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CONTENTS
Let ter from the Editor Letter from the Editor
Departments 4
Market Report Wisely, Go Solar!
Emily L.G. Untalan
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10
Feature Solar Panel Systems: Lease or Buy Outright?
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Real Estate Spotlight International Fraudsters
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Profile Gigi Infante-Delos Santos
September 2017 • Vol. 10 • No. 09 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
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From the Experts Shine on Guam
[ Editor/Display Advertising ] Emily L.G. Untalan
[ Traffic/Circulation ] Shaun Cruz
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How to D.I.Y. Cinder Blocks Turned
[ Production Manager ] Mark S. Burke
[ Graphics & Layout ] Flower Pots!
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Your World, Our Island Guahan Jeeps Giving Back to Nature
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Curb Appeal What You Need to Go Off the Grid
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Who Ya Gonna Call?
Mark S. Burke Edwin E. Valencia
[ Website Development ] Edwin E. Valencia
[ Editorial Contributors ] Rik DeGunther Haeley Giambalvo Anthony Godwin Peggy A. Llagas Maria E. Miller Eric M. Palacios Emily L.G. Untalan Jeff Voacolo Kim Anderson Young Cover Photo: Mark S. Burke
Greetings and Hafa Adai, Everyone! After a tumultuous month we just had, how are you holding up? As kids were preparing for back to school, our entire island casa was preparing for the inevitable. Thankfully, with the backing of our Armed Forces, our prayers and faith in a higher-power, we were spared. But, we shall never, ever let our guard down. Remain faithful, and stay vigilant my fellow humans. In this month’s FEATURE we talk a bit about Solar Panel Systems and layout some of the pros and cons of leasing versus making an outright purchase. Check out which option outweighs the other and make your own consensus decision for you and your family or business. Anthony Godwin gives his statistics in MARKET REPORT and shares his experience selling a housewith-solar for the first time. Kim Young reminds us to beware of international fraudsters in REAL ESTATE SPOTLIGHT. Do not fall victim to these scammers. We feature Gigi Infante-Delos Santos, a career financing professional with numbers running through her veins. Read her story in our Profile section. In FROM THE EXPERTS, Jeff Voacolo shares his expertise in solar energy and how important it is to make changes in order to keep up with the industry. Who would’ve thought cinder blocks could do more than create concrete structures. Check out our DIY section on how to turn your cinder block into an eye-pleasing accessory to your garden. Eric Palacios joins a group of jeepsters whose mission is to maintain our island’s natural beauty. Read about his escapades into the jungles of Guam in YOUR WORLD, OUR ISLAND. In CURB APPEAL, Rik offers some tips on how to “go off the grid.” It’s pretty insightful. And rounding out this month’s issue are Maria Miller, GAR President, who reminds you not to mix up the following terms: foreclosures, short sales and REOs. And, GAR CEO, Peggy Llagas, shares safety tips for sellers and buyers on behalf of REALTOR® Safety Month. This month of September, we honor the American labor movement and all the contributions that workers have made on Labor Day. Biba to all the employees of GovGuam, the Federal Government and Private Sectors!! And, on Patriot Day — the National Day of Service and Remembrance — we honor all the victims of the tragic events that occurred on September 11, 2001. We Remember. Sincerely,
CasaGuam is Published by:
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Closing
Emily L.G. Untalan
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
Wisely, Go Solar! Wisely, Go Solar!I received a call from an owner that was looking to sell a house that included a photovoltaic “solar” system installed at the property. The owner of the property indicated the system was not owned but was installed under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). The homeowner indicated the system was installed without any cost. The PPA the owner had signed was for a term of 25. After reviewing the PPA, I noted the owner had current minimum payments of approximately $200 a month. The payment escalated over the life of the agreement and the owner would pay for any additional power produced that exceeded a set allowance covered by the monthly payment. This was all exciting and something new! This was going to be my first house-with-solar sale so I needed to know what I was getting into. I reviewed the PPA further and called the solar company for more information on a few items. I discovered 1) the agreement was transferrable to a new owner 2) the agreement could be terminated if the system cost was paid in full and 3) the system could be moved to another property. After considering the costs associated with options 2 and 3 it was decided to market the house under option 1, transfer of the PPA to a new homeowner. The home was placed