Toni R. Harris - An American Nightmare: The Pitfalls of Home Ownership

Copyright 2012 by Toni R. Harris

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the author.

ISBN: 978-1-937829-35-3

The thoughts related in this book are related to house rentals vs. apartment rentals, which is another subject entirely

A merican Nightmare: The Pitfalls of Home Ownership

Home ownership American Dream or Nightmare! After all a nightmare is a dream, right? How many of us grew up in a generation where we were expected to own our home with a fence, a yard, some kids and a happy ever after dream life. When in reality, home ownership has its down sides, too. Toni Harris shares her own personal stories of owning a home and the buyers remorse that she suffered. She reminds us that you cant take back a house just because you dont like it after the first few months. So, she cautions, do you homework! Make sure the time is right for you, for the real estate market and for the area where you are selecting a home. Read this book. Ask questions! Do your homework as you should with any major purchase! You get to choose and you accept the consequences of your choice! American Dream or American Nightmare! Its up to you.

Sandy Lawrence

Perceptive Marketing

Publicist

The American Nightmare is a quick study in the obstacles and problems faced when considering buying a home in todays economy. It gives the reader something to think about and a different perspective to contemplate. The true story from the authors experience totally substantiates the difficulties that may be encountered. Enjoyable read!

Joyce Jenkins

Computer Consultant & Newspaper Editor

Toni HarrisAnAmerican Nightmare The Pitfalls of Home Ownership was liberating for me. As a baby boomer, it was drilled into my head that the measurement of my success was determined by my address. So you can imagine the guilt I felt when I lost my house to foreclosure several years ago. This book literally set me free from that guilt.

Sharon Jenkins

Literary Coach and Editor

Authorpreneurship

Growing up as a woman I had this dream of Prince Charming, white picket fences, a couple of kids and maybe a dog. When it didnt happen that way for me, I hopped on the bandwagon to achieve as much of that dream as possible on my own and bought a home. Behind that dream are real-life issues, like yards I dont know how to cultivate, pests, garbage disposals gone rogue, and hoses that break on your toilet leaving your dream a wet-soggy mess with very little options. As a single woman, take it from me, home ownership aint all its cracked up to be!

Nakia Laushaul

Author, Running from Solace

www.nakiarlaushaul.com

An American Nightmare, is a reality check for both the potential and existing homeowner. Toni addresses the truth as it relates to owning a home. As a homeowner who has experienced the challenges of being a landlord, and not being able to sell when our life changed, it is imperative for readers to understand that there are risks associated with being a homeowner especially in a down economy.

Pat Tucker

Journalist/Author of Party Girl

T his book is dedicated to all of the families whose American dream turned into a nightmare.

I would like to acknowledge a few people who helped me to complete the Nightmare Book.

To my author coach and editor, Sharon Jenkins, I could not have completed this project without you. To my mother and friend, Joyce Jenkins, Im grateful for your eternal support. No matter what bright idea I come up with you are always there to support me. To my children, Morgan & Garrett, I know life has not been easy the past few years, but the future is looking bright. Last but not least, my husband, Robert, thank you for your encouragement, support and seeing my vision. I love you all very much.

TONI HARRIS is a passionate, dynamic and energetic speaker who wows audiences across the country, melding best practices with real world solutions. Toni never meets a stranger and is eager to motivate others to reach their full potential. Her transparency and ability to connect with the audience allows her to bring out the best in people, helping them develop critical skills and deliver bottom line results.

Toni is no stranger to risk, change and adversity. At 23 years old Toni took her first career risk, leaving her job in the oil and gas industry to become a business owner. In 2000, she took another leap of faith, relocating to Florida to become a financial advisor in the middle of what turned out to be the worst stock market America had ever experienced. Utilizing techniques and strategies outlined in her programs, Toni was able to re-evaluate, recover and move forward to become a well-respected, top performer in her industry.

Unfortunately, life has not been a bed of roses and Toni, like many Americans, has experienced the pangs of home ownership. As a result of her experience, she wants to educate hard working Americans about the pitfalls of home ownership before its too late. She also wants her audience to know it is okay to be a financially smart renter and not fall into the trap of owning a home because everyone else is doing it.

Professional

Toni is also an independent financial advisor. As an advisor Toni handled financial and retirement planning for several large employers in the Houston area. She has managed over 1,000 clients with over $50 million in assets. She currently holds the following licenses:

Series 6 Investment Company & Variable Contracts Rep

Series 7 General Securities Rep

Series 24 General Securities Registered Principal

Series 51 Municipal Securities Limited Principal

Series 66 Investment Advisory Rep

Life/Health/Variable Annuity Ins. FL, TX

Education

Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management with a concentration in Small Business and Entrepreneurship at the University of Phoenix

Personal

Married to Robert P. Powell, Jr., head bowling coach at Texas Southern University

She has two adult children, Garrett and Morgan