Archives For: Investor and Regulatory Updates

VA: VALERI Servicer Newsflash

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) issued a release containing several updates relevant to servicers. Included is Circular 26-20-05, which outlines measures mortgagees may employ to assist borrowers affected by recent tornado activity in Tennessee.

12 Mar 2020

MHA HAMP Update: Important Update to HAMP Reporting Tool Login Process

Making Home Affordable (MHA) announced the implementation of multi-factor authentication that will require users to complete a one-time successful answer of their stored “Challenge Question” before accessing the HAMP Reporting Tool. The requirement will become effective on March 29, 2020.

11 Mar 2020

FHFA: Evaluation Criteria Strengthened for Duty to Serve Program

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced that it is strengthening the evaluation criteria of the Duty to Serve Underserved Markets program through the Evaluation Guidance for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

11 Mar 2020

FHFA: Statement from Director Mark Calabria

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) issued a statement from Director Mark Calabria reminding servicers that hardship forbearance is an option for borrowers who are unable to make their monthly mortgage payments due to impacts from the coronavirus.

10 Mar 2020

Freddie Mac: Important Seller/Servicer Information on Potential Impacts of COVID-19

Freddie Mac issued a release reminding sellers/servicers of certain requirements amid recent reports of the possible spread of Coronavirus COVID-19.

10 Mar 2020

HUD: FHA INFO #20-18: Loss Mitigation Home Retention Options for Assisting Borrowers

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued single family housing and news updates in FHA INFO #20-18.

9 Mar 2020

Federal Reserve: COVID-19 Joint Press Release

The Federal Reserve issued a joint press release with federal institution regulators encouraging financial institutions to meet needs of customers affected by coronavirus.

9 Mar 2020

OCC: Pandemic Planning: Updated FFIEC Guidance

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), along with other members of the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC), issued updated guidance to remind financial institutions that their business continuity plans should address the threat of a pandemic outbreak and its potential impact on the delivery of critical financial services.

6 Mar 2020

MHA: HAMP Update: Revised Official Monthly Reporting – OMR Job Aid Posted

Making Home Affordable (MHA) announced the availability of an updated version of its Official Monthly Reporting (OMR) Job Aid on HMPadmin.com.

5 Mar 2020

Fannie Mae: Reminder of Servicing Policy to Assist Borrowers Impacted by Coronavirus

Fannie Mae issued a reminder to servicers that forbearance is an option (in accordance with existing policies) to assist borrowers impacted by a temporary hardship.

5 Mar 2020

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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