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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies  
Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates – The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and following general practices within the banking industry requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.  Although these estimates and assumptions are based on the best available information, actual results could differ from those estimates.

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation – The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts and results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries after elimination of all significant intercompany accounts and transactions.  Assets held in a fiduciary or agency capacity are not assets of the Company or its subsidiaries and are not included in the consolidated financial statements.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents – For purposes of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, management has defined cash and cash equivalents to include cash and due from banks, interest-bearing deposits in other banks, and other short-term investments, such as federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell.

Securities

Securities – Securities are classified as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity at the time of purchase or transfer.

 

Securities that are classified as available-for-sale are carried at fair value.  Unrealized gains and losses, net of related deferred income taxes, are recorded in stockholders’ equity as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income.

 

Securities held-to-maturity are carried at amortized cost and the discount or premium created in the transfer from available-for-sale is accreted or amortized to the maturity or expected payoff date but not an earlier call.  The Company reclassified certain securities, chosen by management, to held-to-maturity effective September 1, 2013.  No new purchases were made in the held-to-maturity classification during the fourth quarter.

 

The historical cost of debt securities is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts over the estimated life of the security, using the level yield method.  Amortization of premium and accretion of discount are included in interest income from the related security.

 

Purchases and sales of securities are recognized on a trade date basis.  Realized securities gains or losses are reported in securities gains, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.  The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method.  On a quarterly basis, the Company makes an assessment (at the individual security level) to determine whether there have been any events or circumstances indicating that a security with an unrealized loss is other-than-temporarily impaired (“OTTI”).  In evaluating OTTI, the Company considers many factors, including the severity and duration of the impairment; the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, which for debt securities considers external credit ratings and recent downgrades; its ability and intent to hold the security for a period of time sufficient for a recovery in value; and the likelihood that it will be required to sell the security before a recovery in value, which may be at maturity.  The amount of the impairment related to other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) unless management intends to sell the security or believes it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security prior to full recovery.

Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank Stock

Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank Stock – The Company owns the stock of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (“FHLBC”) and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago (“Reserve Bank”).  Both of these entities require the Bank to invest in their nonmarketable stock as a condition of membership.  The FHLBC is a governmental sponsored entity.  The Bank continues to utilize the various products and services of the FHLBC and management considers this stock to be a long-term investment.  FHLBC members are required to own a certain amount of stock based on the level of borrowings and other factors, and may invest in additional amounts.  FHLBC stock is carried at cost, classified as a restricted security, and periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value.  The Company’s ability to redeem the shares owned is dependent on the redemption practices of the FHLBC.  The Company records dividends in income on the ex-dividend date.  Reserve Bank stock is redeemable at par, therefore, market value equals cost.

Loans Held-for-Sale

Loans Held-for-Sale – The Bank originates residential mortgage loans, which consist of loan products eligible for sale to the secondary market.  Residential mortgage loans eligible for sale in the secondary market are carried at fair market value.  The fair value of loans held-for-sale is determined using quoted secondary market prices on similar loans.

