Safeguard Properties

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

Posted on by Safeguard

Industry Update
July 8, 2024

Source: CalculatedRisk Newsletter

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

Freddie Mac reported that the Single-Family serious delinquency rate in May was 0.49%, down from 0.51% April. Freddie’s rate is down year-over-year from 0.58% in May 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 0.48% in May from 0.49% in April. The serious delinquency rate is down year-over-year from 0.56% in May 2023.  This is also below the pre-pandemic lows, and this is the lowest level since November 2002.

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.

 

For full report, please click the source link above.

 

Foreclosure Activity in First Half of 2024 Down from Previous Year

Posted on by Safeguard

Industry Update
July 10, 2024

Source: ATTOM

ATTOM, a leading curator of land, property and real estate data, today released its Midyear 2024 U.S. Foreclosure Market Report, which shows there were a total of 177,431 U.S. properties with foreclosure filings — default notices, scheduled auctions or bank repossessions — in the first six months of 2024. That figure is down 4.4 percent from the same time period a year ago but up 7.8 percent from the same time period two years ago.

“In contrast to the first half of 2023, foreclosure activity across the United States experienced a decline in the first half of 2024,” stated Rob Barber, CEO for ATTOM. “In addition, U.S. foreclosure starts also decreased by 3 percent in the first six months of 2024.  These shifts could suggest a potential stabilization in the housing market; however, monitoring these evolving patterns remains crucial to understanding the full impact on the real estate sector.”

States that saw the greatest increases in foreclosure activity compared to a year ago in the first half of 2024 included South Dakota (up 93 percent); North Dakota (up 86 percent); Kentucky (up 73 percent); Massachusetts (up 46 percent); and Idaho (up 30 percent).

 

For full report, please click the source link above.

 

FEMA Major Disaster Declaration – New Hampshire Severe Winter Storm and Flooding

Posted on by Safeguard

FEMA Alert
July 10, 2024  

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

FEMA has issued a Major Disaster Declaration for the state of New Hampshire to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in areas affected by a severe winter storm and flooding from April 3-5, 2024.  The following counties have been approved for assistance:

Public Assistance:

  • Belknap
  • Carroll
  • Grafton
  • Rockingham
  • Sullivan

 

New Hampshire Severe Winter Storm and Flooding (DR-4799-NH)

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

Map of Affected Areas

List of Affected Zip Codes

 

Additional Resources

FEMA’s web site

FEMA’s Disaster Declaration Process

Safeguard Properties Industry Alerts

HUD Moratorium on Foreclosure

VA’s Policy Regarding Natural Disasters

Freddie Mac Disaster Relief Policies

Fannie Mae’s Natural Disaster Relief Policies

FEMA Major Disaster Declaration – Texas Hurricane Beryl

Posted on by Safeguard

FEMA Alert
July 9, 2024  

***LAST UPDATED: 8/26/24***

FEMA has issued a Major Disaster Declaration for the state of Texas to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in areas affected by Hurricane Beryl from July 5-9, 2024.  The following counties have been approved for assistance:

Individual Assistance:

  • Austin
  • Bowie
  • Brazoria
  • Chambers
  • Fort Bend
  • Galveston
  • Harris
  • Jackson
  • Jasper
  • Jefferson
  • Liberty
  • Matagorda
  • Montgomery
  • Nacogdoches
  • Orange
  • Polk
  • San Jacinto
  • Shelby
  • Trinity
  • Walker
  • Waller
  • Wharton

Public Assistance:

  • Anderson
  • Angelina
  • Aransas
  • Austin
  • Bowie
  • Brazoria
  • Brazos
  • Burleson
  • Calhoun
  • Cameron
  • Camp
  • Cass
  • Chambers
  • Cherokee
  • Colorado
  • DeWitt
  • Fayette
  • Fort Bend
  • Freestone
  • Galveston
  • Goliad
  • Gregg
  • Grimes
  • Hardin
  • Harris
  • Harrison
  • Hidalgo
  • Houston
  • Jackson
  • Jasper
  • Jefferson
  • Kenedy
  • Kleberg
  • Lavaca
  • Lee
  • Leon
  • Liberty
  • Madison
  • Marion
  • Matagorda
  • Milam
  • Montgomery
  • Morris
  • Nacogdoches
  • Newton
  • Nueces
  • Orange
  • Panola
  • Polk
  • Refugio
  • Robertson
  • Rusk
  • Sabine
  • San Augustine
  • San Jacinto
  • San Patricio
  • Shelby
  • Trinity
  • Tyler
  • Upshur
  • Victoria
  • Walker
  • Waller
  • Washington
  • Webb
  • Wharton
  • Willacy

