ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

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

Level 2: Significant other observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data

Level 3: Significant unobservable inputs that reflect a reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability

The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy:

Where quoted prices are available in an active market, investment securities are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. Level 1 investment securities include highly liquid government bonds and mortgage products. If quoted market prices are not available, then fair values are estimated by using pricing models, quoted prices of investment securities with similar characteristics or discounted cash flow. Level 2 investment securities include U.S. agency securities, mortgage-backed securities, obligations of states and political subdivisions and certain corporate, asset-backed and other securities. In certain cases where there is limited activity or less transparency around inputs to the valuation, investment securities are classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. Currently, a majority of Southern National’s available for sale debt investment securities are considered to be Level 2 investment securities, except for a few corporate securities that are classified as Level 3 investment securities.

No corporate securities that are classified as Level 3 above were purchased or sold during 2020 or 2019. These corporate securities did not have a material impact on the income statement for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019.

Generally, we measure the impairment for impaired loans considering the fair value of the loan’s collateral (if the loan is collateral dependent). Fair value of the loan’s collateral is determined by an independent appraisal or evaluation less estimated costs related to selling the collateral. In some cases appraised value is net of costs to sell. Estimated selling costs range from 5% to 10% of collateral valuation at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. Fair value is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Loans identified as impaired totaled $22.4 million (including SBA guarantees of $3.1 million) as of March 31, 2020 with $1.3 million allocation made to the allowance for loan losses compared to a carrying amount of $22.0 million (including SBA guarantees of $4.4 million) with $1.1 million allocation made to the allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2019.

In connection with the merger with EVBS, SNBV acquired four properties that were either former EVBS administrative locations or previously anticipated to be future EVBS administrative locations. As of March 31, 2020, all four of these properties have been sold. Assets held for sale are measured at fair value less cost to sell, based on appraisals conducted by an independent, licensed appraiser outside of the Company using observable market data. If the fair value is significantly adjusted due to differences in the comparable properties, or is discounted by the Company because of marketability, then the fair value is considered Level 3. Assets held for sale are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis and are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Subsequent fair value adjustments are recorded in the period incurred and included in other noninterest expense on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

OREO is evaluated at the time of acquisition and recorded at fair value as determined by independent appraisal or evaluation less cost to sell. In some cases appraised value is net of costs to sell. Selling costs have been in the range from 5% to 10% of collateral valuation at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. Fair value is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. OREO is further evaluated quarterly for any additional impairment. At March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the total amount of OREO was $5.9 million and $6.2 million, respectively.

(1)	Includes loans secured by farmland and multi-family residential loans.

(2)	Includes home equity lines of credit.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying amount, estimated fair values and fair value hierarchy levels (previously defined) of financial instruments were as follows (in thousands) for the periods indicated:


		March 31, 2020				December 31, 2019
	Fair Value	Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
	Hierarchy Level	Amount		Value		Amount		Value
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	Level 1	$	55,865	$	55,865	$	31,928	$	31,928
Securities available for sale	Level 2 & Level 3		168,520		168,520		164,820		164,820
Securities held to maturity	Level 2		59,234		60,426		72,448		72,666
Stock in Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank	Level 2		21,396		21,396		17,832		17,832
Equity investment in mortgage affiliate	Level 3		5,251		5,251		5,020		5,020
Preferred investment in mortgage affiliate	Level 3		3,305		3,305		3,305		3,305
Net loans	Level 3		2,199,816		2,217,962		2,175,786		2,180,487
Accrued interest receivable	Level 2 & Level 3		8,548		8,548		8,210		8,210
Financial liabilities:
Demand deposits and NOW accounts	Level 2	$	719,072	$	719,072	$	730,325	$	730,325
Money market and savings accounts	Level 2		629,066		629,066		611,353		611,353
Time deposits	Level 3		727,216		736,513		783,040		786,420
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	Level 1		13,179		13,179		12,883		12,883
FHLB short term advances	Level 1		205,140		205,140		121,640		121,640
Junior subordinated debt	Level 2		9,645		8,787		9,632		9,206
Senior subordinated notes	Level 2		47,041		48,044		47,051		48,156
Accrued interest payable	Level 1 & Level 3		5,025		5,025		4,907		4,907

Carrying amount is the estimated fair value for cash and cash equivalents (including federal funds sold), accrued interest receivable and payable, demand deposits, savings accounts, money market accounts and short-term debt (FHLB short-term advances and securities sold under agreements to repurchase).

The investment in common stock of our mortgage affiliate is accounted for using the equity method. Under the equity method, the carrying value of Southern National’s investment in STM was originally recorded at cost but is adjusted periodically to record Southern National’s proportionate share of STM’s earnings or losses through noninterest income and decreased by the amount of cash dividends or similar distributions received from STM. The investment in preferred stock of our mortgage affiliate is considered to be a non-marketable equity security that does not have a readily determinable fair value. Non-marketable equity securities with no recurring market value data available are reviewed periodically and any observable market value change are adjusting through noninterest income. Southern National evaluates its investments in this non-marketable equity security for impairment and recoverability of the recorded investment by considering positive and negative evidence, including the profitability and asset quality of STM, dividend payment history and recent redemption experience. Impairment is assessed at each reporting period and if identified, is recognized in noninterest income. No impairment was recorded for the three month periods ended March 31, 2020 and 2019.

Fair value of long-term debt is based on current rates for similar financing. Carrying amount of Federal Reserve Bank and FHLB stock is a reasonable estimate of fair value as these securities are not readily marketable and are based on the ultimate recoverability of the par value. The fair value of off-balance-sheet items is not considered material. Fair value of net loans, time deposits, junior subordinated debt, and senior subordinated notes are measured using the exit-price notion.