Home ownership has long been called the "American Dream," but today millions of Americans are finding themselves in financial distress and in danger of losing the most valuable thing they will ever own - and millions more have already endured the hardship and humiliation which accompany foreclosure. The sad thing is, most of those tragedies were avoidable! Homeowners, armed with the proper information and guidance, can stave off, survive and even overcome something which is rapidly becoming epidemic. The key is education, but until now there was no definitive source for such information. The new book American Nightmare fills that void – and not a moment too soon!

Co-Authors Sylvia Alvarez and Walter Walker, Jr. analyze the reasons people find themselves facing foreclosure, take the reader through a step-by-step analysis of their situation, and present options for overcoming each obstacle. They present both encouragement and practical solutions, including everything from how to fill out appropriate forms to where to go for professional aid and counseling. Their expertise comes from years of experience, running the gamut from time spent in the mortgage and real estate arenas to their current posts as officers of the Housing & Education Alliance (HEA), which was awarded NeighborWorks America’s "Innovations in Homeownership Strategies Award" for its "My Home America" Housing Expo 2006.

This book will obviously be invaluable to those who are currently in danger of losing their homes, but surprisingly it doesn’t end there. The authors also offer post-foreclosure strategies for rebuilding credit and even how to buy a home again! Moreover, anyone who is so much as contemplating home ownership needs to read and heed The American Nightmare in order to insulate themselves from potential problems down the road. If such a book had been available a year ago, there is no telling how many families would have been spared the specter of foreclosure. It’s time to move forward and make sure the next generation of homeowners is spared a similar fate!

A native of Cuba raised in Tampa, Florida, Sylvia A. Alvarez, Co-Author of American Nightmare, has an impressive background of experience and leadership in the affordable housing industry. One of her greatest achievements has been co-founding the Housing and Education Alliance (HEA). This HUD-certified housing consultant agency provides First Time Homebuyer Education Classes, One-on-One Housing Counseling, Foreclosure Prevention Consulting Services and serves as an Affordable Housing Developer. With her guidance, since its inception in 2002, HEA has earned its distinction as a leading housing services provider on Florida’s West Coast, vividly reflected by the distinguished recognition the agency has received. This distinction has included receiving the Tampa Housing Authority’s "Housing Hero Award," Catholic Charities’ "Outstanding Community Services Award" and the Tampa Bay Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s "Non-Profit Of the Year Award." Ms. Alvarez is a two-term member of Hillsborough County’s Affordable Housing Task Force and has been a licensed realtor for more than 20 years. With negative changes taking place in the housing market, the demand for HEA services eventually became so great she realized she needed to find another way to reach more people facing foreclosure – not just in the Tampa Bay area, but throughout the country. The answer she came up with was co-writing a book to give people information, referral sources, options and hope. That book is American Nightmare.

For more than a decade American Nightmare Co-Author Walter Walker, Jr. has been involved in the affordable housing industry after a long, distinguished career in the U.S. Navy, followed by years in the private sector in various capacities. These have included: positions related to sales and training for various companies; operating his own HR/personal dynamics firm; and both teaching and serving as a contract instructor and facilitator for community colleges. His extensive housing background includes working for RTC (Resolution Trust Corporation), the Alliance for Affordable Housing, Inc. and presently Housing and Education Alliance in Tampa, Florida. The true depth of his knowledge, passion and experience in home ownership counseling can be seen in these statistics: Over the years he has taught, either personally or in a team environment, 20,000-plus people the process of buying and keeping their first home – 5,000 of whom ultimately made their dream a reality. A licensed Realtor® as well as a Housing Counselor and advisor on credit issues, Mr. Walker also provides counseling in terms of helping people who need pre-purchase advice and credit "repair." Although he has assisted many people with understanding what is required to keep and maintain their home, there are countless others he would like to help. Hence, he looks at his co-authorship of the American Nightmare as part of the solution to reaching those individuals he has been unable to help personally, but who truly need professional guidance to protect their homes from becoming another foreclosure statistic.

What is Foreclosure? – Detailing the methods and phases of the foreclosure process, both judicial and non-judicial – applicable in all 50 states.

Principle Causes of Foreclosure – Outlines the principle causes of foreclosure and explains how to insulate yourself against the loss of your home.

What Are Your Options – Tells where to go for help and assistance, and lists resources available to the homeowner at little or no cost.

Options Available if You Are in Default – Actions and steps you can take.

Managing a Financial Crisis – Proven strategies you can implement.

Rebuilding Your Credit After Foreclosure & What Does the Future Hold? – Strategies for rebuilding your credit and how to position yourself to purchase a home again in the future.

THIS AND MUCH MORE IS COVERED IN "THE AMERICAN NIGHTMARE"