on the market and several offers were received. The PPA was a challenge for some buyers. After some time on the market a buyer came forward that realized the benefits of solar and, more importantly, accepted the terms and conditions of the power purchase agreement. An offer was made, and after some negotiation, was accepted for the purchase of the home. Next, it was time to determine the process to transfer the PPA to the new buyer. Another call to the solar company provided everything needed for a smooth transition from the current homeowner to the new homeowner. The process would take approximately two to three weeks to conclude. In addition to the transfer of the power purchase agreement, the solar company would also need to update or record a UCC (uniform commercial code) lien for the solar system. Once the new PPA is executed by the new homeowner and the solar company and the UCC lien recorded the transfer process is complete. Thinking of selling your home? Have a power purchase agreement in place? Or… you own your system outright? No problem! I’ll be happy to help you through the process. 4 CasaGuam
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There are several choices and vendors in Guam that provide solar services and naturally several ways to accomplish the end result – energy savings for you and your family. Investigate all the options. Compare the costs of systems that are outright purchased and systems that are offered under power purchase agreements. Read and understand the agreements and your obligations. Ask about insurance, system performance, durability during storms, maintenance requirements and system life. Do your homework. And yes, Wisely… Go Solar!
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Market Repor t
Market Snapshot January 1, 2017 to Aug 17, 2017 By Anthony Godwin
Condominium/Townhomes For Sale Average Sold Price: $216,455 Average Days on Market: 115 Units Sold 128 Units Currently for Sale 256
Condominium/Townhomes/Apartments for Rent Average Rented Price: $1,638.00 Average Days on Market: 55 Units Rented 684 Units Currently for Rent 254
Single Family Home Sales Average Sold Price: $288,294 Average Days on Market: 150 Homes Sold 219 Homes Currently for Sale 162
Single Family Rentals Average Rented Price: $2,419.00 Average Days on Market: 56 Homes Rented 472 Homes Currently for Rent 149
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.
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Feature
Solar Panel Systems: Purchase Outright vs Leasing By Emily L.G. Untalan
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here has been a growth in the solar energy industry within the past couple of years. More and more homeowners are making their own power, wanting to live in a more sustainable energy world.
A solar panel system is a big investment for both homeowners and businesses. Considering its many benefits to the pocket and the environment, how beneficial is it if we purchase it outright versus leasing it? Resources layout the pros and cons to both options, but it is also dependent on where you reside and the solar company you choose.
Benefits of Leasing: Save Money right away. You will save about 15-40% of the current utility bill price, depending on the size of your bill. The higher your bill, the more you will save.
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No Upfront Cost. You are not required to put money down for installations. Solar Leasing companies pay for everything, from design, engineering, permits, equipment & installation. You only make your lease payment every month once your system is turned on, instead of making the payment to your utility company. Free Maintenance. If something happens to your system, it's the leasing company who will fix it. Once again you save as the system is insured by the leasing company. The system is guaranteed to produce a minimum level of power each year. If the system produces more, it's totally free for you. If it produces less, the leasing company will pay the difference.
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Feature Disadvantages of Leasing: A solar lease is just one more financial “tool” that is complex enough that you can’t quite see what the real cost of it is. You wind up with a multi-year leasing contract. Fifteen years is the norm. A lease contract is not easily transferable if you decide to sell the house. It may make selling your home more difficult. In contrast to owned panels that increase the value of a home, leased panels can scare off buyers or force you to buy out a lease in order to complete the home sale. If it looks too good to be true, then you haven’t read the fine print. Lease payments are set to increase on an annual basis.
You never own the solar panels. In fact you will have to either return them after 15 years or purchase them from the solar company at the end of the lease. The leasing company gets the rebates, incentives and federal tax credit for the purchase of solar panels. If you lease instead of buy, you are adding layers of expense and giving away the federal tax credit, state incentives and utility company rebates that you might otherwise benefit from.
