Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation – The accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2020 has been derived from audited financial statements. The accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2021, the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 and the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 are unaudited. In our opinion, all adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows have been made. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted in accordance with Article 10 of Regulation S-X and the instructions to Form 10-Q. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, significant accounting policies and other disclosures have been omitted since such items are disclosed in Note 2 in the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. Provided in this section is a summary of additional accounting policies that are significant to, or newly adopted by, the Company for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021. The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full year.The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Management has made significant estimates in several areas, including fair valuation of its residential loans, multi-family loans, certain equity investments and Consolidated SLST CDOs. Although the Company’s estimates contemplate current conditions and how it expects those conditions to change in the future, it is reasonably possible that actual conditions could be different than anticipated in those estimates, which could materially impact the Company’s results of operations and its financial condition. The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting emergency measures have led (and may continue to lead) to significant disruptions in the global supply chain, global capital markets, the economy of the U.S. and the economies of other countries impacted by COVID-19. The fluidity of this situation precludes any prediction as to the ultimate adverse impact of COVID-19 on economic and market conditions. The Company believes the estimates and assumptions underlying our condensed consolidated financial statements are reasonable and supportable based on the information available as of June 30, 2021; however, uncertainty over the ultimate impact COVID-19 will have on the global economy generally, and our business in particular, makes any estimates and assumptions as of June 30, 2021 inherently less certain than they would be absent the current and potential impacts of COVID-19. Accordingly, it is reasonably possible that actual conditions could be different than anticipated in those estimates, which could materially impact the Company’s results of operations and its financial condition.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications – Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements to conform to current period presentation.
Principles of Consolidation and Variable Interest Entities	Principles of Consolidation and Variable Interest Entities – The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of all its subsidiaries which are majority-owned, controlled by the Company or a variable interest entity (“VIE”) where the Company is the primary beneficiary. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. A VIE is an entity that lacks one or more of the characteristics of a voting interest entity. A VIE is defined as an entity in which equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. The Company consolidates a VIE when it is the primary beneficiary of such VIE, herein referred to as a "Consolidated VIE". As primary beneficiary, the Company has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and a right to receive benefits or absorb losses of the entity that could be potentially significant to the VIE. The Company is required to reconsider its evaluation of whether to consolidate a VIE each reporting period, based upon changes in the facts and circumstances pertaining to the VIE.
Goodwill	Goodwill – Goodwill is not amortized but is evaluated for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if the Company believes indicators of impairment exist, by initially performing a qualitative screen and, if necessary, then comparing fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value, an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value (in an amount not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit) is recognized. In the first quarter of 2020, financial, credit and mortgage-related asset markets experienced significant volatility as a result of the spread of COVID-19, which in turn put significant pressure on the mortgage REIT industry, including financing operations, mortgage asset pricing and liquidity demands. In response to these conditions and the Company's intention to improve its liquidity, in March 2020, the Company sold, among other things, its entire portfolio of first loss POs issued by the Consolidated K-Series, certain senior and mezzanine securities issued by the Consolidated K-Series, Agency CMBS and CMBS that were held by its multi-family investment reporting unit. As a result of the sales, the Company re-evaluated its goodwill balance associated with the multi-family investment reporting unit for impairment. The Company considered qualitative indicators such as macroeconomic conditions, disruptions in equity and credit markets, REIT-specific market considerations, and changes in the net assets in the multi-family investment reporting unit to determine that a quantitative assessment of the fair value of the reporting unit was necessary. The Company performed its quantitative analysis by updating its discounted cash flow projection for the multi-family investment reporting unit for the reduced investment portfolio. This analysis yielded an impairment of the entire goodwill balance related to the Company's multi-family investment reporting unit reported as a $25.2 million impairment of goodwill on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2020.
Other Assets	Other Assets – Other assets as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 include restricted cash held by third parties, including cash held by the Company's securitization trusts, of $75.6 million and $11.3 million, respectively. Operating real estate held in Consolidated VIEs, net in the amounts of $125.3 million and $50.5 million are also included in other assets as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Other assets includes collections receivable from loan servicers, recoverable advances and interest receivable on residential loans totaling $65.9 million and $63.6 million as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Also included in other assets are operating lease right of use assets of $9.6 million and $10.1 million as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively (with corresponding operating lease liabilities of $10.2 million and $10.6 million as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, included in other liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets)
