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Investments
3 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Investment (Tables) 
Investment [Text Block]
3)           Investments


The Company’s investments in fixed maturity securities held-to-maturity and equity securities available-for-sale as of September 30, 2011 are summarized as follows:
 
   
Amortized
Cost
  
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
  
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
September 30, 2011:
            
Fixed maturity securities held to maturity
    carried at amortized cost:
            
Bonds:
            
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations
   of U.S. Government agencies
 $2,824,482  $555,167  $-  $3,379,649 
                 
Obligations of states and political
   subdivisions
  3,177,033   311,964   (19,720)  3,469,277 
                 
Corporate securities including public utilities
  120,813,476   11,054,450   (2,228,137)  129,639,789 
                 
Mortgage-backed securities
  6,668,049   369,057   (307,914)  6,729,192 
                 
Redeemable preferred stock
  1,502,053   57,136   (122,638)  1,436,551 
                 
Total fixed maturity securities held to
   maturity
 $134,985,093  $12,347,774  $(2,678,409) $144,654,458 


 
   
Amortized
Cost
  
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
  
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
September 30, 2011:
            
              
Equity securities available for sale at estimated fair value:
            
              
Non-redeemable preferred stock
 $20,281  $-  $(2,801) $17,480 
                  
Common stock:
                
                  
Industrial, miscellaneous and all other
  7,456,982   215,517   (1,782,063)  5,890,436 
                  
Total equity securities available for sale at estimated fair value
 $7,477,263  $215,517  $(1,784,864) $5,907,916 
                  
Mortgage loans on real estate and construction loans held
   for investment at amortized cost:
                
Residential
 $57,244,340             
Residential construction
  19,980,238             
Commercial
  41,554,343             
Less: Allowance for loan losses
  (6,606,457)            
Total mortgage loans on real estate and construction loans
   held for investment
 $112,172,464             
                  
Real estate held for investment - net of depreciation
 $3,871,845             
Other real estate owned held for investment - net of  depreciation
  46,226,585             
Other real estate owned held for sale
  5,793,900             
Total real estate
 $55,892,330             
                  
Policy and other loans at amortized cost - net of allowance
   for doubtful accounts
 $16,718,099             
                  
Short-term investments at amortized cost
 $4,040,671             
 
The Company’s investments in fixed maturity securities held-to-maturity and equity securities available-for-sale as of December 31, 2010 are summarized as follows:
 
   
Amortized
Cost
  
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
  
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
December 31, 2010:
            
Fixed maturity securities held to maturity
            
carried at amortized cost:
            
Bonds:
            
U.S. Treasury securities
            
and obligations of U.S
            
Government agencies
 $2,855,303  $325,935  $-  $3,181,238 
                 
Obligations of states and
                
political subdivisions
  1,773,904   122,565   (18,574)  1,877,895 
                 
Corporate securities including
                
public utilities
  85,354,245   6,626,582   (716,007)  91,264,820 
                 
Mortgage-backed securities
  6,469,942   239,719   (654,959)  6,054,702 
                 
Redeemable preferred stock
  1,594,622   27,158   (32,171)  1,589,609 
Total fixed maturity
                
securities held to maturity
 $98,048,016  $7,341,959  $(1,421,711) $103,968,264 
    
   
Amortized
Cost
  
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
  
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
December 31, 2010:
            
              
Equity securities available for sale at estimated fair value:
            
              
Non-redeemable preferred stock
 $20,282  $-  $(4,224) $16,058 
                  
Common stock:
                
                  
Industrial, miscellaneous and all other
  6,418,151   707,798   (357,364)  6,768,585 
                  
Total equity securities available for sale at estimated fair value
 $6,438,433  $707,798  $(361,588) $6,784,643 
                  
Mortgage loans on real estate and construction loans held for
   investment at amortized cost:
                
Residential
 $60,285,273             
Residential construction
  18,436,495             
Commercial
  24,502,781             
Less: Allowance for loan losses
  (7,070,442)            
Total mortgage loans on real estate and construction loans
   held for investment
 $96,154,107             
                  
Real estate held for investment - net of depreciation
 $3,996,777             
Other real estate owned held for investment - net of depreciation
  44,422,829             
Other real estate owned held for sale
  5,086,400             
Total real estate
 $53,506,006             
                  
