. Total assets were $1.0 billion at March 31, 2012, a decrease of $22.1 million, or 2.1% from $1.1 billion at December 31, 2011. The following table details the changes in the composition of our assets.

			Increase/			Percentage
	Balance at		(Decrease) from			Increase/
	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011			(Decrease)
	(Dollars in thousands)
Cash on hand and in banks	$	5,186	$	566			12.3	%
Interest-bearing deposits		152,177		(7,964	)		(5.0	)
Investments available-for-sale, at fair value		140,676		11,674			9.0
Loans receivable, net		680,737		(22,551	)		(3.2	)
Premises and equipment, net		18,702		(220	)		(1.2	)
FHLB stock, at cost		7,413		-			-
Accrued interest receivable		3,897		41			1.1
Federal income tax receivable		1,058		(2	)		(0.2	)
OREO		22,448		(3,596	)		(13.8	)
Prepaid expenses and other assets		5,028		(16	)		(0.3	)
Total assets	$	1,037,322	$	(22,068	)		(2.1	)

Interest-bearing deposits decreased $8.0 million to $152.2 million at March 31, 2012, from $160.1 million at December 31, 2011. Investments available-for-sale increased $11.7 million, or 9.0%, to $140.7 million at March 31, 2012, from $129.0 million at December 31, 2011. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, we sold $10.8 million of investments, primarily fixed-rate, mortgage-backed securities issued by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, to recognize $194,000 in net gains on these securities to support the Bank’s profitability in this low interest rate environment and to improve our interest rate risk position. The $11.0 million in proceeds received from the sale of these securities and from $37.0 million in loan repayments, $5.6 million in principal repayments on our investment portfolio and $5.4 million from OREO dispositions were utilized primarily to fund purchases of new investment securities and the decline in deposits, described below. We purchased $25.5 million of variable rate U.S. Government agency securities and $3.0 million of a Fannie Mae mortgage-backed investment during the three months ended March 31, 2012, to maintain our liquidity position and improve the Bank’s interest rate risk profile to position our securities portfolio to be more responsive to rising interest rates. Net loans receivable decreased $22.6 million, or 3.2%, to $680.7 million at March 31, 2012, from $703.3 million at December 31, 2011. This decrease in net loans resulted from loan repayments of $37.0 million, charge-offs of $3.7 million and transfers of loans into OREO of $1.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2012, partially offset by loan originations of $17.5 million. All of our loan categories decreased during the three months ended March 31, 2012. OREO decreased $3.6 million, or 13.8%, to $22.5 million at March 31, 2012, from $26.0 million at December 31, 2011 as we continue to sell our inventory of foreclosed real estate.

Loan originations for the three months ended March 31, 2012 totaled $17.5 million and included the following loan breakdown: $8.8 million in commercial real estate; $4.0 million in construction/land development; $3.5 million in one-to-four family residential; $693,000 in consumer; $298,000 in business loans and $145,000 in multifamily.

35

Deposits. During the first three months of 2012, deposits decreased $24.6 million to $764.0 million at March 31, 2012. The following table details the changes in our deposits:

				Increase/				Percentage
	Balance at			(Decrease) from				Increase/
	March 31, 2012			December 31, 2011				(Decrease)
	(Dollars in thousands)
Noninterest-bearing		$	5,633		$	(380	)		(6.3	)%
NOW			14,610			417			2.9
Statement savings			17,692			(92	)		(0.5	)
Money market			175,016			(5,615	)		(3.1	)
Certificates of deposit			551,097			(18,947	)		(3.3	)
		$	764,048		$	(24,617	)		(3.1	)

All of our deposit categories decreased except for NOW accounts, as compared to December 31, 2011. The decreases in certificates of deposit of $18.9 million and money market accounts of $5.6 million comprised the majority of the decrease in our deposits. The decrease in certificates of deposit was primarily the result of our strategic plan to continue to reduce our cost of funds through our pricing decisions designed to allow higher rate certificates of deposit to run-off. We also chose not to renew our public funds at maturity as they are more expensive to maintain due to additional Washington state collateralization requirements. The decline in public funds represented $4.5 million, or 23.8%, of the total decrease in certificates of deposit for the three months ended March 31, 2012. Public funds totaled $17.5 million at March 31, 2012. In addition, customers that were more rate sensitive chose other investment options which contributed to the decline in our deposit balances. We did not have any brokered deposits at March 31, 2012 or December 31, 2011.

Advances from the FHLB. Total FHLB advances were $83.1 million at March 31, 2012, unchanged from December 31, 2011.

Stockholders’ Equity. Total stockholders’ equity increased $1.4 million, or 0.8 %, to $182.7 million at March 31, 2012, from $181.3 million at December 31, 2011. The increase was primarily the result of our net income of $622,000 and $479,000 of additional paid in capital related to stock options and restricted stock awards for the three months ended March 31, 2012.

Comparison of Operating Results for the Three months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

General. Net income was $622,000 for the first quarter of 2012, a decrease of $812,000 from $1.4 million for the comparable quarter in the prior year. The decrease in net income reflected net decreases of $910,000 and $315,000 in net interest income and noninterest income, respectively, and increases in the provisions for loan losses and federal income taxes of $500,000 and $48,000, respectively. In addition, noninterest expense decreased $961,000.

Net Interest Income. Our net interest income for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, decreased $910,000 to $7.7 million, as compared to $8.6 million for the same quarter in 2011. A decrease of $1.6 million in interest expense was offset by a $2.5 million decrease in interest income. Average interest-earning assets decreased $123.4 million to $992.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from the same quarter in 2011. Average interest-bearing liabilities decreased $146.8 million to $853.5 million for the first quarter of 2012, compared to the first quarter of 2011. During the same period, our yield on interest-earning assets decreased 41 basis points while our cost of funds also decreased 41 basis points. Our interest rate spread for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 remained the same compared to the first quarter of 2011, at 2.88%. Our net interest margin for the first quarter of 2012 increased two basis points to 3.11% from 3.09% for the same quarter last year.

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The following table sets forth the effects of changes in rates and volumes on our net interest income:

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
	Compared to March 31, 2011
	Increase (Decrease) Due to
	Rate			Volume			Total
	(In thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
Loans receivable, net	$	52		$	(2,008	)	$	(1,956	)
Investments available-for-sale		(444	)		(168	)		(612	)
Interest-bearing deposits with banks		-			21			21
Total net change in income on
interest-earning assets		(392	)		(2,155	)		(2,547	)
Interest-bearing liabilities:
NOW		(3	)		1			(2	)
Statement savings		(16	)		3			(13	)
Money market		(207	)		(25	)		(232	)
Certificates of deposit		(563	)		(762	)		(1,325	)
Advances from the FHLB		(4	)		(61	)		(65	)
Total net change in expense on
interest-bearing liabilities		(793	)		(844	)		(1,637	)
Change in net interest income	$	401		$	(1,311	)	$	(910	)

Interest Income. Total interest income for the first quarter of 2012 decreased $2.5 million, or 18.6%, to $11.2 million from $13.7 million as compared to the first quarter of 2011, primarily due to the $133.5 million, or 16.1% decrease in our average loan portfolio.

The following table compares detailed average interest-earning asset balances, associated yields and resulting changes in interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012					2011					Increase/
	Average					Average					(Decrease) in
	Balance			Yield		Balance			Yield		Interest Income
	(Dollars in thousands)
Loans receivable, net		$	693,437	6.04	%		$	826,918	6.01	%		$	(1,956	)
Investments available-for-sale			136,234	1.74				158,367	3.04				(612	)
Interest-bearing deposits			155,377	0.25				123,164	0.25				21
FHLB stock			7,413	-				7,413	-				-
Total interest-earning assets		$	992,461	4.50	%		$	1,115,862	4.91	%		$	(2,547	)

Interest income from loans decreased $2.0 million during the first three months of 2012, as compared to the same period in 2011. The primary reason for the decrease in interest income from loans was due to a $133.5 million decrease in the average balance of loans between periods, resulting in a $2.0 million decrease in interest income. Interest income on investments available-for-sale decreased $612,000 to $593,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012, as compared to $1.2 million for the comparable period in 2011. The primary reason for the decrease in interest income from investments available-for-sale was due to our strategic plan to convert our investment portfolio to predominantly adjustable-rate securities to improve our interest rate risk profile.

Interest Expense. Total interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was $3.5 million, a decrease of $1.6 million compared to $5.1 million for the first quarter of 2011, primarily due to the $126.4 million decline in our average certificates of deposit and a 41 basis point reduction in our cost of funds.

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The following table details average balances, cost of funds and the resulting decrease in interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012					2011				Increase/
	Average					Average				(Decrease) in
	Balance			Cost		Balance		Cost		Interest Expense
	(Dollars in thousands)
NOW		$	14,026		0.14%	$	13,080		0.21%	$	(2	)
Statement savings			17,824		0.20		15,872		0.55		(13	)
Money market			178,525		0.29		191,839		0.76		(232	)
Certificates of deposit			560,094		2.00		686,485		2.40		(1,325	)
Advances from the FHLB			83,066		2.46		93,066		2.48		(65	)
Total interest-bearing liabilities		$	853,535		1.62%	$	1,000,342		2.03%	$	(1,637	)

Interest expense on our money market accounts decreased $232,000, primarily as a result of a decrease in the average cost of these funds of 47 basis points, or $207,000, to 0.29% from 0.76% for the first quarter of 2012, compared to the same quarter in 2011. The average cost of our certificates of deposit decreased 40 basis points, or $1.3 million, as compared to the first quarter of 2011, due to maturing certificates repricing to lower rates. The decline in interest expense was the result of a $126.4 million decrease in the average balance of certificates of deposit, resulting in a $762,000 reduction in interest expense and a $563,000 decrease in interest expense due to a decline in the cost of funds. Interest expense related to our FHLB advances decreased $65,000, primarily as a result of the decrease of $10.0 million in the average balance of our advances to $83.1 million, as compared to $93.1 million at March 31, 2011, resulting in a $61,000 reduction in interest expense. In addition, our cost of funds for these advances decreased 2 basis points to 2.46% from 2.48% for the first quarter of 2012, compared to the same quarter in 2011, decreasing interest expense by $4,000.

Provision for Loan Losses. We establish the ALLL for loan losses at a level we believe is necessary to absorb known and inherent losses that are both probable and reasonably estimable at the date of the financial statements. Our methodology in assessing the ALLL places greater emphasis on factors such as charge-off history, the economy, the regulatory environment, competition, geographic and loan type concentrations, policy and underwriting standards, nature and volume of the loan portfolio, management experience levels, our loan review and grading system and the value of underlying collateral. This evaluation is inherently subjective, as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available or as future events differ from predictions.

During the quarter ended March 31, 2012, management evaluated the adequacy of the ALLL and concluded that a provision of $1.7 million was required for the quarter, an increase of $500,000 compared to the same quarter in 2011. We have been very proactive in identifying our problem loans and implementing restructured loan plans. The $1.7 million provision for loan losses represents a $1.1 million increase from the fourth quarter of 2011. This increase was primarily the result of a $2.6 million loan charge-off related to one commercial real estate loan. The borrower was current on his payments at March 31, 2012; however the borrower lost tenants, which severely impacted cash flow from the property and the borrower’s ability to repay the loan. As a result, we reclassified this loan as impaired and nonperforming at March 31, 2012, and charged the loan down to its estimated fair value during the first quarter of 2012. Primarily as a result of this loan, nonperforming loans increased $2.7 million to $26.4 million at March 31, 2012, from $23.7 million at December 31, 2011.

