Fair Value

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Text Block]

22. Fair Value

FASB ASC Topic 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. A fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability. The price in the principal (or most advantageous) market used to measure the fair value of the asset or liability shall not be adjusted for transaction costs. An orderly transaction is a transaction that assumes exposure to the market for a period prior to the measurement date to allow for marketing activities that are usual and customary for transactions involving such assets and liabilities; it is not a forced transaction. Market participants are buyers and sellers in the principal market that are (i) independent, (ii) knowledgeable, (iii) able to transact and (iv) willing to transact.

FASB ASC Topic 820 requires the use of valuation techniques that are consistent with the market approach, the income approach and/or the cost approach. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets and liabilities. The income approach uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts, such as cash flows or earnings, to a single present amount on a discounted basis. The cost approach is based on the amount that currently would be required to replace the service capacity of an asset (replacement cost). Valuation techniques should be consistently applied. Inputs to valuation techniques refer to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Inputs may be observable, meaning those that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available. In that regard, FASB ASC Topic 820 established a fair value hierarchy for valuation inputs that gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. The fair value hierarchy is as follows:

· Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.

· Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These might include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (such as interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risks, etc.) or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by market data by a correlation or other means.

· Level 3: Unobservable inputs for determining fair value of assets and liabilities that reflect an entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the assets or liabilities.

A description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy, is set forth below.

Available for sale securities - Securities classified as available for sale are generally reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs where the Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service that uses matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique widely used in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted securities (Level 2 inputs). The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows and the bonds’ terms and conditions, among other things. Securities in Level 1 include federal agency preferred stock securities. Securities in Level 2 include U.S. Government agencies, mortgage-backed securities, corporate bonds and municipal securities. The Company classifies its pooled trust preferred collateralized debt obligations as Level 3. The portfolio consists of collateralized debt obligations backed by pools of trust preferred securities issued by financial institutions and insurance companies. Based on the lack of observable market data, the Company estimated fair values based on the observable data available and reasonable unobservable market data. The Company estimated fair value based on a discounted cash flow model which used appropriately adjusted discount rates reflecting credit and liquidity risks. The Company used an independent third party which is described further in Note 5.

Impaired loans - Fair values for impaired collateral dependent loans are generally based on appraisals obtained from licensed real estate appraisers and in certain circumstances consideration of offers obtained to purchase properties prior to foreclosure.  Appraisals for collateral dependent impaired loans are ordered annually. These appraisals are ordered and reviewed by the Company’s loan officers or loan workout personnel. Appraisals for commercial real estate generally use three methods to derive value: cost, sales or market comparison and income approach.  The cost method bases value in the cost to replace the current property.  Value of market comparison approach evaluates the sales price of similar properties in the same market area.  The income approach considers net operating income generated by the property and an investors required return.  Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the independent appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available.  Comparable sales adjustments are based on known sales prices of similar type and similar use properties and duration of time that the property has been on the market to sell.  Such adjustments made in the appraisal process are typically significant and result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value. Appraisal values for impaired loans of all loan classes are discounted between a range of 0% to 10% to account for various factors that may impact the value of collateral.

Real Estate held for sale - Assets acquired through or instead of loan foreclosure are initially recorded at fair value less costs to sell when acquired, establishing a new cost basis. These assets are then reviewed monthly by members of the asset review committee for valuation changes and are accounted for at lower of cost or fair value less estimated costs to sell. Fair value is commonly based on recent real estate appraisals which may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including cost, comparable sales and the income approach. Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the independent appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available. Such adjustments may be significant and typically result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value.

Appraisals for both collateral-dependent impaired loans and other real estate owned are performed by certified general appraisers (for commercial properties) or certified residential appraisers (for residential properties) whose qualifications and licenses have been reviewed and verified by the Company.  Once received, a member of the Company’s loan workout personnel or collections department reviews the assumptions and approaches utilized in the appraisal.  Appraisal values for all classes of real estate held for sale are discounted between a range of 0% to 20% to account for various factors that may impact the value of collateral. In determining the value of impaired collateral dependent loans and other real estate owned, significant unobservable inputs may be used which include:  physical condition of comparable properties sold, net operating income generated by the property and investor rates of return.

Mortgage servicing rights – On a quarterly basis, mortgage servicing rights are evaluated for impairment based upon the fair value of the rights as compared to the carrying amount. If the carrying amount of an individual tranche exceeds fair value, impairment is recorded on that tranche so that the servicing asset is carried at fair value. Fair value is determined at a tranche level based on a model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. The valuation model utilizes assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income and are validated against available market data (Level 2).

Mortgage banking derivative - The fair value of mortgage banking derivatives are evaluated monthly based on derivative valuation models using quoted prices for similar assets adjusted for specific attributes of the commitments and other observable market data at the valuation date (Level 2).

