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Fair Value of Financial Instruments
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
For financial reporting purposes, we follow a fair value hierarchy established under GAAP that is used to determine the fair value of financial instruments. This hierarchy prioritizes relevant market inputs in order to determine an “exit price” at the measurement date, or the price at which an asset could be sold or a liability could be transferred in an orderly process that is not a forced liquidation or distressed sale. Level 1 inputs are observable inputs that reflect quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2 inputs are observable inputs other than quoted prices for an asset or liability that are obtained through corroboration with observable market data. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs (e.g., our own data or assumptions) that are used when there is little, if any, relevant market activity for the asset or liability required to be measured at fair value.
In certain cases, inputs used to measure fair value fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level at which the fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability being measured.

The following table presents the carrying values and estimated fair values of assets and liabilities that are required to be recorded or disclosed at fair value at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

Table 5.1 – Carrying Values and Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities
 
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
Carrying
Value
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Value
 
Fair
Value
(In Thousands)
 
 
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential loans, held-for-sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At fair value
 
$
439,674

 
$
439,674

 
$
1,114,305

 
$
1,114,305

At lower of cost or fair value
 
1,402

 
1,594

 
1,433

 
1,635

Residential loans, held-for-investment (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At fair value
 
3,273,980

 
3,273,980

 
2,813,065

 
2,813,065

Commercial loans, held-for-sale
 

 

 
39,141

 
39,141

Commercial loans, held-for-investment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At fair value
 
69,674

 
69,674

 
67,657

 
67,657

At amortized cost
 
294,219

 
301,488

 
295,849

 
300,824

Trading securities
 
221,571

 
221,571

 
404,011

 
404,011

Available-for-sale securities
 
698,356

 
698,356

 
829,245

 
829,245

MSRs
 
126,620

 
126,620

 
191,976

 
191,976

Cash and cash equivalents
 
305,115

 
305,115

 
220,229

 
220,229

Restricted cash
 
2,137

 
2,137

 
5,567

 
5,567

Accrued interest receivable
 
19,766

 
19,766

 
23,290

 
23,290

Derivative assets
 
31,975

 
31,975

 
16,393

 
16,393

REO (2)
 
4,884

 
5,475

 
4,896

 
5,282

Margin receivable (2)
 
107,941

 
107,941

 
83,191

 
83,191

FHLBC stock (2)
 
44,071

 
44,071

 
34,437

 
34,437

Guarantee asset (2)
 
4,272

 
4,272

 
5,697

 
5,697

Pledged collateral (2)
 
59,664

 
59,664

 
53,600

 
53,600

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term debt
 
$
804,175

 
$
804,175

 
$
1,855,003

 
$
1,855,003

Accrued interest payable
 
15,522

 
15,522

 
8,936

 
8,936

Margin payable
 
14,247

 
14,247

 
6,415

 
6,415

Guarantee obligation
 
24,896

 
23,595

 
22,704

 
22,702

Derivative liabilities
 
97,468

 
97,468

 
62,794

 
62,794

ABS issued, net (1) (2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value
 
907,023

 
907,023

 
996,820

 
996,820

Amortized cost
 
51,341

 
51,680

 
52,595

 
53,137

FHLBC long-term borrowings
 
1,999,999

 
1,999,999

 
1,343,023

 
1,343,023

Commercial secured borrowings
 
65,181

 
65,181

 
63,152

 
63,152

Convertible notes, net (2)
 
479,798

 
453,396

 
483,119

 
461,053

Trust preferred securities and subordinated notes, net (2)
 
138,454

 
80,910

 
138,443

 
83,700


(1)
These assets are included in other assets on our consolidated balance sheets.
(2)
On January 1, 2016, we adopted ASU 2015-03 and began to present ABS issued, convertible notes, and other long-term debt net of deferred debt issuance costs. See Note 3 for further discussion.
During the three months ended March 31, 2016, we elected the fair value option for $48 million of residential subordinate securities, $1.19 billion of residential loans (principal balance), $38 million of commercial loans (principal balance), and $9 million of MSRs. We anticipate electing the fair value option for all future purchases of residential loans that we intend to sell to third parties or transfer to securitizations as well as for MSRs purchased or retained from sales of residential loans.
The following table presents the assets and liabilities that are reported at fair value on our consolidated balance sheets on a recurring basis at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, as well as the fair value hierarchy of the valuation inputs used to measure fair value.
Table 5.2 – Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
March 31, 2016
 
