15.    Fair Value Measurement



Fair value is defined as the price that would be received on the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The accounting literature defines an input fair value hierarchy that has three broad levels and gives the highest priority to quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3).



The input fair value hierarchy is summarized below:





Financial Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments



The following tables present information for consolidated financial instruments at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 (in thousands): 











Management has made estimates of fair value that it believes to be reasonable.  However, because there is no active market for many of these financial instruments, the fair value of these financial instruments has been derived using the income approach technique with Level 3 unobservable inputs. Estimates used in net present value financial models rely on assumptions and judgments regarding issues where the outcome is unknown, and actual results or values may differ significantly from these estimates. These fair value estimates do not consider the tax effect that would be associated with the disposition of the assets or liabilities at their fair value estimates. As such, the estimated value upon sale or disposition of the asset may not be received, and the estimated value upon disposition of the liability in advance of its scheduled maturity may not be paid.



The amounts reported in the consolidated statements of financial condition for cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash approximate fair value.



The fair values of notes receivable are estimated using Level 3 inputs and are based on estimated future cash flows considering contractual payments and estimates of prepayments and defaults, discounted at a market rate. 



The fair value of the 5% Cumulative Preferred Stock, which is subject to mandatory redemption, is calculated using the income approach with Level 3 inputs by discounting the estimated cash flows at a market discount rate.



The amounts reported in the consolidated statements of financial condition relating to Bluegreen’s notes payable and other borrowings, as well as variable rate receivable-backed notes payable, approximate fair value for indebtedness that provides for variable interest rates. The fair value of Bluegreen’s fixed rate, receivable-backed notes payable was determined using Level 3 inputs by discounting the net cash outflows estimated to be used to repay the debt. These obligations are to be satisfied using the proceeds from the consumer loans that secure the obligations. 



The fair value of Community Development Bonds is measured using the market approach with Level 3 inputs obtained based on estimated market prices of similar financial instruments. Community Development Bonds are included in notes payable and other borrowings in the above table.



The fair value of other borrowings (other than Bluegreen’s notes payable and other borrowings and Community Development Bonds above) is measured using the income approach with Level 3 inputs obtained by discounting the forecasted cash flows based on estimated market rates. 



The fair value of junior subordinated debentures is estimated using Level 3 inputs based on the contractual cash flows discounted at a market rate or based on market price quotes from the over-the-counter bond market.