Loan portfolio policies  
Loans

Loans – Loans held-for-investment are carried at the principal amount outstanding, including certain net deferred loan origination fees.  Interest income on loans is accrued based on principal amounts outstanding.  Loan and lease origination fees, commitment fees, and certain direct loan origination costs are deferred, and the net amount is amortized over the life of the related loans or commitments as a yield adjustment.  Fees related to standby letters of credit, whose ultimate exercise is remote, are amortized into fee income over the estimated life of the commitment.  Other credit-related fees are recognized as fee income when earned.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivative Financial Instruments – The Company occasionally enters into derivative financial instruments as part of its interest rate risk management strategies.  These derivative financial instruments consist primarily of interest rate swaps.  Under accounting guidance all derivative instruments are recorded on the balance sheet, in either other assets or other liabilities, at fair value.  The accounting for the gain or loss resulting from changes in fair value depends on the intended use of the derivative.  For a derivative used to hedge changes in fair value of a recognized asset or liability, or an unrecognized firm commitment, the gain or loss on the derivative will be recognized in earnings, together with the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item.  This results in an earnings impact only to the extent that the hedge is not completely effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair value.  If it is determined that the derivative instrument is not highly effective as a hedge, hedge accounting is discontinued, and the adjustment to fair value of the derivative instrument is recorded in earnings.  For a derivative used to hedge changes in cash flows associated with forecasted transactions, the gain or loss on the effective portion of the derivative are deferred and reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income, which is a component of shareholders’ equity, until such time the hedged transaction affects earnings.  For derivative instruments not accounted for as hedges, changes in fair value are recognized in noninterest income/expense.  Counterparty risk with correspondent banks is considered through loan covenant agreements and, as such, does not have a significant impact on the fair value of the swaps.  The credit valuation reserve recorded on customer interest rate swap positions was determined based upon management’s estimate of the amount of credit risk exposure, including available collateral protection and/or by utilizing an estimate related to a probability of default as indicated in the Bank credit policy.  Deferred gains and losses from derivatives that are terminated are amortized over the shorter of the original remaining term of the derivative or the remaining life of the underlying asset or liability.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Concentration of Credit Risk – Most of the Company’s business activity is with customers located within Kane, Kendall, DeKalb, DuPage, LaSalle, Will and southwestern Cook counties in Illinois.  These banking centers surround the Chicago metropolitan area.  Therefore, the Company’s exposure to credit risk is significantly affected by changes in the economy in that market area since the Bank generally makes loans within its market.  There are no significant concentrations of loans where the customers’ ability to honor loan terms is dependent upon a single economic sector.

Nonaccrual loans

Nonaccrual loans Generally, commercial loans and loans secured by real estate are placed on nonaccrual status (i) when either principal or interest payments become 90 days or more past due based on contractual terms unless the loan is sufficiently collateralized such that full repayment of both principal and interest is expected and is in the process of collection within a reasonable period or (ii) when an individual analysis of a borrower’s creditworthiness indicates a credit should be placed on nonaccrual status whether or not the loan is 90 days or more past due. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, unpaid interest credited to income is reversed.  After the loan is placed on nonaccrual, all debt service payments are applied to the principal on the loan.  Nonaccrual loans are returned to accrual status when the financial position of the borrower and other relevant factors indicate there is no longer doubt that the Company will collect all principal and interest due.

 

Commercial loans and loans secured by real estate are generally charged-off when deemed uncollectible.  A loss is recorded at that time if the net realizable value can be quantified and it is less than the associated principal and interest outstanding.

Troubled Debt Restructurings (TDRs)

Troubled Debt Restructurings (“TDRs”) – A restructuring of debt is considered a TDRs when (i) the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties and (ii) the creditor grants a concession, such as forgiveness of principal, reduction of the interest rate, changes in payments, or extension of the maturity, that it would not otherwise consider.  Loans are not classified as TDRs when the modification is short-term or results in only an insignificant delay or shortfall in the payments to be received.  The Company’s TDRs are determined on a case-by-case basis in connection with ongoing loan collection processes.

 

The Company does not accrue interest on any TDRs unless it believes collection of all principal and interest under the modified terms is reasonably assured.  For a TDRs to accrue interest, the borrower must demonstrate both some level of past performance and the capacity to perform under the modified terms.  Generally, six months of consecutive payment performance by the borrower under the restructured terms is required before a TDRs is returned to accrual status.  However, the period could vary depending on the individual facts and circumstances of the loan.  An evaluation of the borrower’s current creditworthiness is used to assess whether the borrower has the capacity to repay the loan under the modified terms.  This evaluation includes an estimate of expected cash flows, evidence of strong financial position, and estimates of the value of collateral, if applicable.