We believe that the ALLL as of March 31, 2012 was adequate to absorb the probable and inherent risks of loss in the loan portfolio at that date. While we believe the estimates and assumptions used in our determination of the adequacy of the allowance are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such estimates and assumptions will be proven incorrect in the future, or that the actual amount of future provisions will not exceed the amount of past provisions or that any increased provisions that may be required will not adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations. Future additions to the allowance may become necessary based upon changing economic conditions, the level of problem loans, business conditions, credit concentrations, increased loan balances, or changes in the underlying collateral of the loan portfolio. In addition, the determination of the amount of our ALLL is subject

38

to review by bank regulators as part of the routine examination process, which may result in the establishment of additional loss reserves or the charge-off of specific loans against established loss reserves based upon their judgment of information available to them at the time of their examination.

The ALLL as a percent of nonperforming loans decreased to 56.2% at March 31, 2012, compared to the following at the dates indicated:

December 31, 2011	September 30, 2011	June 30, 2011	March 31, 2011
69.9%	54.0%	44.8%	39.6%

The following table presents a breakdown of our nonperforming assets and as a percent of total assets at the dates indicated:

										Three Month			One Year
	March 31,			December 31,			March 31,			Increase/			Increase/
	2012			2011			2011			(Decrease)			(Decrease)
	(Dollars in thousands)
One-to-four family residential	$	8,691		$	9,808		$	15,652		$	(1,117	)	$	(6,961	)
Multifamily		949			949			700			-			249
Commercial real estate		7,588			3,736			11,104			3,852			(3,516	)
Construction/land development		8,991			9,199			23,485			(208	)		(14,494	)
Consumer		164			-			145			164			19
Total nonperforming loans		26,383			23,692			51,086			2,691			(24,703	)
OREO		22,448			26,044			31,266			(3,596	)		(8,818	)
Total nonperforming assets	$	48,831		$	49,736		$	82,352		$	(905	)	$	(33,521	)
Nonperforming assets as a
percent of total assets		4.7	%		4.7	%		7.0	%

Nonperforming loans include loans to borrowers who are experiencing deteriorating financial conditions and there is doubt as to the ultimate recoverability of the full principal and interest due the Bank in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement. Nonperforming loans increased $2.7 million to $26.4 million at March 31, 2012, from $23.7 million at December 31, 2011. This increase was the result of $13.7 million of loans becoming nonperforming during the three months ended March 31, 2012, partially offset by $3.7 million in charge-offs, $5.5 million in short sales and $1.8 million of loans transferred to OREO.

The three largest nonperforming loans in the commercial real estate portfolio at March 31, 2012 consisted of a $4.6 million loan secured by a retail/office building located in Pierce County, a $925,000 loan secured by four individual rooming/dormitory-style homes located in Snohomish County and a $692,000 loan secured by a gas station/convenience store located in Thurston County.

The three largest nonperforming construction/land development loans at March 31, 2012 included a $4.0 million loan secured by 34 acres for a 251 unit residential development located in Whatcom County. The project consists of 77 detached condominium lots (single-family residences) and vacant land for 174 attached units (multifamily). All of the ground work has been completed and the property is ready for construction, although no vertical construction has taken place. The second largest nonperforming construction/land development loan is a $1.2 million loan secured by 55 finished lots for residential development, of which, 15 lots have been sold, located in Thurston County. The third largest nonperforming construction/land development loan totaled $1.1 million and is secured by 43 finished lots for residential development, of which, 18 lots have been sold, located in Kitsap County.

Nonperforming assets decreased for the eighth consecutive quarter. At their peak, nonperforming assets reached $166.4 million at March 31, 2010 decreasing to $48.8 million at March 31, 2012, representing a $117.6 million, or 70.7% decrease.

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The following table presents a breakdown of our TDRs:

							Three Month			One Year
	March 31,		December 31,		March 31,		Increase/			Increase/
	2012		2011		2011		(Decrease)			(Decrease)
	(In thousands)
Nonperforming TDRs:
One-to-four family residential	$	2,999	$	3,994	$	3,946	$	(995	)	$	(947	)
Commercial real estate		462		902		3,400		(440	)		(2,938	)
Construction/land development		183		183		4,003		-			(3,820	)
Total nonperforming TDRs		3,644		5,079		11,349		(1,435	)		(7,705	)
Performing TDRs:
One-to-four family residential		51,643		52,768		52,805		(1,125	)		(1,162	)
Multifamily		2,496		2,504		2,508		(8	)		(12	)
Commercial real estate		11,347		10,883		10,422		464			925
Consumer		70		70		70		-			-
Total performing TDRs		65,556		66,225		65,805		(669	)		(249	)
Total TDRs	$	69,200	$	71,304	$	77,154	$	(2,104	)	$	(7,954	)

Our TDRs decreased $8.0 million, or 10.3%, to $69.2 million at March 31, 2012, as compared to $77.2 million at March 31, 2011 and decreased $2.1 million, or 2.9%, from December 31, 2011. During the first three months of 2012, we added $496,000 of new performing TDRs and transferred $1.6 million of nonperforming TDRs to OREO while $514,000 of TDRs were paid-off, with the remaining activity relating to principal payments and charge-offs.

As we work with our borrowers to help them through this difficult economic cycle, we explore all options available to minimize our risk of loss. At times, the best option for our customers and the Bank is to modify the loan for a period of time, usually one year or less. These modifications have included lowering the interest rate on the loan for a period of time and/or extending the maturity date of the loan or allowing interest only payments for a period of time. These modifications are granted only when there is a reasonable and attainable restructured loan plan that has been agreed to by the borrower and is in the Bank’s best interest. Of the $69.2 million in TDRs at March 31, 2012, $65.6 million were classified as performing and $3.6 million were not performing according to their restructured terms.

The largest TDR relationship at March 31, 2012 was $13.4 million, which included both construction/land development loans as well as one-to-four family residential loans secured by rental properties located in King, Kitsap, Pierce and Thurston counties. At March 31, 2012, there were no undisbursed funds available to this borrower in connection with these TDRs.

The following table presents a breakdown of our OREO by county and number of properties at March 31, 2012:

	County										Number of		Percent of
	King		Pierce		Kitsap		All Other		Total		Properties		Total OREO
(Dollars in thousands)
OREO:
One-to-four family   residential	$	3,038	$	2,712	$	215	$	236	$	6,201		33		27.6	%
Commercial real estate		2,717		5,392		1,202		382		9,693		32		43.2
Construction/land   development		1,390		4,129		202		833		6,554		21		29.2
Total OREO	$	7,145	$	12,233	$	1,619	$	1,451	$	22,448		86		100.0	%

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The following table presents a breakdown of our OREO activity:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Beginning balance	$	26,044		$	30,102
Loans transferred to OREO		1,846			10,277
Capitalized improvements		-			88
Dispositions of OREO		(5,132	)		(8,573	)
Market value adjustments		(310	)		(628	)
Ending balance	$	22,448		$	31,266

We sold $5.1 million of OREO during the first quarter of 2012, which was comprised of 25 properties and generated a net gain of $221,000. OREO includes properties acquired by the Bank through foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure. OREO at March 31, 2012 consisted of $9.7 million in commercial real estate properties, $6.5 million in construction/land development projects and $6.2 million in one-to-four family residential homes.

The three largest OREO properties at March 31, 2012 were a residential development with 45 completed lots valued at $1.5 million, an office/retail building valued at $1.3 million, with both properties located in Pierce County, and an office/retail building valued at $1.2 million located in King County.

During the remainder of 2012, we currently intend to focus our efforts on converting nonperforming loans to OREO through foreclosure or deeds in lieu of foreclosure and selling the properties. By taking ownership of these properties, we can convert nonearning assets into earning assets on a more timely basis.

The following table summarizes selected financial data related to our ALLL and loan portfolio. All loan balances and ratios are calculated using loan balances that are net of undisbursed funds.

	At or For the Three Months
	Ended March 31,
	2012			2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Provision for loan losses	$	1,700		$	1,200
Charge-offs		3,699			3,675
Recoveries		272			191
ALLL		14,832			20,250
ALLL as a percent of total loans		2.13	%		2.47	%
ALLL as a percent of nonperforming loans		56.22			39.64
Total nonperforming loans	$	26,383		$	51,086
Nonperforming loans as a percent of total loans		3.78	%		6.24	%
Total loans receivable	$	697,357		$	818,799
Total loans originated		17,492			5,772

Noninterest Income. Noninterest income decreased $315,000 to $281,000 for the first quarter of 2012, from $596,000 for the same quarter in 2011.

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The following table provides a detailed analysis of the changes in the components of noninterest income:

	Three Months				Increase/				Percentage
	Ended				(Decrease) from				Increase/
	March 31, 2012				March 31, 2011				(Decrease)
	(Dollars in thousands)
Service fees on deposit accounts		$	16			$	(2	)		(11.1	)%
Loan service fees			30				(29	)		(49.2	)
Gain on sale of investments			194				(317	)		(62.0	)
Servicing rights, net			(10	)			8			(44.4	)
Other			51				25			96.2
Total noninterest income		$	281			$	(315	)		(52.9	)

The decrease in noninterest income for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to the same period in 2011, was primarily due to lower net gains on the sales of fixed-rate, mortgage-backed securities during the first quarter of 2012.

     Noninterest Expense. Noninterest expense decreased $961,000 to $5.6 million for the first quarter of 2012, from $6.6 million for the same quarter in 2011.

The following table provides the detail of the changes in noninterest expense:

	Three Months				Increase/			Percentage
	Ended				(Decrease) from			Increase/
	March 31, 2012				March 31, 2011			(Decrease)
	(Dollars in thousands)
Compensation and benefits		$	3,427		$	138			4.2	%
Occupancy and equipment			405			3			0.7
Professional fees			473			(7	)		(1.5	)
Data processing			181			(28	)		(13.4	)
Loss (gain) on sale of OREO property, net			(221	)		405			(64.7	)
OREO market value adjustments			310			(318	)		(50.6	)
OREO related expenses, net			489			(361	)		(42.5	)
Regulatory assessments			97			(613	)		(86.3	)
Insurance/bond premiums			100			(147	)		(59.5	)
Marketing			52			(9	)		(14.8	)
Other general and administrative			308			(24	)		(7.2	)
Total noninterest expense		$	5,621		$	(961	)		(14.6	)

The decrease in noninterest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to the same period in 2011, was primarily a result of decreases in net OREO related expenses of $274,000 to $578,000, and decreases of $613,000 and $147,000, respectively, in regulatory assessments and insurance/bond premiums related to the improvement in the Bank’s overall financial condition as demonstrated by the termination of the Order during the first quarter of 2012.

Federal Income Tax Expense. We recorded a $48,000 federal income tax provision for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, as we were unable to fully utilize our tax benefits from net operating loss carryforwards to offset the required tax provision as a result of our being subject to the alternative minimum tax. The Internal Revenue Code imposes an alternative minimum tax at a rate of 20% on a base of regular taxable income plus certain tax preferences, called alternative minimum taxable income. The alternative minimum tax is payable to the extent such alternative minimum taxable income is in excess of an exemption amount. Net operating losses can offset no more than 90% of alternative minimum taxable income. Certain payments of alternative minimum tax may be used as credits against regular tax liabilities in future years. At March 31, 2012, we had an alternative minimum tax credit carryforward totaling $1.5 million and the remaining net operating loss carryforward totaled $31.6 million.

