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CONTENTS
Let ter from the Editor Letter from the Editor
Departments 4
Market Report
August 2017 • Vol. 10 • No. 08
Selling? Renting? Preparation is Key!
8
Feature Outdoor Entertainment for All to Enjoy
12
Real Estate Spotlight Retracement Surveys
P.O. Box 24881 Barrigada, GU 96921 Tel: (671) 472-3495 | Fax: (671) 472-3498 Email: office@yellowpagesink.com
[ Publisher ] [ Business Sales Manager ] Jay-R S. Dominguez
[ Editor/Display Advertising ] Emily L.G. Untalan
[ Traffic/Circulation ] 14
Profile
Shaun Cruz
Janet Calvo
[ Production Manager ] 16
From the Experts
Mark S. Burke
Expert Advice on
[ Graphics & Layout ]
Outdoor Entertaining
Mark S. Burke Edwin E. Valencia
18
How to D.I.Y. Potting Bench Turned Outdoor Bar
[ Website Development ] Edwin E. Valencia
[ Editorial Contributors ] 20
Your World, Our Island
Cyndy of the Creativity Exchange
Every Man’s Treasure
Anthony Godwin Peggy A. Llagas
22
Curb Appeal
Maria E. Miller
A Backyard Retreat that
Eric M. Palacios
Invites You to Linger
Jacinta Preston Emily L.G. Untalan
25
Who Ya Gonna Call?
28
Closing
Kim Anderson Young CasaGuam is Published by:
Emily L.G. Untalan
Buenas and Hafa Adai Everyone! August made its way here oh too soon. We know what it means when the eighth month rolls around. It affirms that summer has come to an end and time to prep the kids for back to school. My husband and I are working parents and we both know all too well that shifting our son’s mindset from non-stop summer-fun shenanigans to school mode is just as challenging for him as it is for us. It’s time to get our kid back to structure - from practicing timemanagement skills to making responsible decisions when it comes to bedtime and getting in that 8-hours of sleep (at least). On top of that, there’s schoolwork, projects, school activities, karate, dance, and, at home, a list of chores awaits. This is all a part of growing up; building good character; teaching our kids responsibility, and the value of education. And, with that said, we wish all the students a fun, safe, successful, and memorable 2017-2018 school year! Outdoor Entertainment is our FEATURE this month. We showcase a collage of photo ideas to help stir up your imagination. Anthony Godwin advises that preparation is key when selling or renting and to talk to your REALTOR® first about market conditions. Read more about it and get the latest stats in his MARKET REPORT. In REAL ESTATE SPOTLIGHT, Kim Young provides information on retracement surveys and how it locates the “legal” access to your property. Our PROFILE section features REALTOR® Mrs. Janet Calvo. A genuine, positive spirit who will run the extra mile for you, literally! In FROM THE EXPERTS, Jacinta Preston shares her ideas and advice on outdoor entertaining. And, in DIY, turn your potting bench into an outdoor bar. Eric Palacios recently took a trip to the Philippines, where recycling is “so alive!” He shares his experience in YOUR WORLD, OUR ISLAND. In CURB APPEAL, we have some tips on how to dress up your backyard with traditional items you probably already have. GAR President, Maria Miller, says buying a home was the scariest thing she’s ever done. And, despite all the “what ifs,” she’s glad she did it! GAR CEO, Peggy Llagas, gives us the Q&A from REALTORS® with regard to the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). Do you have an idea or suggestion you’d like us to feature? How about sharing your DIY project with our readers? Send it to editor@yellowpagesink.com. Thank you and until next month, adios! Sincerely,
CasaGuam Advertising Disclaimer All Advertisers agree to hold the publisher harmless and indemnify it against any and all claims, losses, liabilities, damages, costs and expenses (including attorney’s fees) made against or incurred by the publisher, officers or employees with respect to, or arising out of, the content, text, graphics or representations of any ad published herein, including but not limited to the sole negligence and/or fault of the publisher. The publisher is not liable for any claims, losses or damages of any kind, arising from the wording, text, graphics or representations of any ad published herein, or the condition of the articles sold through the publication, or performance of services advertised in this publication. All advertising and/or performance of services advertising and/or submissions become wholly the property of CasaGuam Magazine. CasaGuam Magazine is a registered trademark of PTI Pacifica Inc. Copyright © 2008. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form without the express written consent of the publisher is prohibited. We reserve the right to edit or refuse any ad and to reprint any photo for promotional use.
