Archives For: default

Urban Institute: Streamlined Home Refinancing Program Potential Benefits

The Urban Institute published a blog post reflecting on the success of the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) and exploring how the introduction of a similar program could help borrowers today.

8 Apr 2021

NYDFS: Fees Paid to Register Mortgages in Default Guidance

The New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) issued guidance to state-regulated mortgage lenders and servicers pertaining to fees paid to register mortgages in default. The guidance outlines a compliance requirement for mortgagees under the supervision of the NYDFS to remove and reverse any and all registration fees charged to the mortgagor’s account for properties registered in the State of New York.

1 Sep 2020

Servicers Treating Government Shutdown Like a Natural Disaster

National Mortgage News published an article discussing ways mortgage servicers are engaging the current federal government shutdown.

4 Jan 2019

Freddie Mac: Electronic Default Reporting Updates

Freddie Mac issued a release announcing upcoming changes to simplify Electronic Default Reporting (EDR).

16 Nov 2018

Freddie Mac: Clarification on EDR Default Action Codes for Extend Modification

Freddie Mac issued a release clarifying required Electronic Default Reporting (EDR) default action notification codes for borrower Trial Period Plans for the Extend Modification for Disaster Relief.

1 Mar 2018

Appeals Court Expands Ohio Statute of Limitations Decision

DS News published an article discussing a recent action by the Ohio Eighth District Court of Appeals.

30 Jan 2018

M&T Bank Helps Unemployed Borrowers

On November 21, DSNews published an article titled M&T Bank Takes Action to Help Unemployed Borrowers.

31 Dec 2013

New Wave of U.S. Mortgage Trouble Threatens

On November 26, Reuters published an article titled Insight: A New Wave of U.S. Mortgage Trouble Threatens.

27 Nov 2013

HUD ML 2013-39 Methods of Communication With Borrowers

On October 28, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued Mortgagee Letter 2013-39, subtitled Methods of Communication With Borrowers.

4 Nov 2013

Hurricane Sandy One Year Later

On October 30, New York Daily News published an article titled Hurricane Sandy One Year Later.

30 Oct 2013

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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.

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