Safeguard Properties

FHFA Releases Housing Mission Report for 2023

Posted on by Safeguard

Industry Update
April 17, 2024

Source: Federal Housing Finance Agency

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) released its annual Housing Mission Report, describing the activities taken by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises) and the Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBanks) in 2023 to promote access to financing for affordable, sustainable, and equitable housing and targeted economic development.

“FHFA maintains a keen focus on ensuring the entities we regulate fulfill their missions to support access to housing opportunities in a safe and sound manner,” said Director Sandra L. Thompson. “Ongoing affordability challenges throughout the country only heighten the importance of this responsibility.”

Key 2023 activities highlighted in this report include:

Together, the Enterprises purchased over 136,000 single-family mortgages for low- and moderate-income borrowers through their core affordable housing programs, HomeReady and Home Possible. Both Enterprises also introduced enhancements to these programs, adding a credit of $2,500 for very low-income borrowers that lenders must pass through to borrowers by applying it to the down payment or closing costs.

The Enterprises collectively purchased approximately 15,000 Special Purpose Credit Program (SPCP) loans through both lender-sponsored initiatives and their proprietary SPCPs, supporting homeownership for many borrowers in underserved communities.

Pursuant to their Equitable Housing Finance Plans, the Enterprises partnered with vendors responsible for collecting rent payment data from participating multifamily housing property owners and formatting it for dissemination to credit bureaus.

The Enterprises invested over $1.7 billion last year in Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) equity, including transactions that support housing in Duty to Serve-designated rural areas, preserve affordable housing, support mixed-income housing, provide supportive housing, or meet other affordable housing objectives.

Under the FHLBanks’ Affordable Housing Programs (AHP), LIHTC properties represented more than 43 percent of their total General Fund projects and 55 percent of their total General Fund rental projects.

​The FHLBanks awarded $446.9 million through their AHPs in 2023, almost $180 million more than in 2022. This funding supported more than 33,000 housing units. The FHLBanks also funded approximately $4.2 billion in Community Investment Program (CIP) housing advances in 2023, supporting almost 32,000 units, representing 11,000 more units than in 2022.

 

For full report, please click the source link above.

 

FEMA Major Disaster Declaration – Oregon Severe Winter Storms, Straight-line Winds, Landslides and Mudslides

Posted on by Safeguard

FEMA Alert
April 13, 2024  

FEMA has issued a Major Disaster Declaration for the state of Oregon to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in areas affected by severe winter storms, straight-line winds, landslides and mudslides from January 10-22, 2024.  The following counties have been approved for assistance:

Public Assistance:

  • Benton
  • Clackamas
  • Coos
  • Hood River
  • Lane
  • Lincoln
  • Linn
  • Multnomah
  • Sherman
  • Siletz Indian Reservation
  • Tillamook
  • Wasco

 

Oregon Severe Winter Storms, Straight-line Winds, Landslides and Mudslides (DR-4768-OR)

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Oregon

Map of Affected Area

List of Affected Zip Codes

 

Additional Resources

FEMA’s web site

FEMA’s Disaster Declaration Process

Safeguard Properties Industry Alerts

HUD Moratorium on Foreclosure

VA’s Policy Regarding Natural Disasters

Freddie Mac Disaster Relief Policies

Fannie Mae’s Natural Disaster Relief Policies

FEMA Major Disaster Declaration – California Severe Winter Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, Landslides and Mudslides

Posted on by Safeguard

FEMA Alert
April 13, 2024  

FEMA has issued a Major Disaster Declaration for the state of California to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in areas affected by severe winter storms, tornadoes, flooding, landslides and mudslides from January 31 – February 9, 2024.  The following counties have been approved for assistance:

Public Assistance:

  • Butte
  • Glenn
  • Los Angeles
  • Monterey
  • San Luis Obispo
  • Santa Barbara
  • Santa Cruz
  • Sutter
  • Ventura

 

California Severe Winter Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, Landslides and Mudslides (DR-4769-CA)

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for California

Map of Affected Areas

List of Affected Zip Codes

 

Additional Resources

FEMA’s web site

FEMA’s Disaster Declaration Process

Safeguard Properties Industry Alerts

HUD Moratorium on Foreclosure

VA’s Policy Regarding Natural Disasters

Freddie Mac Disaster Relief Policies

Fannie Mae’s Natural Disaster Relief Policies

HUD Announces $10 Million Funding Opportunity for Community Revitalization Efforts

Posted on by Safeguard

Industry Update
April 9, 2024

Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Acting Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Adrianne Todman announced a new notice of funding opportunity through the FY24 Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant that will provide $10 million to support local planning efforts to revitalize communities. She made this announcement while addressing stakeholders at the annual National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials conference.