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Market Repor t
Selling? Renting? Preparation is Key! There are many factors that provide guidance to the answer to this question. When I meet with a property owner we discuss many factors that lead up to placing a property on the market for sale. You will often hear that price and time on market will determine how fast a property sells. It is true that a property that has been properly prepared for the market, and priced right, will pique the interest of multiple buyers, will sell faster and probably a higher selling price! Poorly prepared properties may generate little to no interest, may never sell or only generate a buyer at a ‘rock bottom’ price. Therefore, the third very important component of the selling equation is…CONDITION! Before doing anything, talk to your REALTOR® about market conditions. Find out what has sold, what buyer expectations are in the current market, what properties will be competing with yours; let your REALTOR know your expectations. Determine whether you are looking for a quick AS IS sale or you are ready to do what’s necessary to achieve a higher market price. Take a walk around your property with your REALTOR®. Ask for observations, what needs to be done to get the house with as little investment as possible versus what needs to be done to get a better price. Take notes and classify what items need to be repaired versus what items need to be replace/updated. The market will dictate your decisions. For example, if there are 15 homes on the market, in similar condition as your property, and they have been on the market for a while then you need to take action to make sure your property outshines the rest. Nearly all buyers these days start their searches online. Buyers compare properties and eliminate those that don’t attract their attention. You don’t want your property to be eliminated. It’s also important to look at properties that have sold recently. This will give you a good idea of buyer expectations. Generally, you might want to consider the following checklist as you consider preparing your house for the market. 4 CasaGuam
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1) Repair any items identified in your walk through. Consider replacing items that are difficult to repair or that are ‘dated’. 2) Entry Door. The entry door continues to top the charts as the number one ‘upgrade’ a seller can make when selling a property. After all, first impressions count. 3) Paint Inside and Out (including the roof ). A fresh coat of paint does wonders. Talk to your REALTOR® about color trends. Neutral tones still seem to work best. 4) Flooring. There are numerous options for flooring. If flooring replacements are needed – and depending on selling price point – consider all the new laminates. And yes! Carpet for the bedrooms! 5) Kitchen and bath updates and upgrades are always a big plus when selling. These will depend on what you start with. Sometimes, for example, the cabinet ‘boxes’ and drawers are good and all that’s needed are new doors, drawers and hardware. 6) Electrical upgrades. Consider changing out old light fixtures to the newer ‘nickel’ color fixtures. Replace outlet and wall plate covers for a clean look after painting. Replace any nonfunctioning outlets and wall switches. Consider energy saving LED bulbs and fixtures. Make sure your REALTOR® mentions this in the remarks about the property. Buyers LOVE energy saving features.
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Market Repor t
Market Snapshot January 1, 2017 to July 27, 2017 By Anthony Godwin
Condominium/Townhomes For Sale Average Sold Price: $215,116 Average Days on Market: 119
Condominium/Townhomes/Apartments for Rent Average Rented Price: $1,643.00 Average Days on Market: 55
Single Family Home Sales Average Sold Price: $286,285 Average Days on Market: 191
Single Family Rentals Average Rented Price: $2,415.00 Average Days on Market: 55
Disclaimer: All data from the Guam Multiple Listing Service (MLS) as reported by REALTORS to the service. Properties transactions not reported to the service are not included in these statistics. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Not responsible for errors or omissions.