42

Liquidity

We are required to have enough cash flow in order to maintain sufficient liquidity to ensure a safe and sound operation. We maintain cash balances above the minimum level believed to be adequate to meet the requirements of normal operations, including potential deposit outflows. On a daily basis, we review and update cash flow projections to ensure that adequate liquidity is maintained.

Our primary sources of funds are from customer deposits, loan repayments, maturing investment securities and advances from the FHLB. These funds, together with equity, are used to make loans, acquire investment securities and other assets and fund continuing operations. While maturities and the scheduled amortization of loans are a predictable source of funds, deposit flows and loan prepayments are greatly influenced by the level of interest rates, economic conditions and competition. At March 31, 2012, certificates of deposit scheduled to mature in one year or less totaled $288.6 million. Historically, we have been able to retain a significant amount of the deposits as they mature. We believe that our current liquidity position and our forecasted operating results are sufficient to fund all of our existing commitments.

While our primary source of funds is our deposits, when deposits are not available to provide the funds for our assets, we use alternative funding sources. These sources include, but are not limited to advances from the FHLB, wholesale funding, federal funds purchased, dealer repurchase agreements and other short-term alternatives as permissible by regulation. At March 31, 2012, the Bank maintained credit facilities with the FHLB totaling $262.4 million with an outstanding balance of $83.1 million. At March 31, 2012, we also had available a $10.0 million credit facility with another financial institution, with no balance outstanding. For additional information see the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.

Commitments and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We are a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of our customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and the unused portions of lines of credit. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated financial statements. Commitments to extend credit and lines of credit are not recorded as an asset or liability until the instrument is exercised. At March 31, 2012, we had no commitments to originate loans for sale.

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the loan agreement. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. We evaluate each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of the collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by us upon extension of credit, is based on our credit evaluation of the customer. The amount and type of collateral required varies, but may include real estate and income-producing commercial properties.

The following table summarizes our outstanding commitments to originate loans, to advance additional amounts pursuant to outstanding lines of credit and to disburse funds related to our construction loans at March 31, 2012.

				Amount of Commitment Expiration - Per Period
							After One			After Three
	Total Amounts			Through			Through			Through			After
	Committed			One Year			Three Years			Five Years			Five Years
	(In thousands)
Commitments to originate loans		$	2,028		$	2,028		$	-		$	-		$	-
Unused portion of lines of credit			9,044			362			3,360			344			4,978
Undisbursed portion of construction loans			598			598			-			-			-
Total commitments		$	11,670		$	2,988		$	3,360		$	344		$	4,978

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We are from time to time involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. There are currently no matters that in the opinion of management would have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

Among our contingent liabilities are exposures to limited recourse arrangements with respect to sales of whole loans and participation interests.

We anticipate that we will continue to have sufficient funds and alternative funding sources to meet our current commitments.

Capital

At March 31, 2012, stockholders’ equity totaled $182.7 million, or 17.6%, of total assets. Our book value per share of common stock was $9.71 as of March 31, 2012, as compared to $9.64 as of December 31, 2011. Consistent with our goal to operate a sound and profitable financial organization, we actively seek to maintain a “well-capitalized” institution in accordance with regulatory standards. As of March 31, 2012, the Bank exceeded all regulatory capital requirements. Regulatory capital ratios for the Bank only were as follows at March 31, 2012: Tier 1 leverage capital 14.28%; Tier 1 risk-based capital 24.36%; and Total risk-based capital 25.62%. The regulatory capital requirements to be considered well capitalized are 10%, 6% and 5%, respectively. The Bank met the financial ratios for “well-capitalized” status at March 31, 2012. In addition, at March 31, 2012, First Financial Northwest, the parent company of the Bank, had $19.6 million of available cash to potentially increase its investment in the Bank.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Market risk is defined as the sensitivity of income and capital to changes in interest rates and other relevant market rates or prices. Our profitability is largely dependent on our net interest income. Consequently, our primary exposure to market risk arises from the interest rate risk inherent in our lending, investment, deposit and borrowing activities. Interest rate risk is the risk to earnings and capital resulting from adverse movements in interest rates. We actively monitor and manage our exposure to interest rate risk.

A number of measures are utilized to monitor and manage interest rate risk, including net interest income and economic value of equity simulation models. We prepare these models on a quarterly basis for review by our Asset Liability Committee (“ALCO”), senior management and Board of Directors. The use of these models requires us to formulate and apply assumptions to various balance sheet items. Assumptions regarding interest rate risk are inherent in all financial institutions and may include, but are not limited to, prepayment speeds on loans and mortgage-backed securities, cash flows and maturities of financial instruments held for purposes other than trading, changes in market conditions, loan volumes and pricing, deposit sensitivities, consumer preferences and management’s capital plans. We believe that the data and assumptions used for our models are reasonable representations of our portfolio and possible outcomes under the various interest rate scenarios. Nonetheless, these assumptions are inherently uncertain; therefore, the models cannot precisely estimate net interest income or predict the impact of higher or lower interest rates on net interest income. Actual results may differ significantly from simulated results due to timing, magnitude and frequency of interest rate changes and changes in market conditions and specific strategies, among other factors.

Our primary objective in managing interest rate risk is to minimize the adverse impact of changes in interest rates on our net interest income and capital, while structuring the asset and liability components to maximize net interest margin, utilize capital effectively and provide adequate liquidity. We rely primarily on our asset/liability structure to control interest rate risk. We assume a high level of interest rate risk as a result of our business model which calls for us to originate and hold fixed-rate, single-family loans, which by their nature are longer-term than the short-term liabilities of customer deposits and borrowed funds.

Net Interest Income

Our primary source of income is net interest income, which is the difference between interest earned on loans and investments and the interest paid on deposits and borrowings. Like other financial institutions, we are

44

subject to interest rate risk and expect periodic imbalances in the interest rate sensitivities of our assets and liabilities. Over any defined period of time, our interest-earning assets may be more sensitive to changes in market interest rates than our interest-bearing liabilities or vice versa. We principally manage interest rate risk by managing the volume and mix of our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.

Our income simulation model examines changes in net interest income in which interest rates are assumed to remain at their base level, gradually increase by 100, 200 and 300 basis points over a 12-month period, or decline assuming a gradual 100 basis point reduction in rates. Reductions of rates by 200 and 300 basis points were not reported due to the very low current rate environment and the unlikely nature of rates declining further. Based on information as of March 31, 2012, our model indicated that net interest income over the next 12 months would grow in the increasing rate scenarios of 100, 200 and 300 basis points but would decrease in a declining 100 basis point scenario.

Our net interest income increases in all three rising rate scenarios. Interest income increases due to our current level of liquidity, which is mainly interest-bearing deposits we hold in other banks and variable rate investment securities. As interest rates rise these investments reprice to reflect higher yields and higher interest income. Our loan portfolio is comprised predominately of fixed-rate products so changing interest rates have minimal affect on interest income earned from our loan portfolio. Interest expense rises in the increasing 300 rate scenario, but declines in the increasing 100 and 200 basis point scenarios, primarily due to the immediate impact of rising rates on our money market deposits and the deferred maturity-driven impact on our existing, higher-cost certificates of deposit. If rates were to gradually increase 100 basis points over the next 12 months the weighted-average cost for renewed certificates of deposit would be approximately 1.40%. The current cost of these maturing certificates of deposit is 1.77%. We also receive a benefit from the sensitivity of our interest-bearing deposit liabilities, as the cost of these products does not increase at the same rate that prevailing interest rates increase.

In a declining interest rate environment of 100 basis points, net interest income decreases as reductions in interest income outweigh declines in interest expense. In this rate environment our interest-bearing deposits in other banks reprice to lower yields from the current yield of 25 basis points and interest earned on our investment portfolio decreases due to prepayments and declining yield on the portfolio’s adjustable-rate component. Interest income from our loan portfolio declines significantly as a result of increases in simulated prepayments of principal. Our interest expense declines as core deposits and maturing certificates of deposit reprice downwards. The weighted-average cost for renewed certificates of deposit declines to approximately 0.42%, a decrease of 135 basis points compared to the current cost of 1.77%.

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During the first quarter of 2012, we completed several transactions to improve the Bank’s interest rate risk profile. We sold $10.8 million of primarily long-term, fixed-rate, mortgaged-backed securities and purchased $25.5 million of variable rate investments. Together these actions resulted in a significant increase in the level of interest sensitive assets on our balance sheet. These transactions are part of our overall strategy to convert our investments to a more interest rate sensitive portfolio and to protect against the interest rate risk from our predominately fixed-rate loan portfolio in anticipation of a rising interest rate environment. Model results reflecting these shifts in interest sensitive assets are included in the table below:

Net Interest Income Change at
March 31, 2012
Basis Point Change in Rates		% Increase/ (Decrease)
	+300	8.37	%
	+200	6.49
	+100	4.27
	Base	1.27
	(100)	(0.73	)
(1)	(200)	N/A
(1)	(300)	N/A

____________
(1)	The current federal funds rate is 0.25%, making a 200 or 300 basis point decrease in rates impossible.

The changes indicated by the simulation model represent anticipated changes in net interest income over a 12 month period if rates were to gradually increase or decrease by the specified amount. The simulation assumes that the size of the balance sheet remains stable with no growth or contraction regardless of interest rate movements. Additionally, the tendency for loan and investment prepayments to accelerate in falling interest rate scenarios and slow when interest rates rise are incorporated in the model assumptions.

The rising and falling interest rate scenarios indicate that, if customer loan and deposit preferences do not change in response to further movements of the yield curve, a parallel 300, 200 or 100 basis points increase in rates over a 12-month period will result in a positive change in our net interest income.

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Economic Value of Equity (EVE) Simulation Model Results

The following table illustrates the change in the net portfolio value at March 31, 2012 that would occur in the event of an immediate change in interest rates equally across all maturities. The simulation model results are reported quarterly and are predicated upon a stable balance sheet, with no growth or change in asset or liability mix. Although the net portfolio value measurement provides an indication of our interest rate risk exposure at a particular point in time, such measurement is not intended to and does not provide, a precise forecast.

The EVE analysis goes beyond simulating net interest income for a specified period to estimating the present value of all financial instruments in our portfolio and analyzing how the economic value of the portfolio would be affected by various alternative interest rate scenarios. The portfolio’s economic value is calculated by generating principal and interest cash flows for the entire life of all assets and liabilities and discounting these cash flows back to their present values. The assumed discount rate used for each projected cash flow is based on a current market rate, such as a FHLB or U.S. Treasury curve and from alternative instruments of comparable risk and duration.

Basis Point									Net Portfolio as % of				Market
Change in			Net Portfolio Value (2)						Portfolio Value of Assets				Value of
Rates (1)			Amount		$ Change (3)		% Change		NPV Ratio (4)		% Change (5)		Assets (6)
			(Dollars in thousands)
	+300		$	172,769	$	(44,936)	(20.64)	%	17.17	%	(4.16)	%	$	1,006,164
	+200			189,113		(28,592)	(13.13)		18.28		(2.65)			1,034,341
	+100			204,092		(13,613)	(6.25)		19.27		(1.26)			1,058,910
Base				217,705		-	-		20.16		-			1,079,870
	(100)			229,953		12,248	5.63		20.96		1.13			1,097,221
	(200)	(1)		N/A		N/A	N/A		N/A		N/A			N/A
	(300)	(1)		N/A		N/A	N/A		N/A		N/A			N/A

___________

(1)	The current federal funds rate is 0.25%, making a 200 and 300 basis point drop impossible.
(2)	The net portfolio value is the difference between the present value of the discounted cash flows of assets and liabilities and represents the market value of the Company's equity for any given interest rate scenario. Net portfolio value is useful for determining, on a market value basis, how equity changes in response to various interest rate scenarios. Large changes in net portfolio value reflect increased interest rate sensitivity and generally more volatile earnings streams.
(3)	The increase or decrease in the estimated net portfolio value at the indicated interest rates compared to the net portfolio value, assuming no change in interest rates.
(4)	Net portfolio value divided by the market value of assets.
(5)	The increase or decrease in the net portfolio value divided by the market value of assets.
(6)	The market value of assets represents the value of assets under the various interest rate scenarios and reflects the sensitivity of those assets to interest rate changes.

