FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS The Company discloses the fair value of its financial instruments according to a fair value hierarchy (Levels 1, 2 and 3, as defined). In accordance with GAAP, the Company is required to provide enhanced disclosures regarding instruments in the Level 3 category (which require significant management judgment), including a separate reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for each major category of assets and liabilities. Additionally, GAAP permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value (the “fair value option”), and the election of such choice is irrevocable. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected are irrevocably recognized in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. Available-for-sale Securities The Company currently invests in Agency RMBS, Multi-Family MBS and Non-Agency RMBS. Designation The Company classifies its MBS securities as AFS investments. Although the Company generally intends to hold most of its investment securities until maturity, it may, from time to time, sell any of its investment securities as part of the overall management of its portfolio. All assets classified as AFS, except Non-Agency RMBS IOs, are reported at estimated fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, excluding other than temporary impairments, included in accumulated other comprehensive income, a separate component of shareholders' equity. As the result of a fair value election, unrealized gains and losses on Non-Agency RMBS IOs are recorded in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations. Determination of MBS Fair Value The Company determines the fair values for the Agency RMBS, Multi-Family MBS and Non-Agency RMBS in its portfolio based on obtaining a valuation for each such security from third-party pricing services, and may also obtain dealer quotes, as described below. The third-party pricing services use common market pricing methods that may include pricing models that may incorporate such factors as coupons, prepayment speeds, spread to the Treasury curves and interest rate swap curves, duration, periodic and life caps and credit enhancement, as applicable. The 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, including coupon, periodic and life caps, collateral type, rate reset period and seasoning or age of the security, as applicable. The Company obtains pricing data from a primary third-party pricing service for each Agency RMBS, Multi-Family MBS and Non-Agency RMBS. If other available market data indicates that the pricing data from the primary third-party service is materially inaccurate, or pricing data is unavailable from the primary third-party pricing service, the Company undertakes a review of other available prices and takes additional steps to determine fair value. In all cases, the Company validates its understanding of methodology and assumptions underlying the fair value used. The Company determines that the pricing data from the primary third-party service is materially inaccurate if it is not materially representative of where a specific security can be traded in the normal course of business. In making such determination, the Company follows a series of steps, including review of collateral marks from margin departments of repurchase agreement counterparties, utilization of bid list, inventory list and extensive unofficial market color, review of other third-party pricing service data and a yield analysis of each Multi-Family MBS and Non-Agency RMBS based on the pricing data from the primary third-party pricing service and the Company’s cash flow assumptions. The Company reviews all pricing of Agency and Non-Agency RMBS and Multi-Family MBS used to ensure that current market conditions are properly represented. This review includes, but is not limited to, comparisons of similar market transactions or alternative third-party pricing services, dealer quotes and comparisons to a pricing model. Values obtained from the third-party pricing service for similar instruments are classified as Level 2 securities if the pricing methods used are consistent with the Level 2 definition. If quoted prices for a security are not reasonably available from the pricing service, but dealer quotes are, the Company classifies the security as a Level 2 security. If neither is available, the Company determines the fair value based on characteristics of the security that are received from the issuer and based on available market information received from dealers and classifies it as a Level 3 security. Mortgage Loans Held-for-Sale Designation The Company classified its residential mortgage loans as held-for-sale (“HFS”) investments. The Company elected the fair value option for residential mortgage loans it acquired and classified as HFS. The fair value option was elected to help mitigate earnings volatility by better matching the asset accounting with any related hedges. The Company’s policy is to record separately interest income on these fair value elected loans. Additionally, upfront costs related to these loans are not deferred or capitalized. Fair value adjustments are reported in unrealized gain (loss) on mortgage loans held-for-sale on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. The fair value option is irrevocable once the loan is acquired. Determination of Mortgage Loan Fair Value The Company determines the fair values of the mortgage loans in its portfolio from third-party pricing services. The third-party pricing services use common market pricing methods which may include pricing models that may incorporate such factors as coupons, prepayment speeds, spread to the Treasury curves and interest rate swap curves, duration, periodic and life caps, as applicable. In addition, the third-party pricing services benchmark their pricing models against observable pricing levels being quoted by a range of market participants active in the purchase and sale of residential mortgage loans. The Company obtains pricing data from a primary third-party pricing service for each mortgage loan. If other available market data indicates that the pricing data from the primary third-party service is materially inaccurate, or pricing data is unavailable from