Carrying
Value
 
Fair Value Measurements Using
(In Thousands)
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential loans
 
$
3,713,654

 
$

 
$
1,387

 
$
3,712,267

Commercial loans
 
69,674

 

 

 
69,674

Trading securities
 
221,571

 

 

 
221,571

Available-for-sale securities
 
698,356

 

 

 
698,356

Derivative assets
 
31,975

 
2,843

 
24,188

 
4,944

MSRs
 
126,620

 

 

 
126,620

Pledged collateral
 
59,664

 
59,664

 

 

FHLBC stock
 
44,071

 

 
44,071

 

Guarantee asset
 
4,272

 

 

 
4,272

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative liabilities
 
$
97,468

 
$
5,063

 
$
92,100

 
$
305

Commercial secured borrowings
 
65,181

 

 

 
65,181

ABS issued
 
907,023

 

 

 
907,023



December 31, 2015
 
Carrying
Value
 
Fair Value Measurements Using
(In Thousands)
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential loans
 
$
3,927,370

 
$

 
$
129,819

 
$
3,797,551

Commercial loans
 
106,798

 

 

 
106,798

Trading securities
 
404,011

 

 

 
404,011

Available-for-sale securities
 
829,245

 

 

 
829,245

Derivative assets
 
16,393

 
2,734

 
8,988

 
4,671

MSRs
 
191,976

 

 

 
191,976

Pledged collateral
 
53,600

 
53,600

 

 

FHLBC stock
 
34,437

 

 
34,437

 

Guarantee asset
 
5,697

 

 

 
5,697

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative liabilities
 
$
62,794

 
$
2,963

 
$
58,368

 
$
1,463

Commercial secured borrowings
 
63,152

 

 

 
63,152

ABS issued
 
996,820

 

 

 
996,820


The following table presents additional information about Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the three months ended March 31, 2016.
Table 5.3 – Changes in Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
 
Residential Loans
 
Commercial
Loans
 
Trading Securities
 
AFS
Securities
 
MSRs
 
Guarantee Asset
 
Derivatives(1)
 
Commercial Secured Borrowings
 
ABS
Issued
(In Thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance -
   December 31, 2015
$
3,797,551

 
$
106,798

 
$
404,011

 
$
829,245

 
$
191,976

 
$
5,697

 
$
3,208

 
$
63,152

 
$
996,820

Acquisitions
1,020,846

 
37,626

 
47,760

 
15,585

 
8,807

 

 

 

 

Sales
(941,790
)
 
(77,183
)
 
(220,123
)
 
(125,911
)
 
(29,559
)
 

 

 

 

Principal paydowns
(161,241
)
 
(171
)
 
(5,718
)
 
(16,683
)
 

 

 

 
(155
)
 
(49,411
)
Gains (losses) in net income, net
(7,934
)
 
2,604

 
(4,359
)
 
17,314

 
(44,604
)
 
(1,425
)
 
15,606

 
2,171

 
(33,515
)
Unrealized losses in OCI, net

 

 

 
(21,194
)
 

 

 

 

 

Other settlements, net (2)
4,835

 

 

 

 

 

 
(14,175
)
 
13

 
(6,871
)
Ending balance -
  March 31, 2016
$
3,712,267

 
$
69,674

 
$
221,571

 
$
698,356

 
$
126,620

 
$
4,272

 
$
4,639

 
$
65,181

 
$
907,023

(1) 
For the purpose of this presentation, derivative assets and liabilities, which consist of loan purchase commitments, are presented on a net basis.
(2)
Other settlements, net for derivatives represents the transfer of the fair value of loan purchase commitments at the time loans are acquired to the basis of residential loans.

The following table presents the portion of gains or losses included in our consolidated statements of income that were attributable to Level 3 assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis and held at March 31, 2016 and 2015. Gains or losses incurred on assets or liabilities sold, matured, called, or fully written down during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 are not included in this presentation.
Table 5.4 – Portion of Net Gains (Losses) Attributable to Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Still Held at March 31, 2016 and 2015 Included in Net Income
 
 
Included in Net Income
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(In Thousands)
 
2016
 
2015
Assets
 
 
 
 
Residential loans at Redwood
 
$
27,285

 
$
5,464

Residential loans at consolidated Sequoia entities
 
(35,656
)
 
1,179

Commercial loans
 
2,171

 
2,959

Trading securities
 
(6,135
)
 
(13,790
)
MSRs
 
(30,834
)
 