Impaired Loans

Impaired Loans – Impaired loans consist of nonaccrual loans and TDRs (both accruing and on nonaccrual).  A loan is considered impaired when it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all contractual principal and interest due according to the terms of the loan agreement based on current information and events.  With the exception of TDRs still accruing interest, loans deemed to be impaired are classified as nonaccrual and are exclusive of smaller homogeneous loans, such as home equity, 1-4 family mortgages, and consumer loans.  When a loan is designated as impaired, any subsequent principal and interest payments received are applied to the principal on the loan.

90-Days or Greater Past Due Loans

90-Days or Greater Past Due Loans – 90-days or more past due loans are loans with principal or interest payments three months or more past due, but that still accrue interest.  The Company continues to accrue interest if it determines these loans are sufficiently collateralized and the process of collection will conclude within a reasonable time period.

Allowance for Loan Losses

Allowance for Loan Losses – The allowance for loan losses is comprised of the allowance for loan losses calculated according to GAAP standards and is maintained by management at a level believed adequate to absorb estimated losses inherent in the existing loan portfolio.  Determination of the allowance for loan losses is inherently subjective since it requires significant estimates and management judgment, including the amounts and timing of expected future cash flows on impaired loans, estimated losses on pools of homogeneous loans based on a migration analysis that uses historical loss experience, consideration of current economic trends, and other credit market factors.

 

Loans deemed to be uncollectible are charged-off against the allowance for loan losses while recoveries of amounts previously charged-off are credited to the allowance for loan losses.  Approved releases from previously established loan loss reserves authorized under our allowance methodology also reduce the allowance for loan losses.  Additions to the allowance for loan losses are established through the provision for loan losses charged to expense.  The amount charged to operating expense depends on a number of factors, including historic loan growth, changes in the composition of the loan portfolio, net charge-off levels, and the Company’s assessment of the allowance for loan losses based on the methodology discussed below.  The Company had no major methodology changes in 2013 and only minor changes in two management factors included in the methodology calculations.

 

The allowance for loan losses methodology consists of (i) specific reserves established for probable losses on individual loans for which the recorded investment in the loan exceeds the value of the loan, (ii) an allowance based on a loss migration analysis that uses historical credit loss experience for each loan category, and (iii) the impact as assessed by management in detailed loan review sessions of other internal and external qualitative and credit market factors.

 

The specific reserves component of the allowance for loan losses is based on a periodic analysis of impaired loans exceeding a fixed dollar amount.  This analysis follows GAAP standards for collateral based loans.

 

An additional component of the allowance for loan losses is based on actual loss experience for a rolling 20-quarter period and the related internal risk rating and category of loans charged-off, including any charge-off on TDRs.  The loss migration analysis is performed quarterly, and the loss factors are updated based on actual experience.

 

Management takes into consideration many internal and external qualitative factors when estimating an additional adjustment for management factors, including:

·                 Changes in the composition of the loan portfolio, trends in the volume and terms of loans, and trends in delinquent and nonaccrual loans that could indicate that historical trends do not reflect current conditions.

·                 Changes in credit policies and procedures, such as underwriting standards and collection, charge-off, and recovery practices.

·                 Changes in the experience, ability, and depth of credit management and other relevant staff.

·                 Changes in the quality of the Company’s loan review system and board of directors’ oversight.

·                 Changes in the value of the underlying collateral for collateral-dependent loans.

·                 Changes in the national and local economy that affect the collectability of various segments of the portfolio.

·                 Changes in other external factors, such as competition and legal or regulatory requirements are considered when determining the level of estimated loss in various segments of the portfolio.

 

The establishment of the allowance for loan losses involves a high degree of judgment and includes a level of imprecision given the difficulty of identifying and assessing the factors impacting loan repayment and estimating the timing and amount of losses.  While management utilizes its best judgment and information available, the ultimate adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is dependent upon a variety of factors beyond the Company’s direct control, including the performance of its loan portfolio, the economy, changes in interest rates and property values, and the interpretation of loan risk classifications by regulatory authorities.  While each component of the allowance for loan losses is determined separately, the entire balance is available for the entire loan portfolio.