Policy and other loans at amortized cost - net of allowance
   for doubtful accounts
 $17,044,897             
                  
Short-term investments at amortized cost
 $2,618,349             
 
Fixed Maturity Securities


The following tables summarize unrealized losses on fixed-maturity securities, which are carried at amortized cost, at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010. The unrealized losses were primarily related to interest rate fluctuations. The tables set forth unrealized losses by duration and number of investment positions, together with the fair value of the related fixed-maturity securities:
 
   
Unrealized
Losses for
Less than
Twelve
Months
  
No. of
Investment
Positions
  
Unrealized
Losses for
More than
Twelve
Months
  
No. of
Investment
Positions
  
Total
Unrealized
Loss
 
At September 30, 2011
               
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
 $-   0  $19,720   3  $19,720 
Corporate securities including public utilities
  1,613,641   46   614,496   12   2,228,137 
Mortgage-backed securities
  197,721   3   110,193   1   307,914 
Redeemable preferred stock
  1,000   1   121,638   1   122,638 
Total unrealized losses
 $1,812,362   50  $866,047   17  $2,678,409 
Fair Value
 $26,496,891      $4,141,109      $30,638,000 
                      
At December 31, 2010
                    
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
 $-   0  $18,574   3  $18,574 
Corporate securities including public utilities
  70,934   10   645,073   25   716,007 
Mortgage-backed securities
  8,971   2   645,988   3   654,959 
Redeemable preferred stock
  4,022   4   28,149   1   32,171 
Total unrealized losses
 $83,927   16  $1,337,784   32  $1,421,711 
Fair Value
 $4,527,041      $10,037,150      $14,564,191 


As of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the average fair value of the related fixed maturities was 92.0% and 91.1%, respectively, of amortized cost. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and for the year ended December 31, 2010, an other-than-temporary decline in fair value resulted in the recognition of an impairment loss on fixed maturity securities of $95,129 and $150,059, respectively. On a quarterly basis, the Company reviews its available-for-sale fixed investment securities related to corporate securities and other public utilities, consisting of bonds and preferred stocks that are in a loss position. The review involves an analysis of the securities in relation to historical values, and projected earnings and revenue growth rates. Based on the analysis, a determination is made whether a security will likely recover from the loss position within a reasonable period of time. If it is unlikely that the investment will recover from the loss position, the loss is considered to be other-than-temporary, the security is written down to the impaired value and an impairment loss is recognized. No other-than-temporary impairment loss was considered to exist for these fixed maturity securities as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
 
Equity Securities


The following tables summarize unrealized losses on equity securities that were carried at estimated fair value based on quoted trading prices at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010. The unrealized losses were primarily the result of decreases in fair value due to overall equity market declines. The tables set forth unrealized losses by duration and number of investment positions, together with the fair value of the related equity securities available-for-sale in a loss position:




   
Unrealized
Losses for
Less than
Twelve
Months
  
No. of
Investment
Positions
  
Unrealized
Losses for
More than
Twelve Months
  
No. of
Investment
Positions
  
Total
Unrealized
Losses
 
At September 30, 2011
               
Non-redeemable preferred stock
 $-   0  $2,801   2  $2,801 
Industrial, miscellaneous and all other
  1,345,141   101   436,922   14   1,782,063 
Total unrealized losses
 $1,345,141   101  $439,723   16  $1,784,864 
Fair Value
 $3,560,006      $480,630      $4,040,636 
                      
At December 31, 2010
                    
Non-redeemable preferred stock
 $-   -  $4,224   2  $4,224 
Industrial, miscellaneous and all other
  192,742   42   164,622   13   357,364 
Total unrealized losses
 $192,742   42  $168,846   15  $361,588 
Fair Value
 $1,895,632      $530,253      $2,425,885 


As of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the average fair value of the equity securities available-for-sale was 69.4% and 87.0%, respectively, of the original investment. The intent of the Company is to retain equity securities for a period of time sufficient to allow for the recovery in fair value. However, the Company may sell equity securities during a period in which the fair value has declined below the amount of the original investment. In certain situations new factors, including changes in the business environment, can change the Company’s previous intent to continue holding a security. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and for the year ended December 31, 2010, an other-than-temporary decline in fair value resulted in the recognition of an impairment loss on equity securities of $0 and $23,922, respectively.


