WACEO Annual 2010 Code Enforcement Summit Summary
November 11th, 2010
On September 22-24th, Safeguard Properties participated in the annual WACEO fall code enforcement seminar in Leavenworth, WA.
Washington Association of Code Enforcement Officers
Fall Code Enforcement Seminar
Leavenworth, Washington
September 22-24, 2010
Safeguard Properties, JPMorgan Chase Bank NA (Chase), and other Field Services Companies were invited to share a presentation of the active roles that the mortgage servicing industry is taking to address and maintain the growing volume of vacant properties within communities across the nation to 80 members of the Washington Association of Code Enforcement Officers (WACEO) at their Fall Seminar. The Seminar was attended by municipal code enforcement and building officials from across the State and topics presented covered the broad spectrum of critical issues facing inspectors, ranging from critical safety issues to the condition of abandoned properties to recent Supreme Court rulings.
Session Overview
Chase partnered with the Field Services Companies to conduct a three hour training session focused primarily on the industry’s best practices and effective approaches for cities to work with servicers, and their respective property preservation companies, to resolve aintenance issues.
Steve Meyer, Safeguard's Director of High Risk & Hazard Claims, contributed his perspectives and expertise to the agenda that shared an overview of the steps involved with property preservation during the various stages of delinquency and foreclosure, how Field Services Companies partner with local code enforcement officials to address the securing and maintaining of vacant properties on behalf of their national servicer clients, and innovative initiatives created to enhance communication and provide vital information for communities. The message that the industry and municipalities share the common goals of protecting abandoned properties and preserving the integrity of neighborhoods was delivered as a recurring theme.
The Session provided for the active interaction and open dialogue between the audience and presenters. It was acknowledged that communication between the two is increasing daily, but all agreed that continued efforts to collaborate are paramount in the fight against blight within neighborhoods throughout the country.
Expanding on a few of the Key Topics Discussed:
Industry’s Best Practices: Pre and Post Sale
On the 45th day of delinquency, mortgage servicers ask field services companies to begin to conduct monthly inspections to identify the occupancy status of a property. Once confirmed as vacant, initial securing and regular lawn cutting and yard maintenance commences. It was noted that HUD guidelines have further streamlined this overall process and have influenced expediting these preservation activities.
Communication with Code Enforcement
Effective communication between the mortgage servicing industry and the code enforcement community is critical. This typically begins with the placement of a securing or “in case of emergency” sticker that is left on or near the front entrance to the property at the time of the initial secure. Early communication is also facilitated through such channels as the Good Neighbor Door Hanger Program or a code violation acknowledgement sticker left at properties by code enforcement representatives.
MERS Initiative
Originally developed to streamline mortgage title transfers, the industry drew on Mortgage Electronic Registration System (MERS) to integrate enhancements to its database that would include the direct point of contact details for property preservation companies. This service, which is at no charge for municipal employees, has opened the lines of communication, expedited compliance, and increased resolution.
Representatives from more than 600 cities are currently using MERSLink on a daily basis. Since not all of the attendees were familiar with the capabilities of MERS, Safeguard completed a thorough demonstration of the best ways to navigate through the system and ensured the officers that utilizing various simple search features will greatly increase their success.
About Safeguard
Safeguard Properties is the largest privately held field services company in the country. Located in Cleveland, Ohio and founded in 1990 by Robert Klein, Safeguard has grown from a regional preservation company with a few employees and a handful of contractors performing services in the Midwest, to a national company with over 800 employees. Safeguard is supported by a nationwide network of subcontractors able to perform any requested superintendence, preservation, and maintenance functions, as well as numerous ancillary services in the U.S., the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.