 

Texas Hurricane Beryl (DR-4798-TX)

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

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 – Utah Silver King Fire

Posted on by Safeguard

FEMA Alert
July 7, 2024  

FEMA has issued a Fire Management Assistance Declaration for the state of Utah to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in areas affected by the Silver King Fire on July 7, 2024.  The following counties have been approved for assistance:

Public Assistance:

  • Piute

 

Utah Silver King Fire (FM-5504-UT)

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Utah’s Silver King Fire

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 – California French Fire

Posted on by Safeguard

FEMA Alert
July 5, 2024  

FEMA has issued a Fire Management Assistance Declaration for the state of California to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in areas affected by the French Fire on July 4, 2024.  The following counties have been approved for assistance:

Public Assistance:

  • Mariposa

 

California French Fire (FM-5503-CA)

List of Affected Zip Codes

 

Additional Resources

FEMA’s web site

FEMA’s Disaster Declaration Process

Safeguard Properties Industry Alerts

HUD Moratorium on Foreclosure

VA’s Policy Regarding Natural Disasters

Freddie Mac Disaster Relief Policies

Fannie Mae’s Natural Disaster Relief Policies

FEMA Fire Management Assistance Declaration – California Thompson Fire

Posted on by Safeguard

FEMA Alert
July 2, 2024  

FEMA has issued a Fire Management Assistance Declaration for the state of California to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in areas affected by the Thompson Fire on July 2, 2024.  The following counties have been approved for assistance:

Public Assistance:

  • Butte

 

California Thompson Fire (FM-5502-CA)

List of Affected Zip Codes

 

Additional Resources

FEMA’s web site

FEMA’s Disaster Declaration Process

Safeguard Properties Industry Alerts

HUD Moratorium on Foreclosure

VA’s Policy Regarding Natural Disasters

Freddie Mac Disaster Relief Policies

Fannie Mae’s Natural Disaster Relief Policies

FEMA Fire Management Assistance Declaration – Arizona Boulder View Fire

Posted on by Safeguard

FEMA Alert
June 28, 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 Boulder View Fire on June 27, 2024.  The following counties have been approved for assistance:

Public Assistance:

  • Maricopa

 

Arizona Boulder View Fire (FM-5501-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 – Minnesota Severe Storms and Flooding

Posted on by Safeguard

FEMA Alert
June 28, 2024  

***LAST UPDATED: 9/19/24***

FEMA has issued a Major Disaster Declaration for the state of Minnesota to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in areas affected by severe storms and flooding from June 16 – July 4, 2024.  The following counties have been approved for assistance:

Individual Assistance:

  • Blue Earth
  • Cook
  • Cottonwood
  • Faribault
  • Freeborn
  • Goodhue
  • Itasca
  • Jackson
  • Lake
  • Le Sueur
  • Mower
  • Murray
  • Nicollet
  • Nobles
  • Rice
  • Rock
  • St. Louis
  • Steele
  • Waseca
  • Watonwan

Public Assistance:

  • Blue Earth
  • Brown
  • Carver
  • Cass
  • Cook
  • Cottonwood
  • Faribault
  • Fillmore
  • Freeborn
  • Goodhue
  • Houston
  • Itasca
  • Jackson
  • Lake
  • Le Sueur
  • Martin
  • McLeod
  • Mower
  • Murray
  • Nicollet
  • Nobles
  • Pipestone
  • Redwood
  • Renville
  • Rice
  • Rock
  • St. Louis
  • Sibley
  • Steele
  • Wabasha
  • Waseca
  • Watonwan

 

Minnesota Severe Storms and Flooding (DR-4797-MN)

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

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 Darlene 3 Fire

Posted on by Safeguard

FEMA Alert
June 25, 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 Darlene 3 Fire on June 25, 2024.  The following counties have been approved for assistance:

Public Assistance:

  • Deschutes

 

Oregon Darlene 3 Fire (FM-5500-OR)

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight the Darlene 3 Fire in Oregon

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