(11,769
)
Loan purchase commitments
 
4,644

 
7,422

Other assets - Guarantee asset
 
(1,425
)
 
(1,083
)
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
Commercial secured borrowing
 
2,171

 
(1,509
)
ABS issued
 
(33,515
)
 
(2,946
)

The following table presents information on assets recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis at March 31, 2016. This table does not include the carrying value and gains or losses associated with the asset types below that were not recorded at fair value on our consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2016.
Table 5.5 – Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis at March 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gain (Loss) for
March 31, 2016
 
Carrying
Value
 
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
Three Months Ended
(In Thousands)
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
March 31, 2016
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential loans, at lower of cost or fair value
 
$
1,076

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,076

 
$
(16
)
REO
 
1,285

 

 

 
1,285

 
(252
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Guarantee obligation
 
$
928

 
$

 
$

 
$
928

 
$


The following table presents the net gains and losses recorded in each line item of our consolidated statements of income for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015.
Table 5.6 – Market Valuation Gains and Losses, Net
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(In Thousands)
 
2016
 
2015
Mortgage banking activities, net
 
 
 
 
Residential loans held-for-sale, at fair value
 
$
5,439

 
$
2,056

Residential loan purchase and forward sale commitments
 
12,635

 
18,256

Commercial loans, at fair value (1)
 
433

 
5,857

Sequoia securities
 
1,484

 
(14,359
)
Risk management derivatives, net
 
(12,754
)
 
(10,583
)
Total mortgage banking activities, net (2)
 
$
7,237

 
$
1,227

Investment fair value changes, net
 
 
 
 
Residential loans held-for-investment at Redwood
 
$
23,463

 
$
1,980

Net investments in consolidated Sequoia entities
 
(1,580
)
 
(1,093
)
Trading securities
 
(5,601
)
 
270

Risk management derivatives, net
 
(35,810
)
 
(1,374
)
Risk sharing investments
 
(10
)
 
(928
)
Total investment fair value changes, net
 
$
(19,538
)
 
$
(1,145
)
MSR income (loss), net
 
 
 
 
MSRs
 
$
(44,604
)
 
$
(19,517
)
Risk management derivatives, net
 
41,057

 

Total MSR loss, net (3)
 
$
(3,547
)
 
$
(19,517
)
Total Market Valuation Losses, Net
 
$
(15,848
)
 
$
(19,435
)

(1)
Commercial loans at fair value does not include commercial A-notes, which were sold in 2014, but did not qualify for sale treatment under GAAP. The market valuation gains and losses on the commercial A-notes and associated commercial secured borrowings net to zero in each period presented.
(2)
Mortgage banking activities, net presented above does not include fee income or provisions for repurchases that are components of Mortgage banking activities, net presented on our consolidated statements of income, as these amounts do not represent market valuation changes.
(3)
MSR income (loss), net presented above does not include net fee income or provisions for repurchases that are components of MSR income (loss), net on our consolidated statements of income, as these amounts do not represent market valuation adjustments. In addition, we did not specifically identify derivatives used to hedge MSRs in the first quarter of 2015. See Note 2 for additional detail.
At March 31, 2016, our valuation policy and processes had not changed from those described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. The following table provides quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in the valuation of our Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value.
Table 5.7 – Fair Value Methodology for Level 3 Financial Instruments
March 31, 2016
 
Fair
Value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted
Average
(Dollars in Thousands, except Input Values)
 
 
Unobservable Input
 
Range
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential loans, at fair value:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jumbo fixed rate loans
 
$
2,494,912

 
Whole loan spread to TBA price
 
$
3.13

-
$
4.35

 
 
$
4.12

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jumbo hybrid loans
 
83,124

 
Prepayment rate (annual CPR)
 
15

-
15

%
 
15

%
 
 
 
 
Spread to swap rate
 
130

-
180

bps
 
151

bps
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jumbo loans committed to sell
 
204,204

 
Committed Sales Price
 
$
101.91

-
$
102.30

 
 
$
102.14

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans held by consolidated Sequoia entities (1)
 
930,027

 
Liability price
 
 
 
N/A

 
 
N/A

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential loans, at lower of cost or fair value
 
1,076

 
Loss severity
 
15

-
30

%
 
29

%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial loans, at fair value
 
69,674

 
Spread to swap rate
 
212

-
212

bps
 
212

bps
 
 
 