“These resources support the creation and preservation of housing, and enhances community amenities, like grocery stores and parks,” said Acting Secretary Todman. “Paired with meaningful community engagement and thoughtful planning, this funding opportunity will help leaders and neighbors improve quality of life and attract the partners and resources that communities deserve.”

Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grants support the development of comprehensive neighborhood revitalization plans which focuses on directing resources to address three core goals: Housing, People and Neighborhoods. To achieve these goals, communities must develop and implement a comprehensive neighborhood revitalization strategy, or Transformation Plan. The Transformation Plan will then become the guiding document for the revitalization of the public and/or assisted housing units while simultaneously directing the transformation of the surrounding neighborhood and positive outcomes for families.

“Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grants lead to real results for public housing communities,” said Richard Monocchio, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing. “Planning Grants are a great first step to bringing partners and significant resources to distressed communities – and they better position communities to pursue the funding necessary to bring a community’s vision to life.”

Approximately 20 communities will be selected for Planning Grant funding, continuing the expansion of HUD’s Choice Neighborhoods program. These grants may provide funding to communities of all sizes, including small towns, mid-sized cities, large urban areas, and tribal communities. Planning Grantees will receive additional points and priority in future Implementation Grant applications. Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grants provide up to $50 million to implement the community Transformation Plan.

 

For full report, please click the source link above.

 

FHFA Names Tracy Stephan as Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer

Posted on by Safeguard

Industry Update
April 9, 2024

Source: National Mortgage Professional

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced Tracy Stephan will assume the role of Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer (CAIO), in addition to continuing her role leading the FHFA Office of Financial Technology.

“Establishing a Chief AI Officer underscores FHFA’s commitment to understanding new developments in technology and the marketplace and incorporating those insights into our day-to-day work,” said FHFA Director Sandra Thompson. “Through her role leading the Office of Financial Technology, Tracy has been a leader in FHFA’s work on AI and she is well prepared to lead this into the future.”

Per a release from the FHFA, the CAIO will manage AI risk, promote AI innovation, and lead effective AI governance per the Executive Order 14110 on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence, as well as the related Office of Management and Budget Memo on Advancing Governance, Innovation and Risk Management for Agency Use of Artificial Intelligence.

Stephan, a 25-year veteran in mortgage technology, currently leads FHFA’s Office of Financial Technology. Stephan leads a team responsible for supporting the Agency’s efforts to identify technology-driven developments in housing finance, understanding the associated risks, and facilitating the development of responsible innovation in FHFA’s regulated entities.

Previously, Stephan worked for Fannie Mae in a variety of positions overseeing Enterprise Innovation, Data, Software Engineering, and Product Management. Stephan holds a bachelor’s degree in Decision Science and Information Systems from George Mason University.​

 

For full report, please click the source link above.

 

U.S. Foreclosure Activity Increases Quarterly in Q1 2024

Posted on by Safeguard

Industry Update
April 10, 2024

Source: ATTOM

ATTOM, a leading curator of land, property, and real estate data, released its Q1 2024 U.S. Foreclosure Market Report, which shows a total of 95,349 U.S. properties with a foreclosure filings during the first quarter of 2024, up 3 percent from the previous quarter but down less than 1 percent from a year ago.

The report also shows a total of 32,878 U.S. properties with foreclosure filings in March 2024, down less than 1 percent from the previous month and down 10 percent from a year ago.

“Q1 2024’s foreclosure data reveals a market in transition, with slight increases in filings and starts, alongside a notable decrease in REO properties,” explains Rob Barber, CEO at ATTOM. “While foreclosures remain relatively stable, we’re closely monitoring these trends. Homeowners continue to hold significant equity, contributing to a persistently hot housing market.”