Benefits of Purchasing Outright: No upfront costs. Financing does not require any upfront costs by the homeowner through a secured solar loan. The most cost-effective way for financing solar panels is through a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit. The home serves as the collateral which provides options for lower interest rates. The interest you pay may also be tax deductible if you qualify to itemize your deductions on your tax return. Federal tax credits. Homeowners may benefit from available solar tax credits and incentives. If there are any incentives available such as tax credits or rebates, you can apply for them which reduces your net cost for the equipment. Increased home value. Home appreciates in value with the outright purchase of a solar panel system. Real estate studies have shown that homeowners can increase their property value 3 to 4% by purchasing and installing solar panel systems. Purchasing a solar system adds value to your home and increases the value of any future sale of your home. Transfer ownership with sale of the home. Owning a solar panel system allows you the ease of transferring ownership of the system when you sale your home. If you lease a solar system, you will either have to buy out the lease or the new homebuyer will have to assume the lease which they may be reluctant in doing. Remember that at the end of a lease, the solar company could remove the system, and your savings along with it, if a prior arrangement is not made as part of the lease. Saves more on electricity costs than leasing options. Purchasing a system saves you far more in the long run than leasing a solar panel system.
Disadvantages of Purchasing Outright: There is really only one drawback of buying solar panels and that is the required upfront costs. But keep in mind that there is the option to get a secured solar loan to help you out. There are a handful of solar energy companies on island. Give them a call and make your own comparisons. Only you know what will be beneficial for you whether it’s right now or in the future. 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
On The Cover
University Garden Condo n the market we have a centrally located condo in the beautiful village of Mangilao. This condo is conveniently located in our educational capital with a walking distance to the University of Guam, Guam Community College, and George Washington High School. You may also enjoy easy access to convenient stores, supermarkets, and restaurants. Within the facilities are the coin laundry area, a recreational pool, and park and playground for you and the family. The compound is well maintained and readily available to its residents. Call your favorite REALTOR® today to schedule a showing.
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Rosemarie Munoz REALTOR®
787-5263 rose@lspguam.com 10 CasaGuam
University Garden Condo for Sale • Living sq.ft 913 • 2br/1.5ba • $90,000
Mangilao Near UOG!
Tel: (671) 647-5577 | Fax: (671) 647-5560
MLS# 17-2562 September 2017
Web: LatteStoneProperties.com
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Real Estate Spotlight
International Fraudsters
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I recently read an article in the Sydney Morning Herald about a woman who lost her house to scammers. It piqued my interest because title insurance is a relatively new concept in Australia and I was curious as to what her recourse would be in lieu of a title insurance policy. The woman owned a lovely four bedroom home in Canberra, Australia. She was living and working in South Africa and had leased her home to tenants. She had hired an agency to manage the property during her absence and when she did not hear from the agency for nine months, she contacted them to follow up on maintenance reports and rental payments. When she contacted the agent, she discovered that the house had been sold! Further investigation disclosed that the thieves had gone to elaborate lengths to fool real estate agents, lawyers and even a bank. They had established bank accounts with fraudulent email accounts and forged signatures. Under both Australian and US law, bonafide purchasers have protection against fraud which resulted in the woman not being able to reclaim her home. Protection for registered real estate purchases made in good faith in Australia fall under their ACT Land Titles Act, rather than an owners title insurance policy. The woman made a claim against the ACT Land Titles Act, but while the Government recognized that she was an innocent victim, they disagreed that she was entitled to compensation from the Government. The Australian Court required that she seek remedy against the fraudster first before requesting compensation from the Government. I can see this going in circles for many years to come! An owner’s title insurance policy would have insured the buyers against fraud, which in turn would have protected the woman who was defrauded in two ways. First, the title insurer may have agreed to pay court costs to chase the fraudsters, and second, they may have opted to reimburse our former owner for the cost of the house. Either option works better than fighting a legal battle against a Government! Be Secure when dealing with real estate transactions! Close your transaction at Security Title and guaranty your ownership with an owner’s title insurance policy. 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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By Kim Anderson Young
Bogus Realty Bridges and Swampland = CHEAP!