 
Credit support
 
25

-
25

%
 
25

%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading and AFS securities
 
919,927

 
Discount rate
 
5

-
12

%
 
6

 %
 
 
 
 
Prepayment rate (annual CPR)
 
1

-
35

%
 
14

 %
 
 
 
 
Default rate
 

-
35

%
 
3

 %
 
 
 
 
Loss severity
 
20

-
65

%
 
23

 %
 
 
 
 
Credit support
 

-
48

%
 
4

 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MSRs
 
126,620

 
Discount rate
 
8

-
13

%
 
10

 %
 
 
 
 
Prepayment rate (annual CPR)
 
4

-
60

%
 
15

 %
 
 
 
 
Per loan annual cost to service
 
$
72

-
$
82

 
 
$
78

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Guarantee asset
 
4,272

 
Discount rate
 
11

-
11

%
 
11

%
 
 
 
 
Prepayment rate (annual CPR)
 
19

-
19

%
 
19

%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REO
 
1,285

 
Loss severity
 
11

-
93

%
 
35

%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loan purchase commitments, net (2)
 
4,639

 
MSR Multiple
 
0.3

-
6.6

x
 
2.8

x
 
 
 
 
Fallout rate
 
2

-
98

%
 
44

%
 
 
 
 
Whole loan spread to TBA price
 
3.35

-
4.35

 
 
4.16

 
 
 
 
 
Prepayment rate (annual CPR)
 
15

-
15

%
 
15

%
 
 
 
 
Spread to swap rate
 
130

-
180

bps
 
154

bps
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ABS issued
 
907,023

 
Discount rate
 
5

-
9

%
 
5

 %
 
 
 
 
Prepayment rate (annual CPR)
 
5

-
20

%
 
12

 %
 
 
 
 
Default rate
 
1

-
12

%
 
7

 %
 
 
 
 
Loss severity
 
20

-
32

%
 
27

 %
 
 
 
 
Credit support
 

-
33

%
 
9

 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial secured borrowings
 
65,181

 
Spread to swap rate
 
212

-
212

bps
 
212

bps
 
 
 