Summary of Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Summary of Recent Accounting Pronouncements In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting ("ASU 2020-04"). ASU 2020-04 provides optional expedients and exceptions to GAAP requirements for modifications to debt agreements, leases, derivatives and other contracts, related to the expected market transition from LIBOR, and certain other floating rate benchmark indices, or collectively, IBORs, to alternative reference rates. ASU 2020-04 generally considers contract modifications related to reference rate reform to be an event that does not require contract remeasurement at the modification date nor a reassessment of a previous accounting determination. In January 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-01, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Scope ("ASU 2021-01"). ASU 2021-01 clarifies that certain optional expedients and exceptions in Topic 848 for contract modifications and hedge accounting apply to derivatives that are affected by the "discounting transition" (i.e., changes in the interest rates used for margining, discounting, or contract price alignment for derivative instruments that are being implemented as part of the market-wide transition to new reference rates). The guidance in ASU 2020-04 is optional and may be elected over time, through December 31, 2022, as reference rate reform activities occur. Once ASU 2020-04 is elected, the guidance must be applied prospectively for all eligible contract modifications. The amendments in ASU 2021-01 are effective immediately and may be applied on a full retrospective basis as of any date from the beginning of an interim period that includes or is subsequent to March 12, 2020 or on a prospective basis for eligible contract modifications through December 31, 2022. The Company continues to evaluate the impact of ASU 2020-04 and ASU 2021-01 and may apply elections, as applicable, as the expected market transition from IBORs to alternative reference rates continues to develop. In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Debt - Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in Entity's Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity's Own Equity ("ASU 2020-06"). ASU 2020-06 simplifies an issuer's accounting for convertible instruments, enhances disclosure requirements for convertible instruments and modifies how particular convertible instruments and certain instruments that may be settled in cash or shares impact the diluted earnings per share computation. Entities may adopt the guidance through either a modified retrospective method of transition or a fully retrospective method of transition. The amendments are effective for public entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2021. Early adoption is permitted, but no earlier than fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020. The Company does not anticipate that the implementation of ASU 2020-06 will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	The Company has established and documented processes for determining fair values. Fair value is based upon quoted market prices, where available. If listed prices or quotes are not available, then fair value is based upon internally developed models that primarily use inputs that are market-based or independently sourced market parameters, including interest rate yield curves. A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels of valuation hierarchy are defined as follows: Level 1 - inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2 - inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. Level 3 - inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement. The following describes the valuation methodologies used for the Company’s financial instruments measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy. a.Residential Loans Held in Consolidated SLST and Multi-Family Loans Held in the Consolidated K-Series –Residential loans held in Consolidated SLST and multi-family loans held in the Consolidated K-Series are carried at fair value and classified as Level 3 fair values. In accordance with the practical expedient in ASC 810, the Company determines the fair value of residential loans held in Consolidated SLST and multi-family loans held in the Consolidated K-Series based on the fair value of the CDOs issued by these securitizations and its investment in these securitizations (eliminated in consolidation in accordance with GAAP), as the fair value of these instruments is more observable. The investment securities (eliminated in consolidation in accordance with GAAP) that we own in these securitizations are generally illiquid and trade infrequently, as such they are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair valuation of these investment securities is determined based on an internal valuation model that considers expected cash flows from the underlying loans and yields required by market participants. The significant unobservable inputs used in the measurement of these investments are projected losses within the pool of loans and a discount rate. The discount rate used in determining fair value incorporates default rate, loss severity, prepayment rate and current market interest rates. Significant increases or decreases in these inputs would result in a significantly lower or higher fair value measurement. b.Residential Loans and Residential Loans Held in Securitization Trusts – The Company’s acquired residential loans are recorded at fair value and classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value for residential loans is determined using valuations obtained from a third party that specializes in providing valuations of residential loans. The valuation approach depends on whether the residential loan is considered performing, re-performing or non-performing at the date the valuation is performed. For performing and re-performing loans, estimates of fair value are derived using a discounted cash flow model, where estimates of cash flows are determined from scheduled payments for each loan, adjusted using forecast prepayment rates, default rates and rates for loss upon default. For non-performing loans, asset liquidation cash flows are derived based on the estimated time to liquidate the loan, expected liquidation costs and home price appreciation. Estimated cash flows for both performing and non-performing loans are discounted at yields considered appropriate to arrive at a reasonable exit price for the asset. Indications of loan value such as actual trades, bids, offers and generic market color may be used in determining the appropriate discount yield. c.Preferred Equity and Mezzanine Loan Investments – Fair value for preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments is determined by both market comparable pricing and discounted cash flows. The discounted cash flows are based on the underlying contractual cash flows and estimated changes in market yields. The fair value also reflects consideration of changes in credit risk since the origination or time of initial investment. This fair value measurement