the primary third-party pricing service, the Company undertakes a review of other available prices and takes additional steps to determine fair value. In all cases, the Company validates its understanding of methodology and assumptions underlying the fair value used. The Company determines that the pricing data from the primary third-party service is materially inaccurate if it is not materially representative of the price at which a specific loan can be traded in the normal course of business. The Company reviews all pricing of mortgage loans used to ensure that current market conditions are properly represented. This review includes, but is not limited to, comparisons of similar market transactions or alternative third-party pricing services, dealer quotes and comparisons to a pricing model. Values obtained from the third-party pricing service for similar instruments are classified as Level 2 assets if the pricing methods used are consistent with the Level 2 definition. If quoted prices for a loan are not reasonably available from the pricing service, but alternative quotes are, the Company classifies the loan as a Level 2 asset. If neither is available, the Company determines the fair value based on characteristics of the loan and based on other available market information and classifies it as a Level 3 asset. MSRs and Excess Servicing Rights Designation MSRs are associated with residential mortgage loans that the Company previously purchased and subsequently sold or securitized, and were typically acquired directly from loan originators and recognized at the time that loans were transferred to a third party or a securitization, in each case providing such transfer met the GAAP criteria for sale. The Company retains the rights to service certain loans that it has sold or securitized, but employs one or more sub-servicers to perform the servicing activities. To the extent that the Company determines it is the primary beneficiary of a residential mortgage loan securitization trust into which it has sold loans, any associated MSRs are eliminated on the consolidation of the trust. The trust is contractually obligated to pay a portion of the interest payments from the associated residential mortgage loans for the direct servicing of the loans, and after deduction of sub-servicing fees payable to contracted sub-servicers, the net amount, excess servicing rights, represents a liability of the trust. Upon consolidation of the trust, the fair value of the excess servicing rights is equal to the related MSRs held at the Company’s TRS. The Company has elected the fair value option in respect of MSRs and excess servicing rights. Determination of Fair Value The Company determines the fair value of its MSRs and excess servicing rights from third-party pricing services. The third-party pricing services use common market pricing methods that include market discount rates, prepayment speeds of serviced loans, the market cost of servicing, and observed market pricing for MSR purchase and sale transactions. Changes in the fair value of MSRs occur primarily as a result of the collection and realization of expected cash flows, as well as changes in valuation inputs and assumptions. The Company obtains MSR pricing data from a primary third-party pricing service, and validates its understanding of methodology and assumptions underlying the fair value used. Fair values are estimated based on applying inputs to generate the net present value of estimated net servicing income, and as a consequence of the fact that these discounted cash flow models utilize certain significant unobservable inputs and observable MSR purchase and sale transactions are relatively infrequent, the Company classifies MSRs as a Level 3 asset. See Note 11 for a further presentation on MSRs. Multi-Family Mortgage Loans Held in Securitization Trusts and Multi-Family Securitized Debt Obligations Designation Multi-family mortgage loans held in consolidated securitization trusts are comprised of multi-family mortgage loans held in the FREMF 2011-K13 Trust and the FREMF 2012-KF01 Trust as of March 31, 2018. Based on a number of factors, the Company determined that it was the primary beneficiary of the VIEs underlying the trusts, met the criteria for consolidation and, accordingly, has consolidated the FREMF 2011-K13 Trust and the FREMF 2012-KF01 Trust, including their assets, liabilities, income and expenses in its financial statements. The Company has elected the fair value option on each of the assets and liabilities held within these trusts. Determination of Fair Value In accordance with ASU 2014-13, the Company has elected the fair value option in respect of the assets and liabilities of the FREMF 2011-K13 Trust and the FREMF 2012-KF01 Trust. The trusts are “static”, that is no reinvestment is permitted and there is very limited active management of the underlying assets. Under the ASU, the Company is required to determine whether the fair value of the financial assets or the fair value of the financial liabilities of each of the trusts is more observable, but in either case, the methodology results in the fair value of the assets of each of the trusts being equal to the fair value of their liabilities. The Company has determined that the fair value of the liabilities of each of the trusts is more observable, since in all cases prices for the liabilities are available from the primary third-party pricing service utilized for Multi-Family MBS, while the individual assets of each of the trusts are inherently incapable of precise measurement given their illiquid nature and the limitations on available information related to these assets. Given that the Company’s methodology for valuing the assets of the trusts is an aggregate value derived from the fair value of the trust liabilities, the Company has determined that the valuation of the trust assets in their entirety should be classified as Level 2 valuations. Residential Mortgage Loans Held in Securitization Trusts and Residential Securitized Debt Obligations Designation Residential mortgage loans held in consolidated securitization trusts are comprised of residential mortgage loans held in the CSMC 2014-OAK1 Trust as of March 31, 2018. Based on a number of factors, the Company determined that