HUD: FHA INFO #18-45: Fiscal Year 2018 FHA Annual Report to Congress Released

Investor Update
November 15, 2018

Source: HUD

Today, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released its Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Annual Report to Congress on the financial condition of FHA’s Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund (MMIF) for fiscal year 2018. Read today’s Press Release.

Quick Links
Read today’s Press Release at: https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories
Review the complete report at: https://www.hud.gov/fhammifrpt

Resources
Contact the FHA Resource Center:

Visit our online knowledge base to obtain answers to frequently asked questions 24/7 at: www.hud.gov/answers.
E-mail the FHA Resource Center at: answers@hud.gov. Emails and phone messages will be responded to during normal hours of operation, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Eastern), Monday through Friday on all non-Federal holidays.
Call 1-800-CALLFHA (1-800-225-5342). Persons with hearing or speech impairments may reach this number by calling the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339.

FHFA: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Refinance Volume Decreases in Third Quarter 2018

Investor Update
November 15, 2018

Source: FHFA

Washington, D.C. – The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) today reported that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac completed 253,135 refinances in the third quarter of 2018, compared with 299,460 in the second quarter. FHFA’s third quarter Refinance Report also shows that 1,865 loans were refinanced through the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP), bringing the total number of HARP refinances to 3,493,005 since inception of the program in 2009.

Although HARP is scheduled to expire next month, on Dec. 31, 2018, according to new data released today, 38,818 borrowers could still benefit financially from a HARP refinance. These borrowers meet the basic HARP eligibility requirements and have a remaining balance of $50,000 or more on their mortgage, a remaining term on their loan of greater than 10 years, and a mortgage interest rate that is at least 1.5 percent higher than current market rates. These borrowers could save an average of $2,290 annually by refinancing their mortgage through HARP. The updated interactive U.S. map shows the number of HARP-eligible borrowers by state, Metropolitan Statistical Area, county and zip code as of June 30, 2018.

Also in the Refinance Report:

Through the third quarter of 2018, 33 percent of HARP refinances for underwater borrowers were for shorter-term 15- and 20-year mortgages, which build equity faster than traditional 30-year mortgages.

One U.S. territory and nine states account for more than 70 percent of borrowers who remain eligible for HARP and have a financial incentive to refinance as of June 30, 2018: Puerto Rico, Illinois, New Jersey, Florida, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Alabama and Georgia.

Borrowers who refinanced through HARP had a lower delinquency rate compared with borrowers eligible for HARP who did not refinance through the program.

Link to Refinance Report
Link to HARP.gov

Contacts:
Media: Stefanie Johnson (202) 649-3030 / Corinne Russell (202) 649-3032

Consumers: Consumer Communications or (202) 649-3811

FHFA: Performance and Accountability Report

Investor Update
November 15, 2018

Source: FHFA

Washington, D.C. – The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) today released its Performance and Accountability Report, which details FHFA’s activities as regulator of the Federal Home Loan Bank System and as regulator and conservator of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac during fiscal year 2018. For the tenth consecutive year, FHFA received an unmodified audit opinion on its FY 2018 financial statements from the U.S. Government Accountability Office.

Link to 2018 Performance and Accountability Report

Contacts:
Media: Stefanie Johnson (202) 649-3030 / Corinne Russell (202) 649-3032

Consumers: Consumer Communications or (202) 649-3811

Freddie Mac: FHLMC Guide Bulletin 2018-22: Servicing Updates

Investor Update
November 14, 2018

Source: Freddie Mac

Single-Family Seller/Servicer Guide (Guide) Bulletin 2018-22 announces changes that simplify our requirements and provide flexibilities for servicing mortgages for Freddie Mac. This Bulletin updates:

Standard short sale and standard deed-in-lieu of foreclosure requirements
Requirements related to servicing properties impacted by disaster
Borrower contact requirements
Property inspection requirements for delinquent mortgages
Servicer authority to execute documents when mortgages are assigned to Freddie Mac

For complete details, read Guide Bulletin 2018-22 [PDF].

VA: Circular 26-18-25: The Effect of Guaranty Claim Payments on Veteran Home Loan Entitlement

Investor Update
October 30, 2018

Source: VA

1. Purpose. This Circular provides clarification regarding a Veteran’s entitlement when a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) guaranteed home loan is terminated by foreclosure, compromise sale (short sale), or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure (DIL) and a claim under the guaranty is paid.

