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Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation
Basis of Presentation
For the purpose of financial statement presentation, Mr. Cooper was determined to be the accounting acquirer in the Merger, and Nationstar’s assets and liabilities were recorded at estimated fair value as of the acquisition date. Mr. Cooper’s interim consolidated financial statements for periods following the Merger closing are labeled “Successor” and reflect the acquired assets and assumed liabilities from Nationstar.

Under Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules, when a registrant succeeds to acquire substantially all of the business of another entity and the registrant’s own operations before the succession appear insignificant relative to the operations assumed or acquired, the registrant is required to present financial information for the acquired entity (the “Predecessor”) for all comparable periods being presented before the acquisition. Due to the acquisition, the Predecessor and Successor financial statements have been prepared on different basis of accounting and are therefore not comparable.

Pursuant to the Merger, Nationstar is considered the predecessor Company. Therefore, the Company is providing additional information in the accompanying consolidated financial statements regarding Nationstar’s business for the period prior to July 31, 2018. The predecessor Company’s financial information is labeled “Predecessor” in these consolidated financial statements.

The consolidated financial statements of the Company and Predecessor have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The significant accounting policies described below, together with the other notes that follow, are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
Basis of Consolidation
Basis of Consolidation
The basis of consolidation described below was adopted by Nationstar and applied to the Predecessor financial statements for the periods impacted by the adoption. The Successor’s financial statements reflect the adoption of such standards.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly owned subsidiaries, other entities in which the Company has a controlling financial interest, and those variable interest entities (“VIE”) where the Company’s wholly owned subsidiaries are the primary beneficiaries. Assets and liabilities of VIEs and their respective results of operations are consolidated from the date that the Company became the primary beneficiary through the date the Company ceases to be the primary beneficiary. The Company applies the equity method of accounting to investments where it is able to exercise significant influence, but not control, over the policies and procedures of the entity and owns less than 50% of the voting interests. Investments in certain companies over which the Company does not exert significant influence are accounted for as cost method investments. Intercompany balances and transactions on consolidated entities have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates due to factors such as adverse changes in the economy, increases in interest rates, secondary market pricing for loans held for sale and derivatives, strength of underwriting and servicing practices, changes in prepayment assumptions, declines in home prices or discrete events adversely affecting specific borrowers, uncertainties in the economy from the COVID-19 pandemic, and such differences could be material.
Recent Accounting Guidance Adopted
Recent Accounting Guidance Adopted
Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326), (“ASU 2016-13”) requires expected credit losses for financial instruments held at the reporting date to be measured based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts, which is referred to as the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) methodology. The update eliminates the initial recognition of credit losses on an incurred basis in current GAAP and instead reflects an entity’s current estimate of all expected credit losses over the life of the asset. Previously, when credit losses were measured under GAAP, an entity generally only considered past events and current conditions in measuring the incurred loss. The new standard will reflect management’s best estimate of all expected credit losses for the Company’s financial assets that are recognized at amortized cost. The guidance was effective for the Company as of January 1, 2020, with a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of that date.

Based upon management’s scoping analysis, the Company determined that reverse mortgage interests, net of reserves, advances and other receivables, net of reserves, and certain financial instruments included in other assets are within the scope of ASU 2016-13. Certain financial instruments within these respective line items have been determined to have limited expected credit-related losses due to the contractual servicing agreements with agencies and loan product guarantees. For advances and other receivables, net, the Company determined that the majority of estimated losses are due to servicing operational errors and credit-related losses are not significant because of the contractual relationships with the agencies. For reverse mortgage interests, the Company determined that the guarantee from Federal Housing Administration (“FHA”) on Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (“HECM”) loan products limits credit-related losses to an immaterial amount with substantially all losses related to servicing operational errors. For other assets, primarily trade receivables, the Company determined that these are short-term in nature (less than one year), and the estimated credit-related losses over the life of these receivables are similar to those resulting from the Company’s existing loss reserve process. For each of the aforementioned financial instruments carried at amortized cost, the Company enhanced its processes to consider and include the requirements of ASU 2016-13, as applicable, into the determination of credit-related losses.

On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13 using the modified retrospective method for the above-mentioned financial assets. Results for reporting periods after January 1, 2020 are presented under ASU 2016-13 while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable GAAP. The Company recorded transition adjustments aggregating to a net increase of $9, or $7 after tax, to retained earnings and a reduction of $7 to the advances and other receivables reserve and a $2 reduction in the other assets reserves, as of January 1, 2020 for the cumulative effect of adopting ASU 2016-13.
In connection with adoption of ASU 2016-13, the Company updated its accounting policies as follows:

For certain financial instruments included in advances and other receivables, net, and certain trade receivables and accrued revenues included in other assets that are within the scope of ASU 2016-13, the reserve methodology was revised to consider CECL losses. The revised CECL methodology considers expected lifetime loss rates calculated from historical data using a weighted average life to determine the current expected credit loss required. Due to the nature of the financial instrument, reverse mortgage interests, net of reserves, and advances and other receivables had limited impact from the adoption of CECL to the reserve methodology. See Note 4, Advances and Other Receivables, and Note 5, Reverse Mortgage Interests for additional information.

Factors that influenced management’s current estimate of expected credit losses for certain advances and other receivables and certain trade receivables and accrued revenues included the following: historical collection and loss rates, passage of time, weighted average life of receivables, and various qualitative factors including current economic conditions.

Factors that influenced management’s current estimate of expected credit related losses for certain reverse mortgage interests included the following: historical collection and loss rates, foreclosure timelines, and values of underlying collateral.

Accounting Standards Update No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement, (“ASU 2018-13”) removes the requirement to disclose the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurement methodologies, the policy for timing of transfers between levels and the valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements. It also adds a requirement to disclose changes in unrealized gains and losses for the period included in other comprehensive income for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements held at the end of the reporting period and the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 measurements. For certain unobservable inputs, entities may disclose other quantitative information in lieu of the weighted average if the other quantitative information would be a more reasonable and rational method to reflect the distribution of unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements. The Company adopted ASU 2018-13 on January 1, 2020. The guidance does not have a material impact to the disclosures currently provided by the Company.
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include unrestricted cash on hand and other interest-bearing investments with original maturity dates of 90 days or less.

Restricted Cash
Restricted cash includes collected funds pledged to certain advance and warehouse facilities, collected fees payable to third parties, and contractual escrow funds.
Mortgage Servicing Rights (MSRs)
Mortgage Servicing Rights (“MSR”)
The Company recognizes the rights to service mortgage loans for others, or MSRs, whether acquired or as a result of the sale of loans the Company originates with servicing retained, as assets. The Company initially records all MSRs at fair value. MSRs related to reverse mortgages are subsequently recorded at amortized cost. The Company has elected to subsequently measure forward MSRs at fair value.

