As you are aware, Safeguard no longer performs “visual exterior (drive-by)” property inspections. As a result of FHA guideline recommendations in ML 2002-10, we now perform interior inspections on vacant and secured properties for the majority of our clients. Interior inspections help us discover and address property condition and damages sooner than the old industry standard of a visual exterior (drive-by) inspections, thus, discovering damages that need to be addressed immediately and avoiding extensive damages that would not have been discovered by performing exterior visual inspections.

Sign-in Sheet:

Several regional variations of the FHA Guidelines state, “For vacant properties, an inspection sign-in sheet shall be affixed to the inside of the front door or a wall in the entry area of the property. The sheet should contain rows and columns for data entry. At a minimum, the sheet should reveal the date of inspection, purpose of inspection, mortgagee's name, inspector's name, and condition of property.” Safeguard is requiring compliance with this across the nation (regardless of investor loan type). We feel that the interior sign-in sheet is vital to our quality control efforts to assure guideline compliance, safeguard our clients’ assets, and reduce your liability.

It remains Safeguard’s responsibility to ensure that our clients are 100% compliant with the investor guidelines. Therefore, all vacant properties secured or serviced by Safeguard are to have the Inspection Sign In Sheet attached to the inside of the front door or nearby wall.

It is the responsibility of all Safeguard contractors, inspectors, grass cut crews, and appraisers to ensure a sheet is posted at every vacant property. The Inspection Sign In Sheet is available on the contractor website and INSPI2 website. All Safeguard vendors should maintain and carry a surplus of this form to post in all properties upon initial visit and upon discovery of a missing sheet. Likewise, new sheets should be posted on top of existing sheets that have been filled.

Lastly, this form must be signed and photographed for every interior visit or grass cut visit to the property.

We are requiring compliance with the FHA guidelines on all properties in effort to provide additional documentation of property condition and Safeguard our clients’ interests. Should you have any questions regarding this requirement please contact Operations Specialist Kellie Beyer, at 800-852-8306 ext. 1362.

Thank you for your cooperation and continued help in Safeguarding our clients' interest.