Safeguard Properties

FEMA Fire Management Assistance Declaration – Nevada Spring Valley Fire

Posted on by Safeguard

FEMA Alert
July 16, 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 Spring Valley Fire on July 16, 2024.  The following counties have been approved for assistance:

Public Assistance:

  • Douglas

 

Nevada Spring Valley Fire (FM-5509-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

Bill Amends Louisiana Law to Address Criminal Trespassing and Squatters

Posted on by Safeguard

Industry Update
July 17, 2024

Full Bill Text:  LA SB466

Effective 8/1/2024, Louisiana Senate Bill 466 will amend Louisiana law to address criminal trespassing and squatters.  This amendment defines “remaining in or upon property” to include situations where an occupant remains on a property for more than five (5) days after being served notice to vacate, a squatter who has been directed to leave, and a person violating a restraining or injunction order.  It allows for a temporary restraining order to be issued without notice when a plaintiff asserts they are being denied use of property they have an ownership, possessory, or lease interest in by someone without a legal interest in the property.

 

Safeguard Properties has created the following list of ‘Best Practices’ to protect properties from instances of squatting.

  1. Secure the Property
    1. Locks and Bolts: Ensure all doors and windows have robust locks.  Use heavy-duty deadbolts and padlocks.
    2. Steel Security Screens and Doors: These are highly durable and difficult to breach, preventing unauthorized access.
  2. Regular Inspections
    1. Frequent Visits: Schedule regular inspections to heck the property’s condition and ensure no on has entered.
    2. Inspection Frequency Adjustment: In high target zip codes, schedule inspections at 14-day intervals instead of monthly.
  3. Visible Security Measures
    1. Security Cameras: Install visible security cameras around the property.  Even non-functional dummy cameras can act as a deterrent.
    2. Alarm Systems: Set up alarm systems that can alert you or local authorities if someone tries to enter.
  4. Maintain the Property
    1. Clean and Clear: Keep the property well-maintained, including mowing the lawn and clearing debris.  A well-kept property appears inhabited and deters squatters.
  5. Legal Measures
    1. Proper Documentation: Ensure all paperwork and ownership documentation is up-to-date and easily accessible in case legal action is needed.
  6. Technological Solutions
    1. Smart Locks and Security Systems: Modern smart locks and security systems can be controlled remotely, allowing for better management of the property’s security.
    2. Motion Sensor Lighting: Installing motion-activated lights can deter squatters by making it difficult to approach a property unnoticed.

To utilize any of the above techniques at a specific property to deter squatters, contact Safeguard Properties.

 

For full report, please click the source link above.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FEMA Fire Management Assistance Declaration – Montana Horse Gulch Fire

Posted on by Safeguard

FEMA Alert
July 12, 2024  

FEMA has issued a Fire Management Assistance Declaration for the state of Montana to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in areas affected by the Horse Gulch Fire on July 9, 2024.  The following counties have been approved for assistance:

Public Assistance:

  • Broadwater
  • Lewis and Clark

 

Montana Horse Gulch Fire (FM-5507-MT)

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 – Arizona Watch Fire

Posted on by Safeguard

FEMA Alert
July 13, 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 Watch Fire on July 10, 2024.  The following counties have been approved for assistance:

Public Assistance:

  • San Carlos Indian Reservation

 

***Please note, only properties located within the San Carlos Indian Reservation are approved to receive assistance.***

 

Arizona Watch Fire (FM-5508-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 Major Disaster Declaration – Kansas Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding

Posted on by Safeguard

FEMA Alert
July 15, 2024  

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

FEMA has issued a Major Disaster Declaration for the state of Kansas to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in areas affected by a severe storm, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding from April 25-30, 2024.  The following counties have been approved for assistance:

Public Assistance:

  • Allen
  • Anderson
  • Bourbon
  • Chautauqua
  • Cherokee
  • Elk
  • Greenwood
  • Linn
  • Morris
  • Neosho
  • Pottawatomie
  • Wilson
  • Woodson

 

Kansas Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding (DR-4800-KS)

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

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 Fire Management Assistance Declaration – Oregon Larch Creek Fire

Posted on by Safeguard

FEMA Alert
July 11, 2024  

FEMA has issued a Fire Management Assistance Declaration for the state of Oregon to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in areas affected by the Larch Creek Fire on July 10, 2024.  The following counties have been approved for assistance:

Public Assistance:

  • Wasco

 

Oregon Larch Creek Fire (FM-5506-OR)

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

Land Bank Approves Lot Transfers to City of Topeka for Affordable Housing

Posted on by Safeguard

One Community Update
June 26, 2024

Source: www.wibw.com

Several vacant lots in Topeka have been made available for affordable housing development, thanks to action Tuesday by the city’s Land Bank board of trustees.

City officials said the board voted Tuesday to transfer five lots in the capital city to the Land Bank, with the goal of transforming vacant and blighted properties into affordable housing.

In 2023, officials said, the city’s Governing Body voted to set aside $500,000 for a three-year land bank pilot program. With Tuesday’s approval by the board of trustees to transfer the five lots to the land bank, city officials said, the process is moving forward.

The five approved lots already were owned by the city. However, officials said, they needed to be formally added to the land bank to allow the city to place them for sale, officials said.