 

For full report, please click the source link above.

 

FEMA Fire Management Assistance Declaration – Oklahoma 57 Fire

Posted on by Safeguard

FEMA Alert
April 6, 2024  

FEMA has issued a Fire Management Assistance Declaration for the state of Oklahoma to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in areas affected by the Happy Jack Fire beginning April 6, 2024 and continuing.  The following counties have been approved for assistance:

Public Assistance:

  • Woodward

 

Oklahoma 57 Fire (FM-5491-OK)

List of Affected Zip Codes

 

Additional Resources

FEMA’s web site

FEMA’s Disaster Declaration Process

Safeguard Properties Industry Alerts

HUD Moratorium on Foreclosure

VA’s Policy Regarding Natural Disasters

Freddie Mac Disaster Relief Policies

Fannie Mae’s Natural Disaster Relief Policies

FEMA Major Disaster Declaration – Alaska Severe Storm, Flooding, and Landslides

Posted on by Safeguard

FEMA Alert
April 6, 2024

FEMA has issued a Major Disaster Declaration for the state of Alaska to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in areas affected by a severe storm, flooding and landslides from November 20. 2023.  The following areas have been approved for assistance:

Public Assistance:

  • Southeast Island Regional Educational Attendance Area

 

Alaska Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides (DR-4767-AK)

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Disaster Declaration for Alaska

Map of Affected Area

 

Please note:  The areas declared are considered unorganized boroughs and do not have associated zip codes.

 

 

Additional Resources

FEMA’s web site

FEMA’s Disaster Declaration Process

Safeguard Properties Industry Alerts

HUD Moratorium on Foreclosure

VA’s Policy Regarding Natural Disasters

Freddie Mac Disaster Relief Policies

Fannie Mae’s Natural Disaster Relief Policies

CoreLogic: US Mortgage Delinquencies, Foreclosure Begin 2024 Exceptionally Low

Posted on by Safeguard

Industry Update
March 28, 2024

Source: CoreLogic

CoreLogic®, a leading global property information, analytics and data-enabled solutions provider, today released its monthly Loan Performance Insights Report for January 2024.

In January 2024, 2.8% of all mortgages in the U.S. were in some stage of delinquency (30 days or more past due, including those in foreclosure), unchanged year-over-year from January 2023 and down by -0.3 percentage points month over month from December 2023.

The U.S. housing market posted an overall mortgage delinquency rate of 2.8% in January, which remains near an all-time low.

Both the serious delinquency and foreclosure rates also hovered near historic lows in January, a respective 1% and 0.3%.

Twelve states saw overall mortgage delinquencies increase year over year in January; 19 posted no change and 20 saw slight declines.

 

For full report, please click the source link above.

 

Governor DeSantis Signs Legislation to End the Squatters Scam in Florida

Posted on by Safeguard

Industry Update
March 27, 2024

Full Bill Text:  Florida HB 621

Florida has introduced new legislation, House Bill 621, aimed at addressing the issue of squatters. This law establishes a procedure allowing property owners to request sheriff’s officers to remove unauthorized persons from residential properties. Property owners must file a complaint under penalty of perjury to demonstrate their eligibility for this relief. If the sheriff can verify ownership and the complaint is valid, they are authorized to remove the squatter. This law also introduces new crimes related to unlawfully occupying a dwelling or fraudulently advertising property. It’s set to take effect on July 1, 2024.

For full report, please click the source link above.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cookies enable us to provide the best experience possible and help us understand how visitors use our website. By browsing our website, you agree to our use of cookies.

x

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Alan Jaffa

Alan Jaffa is the chief executive officer for Safeguard, 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® finalist in 2013.

x

Chief Operating Officer

Michael Greenbaum

Michael Greenbaum is the chief operating officer for Safeguard. Mike has been instrumental in aligning operations to become more efficient, effective, and compliant with our ever-changing industry requirements. Mike has a proven track record of excellence, partnership and collaboration at Safeguard. Under Mike’s leadership, all operational departments of Safeguard have reviewed, updated and enhanced their business processes to maximize efficiency and improve quality control.

