J & D's Curb Appeal LLC works on behalf of loan servicers and through its national vendor network to keep vacant properties secure, safe and well-maintained inside and out. All work performed follows applicable investor and insurer guidelines. We evaluate and report potential damages or issues so they can be addressed in a timely and cost-effective manner. We assist  our clients every step of the way, from default through foreclosure and conveyance.  J & D's Curb Appeal LLC  provides a full spectrum of property preservation services:  including securing, winterization, debris removal, convey maintenance, lawn maintenance and snow removal. 

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Real Estate Owned (REO) Maintenance: As the market for REO services has increased in the aftermath of the nation’s housing crisis, Safeguard has become a leader in maintaining the REO assets of its clients to protect the value and help improve the marketability of properties. Previously, the task of maintaining REO properties had been left to real estate agents under contract to sell the property. However, separating the marketing and maintenance responsibilities allows real estate agents and field services companies to focus on what each does best. Real estate agents can focus on selling properties, and field services companies can focus on keeping the property maintained and secure.

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Initial Services: When a property moves to REO status, the focus shifts from simply protecting and maintaining it, to marketing and selling the property as quickly as possible. J & D’s Curb Appeal LLC will secure the property, re-key all doors, remove debris and complete a full maid-service cleaning of the interior of the home. Depending on the season, the grass will be cut or the water lines will be winterized. The property will be inspected for damages, pool areas will be secured and emergency conditions, such as basement flooding or roof damage, will be addressed immediately.  We will notify the real estate listing agent when the initial services have been completed so that the agent can immediately begin marketing the property.

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Securing: Time is critical when properties are being prepared to sell. J & D’s Curb Appeal LLC requires that all REO properties be secured on an initial services order. In addition to protecting the property, timely securing means that real estate brokers and appraisers can begin to do their jobs sooner, and a buyer can be found more quickly.  Generally, when securing a property all locks, including deadbolts, will be changed and keyed to a client-specific code. All outbuildings and sheds will be padlocked. Pool areas will be secured and the fences surrounding the pool will be padlocked. A lockbox will be installed with working keys inside to facilitate access for contractors, inspectors and real estate agents. Openings such as broken windows and doors or unsecured crawlspaces that pose a security risk to the property may be boarded consistent with FHA standards. 

 

Winterization: Frozen water lines and plumbing fixtures can cause severe and expensive damage to properties if pipes burst. In cold climates, J & D’s Curb Appeal LLC performs full winterization services on all plumbing fixtures, as well as dry, steam and radiant heat systems, to prevent what could be costly repairs.  Notice stickers placed on winterized fixtures advise anyone entering the property that it has been winterized and provide the winterization date and Safeguard contact information. Whenever possible, utility services to the property are turned off, unless a sump pump is present, in which case electricity must remain on. Utilities may be transferred to the client either by the listing agent or J & D’s Curb Appeal LLC. All winterization services are documented in writing with supporting photos and submitted to the client. 

 A checklist of winterization steps includes:

• Draining the hot water tank

• Draining all water lines and using an air compressor to blow air through the system to remove any remaining water

• Pressure testing the system to check for possible leaks

• Cleaning and winterizing all toilets and tanks

• Adding antifreeze to all sink drains, traps and toilets

• Firmly securing the main water line in the "off" position with zip-ties 

• Posting notice stickers on all winterized fixtures and wraps on all winterized toilets

 

Debris Removal & Maid Services:  Cluttered and dirty properties don’t attract homebuyers. J & D’s Curb Appeal LLC goal is to make a house clean and appealing to prospective buyers so they can envision themselves living there. We will remove all interior and exterior debris from the property, based on client-specific instructions. If personal items are present at the property, contractors will submit a bid to remove and store for 30 days, and will proceed according to the client’s instructions. Safeguard generally does not recommend proceeding with removing debris until personal items have been addressed.   After debris is removed, the house receives a complete cleaning. We follow a detailed checklist that includes: mopping all hard-surface floors and vacuuming carpets; wiping all baseboards, light switches and outlet covers; wiping vents and ducts and removing cobwebs; cleaning sinks and toilets; wiping kitchen and bathroom counters, cabinets and drawers; removal of dirty, non-washable window covers.

 

Initial Lawn Maintenance:  at the initial securing of a property and once per calendar year, the property will receive comprehensive lawn service. In addition to lawn mowing, this service includes edging along curbs and sidewalks, using a “weed whacker” along fences, foundations and walkways, and trimming of bushes as needed. We will provide photos documenting the “before” and “after” condition of the property.

 

Ongoing Services:  J & D’s Curb Appeal LLC continues to service REO properties inside and out to maintain their curb appeal and marketability. Ongoing services include lawn maintenance and monthly marketability checks. Other services such as securing and de-winterization are completed as needed. Our goal is to assure that every REO property remains secure and marketable from the initial service order through the final inspection.

 

Monthly Marketability Checks: REO properties need to be cleaned regularly, just as occupied homes do. The regular traffic of real estate agents, prospective buyers, contractors and others requires that properties be spruced up regularly to keep the house free from dust, debris and cobwebs. Many clients request monthly marketability checks to keep properties clean and attractive. A detailed checklist of tasks to perform, which includes: mopping hard-surface floors and vacuuming carpet; wiping down baseboards, light fixtures, switches, outlet covers, air ducts and vents; cleaning sinks and toilets, wiping down bathroom and kitchen counters, cabinets and drawers. Air fresheners are placed in key areas of the home to reduce the potential of foul odors. In addition, non-working light-bulbs and batteries to CO and smoke detectors are replaced as needed.

 

Snow Removal:  Heavy snowfall can deter prospective buyers or impede access for first responders, agents, contractors and others with business at the property.   When snowfall exceeds two inches, snow removal crews are automatically dispatched to the property, and more frequently at the request of real estate agents and others needing access.  J & D’s Curb Appeal LLC snow removal process has received positive feedback from clients and listing agents as it ensures the safety and accessibility of properties. 

 

Estimates & Repairs: Damaged properties not only turn off prospective buyers, they can result in costly repairs to the client if not repaired quickly and effectively. In some cases, damages also can result in city-issued citations and violations being issued. When damage occurs, repairs need to be completed quickly and efficiently. J & D’s Curb Appeal LLC provides estimates and repair services for damaged properties to address the needs and concerns of clients, investors, neighborhoods and cities. Most importantly, they help return a property to the best condition possible to maintain its market appeal and sale value