If you are one of the more than 100,000 homeowners who received a Notice of Default in July, you are dealing with some strong emotions like fear, embarrassment, frustration, despair, and anger. Not nice! These can do a ton of damage to your life – OR, they can propel you into action to defend yourself, protect your family and save your home!

The numbers are mind-numbing and the amount of “evaporated” wealth is astounding! But, for you it is personal. It’s of little comfort that so many millions of smart, hopeful and hardworking Americans are experiencing just what you are. You have to deal with your crap and it’s not for the faint of heart. You have now embarked on a journey through foreclosure-land. So, suck it up and get ready to get even more uncomfortable. Sorry!

The psychological trauma is like grieving any major loss. There are distinct stages that most go through, including:

Denial that the problem even exists by ignoring the mounting bills, letting phone calls go unanswered and just not dealing with the building tension. You don’t think you need this book (so you won’t be reading it!) if you are still in this phase.

Anger that you are in such a lousy situation…what a waste of time and how unfair! The anger gets aimed at politicians, bankers, neighbors, spouses…even at the kids. You won’t have the patience to read this book during this phase.

Negotiating for ways to avoid further pain – sometimes unreasonable resolve to “tough it out” and not lose the home. You may be reading this book but not with an open mind. You are set on a course before knowing all the facts and facing reality.

Depression and Fear that overwhelms and pervades your whole life. This leads to the hopelessness that can be so dangerous and ugly.

Acceptance of the situation and enough “comfort” with things that you are able to move forward toward resolution. I hope you are at this stage now. It’s the point at which you are ready to use the information in this book to accomplish your goals.

I hope that this explanation helps you move through the stages and get on with it. It’s not a dream – this is really happening and you must take action. Hundreds of your neighbors are experiencing the same tough stuff. They are moving forward, working things out, getting modifications, getting settlements…working it out. Some are literally moving on – to a new and rented home. After all, you are not defined by your FICO score or your house or what anyone else thinks of you. Wow! That sounded a whole lot more “preachy” than I intended!