For MSRs initially recorded and subsequently measured at fair value, the fair value of the MSRs is based upon the present value of the expected future net cash flows related to servicing the underlying loans. The Company determines the fair value of the MSRs by the use of a discounted cash flow model which incorporates prepayment speeds, delinquencies, discount rate, ancillary revenues, float earnings and other assumptions (including costs to service and forbearance rates) that management believes are consistent with the assumptions that other similar market participants use in valuing the MSRs. The key assumptions to determine fair value include prepayment speed, discount rate and cost to service. The credit quality and stated interest rates of the forward loans underlying the MSRs affects the assumptions used in the cash flow models. The Company obtains third-party valuations quarterly to assess the reasonableness of the fair value calculated by the cash flow model. Fair value adjustments are recorded within revenues - service related, net in the consolidated statements of operations.
Additionally, the Company owns servicing rights for certain reverse mortgage loans. For this separate class of servicing rights, the Company initially records an MSR or mortgage servicing liability (“MSL”) on the acquisition date based on the fair value of the future cash flows associated with the pool and whether adequate compensation is to be received for servicing. The Company applies the amortized cost method for subsequent measurement of the loan pools with the capitalized cost of the MSRs amortized in proportion and over the period of the estimated net future servicing income and the MSL accreted ratably over the expected life of the portfolio. The expected period of the estimated net servicing income is based, in part, on the expected prepayment period of the underlying mortgages. The Company adjusts MSR amortization and MSL accretion prospectively in response to changes in estimated projections of future cash flows. Reverse MSRs and MSLs are stratified and evaluated each reporting period for impairment or increased obligation, as applicable, based on predominant risk characteristics of the underlying serviced loans. The Company has determined that the predominant characteristic inherent in the reverse mortgage servicing portfolios is the product type (i.e. GNMA vs FNMA). Impairment of the reverse MSR or additional obligation associated with the MSL is recorded through a valuation allowance, unless considered other-than-temporary, and is recognized as a charge to general and administrative expense. Amounts amortized or accreted are recognized as an adjustment to revenues - service related, net, along with monthly servicing fees received, generally stated at a fixed rate per loan.
Advances and Other Receivables, Net
Advances and Other Receivables, Net
The Company advances funds to or on behalf of the investors when the borrower fails to meet contractual payments (e.g., principal, interest, property taxes, insurance) in accordance with terms of its servicing agreements. Other receivables consist of advances funded to maintain and market underlying loan collateral through foreclosure and ultimate liquidation on behalf of the investors. Advances are recovered from borrowers for performing loans and from the investors and loan proceeds for non-performing loans.

The Company may also acquire servicer advances in connection with the acquisition of MSRs through asset acquisitions or business combinations. These advances are recorded at their relative fair value amounts upon acquisition. The Company records receivables upon determining that collection of amounts due from loan proceeds, investors, mortgage insurers, or prior servicers is probable. Reserves related to recoverability of advances and other receivables are discussed below in Reserves for Forward Servicing Activity.
As a result of the Merger and the acquisition of Pacific Union, the Advances and Other Receivables assets were recorded at their estimated fair value as of the acquisition date. In both transactions, recording the estimated fair value resulted in a discount within Advances and Other Receivables. Subsequently, this discount will be utilized as the advance balances associated with the discount are recovered or written off.
Reverse Mortgage Interests, Net
Reverse Mortgage Interests, Net
Reverse mortgage interests are comprised of the Company’s interest in reverse mortgage loans that consists of participating interests in Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (“HECMs”) mortgage-backed securities (“HMBS”), other interests securitized and unsecuritized interests, as well as related claims receivables and real estate owned (“REO”) related receivables. The Company services previously acquired interests in reverse mortgage loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration (“FHA”) known as HECMs. HECMs provide seniors aged 62 and older with a loan secured by their home which can be taken as a lump sum, line of credit, or scheduled payments. HECM loan balances grow over the loan term through borrower draws of scheduled payments or line of credit draws, as well as through the accrual of interest, servicing fees and FHA mortgage insurance premiums. Growth in the loan balances are capitalized and recorded as reverse mortgage interests within the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. Additionally, loan balances including borrower draws, mortgage insurance premiums, and servicing fees may be eligible for securitization through Ginnie Mae’s HMBS program. In accordance with FHA guidelines, HECMs are designed to repay through foreclosure and subsequent liquidation of loan collateral after the loan becomes due and payable. Any shortfalls experienced by the servicer of the HECM through the foreclosure and liquidation process can be claimed to FHA in accordance with applicable guidelines. Other interests securitized consist of reverse mortgage interests that no longer meet HMBS program eligibility criteria and have been repurchased out of HMBS. These reverse mortgage interests have subsequently been transferred to private securitization trusts and are accounted for as a secured borrowing. Unsecuritized interests include repurchased HECM loans for which the Company is required to repurchase from the HMBS pool when the outstanding principal balance of the HECM loan is equal to or greater than 98% of the maximum claim amount (“MCA”) established at origination in accordance with HMBS program guidelines.

As the HECM loan moves through the foreclosure and claims process, the Company classifies reverse mortgage interests as REO related receivables and HECM related receivables, respectively. Interest income is accrued monthly based upon the borrower interest rates within interest income on the consolidated statements of operations. The Company includes the cash outflow from funding these amounts as operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows as a component of reverse mortgage interests.
The Company is an authorized Ginnie Mae (“GNMA”) HMBS program issuer and servicer. In accordance with GNMA HMBS program guidelines, borrower draws of scheduled payments or line of credit draws, servicing fee and interest accruals and mortgage insurance premium accruals are eligible for HMBS participation securitizations as each of these items increases underlying HECM loan balances. The Company pools and securitizes such eligible items into GNMA HMBS as issuer and servicer. In accordance with the HMBS program, issuers are responsible for purchasing HECM loans out of the HMBS pool when the outstanding principal balance of the related HECM loan is equal or greater than 98% of the maximum claim amount at which point the HECM loans are no longer eligible to remain in the HMBS pool. Upon purchase from the HMBS pool, the Company will assign active HECM loans to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) or a prior servicer (as applicable and permitted by acquisition agreements) or service inactive HECM loans through foreclosure and liquidation. Based upon the structure of the GNMA HMBS program, the Company has determined that the securitizations of the HECM loans into HMBS pools do not meet all requirements for sale accounting. Accordingly, these transactions are accounted for as secured borrowings.

