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CONTENTS
Let ter from the Editor Letter from the Editor
Departments 4
Market Report Third Quarter 2017
Emily L.G. Untalan
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10
Feature Asian, Western and European Home Styles
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Real Estate Spotlight
November 2017 • Vol. 10 • No. 11
Preying on Widows
P.O. Box 24881 Barrigada, GU 96921 Tel: (671) 472-3495 | Fax: (671) 472-3498 Email: office@yellowpagesink.com
Profile Rosemarie Munoz
[ Publisher ] [ Business Sales Manager ] Jay-R S. Dominguez
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From the Experts Home Ownership Through VA Financing
[ Editor/Display Advertising ] Emily L.G. Untalan
[ Traffic/Circulation ] Shaun Cruz
[ Production Manager ] 18
How to D.I.Y. Thankful TreeTurkey Style
Mark S. Burke
[ Graphics & Layout ] Mark S. Burke Edwin E. Valencia
[ Website Development ] 20
Your World, Our Island Eyesores No More
22
Curb Appeal How to Enchance Your Curb Appeal with Custom Awnings
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Who Ya Gonna Call?
Edwin E. Valencia
[ Editorial Contributors ] Maria Carter Siska Hutapea Jennifer Jackson Kayla Kitts Peggy A. Llagas Michelle Maria E. Miller Eric M. Palacios Michael D. Rudolph Emily L.G. Untalan Kim Anderson Young Cover Photo: Mark S. Burke
Hafa Adai Everyone and Hello November! Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays because, for me, it’s all about spending time with my family and friends, gathering around the table and being thankful for everything — big AND small. With all that is going on around the world and here on our island, we must count our blessings and reflect on all that we are thankful for. Our FEATURE this month is Home Styles: Asian, Western and European. You’ll find some great ideas to help dress up your home. In MARKET REPORT, Siska Hutapea provides the stats for third quarter 2017. Kim Young wants you to be aware of some of the tactics being used on widows. Be informed in REAL ESTATE SPOTLIGHT. Our PROFILE this month is Rosemarie Munoz, a thriving REALTOR®, teacher and triathlete. In FROM THE EXPERTS, veterans can reap the benefits of home ownership. And, in our DIY section, learn how to make a thankful tree just in time for Thanksgiving. Eric Palacios continues his mission to join other volunteers and organizations to rid some of the eyesores around the island. Join them on their next project in YOUR WORLD, OUR ISLAND. In CURB APPEAL, custom awnings will definitely add a special touch to any home. Our WEATHER-READY NATION (WRN) section offers helpful tips to stay prepared for any disaster. Keep this info handy. And, wrapping up our November issue are the ladies from GAR. President Maria Miller shares some dirty secrets on how to spruce up your home and CEO, Peggy Llagas, talks safety with GPD. We here at CasaGuam have so many things we are thankful for: our customers (advertisers), our contributing writers, and…YOU…our readers. Let’s not forget all our Veterans from all branches of the Armed Forces. THANK YOU for your service and sacrifice! Have a blessed and safe Thanksgiving everyone! See you all next month! 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
Cornerstone Valuation Guam Update on Real Estate Market – Third Quarter 2017 he third quarter 2017 real estate sales volume in Guam reflects $124.6 million, approximately similar volume to the $123.7 million as in the third quarter of 2016. The number of sales reflected increase at 387 number of sales compare to 341 in compare to the third quarter of 2016. Notable sales in the third quarter of 2017 includes the sale of several interesting vacant land deals. The sales include a 972,815 square meter portion of Marbo Cave land to a solar power company for over $22 million, the 14,153 square meter sale of East Tiyan land for $100 per square meter, the sale of 5 acres of land north of the runway in Tiyan for $32 per square meter, and the sale of M1, Light Industrial Zone in Pick-A-Nail at $230 per square meter. The third quarter sales also include the sale of 21 unit apartment in Yigo for $1.9 million to be used as employee housing for a military related construction company. A 21,000 square feet warehouse in Harmon was sold for $1.7 million to a local company. The rising construction costs put upward pressure on prices of existing properties based on recent sales. The residential sectors continued upward movements with third quarter 2017 sales volume at $75.6 million with 293 number of transactions. The third quarter median sale price reflects $230,000. Another recent trend from the off island condominium buyers were the shift to central area condominium,