2. Background. VA guarantees a portion of the loan by the percentage and dollar amount identified on the VA Loan Guaranty Certificate (LGC). If a loan terminates through foreclosure, short sale, or DIL and results in a loss, VA will pay a claim under guaranty and reimburse the loan servicer for their loss, up to the maximum guaranty amount. If the loan originated prior to January 1, 1990, VA may establish a debt against the Veteran and pursue collection.

3. Guidance. VA no longer establishes debts against Veterans on loans originating on or after January 1, 1990. As specified in Title 38 U.S. Code 3703(e), for loans closed after December 31, 1989, Veterans shall have no liability to VA with respect to the loan for any loss resulting from any default except in the case of fraud, misrepresentation, or bad faith. However, Title 38 U.S. Code 3702 (b)(1)(B), requires VA losses to be reimbursed fully by the Veteran in order to restore full entitlement for the reuse of the VA home loan benefit. The loss only affects the Veteran’s entitlement when using the VA Home Loan Guaranty program and does not impact any other VA benefits. Veterans may choose to repay VA to restore their full entitlement or take advantage of any remaining entitlement that may be available.

4. Communication. All communication pertaining to loans originated prior to January 1, 1990, which terminated through foreclosure, short sale, or DIL and resulted in a claim paid under guaranty, can reference an ‘established debt’ in association with the VA home loan benefit, when the debt has not been waived. All communication pertaining to loans closed on or after January 1, 1990, which terminated through foreclosure, short sale, or DIL and resulted in a claim paid under guaranty, should reference a ‘loss’ that must be fully reimbursed by the Veteran in order to restore full entitlement. Reference to an ‘established debt’ in association with these types of loans should not be included in any communication or correspondence unless fraud, misrepresentation, or bad faith has been proven.

5. Rescission: This Circular is rescinded October 1, 2020.

By Direction of the Under Secretary for Benefits

Jeffrey F. London
Director,
Loan Guaranty Service

Fannie Mae: Investor Reporting eLearnings; Changes to Master Servicing Communications

Investor Update
November 7, 2018

Source: Fannie Mae

Check out two new Investor Reporting eLearnings

Are you new to Investor Reporting? Looking for a refresher? Review the How Modifications Affect Investor Reportingand Resolving Failed Business Rules and Hard RejectseLearnings for an overview on modified loans. Learn how they’re managed in our systems, best reporting practices, and more — all at your own pace. Visit the Servicing Trainingpage for more information.

Changes to Single-Family Master Servicing communications

We’re making small changes to how Single-Family (SF) Master Servicing receives your calls and emails this month.

Here’s what you can expect:

When calling 1-800-2FANNIE, you will be required to enter a valid servicer number to reach an analyst.
When emailing the SF Master Servicing team:
You will receive an auto-response if you do not include your servicer number within your email. Reply to the email with your servicer number (please do not include hyphens or dashes).
You will also receive a “case” number in your auto-response (this will replace what we currently refer to as the “ticket” number).
The subject line of the reply email will contain reference numbers (e.g., [ref:_00De05T6i7._500e0CmRSm:ref]) that allow us to track our correspondence. Please keep the reference numbers in the subject when you respond to the email.
Contact the SF Master Servicing team at master_servicing@fanniemae.com or call 1-800-2FANNIE (Option 1, then Option 6). For assistance using our technology applications, contact the Technology Support Center, available 24/7 (except major holidays), at 1-800-2FANNIE or via web chat.

Join us at these upcoming events:

Nov. 27-28 | MBA Summit on Diversity and Inclusion 2018| Washington, DC
Jan. 28-31 | MBA Independent Mortgage Bankers Conference 2019| San Francisco
Feb. 25-28 | MBA National Mortgage Servicing Conference & Expo| Orlando

View more events.

Fannie Mae: Modification Interest Rate Adjustment

Investor Update
November 7, 2018

Source: Fannie Mae

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 final modification terms must be the same fixed interest rate that was used when determining eligibility for the Trial Period Plan and calculating the Trial Period Plan payment.

FHFA: Foreclosure Prevention Report – August 2018

Investor Update
November 6, 2018

Source: FHFA

August 2018 Highlights

The Enterprises’ Foreclosure Prevention Actions:

The Enterprises completed 24,121 foreclosure prevention actions in August, bringing the total to 4,227,732 since the start of the conservatorships in September 2008. Over half of these actions have been permanent loan modifications.