7) Air Conditioning. Have unit(s) serviced; replace any failed units. Have ducts cleaned. Yes, this service is available on Guam. 8) Clean, clean, clean. Inside and out. 9) Don't forget about the outside! Get the yard in order. Less is better. Remove dead trees and shrubs. Trim remaining trees and shrubs for a ‘clean’ look. You want the buyer to stop and stay! Work closely with your REALTOR® to identify items in your home to be repaired/upgraded that will bring you the best return on your investment. Document everything that you do. This will help you and your REALTOR® put together a good story about your house when it’s ready for the market. Ask your REALTOR® about sources for materials and contractors. We have so many choices on Guam these days. Shop them all for the best prices and value! I’ve probably said these a thousand times over the years. No matter the market, the properties best prepared for the market will attract the most buyers. More buyers will generate more offers. More offers, typically a higher selling price. Need a REALTOR®? Contact the awesome crew at Today’s Realty at 649-4361 or via our website at http://www.guamhome.com. Comments or questions for future articles: anthony@guamhome.com. Anthony Godwin is Principal Broker at Today’s Realty. CasaGuam.com 5
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Feature
Outdoor Entertainment for All to Enjoy
By Emily L.G. Untalan
T
here are so many things you can do in the comfort of your own backyard. Besides the dining and family rooms of any home, the backyard is just as important and it’s a perfect setting for families to gather and celebrate a special, intimate occasion, or to simply just pass the time. any photos. But further below are some photos I found online that will help bring your vision and imagination to fruition. So, take a few steps out your back door with the entire family and enjoy what nature has to offer and then some. Yard Games Kid-friendly and Pet-Friendly
Barbecues and pool parties usually define outdoor entertainment but, nowadays, families are taking it up a notch, making upgrades to their BBQ grills and pools, or going way out of the norm. They are finding fun and creative concepts to stay outdoors which can be beneficial to everyone’s health and sanity and even your pocket! When you spend more time outdoors, you reduce your power consumption and, therefore, you save money! Before creating your outdoor family oasis though, hire a professional pest control company to ensure your yard is free from unwanted guests. You can refer to our July 2017 issue (print or at www.casaguam.com) for information. Also, because we live on an island paradise where the weather is unpredictable, you must always, always prepare for the inevitable. If you’re looking at setting up a temporary activity, something quick and convenient like yard games or anything that you can put up and take down in a moment’s notice, place a couple of pop-up canopies to shelter all the fun from the rain or scorching heat. I know of a couple of homeowners here on island who have designed and built their outside entertainment. One made her own putting green and the other modified her kids’ slide. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, I was not able to retrieve 8 CasaGuam
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Photo courtesy of http://www.hgtv.com
Life-size Chess and Checkers
Photo courtesy of https://www.rental-living.com/ and http://christamelton.com/
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Feature Mini Golf
Slide and Wall Climbing
Basketball Court
Photo courtesy of http://www.hgtv.com/
Bring the Beach to Your Backyard Photo courtesy of https://www.pinterest.com
Outdoor Movie Screening
Photo courtesy of http://www.architectureartdesigns.com/
Kids’ Artsy Party Photo courtesy of http://www.hgtv.com/
Remember when you are creating or designing your outdoor entertainment to keep comfort in mind. And, don’t forget to add snacks and a cooler of drinks, or create your own mini bar (See our DIY section). This will definitely help keep your family (or guests) entertained and comfortable. The last thing you want is for them wanting to hangout indoors instead, especially after all the time and effort you’ve put into your project.
Photo courtesy of http://beverlycollins.com/
If you have ideas or suggestions you’d like us to feature or if you have a diy project you want to share with us, please email me at editor@yellowpagesink.com. I look forward to your feedback. CasaGuam.com 9
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Real Estate Spotlight
Retracement Surveys By Kim Anderson Young
S
Surveyors provide a vital tool in the real estate transaction, from simple boundary line relocations to the very complex ALTA (American Land Title Association) survey that locates and charts the exact location of everything located on or under the surface of a property, including all buildings, easements, utilities, set-back lines, even topographical details such as cliff lines, trees and rocks! As a title company we rely heavily on surveys in order to support our guarantee of property ownership. The map history is an integral part of each property search, providing a fascinating picture of the evolution of the property; and as technology advances, our surveyors are able to more and more accurately detail exact boundary locations. A few years ago my husband added an outdoor kitchen to the side of our house. Since we work in the real estate business and hear lots of horror stories involving boundary problems, our first call was to a surveyor who took the time to identify and mark the exact location of the property line along that side of the house. Knowing exactly where our property ended allowed us to use the maximum amount of space for our family area without unintentionally overlapping onto our neighbors property and gave us the comfort of knowing that we would not need to move the addition in the future. More recently, for our office building renovation, we were not worried about boundary points but knew that the lender would require an ALTA survey for our financing. Imagine our surprise when the professional survey disclosed that our property line was almost five feet wider than we had thought! That newly reclaimed property is enough parking for an additional four or five cars! Not only does the survey show your boundaries, but also locates the legal access to your property. Many people are surprised to discover that the driveway to their property is not a legal easement and that their legal access is actually through the boonies behind the banana trees. If you are purchasing a property, it is important to know where your legal access is located so that you are not faced with the expense of clearing a roadway when your neighbor decides to build an outdoor kitchen where you have been driving! Be Confident of your property boundaries! Hire a professional surveyor to show the true location of the land you are purchasing. About the Author Kim Anderson Young, president of Security Title, has over 30 years of experience in the real estate industry. Contact her at kim@securitytitle.net or 647-8100.