If the Company has repurchased an inactive HECM loan that cannot be assigned to HUD, the Company may pool and securitize these loans into a private HECM securitization. These securitizations are also recorded as secured borrowings in the consolidated balance sheets. Interest expense on the participating interest financing is accrued monthly based upon the underlying HMBS rates and is recorded to interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations. Both the acquisition and assumption of HECM loans and related GNMA HMBS debt are presented as investing and financing activities, respectively, in the consolidated statements of cash flows. Subsequent proceeds received from securitizations, and subsequent repayments on the securitized debt are presented as financing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. Reserves related to recoverability of reverse mortgage interests are discussed below in Reserves for Reverse Mortgage Interests.
In connection with the Merger, the Company recorded the acquired reverse mortgage interests at estimated fair value as of the acquisition date, which resulted in a net purchase discount associated with financial and operational losses on reverse mortgage interests associated with servicing the loans through foreclosure and collateral liquidation. The premium and discount are amortized and accreted, respectively, based on the effective yield method, whereby the Company updates its prepayment assumptions for actual prepayments on a quarterly basis. Consistent with the Company’s accounting policy, the Company calculates reserve requirements on the reverse mortgage interests portfolio each reporting period and compares such calculated reserve requirements against the remaining net purchase discount. If the calculated reserve requirements exceed the remaining net purchase discount, the Company will record an additional reserve and associated provision to general and administrative expense.
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale
The Company originates prime residential mortgage loans with the intention of selling such loans on a servicing-retained basis in the secondary market. As these loans are originated with intent to sell, the loans are classified as held for sale and the Company has elected to measure these loans held for sale at fair value. The Company estimates fair value of mortgage loans held for sale by using a market approach by utilizing either: (i) the fair value of securities backed by similar mortgage loans, adjusted for certain factors to approximate the fair value of a whole mortgage loan, including the value attributable to mortgage servicing and credit risk, (ii) current commitments to purchase loans or (iii) recent observable market trades for similar loans, adjusted for credit risk and other individual loan characteristics. In connection with the Company’s election to measure originated mortgage loans held for sale at fair value, the Company records the loan originations fees when earned, net of direct loan originations costs associated with these loans. Loan origination fees, gains or losses recognized upon sale of loans, and fair value adjustments are recorded in net gain on sale of mortgage loans held for sale in the consolidated statements of operations.

From time to time, the Company exercises its right to repurchase individual delinquent loans in GNMA securitization pools to minimize interest spread losses, to re-pool into new GNMA securitizations or to otherwise sell to third-party investors.

The Company has the right to repurchase any individual loan in a GNMA securitization pool if that loan meets certain criteria, including payments not being received from borrowers for greater than 90 days. It is the Company’s intention to re-pool into new GNMA securitizations upon re-performance of the loan or to otherwise sell to third-party investors; therefore, the Company classifies such loans as loans held for sale and has elected to measure these repurchased loans at fair value.
MSR Related Liabilities - Nonrecourse
MSR Related Liabilities - Nonrecourse
Excess Spread Financing
In conjunction with the acquisition of certain MSRs on various pools of residential mortgage loans (the “Portfolios”), the Company entered into sale and assignment agreements related to its right to servicing fees, under which the Company sells to third parties the right to receive a portion of the excess cash flow generated from the Portfolios after receipt of a fixed base servicing fee per loan. The excess cash flow payments made to third parties are considered counterparty payments, which are recorded as an adjustment to the Company’s revenues - service related, net in the consolidated statement of operations. The agreements consist of two components - current excess spread, or remittance of a percentage of excess spread on currently serviced loans, and future excess spread, or the obligation to transfer currently serviced loans that have been refinanced into current excess spread or a replacement loan of similar economic characteristics into the portfolios. The new or replacement loan will be governed by the same terms set forth in the sale and assignment agreement described above. The sale of these rights is accounted for as secured borrowings, with the total proceeds received being recorded as a component of MSR related liabilities - nonrecourse at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company determines the effective interest rate on these liabilities and allocates total repayments between interest expense and the outstanding liability.

The Company has elected to measure the outstanding financings related to the excess spread financing agreements at fair value with all changes in fair value recorded to revenues - service related, net in the consolidated statements of operations. The fair value on excess spread financing is based on the present value of future expected discounted cash flows with the discount rate approximating current market value. The cash flow assumptions and prepayment assumptions used in the model are based on various factors, with the key assumptions being mortgage prepayment speeds, recapture rates and discount rate.

Mortgage Servicing Rights Financing
From December 2013 through June 2014, the Predecessor entered into agreements to sell a contractually specified base servicing fee component of certain MSRs and servicing advances under specified terms to a joint venture capitalized by third-party investors. The purpose of this transaction was to facilitate the financing of advances for private label mortgages. The Company continues to be the named servicer and, for accounting purposes, ownership of the mortgage servicing rights continues to reside with the Company. Accordingly, the Company records the MSR and an MSR financing liability associated with this transaction in its consolidated balance sheets. The MSR financing liability reflects the incremental costs of this transaction relative to the market participant assumptions contained in the MSR valuation. The Company had MSR financing liability of $33 and $37 as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Counterparty payments related to this financing arrangement are recorded as an adjustment to the Company’s revenues - service related, net in the consolidated statement of operations.

The Company has elected to measure the mortgage servicing rights financing liabilities at fair value with all changes in fair value recorded to revenues - service related, net in the consolidated statements of operations. The fair value on mortgage servicing right financings is based on the present value of future expected discounted cash flows with the discount rate approximating current market value for similar financial instruments. The cash flow assumptions and prepayment assumptions used in the model are based on various factors, with the key assumptions being advance financing rates and advance recovery rates.
Property and Equipment, Net
Property and Equipment, Net
Property and equipment is comprised of building, furniture, fixtures, leasehold improvements, computer software, and computer hardware. These assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred which is included in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. Depreciation, which includes depreciation and amortization on capital leases, is recorded using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Cost and accumulated depreciation applicable to assets retired or sold are eliminated from the accounts, and any resulting gains or losses are recognized at such time through a charge or credit to general and administrative expenses. Costs to internally developed computer software are capitalized during the development stage and include external direct costs of materials and services as well as employee costs related to time spent on the project.