it was the primary beneficiary of the VIE underlying the trust, met the criteria for consolidation and, accordingly, has consolidated the CSMC 2014-OAK1 Trust including its assets, liabilities, income and expenses in its financial statements. The Company has elected the fair value option on each of the assets and liabilities held within the trust. Determination of Fair Value In accordance with ASU 2014-13, the Company has elected the fair value option in respect of the assets and liabilities of the CSMC 2014-OAK1 Trust. The trust is “static”, that is no reinvestment is permitted and there is very limited active management of the underlying assets. Under the ASU, the Company is required to determine whether the fair value of the financial assets or the fair value of the financial liabilities of the trust is more observable, but in either case, the methodology results in the fair value of the assets of the trust being equal to the fair value of its liabilities. The Company has determined that the fair value of the liabilities of the trust is more observable, since in all cases prices for the liabilities are available from the primary third-party pricing service utilized for Non-Agency RMBS, with the exception of the excess servicing rights, which are available from an alternative third-party pricing service. While the individual assets of the trust, i.e. the underlying residential mortgage loans, are capable of being priced, the Company has determined that the pricing of the liabilities is more easily and readily determined. Given that the Company’s methodology for valuing the assets of the trust is an aggregate value derived from the fair value of the trust’s liabilities, the Company has determined that the valuation of the trust assets in their entirety should be classified as Level 2 valuations. Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments In accordance with FASB guidance ASC 815 “Derivatives and Hedging”, all derivative financial instruments, whether designated for hedging relationships or not, are recorded at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet as assets or liabilities. The Company obtains valuation information for each derivative financial instrument from the related derivative counterparty. If other available market data indicates that the valuation information from the counterparty is materially inaccurate, or pricing data is unavailable from the counterparty, the Company shall undertake a review of other available valuation information, including third party pricing services and/or dealers, and shall take additional steps to determine fair value. The Company reviews all valuations of derivative financial instruments used to ensure that current market conditions are properly represented. This review includes, but is not limited to, comparisons of similar market transactions or alternative third-party pricing services, dealer quotes and comparisons to a pricing model. Values based on quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, including exchange-traded instruments, are classified as Level 1 valuations. Values obtained from the derivative counterparty, the third-party pricing service or dealers, as appropriate, for similar instruments are classified as Level 2 valuations if the pricing methods used are consistent with the Level 2 definition. If none of these sources is available, the Company determines the fair value based on characteristics of the instrument and based on available market information received from dealers and classifies it as a Level 3 valuation. At the inception of a derivative contract, the Company determines whether or not the instrument will be part of a qualifying hedge accounting relationship. Due to the volatility of the credit markets and difficulty in effectively matching pricing or cash flows, the Company has elected to treat all current derivative contracts as trading instruments. The changes in fair value of derivatives accounted for as trading instruments are reported in the consolidated statement of operations as unrealized gain (loss) on derivative contracts, net. The Company enters into interest rate derivative contracts for a variety of reasons, including minimizing significant fluctuations in earnings or market values on certain assets or liabilities that may be caused by changes in interest rates. The Company may, at times, enter into various forward contracts, including short securities, Agency to-be-announced securities (“TBAs”), options, futures, swaps and caps. Due to the nature of these instruments, they may be in a receivable/asset position or a payable/liability position at the end of an accounting period. Amounts payable to, and receivable from, the same party under contracts may be offset as long as the following conditions are met: (a) each of the two parties owes the other determinable amounts; (b) the reporting party has the right to offset the amount owed with the amount owed by the other party; (c) the reporting party intends to offset; and (d) the right of offset is enforceable by law. If the aforementioned conditions are not met, amounts payable to and receivable from are presented by the Company on a gross basis in the consolidated balance sheet. Other Financial Instruments The carrying value of short term instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, receivables and repurchase agreements whose term is less than twelve months, generally approximates fair value due to the short term nature of the instruments.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The Company discloses the fair value of its financial instruments according to a fair value hierarchy (Levels 1, 2 and 3, as defined). In accordance with GAAP, the Company is required to provide enhanced disclosures regarding instruments in the Level 3 category (which require significant management judgment), including a separate reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for each major category of assets and liabilities. Additionally, GAAP permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value (the “fair value option”), and the election of such choice is irrevocable. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected are irrevocably recognized in earnings at each subsequent reporting date.

