8. FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating its fair value disclosures for financial instruments:

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The carrying amounts reported in the condensed consolidated balance sheets for cash and short-term instruments are a reasonable estimate of fair value. The carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value because of the relatively short term between the origination of the instrument and its expected realization. Therefore, the Company believes the measurement of fair value of cash and cash equivalents is derived from Level 1 inputs.

Other Equity Securities

The carrying amounts reported in the condensed consolidated balance sheets approximate fair value as the shares can only be redeemed by the issuing institution. The Company believes the measurement of the fair value of other equity securities is derived from Level 2 inputs.

Loans Receivable

For variable-rate loans that reprice frequently and with no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying values. The fair values for other loans (e.g., commercial real estate and rental property mortgage loans, commercial and industrial loans, and agricultural loans) are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality. The allowance for loan losses is considered to be a reasonable estimate of loan discount due to credit risks. Given that there are loans with specific terms that are not readily available, the Company believes the fair value of loans receivable is derived from Level 3 inputs.

Loans Held-for-Sale

For loans held for sale, the fair value is based on what secondary markets are currently offering for portfolios with similar characteristics. See FN(6), Fair Value Measurement.

Mortgage Servicing Rights

The Company measures fair value of mortgage servicing rights using Level 2 and Level 3 inputs. The Company uses quoted market prices when available. Subsequent fair value measurements are determined using a discounted cash flow model. In order to determine the fair value of the MSR, the present value of expected future cash flows is estimated. Assumptions used include market discount rates, anticipated prepayment speeds, delinquency and foreclosure rates, and ancillary fee income. This model is periodically validated by an independent external model validation group. The model assumptions and the MSR fair value estimates are also compared to observable trades of similar portfolios as well as to MSR broker valuations and industry surveys, as available.

Interest Receivable and Payable

The carrying amount of interest receivable and payable approximates its fair value. The Company believes the measurement of the fair value of interest receivable and payable is derived from Level 2 inputs.

Deposit Liabilities

The Company measures fair value of deposits using Level 2 and Level 3 inputs. The fair value of deposits were derived by discounting their expected future cash flows back to their present values based on the FHLB yield curve, and their expected decay rates for non maturing deposits. The Company is able to obtain FHLB yield curve rates as of the measurement date, and believes these inputs fall under Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Decay rates were developed through internal analysis, and are supported by recent years of the Bank’s transaction history. The inputs used by the Company to derive the decay rate assumptions are unobservable inputs, and therefore fall under Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Limitations

Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Company’s entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Because no market exists for a significant portion of the Company’s financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

Fair value estimates are based on existing on-and off-balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments. Other significant assets and liabilities that are not considered financial assets or liabilities include deferred tax liabilities and premises and equipment. In addition, the tax ramifications related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses can have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered in many of the estimates.

The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments for the periods ended March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are approximately as follows:

			March 31, 2015				December 31, 2014
	Level		Carrying amount		Fair value		Carrying amount		Fair value

Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		1	$	254,328	$	254,328	$	229,052	$	229,052
Other equity securities		2		3,934		3,934		3,934		3,934
Loans receivable:
Net loans		3		536,934		533,862		537,979		535,018
Loans held-for-sale		2		4,185		4,275		491		509
Interest receivable		2		2,790		2,790		2,650		2,650
Mortgage servicing rights		3		1,824		1,960		1,862		2,068
Financial liabilities:
Deposits		3		893,508		870,148		857,052		837,150
Interest payable		2		79		79		70		70