is generally based on unobservable inputs and, as such, is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. d.Investment Securities Available for Sale – The Company determines the fair value of all of its investment securities available for sale based on discounted cash flows utilizing an internal pricing model. The methodology considers the characteristics of the particular security and its underlying collateral, which are observable inputs. These inputs include, but are not limited to, delinquency status, coupon, loan-to-value ("LTV"), historical performance, periodic and life caps, collateral type, rate reset period, seasoning, prepayment speeds and credit enhancement levels. The Company also considers several observable market data points, including prices obtained from third-party pricing services or dealers who make markets in similar financial instruments, trading activity, and dialogue with market participants. Third-party pricing services typically incorporate commonly used market pricing methods, trading activity observed in the marketplace and other data inputs similar to those used in the Company's internal pricing model. The Company has established thresholds to compare internally generated prices with independent third-party prices and any differences that exceed the thresholds are reviewed both internally and with the third-party pricing service. The Company reconciles and resolves all pricing differences in excess of the thresholds before a final price is established. The Company’s investment securities available for sale are valued based upon readily observable market parameters and are classified as Level 2 fair values. e.Equity Investments – Fair value for equity investments is determined (i) by the valuation process for preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments as described in c. above or (ii) using the net asset value ("NAV") of the equity investment entity as a practical expedient. These fair value measurements are generally based on unobservable inputs and, as such, are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. f.Derivative Instruments – The Company’s derivative instruments were classified as Level 2 fair values and were measured using valuations reported by the clearing house, CME Clearing, through which these instruments were cleared. The derivatives were presented net of variation margin payments pledged or received. g.Collateralized Debt Obligations – CDOs issued by Consolidated SLST and the Consolidated K-Series are classified as Level 3 fair values for which fair value is determined by considering several market data points, including prices obtained from third-party pricing services or dealers who make markets in similar financial instruments. The third-party pricing service or dealers incorporate common market pricing methods, including a spread measurement to the Treasury curve or interest rate swap curve as well as underlying characteristics of the particular security. They will also consider contractual cash payments and yields expected by market participants. Refer to a. above for a description of the fair valuation of CDOs issued by Consolidated SLST and the Consolidated K-Series that are eliminated in consolidation. Management reviews all prices used in determining fair value to ensure they represent current market conditions. This review includes surveying similar market transactions and comparisons to interest pricing models as well as offerings of like securities by dealers. Any changes to the valuation methodology are reviewed by management to ensure the changes are appropriate. As markets and products develop and the pricing for certain products becomes more transparent, the Company continues to refine its valuation methodologies. The methods described above may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, while the Company believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies, or assumptions, to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different estimate of fair value at the reporting date. The Company uses inputs that are current as of each reporting date, which may include periods of market dislocation, during which time price transparency may be reduced. This condition could cause the Company’s financial instruments to be reclassified from Level 2 to Level 3 in future periods.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Basis of Presentation – The accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2020 has been derived from audited financial statements. The accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2021, the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 and the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 are unaudited. In our opinion, all adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows have been made. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted in accordance with Article 10 of Regulation S-X and the instructions to Form 10-Q. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, significant accounting policies and other disclosures have been omitted since such items are disclosed in Note 2 in the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. Provided in this section is a summary of additional accounting policies that are significant to, or newly adopted by, the Company for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021. The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full year.The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Management has made significant estimates in several areas, including fair valuation of its residential loans, multi-family loans, certain equity investments and Consolidated SLST CDOs. Although the Company’s estimates contemplate current conditions and how it expects those conditions to change in the future, it is reasonably possible that actual conditions could be different than anticipated in those estimates, which could materially impact the Company’s results of operations and its financial condition. The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting emergency measures have led (and may continue to lead) to significant disruptions in the global supply chain, global capital markets, the economy of the U.S. and the economies of other countries impacted by COVID-19. The fluidity of this situation precludes any prediction as to the ultimate adverse impact of COVID-19 on economic and market conditions. The Company believes the estimates and assumptions underlying our condensed consolidated financial statements are reasonable and supportable based on the information available as of June 30, 2021; however, uncertainty over the ultimate impact COVID-19 will have on the global economy generally, and our business in particular, makes any estimates and assumptions as of June 30, 2021 inherently less certain than they would be absent the current and potential impacts of COVID-19. Accordingly, it is reasonably possible that actual conditions could be different than anticipated in those estimates, which could materially impact the Company’s results of operations and its financial condition.

