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The Key to Easing Mortgage Defaults

DS News published an article outlining research conducted by the JPMorgan Chase Institute.

18 Oct 2018

FHFA Refinance Report – August 2018

Source: FHFA August 2018 Highlights Total refinance volume increased in August 2018 as mortgage rates in July fell, continuing a trend also observed in June. Mortgage rates increased in August: the average interest rate on a 30-year fixed rate mortgage rose to 4.55 percent from 4.53 percent in July. In August 2018: Borrowers completed 651 refinances […]

16 Oct 2018

VA: Circular 26-18-23: Special Relief Following Hurricane Michael

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) issued a release that expresses concern about VA home loan borrowers affected by Hurricane Michael, and describes measures mortgagees may employ to provide relief.

15 Oct 2018

HUD: Disaster Assistance for Florida Storm Victims

Source: HUD Foreclosure protection offered to displaced families WASHINGTON – U.S. Housing and Urban Development today announced HUD will speed federal disaster assistance to the State of Florida and provide support to homeowners and low-income renters forced from their homes due to Hurricane Michael. Yesterday, President Trump issued a major disaster declaration for Bay, Franklin, Gulf, Taylor, and […]

12 Oct 2018

FHFA: Foreclosure Prevention Report – July 2018

Source: FHFA July 2018 Highlights The Enterprises’ Foreclosure Prevention Actions: The Enterprises completed 24,030 foreclosure prevention actions in July, bringing the total to 4,203,611 since the start of the conservatorships in September 2008. Over half of these actions have been permanent loan modifications. There were 18,874 permanent loan modifications in July, bringing the total to 2,257,644 […]

11 Oct 2018

HOPE NOW Natural Disaster Summit

The HOPE NOW Natural Disaster Summit took place October 11-12 in Plano, Texas.

11 Oct 2018

Freddie Mac: Disaster Relief Policies Confirmed as Hurricane Michael Approaches

Source: Freddie Mac MCLEAN, Va., Oct. 10, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Freddie Mac (OTCQB: FMCC) today reminded Servicers of its disaster relief policies for borrowers who have been affected by Hurricane Michael. Freddie Mac’s disaster relief options are available to borrowers whose homes or places of employment are located in presidentially-declared Major Disaster Areas where federal individual assistance […]

10 Oct 2018

New Hampshire Rep Takes Aim at ‘Zombie Foreclosures’

Source: New Hampshire Business Review Swanzey rep mulls legislation targeting lender’s responsibility post-foreclosure If you foreclose on a property, then you’re responsible for taking care of it. That’s the idea behind a bill that Rep. James McConnell, R-North Swanzey, would like to introduce next session, aimed are called “zombie foreclosures.” “The financial institution doesn’t care. Neither […]

10 Oct 2018

Fannie Mae: Mortgage Assistance Options for Areas Affected by Hurricane Michael

Fannie Mae issued a news release reminding those impacted by Hurricane Michael of the options available for mortgage assistance.

10 Oct 2018

FEMA Declared Disaster Iowa

FEMA issued an update to a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in Iowa affected by severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding that took place June 6 to July 2, 2018.

9 Oct 2018

Fannie Mae: Modification Interest Rate Adjustment Update

Source: Fannie Mae (full exhibit) The Fannie Mae Modification Interest Rate is subject to periodic adjustments based on an evaluation of prevailing market rates. The servicer must use the current Fannie Mae Modification Interest Rate indicated below when evaluating a borrower for a conventional mortgage loan modification. NOTE: As a reminder, the interest rate used to determine the […]

5 Oct 2018

Cleveland Demolished Vacant Homes Near Public Schools, But Not Near Private Schools

Source: WEWS ABC 5 A Cleveland initiative aimed at demolishing vacant homes that children walk by on their way to school has led to the tear-down of hundreds of properties near public schools. But a News 5 On Your Side investigation found the safety of children who walk to private schools is still at risk. The […]

4 Oct 2018

Fatal Wildfire Rips Through California Towns

As a new wave of wildfire activity continues in California, actions are being taken to combat its effects.

4 Oct 2018

FEMA Declared Disaster California

FEMA issued an update to a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in California affected by wildfires and high winds that took place July 23 to September 19, 2018.

4 Oct 2018

FHLMC Guide Bulletin 2018-17: Temporary Requirements for Properties Affected by Hurricane Florence and Other Disasters

Source: Freddie Mac As communities affected by Hurricane Florence continue to rebuild, we’re committed to helping you and your borrowers during this difficult time. Today, we’re providing guidance and flexibilities for impacted mortgages to be sold to and serviced for Freddie Mac. Single-Family Seller/Servicer Guide (Guide) 2018-17 Bulletin: Announces temporary revisions to our selling requirements for certain mortgages […]

3 Oct 2018

FEMA Declared Disaster Nebraska

FEMA issued an update to a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in Nebraska affected by severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding that took place June 17 to July 1, 2018.

2 Oct 2018

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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