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as the supply in Tamuning and Tumon diminished. Notable residential sales include a $975,000 sale of a single family dwelling in Bello Road vicinity, a $785,000 sale of Tasi 17 condomonium unit, and two sales of Talo Verde Townhouse units at $650,000 and $705,000. In lieu with this month CasaGuam theme of home styles, recent trends in home styles include the need for flex space. Technology enables more and more people to work from home, and require a flexible space where a room can be used as office. However, the flex space can also be required for entertaining space and play room. As construction costs keep increasing, every square foot of home will need to be functionally designed. Market participants, in general, were optimistic on the military build up, but cautious about the impact of lingering North Korea’s threats to our tourism industry. After the hype of worldwide media attention in Guam, unfortunately, the October sales reflect a hit to our tourism industry, with various cancellations. Despite most Guamanians brushing off the threats, we have not seen the ten fold visitor arrivals. Our tourism industry is resilient, we’ve recovered from many external forces, but the recent developments have caused many market participants to be less optimistic. Several updates on Cornerstone Valuation Guam, Inc.’s Real Estate Statistics are included as follows.
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Feature
Asian, Western and European Home Styles very home has its sense of style and flair which is normally a reflection of its owners. Most homeowners can’t contain their creative juices and restrict themselves to just one particular theme. So they forge on with a variation of designs for most, if not all, the rooms in their home. Here are a few ideas that may spark your imagination or, perhaps, remind you of a trip you took (or plan to take) to your favorite place. - Emily Untalan ASIAN Iconic Influence One of the most recognizable figures in Asian design is Siddhartha Gautama, better known as Buddha or the "Enlightened One." Gautama was a spiritual teacher in the 5th century B.C. and the founder of Buddhism. The iconic figure of Buddha is represented worldwide with harmonious proportions from head to toe, including elongated earlobes, a notable head elevation, broad, even shoulders and a mark between the eyebrows. Adding a modernday Buddha statue to your decor is an easy way to bring Asian influence into your home. Design by Marie Burgos. Photography by Francis Augustine
Modern Edge Asian-inspired design doesn't have to be full of ancient Japanese artifacts or chinoiserie decor. This modern Asian bathroom incorporates the style's natural elements, like bamboo and orchids, with modern materials and hues. The suspended stainless steel structure on the ceiling represents a Japanese bamboo and reed shade trellis but with modern-day appeal. Although surrounded by charcoal tile and stainless steel, the bathroom still emits a feeling of tranquility for a spa-like experience. Design by Danenberg Design the size of the tatami mat, this small washitsu is ideal for intimate gatherings and entertaining guests. Designer Jamie Durie added a dry riverbed filled with crushed quartz to represent the energetic flow of the space. A small dose of red breaks up the neutral color scheme and natural green surroundings for an invigorating use of color. You can easily enhance the mood and energy of your outdoor space by using eco-friendly materials and calm hues. Photography by Jason Busch Japanese Serenity Nothing seems quite as relaxing as this outdoor Asian-inspired garden, washitsu and dining area. A washitsu is a Japanesestyle room known for its tatami flooring and sliding doors. Typically measured by
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WESTERN Barn Library A floor-to-ceiling bookcase in the barn holds a collection of vintage children's books on this farm with storybook charm
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Feature EUROPEAN
David Prince
Baroque Baroque home décor is defined by luxurious appearance and over ornamentation. When you think about Baroque, Europe in the seventeenth century is the first thing that comes to mind. The beautiful palaces and churches in the mid-eighteenth century. When we think about the colors of the Baroque on the other hand, we can conclude that it’s rich in variety, ranging from dark red or green, to gold used to decorate art frames and other details in the home.