Mike joined Safeguard in July 2010 as vice president of REO and has continued to take on additional duties and responsibilities within the organization, including the role of vice president of operations in 2013 and then COO in 2015.

Mike built his business career in supply-chain management, operations, finance and marketing. He has held senior management and executive positions with Erico, a manufacturing company in Solon, Ohio; Accel, Inc., a packaging company in Lewis Center, Ohio; and McMaster-Carr, an industrial supply company in Aurora, Ohio.

Before entering the business world, Mike served in the U.S. Army, Ordinance Branch, and specialized in supply chain management. He is a distinguished graduate of West Point (U.S. Military Academy), where he majored in quantitative economics.

x

CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

Sean Reddington

Sean Reddington is the new Chief Information Officer for Safeguard Properties LLC. Sean has over 15+ years of experience in Information Services Management with a strong focus on Product and Application Management. Sean is responsible for Safeguard’s technological direction, including planning, implementation and maintaining all operational systems

Sean has a proven record of accomplishment for increasing operational efficiencies, improving customer service levels, and implementing and maintaining IT initiatives to support successful business processes.  He has provided the vision and dedicated leadership for key technologies for Fortune 100 companies, and nationally recognized consulting firms including enterprise system architecture, security, desktop and database management systems. Sean possesses strong functional and system knowledge of information security, systems and software, contracts management, budgeting, human resources and legal and related regulatory compliance.

Sean joined Safeguard Properties LLC from RenPSG Inc. which is a nationally leading Philintropic Software Platform in the Fintech space. He oversaw the organization’s technological direction including planning, implementing and maintaining the best practices that align with all corporate functions. He also provided day-to-day technology operations, enterprise security, information risk and vulnerability management, audit and compliance, security awareness and training.

Prior to RenPSG, Sean worked for DMI Consulting as a Client Success Director where he guided the delivery in a multibillion-dollar Fortune 500 enterprise client account. He was responsible for all project deliveries in terms of quality, budget and timeliness and led the team to coordinate development and definition of project scope and limitations. Sean also worked for KPMG Consulting in their Microsoft Practice and Technicolor’s Ebusiness Division where he had responsibility for application development, maintenance, and support.

Sean is a graduate of Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Arts and received his Masters in International Business from Central Michigan University. He was also a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force prior to his career in the business world.

x

General Counsel and Executive Vice President

Linda Erkkila, Esq.

Linda Erkkila is the general counsel and executive vice president for Safeguard and oversees the legal, human resources, training, and compliance departments. Linda’s responsibilities cover regulatory issues that impact Safeguard’s operations, risk mitigation, enterprise strategic planning, human resources and training initiatives, compliance, litigation and claims management, and 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. Her practice spans over 20 years, and Linda’s experience covers regulatory disclosure, corporate governance compliance, risk assessment, executive compensation, litigation management, and merger and acquisition activity. Her experience at a former Fortune 500 financial institution during the subprime crisis helped develop Linda’s pro-active approach to change management during periods of heightened regulatory scrutiny.

Linda previously served as vice president and attorney for National City Corporation, as securities and corporate governance counsel for Agilysys Inc., and as an associate at Thompson Hine LLP. She earned her JD at Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. Linda holds a degree in economics from Miami University and an MBA. In 2017, Linda was named as both a “Woman of Influence” by HousingWire and as a “Leading Lady” by MReport.

x

Chief Financial Officer

Joe Iafigliola

Joe Iafigliola is the Chief Financial Officer for Safeguard. Joe is responsible for the Control, Quality Assurance, Business Development, Accounting & Information Security departments, and is a Managing Director of SCG Partners, a middle-market private equity fund focused on diversifying and expanding Safeguard Properties’ business model into complimentary markets.

Joe has been in a wide variety of roles in finance, supply chain management, information systems development, and sales and marketing. His career includes senior positions with McMaster-Carr Supply Company, Newell/Rubbermaid, and Procter and Gamble.

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.

x

AVP, High Risk and Investor Compliance

Steve Meyer

Steve Meyer is the assistant vice president of high risk and investor compliance for Safeguard. In this role, Steve is responsible for managing our clients’ conveyance processes, Safeguard’s investor compliance team and developing our working relationships with cities and municipalities around the country. He also works directly with our clients in our many outreach efforts and he represents Safeguard at a number of industry conferences each year.

