Archives For: Industry Updates

Program Offers No-Interest Loans to Residents Facing Foreclosure

National Mortgage News posted an article (originally published by the Niles Daily Star) discussing Michigan’s Step Forward Program.

22 Dec 2017

The Next Crisis for Puerto Rico: A Crush of Foreclosures

The New York Times published an article outlining the current state of housing in Puerto Rico.

16 Dec 2017

Governor Cuomo Signs Sweeping Legislation to Combat the Blight of Vacant and Abandoned Properties

The New York State Department of Financial Services (NYSDFS) issued guidance pertaining to the Vacant and Abandoned Property Law (“Zombie Properties Law”).

14 Dec 2017

Abandoned Property Bill Proposed in Missouri

MO SB 780 was pre-filed in the Missouri Legislature on December 7. The legislation would allow certain people to enter a property to secure it, remove trash and graffiti, and maintain the grounds.

7 Dec 2017

City to Begin Foreclosing on Abatement Properties with Outstanding Liens

The Mohave Valley Daily News published an article discussing an approved action in Bullhead City, Ariz., that will allow foreclosure proceedings to begin on unpaid liens placed on properties for removal of abandoned, dangerous and derelict buildings.

6 Dec 2017

Governor Larry Hogan Announces Statewide Violent Crime Initiatives

The office of Maryland Governor Larry Hogan issued a press release announcing a series of initiatives poised to combat criminal gang enterprises and repeat offenders responsible for violent crime throughout the state. Included is a directive to identify and expedite the demolition of vacant properties located in the highest-crime areas of Baltimore.

5 Dec 2017

Pertinent Legislation Proposed in Mass.

Several bills have been introduced in Massachusetts relating to property maintenance and the foreclosure process.

25 Nov 2017

Here are the changes to California’s Homeowner Bill of Rights you need to know

HousingWire published an article outlining a number of changes pertaining to California’s Homeowner Bill of Rights (HOBR), which will be effective on January 1, 2018.

21 Nov 2017

Hurricanes Could Bring Another Disaster: Foreclosures

CNN issued a report discussing possible foreclosure risk stemming from areas affected by recent hurricanes.

10 Nov 2017

Monroe County said it wouldn’t repay towns for demolishing zombie homes. The towns sued

The Democrat & Chronicle published an article discussing a lawsuit between Monroe County, N.Y. and its corresponding towns, Brighton and Irondequoit.

9 Nov 2017

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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