Furniture Kitchen If you’re thinking about Old World furniture design, then you should consider avoiding built in pantries and shelves. You should instead include freestanding cabinets. A keen design element is a kitchen island with a butcher block or marble top which serves as a works space and a place you can hold gatherings. You should include wood framed couches and chairs and heavily colored and textured cushions. The room should be inviting, formal, but also lived in appearance.
KnickKnack Collection Shelves nestled between the pre-existing support beams make for the perfect spot to stash knickknacks and antiquing treasures. Moroso Construction
Kevin Kelly Interiors
Annie Schlechter Farm to Table Flea market finds and houseplants put the finishing touches on this farmhouse-style dining room.
Mediterranean First thing you notice while visiting Mediterranean countries such as Greece, Spain or Italy is the Mediterranean style in decorating which includes a lot of coastal design elements including open spaces and outdoor patios. Build with thin stucco or plaster walls, wooden ceilings and marble or tile floors and painted with golden yellow, olive green, rich red and cobalt blue.
Victorian The Veictorian design can be traced back to nineteenth century England. Tidiness and ornamentation define the Victorian design, object fill the surfaces which mirror the owner’s thoughts and interests. In the front of a Victorian home, formal entertainment spaces can be found. Small sized carved wooden furniture is fitted in these spaces and rooms. The chairs and furnishing are mainly small in scale and are made from carved wood.
Siemasko + Verbridge Cite Sources: Asian: Kayla Kitts: www.hgtv.com/design/decorating/design101/15-asian-inspired-design-ideas-pictures Western: Jennifer Jackson and Maria Carter of www.countryliving.com/farmhouse-decorating
Arthur Garcia-Clemente
Dewson Construction Company
European: http://www.impressiveinteriordesign.com/moderneuropean-style-and-european-interior-design/ CasaGuam.com 9
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On The Cover
Modern Luxury in Tamuning Extraordinary modern home in convenient & central Tamuning. This home offers 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, & over 1974 sq ft of beautiful detailing throughout. The property showcases lavish finishes including interior aluminum staircase railing & spiral staircase for convenient access to the second floor. A full size home with an ultra-modern kitchen equipped with stainless steel appliances, porcelain tiles, granite counter tops & beautiful contemporary cabinets. The unique master bath has a magnificent free-standing shower spa with light & music, or just relax in the jacuzzi tub for two. The 465 Square meter lot, zoned R-2, offers pond stone landscape with weed barrier & concrete perimeter wall, galvanized fence with electric gate & so much more. 5ft cement wall perimeter fence & almost 6ft for back wall. • Security cameras integrated to iPhone • Electric remote entry gate • AM Watertek whole house water softener • Leviton whole house surge protector connected to main fuse panel • Home alarm system for windows, doors and motion sensor • 5 split inverter ACs • Samsung high end front load washer & dryer • New water heater that can be controlled with iPhone app • Touchless flush toilet in Master bathroom • Ceramic wood tiled Patio • Custom closet insert for the master walk in & shoe closet • Ceiling fans. Take a look & feel the experience.
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Real Estate Spotlight
Preying on Widows By Kim Anderson Young
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Escrow companies on the mainland are reporting increased incidences of wire fraud, causing our industry and our bankers to go on high alert. Fidelity National Title recently sent two examples of wire scams involving widows that I thought I would share with you. MICHIGAN: A title company received emailed wire transfer instructions from the listing agent on behalf of the seller. Five days later, the escrow officer received another e-mail from the listing agent stating the seller's bank account had been compromised and the wire should be re-directed to a different bank in Boston. The second e-mail was actually from an e-mail address slightly different from the agents actual e-mail address and, unfortunately, the escrow office complied with the second set of instructions and sent $96,449 to the diverted account. The next day, the seller called about their proceeds that had not arrived and the fraud was discovered. The escrow officer panicked, but went straight to work with the bank to identify who owned the account that the money was wired into. The account holder was a 61 year old widow who said the wire was sent legitimately on behalf of her boyfriend. She explained that he said his accounts were frozen so he could not accept the money. When asked if she had ever met her boyfriend face to face, the widow responded “No, I met him online. He is out of the country, but we talk every night. He told me to withdraw the money and send him an international money transfer. He is going to use the money to come to Boston so we can be married.” After the situation was explained to her, the widow returned the funds to the title company that had sent the wire.
