Cuyahoga Land Bank Leads $122 Million Redevelopment Plan

One Community Update
June 5, 2024

Source: Cleveland Magazine

In an area including Cleveland’s eastern gateway to University Circle and East Cleveland, the Cuyahoga Land Bank is leading a $122 million redevelopment plan that will consist of more than 200 homes to jumpstart transformational development with an estimated economic impact of $60 million in new property value — and aside from additional income and tax benefits, an expected 610 construction jobs will be created.

A commercial building will anchor the district, and Circle East includes a “heavy emphasis on sustainability,” Dennis Roberts, director of real estate development at Cuyahoga Land Bank, says, pointing to rooftop solar power to reduce energy bills, greenspaces and EV chargers.

Roberts says Circle East will become “an entirely new neighborhood” within a 30-acre footprint including 18 parcels on Euclid Avenue. “We think that is ideal for commercial redevelopment, retail and amenities,” he says, adding the five-year plan comes after two studies conducted in 2015 by Case Western Reserve University and in 2020 by Cleveland State University. “This is an ideal place to strategically develop to spur further investment.”

Circle North, an area just north of Circle East District, is another location where the Land Bank is heavily engaged in development. Some Land Bank initiatives include building new homes — completed residences on East 116th Street and Ashbury Road, and three in-progress on Beulah Avenue. “Our strategy at the Land Bank is to find neighborhoods that need government intervention, and we believe with the investment of our time, talent and treasure we can tip that community and get it into a good place to create a market,” Roberts says.

 

 

For full report, please click the source link above.

FEMA Fire Management Assistance Declaration – Arizona Rose Fire

FEMA Alert
June 12, 2024  

FEMA has issued a Fire Management Assistance Declaration for the state of Arizona to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in areas affected by the Rose Fire on June 12, 2024.  The following counties have been approved for assistance:

Public Assistance:

  • Maricopa

 

Arizona Rose Fire (FM-5496-AZ)

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 Fire Management Assistance Declaration – Nevada Trail Fire

FEMA Alert
June 11, 2024  

FEMA has issued a Fire Management Assistance Declaration for the state of Nevada to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in areas affected by the Trail Fire on June 11, 2024.  The following counties have been approved for assistance:

Public Assistance:

  • Washoe

 

Nevada Trail Fire (FM-5494-NV)

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

FEMA Alert
June 14, 2024  

***LAST UPDATED: 7/31/24***

FEMA has issued a Major Disaster Declaration for the state of Oklahoma to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding from May 19-28, 2024.  The following counties have been approved for assistance:

Individual Assistance:

  • Blaine
  • Caddo
  • Custer
  • Delaware
  • Jackson
  • Mayes
  • Muskogee
  • Rogers

Public Assistance:

  • Blaine
  • Caddo
  • Custer
  • Delaware
  • Jackson
  • Mayes
  • Roger Mills
  • Rogers
  • Woods

 

Oklahoma Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes and Flooding (DR-4791-OK)

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

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

FHFA Seeks Public Input on the GSE’s Proposed Duty to Serve Plans for 2025-2027

Industry Update
June 11, 2024

Source: Federal Housing Finance Agency

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has issued a request for input (RFI) on the proposed 2025-2027 Underserved Markets Plans (Plans) submitted by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises) under the Duty to Serve (DTS) program. The proposed Plans cover the period from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2027.

“Providing sustainable liquidity for affordable housing preservation, rural housing, and manufactured housing in a safe and sound manner is a key component of the Enterprises’ statutory responsibility to serve underserved markets,” said Director Sandra L. Thompson. “I look forward to hearing the public’s input and feedback on the plans the Enterprises have proposed.”

FHFA issued a final rule in 2016 that implemented the DTS provisions of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008. The statute requires the Enterprises to serve three specified underserved markets — manufactured housing, affordable housing preservation, and rural housing — by increasing the liquidity of mortgage financing for very low-, low-, and moderate-income families in those markets.

FHFA invites interested parties to provide written input, feedback, and information on all aspects of the proposed Plans by August 12, 2024. The public can review the RFI and submit responses through the DTS page on FHFA’s website. FHFA also will hold three listening sessions to review the proposed Plans on July 15, 16, and 17.

The objectives outlined by the Enterprises to achieve proposed Plan activities will remain subject to FHFA review and approval to ensure compliance with the Enterprises’ Charter Acts, safety and soundness measures, and other conservatorship and regulatory requirements.

FHFA published the proposed Plans on its dedicated webpage, https://www.fhfa.gov/duty-serve-program.

 

For full report, please click the source link above.

 

U.S. Foreclosure Activity Sees a Monthly Increase in May 2024

Industry Update
June 11, 2024

Source: ATTOM

ATTOM, a leading curator of land, property, and real estate data, today released its May 2024 U.S. Foreclosure Market Report, which shows there were a total of 32,621 U.S. properties with foreclosure filings — default notices, scheduled auctions or bank repossessions — up 3 percent from a month ago but down 7 percent from a year ago.