Reclassifications

Reclassifications – Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements to conform to current period presentation.

Principles of Consolidation and Variable Interest Entities

Principles of Consolidation and Variable Interest Entities – The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of all its subsidiaries which are majority-owned, controlled by the Company or a variable interest entity (“VIE”) where the Company is the primary beneficiary. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

A VIE is an entity that lacks one or more of the characteristics of a voting interest entity. A VIE is defined as an entity in which equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. The Company consolidates a VIE when it is the primary beneficiary of such VIE, herein referred to as a "Consolidated VIE". As primary beneficiary, the Company has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and a right to receive benefits or absorb losses of the entity that could be potentially significant to the VIE. The Company is required to reconsider its evaluation of whether to consolidate a VIE each reporting period, based upon changes in the facts and circumstances pertaining to the VIE.

Goodwill

Goodwill – Goodwill is not amortized but is evaluated for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if the Company believes indicators of impairment exist, by initially performing a qualitative screen and, if necessary, then comparing fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value, an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value (in an amount not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit) is recognized. In the first quarter of 2020, financial, credit and mortgage-related asset markets experienced significant volatility as a result of the spread of COVID-19, which in turn put significant pressure on the mortgage REIT industry, including financing operations, mortgage asset pricing and liquidity demands. In response to these conditions and the Company's intention to improve its liquidity, in March 2020, the Company sold, among other things, its entire portfolio of first loss POs issued by the Consolidated K-Series, certain senior and mezzanine securities issued by the Consolidated K-Series, Agency CMBS and CMBS that were held by its multi-family investment reporting unit. As a result of the sales, the Company re-evaluated its goodwill balance associated with the multi-family investment reporting unit for impairment. The Company considered qualitative indicators such as macroeconomic conditions, disruptions in equity and credit markets, REIT-specific market considerations, and changes in the net assets in the multi-family investment reporting unit to determine that a quantitative assessment of the fair value of the reporting unit was necessary. The Company performed its quantitative analysis by updating its discounted cash flow projection for the multi-family investment reporting unit for the reduced investment portfolio. This analysis yielded an impairment of the entire goodwill balance related to the Company's multi-family investment reporting unit reported as a $25.2 million impairment of goodwill on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2020.