Long-lived assets shall be tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of its property and equipment might not be recoverable. The Company will perform a quarterly evaluation to determine whether such events have occurred. If events and circumstances indicate the carrying values exceed the fair value of the fixed assets, the Company will proceed with an impairment testing. Impairment loss shall be recognized only if the carrying amount of a long-lived asset is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value. The carrying amount of a long-lived asset is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. The impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of a long-lived asset exceeds its fair value.
Leases
Leases
If the Company determines an arrangement contains a lease or lease components, then the lease will be accounted for under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 842 and classified as either a finance or operating lease. At the lease commencement date, the Company recognizes a leased right-of-use (“ROU”) asset and corresponding lease liability based on the present value of the lease payments over the lease term. Leased ROU assets are tested for impairment in accordance with ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment.

ASC 842 provides for two policy elections. The first refers to leases with a term of 12 months or less and the second relates to separating lease components from nonlease components. The Company elected not to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities for leases with a term of 12 months or less and not to separate lease components from nonlease components.

Leases primarily consist of various corporate and other office facilities. Operating leases in which the Company is the lessee are recorded as operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities, which are included in other assets and payables and other liabilities, respectively, on the consolidated balance sheets. Operating lease ROU assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset during the lease term and operating lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized at lease commencement based on the present value of the remaining lease payments using a discount rate that represents the Company’s incremental borrowing rate at the lease commencement date, as most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate. ROU assets are further adjusted for lease incentives. Operating lease expense, which is comprised of amortization of the ROU asset and the implicit interest accreted on the operating lease liability, is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term and is recorded in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. Operating lease activity is included in operating activities within the consolidated statements of cash flows.
A finance lease is recorded as a leased property or equipment asset with a corresponding finance lease liability at an amount equal to the present value of minimum lease payments at the commencement date. Assets acquired under a finance lease are depreciated on a straight-line basis based on the shorter of the Company’s depreciation policy for owned assets (i.e. useful life) or the lease term. Lease payments are allocated between a reduction of the lease liability and interest expense to produce a constant periodic interest rate on the remaining balance of the lease liability. Interest expense on the lease liability is recognized separately from the amortization of the leased ROU asset in the consolidated statements of operations. Finance lease assets and liabilities are included in property and equipment, net, and payables and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets, respectively. Finance lease activity is included in financing activities within the consolidated statements of cash flows.
Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivative instruments are used as part of the overall strategy to manage exposure to market risks primarily associated with fluctuations in interest rates related to originations. The Company recognizes all derivatives at fair value on a recurring basis in other assets and payables and other liabilities on its consolidated balance sheets. The Company treats all of its derivative instruments as economic hedges, therefore none of its derivative instruments are designated as accounting hedges.

Derivative instruments utilized by the Company primarily include interest rate lock commitments (“IRLCs”), loan purchase commitments (“LPCs”), forward Mortgage Backed Securities (“MBS”) purchase commitments, Eurodollar futures, Treasury futures, interest rate swap agreements and interest rate caps.

IRLCs represent an agreement to extend credit to a mortgage loan applicant, or an agreement to purchase a loan from a third-party originator, whereby the interest rate on the loan is set prior to funding. The fair values of mortgage loans held for sale, which are held in inventory awaiting sale into the secondary market, and interest rate lock commitments, are subject to changes in mortgage interest rates from the date of the commitment through the sale of the loan into the secondary market. As a result, the Company is exposed to interest rate risk during the period from the date of the lock commitment through (i) the lock commitment cancellation or expiration date; or (ii) the date of sale into the secondary mortgage market. IRLCs are considered freestanding derivatives and are recorded at fair value at inception. Loan commitments generally range between 30 days and 90 days, and the Company typically sells mortgage loans within 30 days of origination. Changes in fair value subsequent to inception are based on changes in the fair value of the underlying loan, and changes in the probability that the loan will fund within the terms of the commitment. Any changes in fair value are recorded in earnings as a component of net gain on mortgage loans held for sale on the consolidated statement of operations and consolidated statement of cash flows.
The Company uses other derivative financial instruments, primarily forward sales commitments, to manage exposure to interest rate risk and changes in the fair value of IRLCs and mortgage loans held for sale. These commitments are recorded at fair value based on the dealer’s market. The forward sales commitments fix the forward sales price that will be realized in the secondary market and thereby reduce the interest rate and price risk to the Company. The Company’s expectation of the amount of its interest rate lock commitments that will ultimately close is a key factor in determining the notional amount of derivatives used in economically hedging the position. The Company may also enter into commitments to purchase MBS as part of its overall hedging strategy. The estimated fair values of forward MBS are based on the exchange prices. The changes in value on the forward sales commitments and forward sales of MBS are recorded as a charge or credit to net gain on mortgage loans held for sale on the consolidated statement of operations and consolidated statement of cash flows.

The Company also purchases interest rate swaps, Eurodollar futures and Treasury futures to mitigate exposure to interest rate risk related to cash flows on securitized mortgage borrowings.
Intangible Assets and Goodwill
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets primarily consist of customer relationships and technology acquired through business combinations. Those intangible assets are deemed to have finite useful lives and are amortized either on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives (trade name, technology and internally developed software), or on a basis more representative of the time pattern over which the benefit is derived (customer relationships). Intangible assets are recorded at their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition.

Intangible assets with finite useful lives are tested for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable by comparing the carrying value of the assets to the estimated future undiscounted cash flows to be generated by the asset. If an impairment is determined to exist for intangible assets, the carrying value of the asset is reduced to the estimated fair value.

Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired in business combinations and is assigned to the reporting unit in which the acquired business will operate. Goodwill is not amortized but is instead subject to impairment testing. The Company evaluates its goodwill for impairment annually as of October 1 of each year or more frequently if impairment indicators arise in accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other. When testing goodwill for impairment, the Company may elect to perform either a qualitative test or a quantitative test to determine if it is more likely than not that the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value.

During a qualitative analysis, the Company considers the impact of any changes to the following factors: macroeconomic, industry and market factors, cost factors, and changes in overall financial performance, as well as any other relevant events and uncertainties impacting a reporting unit. If the qualitative assessment does not conclude that it is more likely than not that the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is greater than the carrying value, the Company performs a quantitative analysis. In a quantitative test, the carrying value of the reporting unit is compared to its estimated fair value.