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Profile
Infante-Delos Santos Hits a Two-Decade Milestone in Financing By Emily L.G. Untalan
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Ms. Gigi Infante-Delos Santos is the AVP & Branch Manager of Finance Factors, Ltd. and clearly a veteran in financing. With over two decades of experience, she expresses how gratifying it is to work in the field. “After college I worked in a real estate office for a couple of years. We were interviewing, analyzing and packaging loans for first time homebuyers for the Farmers Home Loan Administration.” It was this practice that sparked something in Infante-Delos Santos. “This experience is what initially created an interest in helping homebuyers find financing. I found it incredibly satisfying!” In 1994, Infante-Delos Santos worked at another financial services company and, in 1997, she found home in Finance Factors, Ltd. She started off as a loan officer and later became the Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager in 2004. What a fascinating feat! When you enjoy doing what you do, it’s pretty evident and infectious to those you come in contact with. “The biggest reason I enjoy what I do is my customers as well as networking with some amazing people in the industry, whether REALTORS®, appraisers or other lenders! I love hearing our customers’ stories and learning what’s important to them and their plans for their future.” At Finance Factors, Ltd., “We have so many unique products, such as bridge loans, land loans, even loans for properties in poor condition and I have the opportunity to come up with creative ways to help our customers and give them access to financing that maybe they would not be able to get otherwise,” explains Infante-Delos Santos. “I especially love working with real estate investors and using our multi-collateral loans to help them buy additional property with no additional cash out of pocket. Every day is an adventure, since no two customers’ situations are the same. It is music to my ears to hear from our customers on how we impacted their lives in a positive way.” Finance Factors, Ltd. has afforded not only stability for InfanteDelos Santos, but growth. “My employment as an AVP and Branch Manager has provided me with the opportunity to grow in my financing career, to provide for my family, to serve my customers, and to contribute to the overall good of the community.” If you’re interested in the financing field, Infante-Delos Santos proclaims, “It’s a great profession!” But “it’s not always easy,” she admits, “especially the past few years with the constant changes in lending regulations. Finding customers is important to your success and most of your time is spent trying to grow your contacts from in and out of the business. Once you demonstrate that you provide excellent service and you listen to their needs and what they find important, more and more customers will come as referrals from existing ones and from your contacts, like REALTORS®, bankers, family and friends. Networking is the key and that’s important to remember. So meet as many people as you can.”
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Gigi Infante-Delos Santos AVP & BRANCH MANAGER FINANCE FACTORS, LTD.
To add to that, finding the best resources is a plus in this industry. “I use CasaGuam to keep me abreast on the real estate market and share what’s available in the market to our customers.” Infante-Delos Santos appreciates CasaGuam “because of the informative articles regarding the real estate market, professional advice from title experts, DIY tips and the real estate listings.” In her spare time, it’s all about family for Infante-Delos Santos. “I love spending time with my family: my husband, Kin, my son, Justin and daughter, KC, and our dogs, Khloe, Max and Nui.” She also loves to cook, bake and sing karaoke with family and friends. This year Infante-Delos Santos celebrates her 20th work anniversary at Finance Factors, Ltd. and she’s nowhere near done. “I definitely see myself employed with Finance Factors, Ltd. for the next five years and beyond, helping customers achieve their goals and dreams, whether it’s growing their wealth by investing in real estate or purchasing their first home.” 20 years is an amazing milestone, Ms. Infante-Delos Santos! Happy work anniversary and cheers to you and to Finance Factors, Ltd.
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From the Experts
Shine On Guam!