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Profile
Son’s Sound Advice Gets Calvo Out of the House to Welcome Families Into Theirs By Emily L.G. Untalan
I
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting Janet Calvo (whom I must respectfully address as Mrs. Calvo) you will immediately feel a bolt of positive energy and inspiration running through your mind, body and soul. That was my reaction when I got the chance to meet with and carry a conversation with her at a function late last year. She shared a wonderful story with me about her daughter’s passion for dance, specifically ballet, and how her daughter wanted to carryon that passion, giving back to her home and teach ballet here in Guam. If you set your mind on something and commit to it, you will go far and it will be rewarding in the end, I recall Mrs. Calvo saying, to some effect. She definitely set her mind on her son’s sound advice upon his return from college. “My son, EJ, had just returned from getting his Masters at Hawaii Pacific University. He had worked in Hawaii at a title company and felt that real estate was something I would enjoy and could be good at. He was right!” (Nearly) two decades later, Mrs. Calvo is still at it. “I started around 17 years ago with the same company I am with today…Today’s Realty.” Her commitment to real estate and her peers is no surprise. Prior to becoming a REALTOR®, “I was 100% Suzy Homemaker,” Mrs. Calvo explains. “I dropped my children at dance, basketball, soccer and football practice. Fundraising was second nature to me as each child worked their way up from elementary to middle school then on to high school. Bake sales, rummage sales, raffle tickets, and car washes. Name it and we did it.” Raising a family and pledging to support all her children’s school functions have made a domino-effect in the Calvo household. Her children are adults now, running their own businesses and raising their own families, supporting them through all their school activities, including dance! They have and continue to make positive impacts on our island and the community. As much as Mrs. Calvo enjoys being a wife, mom, and grandparent, she also enjoys being a REALTOR®. “Each and every transaction is unique. This profession affords me the ability to meet people of all walks of life. I’ve worked with family, friends and mostly people who are now my friends. It has enriched my life beyond words.” It also has “afforded me the ability to make investments and spoil my kids. Mostly, my work has taught my children the value of not just hard work, but integrity, pride in professionalism and commitment.” It sounds cliché but for this island girl, and her family, the mango doesn’t fall far from the tree. “If you love what you do, it will show in your work and accomplishments,” she adds.
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Janet Calvo REALTOR® TODAY’S REALTY
Mrs. Calvo believes “CasaGuam is the expression of life and real estate on a tropical paradise. How do you use it? As a REALTOR®, it is a vital tool in advertising and marketing. Placing our listings in Casa is the best way to show our sellers and owners that we care.” In her spare time, “I run!” Mrs. Calvo exclaims. “I’ve completed 35 marathons around the world. This year, I will be traveling to Greece for number 36!” Her love of running is where her motto “running the extra mile for you” comes from. “Getting up in the early morning hours to run gets me going. It is my time to clear my head and plan for my day’s activities.” In five years, Mrs. Calvo sees herself still working alongside her Today’s Realty family and, “I hope that will be the case in 10 years also,” she concludes. Thank you, Mrs. Calvo, for sharing your humbling story with us. Safe travels to Greece. We will be rooting for you!
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From the Experts
Expert Advice on Outdoor Entertaining
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It’s easy to become the life of the party with these outdoor entertaining ideas from our interior design expert Jacinta Preston. Make your outdoor entertaining space work by giving it as much attention as indoor spaces. Like most successful open-plan kitchen, living and dining areas, it’s all about creating zones.
By Jacinta Preston
you can make the look classic or nautical with accessories and styling. Think about the experience you’re trying to create and it will help you achieve the right look. A deck creates an instant entertainment area. Adding a pergola extends the living space and allows you to utilise the outdoor space for most of the year.
