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FHFA: Refinance Report — Fourth Quarter 2018

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) issued its fourth quarter 2018 Refinance Report.

14 Feb 2019

VA: Circular 26-19-05: VA-Guaranteed Cash-Out Refinancing Home Loans (AQ42)

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) issued a release clarifying new VA policies regarding guaranteed cash-out refinancing loans, including refinancing of construction loans (construction-to-perm).

14 Feb 2019

Ogdensburg Land Bank Up and Running

The Journal released an article outlining the first action of the Ogdensburg (N.Y.) Land Bank Corporation.

14 Feb 2019

Fannie Mae: SVC-2019-01: Servicing Guide Updates

Fannie Mae issued a release providing changes related to foreclosure time frames and compensatory fee requirements previously communicated in Announcement SVC 2018-10.

13 Feb 2019

Fannie Mae: LoanSphere Invoicing Changes and Expense Reimbursement Dashboard

Fannie Mae announced upcoming LoanSphere Invoicing changes and access to the Expense Reimbursement Dashboard.

13 Feb 2019

Urban Institute: Responding to a Crisis: The National Foreclosure Mitigation Counseling Program

The Urban Institute issued a research report outlining the impact of the National Foreclosure Mitigation Counseling (NFMC) program.

13 Feb 2019

Weather Service Confirms Tornado Hit Oakland City

WBIW.com posted a report (originally released by The Associated Press) outlining tornadic activity in Indiana.

12 Feb 2019

City Seeks Public’s Help in Identifying Zombie Properties

WRFA published an article discussing a plan by City of Jamestown, N.Y., to apply for a state grant provided by the Zombie and Vacant Properties Remediation and Prevention Initiative.

12 Feb 2019

HUD: Disaster Assistance for Alaska Earthquake Victims

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued a press release announcing the awarding of federal assistance to the State of Alaska as a result of recent earthquake activity.

11 Feb 2019

Fannie Mae: Modification Interest Rate Adjustment Update

Fannie Mae issued an exhibit providing the current Modification Interest Rate used to evaluate borrowers for conventional mortgage loan modifications.

7 Feb 2019

FHFA: Foreclosure Prevention Report – November 2018

The Federal Housing Finance Agency issued its November 2018 Foreclosure Prevention Report.

7 Feb 2019

Fannie Mae: Top FAQs for Borrower-Initiated MI Termination Using SMDU

Fannie Mae issued updated frequently asked questions (FAQs) associated with borrower-initiated mortgage insurance (MI) termination policy.

6 Feb 2019

MHA: Supplemental Directive 19-01

Making Home Affordable (MHA) issued a release announcing the availability of Version 5.3 of the Handbook for Servicers of Non-GSE Mortgages.

5 Feb 2019

FEMA Declared Disaster Pennsylvania

FEMA issued an update to a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in Pennsylvania affected by severe storms and flooding that took place August 10-15, 2018.

1 Feb 2019

Hurricane Michael Collides with Florida Panhandle

Actions continue to be taken in response to the impacts of Hurricane Michael across several states.

1 Feb 2019

FEMA Declared Disaster Virginia

FEMA issued an update to a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in Virginia affected by Tropical Storm Michael from October 9-16, 2018.

1 Feb 2019

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CEO

Alan Jaffa

Alan Jaffa is the Chief Executive Officer for Safeguard Properties, steering the company as the mortgage field services industry leader. He also serves on the board of advisors for SCG Partners, a middle-market private equity fund focused on diversifying and expanding Safeguard Properties’ business model into complimentary markets.

Alan joined Safeguard in 1995, learning the business from the ground up. He was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in 2002, and was named CEO in May 2010. His hands-on experience has given him unique insights as a leader to innovate, improve and strengthen Safeguard’s processes to assure that the company adheres to the highest standards of quality and customer service.

Under Alan’s leadership, Safeguard has grown significantly with strategies that have included new and expanded services, technology investments that deliver higher quality and greater efficiency to clients, and strategic acquisitions. He takes a team approach to process improvement, involving staff at all levels of the organization to address issues, brainstorm solutions, and identify new and better ways to serve clients.

In 2008, Alan was recognized by Crain’s Cleveland Business in its annual “40-Under-40” profile of young leaders. He also was named a NEO Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® Award finalist in 2013.

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Esq., General Counsel and EVP

Linda Erkkila

Linda Erkkila is the General Counsel and Executive Vice President for Safeguard Properties, with oversight of legal, human resources, training, and compliance. Linda’s broad scope of oversight covers regulatory issues that impact Safeguard’s operations, risk mitigation, strategic planning, human resources and training initiatives, compliance, insurance, litigation and claims management, and counsel related to mergers, acquisition and joint ventures.

Linda assures that Safeguard’s strategic initiatives align with its resources, leverage opportunities across the company, and contemplate compliance mandates. She has practiced law for 25 years and her experience, both as outside and in-house counsel, covers a wide range of corporate matters, including regulatory disclosure, corporate governance compliance, risk assessment, compensation and benefits, litigation management, and mergers and acquisitions.

Linda earned her JD at Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. She holds a degree in economics from Miami University and an MBA. Linda was previously named as both a “Woman of Influence” by HousingWire and as a “Leading Lady” by MReport.

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COO

Michael Greenbaum

Michael Greenbaum is the Chief Operating Officer of Safeguard Properties, where he has played a pivotal role since joining the company in July 2010. Initially brought on as Vice President of REO, Mike’s exceptional leadership and strategic vision quickly propelled him to Vice President of Operations in 2013, and ultimately to COO in 2015. Over his 14-year tenure at Safeguard, Mike has been instrumental in driving change and fostering innovation within the Property Preservation sector, consistently delivering excellence and becoming a trusted partner to clients and investors.

A distinguished graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Mike earned a degree in Quantitative Economics. Following his graduation, he served in the U.S. Army’s Ordnance Branch, where he specialized in supply chain management. Before his tenure at Safeguard, Mike honed his expertise by managing global supply chains for 13 years, leveraging his military and civilian experience to lead with precision and efficacy.

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CFO

Joe Iafigliola

Joe Iafigliola is the Chief Financial Officer for Safeguard Properties. Joe is responsible for the Control, Quality Assurance, Business Development, Marketing, Accounting, and Information Security departments. At the core of his responsibilities is the drive to ensure that Safeguard’s focus remains rooted in Customer Service = Resolution. Through his executive leadership role, he actively supports SGPNOW.com, an on-demand service geared towards real estate and property management professionals as well as individual home owners in need of inspection and property preservation services. Joe is also an integral force behind Compliance Connections, a branch of Safeguard Properties that allows code enforcement professionals to report violations at properties that can then be addressed by the Safeguard vendor network. Compliance Connections also researches and shares vacant property ordinance information with Safeguard clients.

Joe has an MBA from The Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University, is a Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and holds a bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University’s Honors Accounting program.

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Business Development

Carrie Tackett

Business Development Safeguard Properties