Steve joined Safeguard in 1998 as manager over the hazard claims team. He was instrumental in the development and creation of policies, procedures and operating protocol. Under Steve’s leadership, the department became one of the largest within Safeguard. In 2002, he assumed responsibility for the newly-formed high risk department, once again building its success. Steve was promoted to director over these two areas in 2007, and he was promoted to assistant vice president in 2012.

Prior to joining Safeguard, Steve spent 10 years within the insurance industry, holding a number of positions including multi-line property adjuster, branch claims supervisor, and multi-line and subrogation/litigation supervisor. Steve is a graduate of Grove City College.

x

AVP, Operations

Jennifer Jozity

Jennifer Jozity is the assistant vice president of operations, overseeing inspections, REO and property preservation for Safeguard. Jen ensures quality work is performed in the field and internally, to meet and exceed our clients’ expectations. Jen has demonstrated the ability to deliver consistent results in order audit and order management.  She will build upon these strengths in order to deliver this level of excellence in both REO and property preservation operations.

Jen joined Safeguard in 1997 and was promoted to director of inspections operations in 2009 and assistant vice president of inspections operations in 2012.

She graduated from Cleveland State University with a degree in business.

x

AVP, Finance

Jennifer Anspach

Jennifer Anspach is the assistant vice president of finance for Safeguard. She is responsible for the company’s national workforce of approximately 1,000 employees. She manages recruitment strategies, employee relations, training, personnel policies, retention, payroll and benefits programs. Additionally, Jennifer has oversight of the accounts receivable and loss functions formerly within the accounting department.

Jennifer joined the company in April 2009 as a manager of accounting and finance and a year later was promoted to director. She was named AVP of human capital in 2014. Prior to joining Safeguard, she held several management positions at OfficeMax and InkStop in both operations and finance.

Jennifer is a graduate of Youngstown State University. She was named a Crain’s Cleveland Business Archer Award finalist for HR Executive of the Year in 2017.

x

AVP, Application Architecture

Rick Moran

Rick Moran is the assistant vice president of application architecture for Safeguard. Rick is responsible for evolving the Safeguard IT systems. He leads the design of Safeguard’s enterprise application architecture. This includes Safeguard’s real-time integration with other systems, vendors and clients; the future upgrade roadmap for systems; and standards designed to meet availability, security, performance and goals.

Rick has been with Safeguard since 2011. During that time, he has led the system upgrades necessary to support Safeguard’s growth. In addition, Rick’s team has designed and implemented several innovative systems.

Prior to joining Safeguard, Rick was director of enterprise architecture at Revol Wireless, a privately held CDMA Wireless provider in Ohio and Indiana, and operated his own consulting firm providing services to the manufacturing, telecommunications, and energy sectors.

x

AVP, Technology Infrastructure and Cloud Services

Steve Machovina

Steve Machovina is the assistant vice president of technology infrastructure and cloud services for Safeguard. He is responsible for the overall management and design of Safeguard’s hybrid cloud infrastructure. He manages all technology engineering staff who support data centers, telecommunications, network, servers, storage, service monitoring, and disaster recovery.

Steve joined Safeguard in November 2013 as director of information technology operations.

Prior to joining Safeguard, Steve was vice president of information technology at Revol Wireless, a privately held wireless provider in Ohio and Indiana. He also held management positions with Northcoast PCS and Corecomm Communications, and spent nine years as a Coast Guard officer and pilot.

Steve holds a BBA in management information systems from Kent State University in Ohio and an MBA from Wayne State University in Michigan.

x

Assistant Vice president of Application Development

Steve Goberish

Steve Goberish, is the assistant vice president of application development for Safeguard. He is responsible for the maintenance and evolution of Safeguard’s vendor systems ensuring high-availability, security and scalability while advancing the vendor products’ capabilities and enhancing the vendor experience.

Prior to joining Safeguard, Steve was a senior technical architect and development manager at First American Title Insurance, a publicly held title insurance provider based in southern California, in addition to managing and developing applications in multiple sectors from insurance to VOIP.

Steve has a bachelor’s degree from Kent State University in Ohio.