Fannie Mae: Expanding Support for Disaster-Affected Homeowners

Updated Servicer Self-Assessment can help you improve processes

We’ve updated the Servicer Self-Assessment to help you effectively manage the Fannie Mae loans you service and ensure that you meet our requirements. Two new sections, “Master Servicer Oversight” and “Shared Processes,” will provide additional guidance. Visit the STAR Program pageto find more resources, and contact your Fannie Mae account team if you have questions.

Mortgage Translations: New resource supports borrowers who have limited English proficiency

Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) joined forces to create a new online resource to assist the millions of mortgage-ready borrowers in the U.S. who have limited English proficiency. Check out FHFA.gov/MortgageTranslations to find a suite of Spanish-translated documents and an industry-standard glossary of mortgage terms.

Expanding our support for disaster-affected homeowners

We’re launching a new Disaster Response Network to assist Fannie Mae borrowers in FEMA-declared zones, regardless of whether the damage was to their home, business, or place of employment. It offers a comprehensive post-disaster case assessment and action plan, plus can assist in filing FEMA, insurance, and Small Business Administration claims, and more. These resources can help borrowers get back on their feet faster and resume mortgage payments sooner. Learn more.

Join us at these upcoming events:

Oct. 18-20 | AREAA National Convention | Las Vegas
Oct. 28-31 | 24th Annual CUNA Lending Council Conference | Anaheim, CA
Nov. 2-5 | NAR Annual Conference | Boston

View more events.

Recent Tweets

There are approximately 16,350,000 Spanish-speaking U.S. residents. Learn how to help them navigate the home buying process in Spanish by visiting our newly launched mortgage translation Clearinghouse https://t.co/Bj2J9LdmNu #MBAAnnual18

Oct. 17

Tune in tomorrow (10/18) to learn about HomeReady #Mortgage, which offers innovative income flexibilities and as low as 3% down payment, helping you serve more borrowers and grow your business. http://bit.ly/2RYtQVE

Oct. 17

FEMA Declared Disaster Wisconsin

FEMA Alert Update
November 1, 2018

FEMA issued an update to a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in Wisconsin affected by severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, flooding and landslides from August 17 to September 14,  2018. The following county is eligible for assistance:

Individual Assistance

  • Marquette

FEMA Release: Declared Disaster Amendment for Wisconsin

ZIP Code List for FEMA Declared Disaster for Wisconsin


FEMA Alert

October 18, 2018

FEMA issued a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in Wisconsin affected by severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, flooding and landslides from August 17 to September 14,  2018. The following counties are eligible for assistance:

Individual Assistance

  • Crawford
  • Dane
  • Juneau
  • La Crosse
  • Monroe
  • Richland
  • Sauk
  • Vernon

Public Assistance

  • Adams
  • Crawford
  • Dane
  • Fond du Lac
  • Green Lake
  • Iron
  • Juneau
  • La Crosse
  • Marquette
  • Monroe
  • Ozaukee
  • Richland
  • Sauk
  • Vernon

FEMA Release: Declared Disaster for Wisconsin

ZIP Code List for FEMA Declared Disaster for Wisconsin

MapAlert Disaster Viewer

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 Declared Disaster Virginia

FEMA Alert Update
November 15, 2018

FEMA issued an update to a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in Virginia affected by Hurricane Florence from September 8-21, 2018. The following counties and independent cities are eligible for assistance:

Public Assistance

  • Botetourt
  • Bristol (City)
  • Chesterfield
  • Danville (City)
  • Franklin (City)
  • Lunenburg
  • Martinsville (City)
  • Matthews
  • Mecklenburg
  • Nottoway
  • Pulaski
  • Roanoke

FEMA Release: Declared Disaster Amendment for Virginia

ZIP Code List for FEMA Declared Disaster for Virginia


FEMA Alert Update

November 14, 2018

FEMA issued an update to a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in Virginia affected by Hurricane Florence from September 8-21, 2018. The following counties and independent city are eligible for assistance:

Public Assistance

  • Craig
  • Floyd
  • Grayson
  • Hampton (City)
  • Isle of Wright

FEMA Release: Declared Disaster Amendment for Virginia

ZIP Code List for FEMA Declared Disaster for Virginia

FEMA Alert
October 18, 2018

FEMA issued an update to a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in Virginia affected by Hurricane Florence from September 8-21, 2018. The following counties and independent city are eligible for assistance:

Public Assistance

  • Charles (City)
  • Franklin
  • Halifax
  • King William
  • Northumberland

FEMA Release: FEMA Declared Disaster Amendment for Virginia

ZIP Code List for FEMA Declared Disaster for Virginia

MapAlert Disaster Viewer

 

FEMA Alert
October 15, 2018

FEMA issued a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in Virginia affected by Hurricane Florence from September 8-21, 2018. The following counties and independent cities are eligible for assistance:

Public Assistance

  • Henry
  • King and Queen
  • Lancaster
  • Nelson
  • Newport News (City)
  • Patrick
  • Pittsylvania
  • Richmond (City)
  • Russell
  • Williamsburg (City)

FEMA Release: Declared Disaster for Virginia

ZIP Code List for FEMA Declared Disaster for Virginia

MapAlert Disaster Viewer

Additional Resources

FEMA’s web site

FEMA’s Disaster Declaration Process

Safeguard Properties All Client Alerts

HUD Moratorium on Foreclosure

VA’s Policy Regarding Natural Disasters

Freddie Mac Disaster Relief Policies

Fannie Mae’s Natural Disaster Relief Policies

FEMA Declared Disaster Kansas

FEMA Alert
October 19, 2018

FEMA issued a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in Kansas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds and flooding from September 1-8, 2018. The following counties are eligible for assistance:

Public Assistance

  • Barber
  • Clay
  • Kingman
  • Kiowa
  • Marshall
  • Pratt
  • Rice
  • Riley

FEMA Release: Declared Disaster for Kansas

ZIP Code List for FEMA Declared Disaster for Kansas

 

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

Fannie Mae: Loan Servicing Data Utility (LSDU) is Live

Source: Fannie Mae (LSDU page)

Introducing LSDU, a self-service tool offering servicers solutions for simplifying investor reporting and data exceptions. With near-real time data and improved accuracy, LSDU will save servicers time and transform business workflows. Get registered and learn more at LSDU for additional resources.

MHA: HAMP Update: Upcoming Changes to HMPadmin.com

In an effort to simplify accessibility of reporting documents on the Making Home Affordable Program Website (HMPadmin.com), the secure login access for participating servicers will be retired in January 2019. In preparation for this change, the following guides/forms have been moved to the Programs tab on the main page of the site under Loan Reporting Documents/Data Reporting Resources:

  • Reporting Guidance for Active GSE HAMP Loans in a NPL or RPL Sale
  • Servicer Loan Number Change Request Process
  • Request for Servicer Loan Number Change Template
  • MHA Loan State Change Request Process
  • MHA Request for Loan State Change Template
  • MHA LPI Date Correction Process
  • MHA LPI Date Correction Request Template
  • MHA LPI Date Correction Reporting Guidance
  • 2018 Operational Reporting Calendar
  • MHA Incentive Inquiry Request Process
  • MHA Incentive Inquiry Request Form

Over the next few months, the link to the HAMP Reporting Tool as well as interface and reporting file formats will also be moved to the main page of the site. All other documentation and links will be retired upon retirement of secure-side of the site.

Major flooding on Llano River Triggers Bridge Collapse Near Kingsland, Texas

Link to proclamation

Link to associated county ZIP Code list

All Client Alert
October 17, 2018

Source: AccuWeather

Additional Resources:

Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott (Governor Greg Abbott Issues Disaster Declaration For 18 Texas Counties In Response To Severe Weather And Flooding)

Associated county ZIP Code list

Approximate areas containing flooded homes:

Texas
Kingsland (Llano County, 78639)
Llano (Llano County, 78643)
Marble Falls (Burnet County, 78654)

NOTE: This has not yet been declared a FEMA Disaster.

A dangerous flooding situation unfolded in south-central Texas Tuesday morning near the town of Llano, as heavy rain exacerbated ongoing river flooding, prompting evacuations and a bridge collapse.

A state disaster declaration has been issued for 18 Texas counties impacted by severe weather and flooding.

“Anyone living within one-quarter mile of the river should evacuate immediately to higher ground. The [Farm to Market] bridge at 2900 will be topped soon,” officials with the Llano County Office of Emergency Management said shortly after 8 a.m. local time.

CBS Austin reported that FM 2900 bridge had collapsed near Kingsland and pieces of the bridge were seen floating down the river.

At least two people have died due to the flooding.

One fatality has been confirmed after a body was found in Burnet County along the Colorado River between Kingsland and Granite Shoals, according to Rep. Terry Wilson.

Llano County officials said a second body was recovered near a low water crossing, CBS Austin reported.

The river crested at 39.91 feet Tuesday morning, just below the all-time record of 41.5 feet.

Llano is located about 90 minutes to the northwest of Austin.

Some parts of Texas have received months’ worth of rain in several days.

Parts of central Texas have already received 4-8 inches of rain from Friday to Tuesday morning. This is the equivalent of an entire month’s worth of rain for October.

Shelters are being set up at First Baptist Church and Inman’s Kitchen in the City of Llano and the Kingsland Community Center, officials said.

Llano city officials said that the city is currently unable to treat water and residents are being asked to conserve water at this time.

Texas Gov. Gregg Abbott said the Texas State Operations Center has elevated its readiness level as severe weather and flooding impact the state.

“Please closely monitor changing weather conditions and heeding warnings from local officials,” he tweeted.

Earlier Tuesday, the National Weather Service in San Angelo, Texas, reported that water rescues were ongoing in Segovia and water was flowing over Interstate 10 at Johnson Fork Creek in Kimble County. A flash flood emergency was in effect until 7 a.m.

Freddie Mac: Disaster-Related Forbearance Policy Added to Loan Coverage Advisor

Loan Coverage Advisor® has been updated to include the Disaster-Related Forbearance Policy for selling reps and warranties. Now you can track reporting events and Alternative Payment Plan (APP) information for disaster-impacted loans after August 25, 2017 that meet the policy requirements defined in Single-Family Seller/Servicer Guide (Guide) Chapter 1301.11, for greater insight into your rep and warranty relief on those loans.

The Disaster-Related Forbearance Policy (refer to Guide Bulletin 2017-28 [pdf]) was created due to client-related concerns for borrowers’ mortgage payments and payment history. It allowed borrowers affected by natural disasters to get assistance with their mortgage payments through APPs with contingency on proper reporting by servicers. In these cases, originators could retain eligibility for early selling rep and warranty relief.

To provide insight into this information, the recent Loan Coverage Advisor release [pdf] enhances several functions:

Search

  • Improved Selling R&W Relief Reason identifications, decreasing the number of loans sorted into the Other category for greater insight
  • New search results columns, including Alternative Payment Plan Status
  • New Event Types and Sub Event Types add to the Event Search
  • One 30-day and Two 30-day At-Risk delinquency searches updated

Loan Risk Details

  • Alternative Payment Plan Status and Alternative Payment Plan Period reflect impacts and duration in Current Coverage section
  • Event History updated to reflect all default remedy event impacts back to the start of the policy on August 25, 2017
  • News Event Detail icons added to the Event Details table
  • Additional Conversion updates for loans under disaster relief prior to this deployment will be applied in the month of October

Reports

  • Improved Selling R&W Relief Reason identifications, decreasing the number of loans sorted into the Other category for greater insight
  • Selling R&W Relief Summary and Relief Date Reports updated to include new reason “Acceptable Pay History (Alternative Payment Plan)”
  • Trend Report PDF updated to include all default remedy event impacts, including those due to an APP
  • Feature level help added

For More Information

HUD: FHA INFO #18-43: Updated Guidance on Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) Claim Type 22 (CT-22) Assignment Requests

Today, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) published Mortgagee Letter (ML) 2018-08Updated Guidance on Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) Claim Type 22 (CT-22) Assignment Requests. Read today’s Press Release.

This ML provides consolidated and updated guidance regarding the submission of HECM assignment requests to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It outlines the documentation and procedures required to demonstrate that a HECM has been serviced in accordance with applicable HUD regulations and meets all assignment eligibility criteria regarding the provision of evidence of:

  • current hazard insurance;
  • provision of alternative evidence of death of borrower;
  • clarification of “current” taxes;
  • submission of evidence of completion of repairs; and
  • submission of clarification regarding mobile home title.

The guidance in this Mortgagee Letter benefits both HECM borrowers and servicers as it allows alternative sources of documentation, as well as streamlines some of the claims processes. It also modifies or supersedes policy language in ML 2017-05, where applicable, and is effective immediately.

Quick Links

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.

Tropical Storm Florence Approach Prompts State-of-Emergency Declaration in North Carolina

Updated 10/25/18: FEMA issued an update to a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in North Carolina affected by Hurricane Florence from September 7-29, 2018.

Link to All Client Alert

Updated 10/24/18: FEMA issued an update to a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in North Carolina affected by Hurricane Florence from September 7-29, 2018.

Link to All Client Alert

Updated 10/24/18: FEMA issued an update to a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in South Carolina affected by Hurricane Florence from September 8 to October 8, 2018.

Link to All Client Alert

Updated 10/22/18: FEMA issued an update to a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in North Carolina affected by Hurricane Florence from September 7-29, 2018.

Link to All Client Alert

Updated 10/18/18: FEMA issued an update to a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in Virginia affected by Hurricane Florence from September 8-21, 2018.

Link to All Client Alert

Updated 10/16/18: FEMA issued an update to a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in South Carolina affected by Hurricane Florence from September 8 to October 8, 2018.

Link to All Client Alert

Updated 10/15/18: FEMA issued a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in Virginia affected by Hurricane Florence from September 8-21, 2018.

Link to All Client Alert

Updated 10/14/18: FEMA issued an update to a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in North Carolina affected by Hurricane Florence from September 7-29, 2018.

Link to All Client Alert

Updated 10/12/18: FEMA issued an update to a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in North Carolina affected by Hurricane Florence from September 7-29, 2018.

Link to All Client Alert

Updated 10/3/18: Freddie Mac issued a release providing guidance and flexibilities for impacted mortgages to be sold and serviced (for Freddie Mac).

Link to All Client Alert

Updated 10/2/18: FEMA issued an update to a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in South Carolina affected by Hurricane Florence beginning on September 8, 2018 and continuing.

Link to All Client Alert

Updated 9/27/18: FEMA issued an update to a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in North Carolina affected by Hurricane Florence beginning on September 7, 2018 and continuing.

Link to All Client Alert

Updated 9/26/18: FEMA issued an update to a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in South Carolina affected by Hurricane Florence beginning on September 8, 2018 and continuing.

Link to All Client Alert

Updated 9/25/18: FEMA issued an update to a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in South Carolina affected by Hurricane Florence beginning on September 8, 2018 and continuing.

Link to All Client Alert

Updated 9/24/18: FEMA issued an update to a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in North Carolina affected by Hurricane Florence beginning on September 7, 2018 and continuing.

Link to All Client Alert

Updated 9/21/18: FEMA issued an update to a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in South Carolina affected by Hurricane Florence beginning on September 8, 2018 and continuing.

Link to All Client Alert

Updated 9/20/2018:  The Weather Channel issued a report titled Before and After Aerial Photos Reveal Florence’s Devastation.

Link to Article

Updated 9/19/2018: Waste 360 published a report titled Post-Florence Cleanup: What to Do with Trash, Recycling, Storm Debris.

Link to report

Updated 9/19/18: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued an announcement titled Servicing Relief to Borrowers Affected by Hurricane Florence.

Link to All Client Alert

Updated 9/18/18: Fannie Mae issued a release titled Don’t Let Fraud Add to the Pain of a Natural Disaster.

Link to All Client Alert

Updated 9/18/18: The Weather Channel issued a report outlining tornado damage in parts of Virginia.

Link to article

Approximate areas sustaining property damage

Virginia
Birkdale (Chesterfield County, 23832, 23112)
Chesterfield (Chesterfield County, 23832)
Hampton Park (Chesterfield County, 23832)
Midlothian (Chesterfield County, 23113. 23114)

NOTE: This has NOT yet been declared a Presidential Major Disaster.

Updated 9/18/18: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) issued Circular 26-18-18: Special Relief Following Hurricane Florence.

Link to All Client Alert

Updated 9/17/18: FEMA issued an update to a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in North Carolina affected by Hurricane Florence beginning on September 7, 2018 and continuing.

Link to All Client Alert

Updated 9/17/18: The Weather Channel issued a report titled Florence’s Heavy Rain Threat Spreads to the Northeast as Major to Record River Flooding Continues in Carolinas.

Link to Article

Updated 9/16/18: FEMA issued a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in South Carolina affected by Hurricane Florence beginning on September 8, 2018 and continuing.

Link to All Client Alert

Updated 9/15/18: The Weather Channel published a report titled Catastrophic Flood Threat Increases This Weekend as Florence Crawls Across the Carolinas Into Appalachia.

Link to All Client Alert

Updated 9/14/18: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued FHA INFO #18-40: Reminder — Guidance for FHA-Approved Mortgagees and Servicers Regarding Presidentially-Declared Major Disaster Areas.

Link to All Client Alert

Updated 9/14/18: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued FHA INFO #18-40: Reminder — Guidance for FHA-Approved Mortgagees and Servicers Regarding Presidentially-Declared Major Disaster Areas.

Link to All Client Alert

Updated 9/14/18: FEMA issued a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in North Carolina affected by Hurricane Florence beginning on September 7, 2018 and continuing.

Link to All Client Alert

Updated 9/14/18: The Weather Channel issued a report titled Florence Moving Slowly Crossing Carolina Border; Catastrophic Flash Flooding to Hammer the Carolinas, Appalachia.

Link to article

Updated 9/13/18: The Weather Channel issued a report titled Hurricane Florence’s Long Siege is Beginning; Storm Surge, Catastrophic Flash Flooding, High Winds to Hammer the Carolinas, Appalachia.

Link to article

Updated 9/12/18: The office of Georgia Governor Nathan Deal issued a press release titled Deal issues emergency declaration for all 159 counties.

Link to press release

Link to County ZIP Code List

Note: This is independent from any FEMA Declared Disaster.

Updated 9/12/18: Freddie Mac issued a news release titled Freddie Mac Confirms Disaster Relief Policies as Hurricane Florence Approaches.

Link to All Client Alert

Updated 9/12/18: Fannie Mae issued a news release titled Fannie Mae Reminds Homeowners and Servicers of Mortgage Assistance Options for Areas Affected by Hurricane Florence.

Link to All Client Alert

Updated 9/11/18: FEMA issued an Emergency Declaration for areas in Virginia due to the emergency conditions in the area affected by Hurricane Florence beginning on September 8 and continuing.

Link to declaration

Link to County ZIP Code List

Note: This has not yet been declared a Presidential Major Disaster.

Updated 9/11/18: The Weather Channel issued a report titled Hurricane Florence Targets Carolinas, Appalachians, With Potentially Catastrophic Flooding, Destructive Winds; Hurricane Warning Issued.

Link to report

Updated 9/11/18: The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) issued a press release titled OCC Allows National Banks and Federal Savings Associations Affected by Hurricane Florence in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic to Close.

Link to press release

Updated 9/10/18: FEMA issued an Emergency Declaration for areas in North Carolina due to the emergency conditions in the area affected by Hurricane Florence beginning on September 7, 2018 and continuing.

Link to declaration

Link to County ZIP Code List

Note: This has not yet been declared a Presidential Major Disaster.

Updated 9/10/18: FEMA issued an Emergency Declaration for areas in South Carolina due to the emergency conditions in the area affected by Hurricane Florence beginning on September 8, 2018 and continuing.

Link to declaration

Link to County ZIP Code List

Note: This has not yet been declared a Presidential Major Disaster.

Updated 9/10/18: Maryland Governor Larry Hogan issued a statewide emergency declaration in anticipation of Hurricane Florence.

Link to declaration

Link to County ZIP Code List

Note: This is independent from any FEMA Declared Disaster.

Updated 9/10/18: ABC Columbia published an article titled Governor McMaster Orders Mandatory Evacuations for SC Coastal Counties.

Link to article

Updated 9/10/18: FOX News issued a report titled Hurricane Florence’s path: Track the storm here.

Link to article

Updated 9/8/18: The office of South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster issued Executive Order 2018-26.

Link to executive order

Link to associated county ZIP Code list

Note: This is independent from any FEMA Declared Disaster

Updated 9/8/18: The office of Virginia Governor Ralph Northam issued a press release titled Governor Northam Declares State of Emergency in Advance of Tropical Storm Florence.

Link to declaration

Link to associated county ZIP Code list

Note: This is independent from any FEMA Declared Disaster

All Client Alert
September 8, 2018

Source: FOX News

Additional Resources:

Office of North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper (Executive Order No. 51)

North Carolina Emergency Declaration County ZIP Code List

North/South Carolina Coastal County ZIP Code List

Safeguard Properties Disaster Update Center

Please Note: This has not yet been declared a Presidential Major Disaster

Tropical Storm Florence drew closer to the East Coast overnight and was expected to reach hurricane strength Sunday — possibly becoming a major hurricane thereafter, forecasters said early Saturday.

The approaching storm prompted North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper to declare a state of emergency, a step that makes resources available for addressing the storm’s effects.

In a 5 a.m. ET Saturday update, the National Hurricane Center placed the storm southeast of Bermuda, with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph. It was moving  west at 9 mph.

The storm was expected to bring heavy rain, dangerous surf and rip currents to North Carolina, where Cooper called on residents, specifically farmers, to make preparations.

“While it’s still too early to know the storm’s path, we know we have to be prepared,” Cooper said in a news release. “During harvest, time is of the essence. Action today can avoid losses due to Florence.”

Cooper signed a transportation waiver that would allow farmers to harvest and transport their crops more quickly.

“The executive order will help gather and move crops in and through the state more easily and quickly in response to problems that could be caused by Tropical Storm Florence in North Carolina and along the East Coast,” the governor’s statement said.

Cooper said that emergency management officials were working with local and federal officials to prepare for “possible impacts” from Florence.

“We are entering the peak of hurricane season and we know well the unpredictability and power of these storms,” Cooper said.

Along similar lines, South Carolina’s Emergency Management Division was advising coastal residents to start making contingency plans.

“The risk of other direct impacts associated with Florence along the U.S. East Coast next week has increased. However, there is still very large uncertainty in model forecasts of Florence’s track beyond day (five), making it too soon to determine the exact location, magnitude, and timing of these impacts,” hurricane specialist Robbie Berg wrote in a forecast advisory.

Forecasters said it was too early to tell where Florence will go. Some forecast models indicated the storm slamming into land sometime late next week, while others indicate it would curve away from the sore. The storm reached major hurricane status Wednesday, peaking with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph.

Meanwhile, a new tropical storm, “Helene,” has formed in the eastern Atlantic off the western coast of Africa. The National Hurricane Center in Miami said Friday night that Helene was located about 405 miles east of the southernmost Cabo Verde Islands. The storm’s maximum sustained winds were 40 mph and it was moving west at 12 mph.

“Since we are near the peak of hurricane season, this is a good time for everyone who lives in a hurricane-prone area to ensure they have their hurricane plan in place,” hurricane specialist David Zelinsky wrote in a forecast advisory.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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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