It helps to focus on setting up three outdoor rooms for living, dining and playing. CREATE ROOMS WITH A VIEW Think about natural focal points in the garden, or create some, and build the rooms around them. The outdoor counter or bar adds a luxurious but practical element to an outdoor entertaining space. Bifold windows above a counter between the kitchen and outside make it easier to transfer supplies between inside and out. A counter can also be used as a serving station, to display a buffet-style spread, or as a bar. OUTDOOR KITCHENS A hot design trend is the outdoor kitchen. It reduces the need for foot traffic in and out of the house. Ideally, position the dining and cooking areas as close as possible to the house. You could even interconnect them. This helps dissolve boundaries between inside and outside. TOP TIP The easiest way to make an outdoor entertaining space work is to take your favourite items from the indoors, out. Familiar elements such as chandeliers, mirrors, rugs and art create a sophisticated ‘glamping’ feel. SET THE MOOD WITH OUTDOOR LIGHTING Outdoor lighting plays a major role in a successful space. Get it right and it creates a warm, inviting, magical environment. Lighting also allows you to highlight or hide details. Keep dining and lounge lighting soft and ambient, but paths, stairs and gardens well lit for safety. Fairylights create a festive atmosphere and candlelight offers timeless beauty. Place candles in hurricane lamps on breezy nights. Citronella candles help keep insects at bay. STYLING SYNERGY Match your outdoor area with your entertaining style. If you love to host long, lazy lunches, then you should focus on creating a dining zone rather than, say, a sofa set-up. Choose furniture and fabrics well – they should be red-wine and red-cordial proof. Simple rattan furniture creates a low-maintenance, relaxed island vibe; 16 CasaGuam
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Cite Source: www.homestolove.com.au/style-central and www.homestolove.com.au/real-living Jacinta Preston is an interior design expert and a regular contributor to feature articles and the decor dilemma column in Real Living Magazine.
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H o w To D . I . Y.
Potting Bench Turned Outdoor Bar
Summer is just around the corner and we’ve been busy cleaning our patio and backyard, replacing patio cushions, planting bright flowers and getting summer ready. We love to grill and entertain during the summer and I was really hoping to find some sort of outdoor bar that I could use for serving beverages and appetizers. I haven’t been able to find anything even close to what I had in mind, so when I stumbled across this potting bench at World Market here, I thought why not turn a potting bench into an outdoor bar.
By Cyndy of the Creativity Exchange
Potting Bench, Outdoor Bar, Gardening Bench If it wasn’t for the sink in this piece, I don’t think it would have even occurred to me to convert this piece into a bar. Many of the potting benches on the market have a sink or at least a bucket that is absolutely perfect for ice:
When it’s really hot outside, I plan on placing a large frozen plastic blue cooler block in the base of the bucket (below the ice) to keep the ice cold. We added several hardware pieces to the potting bench to make it the piece even more convenient for us. We added a standard towel bar to the front of the bench for towels. 18 CasaGuam
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H o w To D . I . Y. The little hooks that came with the bench are perfect for storing bar accessories:
We also added 3-sided channel trim that we picked up at Lowe’s for $4.00 to create a spot to hang glasses just below the top shelf:
The top shelf is great for bottles, drinks and extra cups:
We even added a bottle opener to front of the bench as well:
If you’re looking for an outdoor bar or a food serving bar, a potting bench is the perfect solution and you can pretty much add anything to it to really customize it for whatever you need. If you’re looking for something with more space, think about two of them together! I have already ordered a second one from World Market that I’m going to use for food. You can find potting benches pretty much everywhere right now. So many fun possibilities with these benches besides gardening. Cite Source: Cyndy of the Creativity Exchange is a blogger who has a passion for art, design, color, DIY and paint Pretty much all things creative! She started her blog to help others understand and choose colors for their home and explore the creative DIY possibilities. She wants to encourage and inspire others to see the creative possibilities in their home and life. CasaGuam.com 19
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Your World, Our Island
Every Man’s Treasure By Eric M. Palacios
M
My family and I recently went on a trip to the Philippines and, although it was not our first time, I have to admit that it was one of the most inspiring. Why do I say this? Well, after having traveled there a few times now, many sights and sounds have become familiar. So familiar, in fact, that I had become blind to them. Fortunately, I realized this and made it a point to look beyond memorized boundaries and to listen for unfamiliar tones. What an experience! Who knew that recycling is so alive? Who knew that repurposing would-be waste items is so well? Who knew that every man’s trash is everyone’s treasure? Pallets, for example, are a big part of our waste stream here on Guam. There are some who repurpose them for makeshift picket fences, and others who use them to build cages for livestock and other animals. We even have an extremely talented and artistic gentleman who makes beautiful furniture and other useful items out of pallets. One great example of how I saw pallets repurposed include: wooden overhead masterpieces in restaurants, crisscrossed and meshed together where the chandelier hung through. Other light fixtures also sprouted from the creation, as did décor that added to the character of the establishment.