Available-for-sale Securities

The Company currently invests in Agency RMBS, Multi-Family MBS and Non-Agency RMBS.

Designation

The Company classifies its MBS securities as AFS investments. Although the Company generally intends to hold most of its investment securities until maturity, it may, from time to time, sell any of its investment securities as part of the overall management of its portfolio. All assets classified as AFS, except Non-Agency RMBS IOs, are reported at estimated fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, excluding other than temporary impairments, included in accumulated other comprehensive income, a separate component of shareholders' equity. As the result of a fair value election, unrealized gains and losses on Non-Agency RMBS IOs are recorded in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations.

Determination of MBS Fair Value

The Company determines the fair values for the Agency RMBS, Multi-Family MBS and Non-Agency RMBS in its portfolio based on obtaining a valuation for each such security from third-party pricing services, and may also obtain dealer quotes, as described below. The third-party pricing services use common market pricing methods that may include pricing models that may incorporate such factors as coupons, prepayment speeds, spread to the Treasury curves and interest rate swap curves, duration, periodic and life caps and credit enhancement, as applicable. The 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, including coupon, periodic and life caps, collateral type, rate reset period and seasoning or age of the security, as applicable.

The Company obtains pricing data from a primary third-party pricing service for each Agency RMBS, Multi-Family MBS and Non-Agency RMBS. If other available market data indicates that the pricing data from the primary third-party service is materially inaccurate, or pricing data is unavailable from the primary third-party pricing service, the Company undertakes a review of other available prices and takes additional steps to determine fair value. In all cases, the Company validates its understanding of methodology and assumptions underlying the fair value used. The Company determines that the pricing data from the primary third-party service is materially inaccurate if it is not materially representative of where a specific security can be traded in the normal course of business. In making such determination, the Company follows a series of steps, including review of collateral marks from margin departments of repurchase agreement counterparties, utilization of bid list, inventory list and extensive unofficial market color, review of other third-party pricing service data and a yield analysis of each Multi-Family MBS and Non-Agency RMBS based on the pricing data from the primary third-party pricing service and the Company’s cash flow assumptions.

The Company reviews all pricing of Agency and Non-Agency RMBS and Multi-Family MBS used to ensure that current market conditions are properly represented. This review includes, but is not limited to, comparisons of similar market transactions or alternative third-party pricing services, dealer quotes and comparisons to a pricing model. Values obtained from the third-party pricing service for similar instruments are classified as Level 2 securities if the pricing methods used are consistent with the Level 2 definition. If quoted prices for a security are not reasonably available from the pricing service, but dealer quotes are, the Company classifies the security as a Level 2 security. If neither is available, the Company determines the fair value based on characteristics of the security that are received from the issuer and based on available market information received from dealers and classifies it as a Level 3 security.

Mortgage Loans Held-for-Sale

Designation

The Company classified its residential mortgage loans as held-for-sale (“HFS”) investments.

The Company elected the fair value option for residential mortgage loans it acquired and classified as HFS. The fair value option was elected to help mitigate earnings volatility by better matching the asset accounting with any related hedges. The Company’s policy is to record separately interest income on these fair value elected loans. Additionally, upfront costs related to these loans are not deferred or capitalized. Fair value adjustments are reported in unrealized gain (loss) on mortgage loans held-for-sale on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. The fair value option is irrevocable once the loan is acquired.

Determination of Mortgage Loan Fair Value

The Company determines the fair values of the mortgage loans in its portfolio from third-party pricing services. The third-party pricing services use common market pricing methods which may include pricing models that may incorporate such factors as coupons, prepayment speeds, spread to the Treasury curves and interest rate swap curves, duration, periodic and life caps, as applicable. In addition, the third-party pricing services benchmark their pricing models against observable pricing levels being quoted by a range of market participants active in the purchase and sale of residential mortgage loans.

