These memos are posted to ensure that our contractors are getting up-to-date information on significant issues. We welcome any comments or questions regarding the memo feature.

Memo 1161: REO Expectations
To: SPI REO Contractors
From: Vendor Management

Safeguard hosted a contractor REO Training session to provide clarification and ongoing education regarding our clients' expectations for property and yard maintenance. Recent field inspections conducted by our clients have revealed performance inconsistencies in completing maid services and grass cuts. A summary of service expectations is listed below.

Maid Services:

Despite continuous efforts to communicate maid service requirements through training and memos, our clients and their brokers are reporting properties in unsatisfactory condition. Utilizing REO Training session discussions and client feedback, we have created a more detailed checklist of items that must be completed as part of the maid services.

Please click here for Maid Service Checklist

Effective immediately, this checklist is a requirement of initial services orders for all Safeguard clients. Contractors must submit the update and photos of work completed with the checklist, signed legibly by the person or crew who completed the work. The checklist will assist your team and Safeguard in verifying all items have been addressed and ensuring the property will pass a "white glove inspection."

Grass Cuts:

Yard maintenance provides potential buyers with their first impression of the property; therefore, the following must be completed during each visit to the property:

Cut grass
• Trim weeds and tall grass around the foundation
• Trim along fence lines
• Edge around walkways, driveway, sidewalks
• Remove weeds growing through cracks in the driveway, sidewalks, etc. and remove weeds that are growing in landscaped areas (without causing damage to surrounding plants)
• Trim shrubs
• Remove all grass clippings from walkways, sidewalks, driveways, yard

REO properties require yard maintenance quality above FHA guideline requirements to create curb appeal to potential buyers. Completing only the grass cut is not sufficient. Safeguard will notify contractors when deficiencies are reported at REO properties. Contractors are responsible to correct the deficiencies and absorb any costs or fines for failing to complete the work timely.

Safeguard and our contractors must work together to succeed in performing REO services to the expectations of our clients. We continue to make improvements and refinements in our procedures and training to increase efficiency and reduce costs for both Safeguard and the contractors. It is imperative that immediate improvements be seen in the performance of initial services orders. Exemplary completion of maid services and grass cuts is the only way to satisfy the clients needs and ensure the continued placement of orders and profit.

Contact your REO Regional Coordinator with questions on REO work performance or requirements contained in this memo.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.