FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2016

12. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

We determine the estimated fair value of financial assets and liabilities utilizing a hierarchy of valuation techniques based on whether the inputs to a fair value measurement are considered to be observable or unobservable in a marketplace. The hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value is as follows:

	Level 1 Inputs—		Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
	Level 2 Inputs—		Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities
	Level 3 Inputs—		Unobservable inputs

In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level within which the fair value measurement is categorized is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

Our derivative financial instruments (see Note 11) are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and are presented on the balance sheet at fair value, on a gross basis, excluding accrued interest. The table below presents the fair value of our derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on our consolidated balance sheets:

	June 30, 2016		December 31, 2015		Level		Balance Sheet Location
	(in thousands)
Liabilities:
Interest rate swaps	$	12,889	$	2,519		2	Other liabilities

Interest Rate Swaps—We estimate the fair value of our interest rate swaps by calculating the credit-adjusted present value of the expected future cash flows of each swap. The calculation incorporates the contractual terms of the derivatives, observable market interest rates which we consider to be Level 2 inputs, and credit risk adjustments, if any, to reflect the counterparty's as well as our own nonperformance risk.

The estimated fair values of those financial instruments which are not recorded at fair value on a recurring basis on our consolidated balance sheets were as follows:

	June 30, 2016				December 31, 2015
	Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value		Level
	(in thousands)
Assets held for sale:
Loans receivable subject to credit risk	$	48,815	$	49,049	$	46,456	$	46,697		3
SBA 7(a) loans receivable, subject to secured borrowings		31,671		32,135		36,646		37,121		3
Commercial real estate loans, subject to secured borrowings		20,178		20,340		20,338		20,408		3
Liabilities:
Junior subordinated notes		25,017		25,086		24,979		25,046		3
Mortgages payable		533,070		542,361		145,072		147,516		3

Management's estimation of the fair value of our financial instruments other than our interest rate swaps is based on a Level 3 valuation in the fair value hierarchy established for disclosure of how a company values its financial instruments. In general, quoted market prices from active markets for the identical financial instrument (Level 1 inputs), if available, should be used to value a financial instrument. If quoted prices are not available for the identical financial instrument, then a determination should be made if Level 2 inputs are available. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar financial instruments in active markets for identical or similar financial instruments in markets that are not active (i.e., markets in which there are few transactions for the financial instruments, the prices are not current, price quotations vary substantially, or in which little information is released publicly). There is limited reliable market information for our financial instruments other than our interest rate swaps and we utilize other methodologies based on unobservable inputs for valuation purposes since there are no Level 1 or Level 2 inputs available. Accordingly, Level 3 inputs are used to measure fair value.

In general, estimates of fair value may differ from the carrying amounts of the financial assets and liabilities primarily as a result of the effects of discounting future cash flows. Considerable judgment is required to interpret market data and develop estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented are made at a point in time and may not be indicative of the amounts we could realize in a current market exchange.

The carrying amounts of our secured borrowings, included in liabilities associated with assets held for sale, and unsecured credit and term loan facilities approximate their fair values, as the interest rates on these securities are variable and approximate current market interest rates.

Loans Receivable Subject to Credit Risk—Loans receivable were initially recorded at estimated fair value at the Acquisition Date. Loans receivable originated subsequent to the Acquisition Date are recorded at cost upon origination and adjusted by net loan origination fees and discounts. In order to determine the estimated fair value of our loans receivable, we use a present value technique for the anticipated future cash flows using certain assumptions. At June 30, 2016, our assumptions included discount rates ranging from 8.25% to 13.00% and a prepayment rate of 15.00%. At December 31, 2015, our assumptions included discount rates ranging from 8.00% to 12.75% and a prepayment rate of 15.00%.

SBA 7(a) Loans Receivable, Subject to Secured Borrowings—These loans receivable represent the government guaranteed portion of loans which were sold with the proceeds received from the sale reflected as secured borrowings—government guaranteed loans (a liability associated with assets held for sale on our consolidated balance sheets (Note 6)). There is no credit risk associated with these loans since the SBA has guaranteed payment of the principal. In order to determine the estimated fair value of these loans receivable, we use a present value technique for the anticipated future cash flows taking into consideration the lack of credit risk and using a prepayment rate of 15.00% at both June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

Commercial Real Estate Loans, Subject to Secured Borrowings—In order to determine the estimated fair value of our commercial real estate loans receivable which consist of mezzanine loans, we use a present value technique for the anticipated future cash flows using certain assumptions including a discount rate of 12.50% and 9.77% at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. For the purpose of fair value determination, there is no prepayment anticipated and no potential credit deterioration anticipated on our loans at both June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

Junior Subordinated Notes—The fair value of the junior subordinated notes is estimated based on current interest rates available for debt instruments with similar terms. Discounted cash flow analysis is generally used to estimate the fair value of our junior subordinated notes. The rate used was 4.48% and 4.44% at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

Mortgages Payable—The fair values of mortgages payable are estimated based on current interest rates available for debt instruments with similar terms. The fair value of our mortgages payable is sensitive to fluctuations in interest rates. Discounted cash flow analysis is generally used to estimate the fair value of our mortgages payable, using rates ranging from 3.84% to 4.19% and 4.42% to 4.72% at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

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