Other Assets

Other Assets – Other assets as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 include restricted cash held by third parties, including cash held by the Company's securitization trusts, of $75.6 million and $11.3 million, respectively. Operating real estate held in Consolidated VIEs, net in the amounts of $125.3 million and $50.5 million are also included in other assets as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Other assets includes collections receivable from loan servicers, recoverable advances and interest receivable on residential loans totaling $65.9 million and $63.6 million as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Also included in other assets are operating lease right of use assets of $9.6 million and $10.1 million as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively (with corresponding operating lease liabilities of $10.2 million and $10.6 million as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, included in other liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets)

Summary of Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting ("ASU 2020-04"). ASU 2020-04 provides optional expedients and exceptions to GAAP requirements for modifications to debt agreements, leases, derivatives and other contracts, related to the expected market transition from LIBOR, and certain other floating rate benchmark indices, or collectively, IBORs, to alternative reference rates. ASU 2020-04 generally considers contract modifications related to reference rate reform to be an event that does not require contract remeasurement at the modification date nor a reassessment of a previous accounting determination. In January 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-01, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Scope ("ASU 2021-01"). ASU 2021-01 clarifies that certain optional expedients and exceptions in Topic 848 for contract modifications and hedge accounting apply to derivatives that are affected by the "discounting transition" (i.e., changes in the interest rates used for margining, discounting, or contract price alignment for derivative instruments that are being implemented as part of the market-wide transition to new reference rates). The guidance in ASU 2020-04 is optional and may be elected over time, through December 31, 2022, as reference rate reform activities occur. Once ASU 2020-04 is elected, the guidance must be applied prospectively for all eligible contract modifications. The amendments in ASU 2021-01 are effective immediately and may be applied on a full retrospective basis as of any date from the beginning of an interim period that includes or is subsequent to March 12, 2020 or on a prospective basis for eligible contract modifications through December 31, 2022. The Company continues to evaluate the impact of ASU 2020-04 and ASU 2021-01 and may apply elections, as applicable, as the expected market transition from IBORs to alternative reference rates continues to develop.

In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Debt - Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in Entity's Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity's Own Equity ("ASU 2020-06"). ASU 2020-06 simplifies an issuer's accounting for convertible instruments, enhances disclosure requirements for convertible instruments and modifies how particular convertible instruments and certain instruments that may be settled in cash or shares impact the diluted earnings per share computation. Entities may adopt the guidance through either a modified retrospective method of transition or a fully retrospective method of transition. The amendments are effective for public entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2021. Early adoption is permitted, but no earlier than fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020. The Company does not anticipate that the implementation of ASU 2020-06 will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company has established and documented processes for determining fair values. Fair value is based upon quoted market prices, where available. If listed prices or quotes are not available, then fair value is based upon internally developed models that primarily use inputs that are market-based or independently sourced market parameters, including interest rate yield curves.

A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels of valuation hierarchy are defined as follows:

Level 1 - inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

Level 2 - inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.

Level 3 - inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

The following describes the valuation methodologies used for the Company’s financial instruments measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.

a.Residential Loans Held in Consolidated SLST and Multi-Family Loans Held in the Consolidated K-Series –Residential loans held in Consolidated SLST and multi-family loans held in the Consolidated K-Series are carried at fair value and classified as Level 3 fair values. In accordance with the practical expedient in ASC 810, the Company determines the fair value of residential loans held in Consolidated SLST and multi-family loans held in the Consolidated K-Series based on the fair value of the CDOs issued by these securitizations and its investment in these securitizations (eliminated in consolidation in accordance with GAAP), as the fair value of these instruments is more observable.

The investment securities (eliminated in consolidation in accordance with GAAP) that we own in these securitizations are generally illiquid and trade infrequently, as such they are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair valuation of these investment securities is determined based on an internal valuation model that considers expected cash flows from the underlying loans and yields required by market participants. The significant unobservable inputs used in the measurement of these investments are projected losses within the pool of loans and a discount rate. The discount rate used in determining fair value incorporates default rate, loss severity, prepayment rate and current market interest rates. Significant increases or decreases in these inputs would result in a significantly lower or higher fair value measurement.

b.Residential Loans and Residential Loans Held in Securitization Trusts – The Company’s acquired residential loans are recorded at fair value and classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value for residential loans is determined using valuations obtained from a third party that specializes in providing valuations of residential loans. The valuation approach depends on whether the residential loan is considered performing, re-performing or non-performing at the date the valuation is performed.