Then there are beverage bottles. I remember the days when we could redeem beverage bottles locally. In the Philippines, the recycling of glass happens at a whole different level. All types of glass bottles are recycled and reused in the same or a different form, with the same or different contents. It is not unusual to find, for example, a wine bottle that now contains and is commercially sold with vinegar on store shelves. One item that we rely heavily upon the international market on to recycle is plastic beverage bottles. Another waste item that we constantly battle to get a grip on is used tires. Cardboard. Newspapers. And other types of plastics and metallic items. Individually and collectively, we have a not-so-easy time of recycling or repurposing these commodities. Tires are reused in a variety of ways, from furniture to 20 CasaGuam
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playgrounds and road additives to tire-derived fuel. Plastic bottles are also used extensively including as planters, Christmas décor and even as homes! Paper-based products like cardboard are extensively recycled and repurposed in the form of Papier-mâché. Piñatas are the most common, but many school projects also benefit from discarded paper. At the end of the day, the purpose of this article is not to compare what we do against anyone else. In fact, it is my hope that we further develop our recycling and repurposing efforts so that we, too, may become more environmentally friendly. The preceding statement begs the question: what can our government do to help our community be more enthusiastic about recycling and repurposing? Fair question. I would love to hear your thoughts. Send them to: jjeecp@gmail.com. Together, I am sure, we can do more. About the Author: Eric M. Palacios is the former administrator for the Guam Environmental Protection Agency. He currently serves as Gov. Eddie Calvo’s special assistant for education and the environment.
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Curb Appeal
A Backyard Retreat that Invites You to Linger Longer
By bhg.com
An eclectic mix of seating areas makes up this outdoor retreat tucked behind Brooklyn's busy streets. The terraced brownstone backyard is the perfect gathering space for family and friends. Urban Wilderness This urban patio's wild style is defined by separate seating areas, including spaces for dining, entertaining, and lounging. The layered style carries over to the garden. Raised beds and pots supplement inground plantings to give the space a jungle-like feel
showcased on patterned pillows and textured furnishings carries over to surrounding plants. A bamboo-screen backdrop was created using the existing standard chain link fence.
Separate Spaces
Serious Fun
Natural Surroundings Neutral furniture pieces create an easy flow between each of the spaces. The collected, mix-and-match decorating style
Set outdoor tables with creative accents that are playful and not too serious. Real dishes and glassware (not disposable) are a must for outdoor entertaining, and so is candlelight. Toss a funky indigo linen over a metal tank or galvanized metal bin to stage an appetizer and beverage station. Create carefree bouquets with flowers cut from the garden.
Light Show If you have a penchant for chandeliers, translate that look outside. A mix of hanging lanterns and kokedama makes a big impact in this backyard retreat. Hang lighting from one spot for a clustered effect or scatter them throughout your outdoor space. 22 CasaGuam
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No matching patio set here. A mix of contemporary and traditional styles outfits this seating area. A daybed works as the family snuggle spot, and pillows, floor cushions, and throws encourage guests to gather in the secondary seating area. Both spaces are defined by area rugs, while small stools can serve as both seating and dining surfaces as needed.
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Curb Appeal Collected Look A Balinese-style sofa is paired with sleek, mismatched wood chairs—a modern mix that repeats in the space. The lushly landscaped living space has become a social hub as well as a play space where children can safely play and explore.
Perfectly Placed In this backyard space, nothing is out of place no matter where it goes or grows. A mixture of white and gray pots are musthaves that go with the anything-works seating and tables, while a planter box kicks out veggies that inspire fresh recipes.
Citing Source: http://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/porch/outdoor-rooms/a-backyard-retreat-that-invites-you-to-linger-longer/
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W h o Ya G o n n a C a l l ?
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Classifieds Commercial Rentals Agat Agat warehouse. Excellent condition with large fenced lot. Two warehouses on site. Near Navy Base. $7,000/mo. Call Yumiko at 688-7791.
Yigo
Dededo
Harmon
Upgraded 4BD/2BA home with nice yard space. Fully fenced. Near AAFB, golf course, Ritidian Beach and more. 2,450/mo. Call Julie at 687-6900.
4BD/2BA home in very good condition. 1,200 sqft. $250K. Call James at 482-0498.
Central location. Endless possibilities. $161,150-$1,667,250. Call Greg at 777-6441.
Mangilao
Mangilao
1,967 sqmtrs with mountain view. $320K. Call Coleen at 727-6902.
Developer alert! 2,765+/- sqmtrs. R-2 zoned. Right across Japanese school. $200K. Call Fiona at 988-9982.
Yigo
Tamuning Commercial space fronting Marine Corps Drive. Over 4,000 +/- sqft. Power and water included. Lots of parking. $2,649.60/mo. Call Sandy at 687-6006.