On a quarterly basis, the Company reviews its investment in industrial, miscellaneous and all other equity securities that are in a loss position. The review involves an analysis of the securities in relation to historical values, price earnings ratios, projected earnings and revenue growth rates. Based on the analysis a determination is made whether a security will likely recover from the loss position within a reasonable period of time. If it is unlikely that the investment will recover from the loss position, the loss is considered to be other-than-temporary, the security is written down to the impaired value and an impairment loss is recognized. No other-than-temporary impairment loss was considered to exist for these equity securities as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.


The fair values of fixed maturity securities are based on quoted market prices, when available. For fixed maturity securities not actively traded, fair values are estimated using values obtained from independent pricing services, or in the case of private placements, are estimated by discounting expected future cash flows using a current market value applicable to the coupon rate, credit and maturity of the investments. The fair values for equity securities are based on quoted market prices.


The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities at September 30, 2011, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
 
   
Amortized
Cost
  
Estimated Fair
Value
 
Held to Maturity:
      
Due in 2011
 $1,050,281  $1,057,109 
Due in 2012 through 2015
  16,263,077   17,604,087 
Due in 2016 through 2020
  48,758,651   52,611,810 
Due after 2020
  60,742,982   65,215,709 
Mortgage-backed securities
  6,668,049   6,729,192 
Redeemable preferred stock
  1,502,053   1,436,551 
Total held to maturity
 $134,985,093  $144,654,458 


The amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities at September 30, 2011, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Equities are valued using the specific identification method.



   
Amortized
Cost
  
Estimated Fair
Value
 
Available for Sale:
      
Due in 2011
 $-  $- 
Due in 2012 through 2015
  -   - 
Due in 2016 through 2020
  -   - 
Due after 2020
  -   - 
Non-redeemable preferred stock
  20,281   17,480 
Common stock
  7,456,982   5,890,436 
Total available for sale
 $7,477,263  $5,907,916 


The Company’s realized gains and losses, other-than-temporary impairments from investments and other assets, are summarized as follows:




   
Three Months Ended September 30,
  
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2011
  
2010
  
2011
  
2010
 
Fixed maturity securities held
            
to maturity:
            
Gross realized gains
 $80,069  $862,457  $400,026  $1,158,469 
Gross realized losses
  (11,086)  (259,445)  (142,907)  (482,369)
Other than temporary impairments
  (30,000)  (30,000)  (95,129)  (60,000)
                  
Securities available for sale:
                
Gross realized gains
  48,680   64,337   503,804   512,329 
Gross realized losses
  (30)  (12,323)  (34,834)  (55,396)
Other than temporary impairments
  -   -   -   - 
                  
Other assets:
                
Gross realized gains
  146,253   122,796   1,182,905   394,539 
Gross realized losses
  (37,406)  (29,376)  (79,858)  (95,209)
Other than temporary impairments
  -   -   -   - 
Total
 $196,480  $718,446  $1,734,007  $1,372,363 
 
Generally gains and losses from held-to-maturity securities are a result of early calls and related amortization of premiums or discounts. However, credit losses of $30,000 and $30,000 were recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively from other-than-temporary declines in fair value of held-to-maturity securities. The Company currently holds a collateralized mortgage obligation for which the value carries a significant degree of uncertainty. In order to exercise conservatism related to the carrying value of this collateralized mortgage obligation, the Company is currently recognizing an impairment of $10,000 per month.
 
The net carrying amount of held-to-maturity securities sold was $4,715,412 and $16,220,943 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and the year ended December 31, 2010, respectively.  The net realized gain related to these sales was $68,370 and $346,225 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and the year ended December 31, 2010, respectively. Certain circumstances lead to these decisions to sell. Bonds categorized as held-to-maturity and sold in 2010 were liquidated in order to meet an unexpected increase in mortgage funding demand and the non-renewal of an expired loan purchase agreement with a warehouse bank by SecurityNational Mortgage during the latter part of 2010.  The expired loan purchase agreement was renewed in December 2010 for a one year term. This was a rare and unusual event in the history of the Company. In 2011, the Company sold certain held-to-maturity bonds in gain positions to offset the loss incurred by selling some high risk residential mortgage backed securities.
 
