I am sure you have seen the recent news talking of the problems with Drywall imported from China, and used to build thousands of Florida homes during the boom years.  The question going forward is how will this effect homeowners who have purchased and are living in these homes?  Does this effect the property values of houses built during the construction boom (2003-2006*) for "fear" that the house may be contaminated with drywall emitting toxic gas? Will Licensed Real Estate professionals need to add another property hazard disclosure to their arsenal?

Based on the articles I have been reading...there are clues that may indicate you are living in a home built with the Chinese Drywall product in question.

A strong sulfurous odor in the home....this smell  is often equated to the smell of rotten eggs.  It would make sense that the smell would become stronger when exposed to a high humidity climates such as Florida.

The onset of health problems.  Some people exposed to the product in question report sinus and upper respiratory problems, prolonged headaches, nose bleeds and other symptoms that disappear when they are away from the effected home.

Home furnishing and wood decor of the home turning black or becoming strangely discolored.

The failing of newer appliances, air conditioning coils, and electrical problems caused by corrosion from the sulphur gas.

There is a question of just how many homes are at risk...it could be tens of thousands in Florida alone.  Below is a news spot covering the problem....

Based on the following Time Magazine Article...Lennar  is one of the large builder's that claims they are having problems with their homes...I am sure many more national and local builder's will be coming forward soon as awareness grows regarding this issue.  And, is this just homes?  Or will we soon hear that large condominium complexes and commercial buildings built during the construction boom in Florida and nationwide are also effected?

I am currently contacting local home inspectors to see if they have begun to include drywall inspections as part of their service.  This will be very important going forward with regards to the purchase of homes built during the boom.

It is unknown at this time just how widespread this problem is....so I would suggest to anyone  looking to purchase a home built in the years in question be thorough with their inspections.

If you are a homeowner that knows your home contains this drywall product make sure to tell your Real Estate Listing Agent and fully disclose this material fact to all potential buyers.

Kristi Ross - REALTOR - With over 14 years of experience in buying, selling, managing & investing in real property personally in addition to being a very active, full time REALTOR in Palm Coast/Flagler County, Florida for 7 years ....I have learned that information is power and I am an advocate for customer empowerment.

*It seems that it is not clear exactly how many years the contaminated drywall was being used...I have read reports saying it could have begun as early as 2002 and extended through 2007.