The Company obtains pricing data from a primary third-party pricing service for each mortgage loan. If other available market data indicates that the pricing data from the primary third-party service is materially inaccurate, or pricing data is unavailable from the primary third-party pricing service, the Company undertakes a review of other available prices and takes additional steps to determine fair value. In all cases, the Company validates its understanding of methodology and assumptions underlying the fair value used. The Company determines that the pricing data from the primary third-party service is materially inaccurate if it is not materially representative of the price at which a specific loan can be traded in the normal course of business.

The Company reviews all pricing of mortgage loans used to ensure that current market conditions are properly represented. This review includes, but is not limited to, comparisons of similar market transactions or alternative third-party pricing services, dealer quotes and comparisons to a pricing model. Values obtained from the third-party pricing service for similar instruments are classified as Level 2 assets if the pricing methods used are consistent with the Level 2 definition. If quoted prices for a loan are not reasonably available from the pricing service, but alternative quotes are, the Company classifies the loan as a Level 2 asset. If neither is available, the Company determines the fair value based on characteristics of the loan and based on other available market information and classifies it as a Level 3 asset.

MSRs and Excess Servicing Rights

Designation

MSRs are associated with residential mortgage loans that the Company previously purchased and subsequently sold or securitized, and were typically acquired directly from loan originators and recognized at the time that loans were transferred to a third party or a securitization, in each case providing such transfer met the GAAP criteria for sale. The Company retains the rights to service certain loans that it has sold or securitized, but employs one or more sub-servicers to perform the servicing activities.

To the extent that the Company determines it is the primary beneficiary of a residential mortgage loan securitization trust into which it has sold loans, any associated MSRs are eliminated on the consolidation of the trust. The trust is contractually obligated to pay a portion of the interest payments from the associated residential mortgage loans for the direct servicing of the loans, and after deduction of sub-servicing fees payable to contracted sub-servicers, the net amount, excess servicing rights, represents a liability of the trust. Upon consolidation of the trust, the fair value of the excess servicing rights is equal to the related MSRs held at the Company’s TRS.

The Company has elected the fair value option in respect of MSRs and excess servicing rights.

Determination of Fair Value

The Company determines the fair value of its MSRs and excess servicing rights from third-party pricing services. The third-party pricing services use common market pricing methods that include market discount rates, prepayment speeds of serviced loans, the market cost of servicing, and observed market pricing for MSR purchase and sale transactions. Changes in the fair value of MSRs occur primarily as a result of the collection and realization of expected cash flows, as well as changes in valuation inputs and assumptions.

The Company obtains MSR pricing data from a primary third-party pricing service, and validates its understanding of methodology and assumptions underlying the fair value used. Fair values are estimated based on applying inputs to generate the net present value of estimated net servicing income, and as a consequence of the fact that these discounted cash flow models utilize certain significant unobservable inputs and observable MSR purchase and sale transactions are relatively infrequent, the Company classifies MSRs as a Level 3 asset.

See Note 11 for a further presentation on MSRs.

Multi-Family Mortgage Loans Held in Securitization Trusts and Multi-Family Securitized Debt Obligations

Designation

Multi-family mortgage loans held in consolidated securitization trusts are comprised of multi-family mortgage loans held in the FREMF 2011-K13 Trust and the FREMF 2012-KF01 Trust as of March 31, 2018. Based on a number of factors, the Company determined that it was the primary beneficiary of the VIEs underlying the trusts, met the criteria for consolidation and, accordingly, has consolidated the FREMF 2011-K13 Trust and the FREMF 2012-KF01 Trust, including their assets, liabilities, income and expenses in its financial statements. The Company has elected the fair value option on each of the assets and liabilities held within these trusts.

Determination of Fair Value

In accordance with ASU 2014-13, the Company has elected the fair value option in respect of the assets and liabilities of the FREMF 2011-K13 Trust and the FREMF 2012-KF01 Trust. The trusts are “static”, that is no reinvestment is permitted and there is very limited active management of the underlying assets. Under the ASU, the Company is required to determine whether the fair value of the financial assets or the fair value of the financial liabilities of each of the trusts is more observable, but in either case, the methodology results in the fair value of the assets of each of the trusts being equal to the fair value of their liabilities. The Company has determined that the fair value of the liabilities of each of the trusts is more observable, since in all cases prices for the liabilities are available from the primary third-party pricing service utilized for Multi-Family MBS, while the individual assets of each of the trusts are inherently incapable of precise measurement given their illiquid nature and the limitations on available information related to these assets. Given that the Company’s methodology for valuing the assets of the trusts is an aggregate value derived from the fair value of the trust liabilities, the Company has determined that the valuation of the trust assets in their entirety should be classified as Level 2 valuations.