Mortgage Servicing Rights

Mortgage Servicing Rights – The Bank is also involved in the business of servicing mortgage loans.  Servicing activities include collecting principal, interest, and escrow payments from borrowers, making tax and insurance payments on behalf of the borrowers, monitoring delinquencies, executing foreclosure proceedings, and accounting for and remitting principal and interest payments to the investors.  Mortgage servicing rights represent the right to a stream of cash flows and an obligation to perform specified residential mortgage servicing activities.

 

Mortgage loans that the Company is servicing for others aggregated to $591.5 million and $552.0 million at December 31, 2013, and 2012, respectively.  Mortgage loans that the Company is servicing for others are not included in the consolidated balance sheets.  Fees received in connection with servicing loans for others are recognized as earned.  Loan servicing costs are charged to expense as incurred.

 

Servicing rights are recognized separately as assets when they are acquired through sales of loans and servicing rights are retained.  Servicing rights are initially recorded at fair value with the income statement effect recorded in gains on sales of loans.  Fair value is based on market prices for comparable mortgage servicing contracts, when available, or alternatively, is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income.  The valuation model incorporates assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income, such as the cost to service, the discount rate, the custodial earnings rate, an inflation rate, ancillary income, prepayment speeds and default rates and losses.  The Company compares the valuation model inputs and results to published industry data in order to validate the model results and assumptions.

 

Servicing fee income, which is included on the Consolidated Statements of Operations as mortgage servicing income, net of fair value changes, is recorded for fees earned for servicing loans.  The fees are based on a contractual percentage of the outstanding principal or a fixed amount per loan and are recorded as income when earned.

 

Under the fair value measurement method, the Company measures servicing rights at fair value at each reporting date, reports changes in fair value of servicing assets in earnings in the period in which the changes occur, and includes mortgage servicing rights in mortgage servicing income, net of fair value changes, on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.  The fair values of servicing rights are subject to significant fluctuations as a result of changes in estimated and actual prepayment speeds and default rates and losses.

Other Real Estate Owned ("OREO")

Other Real Estate Owned (“OREO”) – Real estate assets acquired in settlement of loans are recorded at fair value when acquired, less estimated costs to sell, establishing a new cost basis.  Any deficiency between the net book value and fair value at the foreclosure or deed in lieu date is charged to the allowance for loan losses.  If fair value declines after acquisition, a valuation allowance is established for the decrease between the recorded value and the updated fair value less costs to sell.  Such declines are included in other noninterest expense.  A subsequent reversal of an OREO valuation adjustment can occur, but the resultant carrying value cannot exceed the cost basis established at transfer to OREO.  OREO properties are valued at the lower of cost or estimated market less costs subsequent to acquisition.  Operating costs after acquisition are also expensed.

Premises and Equipment

Premises and Equipment – Premises, furniture, equipment, and leasehold improvements are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization.  Depreciation expense is determined by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.  Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the life of the asset or the lease term including anticipated renewals.  Rates of depreciation are generally based on the following useful lives: buildings, 25 to 40 years; building improvements, 3 to 15 years but longer under limited circumstances; and furniture and equipment, 3 to 10 years.  Gains and losses on dispositions are included in other noninterest income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.  Maintenance and repairs are charged to operating expenses as incurred, while improvements that extend the useful life of assets are capitalized and depreciated over the estimated remaining life.

Bank-Owned Life Insurance ("BOLI")

Bank-Owned Life Insurance (“BOLI”) – BOLI represents life insurance policies on the lives of certain Company employees (both current and former) for which the Company is the sole owner and beneficiary.  These policies are recorded as an asset on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at their cash surrender value (“CSV”) or the amount that could be realized.  The change in CSV and insurance proceeds received are recorded as BOLI income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in noninterest income.

Core Deposit Intangible Assets

Core Deposit Intangible Assets – The core deposit intangible (“CDI”) is amortized over its useful life.  The CDI was initially measured at fair value and is amortized on an accelerated method over their estimated useful life of twelve years.  It is also evaluated for impairment and impairment, if needed, would be recorded to earnings.