In a quantitative test, the fair value of a reporting unit is determined based on a discounted cash flow analysis and further analyzed using other methods of valuation. A discounted cash flow analysis requires the Company to make various assumptions, including assumptions about future cash flows, growth rates and discount rates. The assumptions about future cash flows and growth rates are based on the Company’s long-term projections by reporting unit. In addition, an assumed terminal value is used to project future cash flows beyond base years. Assumptions used in the Company’s impairment testing are consistent with its internal forecasts and operating plans. The discount rate is based on the Company’s debt and equity balances, adjusted for current market conditions and investor expectations of return on the Company’s equity. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, there is no impairment. If not, the Company compares the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount. To the extent the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, a write-down of the reporting unit’s goodwill would be necessary.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition
ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, establishes principles for reporting information about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from the entity's contracts to provide goods or services to customers. The core principle requires an entity to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers as performance obligations are satisfied in an amount that reflects the consideration that the entity expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The majority of the Company’s revenue-generating transactions in the Servicing and Originations segments, including revenue generated from financial instruments, such as the Company’s loans and derivatives, as well as revenue related to the Company’s mortgage servicing activities, are not within the scope of ASC 606 as these activities are subject to other GAAP discussed elsewhere within the Company’s disclosures. All revenues from Xome fall within the scope of ASC 606.
Revenues from Servicing Activities
Revenues from Forward Servicing Activities - Service related revenues primarily include contractually specified servicing fees, late charges, prepayment penalties, fair value adjustments, and other ancillary revenues. The servicing fees are based on a contractual percentage of the outstanding principal balance and recognized as revenue as earned during the life of the loan. Corresponding loan servicing costs are charged to expense as incurred. The Company recognizes ancillary revenues and earnings on float as they are earned.

In addition, the Company receives various fees in the course of providing servicing on its various portfolios. These fees include modification fees for modifications performed outside of government programs, modification fees for modifications pursuant to various government programs, and incentive fees for servicing performance on specific government-sponsored entities (“GSE”) portfolios. Fees recorded on modifications of mortgage loans serviced by the Company for others are recognized on collection and are recorded as a component of revenues - service related, net. Fees recorded on modifications pursuant to various government programs are recognized based upon completion of all necessary steps by the Company and the minimum loan performance time frame to establish eligibility for the fee. Revenue earned on modifications pursuant to various government programs is included as a component of revenues - service related, net. Incentive fees for servicing performance on specific GSE portfolios are recognized as various incentive standards are achieved and are recorded as a component of revenues - service related, net.

Fair value adjustments related to MSRs, excess spread financing and MSRs financing are recorded as component of revenue – service related, net.

The Company also acts as a subservicer for certain parties that own the underlying servicing rights and receives subservicing fees, which are typically a stated monthly fee per loan that varies based on types of loans. Fees related to the subserviced portfolio are accrued in the period the services are performed.

Net gain on mortgage loans held for sale includes the realized and unrealized gains and losses on sales of mortgage loans and the fair market value adjustments related to mortgage loans held for sale.

Revenues from Reverse Mortgage Servicing and Reverse Mortgage Interests - The Company performs servicing of reverse mortgage loans, similar to its forward servicing business, and receives servicing fees from investors, which are recorded in revenues - service related, net in the consolidated statements of operations. For reverse mortgage interests, where the Company records entire participating interest in HECM loans, the Company accrues interest in accordance with FHA guidelines and records interest income on the consolidated statements of operations.

Revenues from Origination Activities
Revenues from Origination and other loan fees - Loan origination and other loan fees generally represent flat, per-loan fee amounts and are recognized as revenue, net of loan origination costs, at the time the loans are funded.

Net gain on mortgage loans held for sale - Net gain on loans held for sale includes the realized and unrealized gains and losses on sales of mortgage loans, as well as the changes in fair value of all loan-related derivatives, including interest rate lock commitments.

Revenues from Xome
Xome’s operations are comprised of Exchange, Title and Solutions, as follows:

Exchange is a national technology-enabled platform that manages and sells residential properties through its Xome.com platform. Revenue-generating activities include commission and buyer’s premium of winning bids on auctioned real estate owned (“REO”) and short sale properties. Revenue is recognized when the performance obligation is completed, which is at the closing of real estate transactions and there is transfer of ownership to the buyer.

Title and Solutions connect the major touch points of the real estate transactions process by providing title, escrow, collateral valuation and field services for purchase, refinance and default transactions. Major revenue-generating activities include title and escrow services and valuation services. Revenue is recognized when the performance obligation is completed, which is when services are rendered to customers.
Reserves for Origination Activity, Forward Servicing Activity and Reverse Mortgage Interests
Reserves for Origination Activity
The Company provides for reserves, included within payables and accrued liabilities, in connection with loan origination activities. Reserves on loan origination activities primarily include reserves for the repurchase of loans from GSEs, GNMA, and third-party investors primarily due to delinquency or foreclosure and are initially recorded upon sale of the loan to a third party with subsequent reserves recorded based on repurchase demands. The provision for reserves associated with loan origination activities is a component of net gain on mortgage loans held for sale in the consolidated statements of operations.

The Company utilizes internal models to estimate reserves for loan origination activities based upon its expectation of future defaults and the historical defect rate for government insured loans and is based upon judgments and assumptions which can be influenced by many factors and may change over the life of the underlying loans, including: (i) historical loss rate, (ii) secondary market pricing of loans; (iii) home prices and the levels of home equity; (iv) the quality of Company’s underwriting procedures; (v) borrower delinquency and default patterns; and (vi) other Company-specific and macro-economic factors. On a quarterly basis, management corroborates these assumptions using third-party data, where applicable.

Reserves for Forward Servicing Activity
In connection with forward loan servicing activities, the Company records reserves primarily for the recoverability of advances, interest claims, and mortgage insurance claims. Reserves for advances and other receivables associated with loans in the MSR portfolio are considered within the MSR valuation, and the provision expense for such advances is recorded in the mark-to-market adjustment in revenues - service related, net in the consolidated statement of operations. Such valuation gives consideration to the expected cash outflows and inflows for advances and other receivables in accordance with the fair value framework. Reserves for advances and other receivables on loans transferred out of the MSR portfolio are established within advances and other receivables, net. As loans serviced transfer out of the MSR portfolio, any negative MSR value associated with the loans transferred is reclassified from the MSR to the reserve within advances and other receivables, net, to the extent such reserves continue to be required for balances remaining on the consolidated balance sheets. Management evaluates reserves for sufficiency each reporting period and any additional reserve requirements are recorded as a provision in general and administrative expense, as needed.

The Company records reserves for advances and other receivables and evaluates the sufficiency of such reserves through internal models considering both historical and expected recovery rates on claims filed with government agencies, government sponsored enterprises, vendors, prior servicer and other counterparties. Key assumptions used in the model include but are not limited to expected recovery rates by loan types and aging of the receivable. Recovery of advances and other receivables is subject to judgment based on the Company’s assessment of its compliance with servicing guidelines, its ability to produce the necessary documentation to support claims, its ability to support amounts from prior servicers and to effectively negotiate settlements, as needed. Management reviews recorded advances and other receivables and upon determination that no further recourse for recovery is available from all means known to management, the recorded balances associated with these receivables are written-off against the reserve.