HOUSTON: Around the same time, an escrow officer in Houston received e-mail wire instructions from the seller in her transaction. In compliance with the instructions, she sent a wire transfer in the amount of $80,879. Later that same day, the seller stopped by her office to pick up his proceeds check. When the escrow officer showed the seller the wire instructions the fraud was discovered. After explaining the situation to the bank that received the funds, the bank agreed to freeze the account temporarily. Due to banking privacy laws the bank would not release the name of the account holder, but shortly thereafter the escrow company received a call from a woman and her adult daughter who said that her account had been frozen and she needed it unfrozen immediately. The escrow officer listened as the mother explained the funds had been sent to her for a sale conducted by her boyfriend and 12 CasaGuam
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that she was obligated to withdraw the funds and send them to him overseas. The escrow officer asked if the mother met her boyfriend online and the mother answered, "Yes." The escrow officer asked if she had ever met the boyfriend face–to–face and she responded, "No." She was supposed to send the money to him so he could come to the U.S. so they could be married. Like our first example, when the situation was explained, the woman returned the money immediately to the escrow company. Fortunately, in these two instances, the money was recovered before being sent to the fraudsters involved. These situations are excellent examples of why our industry must stay on high alert to irregularities and keep lines of communication open with all parties to the real estate transaction. 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
Munoz Appreciates the Lessons in Real Estate
By Emily L.G. Untalan
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Rosemarie Munoz shares an extraordinary bond with her sisters and cousin. Not only do they share all the fun things sisters and cousins do together, but they all do real estate together. “I have a cousin who is doing Real Estate. She encouraged me to take real estate classes. I figured there was no harm in trying so I went for it. But to help drive the decision home were my sisters. I have three other sisters who are agents, too. We all started taking real estate classes during the same time frame.”
Munoz claims to be a fresh face in real estate with just three years in the business at Latte Stone Properties, LLC. Prior to getting into real estate, she was an educator. “Now, I do both!” she says with confidence. “I am an educator and REALTOR®. It’s great and it keeps me on my toes!” “I enjoy being a real estate agent because I get to see all types of homes on Guam. I get to meet new people,” she explains. “But, the most rewarding feeling, is helping an individual or family find a property that meets their needs and that they can call home.” Munoz may have an apt for teaching but she is humbled by the lessons taught to her in the real estate field. Besides making additional income, “Becoming a REALTOR® has taught me a lot about bank financing,” she admits. “On the onset of becoming a real estate agent, I was also looking for a home of my own. This has affected my livelihood by allowing me to make the best financial decisions in choosing the right bank and learning the details with my mortgage. So receiving the education and training to assist a customer has helped me, too. It was fitting to not only learn about options within the banking institutions but to be experiencing it first-hand.” Munoz bluntly advises those wanting to become a REALTOR®, “You get what you give!” It’s so true. If you want to succeed in any business, you need to put your heart and soul into it. If you don’t, then you must not want it after all. “You need to invest in your business (yourself ). For new agents like myself, you have to build that customer base. No matter how big or how small your sale is, treat it the same way. Quality customer service goes a long way.” Munoz looks forward to every issue of CasaGuam. “It’s great to see featured properties around the island. There are very informative articles about people and products that may assist in your real estate decision making. I always look forward to seeing newly built homes, upgraded homes, and the fresh faces in the real estate business.” 14 CasaGuam
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Rosemarie Munoz REALTOR® LATTE STONE PROPERTIES, LLC
When Munoz is not working, she’s literally ‘working out’! “I enjoy all disciplines associated with triathlons. I tend to run more often because it seems like the easiest thing to get up and do but I have a greater desire to improve my cycling skills. I’m just always competing with time since I am a mommy, too. That should be considered a sport in itself.” In five or 10 years, Munoz hopes to build a stronger customer base or clientele. “That’s my hope for the future. I want to continue to have high energy to provide quality service and creativity in products and promotions when soliciting real estate. I would also love to get my brokerage license within a five year timeline to expand my services to all my customers.” Good on you, Rosemarie, for giving all you got and still wanting more for your customers. Keep thriving!