“We understand that this initiative alone will not solve our housing shortage, but it is a vital pillar that supports the other initiatives and efforts led by the city of Topeka and our economic development organizations,” said Manny Herron, land bank board member and founder of IPG Building Co. “Together, these efforts will drive comprehensive and sustainable growth in our housing market.”

Developers that are interested in purchasing property from the land bank can view available parcels on the city’s public map portal.

After finding a property, they will need to submit the proper application materials to the Land Bank’s board of trustees to be considered for selection.

Properties also can be donated to the land bank. Those interested in donating a property to the land bank will need to submit the proper application materials, and then undergo an inspection process on the property.

After submissions have been reviewed, the board of trustees will select applicants for the program.

“We eagerly anticipate the innovative responses from developers and their contributions to increasing access to quality housing,” Herron said. “This initiative is more than just a project — it is a testament to our dedication to seeing Topeka thrive.

“I look forward to witnessing the positive impact this program will have on our city and its future.”

 

For full report, please click the source link above.

Foreclosure Fee Sets Counties Up to Fight Blight

Posted on by Safeguard

One Community Update
July 9, 2024

Source: www.thecentersquare.com

A new law signed Monday gives Pennsylvania counties a new tool to address blight.

Now, officials can apply a $250 fee to foreclosure sales that must support a demolition and rehabilitation fund used to tackle blighted properties.

“Rundown and abandoned properties are a drain on local property values and erode the tax base,” said prime sponsor Sen. Jim Brewster, D-Monroeville. “This bill will help revitalize neighborhoods while reducing property taxes by shoring up property values.”

The problems are not new; Pennsylvania has had a Statewide Blight Task Force since 2006. The commonwealth has statewide regulations covering building codes – but doesn’t have a uniform property maintenance code. Instead, towns, boroughs, and cities decide whether they want to establish a code and what form it will take.

The city of Erie established a blight fee in January, charging owners $300 every six months. Local leaders worry, however, that blight driving down neighboring properties can lead to disinvestment, putting a heavier burden on government funds to clean up dangerous places.

Creating land banks to buy, rehab, and resell blighted property has been another way to deal with deteriorating buildings, and the House has also passed a bill to expand their use, but finding investment to underpin the banks’ work isn’t always forthcoming, nor are buyers.

Brewster’s bill cleared the House 109-93, with all but eight Republicans opposed. Gov. Josh Shapiro signed it Monday, along with nine other bills that came across his desk.

Meanwhile, legislative action has slowed to a crawl as leaders negotiate the state’s annual spending plan – now nine days past due.

 

For full report, please click the source link above.

FEMA Fire Management Assistance Declaration – Arizona Shake Fire

Posted on by Safeguard

FEMA Alert
July 9, 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 Shake Fire on July 9, 2024.  The following counties have been approved for assistance:

Public Assistance:

  • Pinal

 

Arizona Shake Fire (FM-5505-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

CFPB Proposed Rules to Help Homeowners Avoid Foreclosure

Posted on by Safeguard

Industry Update
July 10, 2024

Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Proposed rules would require servicers to help homeowners before foreclosing, give servicers more flexibility by reducing paperwork requirements, and improve communication with homeowners

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) today proposed new rules to make it easier for homeowners to get help when they are struggling to pay their mortgage. The proposal, if finalized, would require mortgage servicers to focus on helping borrowers, not foreclosing, when a homeowner asks for help. The proposed changes would also make it simpler for servicers to offer assistance by reducing paperwork requirements, improve communication with borrowers, and ensure critical information is provided in languages borrowers understand. The CFPB is requesting comment about several other topics, including possible approaches it could take to ensure servicers are furnishing accurate and consistent credit reporting information for borrowers undergoing review for assistance.

“When struggling homeowners can get the help they need without unnecessary obstacles, it is better for borrowers, servicers, and the economy as a whole,” said CFPB Director Rohit Chopra. “The CFPB’s proposal would reduce avoidable foreclosures and make the mortgage market more resilient during future crises.”

Mortgage servicers are the companies that handle the day-to-day management of mortgage loans. They collect monthly payments, maintain loan records, and importantly, help find options for homeowners who are struggling to make their payments. In general, the faster a servicer gets a borrower into one of these options, the smaller the losses for investors and the more likely foreclosure is avoided. These options can include temporarily pausing payments or extending the loan term to lower monthly payments.

The current regulations governing mortgage servicing took effect in 2014. They were developed in response to the severe foreclosure crisis that saw 7.5 million homes lost to foreclosure between 2006 and 2014. The rules have rigid timing and other requirements that servicers must follow in all cases. The rules also rely on borrowers submitting all their documents before the servicer begins its review or pauses foreclosure proceedings.

In 2022, the CFPB asked the public for input on improving protections for borrowers facing financial hardships. The CFPB heard  from both the mortgage industry and borrower advocates that a simpler, more flexible approach to mortgage assistance would be helpful.

In particular, the CFPB received a positive response about pandemic-related approaches to helping struggling borrowers. In order to allow servicers to quickly help the large number of borrowers seeking help during the pandemic, the CFPB adjusted its rules to permit, temporarily, borrowers to receive assistance without comprehensive review, even when the result was a year-long payment pause or a permanent change to the loan terms. Many commenters noted that both borrowers and servicers benefited from this departure from the 2014 regulatory framework and encouraged the CFPB to adopt permanently some aspects of those adjustments to the rule made during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

For full report, please click the source link above.

 

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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