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Being in the Renewable Energy industry for over 35 years, I have seen a lot of changes, and always for the better. Growing up in Hamilton Township New Jersey, and being 12 miles from where the first solar panels were developed and placed on a pole in Lawrenceville, NJ by Bell Laboratories in 1954, it is hard to imagine that after 61 years these panels are still producing power — but they are. Every time I am asked how long will these solar panels really last, my best estimate is well over a 100+ years. Not bad for a technology that one places on one’s roof with no moving parts and can literally walk away after installation. The weak link in a solar energy system is the inverter, but even this technology has made tremendous leaps and bounds as far as improvements and warranties over the last five years. Now, warranties on inverters are easily at the 20 year mark, and there are some models that you can get at 25 years. The Holy Grail in this industry has always been energy storage. Thankfully, with companies like Telsa and BYD, huge amounts of money for research and development have gone into the so called “missing link” for the solar industry over the last 5 years, to finally allow the residential sector to benefit from battery backup systems; and inverter technology has kept up with storage. The more sophisticated inverters come with different functions that now allow solar energy customers to keep all of the solar energy produced during the day, not exporting back to the utility grid, and storing the excess power in the battery backup to take that power needed at night when the sun goes down. This eliminates the argument with the utilities over the debate that the solar customer is not paying their fair share for the transmission and distribution lines and admin fees, and the one-for-one credit that we benefit here in Guam and in the US. We can now keep the energy we produce. I never agreed with the net meter debate that the utilities have produced. I believe that distributed solar energy generation in multiple locations, like residential solar, actually helps the utility enormously, especially for a non-interconnected utility like GPA with their line loss on the transmission and distribution, saving on fuel purchase, O&M and multiple other scenarios, since the energy is spread out over numerous locations during the day their generation capability. I believe where solar energy and storage is concerned, it will be a very short few years where the average homeowner will no longer need the utility for their energy provider. In every industry, there is always the natural transition to better technology and usually the older technology struggles with this change. In the private sector, we all know it is change or die;
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By Jeff Voacolo
if you are not keeping up with what is going on in your industry, you will get run over. This is all coming at a time when our planet so desperately needs this business model to change. Fossil fuel and oil burners are being pushed to the side, and renewable energy with storage is starting to take the lead. Our planet is suffering from 100 years of carbon damage and must be weaned off of fossil fuels if we expect our grandchildren to live in a world that is sustainable. I believe Pope Francis got it right in his speech at the climate change summit in Paris, France stating that we must all be stewards and take care of our Mother Earth. It is our Christian duty to do so. I also believe that Mr. Herman Scheer, the godfather of Renewable Energy in Germany, when he stated that all the conventional power plants of today are the stranded assets of tomorrow.
About the Author: Jeff Voacolo is the Vice President of Micronesia Renewable Energy, Inc. and has been in the Renewable Energy industry for over 35 years.
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H o w To D . I . Y.
Cinder Blocks Turned Flower Pots! By by Haeley Giambalvo | Design Improvised, Hometalker
This is too pretty not to share. Thanks to Haeley Giambalvo for this easy and inexpensive project which takes about 45 minutes from start to finish. ❧ Emily Untalan Turn an old cinder block into an attractive outdoor planter with some colorful stenciling! I absolutely love upcycling projects! I found cinder blocks for just 75 cents a piece at my local Habitat for Humanity Store. I used a cool plaid stencil to give them a makeover. I also tried floral stencils and leaf stencils - any will work great! Because cinder blocks have a hole in the bottom, you'll need to place a smaller container with the flowers and soil inside of it. If you have a solution to creating a "bottom" for the cinder block so you can plant directly in it, I would love to hear it! Supplies: I used a cinder block, Martha Stewart multi-surface acrylic craft paint (which is UV and weather-resistant), painters tape, and a foam brush. Step 1: Tape the stencil in place and add paint with the foam brush. Be careful to hold down the stencil so that the paint doesn't seep underneath it and the design comes out cleanly! Step 2: Pot your flowers or add a vase of cuttings inside and enjoy! These will keep even longer on a covered patio, protected from rain. Check out how I used mine as decor for an outdoor party with neighbors! www.designimprovised.com/2013/10/housewarming-party-ideas.html
Cite Source: Haeley Giambalvo of Design Improvised has been creating ever since she was a child growing up in Nebraska. She believes you should "Do what you love; love what you do!” “I hope Design Improvised becomes a place where you can be inspired to do what you love!” http://www.hometalk.com/30056855/cinder-blocks-turned-flower-pots 18 CasaGuam
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H o w To D . I . Y.
Materials I used for this project: • Cinder block (home improvement store) • Martha stewart multi-surface craft paint (Michaels) • Stencil (Stencil1)
Th Gua G Gu Guam Phone P Ph Pho Phon B Bo Boo Book A Ap App With The you’ve got the island’s most trusted phone book in your pocket?