4BD/2BA in Gayinero Road. Fully fenced with open back patio surrounded by beautiful greenery. Minutes away from Andersen Airforce Base. $2,450/mo. Call Lolita at 688-6743.
Tamuning EVA Building in central location. Excellent condition. 1,451 sqft. $2,321/mo. Call Hana at 777-3660.
Residential Rentals
Mongmong-Toto-Maite
Yona
3BD/2BA. 1,516+/- sqmtrs. Larg extension in the back. Outside kitchen great for families and gatherings. $215K. Call Sandy at 687-6006.
2 lots. 4,505+/- sqmtrs each. Zoning verified as split R-1/A. Central location. $249K each. Call Fiona at 988-9982.
4BD/2BA. 2,111 sqft. Good Condition. $2,450/mo. Call Renee at 777-7071.
Santa Rita
Ordot-Chalan Pago
Residential Sales
3BD/2BA $200K. Call Century 21 Commonwealth Realty at 649-2121.
Tamuning
4BD/2BA. 1,440 sqft with a huge mango tree in the backyard. Sold as is. $200K. Call Lolita at 688-6743.
Centrally located across Ageuda Johnston Middle School. A quiet and lovely location ready to build on. $70K. Call Lolita at 688-6743.
4BD/2.5BA priced reduced in Perezville. $675K. Call Madelene at 486-7470.
Santa Rita
Agat
Land for Lease
1,061 sqmtrs in Buena Vista Estates. $85K. Call Coleen at 727-6902.
Agat
Dededo 3BD/2.5BA. 1,700 sqft. Very Good Condition. $2,450/mo. Call Rowena at 777-4317.
Santa Rita
Santa Rita
Tamuning/Tumon 4BD/3BA. 3,300 sqft. $2,500/mo. Call Greg at 777-6441.
4BD/2.5BA $220K. Call Century 21 Commonwealth Realty at 649-2121.
Dededo
Mangilao Beautiful 4BD/2BA home in quiet Latte Heights neighborhood. Pet friendly owner. Great living spaces both inside and out. $2,200/mo. Call Lolita at 688-6743.
4BD/2BA w/ extension converted into 1BD/1BA w/ kitchen. Chain linked fenced around perimeter. Located in Fern Terrace. $210K. Call Lolita at 688-6743.
Pristine cliffline property for lease - Beautiful panoramic view of Fai Fai Beach and Tumon Bay. 21K+ SqMtrs, Hotel Zone. Call MJ @ 864-1864.
Sinajana Two ocean view lots. Bonus 3,500+/- sqft home on one of them. R-1 zoned. Fully fenced. $600K. Call Janet at 687-1841.
Tamuning
Land for Sale
Dededo
Barrigada Heights
1,330 sqmtrs. $260K. Call Century 21 Commonwealth Realty at 649-2121.
2BD/1BA. $2,800/mo. Call Madelene at 486-7470.
3BD/2BA. Affordable and ready to move in. $227,500. Call Julie at 687-6900.
Yigo
Tamuning
Dededo
Developer and investor alert! 4,923+/- sqmtrs fronting N. Sabana Dr. $984,600. Call Suzanne at 482-6426.
Tamuning House behind GPO. 4BD/2BA, Excellent Condition! $2,450/mo. Call 686-8088.
6BD/3BA $2300K. Call Century 21 Commonwealth Realty at 649-2121.
Mongmong-Toto-Maite
Dededo
Tamuning 3BD/2BA Villa Carmen home. $2,800/mo. Call Coleen at 727-6902.
Executive 4BD/3BA home. 2,383+/- sqft of space. Fenced and gated. 1,088 sqmtr lot. $525K. Call Dennis at 727-3815.
Dededo
Land for Sale 2107 +/- SqMt $90K - Fronting Rt. 15, Near Smithbridge Call Joe 488-4565
1,109 sqmtrs. Build your dream home. $57K. Call Madelene at 486-7470.
Yona
Dededo
1/4 acre lot tucked in a quiet neighborhood in Chalan Teleforo. Ready to build with power/water access. $40K. Call Lolita at 688-6743.
47,565 sqmtrs. Route 3 frontage. $4.5M. Call Vic at 483-7518.
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Closing
Message from the President Maria E. Miller 2017 President Guam Association of REALTORS®
Message from the Chief Executive Officer and Government Affairs Director Peggy Araullo Llagas Guam Association of REALTORS®
IT IS THE SCARIEST THING I’VE EVER DONE!
