Safeguard Properties

FEMA Emergency Management Declaration – Florida Tropical Storm Helene

Posted on by Safeguard

FEMA Alert
September 24, 2024  

FEMA has issued an Emergency Management Declaration for areas of Florida to supplement state, tribal and local response efforts due to emergency conditions resulting from Tropical Storm Helene beginning September 23, 2024 and continuing.  The following counties have been approved for assistance:

Public Assistance:

  • Alachua
  • Bay
  • Bradford
  • Calhoun
  • Charlotte
  • Citrus
  • Collier
  • Columbia
  • Dixie
  • Escambia
  • Franklin
  • Gadsden
  • Gilchrist
  • Gulf
  • Hamilton
  • Hernando
  • Hillsborough
  • Holmes
  • Jackson
  • Jefferson
  • Lafayette
  • Lee
  • Leon
  • Levy
  • Liberty
  • Madison
  • Manatee
  • Marion
  • Monroe
  • Okaloosa
  • Pasco
  • Pinellas
  • Santa Rosa
  • Sarasota
  • Sumter
  • Suwannee
  • Taylor
  • Union
  • Wakulla
  • Walton
  • Washington

 

Florida Tropical Storm Helene (EM-3615-FL)

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Emergency Declaration for Florida

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

FEMA Major Disaster Declaration – Nebraska Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding

Posted on by Safeguard

FEMA Alert
September 24, 2024  

***Last Update: 11/18/24***

FEMA has issued a Major Disaster Declaration for the state of Nebraska to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding from June 20 – July 8, 2024.  The following counties have been approved for assistance:

Public Assistance:

  • Boyd
  • Clay
  • Dakota
  • Dawson
  • Douglas
  • Fillmore
  • Holt
  • Howard
  • Lincoln
  • McPherson
  • Nance
  • Nemaha
  • Richardson
  • Saunders
  • Scotts Bluff
  • Thomas
  • Washington

 

Nebraska Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding (DR-4822-NE)

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approved Major Disaster Declaration for Nebraska

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

FEMA Major Disaster Declaration – Kansas Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding

Posted on by Safeguard

FEMA Alert
September 24, 2024  

***LAST UPDATE: 10/21/24***

FEMA has issued a Major Disaster Declaration for the state of Kansas to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding from June 26 – July 7, 2024.  The following counties have been approved for assistance:

Public Assistance:

  • Chase
  • Clark
  • Comanche
  • Doniphan
  • Finney
  • Geary
  • Gray
  • Greeley
  • Hamilton
  • Kearny
  • Logan
  • Meade
  • Pawnee
  • Scott
  • Thomas
  • Wabaunsee
  • Wallace

 

Kansas Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding (DR-4824-KS)

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

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 – Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation Wildfires

Posted on by Safeguard

FEMA Alert
September 24, 2024  

FEMA has issued a Major Disaster Declaration for the state of Washington to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in areas affected by wildfires from June 22 – July 8, 2024.  The following counties have been approved for assistance:

Individual Assistance:

  • Yakama Reservation

Public Assistance:

  • Yakama Reservation

 

***Please note: only properties associated with the Yakama Reservation are eligible for assistance.***

 

Washington Wildfires (DR-4823-WA)

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 – Illinois Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding

Posted on by Safeguard

FEMA Alert
September 20, 2024  

FEMA has issued a Major Disaster Declaration for the state of Illinois to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in areas affected by severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding from July 13-16, 2024.  The following counties have been approved for assistance:

Individual Assistance:

  • Cook
  • Fulton
  • Henry
  • St. Clair
  • Washington
  • Will
  • Winnebago

 

Illinois Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding (DR-4819-IL)

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

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

FEMA Major Disaster Declaration – Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Severe Storm and Flooding

Posted on by Safeguard

FEMA Alert
September 20, 2024  

FEMA has issued a Major Disaster Declaration for the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe in New York to supplement tribal recovery efforts in areas affected by a severe storm and flooding from August 8-10, 2024.  The following areas have been approved for assistance:

Individual Assistance:

  • Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe

Public Assistance:

  • Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe

 

***Please note: only properties located within the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe reservation are eligible for assistance.***

Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Severe Storm and Flooding (DR-4818-NY)

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe

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

FEMA Major Disaster Declaration – Connecticut Severe Storm, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides

Posted on by Safeguard

FEMA Alert
September 20, 2024  

***Last Update: 11/18/24***

FEMA has issued a Major Disaster Declaration for the state of Connecticut to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in areas affected by a severe storm, flooding, landslides, and mudslides from August 18-19, 2024.  The following counties have been approved for assistance:

Individual Assistance:

  • Fairfield
  • Litchfield
  • New Haven

Public Assistance:

  • Fairfield
  • Litchfield
  • New Haven

 

Connecticut Severe Storm, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides (DR-4820-CT)

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

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

Top 10 Counties with Greatest Number of REOs in August 2024

Posted on by Safeguard

Industry Update
September 13, 2024

Source: ATTOM

According to ATTOM’s just released August 2024 U.S. Foreclosure Market Report, there were a total of 30,227 U.S. properties had foreclosure filings, which include default notices, scheduled auctions, or bank repossessions. This represents a 5.3% decrease from the previous month and an 11% decrease compared to the same period last year.