Download it Today! CasaGuam.com 19
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Your World, Our Island
Guahan Jeeps Giving Back to Nature
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One of the many awesome things about living on Guam is that we are blessed with good weather quite a lot throughout the year. And if you are one of many people I know that loves the rain, well, then chalk up even more days of what you consider to be nice weather. Indeed, we are blessed. Pristine ocean, lush green jungles and the whitest clouds silhouetted against the bluest skies surround us daily. Whether separate or collective, these elements make for amazing outdoor adventures. In recent months, I have had the pleasure of meeting a bunch of people who also relish in Guam’s outdoors, and who want to contribute to maintain her natural beauty. The group, Guåhan Jeeps, is comprised of women, men, government and private sector employees and active and retired military service members. Close to 90 members go about daily life and contribute however they can to our island community. Outside of their familial and professional time, these folks enjoy Mother Nature and her creations. Prior to becoming a member of this great group, I had never been to many scenic places in and around our mountains. Even parcels of family property were unreachable due to unforgiving terrain. But in the few short months since becoming a Guåhan Jeeper, members have taken me to a number of breathtaking locations, hidden gems and inspiring vantage points. Memories to last a lifetime, for sure!
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By Eric M. Palacios
So why do I bring this up? It is simple: several of the group’s leads are in the planning stages of conducting reforestation work in and around many of these picturesque areas. This work will be difficult, no doubt, but it will be both beneficial and rewarding in so many different ways for our entire community. The project will require participation by many Guåhan Jeep members and their families, and it will also need support from entities like the Department of Agriculture and in the form of native tree seedlings. Spearheading the planning of this worthwhile endeavor are Joey Lujan, Idrenne Mendiola, Alan Vasquez and Mike Taitano. These folks recently coordinated the first-ever Guåhan Jeeps Islandwide Cruise, and it was a huge success, so I feel good about the prospects of the tree-planting project. At this time, the group is looking at a window of later this month or next month for the project, and to possibly coincide with Guåhan Jeeps’ next cruise around the island. If you would like to volunteer your time toward this reforestation project, kindly contact me at: jjeecp@gmail.com. Please feel free to reach out as well if you or someone you know owns a Jeep and would like to become a member of the Guåhan Jeeps family. 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
What You Need to Go Off the Grid ff-grid solar PV systems are expensive, so find any means you can to reduce the energy requirements. Most off-grid houses use a wide range of energy resources, in sharp contrast to the typical all-electric suburban home. Solar hot water heaters are always good candidates because they're cheaper per kilowatt-hour than an off-grid photovoltaic system, and solar lighting systems are always wise. This variety can be an advantage in that you aren't completely disabled by power blackouts. In fact, you'll be completely impervious to power outages, and even if one of your resources goes down, the majority of your lifestyle will still be intact. Off-grid solar electrical systems all use the same basic components, with other elements added according to need.
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By Rik DeGunther
Here Are The Functions Of Each Part: Charge controller: The charge controller feeds current into the battery bank at the required voltage. Good charge controllers draw the best performance out of the batteries and are very important for economics because they influence efficiency.
Battery bank: The battery bank is typically made up of six or more individual batteries connected with stout cables in either series or parallel arrangements.
Inverter: The inverter changes DC to AC voltages suitable for use with household equipment. An inverter is optional if you use DC loads exclusively.
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Curb Appeal DC loads controller: You may be using both DC (boat, RV, and auto appliances) and AC loads (standard household appliances). The DC loads controller maintains the proper currents and voltages into the DC loads.
AC generator: As a backup power supply, the AC generator isn't strictly necessary but is usually part of any off-grid system in order to prevent blackouts when the sun is weak for extended periods.
Transfer switch: The transfer switch alternates the power source between either the inverter output (when battery power is available) or the AC generator.
AC loads controller: This device includes appropriate fuses and switching means and maintains the voltages and currents used by the AC appliances connected to the system.
