An American Nightmare: The Pitfalls of Home Ownership

All of our lives, we have been taught that owning a home was part of the American dream. Recently, millions of people have found that home ownership can turn into a nightmare. Many home owners have found themselves “house poor” as a result of upside down mortgages, unexpected maintenance expenses, and taxes. Sometimes having the dream and not counting the cost of home ownership will bankrupt you, fi nancially, physically, and emotionally. Toni Harris takes an honest look on how owning a home became a prerequisite for success in America; how in this present day economy you may want to look at your options before you dive into a 30-year mortgage and how renting may be a more cost effective means for you in the 21st century. Topics covered in the book include: • Toni’s Personal Home Ownership Nightmare • The History of Home Ownership • The Psychology of Home Ownership • The Real Cost of Home Ownership • Understanding Mortgages • Viable Solutions for Today’s Potential Home Owner