There were 19,345 permanent loan modifications in August, bringing the total to 2,276,989 since the conservatorships began in September 2008.

Twenty-four percent of modifications in August were modifications with principal forbearance. Modifications with extend-term only accounted for 53 percent of all loan modifications during the month.

There were 752 short sales and deeds-in-lieu of foreclosure completed in August, down 3 percent compared with July.

The Enterprises’ Mortgage Performance:

The serious delinquency rate dropped from 0.84 percent at the end of July to 0.79 percent at the end of August.

The Enterprises’ Foreclosures:

Third-party and foreclosure sales increased from 4,116 in July to 4,643 in August.
Foreclosure starts decreased from 11,639 in July to 11,499 in August.

Attachments:Foreclosure Prevention Report – August 2018

VA: Circular 26-18-25: The Effect of Guaranty Claim Payments on Veteran Home Loan Entitlement

Investor Update
October 30, 2018

Source: VA

1. Purpose. This Circular provides clarification regarding a Veteran’s entitlement when a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) guaranteed home loan is terminated by foreclosure, compromise sale (short sale), or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure (DIL) and a claim under the guaranty is paid.

2. Background. VA guarantees a portion of the loan by the percentage and dollar amount identified on the VA Loan Guaranty Certificate (LGC). If a loan terminates through foreclosure, short sale, or DIL and results in a loss, VA will pay a claim under guaranty and reimburse the loan servicer for their loss, up to the maximum guaranty amount. If the loan originated prior to January 1, 1990, VA may establish a debt against the Veteran and pursue collection.

3. Guidance. VA no longer establishes debts against Veterans on loans originating on or after January 1, 1990. As specified in Title 38 U.S. Code 3703(e), for loans closed after December 31, 1989, Veterans shall have no liability to VA with respect to the loan for any loss resulting from any default except in the case of fraud, misrepresentation, or bad faith. However, Title 38 U.S. Code 3702 (b)(1)(B), requires VA losses to be reimbursed fully by the Veteran in order to restore full entitlement for the reuse of the VA home loan benefit. The loss only affects the Veteran’s entitlement when using the VA Home Loan Guaranty program and does not impact any other VA benefits. Veterans may choose to repay VA to restore their full entitlement or take advantage of any remaining entitlement that may be available.

4. Communication. All communication pertaining to loans originated prior to January 1, 1990, which terminated through foreclosure, short sale, or DIL and resulted in a claim paid under guaranty, can reference an ‘established debt’ in association with the VA home loan benefit, when the debt has not been waived. All communication pertaining to loans closed on or after January 1, 1990, which terminated through foreclosure, short sale, or DIL and resulted in a claim paid under guaranty, should reference a ‘loss’ that must be fully reimbursed by the Veteran in order to restore full entitlement. Reference to an ‘established debt’ in association with these types of loans should not be included in any communication or correspondence unless fraud, misrepresentation, or bad faith has been proven.

5. Rescission: This Circular is rescinded October 1, 2020.

By Direction of the Under Secretary for Benefits

Jeffrey F. London
Director,
Loan Guaranty Service

FHFA: Foreclosure Prevention Report – August 2018

Investor Update
November 6, 2018

Source: FHFA

August 2018 Highlights

The Enterprises’ Foreclosure Prevention Actions:

The Enterprises completed 24,121 foreclosure prevention actions in August, bringing the total to 4,227,732 since the start of the conservatorships in September 2008. Over half of these actions have been permanent loan modifications.

There were 19,345 permanent loan modifications in August, bringing the total to 2,276,989 since the conservatorships began in September 2008.

Twenty-four percent of modifications in August were modifications with principal forbearance. Modifications with extend-term only accounted for 53 percent of all loan modifications during the month.

There were 752 short sales and deeds-in-lieu of foreclosure completed in August, down 3 percent compared with July.

The Enterprises’ Mortgage Performance:

The serious delinquency rate dropped from 0.84 percent at the end of July to 0.79 percent at the end of August.

The Enterprises’ Foreclosures:

Third-party and foreclosure sales increased from 4,116 in July to 4,643 in August.
Foreclosure starts decreased from 11,639 in July to 11,499 in August.

Attachments: Foreclosure Prevention Report – August 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