Reserves for Reverse Mortgage Interests
The Company records a reserve for reverse mortgage interests based on unrecoverable costs and estimates of probable loss exposures. The Company estimates reserve requirements upon the realization of a triggering event indicating a probable loss exposure. Internal models are utilized to estimate loss exposures at the loan level associated with the Company’s ability to meet servicing guidelines set forth by regulatory agencies and GSEs. Key assumptions within the models include but are not limited to expected recovery rates by loan and borrower characteristics, foreclosure timelines, value of underlying collateral, future carrying and foreclosure costs, and other macro-economic factors. If the calculated reserve requirements exceed the recorded allowance for reserves and discounts, a provision is recorded to general and administrative expense, as needed. Releases to reserves are also recorded against provision in general and administrative expenses. Reserve requirements are subject to significant judgment and estimates based on the Company’s assessment of its compliance with servicing guidelines and its ability to produce the necessary documentation to support claims, support amounts from prior servicers and to effectively negotiate settlements, as needed. Each period, management reviews recorded reverse mortgage interests and upon determination that no further recourse for recovery is available from all means known to management, the recorded balances associated with these receivables are written-off against the reserve at the loan level.
Credit Loss Reserves
Credit Loss Reserves
ASC 326 – Financial Instruments – Credit Losses requires expected credit losses for financial instruments held at the reporting date to be measured based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts, which is referred to as the current expected credit loss, or CECL, methodology. The new standard reflects management’s best estimate of all expected credit losses for the Company’s financial assets that are recognized at amortized cost. The revised CECL methodology considers expected lifetime loss rates calculated from historical data using a weighted average life and considering reasonable and supportable forecasts to determine the current expected credit loss required.
The Company determined that reverse mortgage interests, net of reserves, advances and other receivables, net of reserves, and certain financial instruments included in other assets are within the scope of ASU 2016-13. Certain financial instruments within these respective line items have been determined to have limited expected credit-related losses due to the contractual servicing agreements with agencies and loan product guarantees.

For advances and other receivables, net, the Company determined that the majority of estimated losses are due to servicing operational errors, and credit-related losses are not significant because of the contractual relationships with the agencies. The Company determined that the credit-related risk associated with certain applicable financial instruments can increase with the passage of time. The CECL reserve methodology considers these financial instruments collectible to a point in time of 39 months. Any projected remaining balance at the end of the collection period is considered a loss and factors into the overall CECL loss rate required.

For reverse mortgage interests, net, the Company determined that the guarantee from the FHA on HECM loan products limits credit-related losses to an immaterial amount with substantially all losses related to servicing operational errors. Any expected credit-related losses are contemplated in the Company’s existing reserve methodology due to the nature of this financial instrument. The credit-risk characteristics of reverse mortgage interests do not vary with time as the financial instruments have no contractual life or financial profile as the primary counterparty is the government agency insuring the loans.

For other assets, primarily trade receivables and service fees earned but not received, the Company determined that these are short-term in nature (less than one year), and the estimated credit-related losses over the life of these receivables are similar to those resulting from the Company’s existing loss reserve process. The Company monitors the financial status of customers to determine if any specific loss considerations are required.
Variable Interest Entities
Variable Interest Entities
In the normal course of business, the Company enters into various types of on- and off-balance sheet transactions with special purpose entities (“SPEs”), which primarily consist of securitization trusts established for a limited purpose. Generally, these SPEs are formed for the purpose of securitization transactions in which the Company transfers assets to an SPE, which then issues to investors various forms of debt obligations supported by those assets. In these securitization transactions, the Company typically receives cash and/or other interests in the SPE as proceeds for the transferred assets. The Company will typically retain the right to service the transferred receivables and to repurchase the transferred receivables from the SPE if the outstanding balance of the receivables falls to a level where the cost exceeds the benefits of servicing the transferred receivables.

The Company evaluates its interests in each SPE for classification as a Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”). When an SPE meets the definition of a VIE and the Company determines that the Company is the primary beneficiary, the Company includes the SPE in its consolidated financial statements.
 
The Company consolidates SPEs connected with both forward and reverse mortgage activities. See Note 13, Securitizations and Financings, for more information on Company SPEs, and Note 12, Indebtedness, for certain debt activity connected with SPEs.

Securitizations and Asset-Backed Financing Arrangements
The Company and its subsidiaries have been a transferor in connection with a number of securitizations and asset-backed financing arrangements. The Company has continuing involvement with the financial assets of the securitizations and the asset-backed financing arrangements. The Company has aggregated these transactions into two groups: (1) securitizations of residential mortgage loans accounted for as sales and (2) financings of advances on loans serviced for others accounted for as secured borrowings.
 
Securitizations Treated as Sales
The Company’s continuing involvement typically includes acting as servicer for the mortgage loans held by the trust and holding beneficial interests in the trust. The Company’s responsibilities as servicer include, among other things, collecting monthly payments, maintaining escrow accounts, providing periodic reports and managing insurance in exchange for a contractually specified servicing fee. The beneficial interests held consist of both subordinate and residual securities that were retained at the time of securitization. These securitizations generally do not result in consolidation of the VIE as the beneficial interests that are held in the unconsolidated securitization trusts have no value and no potential for significant cash flows in the future. In addition, at December 31, 2020, the Company had no other significant assets in its consolidated financial statements related to these trusts. The Company has no obligation to provide financial support to unconsolidated securitization trusts and has provided no such support. The creditors of the trusts can look only to the assets of the trusts themselves for satisfaction of the debt issued by the trusts and have no recourse against the assets of the Company. The general creditors of the Company have no claim on the assets of the trusts. The Company’s exposure to loss as a result of its continuing involvement with the trusts is limited to the carrying values, if any, of its investments in the residual and subordinate securities of the trusts, the MSRs that are related to the trusts and the advances to the trusts. The Company considers the probability of loss arising from its advances to be remote because of their position ahead of most of the other liabilities of the trusts. See Note 4, Advances and Other Receivables, and Note 3, Mortgage Servicing Rights and Related Liabilities, for additional information regarding advances and MSRs.
 
Financings
The Company transfers advances on loans serviced for others to SPEs in exchange for cash. The Company consolidates these SPEs because the Company is the primary beneficiary of the VIE.

