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USDA: Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program Integration Update

Investor Update
December 6, 2019

Source: USDA

As previously communicated on November 27th, we are transitioning the Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program (SFHGLP) to an integrated, National model. Effective December 8, 2019, the SFHGLP loan processing and activity for the following states will be transferred into the SFHGLP Origination and Processing Division (OPD) as part of the Wave 1 implementation of the new integrated model:

Wave 1 States (December 8th, 2019)*

AZ, DE/MD, HI/WP, KS, LA, ME, NE, NH/VT, NM, NY, OR, PA, SD, VA, WY

*States included in each wave are based on the property location for loan files submitted, not lender location

Loans in all the above states except HI/WP and LA are already being processed by the Auxiliary Processing Unit (APU), and there will be no changes for lenders. For loans in HI/WP and LA, please refer to the below guidance and contact information.

Guidance for Loan Submissions

Files in Process: For loan files in Wave 1 states (listed above), all files received and reviewed by state staff prior to December 8, 2019 will be completed by state staff.

New Submissions: You can continue to use GUS as you have in the past; this integration will have no impact on your access to USDA systems. For loan files in Wave 1 states (listed above), manual file submissions should be sent to: SFHG-APU@usda.gov.

Contact Information

Beginning on December 8th, lenders should send all inquiries for loan files in Wave 1 states (listed above) to SFHG-APU@usda.gov. If you have a question about a specific loan file, please include the following information:

  • Identify the state the application is located;
  • Include your contact information; and
  • Indicate if you want a call back (otherwise you will receive an email reply)

Looking Ahead

Beginning in Wave 2 (projected January 19th, 2020), all states that have been integrated in Waves 1 and 2 will be aligned to one of four production teams, and each production team will have their own email inbox. Additional information will be shared in January.

Wave 2 States (Future – January 19th, 2020)*

AK, AR, CO, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, KY, MI, MN, MO, MT, NV, PR, SC, TN, TX, WA

*States included in each wave are based on the property location for loan files submitted, not lender location

Remaining states will be integrated in Wave 3 (projected February 16th, 2020). Until states are integrated into the new unit, lenders should continue to contact their state office staff.

Wave 3 States (Future – February 16th, 2020)*

AL, CA, CT/MA/RI, IN, MS, NC, ND, NJ, OH, OK, UT, WI, WV

*States included in each wave are based on the property location for loan files submitted, not lender location

Additional Information

1. Infographic: For more information on the SFHGLP Integration, please reference the attached infographic.

2. Handbooks: The Guaranteed Loan Program regulation (7 CFR 3555) and technical handbook (HB-1-3555) are available online to assist you with questions:

• https://www.rd.usda.gov/publications/regulations-guidelines/handbooks#hb13555

• Additional training, documentation, and resources are also available on USDA LINC: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/lenders/usda-linc-training-resource-library

1. Technical Issues: If you are experiencing technical issues with the Guaranteed Underwriting System (GUS), e-Authentication passwords, GUS User roles, etc., you may contact the Rural Development Help Desk at 1-800-457-3642.

2. Please Note: The SFHGLP Integration does not impact servicing (loss claims and electronic status reporting), Help Desk, access to USDA systems, or e-Authentication protocols.

DRAFT_Wave 1 Infographic_6Dec2019.pptx

Help Resources

USDA ITS Service Desk Support Center
For e-Authentication assistance
Email: eAuthHelpDesk@ftc.usda.gov
Phone: 800-457-3642, option 1 (USDA e-Authentication Issues)

Rural Development Help Desk
For GUS system, outage or functionality assistance
Email: RD.HD@STL.USDA.GOV

Phone: 800-457-3642, option 2 (USDA Applications); then option 2 (Rural Development)

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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