In the simulated upward rate shift of the yield curve, the discount rates used to calculate the present value of assets and liabilities will increase, causing the present values of fixed-rate assets to decline and fixed-rate liabilities to increase. Our EVE simulation model results as of March 31, 2012 indicated that if rates increased 100, 200 or 300 basis points the market value of our assets would decrease. This decrease is largely because of the fixed-rate nature of our loan portfolio. The fair value of our equity would also decrease under all three rising rate shift scenarios. The opposite occurs if rates were to decline. The discount rates used to calculate the present value of assets and liabilities will decrease, causing the present value of fixed-rate assets to increase and fixed-rate liabilities to decrease. If rates were to decrease by 100 basis points, the market value of our assets would increase and the fair value of equity would increase.

If interest rates change in the designated amounts, there can be no assurance that our assets and liabilities would perform as set forth previously. Changes in U.S. Treasury rates in the designated amounts accompanied by changes in the shape of the U.S. Treasury yield curve could cause changes to the net portfolio value and net interest income other than those indicated previously.

At March 31, 2012, we had no derivative financial instruments or trading accounts for any class of financial instruments, nor have we engaged in hedging activities or purchased off-balance sheet derivative instruments. Interest rate risk continues to be one of our primary risks as other types of risks, such as foreign

47

currency exchange risk and commodity pricing risk do not arise in the normal course of our business activities and operations.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

The management of First Financial Northwest, Inc. is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”). A control procedure, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that its objectives are met. Also, because of the inherent limitations in all control procedures, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. Additionally, in designing disclosure controls and procedures, our management was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible disclosure controls and procedures. The design of any disclosure controls and procedures is also based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. As a result of these inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Further, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

(a)   Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures: An evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act) was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) and several other members of our senior management as of the end of the period covered by this report. Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of March 31, 2012, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is (i) accumulated and communicated to our management (including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer) in a timely manner and (ii) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

(b)   Changes in Internal Controls: In the quarter ended March 31, 2012, there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

48

PART II

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

From time to time, we are engaged in legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business, none of which are currently considered to have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

There were no repurchases of equity securities in the first quarter of 2012.

The stock repurchase plan approved by the Board of Directors on February 18, 2009 expired during February 2012. There were 294,400 shares remaining to be purchased under the plan. Any future repurchases of stock would require regulatory approval as required by the MOU.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not applicable.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information

Not applicable.

Item 6. Exhibits

3.1	Articles of Incorporation of First Financial Northwest (1)
3.2	Amended and Restated Bylaws of First Financial Northwest (2)
4	Form of stock certificate of First Financial Northwest (1)
10.1	Form of Employment Agreement for President and Chief Executive Officer (1)
10.2	Form of Change in Control Severance Agreement for Executive Officers (1)
10.3	Form of First Savings Bank Employee Severance Compensation Plan (1)
10.4	Form of Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement entered into by First Savings Bank with Victor Karpiak, Harry A. Blencoe and Robert H. Gagnier (1)
10.5	Form of Financial Institutions Retirement Fund (1)
10.6	Form of 401(k) Retirement Plan (3)
10.7	2008 Equity Incentive Plan (4)
10.8	Forms of incentive and non-qualified stock option award agreements (5)
10.9	Form of restricted stock award agreement (5)
14	Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (6)
21	Subsidiaries of the Registrant
31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
32	Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
101	The following materials from First Financial Northwest’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (1) Consolidated Balance Sheets; (2) Consolidated Statements of Income; (3) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income; (4) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity; (5) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (6) Selected Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.*

49

______________

(1)	Filed as an exhibit to First Financial Northwest’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (333-143549).
(2)	Filed as an exhibit to First Financial Northwest’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 22, 2012.
(3)	Filed as an exhibit to First Financial Northwest’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference.
(4)	Filed as Appendix A to First Financial Northwest’s definitive proxy statement dated April 15, 2008.
(5)	Filed as an exhibit to First Financial Northwest’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 1, 2008.
(6)	Registrant elects to satisfy Regulation S-K §229.406 (c) by posting its code of ethics on its website at www.fsbnw.com.

*Pursuant to SEC rules, this exhibit will not be deemed filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended or otherwise subject to the liability of that section.

50

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

	First Financial Northwest, Inc.
Date: May 10, 2012	/s/ Victor Karpiak
	Victor Karpiak Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
Date: May 10, 2012	/s/ Kari Stenslie
	Kari Stenslie Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

51

EXHIBIT INDEX

31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
32	Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act

101 The following materials from First Financial Northwest’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (1) Consolidated Balance Sheets; (2) Consolidated Statements of Income; (3) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income; (4) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity; (5) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (6) Selected Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.*

*Pursuant to SEC rules, this exhibit will not be deemed filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended or otherwise subject to the liability of that section.

52

EX-31.1

EXHIBIT 31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to

Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Victor Karpiak, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of First Financial Northwest, Inc., certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of First Financial Northwest, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)   Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

(b)   Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)   Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)   Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)   All significant deficiencies and material weakness in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data information; and

(b)   Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

53

Date: May 10, 2012	/s/ Victor Karpiak
	Victor Karpiak Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

54

EX-31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to

Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Kari Stenslie, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer of First Financial Northwest, Inc., certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of First Financial Northwest, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)   Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

(b)    Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)   Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)   Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)   All significant deficiencies and material weakness in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data information; and

(b)   Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

55

Date: May 10, 2012	/s/ Kari Stenslie
	Kari Stenslie Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

56

EX-32

EXHIBIT 32

Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of First Financial Northwest, Inc.

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. Section 1350), the undersigned hereby certifies in his/her capacity as an officer of First Financial Northwest, Inc. (the “Company”) and in connection with this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, that:

1. the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

2. the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of the dates and for the periods presented in the financial statements included in the Report.

/s/ Victor Karpiak                                          

Victor Karpiak

Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

Dated: May 10, 2012  

/s/ Kari Stenslie                                            

Kari Stenslie 

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

Dated: May 10, 2012

57

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Description of Business

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Description of Business [Abstract]

Description of Business

Note 1 – Description of Business

First Financial Northwest, Inc. (“First Financial Northwest” or the “Company”), a Washington corporation, was formed on June 1, 2007 for the purpose of becoming the holding company for First Savings Bank Northwest (“First Savings Bank” or “the Bank”) in connection with the conversion from a mutual holding company structure to a stock holding company structure. First Financial Northwest’s business activities generally are limited to passive investment activities and oversight of its investment in First Savings Bank. Accordingly, the information presented in the consolidated financial statements and related data, relates primarily to First Savings Bank. First Financial Northwest is a savings and loan holding company and is subject to regulation by the Federal Reserve Board (“FRB”). First Savings Bank is regulated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) and the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (“DFI”).

First Savings Bank is a community-based savings bank primarily serving King, and to a lesser extent, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties through our full-service banking office located in Renton, Washington. First Savings Bank’s business consists of attracting deposits from the public and utilizing these deposits to originate one-to-four family residential, multifamily, commercial real estate, business, consumer and construction/land development loans.

As used throughout this report, the terms “we”, “our”, “us”, or the “Company” refer to First Financial Northwest, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiary First Savings Bank Northwest, unless the context otherwise requires.

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FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income (loss)	$ 622	$ 1,434
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provision for loan losses	1,700	1,200
OREO market value adjustments	310	628
Gain on sale of OREO property, net	(221)	(626)
Depreciation of premises and equipment	263	269
Net amortization of premiums and discounts on investments	452	691
ESOP expense	196	145
Compensation expense related to stock options and restricted stock awards	479	473
Net realized gain on investments available-for-sale	(194)	(511)
Deferred federal income taxes		430
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Prepaid expenses and other assets	16	16
Accrued interest receivable	(41)	347
Accrued interest payable	12	16
Other liabilities	(781)	(10)
Federal income taxes, net	2	(430)
Net cash provided by operating activities	2,815	4,072
Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from sales of investments	11,000	9,701
Capitalized improvements in OREO		(88)
Proceeds from sales of OREO properties	5,353	9,199
Principal repayments on investments available for sale	5,592	10,350
Purchases of investments available for sale	(28,466)	(4,303)
Net (increase) decrease in loans receivable	19,005	48,625
Purchases of premises and equipment	(43)	(25)
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities	12,441	73,459
Cash flows from financing activities
Net increase (decrease) in deposits	(24,617)	(14,000)
Net increase (decrease) in advance payments from borrowers for taxes and insurance	1,963	2,037
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities	(22,654)	(11,963)
Net increase (decrease) in cash	(7,398)	65,568
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash at beginning of period	164,761	98,427
Cash at end of period	157,363	163,995
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	3,440	5,073
Federal income taxes	45
Noncash transactions:
Loans, net of deferred loan fees and allowance for loan losses, transferred to OREO	$ 1,846	$ 10,277

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FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Assets
Cash on hand and in banks	$ 5,186		$ 4,620
Interest-bearing deposits	152,177		160,141
Investments available for sale, at fair value	140,676		129,002
Loans receivable, net of allowance	680,737		703,288
Premises and equipment, net	18,702		18,922
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost	7,413		7,413
Accrued interest receivable	3,897		3,856
Federal income tax receivable	1,058		1,060
Other real estate owned ("OREO")	22,448		26,044
Prepaid expenses and other assets	5,028		5,044
Total assets	1,037,322		1,059,390
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Interest-bearing deposits	758,415		782,652
Noninterest-bearing deposits	5,633		6,013
Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank	83,066		83,066
Advance payments from borrowers for taxes and insurance	4,056		2,093
Accrued interest payable	196		184
Other liabilities	3,281		4,062
Total liabilities	854,647		878,070
Stockholders' Equity
Preferred stock		[1]		[1]
Common stock	188		188
Additional paid-in capital	189,209		188,816
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit), substantially restricted	4,559		3,937
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax	569		511
Unearned Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP") shares	(11,850)		(12,132)
Total stockholders' equity	182,675		181,320
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 1,037,322		$ 1,059,390

[1] Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 10,000,000 shares, no shares issued or outstanding.