The following table summarizes the financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value:

Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis

December 31, 2012	Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs			Level 3 Inputs		Total Fair Value
	(In Thousands)
Available for sale securities:
Obligations of U.S. Government corporations and agencies	$	-	$	11,069		$	-	$	11,069
U.S. treasury bonds				1,002					1,002
Mortgage-backed - residential		-		31,461			-		31,461
Collateralized mortgage obligations		-		57,466			-		57,466
Trust preferred stock		-		-			1,474		1,474
Preferred stock		134		-			-		134
Corporate bonds		-		8,884			-		8,884
Obligations of state and political subdivisions		-		82,611			-		82,611
Mortgage banking derivative - asset		-		950			-		950
Mortgage banking derivative - liability		-		(94	)		-		(94	)

There were no transfers between levels 1 and 2 for the year ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.

December 31, 2011	Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs			Level 3 Inputs		Total Fair Value
	(In Thousands)
Available for sale securities:
Obligations of U.S. Government corporations and agencies	$	-	$	17,085		$	-	$	17,085
U.S. treasury bonds				2,010					2,010
Mortgage-backed - residential		-		70,716			-		70,716
REMICs		-		2,894			-		2,894
Collateralized mortgage obligations		-		59,009			-		59,009
Trust preferred stock		-		-			1,342		1,342
Preferred stock		108		-			-		108
Corporate bonds				8,252					8,252
Obligations of state and political subdivisions		-		71,503			-		71,503
Mortgage banking derivative - asset		-		865			-		865
Mortgage banking derivative - liability				(258	)				(258	)

The table below presents a reconciliation and income classification of gains and losses for all assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011:

Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) (In Thousands)
Beginning balance, January 1, 2012	$	1,342
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized)
Included in earnings (unrealized)		76
Included in other comprehensive income (presented gross of taxes)		322
Amortization		-
Redemption		(266	)
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3		-
Ending balance, December 31, 2012	$	1,474

Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) (In Thousands)
Beginning balance, January 1, 2011	$	1,498
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized)
Included in earnings (unrealized)		(2	)
Included in other comprehensive income (presented gross of taxes)		(159	)
Amortization		5
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3		-
Ending balance, December 31, 2011	$	1,342

	Changes in Unrealized Gains/Losses for the Year
	Relating to Assets Still Held at Reporting
	Date for the Year Ended December 31
	(In Thousands)
	Trust Preferred Stock
	2012			2011			2010
Interest income on securities	$	160		$	71		$	77
Other changes in fair value		(84	)		(73	)		(291	)
Total	$	76		$	(2	)	$	(214	)

For Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring or nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2012, the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements were as follows:

	Fair Value		Valuation Technique	Unobservable Inputs	Range of Inputs
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Trust preferred stock	$	1,474	Discounted cash flow	Constant prepayment rate		2-40%
				Expected asset default		0-30%
				Expected recoveries		0-15%
Impaired Loans- Applies to all loan classes	$	14,071	Appraisals	Discounts for collection issues and changes in market conditions		0-10%
Real estate held for sale – Applies to all classes	$	446	Appraisals	Discounts for changes in market conditions		0-20%

The following table summarizes the financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value:

Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Non-Recurring Basis

December 31, 2012	Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs		Total Fair Value
	(In Thousands)
Impaired loans
Residential Loans	$	-	$	-	$	599	$	599
Commercial Loans		-		-		771		771
Home Equity Loans		-		-		168		168
Multi Family Loans		-		-		407		407
CRE Loans		-		-		12,126		12,126
Total Impaired loans		-		-		14,071		14,071
Mortgage servicing rights		-		7,833		-		7,833
Real estate held for sale
Residential		-		-		61		61
CRE		-		-		385		385
Total Real Estate held for sale		-		-		446		446

December 31, 2011	Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs		Total Fair Value
	(In Thousands)
Impaired loans
Residential Loans	$	-	$	-	$	1,092	$	1,092
Commercial Loans		-		-		1,268		1,268
Multi Family Loans		-				103		103
CRE loans		-		-		8,449		8,449
Total Impaired loans		-		-		10,912		10,912
Mortgage servicing rights		-		8,690		-		8,690
Real estate held for sale
Residential		-		-		28		28
CRE		-		-		1,600		1,600
Total Real Estate held for sale		-		-		1,628		1,628

Impaired loans, which are measured for impairment using the fair value of the collateral for collateral dependent loans, had a fair value of $14,071 with a valuation allowance of $0 at December 31, 2012. Provision expense of $6.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 was included in earnings.

Mortgage servicing rights which are carried at the lower of cost or fair value had a fair value of $7.8 million at December 31, 2012 resulting in a valuation allowance of $2.3 million. A charge of $759,000 for the year ended December 31, 2012 was included in earnings.