“May’s foreclosure activity highlights nuanced shifts in the housing market,” said Rob Barber, CEO at ATTOM. “While we observed a slight increase in foreclosure starts, the decline in completed foreclosures indicates resilience in certain areas. Monitoring these evolving patterns remains crucial to understanding the full impact on the real estate sector.”

New Jersey, Illinois and Delaware post highest foreclosure rates

Nationwide one in every 4,320 housing units had a foreclosure filing in May 2024. States with the highest foreclosure rates were New Jersey (one in every 1,939 housing units with a foreclosure filing); Illinois (one in every 2,362 housing units); Delaware (one in every 2,595 housing units); Connecticut (one in every 2,600 housing units); and Florida (one in every 2,638 housing units).

Among the 224 metropolitan statistical areas with a population of at least 200,000, those with the highest foreclosure rates in May 2024 were Longview, TX (one in every 1,162 housing units with a foreclosure filing); Trenton, NJ (one in every 1,471 housing units); Atlantic City, NJ (one in every 1,569 housing units); Lakeland, FL (one in every 1,584 housing units); and Bakersfield, CA (one in every 1,685 housing units).

Those metropolitan areas with a population greater than 1 million with the worst foreclosure rates in May 20244 were: Chicago, IL (one in every 2,015 housing units); Philadelphia, PA (one in every 2,143 housing units); Riverside, CA (one in every 2,216 housing units); Jacksonville, FL (one in every 2,267 housing units); and Las Vegas, NV (one in every 2,361 housing units).

Greatest numbers of foreclosure starts in Florida, Texas and California

Lenders started the foreclosure process on 22,385 U.S. properties in May 2024, up 3 percent from last month but down 4 percent from a year ago.

States that had the greatest number of foreclosure starts in May 2024 included: Florida (2,750 foreclosure starts); Texas (2,560 foreclosure starts); California (2,370 foreclosure starts); Illinois (1,427 foreclosure starts); and New Jersey (1,219 foreclosure starts).

Those major metropolitan areas with a population greater than 1 million that had the greatest number of foreclosure starts in May 2024 included: New York, NY (1,447 foreclosure starts); Chicago, IL (1,272 foreclosure starts); Houston, TX (915 foreclosure starts); Miami, FL (750 foreclosure starts); and Philadelphia, PA (713 foreclosure starts).

Foreclosure completion numbers decrease slightly from last month

Lenders repossessed 2,879 U.S. properties through completed foreclosures (REOs) in May 2024, down 1 percent from last month and down 28 percent from last year.

States that had the greatest number of REOs in May 2024, included: California (254 REOs); Illinois (254 REOs); Pennsylvania (238 REOs); Ohio (177 REOs); and Texas (167 REOs).

Those major metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) with a population greater than 1 million that saw the greatest number of REOs in May 2024 included: Chicago, IL (179 REOs); New York, NY (124 REOs); Baltimore, MD (84 REOs); Pittsburgh, PA (80 REOs); and Washington, DC (69 REOs).

 

For full report, please click the source link above.

 

Top 10 Zombified ZIPS in Q2 2024

Industry Update
May 31, 2024

Source: ATTOM

According to ATTOM’s newly released Q2 2024 Vacant Property and Zombie Foreclosure Report, 1.3 million (1,289,387) residential properties in the United States are vacant. This figure represents approximately 1.3 percent, or one in 79 homes, across the nation, consistent with the rate observed in the first quarter of this year.

ATTOM’s latest vacant properties analysis also reveals that 237,208 residential properties in the U.S. are in the process of foreclosure in the second quarter of this year, marking a 2.3 percent decrease from the first quarter of 2024 and a 23.9 percent decline from the second quarter of 2023.

The report notes that among those pre-foreclosure properties, approximately 6,945 are vacant zombie foreclosures (pre-foreclosure properties abandoned by their owners) in the second quarter of 2024. This figure represents a 5.4 percent decrease from the previous quarter and a 20.6 percent decline from a year ago.

Also according to ATTOM’s Q2 2024 vacant property and zombie foreclosure report, the number of zombie properties has decreased in 30 states from the previous quarter and in 38 states compared to last year. The biggest decreases from Q1 to Q2 2024 in states with at least 50 zombie properties, are in: Ohio (zombie properties down 22 percent, from 597 to 466), Maryland (down 17 percent, from 104 to 86), South Carolina (down 14 percent, from 74 to 64), California (down 13 percent, from 310 to 269), and North Carolina (down 12 percent, from 67 to 59).