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FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax	Unearned ESOP Shares	Total Stockholders' Equity
Balances at beginning of period - shares at Dec. 31, 2011	18,805,168
Balances at beginning of period - amount at Dec. 31, 2011	$ 188	$ 188,816	$ 3,937	$ 511	$ (12,132)	$ 181,320
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net income (loss)			622			622
Change in fair value of investments available for sale, net				58		58
Total comprehensive income (loss)						680
Compensation related to stock options and restricted stock awards		479				479
Allocation of ESOP shares - amount		(86)			282	196
Balances at end of period - shares at Mar. 31, 2012	18,805,168
Balances at end of period - amount at Mar. 31, 2012	$ 188	$ 189,209	$ 4,559	$ 569	$ (11,850)	$ 182,675

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FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited) (Parenthetical)	Mar. 31, 2012
Allocation of ESOP shares - number of shares	28,213

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FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Assets
Loans receivable allowance for loan losses	$ 14,832	$ 16,559
Stockholders' Equity
Preferred stock par value per share	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Common stock par value per share	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock shares authorized	90,000,000	90,000,000
Common stock shares issued	18,805,168	18,805,168
Common stock shares outstanding	18,805,168	18,805,168

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Federal Home Loan Bank Stock

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Federal Home Loan Bank Stock [Abstract]

Federal Home Loan Bank Stock

Note 9 – Federal Home Loan Bank Stock

At March 31, 2012, we held $7.4 million of FHLB stock. FHLB stock is carried at par ($100 per share) and does not have a readily determinable fair value. Ownership of FHLB stock is restricted to the FHLB and member institutions, and can only be purchased and redeemed at par. As a result of ongoing turmoil in the capital and mortgage markets, the FHLB has a risk-based capital deficiency largely as a result of write-downs on its private label mortgage-backed securities portfolio.

Management evaluates FHLB stock for impairment. The determination of whether this investment is impaired is based on our assessment of the ultimate recoverability of cost rather than by recognizing temporary declines in value. The determination of whether a decline affects the ultimate recoverability of cost is influenced by criteria such as: (1) the significance of any decline in net assets of the FHLB as compared to the capital stock amount for the FHLB and the length of time this situation has persisted, (2) commitments by the FHLB to make payments required by law or regulation and the level of such payments in relation to the operating performance of the FHLB, (3) the impact of legislative and regulatory changes on institutions and, accordingly, the customer base of the FHLB and (4) the liquidity position of the FHLB.

On October 25, 2010, the FHLB agreed to the stipulation and issuance of a Consent Order by its primary regulator, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (“FHFA”). The Consent Order sets forth requirements for capital management, asset composition, and other operational and risk management improvements. In addition, the FHLB may not repurchase member stock or pay dividends, until they achieve and maintain financial thresholds established by the FHFA as part of the agency’s supervisory process, subject to FHFA approval. These restrictions are not expected to have a material effect on our financial position, liquidity or results of operation. We have determined there is no OTTI on the FHLB stock investment as of March 31, 2012.

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Document and Entity Information (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	First Financial Northwest, Inc.
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2012
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Central Index Key	0001401564
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	18,805,168
Entity Public Float	$ 145,175,897
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1

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Stock-Based Compensation

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]

Stock-Based Compensation

Note 10 - Stock-Based Compensation

In June 2008, our shareholders approved the First Financial Northwest, Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (“Plan”). The Plan provides for the grant of stock options, restricted stock and stock appreciation rights.

Total compensation expense for the Plan was $479,000 and $473,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and the related income tax benefit was $168,000 and $166,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Stock Options

The Plan authorizes the grant of stock options totaling 2,285,280 shares to our directors, advisory directors, officers and employees. Option awards are granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of our common stock at the grant date. These option awards have a vesting period of five years, with 20% vesting on the anniversary date of each grant date and a contractual life of ten years. Any unexercised stock options will expire ten years after the grant date or sooner in the event of the award recipient’s death, disability or termination of service with the Company or the Bank. We have a policy of issuing new shares from authorized but unissued common stock upon the exercise of stock options. At March 31, 2012, remaining options for 911,756 shares of common stock were available for grant under the Plan.

The fair value of each option award is estimated on the grant date using a Black-Scholes model that uses the following assumptions. The dividend yield is based on the current quarterly dividend in effect at the time of the grant. Historical employment data is used to estimate the forfeiture rate. The historical volatility of our stock price over a specified period of time is used for the expected volatility assumption. We base the risk-free interest rate on the U.S. Treasury Constant Maturity Indices in effect on the date of the grant. We elected to use the “Share-Based Payments” method permitted by the SEC to calculate the expected term. This method uses the vesting term of an option along with the contractual term, setting the expected life at the midpoint. There were no options granted during the first quarter ended March 31, 2012.

The following is a summary of our stock option plan awards for the three months ended March 31, 2012:

				Weighted-Average
				Remaining	Aggregate		Weighted-Average
		Weighted-Average		Contractual	Intrinsic		Grant-Date
	Shares	Exercise Price		Term in Years	Value		Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
Outstanding at January 1, 2012	1,373,524	$	9.52	6.60	$	94	$	1.91
Granted	-		-	-		-		-
Exercised	-		-	-				-
Forfeited or expired	-		-	-				-
Outstanding at March 31, 2012	1,373,524		9.52	6.35		185		1.91
Expected to vest assuming a 3%
forfeiture rate over the vesting term	552,322		9.33	6.41		143
Exercisable at March 31, 2012	804,114		9.66	6.30		37

As of March 31, 2012, there was $675,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options granted under the Plan. The cost is expected to be recognized over the remaining weighted-average vesting period of 1.4 years.

Restricted Stock Awards

The Plan authorizes the grant of restricted stock awards amounting to 914,112 shares to our directors, advisory directors, officers and employees. Compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period of the awards based on the fair value of the stock at the grant date. The restricted stock awards’ fair value is equal to the value on the grant date. Shares awarded as restricted stock vest ratably over a five-year period beginning at the grant date with 20% vesting on the anniversary date of each grant date. At March 31, 2012, remaining restricted awards for 167,078 shares were available to be issued. Shares that have been repurchased totaled 304,094 and are held in trust until they are issued in connection with the agreement.

The following is a summary of changes in nonvested restricted stock awards for the three months ended March 31, 2012:

				Weighted-Average
				Grant-Date
Nonvested Shares	Shares			Fair Value
Nonvested at January 1, 2012		310,494		$	9.66
Granted		-			-
Vested		(6,400	)		8.35
Forfeited		-			-
Nonvested at March 31, 2012		304,094			9.69
Expected to vest assuming a 3% forfeiture
rate over the vesting term		294,970

As of March 31, 2012, there was $2.1 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to nonvested shares granted as restricted stock awards. The cost is expected to be recognized over the remaining weighted-average vesting period of 1.6 years. The total fair value of shares that vested during both of the quarters ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 was $53,000.

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FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Interest income
Loans, including fees	$ 10,472	$ 12,428
Investments available for sale	593	1,205
Cash on hand and in banks	97	76
Total interest income	11,162	13,709
Interest expense
Deposits	2,941	4,513
Federal Home Loan Bank advances	511	576
Total interest expense	3,452	5,089
Net interest income	7,710	8,620
Provision for loan losses	1,700	1,200
Net interest income (loss) after provision for loan losses	6,010	7,420
Noninterest income
Net gain on sale of investments	194	511
Other noninterest income	87	85
Total noninterest income	281	596
Noninterest expense
Salaries and employee benefits	3,427	3,289
Occupancy and equipment	405	402
Professional fees	473	480
Data processing	181	209
Gain on sale of OREO property, net	(221)	(626)
OREO market value adjustments	310	628
OREO related expenses, net	489	850
FDIC/OTS assessments	97	710
Insurance and bond premiums	100	247
Marketing	52	61
Other general and administrative	308	332
Total noninterest expense	5,621	6,582
Income (loss) before provision for federal income taxes	670	1,434
Provision (benefit) for federal income taxes	48
Net Income (loss)	$ 622	$ 1,434
Basic earnings (loss) per share	$ 0.04	$ 0.08
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$ 0.04	$ 0.08

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Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Note 4 – Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In April 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-03, Reconsideration of Effective Control for Repurchase Agreements. The update amends existing guidance to remove from the assessment of effective control, the criterion requiring the transferor to have the ability to repurchase or redeem the financial assets on substantially the agreed terms, even in the event of default by the transferee and, as well, the collateral maintenance implementation guidance related to that criterion. ASU No. 2011-03 is effective for the Company’s reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2011. The guidance applies prospectively to transactions or modification of existing transactions that occur on or after the effective date and early adoption is not permitted. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In April 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs (International Financial Reporting Standards). The update amends existing guidance regarding the highest and best use and valuation premise by clarifying these concepts are only applicable to measuring the fair value of nonfinancial assets.  The Update also clarifies that the fair value measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities which have offsetting market risks or counterparty credit risks that are managed on a portfolio basis, when several criteria are met, can be measured at the net risk position. Additional disclosures about Level 3 fair value measurements are required including a quantitative disclosure of the unobservable inputs and assumptions used in the measurement, a description of the valuation process in place, and discussion of the sensitivity of fair value changes in unobservable inputs and interrelationships about those inputs as well as disclosure of the level of the fair value of items that are not measured at fair value in the financial statements but disclosure of fair value is required. The provisions of ASU No. 2011-04 were effective for the Company’s reporting period beginning after December 15, 2011 and should be applied prospectively. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income. The update amends current guidance to allow a company the option of presenting the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The provisions do not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income or when an item of other comprehensive must be reclassified to net income. The amendments do not change the option for a company to present components of other comprehensive income either net of related tax effects or before related tax effects, with one amount shown for the aggregate income tax expense (benefit) related to the total of other comprehensive income items. The amendments do not affect how earnings per share is calculated or presented.  The provisions of ASU No. 2011-05 were effective for the Company’s reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011 and should be applied retrospectively. Early adoption is permitted and there are no required transition disclosures.  The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-11, Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. The update requires an entity to offset, and present as a single net amount, a recognized eligible asset and a recognized eligible liability when it has an unconditional and legally enforceable right of setoff and intends either to settle the asset and liability on a net basis or to realize the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. The ASU requires an entity to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements to enable users of its financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on its financial position. The amendments are effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the ASU but does not expect it will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-12, Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update 2011-05 (“ASU 2011-12”). This ASU defers only those changes in ASU 2011-05 that relate to the presentation of reclassification adjustments. ASU 2011-12 was issued in order to allow the FASB time to redeliberate whether to present on the face of the financial statements the effects of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the components of net income and other comprehensive income for all periods presented. While the FASB is considering the operational concerns about the presentation requirements for reclassification adjustments and the needs of financial statement users for additional information about reclassification adjustments, the Company will continue to report reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income consistent with the presentation requirements in effect before the issuance of ASU 2011-05. ASU 2011-12 is effective for the Company’s financial statements for annual and interim periods beginning after December 31, 2011, and must be applied prospectively. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

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Basis of Presentation

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Basis of Presentation [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

Note 3 – Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) for complete financial statements. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, as filed with the SEC. In our opinion, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP have been included. All significant intercompany balances and transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries have been eliminated in consolidation. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended December 31, 2012. In preparing the unaudited consolidated financial statements, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change relate to the ALLL, the valuation of other real estate owned (“OREO”) and the underlying collateral of loans in the process of foreclosure, deferred tax assets and the fair value of financial instruments.

Certain amounts in the unaudited consolidated financial statements for prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current unaudited financial statement presentation.

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Federal Income Taxes

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Federal Income Taxes [Abstract]

Federal Income Taxes

Note 11 – Federal Income Taxes

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. These calculations are based on many complex factors including estimates of the timing of reversals of temporary differences, the interpretation of federal income tax laws and a determination of the differences between the tax and the financial reporting basis of assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ significantly from the estimates and interpretations used in determining the current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities.

Our primary deferred tax assets relate to our ALLL, our contribution to the First Financial Northwest Foundation and an impairment charge relating to a past investment in the AMF Ultra Short Mortgage Fund.