Which type of current you choose depends on what you want to run. If it's just a few lights at night, with a coffee maker and a fan or two, DC is fine. However, the market for DC appliances is far smaller than 120VAC, so you may go for AC if you're using standard household appliances (which is the most common way to go and is cheaper and better because of the widespread availability of AC appliances compared to DC appliances). DC, which is more efficient because batteries use direct current, is usually the choice for small cabins and small power systems. You can use DC appliances for RVs and boats, so envision your cabin like a big RV, and you get the picture. But DC alsorequires larger wire diameters, which can be very costly if you need to run lengths of more than 50 feet or so. After you install a PV intertie system, you can completely ignore it for the most part. Keeping the solar panels clean is about the extent of your maintenance, and you don't really need to do that. But when you install a system with batteries, you have to stay on top of things. The battery or battery pack is the core of any off-grid system, and it drives the system's cost. All action comes and goes from the battery, and much of the safety and control equipment is designed to protect either the battery or the balance of the system from the battery. You absolutely have to understand batteries, or you'll end up paying an arm and a leg for new ones all the time and you won't get decent performance out of the ones you have.
About the Author Rik DeGunther is the founder of Efficient Homes, an energy consultant firm that focuses on home energy audits and the design of efficient heating and cooling systems and has written several “For Dummies� books on the aforementioned subjects. CasaGuam.com 23
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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.
Yigo
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
Yona
Residential Rentals
Mangilao 1,967 sqmtrs with mountain view. $320K. Call Coleen at 727-6902.
Developer alert! 2,765+/- sqmtrs. R-2
Santa Rita
zoned. Right across Japanese school. $200K. Call Fiona at 988-9982.
3BD/2BA. 1,516+/- sqmtrs. Larg extension in the back. Outside kitchen great for families and gatherings. $215K. Call Sandy at 687-6006.
Mongmong-Toto-Maite 2 lots. 4,505+/- sqmtrs each. Zoning verified as split R-1/A. Central location.
4BD/2BA. 2,111 sqft. Good Condition. $2,450/mo. Call Renee at 777-7071.
Santa Rita
Residential Sales
3BD/2BA $200K. Call Century 21 Commonwealth Realty at 649-2121.
Ordot-Chalan Pago
Tamuning
Centrally located across Ageuda
Agat
Dededo 3BD/2.5BA. 1,700 sqft. Very Good Condition. $2,450/mo. Call Rowena at 777-4317.
Call Greg at 777-6441.
Mangilao
Tamuning
EVA Building in central location. Excellent condition. 1,451 sqft. $2,321/mo. Call Hana at 777-3660.
$161,150-$1,667,250.
$249K each. Call Fiona at 988-9982.
Johnston Middle School. A quiet and
4BD/2BA. 1,440 sqft with a huge mango tree in the backyard. Sold as is. $200K. Call Lolita at 688-6743.
4BD/2.5BA priced reduced in Perezville. $675K. Call Madelene at 486-7470.
Agat
Land for Lease
Santa Rita
lovely location ready to build on. $70K. Call Lolita at 688-6743.
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.
1,061 sqmtrs in Buena Vista Estates. Pristine cliffline property for lease - Beautiful panoramic view of Fai Fai Beach and Tumon Bay. 21K+ SqMtrs, Hotel Zone. Call MJ @ 864-1864.
$85K. Call Coleen at 727-6902.
Sinajana Two ocean view lots. Bonus 3,500+/- sqft home on one of them.
Land for Sale
R-1 zoned. Fully fenced.
Dededo
Barrigada Heights
$600K. Call Janet at 687-1841.
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.
Dededo
1,330 sqmtrs. $260K. Call Century 21
Tamuning
Developer and investor alert! 4,923+/- sqmtrs fronting N. Sabana Dr. $984,600. Call Suzanne at 482-6426.
Dededo
Commonwealth Realty at 649-2121.
Mongmong-Toto-Maite
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.
Dededo
3BD/2BA Villa Carmen home. $2,800/mo. Call Coleen at 727-6902.
Yona 1,109 sqmtrs. Build your dream home. $57K. Call Madelene at 486-7470.
Dededo
Tamuning Executive 4BD/3BA home. 2,383+/- sqft of space. Fenced and gated. 1,088 sqmtr lot. $525K. Call Dennis at 727-3815.