There were no investments, aggregated by issuer, in excess of 10% of shareholders’ equity (before net unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities) at September 30, 2011, other than investments issued or guaranteed by the United States Government.
 
Major categories of net investment income are as follows:
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30,
  
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2011
  
2010
  
2011
  
2010
 
Fixed maturity securities
 $2,033,778  $1,718,143  $5,773,035  $5,258,146 
Equity securities
  70,494   61,274   197,480   174,017 
Mortgage loans on real estate
  1,894,780   1,350,728   4,881,213   4,349,326 
Real estate
  484,289   453,281   1,496,912   1,221,181 
Policy and other loans
  195,940   227,785   619,972   673,205 
Short-term investments,  principally gains
   on sale of mortgage loans and other
  1,577,446   2,121,763   4,423,576   5,768,879 
Gross investment income
  6,256,727   5,932,974   17,392,188   17,444,754 
Investment expenses
  (1,149,137)  (1,543,264)  (3,296,792)  (3,760,558)
Net investment income
 $5,107,590  $4,389,710  $14,095,396  $13,684,196 
 
Net investment income includes income earned by the restricted assets of the cemeteries and mortuaries of $240,240 and $249,339 for nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
Net investment income on real estate consists primarily of rental revenue received under short-term leases.
 
Investment expenses consist primarily of depreciation, property taxes, operating expenses of real estate and an estimated portion of administrative expenses relating to investment activities.
 
Securities on deposit for regulatory authorities as required by law amounted to $9,347,984 at September 30, 2011 and $9,302,578 at December 31, 2010. The restricted securities are included in various assets under investments on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.
Mortgage Loans


Mortgage loans consist of first and second mortgages. The mortgage loans bear interest at rates ranging from 2.0 % to 10.5% per annum, maturity dates range from three months to 30 years and are secured by real estate. Concentrations of credit risk arise when a number of mortgage loan debtors have similar economic characteristics that would cause their ability to meet contractual obligations to be similarly affected by changes in economic conditions. Although the Company has a diversified mortgage loan portfolio consisting of residential mortgages, commercial loans and residential construction loans and requires collateral on all real estate exposures, a substantial portion of its debtors’ ability to honor obligations is reliant on the economic stability of the geographic region in which the debtors live or do business. At September 30, 2011, the Company had 34%, 13% and 10% of its mortgage loans from borrowers located in the states of Utah, California and Florida, respectively. The mortgage loans on real estate balances on the consolidated balance sheet are reflected net of an allowance for loan losses of $6,606,457 and $7,070,442 at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.

  
The Company establishes a valuation allowance for credit losses in its portfolio.


The following is a summary of the allowance for loan losses as a contra-asset account for the periods presented.
 
Allowance for Credit Losses and Recorded Investment in Mortgage Loans
 
              
   
Commercial
  
Residential
  
Residential
Construction
  
Total
 
September 30, 2011
            
Allowance for credit losses:
            
Beginning balance - January 1, 2011
 $-  $6,212,072  $858,370  $7,070,442 
   Charge-offs
  -   (399,444)  (321,879)  (721,323)
   Provision
  -   257,338   -   257,338 
Ending balance - September 30, 2011
 $-  $6,069,966  $536,491  $6,606,457 
                  
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
 $-  $5,234,099  $418,121  $5,652,220 
                  
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
 $-  $835,867  $118,370  $954,237 
                  
Ending balance: loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality
 $-  $-  $-  $- 
                  
Mortgage loans:
                
Ending balance
 $41,554,343  $57,244,340  $19,980,238  $118,778,921 
                  
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
 $-  $8,625,864  $7,975,046  $16,600,910 
                  
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
 $41,554,343  $48,618,476  $12,005,192  $102,178,011 
                  
Ending balance: loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality
 $-  $-  $-  $- 
                  
December 31, 2010
                
Allowance for credit losses:
                