Under GAAP, a valuation allowance is required to be recognized if it is “more likely than not” that a portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.  Our policy is to evaluate our deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis and record a valuation allowance for our deferred tax asset if we do not have sufficient positive evidence indicating that it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax asset will be realized. At March 31, 2012, we considered positive and negative evidence, which includes cumulative losses in the most recent three year period and uncertainty regarding short-term future earnings. We further considered that GAAP places heavy emphasis on prior earnings in determining the realizable deferred tax asset.  After reviewing and weighing these various factors, in 2010 we recorded a valuation allowance for the balance of the deferred tax asset in excess of the tax carryback refund potential, resulting in no deferred tax asset at March 31, 2012.

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Other Real Estate Owned

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Other Real Estate Owned [Abstract]

Other Real Estate Owned

Note 7 – Other Real Estate Owned

The following table is a summary of OREO:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Beginning balance	$	26,044		$	30,102
Loans transferred to OREO		1,846			10,277
Capitalized improvements		-			88
Dispositions of OREO, net		(5,132	)		(8,573	)
Market value adjustments		(310	)		(628	)
Ending balance	$	22,448		$	31,266

OREO includes properties acquired by the Bank through foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure. OREO at March 31, 2012 consisted of $6.2 million in one-to-four family residential homes, $6.5 million in construction/land development projects and $9.7 million in commercial real estate properties.

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Investments

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Investments [Abstract] {1}

Investments

Note 5 – Investments

Investment securities available-for-sale are summarized as follows:

	March 31, 2012
				Gross			Gross
	Amortized			Unrealized			Unrealized
	Cost			Gains			Losses				Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Mortgage-backed investments:
Fannie Mae		$	54,829		$	1,109		$	(14	)		$	55,924
Freddie Mac			12,740			451			-				13,191
Ginnie Mae			6,884			130			-				7,014
Municipal bonds			2,084			30			(251	)			1,863
U.S. Government sponsored entities and agencies			62,782			21			(119	)			62,684
		$	139,319		$	1,741		$	(384	)		$	140,676

	December 31, 2011
				Gross			Gross
	Amortized			Unrealized			Unrealized
	Cost			Gains			Losses				Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Mortgage-backed investments:
Fannie Mae		$	50,981		$	1,182		$	-			$	52,163
Freddie Mac			19,285			560			-				19,845
Ginnie Mae			7,416			79			-				7,495
Municipal bonds			2,085			32			(270	)			1,847
U.S. Government sponsored entities and agencies			47,934			2			(284	)			47,652
		$	127,701		$	1,855		$	(554	)		$	129,002

The following table summarizes the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized loss by length of time those investments have been continuously in an unrealized loss position:

	March 31, 2012
	Less Than 12 Months							12 Months or Longer							Total
				Unrealized							Unrealized							Unrealized
	Fair Value			Loss				Fair Value			Loss				Fair Value			Loss
	(In thousands)
Mortgage-backed investments:
Fannie Mae		$	2,975		$	(14	)		$	-		$	-			$	2,975		$	(14	)
Municipal bonds			-			-				1,156			(251	)			1,156			(251	)
U.S. Government sponsored
entities and agencies			45,113			(119	)			-			-				45,113			(119	)
		$	48,088		$	(133	)		$	1,156		$	(251	)		$	49,244		$	(384	)

		December 31, 2011
	Less Than 12 Months								12 Months or Longer						Total
				Unrealized							Unrealized							Unrealized
	Fair Value			Loss				Fair Value			Loss				Fair Value			Loss
	(In thousands)
Municipal bonds		$	-		$	-			$	1,137		$	(270	)		$	1,137		$	(270	)
U.S. Government sponsored
entities and agencies			45,039			(284	)			-			-				45,039			(284	)
		$	45,039		$	(284	)		$	1,137		$	(270	)		$	46,176		$	(554	)

At March 31, 2012, we had one security with a gross unrealized loss totaling $251,000 with a fair value totaling $1.2 million that had an unrealized loss for greater than one year. At December 31, 2011, this same security had a gross unrealized loss totaling $270,000 with a fair value totaling $1.1 million that had an unrealized loss for greater than one year. We reviewed the financial condition of the entity underlying this security at both March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, and determined an other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) was not warranted.

On a quarterly basis, management makes an assessment to determine whether there have been any events or economic circumstances to indicate that a security on which there is an unrealized loss is impaired on an other-than-temporary basis. We consider many factors including the severity and duration of the impairment, recent events specific to the issuer or industry, and for debt securities, external credit ratings and recent downgrades. Securities on which there is an unrealized loss that is deemed to be an OTTI are written down to fair value. For equity securities, the write-down is recorded as a realized loss in noninterest income on our Consolidated Statements of Income. For debt securities, if we intend to sell the security or it is likely that we will be required to sell the security before recovering its cost basis, the entire impairment loss would be recognized in earnings as an OTTI. If we do not intend to sell the security and it is not likely that we will be required to sell the security but we do not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security, only the portion of the impairment loss representing credit losses would be recognized in earnings. The credit loss on a security is measured as the difference between the amortized cost basis and the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected. Projected cash flows are discounted by the original or current effective interest rate depending on the nature of the security being measured for potential OTTI. The remaining impairment related to all other factors, the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and fair value, is recognized as a charge to other comprehensive income (“OCI”). Impairment losses related to all other factors are presented as separate categories within OCI. For the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, we did not have any OTTI losses on investments.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investments available-for-sale at March 31, 2012, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Investments not due at a single maturity date, primarily mortgage-backed investments, are shown separately.

	March 31, 2012
	Amortized Cost		Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Due after one year through five years	$	50,053	$	49,992
Due after five years through ten years		820		838
Due after ten years		13,993		13,717
		64,866		64,547
Mortgage-backed investments		74,453		76,129
	$	139,319	$	140,676

Under Washington State law, in order to participate in the public funds program we are required to pledge as collateral an amount equal to 100% of the public deposits we hold in the form of eligible securities. Investments with a market value of $29.8 million and $31.8 million were pledged as collateral for public deposits at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, both of which exceeded collateral requirements established by the Washington Public Deposit Protection Commission.

We sold $10.8 million and $9.2 million of investments during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 resulting in gross gains of $194,000 and $511,000, respectively. There were no losses on sales of securities during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

XML

Loans Receivable

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Loans Receivable [Abstract]

Loans Receivable

Note 6 - Loans Receivable

Loans receivable are summarized as follows:

	March 31, 2012			December 31, 2011
	(In thousands)
One-to-four family residential (1)		$	325,316		$	335,412
Multifamily:
Permanent			110,319			110,148
Construction			-			3,526
			110,319			113,674
Commercial real estate:
Permanent			213,391			218,032
Construction			12,500			12,500
Land			1,780			1,811
			227,671			232,343
Construction/land development (2):
One-to-four family residential			1,475			6,194
Multifamily			855			855
Commercial			1,104			1,104
Land development			16,156			16,990
			19,590			25,143
Business			3,620			3,909
Consumer			11,439			12,499
Total loans			697,955			722,980
Less:
Loans in process			598			1,372
Deferred loan fees, net			1,788			1,761
ALLL			14,832			16,559
Loans receivable, net		$	680,737		$	703,288

_____________
(1)	Includes $146.2 million and $147.4 million of non-owner occupied loans at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.
(2)	Excludes construction loans that will convert to permanent loans. We consider these loans to be "rollovers" in that one loan is originated for both the construction loan and permanent financing. These loans are classified according to the underlying collateral. As a result, at March 31, 2012, we had $12.5 million, or 5.5%, of our total commercial real estate portfolio and no one-to-four family residential or multifamily loans in these "rollover" type of loans. At December 31, 2011, we had $12.5 million, or 5.4%, of our total commercial real estate portfolio and $3.5 million, or 3.1%, of our total multifamily loan portfolio and no one-to-four family residential loans in these "rollover" type of loans. At both March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, $1.8 million of commercial real estate land loans were not included in the construction/land development category because we classify raw land or buildable lots where we do not intend to finance the construction as commercial real estate land loans.

At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, there were no loans classified as held for sale.

         The following tables represent a summary of our ALLL and loan portfolio by loan type and impairment method:

	At or For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
	One-to-Four								Construction/
	Family					Commercial			Land
	Residential			Multifamily		Real Estate			Development			Business			Consumer			Total
ALLL:	(In thousands)
Beginning balance	$	5,756		$	950	$	6,846		$	2,503		$	154		$	350		$	16,559
Charge-offs		(718	)		-		(2,614	)		(74	)		-			(293	)		(3,699	)
Recoveries		-			-		171			100			-			1			272
Provision		775			1,407		1,272			(1,805	)		(119	)		170			1,700
Ending balance	$	5,813		$	2,357	$	5,675		$	724		$	35		$	228		$	14,832
General reserve	$	5,343		$	2,357	$	5,576		$	724		$	35		$	228		$	14,263
Specific reserve	$	470		$	-	$	99		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	569
Loans (1):
Total Loans	$	325,280		$	110,081	$	227,666		$	19,271		$	3,620		$	11,439		$	697,357
General reserve (2)	$	264,946		$	106,636	$	208,731		$	10,280		$	3,620		$	11,205		$	605,418
Specific reserve (3)	$	60,334		$	3,445	$	18,935		$	8,991		$	-		$	234		$	91,939

_____________ 

(1) Net of undisbursed funds.

(2) Loans collectively evaluated for impairment.

(3) Loans individually evaluated for impairment.

	At or For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2011
	One-to-Four									Construction/
	Family						Commercial			Land
	Residential			Multifamily			Real Estate			Development			Business		Consumer			Total
ALLL:										(In thousands)
Beginning balance	$	8,302		$	1,893		$	6,742		$	5,151		$	7	$	439		$	22,534
Charge-offs		(585	)		(26	)		(2,080	)		(926	)		-		(58	)		(3,675	)
Recoveries		5			-			-			185			-		1			191
Provision		34			(121	)		2,613			(1,343	)		6		11			1,200
Ending balance	$	7,756		$	1,746		$	7,275		$	3,067		$	13	$	393		$	20,250
General reserve	$	6,596		$	1,684		$	5,351		$	1,483		$	13	$	298		$	15,425
Specific reserve	$	1,160		$	62		$	1,924		$	1,584		$	-	$	95		$	4,825
Loans (1):
Total Loans	$	375,858		$	128,678		$	255,532		$	40,938		$	1,026	$	16,767		$	818,799
General reserve (2)	$	307,401		$	125,470		$	234,006		$	17,453		$	1,026	$	16,552		$	701,908
Specific reserve (3)	$	68,457		$	3,208		$	21,526		$	23,485		$	-	$	215		$	116,891

____________ 

(1) Net of undisbursed funds.

(2) Loans collectively evaluated for impairment.

(3) Loans individually evaluated for impairment.

Nonperforming loans, net of undisbursed funds, were $26.4 million and $23.7 million at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. Foregone interest on nonaccrual loans for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was $377,000, compared to $857,000 for the same quarter in 2011.

Loans committed to be advanced in connection with impaired loans at both March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were $36,000.