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From the Experts
Home Ownership Through VA Financing
By Michael D. Rudolph
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Community First Guam Federal Credit Union supports our men and women in uniform who serve the United States of America through their military service. We proudly offer VA financing to Veterans and spouses to refinance or purchase their home. This article focuses on the initial steps in home ownership using VA financing. The Credit Union has found that what helps Veterans the most is the 100% financing the VA loan program offers. No down payment! In addition, only certain closing costs are paid by the Veteran. If the borrower intends to rely on the zero down payment aspect to purchase their home it is best to find out if the Veteran is eligible for VA financing. The Certificate of Eligibility issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs will determine eligibility and fees associated with the loan. The Certificate of Eligibility can be obtained through your lender or by visiting: https://www.ebenefits.va.gov.
Once the Certificate of Eligibility is obtained the Veteran can delve into the aspect of financing their purchase or refinance. The borrowers must have an ability to repay the loan and provide the necessary documents in support of repayment. Such as, pay stubs, tax returns, verification of employment, earning and benefits, etc. In addition, verification of the required cash in order to pay for closing costs. This is the cash to close. Cash to close can be in the form of funds sitting in a bank account or a withdrawal from a retirement account. The VA program has flexibility in this area by permitting a Veteran to obtain for their cash to close. Although, the loan must not have an adverse impact the borrower’s debt-to-income ratio. The general guideline on an acceptable debt-to-income ratio is anything less than 41%. Meaning, the prospective borrower’s monthly debt service payments (personal loans, auto loans, child support, alimony, or minimum credit card payments) do not consume more than 41% of the borrower’s gross monthly income. All approved financing must meet the specific underwriting guidelines that conform to the VA loan program. Once the borrower is approved the next step is to approve the property and ensure that the value of the property is sufficient for the loan amount. If everything checks out with an approved borrower and an acceptable property we’re on our way to closing and home ownership; a milestone and achievement for almost anyone. Jon 16 CasaGuam
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and Michelle Castro are members of Community First and proud owners of a home obtained through VA financing. Here is what they have to say… “Jon and I both agree that the benefit that helped us out the most to not have to put a down payment.” “We learned that it takes a lot of patience, time and responsibility to go through a mortgage process. Learning to "get our ducks in a row" was worth it. As long as we worked together and worked alongside the right people we can say with a sigh that...WE DID IT!" About the Author: Michael D. Rudolph is a licensed mortgage loan originator with Community First Guam Federal Credit Union, NML 634505. Community First is a full service, member-owned, financial institution. The Credit Union is an Equal Housing Lender and is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration. Community First operates three Service Centers in Hågatña, Tamuning, Dededo, and coming soon to Mangilao.
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H o w To D . I . Y.
Thankful Tree-Turkey Style Courtesy of Dandelion Patina This DIY is both festive and sentimental. Forks serve as photo holders and chalkboard paint allows family members to write on the feathers. Hey friends! I have been meaning to start a Thankful Tree in our home. I made a sad attempt at one last year using a mason jar and a branch. Unfortunately, the branch was way too big. I couldn’t display it on the mantel. As a centerpiece on our setting for four table, it was just awkward.
Here are the materials you will need to create your own: • thin plywood • scrap piece of 2×4 • wood shims • Martha Stewart multi-surface chalkboard paint* • old forks or Dollar Tree forks • E6000 adhesive • glue gun • jigsaw to cut out pieces • embellishments, Bakers twine • chalkboard markers
By Michelle
Trace a pattern on a piece of paper. I just free handed the design on one side of the paper and then folded the paper in half for a mirror image on the other side. Paint all the pieces with chalkboard paint. Again, I used Martha Stewart multi surface chalkboard paint in gray. I then glued the pieces together as shown in photo.