Beginning balance - January 1, 2010
 $-  $5,917,792  $891,011  $6,808,803 
   Charge-offs
  -   (335,853)  (32,641)  (368,494)
   Provision
  -   630,133   -   630,133 
Ending balance - December 31, 2010
 $-  $6,212,072  $858,370  $7,070,442 
                  
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
 $-  $5,131,779  $740,000  $5,871,779 
                  
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
 $-  $1,080,293  $118,370  $1,198,663 
                  
Ending balance: loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality
 $-  $-  $-  $- 
                  
Mortgage loans:
                
Ending balance
 $24,502,781  $60,285,273  $18,436,495  $103,224,549 
                  
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
 $-  $7,236,095  $2,085,467  $9,321,562 
                  
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
 $24,502,781  $53,049,178  $16,351,028  $93,902,987 
                  
Ending balance: loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality
 $-  $-  $-  $- 
 
The following is a summary of the aging of mortgage loans for the periods presented.
 
Age Analysis of Past Due Mortgage Loans
 
                             
   
30-59 Days
Past Due
  
60-89 Days
Past Due
  
Greater Than
90 Days 1)
  
In Foreclosure 1)
  
Total
Past Due
  
Current
  
Total
Mortgage
Loans
  
Allowance for
Loan Losses
  
Net Mortgage
Loans
 
September 30, 2011
                         
Commercial
 $-  $-  $1,053,500  $2,758,580  $3,812,080  $37,742,263  $41,554,343  $-  $41,554,343 
Residential
  2,847,427   1,065,211   4,250,800   8,625,864   16,789,302   40,455,038   57,244,340   (6,069,966)  51,174,374 
Residential
  Construction
  -   -   1,006,890   7,975,046   8,981,936   10,998,302   19,980,238   (536,491)  19,443,747 
                                      
Total
 $2,847,427  $1,065,211  $6,311,190  $19,359,490  $29,583,318  $89,195,603  $118,778,921  $(6,606,457) $112,172,464 
                                      
December 31, 2010
                                 
Commercial
 $-  $734,756  $-  $439,794  $1,174,550  $23,328,231  $24,502,781  $-  $24,502,781 
Residential
  767,970   782,174   3,537,616   7,236,095   12,323,855   47,961,418   60,285,273   (6,212,072)  54,073,201 
Residential
  Construction
  849,375   1,543,593   994,046   2,085,467   5,472,481   12,964,014   18,436,495   (858,370)  17,578,125 
                                      
Total
 $1,617,345  $3,060,523  $4,531,662  $9,761,356  $18,970,886  $84,253,663  $103,224,549  $(7,070,442) $96,154,107 
                                      
1) Interest income is not recognized on loans past due greater than 90 days or in foreclosure.
 
  
Impaired Mortgage Loans


Impaired mortgage loans include loans with a related specific valuation allowance or loans whose carrying amount has been reduced to the expected collectible amount because the impairment has been considered other-than-temporary. The recorded investment in and unpaid principal balance of impaired loans along with the related loan specific allowance for losses, if any, for each reporting period and the average recorded investment and interest income recognized during the time the loans were impaired were as follows:


Impaired Loans
 
                 
   
Recorded
Investment
  
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
  
Related
Allowance
  
Average
Recorded
Investment
  
Interest
Income
Recognized
 
September 30, 2011
               
With no related allowance recorded:
               
   Commercial
 $3,812,080  $3,812,080  $-  $3,812,080  $- 
   Residential
  4,250,800   4,250,800   -   4,250,800   - 
   Residential construction
  1,006,890   1,006,890   -   1,006,890   - 
                      
With an allowance recorded:
                    
   Commercial
 $-  $-  $-  $-  $- 
   Residential
  8,625,864   8,625,864   5,234,099   8,625,864   - 
   Residential construction
  7,975,046   7,975,046   418,121   7,975,046   - 
                      
Total:
                    
   Commercial
 $3,812,080  $3,812,080  $-  $3,812,080  $- 
   Residential
  12,876,664   12,876,664   5,234,099   12,876,664   - 
   Residential construction
  8,981,936   8,981,936   418,121   8,981,936   - 
                      
December 31, 2010
                    
With no related allowance recorded:
                    