The following tables present a summary of loans individually evaluated for impairment by the type of loan:

		At or For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
				Unpaid
		Recorded		Principal		Related
		Investment (1)		Balance (2)		Allowance
		(In thousands)
Loans with no related allowance:
	One-to-four family residential:
	Owner occupied	$	8,679	$	9,562	$	-
	Non-owner occupied		38,253		39,379		-
	Multifamily		3,445		3,570		-
	Commercial real estate		16,630		21,871		-
	Construction/land development		8,991		14,299		-
	Consumer		234		510		-
Total			76,232		89,191		-
Loans with an allowance:
	One-to-four family residential:
	Owner occupied		4,251		4,363		181
	Non-owner occupied		9,151		9,326		289
	Commercial real estate		2,305		2,305		99
Total			15,707		15,994		569
Total impaired loans:
	One-to-four family residential:
	Owner occupied		12,930		13,925		181
	Non-owner occupied		47,404		48,705		289
	Multifamily		3,445		3,570		-
	Commercial real estate		18,935		24,176		99
	Construction/land development		8,991		14,299		-
	Consumer		234		510		-
Total		$	91,939	$	105,185	$	569

____________
(1)	Represents the loan balance less charge-offs.
(2)	Contractual loan principal balance.

		At or For the Year Ended December 31, 2011
				Unpaid
		Recorded		Principal		Related
		Investment (1)		Balance (2)		Allowance
		(In thousands)
Loans with no related allowance:
	One-to-four family residential:
	Owner occupied	$	8,007	$	8,931	$	-
	Non-owner occupied		40,406		42,794		-
	Multifamily		3,453		3,578		-
	Commercial real estate		12,802		15,957		-
	Construction/land development		9,199		22,776		-
	Consumer		70		70		-
Total			73,937		94,106		-
Loans with an allowance:
	One-to-four family residential:
	Owner occupied		4,588		4,724		180
	Non-owner occupied		9,575		9,735		325
	Commercial real estate		1,817		1,817		59
Total			15,980		16,276		564
Total impaired loans:
	One-to-four family residential:
	Owner occupied		12,595		13,655		180
	Non-owner occupied		49,981		52,529		325
	Multifamily		3,453		3,578		-
	Commercial real estate		14,619		17,774		59
	Construction/land development		9,199		22,776		-
	Consumer		70		70		-
Total		$	89,917	$	110,382	$	564

___________
(1)	Represents the loan balance less charge-offs.
(2)	Contractual loan principal balance.

               The following table presents the average recorded investment and the interest income recognized on impaired loans.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012					2011
	Average			Interest		Average		Interest
	Recorded			Income		Recorded		Income
	Investment			Recognized		Investment		Recognized
	(In thousands)
Loans with no related allowance:
One-to-four family residential:
Owner occupied		$	8,343	$	53	$	8,785	$	116
Non-owner occupied			39,329		545		45,700		667
Multifamily			3,449		42		2,511		42
Commercial real estate			14,716		193		12,549		164
Construction/land development			9,095		-		9,828		-
Consumer			152		1		167		1
Total			75,084		834		79,540		990
Loans with an allowance:
One-to-four family residential:
Owner occupied			4,420		99		4,317		-
Non-owner occupied			9,363		46		9,393		-
Multifamily			-		-		350		-
Commercial real estate			2,061		34		7,073		-
Construction/land development			-		-		18,424		-
Consumer			-		-		4		-
Total			15,844		179		39,561		-
Total impaired loans:
One-to-four family residential:
Owner occupied			12,763		152		13,102		116
Non-owner occupied			48,692		591		55,093		667
Multifamily			3,449		42		2,861		42
Commercial real estate			16,777		227		19,622		164
Construction/land development			9,095		-		28,252		-
Consumer			152		1		171		1
Total		$	90,928	$	1,013	$	119,101	$	990

The following is a summary of information pertaining to nonperforming assets and troubled debt restructured loans (“TDRs”):

	March 31,		December 31,
	2012		2011
	(In thousands)
Nonperforming assets (1):
Nonaccrual loans	$	22,739	$	18,613
Nonaccrual troubled debt restructured loans		3,644		5,079
Total nonperforming loans		26,383		23,692
OREO		22,448		26,044
Total nonperforming assets	$	48,831	$	49,736
Performing troubled debt restructured loans	$	65,556	$	66,225
Nonaccrual troubled debt restructured loans		3,644		5,079
Total troubled debt restructured loans	$	69,200	$	71,304

______________
(1)	There were no loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing interest at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

Nonaccrual and Past Due Loans. Loans are considered past due if the required principal and interest payments have not been received as of the date such payments were due. Loans are placed on nonaccrual when they are 90 days delinquent or when, in management’s opinion, the borrower is unable to meet scheduled payment obligations.

A loan is considered impaired when we have determined that we may be unable to collect payments of principal or interest when due under the terms of the loan. In the process of identifying loans as impaired, management takes into consideration factors which include payment history and status, collateral value, financial condition of the borrower and the probability of collecting scheduled payments in the future. Minor payment delays and insignificant payment shortfalls typically do not result in a loan being classified as impaired. The significance of payment delays and shortfalls is considered by management on a case-by-case basis, after taking into consideration the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including payment history and the amounts of any payment shortfall, length and reason for delay and the likelihood of a return to stable performance. Impairment is measured on a loan-by-loan basis for all loans in the portfolio.

The following table is a summary of nonaccrual loans by loan type:

	March 31,		December 31,
	2012		2011
	(In thousands)
One-to-four family residential	$	8,691	$	9,808
Multifamily		949		949
Commercial real estate		7,588		3,736
Construction/land development		8,991		9,199
Consumer		164		-
Total nonaccrual loans	$	26,383	$	23,692

The following tables represent a summary of the aging of loans by type:

	Loans Past Due at March 31, 2012
					90 Days and Greater (1)
	30-59 Days		60-89 Days				Total		Current		Total Loans (2)
	(In thousands)
Real estate:
One-to-four family residential:
Owner occupied	$	1,918	$	1,434	$	4,448	$	7,800	$	171,282	$	179,082
Non-owner occupied		985		70		2,159		3,214		142,984		146,198
Multifamily		2,047		-		949		2,996		107,085		110,081
Commercial real estate		2,183		-		2,149		4,332		223,334		227,666
Construction/land development		766		-		4,991		5,757		13,514		19,271
Total real estate		7,899		1,504		14,696		24,099		658,199		682,298
Business		-		-		-		-		3,620		3,620
Consumer		644		48		164		857		10,582		11,439
Total	$	8,543	$	1,552	$	14,860	$	24,956	$	672,401	$	697,357

_____________

(1)	There were no loans 90 days past due and still accruing interest at March 31, 2012.
(2)	Net of undisbursed funds.

	Loans Past Due at December 31, 2011
					90 Days and Greater (1)
	30-59 Days		60-89 Days				Total		Current		Total Loans (2)
	(In thousands)
Real estate:
One-to-four family residential:
Owner occupied	$	2,594	$	1,318	$	4,076	$	7,988	$	180,009	$	187,997
Non-owner occupied		761		-		3,224		3,985		143,394		147,379
Multifamily		-		-		949		949		112,314		113,263
Commercial real estate		633		-		2,621		3,254		228,583		231,837
Construction/land development		-		-		9,199		9,199		15,525		24,724
Total real estate		3,988		1,318		20,069		25,375		679,825		705,200
Business		240		-		-		240		3,669		3,909
Consumer		1,133		-		-		1,133		11,366		12,499
Total	$	5,361	$	1,318	$	20,069	$	26,748	$	694,860	$	721,608

___________

(1)	There were no loans 90 days past due and still accruing interest at December 31, 2011.
(2)	Net of undisbursed funds.

Credit Quality Indicators.  We utilize a nine-point risk rating system and assign a risk rating for all credit exposures. The risk rating system is designed to define the basic characteristics and identify risk elements of each credit extension. Credits risk rated 1 through 5 are considered to be “pass” credits. Pass credits can be assets where there is virtually no credit risk, such as cash secured loans with funds on deposit with the Bank. Pass credits also include credits that are on our watch list, where the borrower exhibits potential weaknesses, which may, if not checked or corrected, negatively affect the borrower’s financial capacity and threaten their ability to fulfill debt obligations in the future. Credits classified as special mention are risk rated 6 and possess weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention. Special mention assets do not expose the Bank to sufficient risk to warrant adverse classification in the substandard, doubtful or loss categories. Substandard credits are risk rated 7. An asset is considered substandard if it is inadequately protected by the current net worth and payment capacity of the borrower or of any collateral pledged. Substandard assets include those characterized by the distinct possibility that we will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Assets classified as doubtful are risk rated 8 and have all the weaknesses inherent in those credits classified as substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make collection or liquidation in full highly questionable and improbable, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions and values. Assets classified as loss are risk rated 9 and are considered uncollectible and cannot be justified as a viable asset for the Bank.

The following tables represent a summary of loans by type and risk category:

	March 31, 2012
	One-to-Four									Construction/
	Family						Commercial			Land
	Residential			Multifamily			Real Estate			Development			Business			Consumer			Total (1)
	(In thousands)
Risk Rating:
Pass		$	299,706		$	102,925		$	200,902		$	9,091		$	3,620		$	10,290		$	626,534
Special mention			12,871			6,207			13,892			1,189			-			763			34,922
Substandard			12,703			949			12,872			8,991			-			386			35,901
Total		$	325,280		$	110,081		$	227,666		$	19,271		$	3,620		$	11,439		$	697,357
____________
(1) Net of undisbursed funds.

	December 31, 2011
	One-to-Four									Construction/
	Family						Commercial			Land
	Residential			Multifamily			Real Estate			Development			Business			Consumer			Total (1)
	(In thousands)
Risk Rating:
Pass		$	307,807		$	106,900		$	203,997		$	15,101		$	3,909		$	11,822		$	649,536
Special mention			13,193			5,414			14,256			424			-			488			33,775
Substandard			14,376			949			13,584			9,199			-			189			38,297
Total		$	335,376		$	113,263		$	231,837		$	24,724		$	3,909		$	12,499		$	721,608
____________
(1) Net of undisbursed funds.

The following tables summarize the loan portfolio by type and payment activity:

	March 31, 2012
	One-to-Four Family Residential			Multifamily			Commercial Real Estate			Construction/  Land Development			Business			Consumer			Total (3)
	(In thousands)
Performing (1)		$	316,589		$	109,132		$	220,078		$	10,280		$	3,620		$	11,275		$	670,974
Nonperforming (2)			8,691			949			7,588			8,991			-			164			26,383
Total		$	325,280		$	110,081		$	227,666		$	19,271		$	3,620		$	11,439		$	697,357

_________

(1)	There were $173.7 million of owner-occupied and $142.9 million of non-owner occupied one-to-four family residential loans classified as performing.
(2)	There were $5.4 million of owner-occupied and $3.3 million of non-owner occupied one-to-four family residential loans classified as nonperforming.
(3)	Net of undisbursed funds.

	December 31, 2011
	One-to-Four Family Residential			Multifamily			Commercial Real Estate			Construction/  Land Development			Business			Consumer			Total (3)
	(In thousands)
Performing (1)		$	325,568		$	112,314		$	228,101		$	15,525		$	3,909		$	12,499		$	697,916
Nonperforming (2)			9,808			949			3,736			9,199			-			-			23,692
Total		$	335,376		$	113,263		$	231,837		$	24,724		$	3,909		$	12,499		$	721,608

_______________

(1)	There were $183.0 million of owner-occupied and $142.6 million of non-owner occupied one-to-four family residential loans classified as performing.
(2)	There were $5.0 million of owner-occupied and $4.8 million of non-owner occupied one-to-four family residential loans classified as nonperforming.
(3)	Net of undisbursed funds.

The following table presents our TDRs recorded investment prior to the modification and after the modification:

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
	Number of Loans		Pre- Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment		Post- Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
	(Dollars in thousands)
TDRs that Occurred During the Period:
One-to-four family residential:
Principal and interest with interest rate concession		1	$	214	$	214
Commercial:
Interest only payments with interest rate concession		1		496		496
Total		2	$	710	$	710

At March 31, 2012, the Company had $36,000 in commitments to extend additional credit to borrowers whose loan terms have been modified in TDRs. All TDRs are also classified as impaired loans and are included in the loans individually evaluated for impairment in the calculation of the ALLL.