IN HONOR OF ADA AWARENESS MONTH - JULY
Home buying can be scary! That is why it is so important to find someone who can counsel you. It’s not just about finding the house of your dreams.
The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law on July 26, 1990, makes it unlawful to discriminate against people with disabilities. The law has five sections or "titles" which apply to employment, public services, public accommodations, services operated by private entities, and telecommunications. The Department of Justice published regulations to implement the statute in the Federal Register, Volume 56, Number 114, on July 26, 1991. These regulations offer some guidance in complying with the ADA. This Question and Answer information covers the most frequently asked questions from REALTORS® in relation to the ADA. QUESTION #1: Does Title I cover independent contractors and apply if a real estate office has 15 independent contractors rather than employees? ANSWER: Title I covers employees, although the Office on the ADA has indicated that whether an individual is an employee or independent contractor will be carefully evaluated under federal law. For real estate brokers, that means that the broker/agent relationship will be scrutinized to determine whether an independent contractor relationship actually exists or whether agents are treated as employees. QUESTION #2: Must a real estate agent who uses his/her home (or a portion thereof ) as an office, comply with Title III? ANSWER: Yes. If a private residence (or a portion thereof ) is used for business purposes and clients/customers frequent that location, Title III applies to those areas used for business purposes even if they're also used for residential purposes. The entrance to the office must also be accessible such as the sidewalk, door, and entryway. QUESTION #3: Are model homes and open houses places of public accommodation? ANSWER: Generally, no. Model homes and open houses do not fall under the 12 categories of places of public accommodation. If, however, the sales office for a residential housing development is located in a model home, the area used for the sales office would be considered a place of public accommodation. Although model homes are not covered, the Office on the ADA encourages developers to voluntarily provide at least a minimal level of access to model homes for potential homebuyers with disabilities. For example, a developer could provide physical access (via ramp or lift) to the primary level of one of several model homes and make photographs of other levels of the home as well as of other models available to the customer. QUESTION #4: Do both a landlord who leases space in a building to a tenant and the tenant who operates a place of public accommodation have responsibilities under the ADA? ANSWER: Both the landlord and the tenant are public accommodations and have full responsibility for complying with all Title III requirements applicable to places of public accommodation. The landlord and tenant must allocate responsibility, in the lease, for complying with particular provisions of the regulation. However, any allocation made in a lease or other contract is only effective as between the parties, and both landlord and tenant remain fully liable for compliance with all provisions of the ADA relating to that place of public accommodation.
Most people need someone that will explain the ins and outs of: 1) Financing 2) Affordability 3) Pre-requisites, etc. Lawrence Yun, senior vice president and chief economist of the National Association of REALTORS® says, “Many people have a misunderstanding about what they can access, and, therefore, they don’t even try.” The rising prices and dwindling inventory here in Guam continue to make it very challenging to purchase a home. Therefore, I believe that proper education and counseling could help prospective buyers make the leap into homeownership. Before you jump into looking for a home, find a REALTOR®, Lender or Counselor that will sit down with you and explain what the market is doing and where it is going both for renting and buying. How inflation affects you. What does building equity mean? What type of tax benefits are there to owning a home? What are the main differences between leasehold and fee simple property? What type of loans are available for what I need? What happens if I lose my job? What if I get transferred? What happens if my spouse divorces me? Or dies? Etc. etc. etc. These are all realistic “what ifs” but as we all know, none of us would ever make any meaningful strides if we let the “what ifs” take hold of our lives! So find a real estate agent that is bound by a code of ethics, like a REALTOR ® one who is fair, responsible, transparent, prudent and willing to sit down with you for a free – no obligation consultation to see if purchasing at this time is the best option for you. I can tell you that about 18 years ago as a struggling single parent raising three children on my own in Hawaii, I had a lot of “what ifs” – it was the scariest thing I’ve ever done! — but I just prayed and took a leap — and I am very glad I did! It gets a lot easier the next time. Each time, it gets easier! But you gotta start somewhere!
GUAM ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® The Voice for Real Estate on Guam Suite 236A Julale Center 424 West O'Brien Drive, Hagatna, Guam 96910 Office: (671) 477-4271 • Fax: (671) 477-4275 28 CasaGuam
August 2017
- National Association of REALTORS® Ask if your agent is a REALTOR®. A member of the Guam Association of REALTORS® who shall remain your leading advocate in protecting your best interest. Visit our website at www.guamrealtors.com.
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