Tamuning
1/4 acre lot tucked in a quiet neighborhood in Chalan Teleforo. Ready
47,565 sqmtrs. Route 3 frontage. $4.5M. Call Vic at 483-7518.
to build with power/water access. $40K. Call Lolita at 688-6743.
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Closing
Message from the President Maria E. Miller 2017 President Guam Association of REALTORS®
FORECLOSURES – SHORT SALES - REOs Many people get these terms mixed up, so here is a quick reference and explanation. Usually these things happen when prices drop and sellers, that need to sell, cannot because the “market value” of the property is less than what is owed on the mortgage. For example, a person selling a home for $150,000 when there is still $175,000 owed on the mortgage. Rather than let the property go into foreclosure, an owner can contact the lender to see if they will allow them to do a SHORT SALE. There is a lot of paperwork involved and, if approved, and once a buyer is found, the buyer negotiates with the homeowner first and then seeks approval on the purchase from the bank second. Short sales tend to be lengthy and paperwork-intensive transactions, sometimes taking up to a full year to process. However, short sales are not as detrimental to a homeowner's credit rating as a foreclosure is. A homeowner who has gone through a short sale may, with certain restrictions, be eligible to purchase another home immediately. But, there is a lot more involved, so it is important that owners do this with proper direction and advice from their REALTOR, CPA, and maybe attorney, etc. A FORECLOSURE is the act of the lender seizing the home after the borrower fails to make payments. This is the last option for the lender, since the home is used as collateral on the note. Soon thereafter the property will go to a foreclosure auction or trustee sale. At which time anyone can bid on the property to buy it. Now if the foreclosure auction/sale does not produce a buyer, then the property goes back to the bank. It then becomes an REO, or "real estate owned" property. Once the lender has access to the home, it orders its own appraisal and then proceeds with trying to sell the home usually thru a real estate company. In either case the owner is forced to part with the home, but the timeline and other consequences are different in each situation. In most cases, homeowners who experience foreclosure need to wait a minimum of five years to purchase another home. The foreclosure is kept on a person's credit report for seven years.
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
September 2017
Message from the Chief Executive Officer and Government Affairs Director Peggy Araullo Llagas Guam Association of REALTORS®
SEPTEMBER IS REALTOR® SAFETY MONTH In real estate every day is different. You deal with different people and are exposed to various daily circumstances. A safety talk should always be part of your discussions with home sellers and buyers. Safety Tips for Sellers: Safety experts offer the following tips on the safety topics a real estate agent should discuss with home sellers. 1. Prescription drugs: Remove or lock them up prior to showings. A growing number of real estate professionals are reporting theft of prescription drugs from sellers’ homes during open houses. 2. Stow away valuables: Remind clients that you can’t be responsible for thefts. Valuables include everything from the mail left on the countertops (which may contain personal information and bank statements) to such items as jewelry, artwork, cellphones, and gaming systems. 3. Remove family photos: It’s for your clients’ safety. You don’t know who’s walking through the house. You have photos of your wife, teenage daughter, children displayed, and you could have a pedophile or stalker walking through your home. For Your Buyers: Safety needs to be an added component in your discussions with buyers, too. 1. Educate yourself on the safety of an area. You may quietly have some concerns over the safety of a neighborhood, and your buyers might express concerns of their own. As a real estate professional, you can’t be viewed as steering them to avoid certain communities. But you can tell them the importance of educating themselves about neighborhoods. For example, you might advise them to drive by the property at different times of the day to get a better sense of the neighborhood for themselves and to talk to neighbors. 2. Take extra precautions in distressed, vacant homes. As real estate practitioner, you’ve been told to take extra precautions in viewing distressed properties, but you may need to warn your buyers too. Homes that have been vacant may have maintenance issues. Buyers and agents may need to watch their footing as they tour the house, navigating away from any loose floorboards, avoiding loose railings as well as loose lighting fixtures may pose added dangers.Educating buyers and sellers about safety issues helps avoid trouble and, in the end, keeps everyone safer in a transaction. - 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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