The TDRs that occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2012 were primarily a result of granting the borrower interest rate concessions for a period of time ranging from one to three years. The impaired portion of the loan with an interest rate concession for a specific period of time is calculated based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate. The effective interest rate is the rate of return implicit on the original loan. This impaired amount reduces the ALLL and a valuation allowance is established to reduce the loan balance. As loan payments are received in future periods, the ALLL entry is reversed and the valuation allowance is reduced utilizing the level yield method over the modification period. TDRs resulted in a charge to the ALLL of $569,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012.

The following is a summary of loans that were modified as TDRs within the previous 12 months and for which there was a payment default during the three months ended March 31, 2012.

	Types of Modifications
	Number of Loans		Interest Only Payments		Interest Rate Concession
	(Dollars in thousands)
TDRs that Subsequently Defaulted:
One-to-four family residential		1	$	347	$	-

TDRs that default after they have been modified are typically evaluated individually on a collateral basis. Any additional impairment further reduces the ALLL.

XML

Fair Value

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Fair Value [Abstract]

Fair Value

Note 8 – Fair Value

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.

We determined the fair values of our financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair values. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our estimates for market assumptions.

Valuation inputs refer to the assumptions market participants would use in pricing a given asset or liability using one of the three valuation techniques. Inputs can be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs are those assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the particular asset or liability. These inputs are based on market data and are obtained from an independent source. Unobservable inputs are assumptions based on our own information or estimate of assumptions used by market participants in pricing the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs are based on the best and most current information available on the measurement date.

   All inputs, whether observable or unobservable, are ranked in accordance with a prescribed fair value hierarchy:

   ·   Level 1 – Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

   ·   Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments                   in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable.

   ·   Level 3 – Instruments whose significant value drivers are unobservable.

The tables below present the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (there were no transfers between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 recurring measurements during the periods presented):

	Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2012
				Quoted Prices in			Significant
				Active Markets			Other			Significant
	Fair Value			for Identical			Observable			Unobservable
	Measurements			Assets (Level 1)			Inputs (Level 2)			Inputs (Level 3)
	(In thousands)
Available-for-sale investments:
Mortgage-backed investments:
Fannie Mae		$	55,924		$	-		$	55,924		$	-
Freddie Mac			13,191			-			13,191			-
Ginnie Mae			7,014			-			7,014			-
Municipal bonds			1,863			-			1,863			-
U.S. Government sponsored
entities and agencies			62,684			-			62,684			-
		$	140,676		$	-		$	140,676		$	-

	Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2011
				Quoted Prices in			Significant
				Active Markets			Other			Significant
	Fair Value			for Identical			Observable			Unobservable
	Measurements			Assets (Level 1)			Inputs (Level 2)			Inputs (Level 3)
	(In thousands)
Available-for-sale investments:
Mortgage-backed investments:
Fannie Mae		$	52,163		$	-		$	52,163		$	-
Freddie Mac			19,845			-			19,845			-
Ginnie Mae			7,495			-			7,495			-
Municipal bonds			1,847			-			1,847			-
U.S. Government sponsored
entities and agencies			47,652			-			47,652			-
		$	129,002		$	-		$	129,002		$	-

The estimated fair value of Level 2 investments is based on quoted prices for similar investments in active markets, identical or similar investments in markets that are not active and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable.

The tables below present the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis:

	Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2012
				Quoted Prices in			Significant
				Active Markets			Other			Significant
	Fair Value			for Identical			Observable			Unobservable			Total
	Measurements			Assets (Level 1)			Inputs (Level 2)			Inputs (Level 3)			Losses
	(In thousands)
Impaired loans including undisbursed but
committed funds of $36 (included in
loans receivable, net) (1)		$	91,406		$	-		$	-		$	91,406		$	569
OREO (2)			22,448			-			-			22,448			310
		$	113,854		$	-		$	-		$	113,854		$	879
______________
(1) The loss represents the specific reserve against loans that were considered impaired at March 31, 2012.
(2) The loss represents OREO market value adjustments for the quarter ended March 31, 2012.

	Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2011
					Quoted Prices in		Significant
				Active Markets			Other		Significant
	Fair Value				for Identical		Observable		Unobservable			Total
	Measurements				Assets (Level 1)		Inputs (Level 2)		Inputs (Level 3)			Losses
	(In thousands)
Impaired loans including undisbursed but
committed funds of $36 (included in
loans receivable, net) (1)		$	89,389		$	-	$	-		$	89,389		$	564
OREO (2)			26,044			-		-			26,044			1,924
		$	115,433		$	-	$	-		$	115,433		$	2,488
____________
(1) The loss represents the specific reserve against loans that were considered impaired at December 31, 2011.
(2) The loss represents OREO market value adjustments for the year ended December 31, 2011.

The fair value of impaired loans is calculated using the collateral value method or on a discounted cash flow basis. Inputs used in the collateral value method include appraised values, estimates of certain completion costs and closing and selling costs. Some of these inputs may not be observable in the marketplace.

OREO properties are measured at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value, less costs to sell. Fair values are generally based on third party appraisals of the property, resulting in a Level 3 classification. In cases where the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, less costs to sell, an impairment loss is recognized.

The following table presents quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements for financial instruments measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.

	March 31, 2012
			Valuation		Range
	Fair Value		Technique(s)	Unobservable Input(s)	(Weighted Average)
	(Dollars in thousands)
Impaired loans	$	91,406	Market approach	Adjusted for differences between the comparable sales	0.0% - 35.0% (0.7%)
OREO	$	22,448	Market approach	Adjusted for differences between the comparable sales	0.0% - 22.2% (1.3%)

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments were as follows:

	March 31, 2012
	Fair			Fair Value Measurements Using:
	Value			Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(In thousands)
Financial Assets:
Cash on hand and in banks		$	5,186	$	5,186	$	5,186	$	-	$	-
Interest-bearing deposits			152,177		152,177		152,177		-		-
Investments available-for-sale			140,676		140,676		-		140,676		-
Loans receivable, net			680,737		711,336		-		-		711,336
Federal Home Loan Bank stock			7,413		N/A		N/A		-		-
Accrued interest receivable			3,897		3,897		-		3,897		-
Financial Liabilities:
Deposits			212,951		212,951		212,951		-		-
Certificates of deposit			551,097		557,505		-		-		557,505
Advances from the FHLB			83,066		84,603		-		84,603		-
Accrued interest payable			196		196		-		196		-

	December 31, 2011
	Carrying			Estimated
	Value			Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Financial Assets:
Cash on hand and in banks		$	4,620	$	4,620
Interest-bearing deposits			160,141		160,141
Investments available-for-sale			129,002		129,002
Loans receivable, net			703,288		738,266
Federal Home Loan Bank stock			7,413		7,413
Accrued interest receivable			3,856		3,856
Financial Liabilities:
Deposits			218,621		218,621
Certificates of deposit			570,044		577,570
Advances from the FHLB			83,066		84,926
Accrued interest payable			184		184

Fair value estimates, methods, and assumptions are set forth below for our financial instruments.

   ·   Financial instruments with book value equal to fair value: The fair value of financial instruments that are short-term or reprice frequently and that have little or no risk are considered to have a fair value equal to book value. These instruments include cash on hand and in banks, interest-bearing deposits, Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle (“FHLB”) stock, accrued interest receivable and accrued interest payable. FHLB stock is not publicly-traded, however, it may be redeemed on a dollar-for-dollar basis, for any amount the Bank is not required to hold, subject to the FHLB’s discretion. The fair value is therefore equal to the book value.

   ·   Investments available-for-sale: The fair value of all investments, excluding FHLB stock, was based upon quoted market prices for similar investments in active markets, identical or similar investments in markets that are not active and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable.

   ·   Loans receivable: For variable rate loans that reprice frequently and with no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying values. The fair value of fixed-rate loans is estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, utilizing interest rates that would be offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality. As a result of current market conditions, cash flow estimates have been further discounted to include a credit factor. The fair value of nonperforming loans is estimated using the fair value of the underlying collateral.

   ·   Liabilities: The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as statement, NOW, and money market accounts, is equal to the amount payable on demand. The fair value of certificates of deposit is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows using current interest rates for certificates of deposit with similar remaining maturities. The fair value of FHLB advances is estimated based on discounting the future cash flows using current interest rates for debt with similar remaining maturities.

   ·   Off balance sheet commitments: No fair value adjustment is necessary for commitments made to extend credit, which represents commitments for loan originations or for outstanding commitments to purchase loans. These commitments are at variable rates, are for loans with terms of less than one year and have interest rates which approximate prevailing market rates, or are set at the time of loan closing.

Fair value estimates are based on existing balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business. The fair value has not been estimated for assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments.

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Segment Information

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Segment Information [Abstract]

Segment Information

Note 13 – Segment Information

Our activities are considered to be a single industry segment for financial reporting purposes. We are engaged in the business of attracting deposits from the general public and originating loans for our portfolio in our primary market area. Substantially all income is derived from a diverse base of commercial and residential real estate loans, consumer lending activities and investments.

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FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Net income (loss)	$ 622	$ 1,434
Other Comprehensive Income, before tax:
Unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale-securities	252	66
Reclassification adjustment for net gains realized in income	(194)	(511)
Other Comprehensive income (loss), before tax	58	(445)
Income tax benefit related to items of other comprehensive income		(430)
Other Comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	58	(15)
Comprehensive income	$ 680	$ 1,419

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Regulatory Items

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Regulatory Items [Abstract]

Regulatory Items

Note 2 – Regulatory Items

On April 14, 2010, the Office of Thrift Supervision (“OTS”) and members of the Board of Directors of First Financial Northwest entered into an informal supervisory agreement or Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”), which is now enforced by the FRB as the successor to the OTS. Under the terms of the MOU, the Company agreed, among other things, to provide notice to and obtain a written non-objection from the FRB prior to the Company (a) declaring a dividend or redeeming any capital stock and (b) incurring, issuing, renewing or repurchasing any new debt.

On March 27, 2012, the Bank’s regulators, the FDIC and the DFI terminated the Consent Order (“Order”) which became effective on September 24, 2010. In place of the Order, the Bank entered into an MOU, which is an informal regulatory action, with the FDIC and DFI. The Order was terminated as a result of the steps the Bank took in complying with the Order and reducing its level of classified assets, increasing earnings, augmenting management and improving the overall condition of the Bank.

The MOU with the Bank contains provisions concerning the management and directors of the Bank, interest rate risk, minimum capital levels, the allowance for loan and lease losses (“ALLL”), lending and collection policies, policies concerning the Bank and its affiliates, restrictions on paying dividends and a requirement to furnish progress reports to the FDIC and DFI. A copy of the MOU with the Bank is attached to the Form 8-K that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on April 2, 2012.

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Earnings Per Share

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Abstract] {1}

Earnings Per Share

Note 12 – Earnings Per Share

The following table presents a reconciliation of the components used to compute basic and diluted earnings per share:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012		2011
	(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
Net income	$	622	$	1,434
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding		17,601,687		17,488,842
Plus common stock options considered outstanding for
dilutive purposes (excludes antidilutive options)		14,965		33
Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding		17,616,652		17,488,875
Basic earnings per share	$	0.04	$	0.08
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.04	$	0.08

Options to purchase an additional 1,323,524 shares of common stock at both March 31, 2012 and 2011 were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because their exercise price resulted in them being antidilutive.