Recently, Compliance Connections was proud to serve as a co-sponsor along with Safeguard Properties and the American Association of Code Enforcement (AACE) for an exclusive scholarship opportunity open to active code enforcement professionals to attend this year’s National Property Preservation Conference (NPPC).
Since beginning in 2004, the NPPC has served as a premier platform for leaders, servicers and investors from across the mortgage industry gather to discuss current topics and develop solutions for the future. Through communication and teamwork, the event works to build consensus and establish standards for policies and services. Now in its 15th year, the conference recently took place November 3-5 in Washington, D.C.
As our next featured 2019 scholarship recipient, City of Chesapeake, Va., Code Enforcement Administrator Michele Throckmorton has worked in the field for 12 years.
To be considered for one of five available packages, Michele was required to complete three essay questions centered around the Great Recession and her experiences as a code official. Check out her in-depth answers below.
How did the housing crisis in 2008 change the role of a code enforcement officer?
I began my enforcement career as a code compliance inspector in 2007 enforcing property maintenance codes within the City of Chesapeake, Va. I was able to see first-hand how the housing crisis in 2008 changed the role of a code enforcement officer. Instead of just enforcing the maintenance codes that protected houses from deterioration and overall appearance of the neighborhoods, I had to also become a researcher and investigator of information regarding a responsible party for these abandoned properties. I also had to remain vigilant on properties that appeared to be abandoned that were not called in by surrounding residents.When the housing crisis began, a lot of people just walked away from their properties without notifying the banks who they paid their mortgages to and banks became overwhelmed with discarded assets. As an enforcement officer who responded to the numerous complaints of structures abandoned or in a state of disrepair during this time, I had the difficult task of finding someone who would take responsibility for the issues at hand.
As a result, my enforcement role evolved to not just enforcing the codes but to start thinking outside the box on ways responsible parties could be found and how issues could be remedied in a timely manner for the health and safety of the community. Researching the latest mortgage company through the Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems (MERS) website and reaching out to property preservation companies started to become a normal part of my notification process during this time.Ten years since the housing crisis, the economy is improving, and mortgage default rates are declining. Have you noticed an improvement in your community? Be specific.
Yes, absolutely I have noticed improvement in the City of Chesapeake in the last ten years with regards to the community.
Abandoned houses started to be repaired by contractors or demolished and new homes have been built by housing contractors. Banks are currently able to reclaim their abandoned assets quicker than they were ten years ago, which allows for auctions or foreclosures to happen faster than they had during the housing crisis. Developers, contractors and investors seem to now have a flow of money they did not have before that is giving them the means to buy these properties at auctions and foreclosures. In addition, consumers are able to purchase these new or repaired homes due to low loan rates that are allowing the community to flourish with present homeowners.As a result of this improvement, Chesapeake’s code enforcement rate of enforcing code violations on abandoned properties is steadily declining.
What is your biggest frustration when attempting to enforce code on residential properties?
My biggest frustration when attempting to enforce code on residential property is when the homeowner does not want to take any interest in protecting their biggest asset -- their home. An important role of code enforcement, in my opinion, is to educate the public on maintenance requirements of their home and the importance of maintaining the quality of materials their home was built with to ensure the longevity of their home’s structural integrity and energy efficiency.When talking to people who have received notices for maintenance violations found on or in their homes, they sometimes are of the mind that those issues are cosmetic in nature when in fact there are so many components that contribute to the protection of the home inside and outside. Education is key to helping home owners remain aware of maintaining their homes and protecting their biggest asset from major issues down the road. It also helps the public understand code enforcement’s role in the community.
There are others who receive notices and never respond back and continue to let their homes deteriorate. It is frustrating to see how some people will let their homes go and not respond to notices which would allow the chance for me to speak to them about how the deterioration can only get worse without the preventive maintenance set forth by the city’s ordinance.
In her spare time, Michele enjoys a number of hobbies, including gardening, trying out new cooking recipes and paddle boarding. She also loves going to the beach and hanging out with family and friends.
Congratulations, Michele! We appreciate everything that you do to serve your community.