   Commercial
 $439,794  $439,794  $-  $439,794  $- 
   Residential
  3,537,616   3,537,616   -   3,537,616   - 
   Residential construction
  994,046   994,046   -   994,046   - 
                      
With an allowance recorded:
                    
   Commercial
 $-  $-  $-  $-  $- 
   Residential
  7,236,095   7,236,095   5,131,779   7,236,095   - 
   Residential construction
  2,085,467   2,085,467   740,000   2,085,467   - 
                      
Total:
                    
   Commercial
 $439,794  $439,794  $-  $439,794  $- 
   Residential
  10,773,711   10,773,711   5,131,779   10,773,711   - 
   Residential construction
  3,079,513   3,079,513   740,000   3,079,513   - 


Credit Risk Profile Based on Performance Status


The Company’s mortgage loan portfolio is monitored based on performance of the loans. Monitoring a mortgage loan increases when the loan is delinquent or earlier if there is an indication of impairment. The Company defines non-performing mortgage loans as loans 90 days past due or on non-accrual status.


The Company’s performing and non-performing mortgage loans were as follows:
 
Mortgage Loan Credit Exposure
 
Credit Risk Profile Based on Payment Activity
 
                          
   
Commercial
  
Residential
  
Residential Construction
  
Total
 
   
September
30, 2011
  
December
31, 2010
  
September
30, 2011
  
December
31, 2010
  
September
30, 2011
  
December
31, 2010
  
September
30, 2011
  
December
31, 2010
 
                          
Performing
 $37,742,263  $24,062,987  $44,367,676  $49,511,562  $10,998,302  $15,356,982  $93,108,241  $88,931,531 
Nonperforming
  3,812,080   439,794   12,876,664   10,773,711   8,981,936   3,079,513   25,670,680   14,293,018 
                                  
Total
 $41,554,343  $24,502,781  $57,244,340  $60,285,273  $19,980,238  $18,436,495  $118,778,921  $103,224,549 


Non-Accrual Mortgage Loans


Once a loan is past due 90 days, it is the Company’s policy to end the accrual of interest income on the loan and write off any income that had been accrued. Interest not accrued on these loans totals $2,308,000 and $1,852,000 as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.
 
The following is a summary of mortgage loans on a nonaccrual status for the periods presented.
 
   
Mortgage Loans on Nonaccrual Status
 
     
   
As of September 30,
  
As of December 31,
 
   
2011
  
2010
 
Commercial
 $3,812,080  $439,794 
Residential
  12,876,664   10,773,711 
Residential construction
  8,981,936   3,079,513 
Total
 $25,670,680  $14,293,018 
 
Loan Loss Reserve


When a repurchase demand is received from a third party investor, the relevant data is reviewed and captured so that an estimated future loss can be calculated. The key factors that are used in the estimated loss calculation are as follows: (i) lien position, (ii) payment status, (iii) claim type, (iv) unpaid principal balance, (v) interest rate, and (vi) validity of the demand. Other data is captured and is useful for management purposes; the actual estimated loss is generally based on these key factors. The Company conducts its own review upon the receipt of a repurchase demand. In many instances, the Company is able to resolve the issues relating to the repurchase demand by the third party investor without having to make any payments to the investor.


The following is a summary of the loan loss reserve that is included in other liabilities and accrued expenses:
 
   
As of September 30,
  
As of December 31,
 
   
2011
  
2010
 
Balance, beginning of period
 $5,899,025  $11,662,897 
Provisions for losses
  1,220,210   4,534,231 
Charge-offs
  (3,992,781)  (10,298,103)
Balance
 $3,126,454  $5,899,025 
  

The Company believes the loan loss reserve represents probable loan losses incurred as of the balance sheet date. The loan loss reserve may not be adequate, however, for claims asserted by third party investors. If SecurityNational Mortgage is unable to negotiate acceptable terms with the third party investors, legal action may ensue in an effort to obtain amounts that the third party investors claim are allegedly due.  In the event of legal action, if SecurityNational Mortgage is not successful in its defenses against claims asserted by these third party investors to the extent that a substantial judgment is entered against SecurityNational Mortgage which is beyond its capacity to pay, SecurityNational Mortgage may be required to curtail or cease operations.