Tackling foreclosure with a religious approach

Tris Reid, Author of Options After Foreclosure

CLAUDIA-TERESA POU – MEDILL NEWS SERVICE

While doing research for another story, I ran across Reid’s website, Mustard Seed Works Inc. and have to admit, I was intrigued.  She has written Options After Foreclosure, a book that tackles foreclosure with a religious approach.  I immediately contacted her and I asked her to answer some questions for Medill Money Mavens.  

Q. Can you tell me what you do as a foreclosure consultant?  Is this your primary job? How long have you been doing this?

A. As a foreclosure consultant, my job is to provide insight into the foreclosure procedures, and thereby assists others through the process.  I have been working with victims for more than 15 years now.  At one time this was my full time job, but about eight months ago I received a new assignment that I also work with the Department of Labor here in Michigan.  

Q. Can you tell me about your book Options after Foreclosure and when was it written?

A. I wrote Options after Foreclosure over the course of two years.  The book started out as a journal of my foreclosure clients.

Q. Who can use the book?  What is the goal of the book?

A. The book is designed for any person in financial distress.  Foreclosure is but one signal of distress.  That distress continues to plague those who choose to not address it.  Many times it is a result of how we live that culminates into a foreclosure.  The book is really a reality check for today’s consumers.  Although it specifically has options and a means to stop foreclosure, the main purpose is to get the reader to change how they live.  Change the habits that cause them distress to the degree that they leave their home.  The things that must be changed are as different as individuals themselves, but the bottom line is planting a new seed, and then receiving a far better plant than what they grow today.

Q. What inspired you to write it?  Why a faith-based approach?

A. There were so many people coming to me asking the same questions, and generally when distress comes knocking at the door, God is the only place where they can turn…now they are seeking direction.  I was led to put down in words the things that have inspired others who came to my office.  However, there are far too many people than there are hours in a day, and a book was the best way to transmit similar information.  I .. have experienced foreclosure first hand.  I realized the things that had to change, and one of them for me was completing my assignment here on earth.  I talk in the book from my own experience as I did when I consulted clients in my office.  When you tell people about you, and what happened to you, it seems to strengthen them.  

Q. Does this book also target people who are nonreligious? 

A. ‘Religious’ is such a big word.  I do not consider myself religious.  I am a child of God, and in order for the methods in this book to cause change in your life you must have a basic belief in something bigger than yourself.  My assignment is to help point the way to those who want to follow a direct path.  After all there are many ways to get to California from Maryland, but if I’m the one driving my kids all that way, stuck in the car for hours upon hours –  “Stop hitting me!”  “His touching me!” hour after hour after hour—I want surely to take the shortest route possible.  In my life, [faith] is that path to a prosperous life.  Not that my path does not have twists and turns, but when they come, such as in the form of foreclosure, I have known fear that the outcome will surely be of peace.

Q. How many people have purchased the book? 

A. The book has only been on the market 30 days, and as an independent publisher, I have primarily had trunk sales of a few hundred to date.  As we get more exposure it will sell hundreds of copies, especially when I can get members of the press to take the time and write about it. Thank you.

Q. Where can those interested purchase Options after Foreclosure?

A. The book can be purchased in local stores and gas stations as well as directly from the publisher’s web site www.mustardseedworks.com. We are also conducting workshops across the country at area churches.  We encourage readers to ask their church to a schedule free workshop with us.  Each person who attends the workshop will receive a copy of the book.  

Q. What advice can you give homeowners facing foreclosure right now?

A. Open every letter, read the whole thing.  Pray and do not just give up, do not just move out, you may be giving up more than you know.  They may not have to lose this home, but ignoring the mail will not help you to achieve the goal.  Remember, even if you just walk away from your house the IRS will count the loss of your home as income to you, and guess what?  They will tax you accordingly.  Buy my book!

Tags: economy, foreclosure, Housing, religion