 

Impairment testing is performed using a two-step process.  The first step of the impairment review uses an undiscounted cash flow approach to determine if the core deposit intangible is recoverable.  If the results of the undiscounted cash flow indicate the CDI is recoverable, the second step of the impairment test is not required.  If necessary, the second step of the impairment test compares the implied fair value of the deposits with the carrying amount of the deposits.  The implied fair value of deposits is determined using a discounted cash flow approach.  An impairment loss would be recognized if the carrying amount of the reported CDI exceeded the carrying value less the implied fair value of the deposits.

 

The annual impairment analysis, completed as of November 30, 2012, indicated the core deposit intangible was not impaired as the Company passed the first step of the impairment test.  However, during 2012 management determined that the fair value of the intangible asset had declined largely due to a significant reduction in the cost of funds compared to the alternative funds rate used in the impairment analysis.  Expecting these circumstances to continue throughout 2012 and beyond, management believed the useful life of the core deposit intangible has decreased.  Management increased the amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2012, by $622,000.  The Company’s November 30, 2013 annual impairment analysis indicated the core deposit intangible was not impaired.  The carrying value of the intangible asset decreased from $3.3 million at December 31, 2012, to $1.2 million at December 31, 2013.  Further, estimated future amortization expense as of December 31, 2013, indicates that the asset will be fully amortized by December 31, 2014.

Loss Contingencies

Loss Contingencies – Loss contingencies, including claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, are recorded as liabilities when the likelihood of loss is probable and an amount or range of loss can be reasonably estimated.  Management does not believe there now are such matters that will have a material effect on the financial statements.

Wealth Management

Wealth Management – Assets held in a fiduciary or agency capacity for customers are not included in the consolidated financial statements as they are not assets of the Company or its subsidiaries.  Fee income is recognized on a cash basis and is included as a component of noninterest income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Advertising Costs

Advertising Costs – All advertising costs incurred by the Company are expensed in the period in which they are incurred.

Long-term Incentive Plan

Long-term Incentive Plan – Compensation cost is recognized for stock options and restricted stock awards issued to employees based upon the fair value of the awards at the date of grant.  A binomial model is utilized to estimate the fair value of stock options, while the market price of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant is used for restricted stock awards.  Compensation cost is recognized over the required service period, generally defined as the vesting period.  Once the award is settled, the Company would determine whether the cumulative tax deduction exceeded the cumulative compensation cost recognized in the income statement.  The cumulative tax deduction would include both the deductions from the dividends and the deduction from the exercise or vesting of the award.  If the tax benefit received from the cumulative deductions exceeds the tax effect of the recognized cumulative compensation cost, the excess would be recognized as an increase to additional paid-in capital.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes – The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and in Illinois.  The provision for income taxes is based on income in the consolidated financial statements, rather than amounts reported on the Company’s income tax return.  Income tax expense is the total of the current year income tax due or refundable and the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities.

 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates that are expected to apply to taxable income in years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  A full valuation allowance was previously established for the deferred tax assets excluding an asset associated with a net unrealized gain or loss on available-for-sale investment securities.  At September 30, 2013, the Company reversed a significant portion of the valuation allowance after an analysis of both positive and negative evidence concerning the likelihood of deferred tax asset recognition under GAAP.  Due to the implicit recovery of the book basis of the underlying securities along with management’s intent and ability to hold the securities to recovery or maturity, no valuation allowance on this specific deferred tax asset has been established.

 

The Company is under examination by the State of Illinois for the tax years 2008 and 2009.  The Company conducts a regular assessment of uncertain tax positions and will establish reserves for tax related interest and penalties with those amounts reflected in income tax expense.  The Company did not have any material amounts accrued for interest and penalties at either December 31, 2013, or December 31, 2012.

Earnings Per Common Share ("EPS")

Earnings Per Common Share (“EPS”) – Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income applicable to common shares by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period.  The basic EPS computation excludes the dilutive effect of all common stock equivalents.  Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income applicable to common shares by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding plus all potential common shares.  Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock.  The Company’s potential common shares represent shares issuable under its long-term incentive compensation plans and under the common stock warrant issued to Treasury through the CPP and subsequently sold to a third party at auction.  Such common stock equivalents are computed based on the treasury stock method using the average market price for the period.