Real estate held for sale is determined using Level 3 inputs which include appraisals and are adjusted for estimated costs to sell. The change in fair value of real estate held for sale was $416,000 for the year ended December 31, 2012 which was recorded directly as an adjustment to current earnings through non-interest expense.

Impaired loans, which are measured for impairment using the fair value of the collateral for collateral dependent loans, had a fair value of $10.9 million, with a valuation allowance of $7.2 million at December 31, 2011. A provision expense of $5.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 was included in earnings.

Mortgage servicing rights that are carried at the lower of cost or fair value had a fair value of $8.7 million at December 31, 2011, resulting in a valuation allowance of $1.5 million. A charge of $404,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011 was included in earnings.

Real estate held for sale is determined using Level 3 inputs which include current and prior appraisals and estimated costs to sell. The change in fair value of real estate held for sale was $1.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, which was recorded directly as an adjustment to current earnings through non-interest expense.

In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 825, the following table is a comparative condensed consolidated statement of financial condition based on carrying amount and estimated fair values of financial instruments as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not represent the underlying value of First Defiance.

Much of the information used to arrive at “fair value” is highly subjective and judgmental in nature and therefore the results may not be precise. Subjective factors include, among other things, estimated cash flows, risk characteristics and interest rates, all of which are subject to change. With the exception of investment securities, the Company’s financial instruments are not readily marketable and market prices do not exist. Since negotiated prices for the instruments, which are not readily marketable depend greatly on the motivation of the buyer and seller, the amounts that will actually be realized or paid per settlement or maturity of these instruments could be significantly different.

The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, term notes payable and advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance, as a result of their short-term nature, is considered to be equal to fair value and are classified as Level 1.

It was not practicable to determine the fair value of Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock due to restrictions placed on its transferability.

The fair value of loans that reprice within 90 days is equal to their carrying amount. For other loans, the estimated fair value is calculated based on discounted cash flow analysis, using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms, resulting in a Level 3 classification. Impaired loans are valued at the lower of cost or fair value as previously described. The allowance for loan losses is considered to be a reasonable adjustment for credit risk. The methods utilized to estimate the fair value of loans do not necessarily represent an exit price. The fair value of loans held for sale is estimated based on binding contracts and quotes from third party investors resulting in a Level 2 classification.

The fair value of accrued interest receivable is equal to the carrying amounts resulting in a Level 2 or Level 3 classification which is consistent with its underlying asset.

The fair value of non-interest bearing deposits are considered equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (i.e. carrying value) and are classified as Level 1. The fair value of savings, NOW and certain money market accounts are equal to their carrying amounts and are a Level 2 classification. Fair values of fixed rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered on certificates to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on time deposits resulting in a Level 2 classification.

The fair values of securities sold under repurchase agreements are equal to their carrying amounts resulting in a Level 2 classification. The carrying value of subordinated debentures and deposits with fixed maturities is estimated based on discounted cash flow analyses based on interest rates currently being offered on instruments with similar characteristics and maturities resulting in a Level 3 classification.

FHLB advances with maturities greater than 90 days are valued based on discounted cash flow analysis, using interest rates currently being quoted for similar characteristics and maturities resulting in a Level 2 classification. The cost or value of any call or put options is based on the estimated cost to settle the option at December 31, 2012.

			Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2012 (In Thousands)
	Carrying Value		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Financial Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	136,832	$	136,832	$	136,832	$	-	$	-
Investment securities		194,609		194,617		134		193,009		1,474
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock		20,655		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A
Loans, net, including loans held for sale		1,520,610		1,543,438		-		22,577		1,520,861
Accrued interest receivable		5,594		5,594		-		757		4,837
Financial Liabilities:
Deposits	$	1,667,472	$	1,671,713	$	315,132	$	1,356,581	$	-
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank		12,796		13,466		-		13,466		-
Securities sold under repurchase agreements		51,702		51,702		-		51,702		-
Subordinated debentures		36,083		35,766		-		-		35,766

	December 31, 2011
	Carrying		Estimated
	Value		Fair Values
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	174,931	$	174,931
Investment securities		233,580		233,591
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock		20,655		N/A
Loans, net, including loans held for sale		1,467,663		1,494,573
Mortgage banking derivative asset		865		865
Accrued interest receivable		6,142		6,142
		1,903,836	$	1,910,102
Other assets		164,354
Total assets	$	2,068,190
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:
Deposits	$	1,596,241	$	1,603,111
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank		81,841		85,196
Securities sold under repurchase agreements		60,386		60,386
Subordinated debentures		36,083		31,814
Accrued interest payable		446		446
Mortgage banking derivative liability		258		258
Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance		1,402		1,402
		1,776,399	$	1,782,613
Other liabilities		13,664
Total liabilities		1,790,063
Stockholders’ equity		278,127
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	2,068,190