 
Credit support
 
25
%
-
25

%
 
25

%
(1)
The fair value of the loans held by consolidated Sequoia entities was based on the fair value of the ABS issued by these entities, which we determined were more readily observable, in accordance with accounting guidance for collateralized financing entities.
(2)
For the purpose of this presentation, loan purchase commitment assets and liabilities are presented net.
Determination of Fair Value
A description of the instruments measured at fair value as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 valuation hierarchy is listed herein. We generally use both market comparable information and discounted cash flow modeling techniques to determine the fair value of our Level 3 assets and liabilities. Use of these techniques requires determination of relevant inputs and assumptions, some of which represent significant unobservable inputs as indicated in the preceding table. Accordingly, a significant increase or decrease in any of these inputs – such as anticipated credit losses, prepayment rates, interest rates, or other valuation assumptions – in isolation would likely result in a significantly lower or higher fair value measurement.
Residential loans
Estimated fair values for residential loans are determined using models that incorporate various observable inputs, including pricing information from recent securitizations and whole loan sales. Certain significant inputs in these models are considered unobservable and are therefore Level 3 in nature. Pricing inputs obtained from market securitization activity include indicative spreads to indexed TBA prices for senior residential mortgage-backed securities ("RMBS") and indexed swap rates for subordinate RMBS (Level 3). Pricing inputs obtained from market whole loan transaction activity include indicative spreads to indexed to be announced ("TBA") prices for fixed-rate loans and indexed swap rates for hybrid loans (Level 3). Other observable inputs include benchmark interest rates, and prepayment rates. At March 31, 2016, our jumbo fixed-rate loans were priced exclusively using whole loan sale inputs. These assets would generally decrease in value based upon an increase in the credit spread, prepayment speed, or credit support assumptions.
Estimated fair values for conforming loans are determined based upon quoted market prices (Level 2). Conforming loans are mortgage loans that conform to Agency guidelines. As necessary, these values are adjusted for servicing value, market conditions and liquidity.
Commercial loans
Estimated fair values for senior commercial loans held-for-sale are determined by an exit price to securitization. Certain significant inputs in the valuation analysis are Level 3 in nature. Relevant market indicators that are factored into the analyses include pricing points for current third-party commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) sales, pricing points for secondary sales of CMBS, yields for synthetic instruments that use CMBS bonds as an underlying index, indexed swap yields, credit rating agency guidance on expected credit enhancement levels for newly issued CMBS transactions, and interest rates (Level 3). In certain cases, commercial senior mortgage loans are valued based on third-party offers for the loans for purchase into securitization (Level 2). The estimated fair value of our senior commercial loans would generally decrease based upon an increase in credit spreads or required credit support.
Estimated fair values for mezzanine commercial loans are determined by both market comparable pricing and discounted cash flow analysis valuation techniques (Level 3). Our discounted cash flow models utilize certain significant unobservable inputs including the underwritten net operating income and debt coverage ratio assumptions and actual performance relative to those underwritten metrics as well as estimated market discount rates. An increase in market discount rates would generally reduce the estimated fair value of the commercial loans.
Real estate securities
Real estate securities include residential, commercial, and other asset-backed securities that are generally illiquid in nature and trade infrequently. Significant inputs in the valuation analysis are predominantly Level 3 in nature, due to the lack of readily available market quotes and related inputs. For real estate securities, we utilize both market comparable pricing and discounted cash flow analysis valuation techniques. Relevant market indicators that are factored into the analyses include bid/ask spreads, the amount and timing of credit losses, interest rates, and collateral prepayment rates. Estimated fair values are based on applying the market indicators to generate discounted cash flows (Level 3). These cash flow models use significant unobservable inputs such as a discount rate, prepayment rate, default rate, loss severity and credit support. The estimated fair value of our securities would generally decrease based upon an increase in default rates, serious delinquencies, or a decrease in prepayment rates or credit support.
As part of our securities valuation process, we request and consider indications of value from third-party securities dealers. For purposes of pricing our securities at March 31, 2016, we received dealer price indications on 68% of our securities, representing 84% of our carrying value. In the aggregate, our internal valuations of the securities for which we received dealer price indications were within 1% of the aggregate average dealer valuations. Once we receive the price indications from dealers, they are compared to other relevant market inputs, such as actual or comparable trades, and the results of our discounted cash flow analysis. In circumstances where relevant market inputs cannot be obtained, increased reliance on discounted cash flow analysis and management judgment are required to estimate fair value.
Derivative assets and liabilities
Our derivative instruments include swaps, swaptions, TBAs, financial futures, CMBX credit default index swaps, loan purchase commitments ("LPCs"), and forward sale commitments ("FSCs"). Fair values of derivative instruments are determined using quoted prices from active markets, when available, or from valuation models and are supported by valuations provided by dealers active in derivative markets. Fair values of TBAs and financial futures are generally obtained using quoted prices from active markets (Level 1). Our derivative valuation models for swaps and swaptions require a variety of inputs, including contractual terms, market prices, yield curves, credit curves, measures of volatility, prepayment rates, and correlations of certain inputs. Model inputs can generally be verified and model selection does not involve significant management judgment (Level 2).
LPC fair values for conforming loans are estimated based on quoted Agency mortgage-backed securities ("MBS") prices, estimates of the fair value of the MSRs we expect to retain in the sale of the loans, and the probability that the mortgage loan will be purchased (Level 3). FSC fair values for conforming loans are obtained using quoted Agency prices. LPC fair values for jumbo loans are estimated based on the estimated fair values of the underlying loans (as described in "Residential loans" above) as well as the probability that the mortgage loan will be purchased (Level 3).