For performing and re-performing loans, estimates of fair value are derived using a discounted cash flow model, where estimates of cash flows are determined from scheduled payments for each loan, adjusted using forecast prepayment rates, default rates and rates for loss upon default. For non-performing loans, asset liquidation cash flows are derived based on the estimated time to liquidate the loan, expected liquidation costs and home price appreciation. Estimated cash flows for both performing and non-performing loans are discounted at yields considered appropriate to arrive at a reasonable exit price for the asset. Indications of loan value such as actual trades, bids, offers and generic market color may be used in determining the appropriate discount yield.

c.Preferred Equity and Mezzanine Loan Investments – Fair value for preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments is determined by both market comparable pricing and discounted cash flows. The discounted cash flows are based on the underlying contractual cash flows and estimated changes in market yields. The fair value also reflects consideration of changes in credit risk since the origination or time of initial investment. This fair value measurement is generally based on unobservable inputs and, as such, is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

d.Investment Securities Available for Sale – The Company determines the fair value of all of its investment securities available for sale based on discounted cash flows utilizing an internal pricing model. The methodology considers the characteristics of the particular security and its underlying collateral, which are observable inputs. These inputs include, but are not limited to, delinquency status, coupon, loan-to-value ("LTV"), historical performance, periodic and life caps, collateral type, rate reset period, seasoning, prepayment speeds and credit enhancement levels. The Company also considers several observable market data points, including prices obtained from third-party pricing services or dealers who make markets in similar financial instruments, trading activity, and dialogue with market participants. Third-party pricing services typically incorporate commonly used market pricing methods, trading activity observed in the marketplace and other data inputs similar to those used in the Company's internal pricing model. The Company has established thresholds to compare internally generated prices with independent third-party prices and any differences that exceed the thresholds are reviewed both internally and with the third-party pricing service. The Company reconciles and resolves all pricing differences in excess of the thresholds before a final price is established. The Company’s investment securities available for sale are valued based upon readily observable market parameters and are classified as Level 2 fair values.

e.Equity Investments – Fair value for equity investments is determined (i) by the valuation process for preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments as described in c. above or (ii) using the net asset value ("NAV") of the equity investment entity as a practical expedient. These fair value measurements are generally based on unobservable inputs and, as such, are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

f.Derivative Instruments – The Company’s derivative instruments were classified as Level 2 fair values and were measured using valuations reported by the clearing house, CME Clearing, through which these instruments were cleared. The derivatives were presented net of variation margin payments pledged or received.

g.Collateralized Debt Obligations – CDOs issued by Consolidated SLST and the Consolidated K-Series are classified as Level 3 fair values for which fair value is determined by considering several market data points, including prices obtained from third-party pricing services or dealers who make markets in similar financial instruments. The third-party pricing service or dealers incorporate common market pricing methods, including a spread measurement to the Treasury curve or interest rate swap curve as well as underlying characteristics of the particular security. They will also consider contractual cash payments and yields expected by market participants.

Refer to a. above for a description of the fair valuation of CDOs issued by Consolidated SLST and the Consolidated K-Series that are eliminated in consolidation.

Management reviews all prices used in determining fair value to ensure they represent current market conditions. This review includes surveying similar market transactions and comparisons to interest pricing models as well as offerings of like securities by dealers. Any changes to the valuation methodology are reviewed by management to ensure the changes are appropriate. As markets and products develop and the pricing for certain products becomes more transparent, the Company continues to refine its valuation methodologies. The methods described above may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, while the Company believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies, or assumptions, to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different estimate of fair value at the reporting date. The Company uses inputs that are current as of each reporting date, which may include periods of market dislocation, during which time price transparency may be reduced. This condition could cause the Company’s financial instruments to be reclassified from Level 2 to Level 3 in future periods.