Archives For: 2017

FEMA Declared Disaster Tennessee

On July 19, 2017, FEMA issued an update to a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in Tennessee as a result of severe storms, straight-line winds and flooding that took place May 27-28, 2017.

19 Jul 2017

Freddie Mac Joins Fannie Mae in Reducing Mortgage Modification Interest Rate

HousingWire published an article discussing a decision by Freddie Mac to cut its benchmark interest rate for standard mortgage modifications for the second time in 2017.

17 Jul 2017

FEMA Declared Disaster Missouri

On July 13, 2017, FEMA issued an update to a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in Missouri as a result of severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding that took place April 28 to May 11, 2017.

13 Jul 2017

FEMA Declared Disaster North Dakota

On July 12, 2017, FEMA issued a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in North Dakota as a result of flooding that took place March 23 to April 29, 2017.

12 Jul 2017

Georgia Adopts Provisions Regarding Mortgage Servicing

The State of Georgia Department of Banking and Finance issued a bulletin outlining several new provisions that went into effect on July 19, 2017.

7 Jul 2017

FEMA Declared Disaster Nebraska

On June 26, 2017, FEMA issued a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in Nebraska as a result of a severe winter storm and straight-line winds that took place April 29 to May 3, 2017.

26 Jun 2017

MHA HAMP Reporting Update: HAMP Reporting System Post Release Message and Independence Day Holiday Support and System Availability

Making Home Affordable (MHA) issued an update outlining system availability during the Independence Day holiday.

26 Jun 2017

FEMA Declared Disaster Idaho

On June 22, 2017, FEMA issued an update to a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in Idaho as a result of severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides that took place March 6-28, 2017.

22 Jun 2017

Fannie Mae: Lender Letter: Guidance on Credit Report Changes; Impacts to HSSN and SMDU This Weekend

Fannie Mae issued a news release highlighting a number of updates relevant to servicers and sellers.

14 Jun 2017

Freddie Mac: Register Now for Freddie Mac Flex Modification Training

Freddie Mac issued a release outlining a new training opportunity.

5 Jun 2017

< 1 2 3 4 5 … 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 >

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.

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.

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.

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.

Business Development

Carrie Tackett

Business Development Safeguard Properties