For other derivatives, valuations are based on various factors such as liquidity, bid/ask spreads, and credit considerations for which we rely on available market inputs. In the absence of such inputs, management’s best estimate is used (Level 3).
MSRs
MSRs include the rights to service jumbo and conforming residential mortgage loans. Significant inputs in the valuation analysis are predominantly Level 3, due to the nature of these instruments and the lack of readily available market quotes. These inputs include market discount rates, prepayment rates of serviced loans, and the market cost of servicing. Changes in the fair value of MSRs occur primarily due to the collection/realization of expected cash flows, as well as changes in valuation inputs and assumptions. Estimated fair values are based on applying the inputs to generate the net present value of estimated future MSR income (Level 3). These discounted cash flow models utilize certain significant unobservable inputs including prepayment rate and discount rate assumptions. An increase in these unobservable inputs would generally reduce the estimated fair value of the MSRs.
As part of our MSR valuation process, we received a valuation estimate from a third-party valuations firm. In the aggregate, our internal valuation of the MSRs were within 1% of the third-party valuation.
FHLBC Stock
Our Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") member subsidiary is required to purchase Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago ("FHLBC") stock under a borrowing agreement between our FHLB-member subsidiary and the FHLBC. Under this agreement, the stock is redeemable at face value, which represents the carrying value and fair value of the stock (Level 2).
Guarantee Asset
The guarantee asset represents the estimated fair value of cash flows we are contractually entitled to receive related to a risk sharing arrangement with Fannie Mae. Significant inputs in the valuation analysis are Level 3, due to the nature of this asset and the lack of market quotes. The fair value of the guarantee asset is determined using a discounted cash flow model, for which significant inputs include prepayment rates and market discount rate (Level 3). An increase in prepayment speed or market discount rate would generally reduce the estimated fair value of the guarantee asset.
Pledged Collateral
Pledged collateral consists of cash and U.S. Treasury securities held by a custodian in association with certain agreements we have entered into. Treasury securities are carried at their fair value, which is determined using quoted prices in active markets
(Level 1).
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. Fair values equal carrying values (Level 1).
Restricted cash
Restricted cash primarily includes interest-earning cash balances at consolidated Sequoia entities and at the Residential Resecuritization and Commercial Securitization entities for the purpose of distribution to investors and reinvestment. Due to the short-term nature of the restrictions, fair values approximate carrying values (Level 1).
Accrued interest receivable and payable
Accrued interest receivable and payable includes interest due on our assets and payable on our liabilities. Due to the short-term nature of when these interest payments will be received or paid, fair values approximate carrying values (Level 1).
REO
REO includes properties owned in satisfaction of foreclosed loans. Fair values are determined using available market quotes, appraisals, broker price opinions, comparable properties, or other indications of value (Level 3).
Margin receivable
Margin receivable reflects cash collateral we have posted with our various derivative and debt counterparties as required to satisfy margin requirements. Fair values approximate carrying values (Level 2).
Guarantee Obligations
In association with our risk sharing transactions with the Agencies, we have made certain guarantees. For these transactions, at the close of each delivery period, or at quarter-end for open delivery periods, we recognize a liability representing the fair value of the guarantee obligations we assumed. Fair values of guarantee obligations are determined using internal models that incorporate certain significant inputs that are considered unobservable and are therefore Level 3 in nature. Pricing inputs include prepayment assumptions, loss assumptions, and discount rates.  An increase in discount rates or loss rates, or a decrease in prepayment rates, would reduce the estimated fair value of the guarantee obligations.
Short-term debt
Short-term debt includes our credit facilities that mature within one year. As these borrowings are secured and subject to margin calls and as the rates on these borrowings reset frequently to market rates, we believe that carrying values approximate fair values (Level 2).
ABS issued
ABS issued includes asset-backed securities issued through the Sequoia, Residential Resecuritization, and Commercial Securitization entities. These instruments are generally illiquid in nature and trade infrequently. Significant inputs in the valuation analysis are predominantly Level 3, due to the nature of these instruments and the lack of readily available market quotes. For ABS issued, we utilize both market comparable pricing and discounted cash flow analysis valuation techniques. Relevant market indicators factored into the analyses include bid/ask spreads, the amount and timing of collateral credit losses, interest rates, and collateral prepayment rates. Estimated fair values are based on applying the market indicators to generate discounted cash flows (Level 3). These liabilities would generally decrease in value (become a larger liability) if credit losses decreased or if the prepayment rate or discount rate were to increase.
FHLBC Borrowings
FHLBC borrowings include amounts borrowed from the FHLBC that are secured, generally by residential mortgage loans. As these borrowings are secured and subject to margin calls and as the rates on these borrowings reset frequently to market rates, we believe that carrying values approximate fair values (Level 2).
Commercial secured borrowings
Commercial secured borrowings represent liabilities recognized as a result of transfers of portions of senior commercial mortgage loans to third parties that do not meet the criteria for sale treatment under GAAP and are accounted for as secured borrowings. Fair values for commercial secured borrowings are based on the fair values of the senior commercial loans associated with the borrowings (Level 3).
Convertible notes
Convertible notes include unsecured convertible and exchangeable senior notes. Fair values are determined using quoted prices in active markets (Level 2).
Trust preferred securities and subordinated notes
Estimated fair values of trust preferred securities and subordinated notes are determined using discounted cash flow analysis valuation techniques. Significant inputs in the valuation analysis are predominantly Level 3, due to the nature of these instruments and the lack of readily available market quotes. Estimated fair values are based on applying the market indicators to generate discounted cash flows (Level 3).