Residential Mortgage Loans Held in Securitization Trusts and Residential Securitized Debt Obligations

Designation

Residential mortgage loans held in consolidated securitization trusts are comprised of residential mortgage loans held in the CSMC 2014-OAK1 Trust as of March 31, 2018. Based on a number of factors, the Company determined that it was the primary beneficiary of the VIE underlying the trust, met the criteria for consolidation and, accordingly, has consolidated the CSMC 2014-OAK1 Trust including its assets, liabilities, income and expenses in its financial statements. The Company has elected the fair value option on each of the assets and liabilities held within the trust.

Determination of Fair Value

In accordance with ASU 2014-13, the Company has elected the fair value option in respect of the assets and liabilities of the CSMC 2014-OAK1 Trust. The trust is “static”, that is no reinvestment is permitted and there is very limited active management of the underlying assets. Under the ASU, the Company is required to determine whether the fair value of the financial assets or the fair value of the financial liabilities of the trust is more observable, but in either case, the methodology results in the fair value of the assets of the trust being equal to the fair value of its liabilities. The Company has determined that the fair value of the liabilities of the trust is more observable, since in all cases prices for the liabilities are available from the primary third-party pricing service utilized for Non-Agency RMBS, with the exception of the excess servicing rights, which are available from an alternative third-party pricing service. While the individual assets of the trust, i.e. the underlying residential mortgage loans, are capable of being priced, the Company has determined that the pricing of the liabilities is more easily and readily determined. Given that the Company’s methodology for valuing the assets of the trust is an aggregate value derived from the fair value of the trust’s liabilities, the Company has determined that the valuation of the trust assets in their entirety should be classified as Level 2 valuations.

Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments

In accordance with FASB guidance ASC 815 “Derivatives and Hedging”, all derivative financial instruments, whether designated for hedging relationships or not, are recorded at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet as assets or liabilities. The Company obtains valuation information for each derivative financial instrument from the related derivative counterparty. If other available market data indicates that the valuation information from the counterparty is materially inaccurate, or pricing data is unavailable from the counterparty, the Company shall undertake a review of other available valuation information, including third party pricing services and/or dealers, and shall take additional steps to determine fair value. The Company reviews all valuations of derivative financial instruments used to ensure that current market conditions are properly represented. This review includes, but is not limited to, comparisons of similar market transactions or alternative third-party pricing services, dealer quotes and comparisons to a pricing model. Values based on quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, including exchange-traded instruments, are classified as Level 1 valuations. Values obtained from the derivative counterparty, the third-party pricing service or dealers, as appropriate, for similar instruments are classified as Level 2 valuations if the pricing methods used are consistent with the Level 2 definition. If none of these sources is available, the Company determines the fair value based on characteristics of the instrument and based on available market information received from dealers and classifies it as a Level 3 valuation.

At the inception of a derivative contract, the Company determines whether or not the instrument will be part of a qualifying hedge accounting relationship. Due to the volatility of the credit markets and difficulty in effectively matching pricing or cash flows, the Company has elected to treat all current derivative contracts as trading instruments. The changes in fair value of derivatives accounted for as trading instruments are reported in the consolidated statement of operations as unrealized gain (loss) on derivative contracts, net.

The Company enters into interest rate derivative contracts for a variety of reasons, including minimizing significant fluctuations in earnings or market values on certain assets or liabilities that may be caused by changes in interest rates. The Company may, at times, enter into various forward contracts, including short securities, Agency to-be-announced securities (“TBAs”), options, futures, swaps and caps. Due to the nature of these instruments, they may be in a receivable/asset position or a payable/liability position at the end of an accounting period. Amounts payable to, and receivable from, the same party under contracts may be offset as long as the following conditions are met: (a) each of the two parties owes the other determinable amounts; (b) the reporting party has the right to offset the amount owed with the amount owed by the other party; (c) the reporting party intends to offset; and (d) the right of offset is enforceable by law. If the aforementioned conditions are not met, amounts payable to and receivable from are presented by the Company on a gross basis in the consolidated balance sheet.

Other Financial Instruments

The carrying value of short term instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, receivables and repurchase agreements whose term is less than twelve months, generally approximates fair value due to the short term nature of the instruments.