These VIEs issue debt supported by collections on the transferred advances. The Company made these transfers under the terms of its advance facility agreements. The Company classifies the transferred advances on its consolidated balance sheets as advances and classifies the related liabilities as advance facilities and other nonrecourse debt. The SPEs use collections of the pledged advances to repay principal and interest and to pay the expenses of the entity. Holders of the debt issued by these entities can look only to the assets of the entities themselves for satisfaction of the debt and have no recourse against the Company.
Financings include the HMBS and private securitization trusts as previously discussed.
Loans Subject to Repurchase Rights from Ginnie Mae
Loans Subject to Repurchase Rights from Ginnie Mae
For certain forward loans sold to GNMA, the Company as the issuer has the unilateral right to repurchase, without GNMA’s prior authorization, any individual loan in a GNMA securitization pool if that loan meets certain criteria, including payments not being received from borrowers for greater than 90 days. Once the Company has the unilateral right to repurchase a delinquent loan, the Company has effectively regained control over the loan, and under GAAP, must recognize the right to the loan in its consolidated balance sheets and establish a corresponding repurchase liability regardless of the Company’s intention to repurchase the loan. The Company records the right to purchase these mortgage loans in other assets at their unpaid principal balances, which approximate fair value, and records a corresponding liability in payables and other liabilities for mortgage loans eligible for repurchase in its consolidated balance sheets.
Interest Income
Interest Income
Interest income is recognized on loans held for sale for the period from loan funding to sale, which is typically within 30 days. Loans are placed on non-accrual status when any portion of the principal or interest is greater than 90 days past due. Loans return to accrual status when the principal and interest become current and it is probable that the amounts are fully collectible. For individual loans that have been modified, a period of six timely payments is required before the loan is returned to an accrual basis.

Interest income also includes interest earned on custodial cash deposits associated with the mortgage loans serviced, and interest earned on reverse mortgage interests. Reverse mortgage interests accrue interest income in accordance with FHA guidelines.
Share-Based Compensation Expense
Share-Based Compensation
Share-based compensation is measured at the grant date, based on the calculated fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense over the requisite employee service period (generally the vesting period of the grant) on a straight-line basis in salaries, wages and benefits within the consolidated statements of operations.
Advertising Costs Advertising CostsAdvertising costs are expensed as incurred and are included as part of general and administrative expenses.
Income Taxes
Income Taxes
The Company is subject to the income tax laws of the U.S., its states and municipalities and several U.S. territories. These tax laws are complex and subject to different interpretations by the taxpayer and the relevant governmental taxing authorities.

Deferred income taxes are determined using the balance sheet method. Deferred taxes are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the consolidated financial statements carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates that will apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized as income or expense in the period that includes the enactment date.

The Company regularly reviews the carrying amount of its deferred tax assets to determine if the establishment of a valuation allowance is necessary. If based on the available evidence, it is more likely than not that all or a portion of the Company’s deferred tax assets will not be realized in future periods, a deferred tax valuation allowance is established. Consideration is given to various positive and negative evidence that could affect the realization of the deferred tax assets. In evaluating this available evidence, management considers, among other things, historical financial performance, expectation of future earnings, length of statutory carryforward periods, experience with operating tax loss and tax credit carryforwards which may expire unused, the use of tax planning strategies and the timing of reversals of temporary differences. The Company’s evaluation is based on current tax laws as well as management’s expectations of future performance.

The Company initially recognizes tax positions in the consolidated financial statements when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities. Such tax positions are initially and subsequently measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the tax authority, assuming the tax authority has full knowledge of the position and all relevant facts. In establishing a provision for income tax expense, the Company makes judgments and interpretations about the application of these inherently complex tax laws. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a component of provisions for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740.
Earnings Per Share
Earnings Per Share
The Company computes earnings per share using the two-class method, which is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for common stock and any participating securities according to dividends declared (whether paid or unpaid) and participation rights in undistributed earnings. The Series A Preferred Stock is considered participating securities because it has dividend rights determined on an as-converted basis in the event of Company’s declaration of a dividend or distribution for common shares.

Basic net income per common share is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net income per common share is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the sum of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and any dilutive securities for the period.
Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement, and should be determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. As a basis for considering market participant assumptions in fair value measurements, a three-tiered fair value hierarchy has been established based on the level of observable inputs used in the measurement of fair value (e.g., Level 1 representing quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market; Level 2 representing values using observable inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1; and Level 3 representing estimated values based on significant unobservable inputs).

The following describes the methods and assumptions used by the Company in estimating fair values:

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash (Level 1) – The carrying amount reported in the consolidated balance sheets approximates fair value.

Mortgage Loans Held for Sale (Level 2) – The Company originates mortgage loans in the U.S. that it intends to sell into Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae (collectively, the “Agencies”) MBS. Additionally, the Company holds mortgage loans that it intends to sell into the secondary markets via whole loan sales or securitizations. The Company measures newly originated prime residential mortgage loans held for sale at fair value.

Mortgage loans held for sale are typically pooled together and sold into certain exit markets, depending upon underlying attributes of the loan, such as agency eligibility, product type, interest rate, and credit quality. Mortgage loans held for sale, except for those carried at lower cost or market as described below, are valued on a recurring basis using a market approach by utilizing either: (i) the fair value of securities backed by similar mortgage loans, adjusted for certain factors to approximate the fair value of a whole mortgage loan, including the value attributable to mortgage servicing and credit risk, (ii) current commitments to purchase loans or (iii) recent observable market trades for similar loans, adjusted for credit risk and other individual loan characteristics. As these prices are derived from market observable inputs, the Company classifies these valuations as Level 2 in the fair value disclosures.

The Company may acquire mortgage loans held for sale from various securitization trusts for which it acts as servicer through the exercise of various clean-up call options as permitted through the respective pooling and servicing agreements. The Company has elected to account for these loans at the lower of cost or market. The Company classifies these valuations as Level 2 in the fair value disclosures.

The Company may also purchase loans out of a Ginnie Mae securitization pool if that loan meets certain criteria, including being delinquent greater than 90 days. The Company has elected to carry these loans at fair value. See Note 6, Mortgage Loans Held for Sale, for more information.

Mortgage Servicing Rights – Fair Value (Level 3) – The Company estimates the fair value of its forward MSRs on a recurring basis using a process that combines the use of a discounted cash flow model and analysis of current market data to arrive at an estimate of fair value. The cash flow assumptions and prepayment assumptions used in the model are based on a discounted cash flow model which incorporates prepayment speeds, delinquencies, discount rate, ancillary revenues, float earnings and other assumptions (including costs to service and forbearance rates), with the key assumptions being mortgage prepayment speeds, discount rates, and cost to service. These assumptions are generated and applied based on collateral stratifications including product type, remittance type, geography, delinquency and coupon dispersion. These assumptions require the use of judgment by the Company and can have a significant impact on the fair value of the MSRs. Quarterly, management obtains third-party valuations to assess the reasonableness of the fair value calculations provided by the internal cash flow model. Because of the nature of the valuation inputs, the Company classifies these valuations as Level 3 in the fair value disclosures. See Note 3, Mortgage Servicing Rights and Related Liabilities, for more information.