On a more granular level, the report indicates that the highest zombie foreclosure rates in U.S. counties with at least 500 properties in the foreclosure process during the second quarter of 2024 are found in Broome County (Binghamton), NY (15 percent of homes in foreclosure are vacant); Marion County (Indianapolis), IN (9.3 percent); Cuyahoga County (Cleveland), OH (7.6 percent); Erie County (Buffalo), NY (6.6 percent); and Volusia County (Daytona Beach), FL (5.9 percent).

In this post, we take a deep dive into the data behind ATTOM’s Q2 2024 Vacant Property and Zombie Foreclosure Report, to uncover the top 10 U.S. zip codes with the highest zombie foreclosure rates in zips with 10 or more pre-foreclosure properties. Those zips include: 61605 – Peoria, IL (69.8 percent); 66604 – Topeka, KS (50 percent); 61603 – Peoria, IL (47.8 percent); 46208 – Indianapolis, IN (40.6 percent); 14092 – Lewiston, NY (40 percent); 62948 – Herrin, IL (40 percent); 14905 – Elmira, NY (36.8 percent); 32064 – Live Oak, FL (36.4 percent); 45804 – Lima, OH (36.4 percent); and 66701 – Fort Scott, KS (36.4 percent).

 

For full report, please click the source link above.

 

VA Calls for Extension of Veteran Foreclosure Moratorium through Dec. 31, 2024

Industry Update
May 29, 2024

Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

The Department of Veterans Affairs issued guidance to strongly encourage mortgage servicers to implement a targeted moratorium on foreclosures for Veterans with VA-guaranteed loans through December 31, 2024. This will help Veterans and their families stay in their homes beyond the end of the current foreclosure moratorium, which will end on May 31.

This new, targeted foreclosure moratorium will help ensure that Veterans and their families are able to stay in their homes while mortgage servicers implement the Veterans Affairs Servicing Purchase (VASP) program – a new, last-resort tool for qualified Veterans experiencing severe financial hardship. Through VASP, VA will purchase qualified Veterans’ modified loans from their loan servicers and then place them in the VA-owned portfolio as direct loans – making the loans more affordable for Veterans. VASP officially launches on May 31 and mortgage servicers must have it fully implemented by October 1, 2024.

Veterans facing financial hardship should contact their mortgage servicer and work with them to explore all available home retention options. For additional assistance, Veterans can always contact VA directly by calling 877-827-3702, option 4, or by visiting the VA Home Loans website for additional information.

“When a Veteran falls on hard times, we work with them and their loan servicers every step of the way to help prevent foreclosure, including offering repayment plans, loan modifications, and more,” said Under Secretary for Benefits Josh Jacobs. “We’re calling on mortgage servicers to follow a targeted foreclosure moratorium so we can make sure that Veterans get the support they need to stay in their homes.”

 

For full report, please click the source link above.

 

Fannie and Freddie: Single Family Serious Delinquency Rate Decreased in April, Multi-family Increased Slightly

Industry Update
May 31, 2024

Source: CalculatedRisk Newsletter

Single-family serious delinquencies decreased in April, and multi-family serious delinquencies increased slightly.

Freddie Mac reported that the Single-Family serious delinquency rate in April was 0.51%, down from 0.52% March. Freddie’s rate is down year-over-year from 0.61% in April 2023.  This is below the pre-pandemic lows.

Freddie’s serious delinquency rate peaked in February 2010 at 4.20% following the housing bubble and peaked at 3.17% in August 2020 during the pandemic.

Fannie Mae reported that the Single-Family Serious Delinquency decreased to 0.49% in April from 0.51% in March. The serious delinquency rate is down year-over-year from 0.58% in April 2023.  This is also below the pre-pandemic lows.

The Fannie Mae serious delinquency rate peaked in February 2010 at 5.59% following the housing bubble and peaked at 3.32% in August 2020 during the pandemic.

These are mortgage loans that are “three monthly payments or more past due or in foreclosure”. Mortgages in forbearance are being counted as delinquent in this monthly report but are not reported to the credit bureaus.

For Fannie, by vintage, for loans made in 2004 or earlier (1% of portfolio), 1.47% are seriously delinquent (down from 1.56% the previous month).

For loans made in 2005 through 2008 (1% of portfolio), 2.13% are seriously delinquent (down from 2.30%).

For recent loans, originated in 2009 through 2023 (98% of portfolio), 0.43% are seriously delinquent (down from 0.45%). So, Fannie is still working through a handful of poor performing loans from the bubble years.

 

For full report, please click the source link above.

 

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

FEMA Alert
June 10, 2024  

FEMA has issued a Major Disaster Declaration for the state of Idaho to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in areas affected by a severe storm, flooding, landslides and mudslides from April 14-15, 2024.  The following counties have been approved for assistance:

Public Assistance:

  • Idaho
  • Lewis
  • Shoshone

 

Idaho Severe Storm, Flooding, Landslides and Mudslides (DR-4789-ID)

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

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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