SONDRA'S BLOG

While reading the articles on The Florida Association of Realtors website today I noticed the following information and thought it might be of interest to some of my readers.

Chinese drywall spurs lawsuits and problems

ORLANDO, Fla. – April 2, 2009 – Drywall imported from China continues to make headlines nationwide, and a growing number of lawsuits have been filed in Florida. In response to the problem, FAR’s Business Forms Forum Task Force is considering a new form that addresses Chinese drywall problems. Task force members are slated to discuss the issue again on April 6.

Attorneys with Higer Lichter Givner, The Blumstein Law Firm and Podhurst Orseck have filed a federal class action lawsuit on behalf of Florida homeowners Janet Morris-Chin and Dajan Green. They’ve targeted Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin Co. Ltd., and the foreign company that distributed that company’s drywall within the United States, Rothchilt International Ltd.

Drywall manufactured in China was used in U.S. homes between 2004 and 2007. According to the lawsuit, toxic chemicals that emanate from the drywall have damaged houses, fixtures and personal property. Members of the class action are also seeking medical monitoring for any adverse effects of prolonged exposure to the toxic chemicals.

“We have filed a national class action because more than 60,000 homes in 13 states are believed to have defective Chinese drywall,” says Victor M. Diaz with Podhurst Orseck. “We anticipate that when the Consumer Products Safety Commission completes its investigation, this product will be recalled across the country. This could be potentially one of the largest product liability cases related to home construction in U.S. history.”

Morris-Chin and Green purchased their home in Homestead, Fla. Shortly afterward, they noticed damage from the defective drywall: an air-conditioning coil was black and iced over when it should have been copper-colored and ice-free; and two home computers stopped working and the nearby wiring was covered in black soot. The family also developed physical problems, including respiratory ailments and headaches.

So far, the Florida Department of Health has received more than 100 complaints concerning the Chinese drywall and health concerns. Lawsuits are being filed in Florida, Alabama and Louisiana, while residents in Mississippi, Virginia and California have also reported problems.

On Monday, U.S. Sens. Bill Nelson, (D-Fla.), and Mary Landrieu, (D-La.), proposed legislation seeking a recall and an immediate ban on tainted building products from China.

We started our day with a Sunrise Service at Flagler Beach. 

We then had a wonderful breadfast at a fairly new restaurant in Flagler Beach "Chicken at the Beach".  The walnut-banana pancakes were delicious and my daughter shared her Greek Omelet also delicious.

After a quick nap at home, we drove up the coast, through St. Augustine, where they were having their annual Easter Parade.  What a joy to see so many people out, having fun, and it was free.

This is a great area to live in because you are so close to everything, but far enough away for peace and quiet.

Hope you had a wonderful weekend also.

If Christmas means cold weather and snow then this is not the place for you.  Christmas, Florida is located on State Road 50 halfway between Cocoa and Orlando, Florida.

In the main intersection of this little town there is a permanent Nativity Scene and a very large Christmas Tree that stays decorated all year long.

Streets are named Candy Cane, Frosty, Blitzen, Donner, Dasher, Rudolph and, although it doesn't fit in, Highway 50 East.

The town was named after a stockade fort of the Second Seminole War period and was built in 1837.  The fort opened on Christmas day but was only used for a few weeks.

Most of the year the post office seems quite normal but guess what happens in December.  Yep, it gets really busy.  The post office offers a variety of postmarks, from Hanukkah to Kwanza to Christmas.

When driving from Orlando, to the beach or Cape Canaveral you will pass through Christmas, try to return to Orlando, after dark so you can see all the lights.

AGAIN FROM THE FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS, THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE IS OF INTEREST TO EVERYONE.

For Realtors, every month is Fair Housing Month

WASHINGTON – April 2, 2009 – Realtors®’ ongoing commitment to remove housing discrimination and advance fair housing laws takes on added meaning in April during Fair Housing Month. This year marks the 41st anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, which establishes a policy of fair housing for all Americans.

“Realtors build and sustain communities, and equal opportunity in housing for all Americans is a big part of that,” says National Association of Realtors® (NAR) President Charles McMillan. “For Realtors, fair housing means opening the doors to homeownership for everyone in America whose goal it is to own a home, regardless of their background – and Realtors across the country remain committed to doing just that.”

To help inform Realtors and their clients about rights and responsibilities under fair housing laws, NAR provides education, information and brochures. One example is the new FHA Toolkit, which helps educate consumers about finding the FHA-insured loans right for them.

Education is also available to help real estate professionals address the homeownership needs in society through the At Home with Diversity® certification program. During April, NAR is waiving the At Home with Diversity program fee for any local or state Realtor association that sponsors the course - Realtors can also save 50 percent off the online course fee this month.

NAR’s new Leading with Diversity is a free strategic planning workshop for Realtor association executives, staff and leaders to help incorporate diversity initiatives into their association’s business model.

Realtors who want to learn more about expanding housing opportunities in their communities can soon participate in a new six-hour course to help them explore key partnerships and resources that can expand housing opportunities to benefit clients and communities. The course will be piloted in May at NAR’s Midyear Legislative meetings in Washington, D.C.

Also in May, NAR will join five real estate diversity partners in sponsoring the HOPE Awards (Home Ownership Participation for Everyone). The awards showcase exceptional individuals and organizations that are working to increase minority homeownership.

By establishing partnerships with other allies and civil rights groups, NAR helps increase awareness about fair housing laws, explore current fair housing issues and develop solutions that promote inclusion and diversity in our communities.
 
© 2009 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS