How Chinese Drywall Led Me to Join Active Rain

I recently became aware of the dangers of Chinese drywall which was used in many places in the United States, particularly in the South after Hurricane Katrina. When exposed to air and moisture, the product releases sulfide gas, which is nauseating to smell and a potential health hazard. The gasses also feast on wiring, plumbing, and air conditioning systems. At the time I first learned of the issue, a class action suit had been filed against Lennar, a builder who used a lot of the product, but neither the state nor the EPA were involved.

Living in Florida, a tropical paradise much of the year that might invite gas emission like a picnic draws ants, I wrote a post on Active Rain. At the time I was not a Rainmaker, just a lowly "free member" who joined after the new fee structure went into effect in February. The post I wrote, which I thought contained some great information that people needed to know, only got 18 readers.

This really got me to thinking. Writing a post with important information, even writing it well - it all means nothing if it's not publicized. This caused me to rethink the costs of my "free" membership. Eighteen readers on an issue so important that is deflating the stock prices of a major builder and expected to affect their liquidity for the next three years! Eighteen readers for something affecting over 100,000 homes not just in the South but anywhere there was a building boom!

I live and work in the midst of market where many people are trying to figure out how to avoid foreclosure. Or they are trying to figure out how to buy a bank owned home that won't end up being a nightmare for them. Or they want to invest responsibly in a second home for their family that they can rent out part of the year. Regardless of the situation, all these people need reliable information - and in some cases, a dash of hope - from a trustworthy source. I am in a position to give it and truly feel that it is my responsibility to reach out and do so.

When I realized I was a missing a golden opportunity to reach a bigger audience, I pulled out my credit card and signed up as a Rainmaker a couple weeks ago. It's not that what I had to say about Chinese drywall was "better" than the many fine posts on the subject that have flowed through the "rain pipes" these past weeks, but I realized that my low readership signaled a missed opportunity to speak louder on an important issue.

If you need help with a short sale or foreclosure in Central Florida, call Janice Petteway at Exit Real Estate Results.