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 (Note 12) were measured at fair value on a recurring basis and were presented on our consolidated balance sheets 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, 2019

December 31, 2018

Level

Balance Sheet
Location

(in thousands)

Assets:

Interest rate swaps

—

1,630

Other assets

Interest Rate Swaps—We estimated 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 incorporated the contractual terms of the derivatives, observable market interest rates which we considered 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 are as follows:



	June 30, 2019				December 31, 2018
	Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value		Level
	(in thousands)
Assets:
SBA 7(a) loans receivable, subject to loan-backed notes	$	32,982	$	34,088	$	37,031	$	38,357	3
SBA 7(a) loans receivable, subject to credit risk	23,539		24,644		29,748		30,630		3
SBA 7(a) loans receivable, subject to secured borrowings	15,964		16,192		16,469		16,706		3
Liabilities:
Mortgages payable (1)	96,913		99,078		386,923		377,364		3
Junior subordinated notes	25,257		24,426		25,215		24,462		3


(1)	The December 31, 2018 carrying amount and estimated fair value of mortgages payable exclude one mortgage loan with carrying value of $28,018,000 that had been classified as liabilities associated with assets held for sale, net, on our consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2018 (Notes 3 and 7).

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 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—government guaranteed loans, SBA 7(a) loan-backed notes and revolving credit facility approximate their fair values, as the interest rates on these securities are variable and approximate current market interest rates.

SBA 7(a) Loans Receivable, Subject to Loan-Backed Notes—These loans receivable represent the unguaranteed portions of loans originated under the SBA 7(a) Program which were transferred to a trust and are held as collateral in connection with a securitization transaction. The proceeds from the transfer have been recorded as SBA 7(a) loan-backed notes payable. In order to determine the estimated fair value of these loans receivable, we use a present value technique for the anticipated future cash flows using certain assumptions. At June 30, 2019, our assumptions included discount rates ranging from 7.75% to 9.50% and prepayment rates ranging from 12.10% to 17.50%. At December 31, 2018, our assumptions included discount rates ranging from 6.75% to 9.25% and prepayment rates ranging from 9.59% to 17.50%.

SBA 7(a) 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, 2019, our assumptions included discount rates ranging from 7.25% to 10.00% and prepayment rates ranging from 8.03% to 17.50%. At December 31, 2018, our assumptions included discount rates ranging from 6.75% to 9.75% and prepayment rates ranging from 4.91% to 17.50%.

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. 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. At June 30, 2019, our assumptions included discount rates ranging from 9.00% to 9.75% and prepayment rates ranging from and 10.29% to 17.50%. At December 31, 2018, our assumptions included discount rates ranging from 8.75% to 9.50% and prepayment rates ranging from and 10.29% to 17.50%.

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 a rate of 3.81% at June 30, 2019, and rates ranging from 4.62% to 4.64% at December 31, 2018.

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 6.57% and 7.05% at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.