Treasury Stock

Treasury Stock – Treasury stock acquired is recorded at cost and is carried as a reduction of stockholders’ equity in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.  Treasury stock issued is valued based on the “last in, first out” inventory method.  The difference between the consideration received upon issuance and the carrying value is charged or credited to additional paid-in capital.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive Income (Loss) – Comprehensive income (loss) is the total of reported earnings all other revenues, expenses, gains, and losses that are not reported in earnings under GAAP.  The Company includes the following items, net of tax, in other comprehensive income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss): (i) changes in unrealized gains or losses on securities available-for-sale, (ii) changes in unrealized gains or losses on securities held-to-maturity established upon transfer from securities available-for-sale, and (iii) changes in the fair value of derivatives designated under cash flow hedges (when applicable).

New Accounting Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements:  In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2013-02 “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) — Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.” ASU 2013-02 requires an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period.  The impact of ASU 2013-02 on the Company’s consolidated financial statements is reflected in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss) and has been reflected in the Company’s financial statements since January 1, 2013.

Mortgage Banking Derivatives
 
Loan portfolio policies  
Derivative Financial Instruments

Mortgage Banking Derivatives – As part of ongoing residential mortgage business, the Company enters into mortgage banking derivatives such as forward contracts and interest rate lock commitments.  The derivatives and loans held-for-sale are carried at fair value with the changes in fair value recorded in current earnings.  The net gain or loss on mortgage banking derivatives is included in gain on sale of loans.

Commercial and Industrial Loans
 
Loan portfolio policies  
Loans

Commercial and Industrial Loans – Such credits typically comprise working capital loans, loans for physical asset expansion, asset acquisition loans and other business loans.  Loans to closely held businesses will generally be guaranteed in full or for a meaningful amount by the businesses’ major owners.  Commercial loans are made based primarily on the historical and projected cash flow of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower.  The cash flows of borrowers, however, may not behave as forecasted and collateral securing loans may fluctuate in value due to economic or individual performance factors.  Minimum standards and underwriting guidelines have been established for all commercial loan types.

Commercial Real Estate Loans
 
Loan portfolio policies  
Loans

Commercial Real Estate Loans – Commercial real estate loans are subject to underwriting standards and processes similar to commercial and industrial loans.  These are loans secured by mortgages on real estate collateral.  Commercial real estate loans are viewed primarily as cash flow loans and the repayment of these loans is largely dependent on the successful operation of the property.  Loan performance may be adversely affected by factors impacting the general economy or conditions specific to the real estate market such as geographic location and/or property type.

Residential Real Estate Loans
 
Loan portfolio policies  
Loans

Residential Real Estate Loans – These are loans that are extended to purchase or refinance 1 – 4 family residential dwellings, or to purchase or refinance vacant lots intended for the construction of a 1 – 4 family home.  Residential real estate loans are considered homogenous in nature.  Homes may be the primary or secondary residence of the borrower or may be investment properties of the borrower.

Real Estate Construction & Development Loans
 
Loan portfolio policies  
Loans

Real Estate Construction & Development Loans – The Company defines construction loans as loans where the loan proceeds are controlled by the Company and used exclusively for the improvement of real estate in which the Company holds a mortgage.  Due to the inherent risk in this type of loan, they are subject to other industry specific policy guidelines outlined in the Company’s Credit Risk Policy and are monitored closely.

Consumer Loans
 
Loan portfolio policies  
Loans

Consumer Loans – Consumer loans include loans extended primarily for consumer and household purposes although they may include very small business loans for the purchase of vehicles and equipment to a single-owner enterprise and could include business purpose lines of credit if made under the terms of a small business product whose features and underwriting criteria are specified in advance by the Loan Committee.  These also include overdrafts and other items not captured by the definitions above.