Advances and Other Receivables, Net (Level 3) - Advances and other receivables, net are valued at their net realizable value after taking into consideration the reserves. Advances have no stated maturity. Their net realizable value approximates fair value as the net present value based on discounted cash flow is not materially different from the net realizable value. See Note 4, Advances and Other Receivables, for more information.
Reverse Mortgage Interests, Net (Level 3) – The Company’s reverse mortgage interests are primarily comprised of HECM loans that are insured by FHA and guaranteed by Ginnie Mae upon securitization. Quarterly, the Company estimates fair value using discounted cash flows, obtained from a third-party and supplemented with historical loss experience on similar assets, with the discount rate approximating that of similar financial instruments, as observed from recent trades with the HMBS. Key assumptions within the model are based on market participant benchmarks and include discount rates, cost to service, weighted average life of the portfolio, and estimated participating income. Discounted cash flows are applied based on collateral stratifications and include loan rate type, loan status (active vs. inactive), and securitization. Prices are also influenced from both internal models and other observable inputs. The Company determined fair value for all loans based on the applicable tranches established during the Merger valuation. Tranches are segregated based on participation percentages, original loan status as of the Merger date, and interest rate types, and loan status (active vs inactive). Prices are also influenced from both internal models and other observable inputs, including applicable forward interest rate curves. Additionally, historical loss factors are considered within the overall valuation. Because of the unobservable nature of the valuation inputs, the Company classifies these valuations as Level 3 in the fair value disclosures. See Note 5, Reverse Mortgage Interests, for more information.

Derivative Financial Instruments (Level 2 and Level 3) – The Company enters into a variety of derivative financial instruments as part of its hedging strategy and measures these instruments at fair value on a recurring basis in the consolidated balance sheets. These derivatives are exchange-traded or traded within highly active dealer markets. In order to determine the fair value of these instruments, the Company utilizes the exchange price or dealer market price for the particular derivative contract; therefore, these contracts are classified as Level 2. In addition, the Company enters into IRLCs and LPCs with prospective borrowers and other loan originators. During the three months ended June 30, 2020, the Company changed the fair value classification of its IRLCs and LPCs derivatives from Level 2 to Level 3. IRLCs and LPCs are carried at fair value primarily based on secondary market prices for underlying mortgage loans, which is observable data, with adjustments made to such observable data for the inherent value of servicing, which is an unobservable input. The fair value is also subject to adjustments for the estimated pull-through rate. The impact of the unobservable input to the overall valuation of IRLCs and LPCs was previously much less significant, resulting in a classification of Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2019. During the three months ended June 30,2020, market interest rates continued to decline and fell to record lows, which drove an increase in the volume of the Company’s IRLCs and LPCs and increased the impact of the unobservable input on the overall valuation of IRLCs and LPCs. Such increased impact of the unobservable input on the overall valuation resulted in a classification of Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy as of June 30, 2020. The Company adjusts the outstanding IRLCs with prospective borrowers based on an expectation that it will be exercised, and the loan will be funded. IRLCs and LPCs are recorded in derivative financial instruments in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company has entered into Eurodollar futures contracts as part of its hedging strategy. The futures contracts are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and classified as Level 2 in the fair value disclosures as the valuation is based on market observable data. Derivative financial instruments are recorded in other assets and payables and other liabilities within the consolidated balance sheets. See Note 11, Derivative Financial Instruments, for more information.

Loans Subject to Repurchase from Ginnie Mae (Level 2) – As the Company has the unilateral right to repurchase these loans at the unpaid principal balance, the carrying amount, which is based on the unpaid principal balance, approximates fair value. See Note 9, Loans Subject to Repurchase from Ginnie Mae, for more information.

Advance Facilities and Warehouse Facilities (Level 2) – As the underlying warehouse and advance finance facilities bear interest at a rate that is periodically adjusted based on a market index, the carrying amount reported on the consolidated balance sheets approximates fair value. See Note 12, Indebtedness, for more information.

Unsecured Senior Notes (Level 1) – The fair value of unsecured senior notes, which are carried at amortized cost, is based on quoted market prices and is considered Level 1 from the market observable inputs used to determine fair value. See Note 12, Indebtedness, for more information.

Excess Spread Financing (Level 3) – The Company estimates fair value on a recurring basis based on the present value of future expected discounted cash flows with the discount rate approximating current market value for similar financial instruments. The cash flow assumptions and prepayment assumptions used in the model are based on various factors, with the key assumptions being mortgage prepayment speeds, recapture rates and discount rate. As these prices are derived from a combination of internally developed valuation models and quoted market prices based on the value of the underlying MSRs, the Company classifies these valuations as Level 3 in the fair value disclosures. Excess spread financing is recorded in MSR related liabilities within the consolidated balance sheets. See Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies, for more information.
Mortgage Servicing Rights Financing Liability (Level 3) - The Company estimates fair value on a recurring basis based on the present value of future expected discounted cash flows with the discount rate approximating current market value for similar financial instruments. The cash flow assumptions and prepayment assumptions used in the model are based on various factors, with the key assumptions being advance financing rates and annual advance recovery rates. As these assumptions are derived from internally developed valuation models based on the value of the underlying MSRs, the Company classifies these valuations as Level 3 in the fair value disclosures. Mortgage servicing rights financing liability is recorded in MSR related liabilities within the consolidated balance sheets. See Note 3, Mortgage Servicing Rights and Related Liabilities, for more information.

Participating Interest Financing (Level 3) – The Company estimates fair value based on the present value of future expected discounted cash flows with the discount rate approximating that of similar financial instruments. As the prices are derived from both internal models and other observable inputs, the Company classifies these valuations as Level 3 in the fair value disclosures. Participating interest financing is recorded in other nonrecourse debt within the consolidated balance sheets. See Note 5, Reverse Mortgage Interests, and Note 12, Indebtedness, for more information.

HECM Securitizations (Level 3) – The Company estimates fair value using a market approach by utilizing the fair value of executed HECM securitizations. Since the executed HECM securitizations are private placements, the Company classifies these valuations as Level 3 in the fair value disclosures. HECM securitizations are recorded in other nonrecourse debt within the consolidated balance sheets. See Note 12, Indebtedness, for more information.