So, this year I was going to do it right! Come up with a plan for a unique and fun Thanksgiving centerpiece. A piece my kiddos could feel comfortable writing on without being scolded. I can’t wait to see what they are thankful for… ….and their cute little spelling of words.
Lay out the first layer of tail feathers and glue to the fan shaped plywood.
I distressed my turkey body. It was a personal preference. The forks were glued on with E6000. You will need to let this dry for a good 4 hours for proper adhesion. Once that is dry you can add the last layer of tail feathers to the back. I embelllished the turkey with Indian corn for eyes, plywood cutouts, and bakers twine. 18 CasaGuam
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H o w To D . I . Y.
The forks function as a photo holder while the tail feathers can be written on, as the entire body could be. That’s the beauty of using chalkboard paint!
Twigs were cut for the feet.
Gobble. Gobble. A unique thankful tree turkey style! What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving? Cite Sources:: Michelle. Passionate. Wife. Mother. DIY'er. Decorator. Perpetual Homebody. Loves simplicity. Loves everything about home. www.dandelionpatina.com/ CasaGuam.com 19
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Your World, Our Island
Eyesore No More By Eric M. Palacios
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In the last several weeks, hundreds of volunteers from across the community have banded to clean up at least two illegal dumpsites. Most recently, the residents of Sagan Linahyan, Dededo, reached out for help to remove a huge pile of mixed waste that had been left behind in the middle of their street for some time. At the request of Senator Wil Castro, a site inspection was scheduled to see what we would be up against in terms of collection and disposal. In one word it was shocking. The pile had all kinds of garbage, from tires and metallic waste to bags and bags of household trash and green debris. We could tell that the dump had existed for some time because tångantångan and a couple of papaya trees started growing out of the pile. In the middle of the road! “The trash here was so bad when we first got here. There was only a small space just for one car to get through,” resident Clarisa T. Torres recounted. “We couldn’t even get to our land.” But thanks to the help Lt. Gov. Ray Tenorio and the Islandwide Beautification Task Force (IBTF), Dededo Vice Mayor Frank Benavente, DepCor Deputy Director Kate Baltazar, The Home Depot, Guamzilla, students from Benavente Middle School and St. John’s School, Mark Mendiola and Sagan Linahyan residents Chris and Valerie Kaipat and Victor Hamling, the mountain of trash was removed from the roadway. Siva Subramaniam, president and owner of UMS Heavy Equipment Rental, generously stepped up to the plate to assist with the overall effort.
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A few weeks prior to this endeavor, scores of volunteers, including from employees just about every GovGuam agency and non-governmental organizations, ascended on another site to tackle a massive illegal dumpsite. The project began as one in a continuing series of cleanups that the IBTF has planned around the island. And with tons of trash lining both sides of a long dirt road near the Ironwoods Estates, it was definitely a project that required hundreds of manpower hours. Thankfully, the work was completed because of dozens of people that came out that day, and those that persevered to the end. Frank Taitano from the Department of Public Works was tremendous in this effort, as was Mr. Rubbishman and staff from the Dededo Mayor’s Office. The weeks-long project was completed and the access points were blocked so as to prevent further illegal dumping. The area is also under active video surveillance in case anyone goes well out of their way to trash it again. What these two projects show is that, with community involvement, many things are possible. If you would like to find out how to volunteer for upcoming projects, send me an email at: jjeecp@gmail.com. About the Author: Eric M. Palacios is the former administrator for the Guam Environmental Protection Agency. He currently serves as Governor Eddie Calvo’s special assistant for education and the environment.
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Curb Appeal
How to Enchance Your Curb Appeal with Custom Awnings You can count on our custom awning products to provide great flexibility and versatility for your home. From retractable awnings to traditional awnings, you will have limitless opportunities to entertain your family and friends this Thanksgiving.