ATTOM’s latest foreclosure activity analysis reported that nationwide, in August, one in every 4,662 housing units nationwide had a foreclosure filing. The states with the highest foreclosure rates were Nevada (one in every 2,473 housing units), Florida (one in every 2,605), Illinois (one in every 2,837), South Carolina (one in every 2,877), and New Jersey (one in every 3,227).

The report also noted that in August 2024, lenders initiated the foreclosure process on 20,747 U.S. properties, reflecting a 5.1% decrease from the previous month and a 9.4% decline compared to the same time last year.  In August 2024, the states that had the greatest number of foreclosure starts were: Florida (2,668 foreclosure starts); California (2,443 foreclosure starts); Texas (1,857 foreclosure starts); New York (1,328 foreclosure starts); and Illinois (1,208 foreclosure starts).

ATTOM’s foreclosure analysis also reported that in August 2024, lenders repossessed 2,889 U.S. properties through completed foreclosures (REOs), representing a 12.0% decrease from the previous month and a 13.9% drop compared to the same time last year.  In August, the states that had the greatest number of REOs were: Pennsylvania (266 REOs); California (229 REOs); Illinois (224 REOs); Michigan (206 REOs); and Florida (202 REOs).

In this post, we take a more granular look by diving deep into the data behind ATTOM’s August 2024 foreclosure report to uncover the top 10 U.S. counties that had the greatest number of REOs. Those counties include: Cook County, IL (104 REOs); Wayne County, MI (90 REOs); Chemung County, NY (51 REOs); Los Angeles County, CA (49 REOs); Allegheny County, PA (38 REOs); Westmoreland County, PA (31 REOs); Baltimore City County, MD (28 REOs); San Diego County, CA (23 REOs); East Baton Rouge County, LA (21 REOs); and Queens County, NY (21 REOs).

 

For full report, please click the source link above.

 

U.S. Foreclosure Activity Declines Both Monthly and Annually in August 2024

Posted on by Safeguard

Industry Update
September 11, 2024

Source: ATTOM

ATTOM, a leading curator of land, property, and real estate, today released its August 2024 U.S. Foreclosure Market Report, which shows there were a total of 30,227 U.S. properties with foreclosure filings — default notices, scheduled auctions or bank repossessions — down 5.3 percent from a month ago and down 11 percent from a year ago.

“Foreclosure activity has remained relatively steady in recent months, with both foreclosure starts and completed foreclosures declining in August,” said Rob Barber, CEO at ATTOM. “While overall activity is significantly lower than the peaks seen during the 2008 financial crisis, when filings exceeded 300,000 per month, the current economic environment, coupled with rising interest rates and affordability challenges, suggests a continued focus on potential housing market instability.”

Nevada, Florida, and Illinois post highest foreclosure rates

Nationwide, one in every 4,662 housing units had a foreclosure filing in August 2024. States with the highest foreclosure rates were Nevada (one in every 2,473 housing units with a foreclosure filing); Florida (one in every 2,605 housing units); Illinois (one in every 2,837 housing units); South Carolina (one in every 2,877 housing units); and New Jersey (one in every 3,227 housing units).

Among the 224 metropolitan statistical areas with a population of at least 200,000, those with the highest foreclosure rates in August 2024 were Lakeland, FL (one in every 1,245 housing units with a foreclosure filing); Chico, CA (one in every 1,526 housing units); Columbia, SC (one in every 1,796 housing units); Bakersfield, CA (one in every 1,972 housing units); and Las Vegas, NV (one in every 2,016 housing units).

Other than Las Vegas, those metropolitan areas with a population greater than 1 million with the worst foreclosure rates in August 2024 were: Riverside, CA (one in every 2,423 housing units); Miami, FL (one in every 2,429 housing units); Chicago, IL (one in every 2,450 housing units); and Orlando, FL (one in every 2,595 housing units).

 

For full report, please click the source link above.

 

FEMA Fire Management Assistance Declaration – California Bridge Fire

Posted on by Safeguard

FEMA Alert
September 11, 2024  

FEMA has issued a Fire Management Assistance Declaration for the state of California to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in areas affected by the Bridge Fire on September 8, 2024.  The following counties have been approved for assistance:

Public Assistance:

  • Los Angeles
  • San Bernardino

 

California Bridge Fire (FM-5537-CA)

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

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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