Carroll Awning Company based out in Baltimore, Maryland offers their advice on custom awnings which will help boost your home’s curb appeal. Make a call, or pay a visit, to some of the awning companies on island. I am certain they offer the same products and services. - Emily Untalan
Residential Awnings Are you excited to host a big Thanksgiving feast for your extended family? You can really impress your Thanksgiving guests by enhancing your curb appeal just in time for the holidays. To do this in a cost effective way, you should have a professional awning company install residential awnings for your home. Residential awnings can be installed for the patio, windows and doors of your home. You may also want to consider retractable awnings. The awnings will provide shade for your home property and add extra comfort to your outdoors for guests that prefer to enjoy a little fresh air during the big holiday feast. You will also protect your home better by creating physical barriers against UV rays and the weather elements of strong winds and heavy rain/ snow falls. With well-designed awnings, you can keep the cold draft out of your home for Thanksgiving and the entire winter. Carroll Awning Company is here to custom design awnings for your residential property that truly enhance your curb appeal. 22 CasaGuam
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Here are some instant benefits you will reap from having residential awnings from Carroll Awning Company: • Your furniture life will extend • Your energy bills will be less expensive Have a look at our awning home solutions to get an idea about the custom awnings we can create and install for your residential property.
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Curb Appeal Here are ways you can use custom awning to enhance your curb appeal:
Carroll Awning Company has unmatched qualities on awnings and stylish awning frames for both residential and business purposes.
• Make your home entry pop with color. We can install residential awnings that feature bright and bold awning fabrics. Bright colors can bring out cheerfulness in not only your party guests but also your entire neighborhood.
We offer any type of patio awnings you may need, from freestanding canopies to compact domes. Choose fabrics in stripes, solids or patterns. All are suited for UV resistance.
• Awnings can help you keep your home property cleaner by shielding your decks and patios from the weather elements.
Through our combined locations and experience, Carroll Awning Company provides innovative craftsmanship, superb service, competitive pricing and unfailing attention to details in order to deliver a product that exceeds expectations.
• The awnings will add personality to your home property and help you give your home a more polished look by setting out winter plants along side your home entry way. The awnings will shield your plants.
Call for a FREE on-site estimate at 1-800-999-5617 today! Check them out on Facebook and Twitter as well!
Cite Source: Carroll Awning Company provides innovative craftsmanship, superb service, competitive pricing and unfailing attention to detail for customers throughout Maryland and Virginia.
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Weather Ready Nation What do we expect for the rest of 2017? Climate wise, we are in an ENSOneutral state with a La Nina Alert. This means we could transi on into a La Nina phase by the end of this year. CasaGuam, a dba of Yellow Pages Ink and PTI Paci ca, Inc., are Ambassadors of the Weather-Ready Na on. In partnership with the Na onal Weather Service, WFO Guam, CasaGuam will reserve this space to help disseminate important informa on on weather safety and preparedness to our community. Preparedness is key! Read on to learn more from the Na onal Weather Service about what to expect in the tropics the next couple months. Hafa Adai Guam! November is here and the typhoon season is beginning to wind down right? Not just yet! We saw the west Paci c come to life in October with a number of tropical cyclones spinning up across the region. Historically, the busiest month for tropical cyclones near Guam is November so we shouldn’t let our guard down yet. Some of our most memorable storms have occurred in November and December.
How does this e ect the rest of our typhoon season? We s ll expect more tropical cyclone ac vity than in 2016, but not as much ac vity as we saw in 2015 (strong El Nino). Guam could see a nearby tropical storm or typhoon in November, December or even early January . What ac ons should you take? Stay prepared! Keep a close watch on local weather forecasts and condi ons. Review your preparedness plans at home and at work. Help us make Guam a Weather-Ready community! If your organiza on would like to join the Weather-Ready Na on as a WRN Ambassador, send an email to Marcus at Marcus.Aydle @NOAA.gov or message us at our Facebook Page: US Na onal Weather Service Guam.
How to prepare for a storm:
Chart Above: Number of typhoons by month near Guam over the last 70 years. Our busy months: October, November and December. Image to le : Last image from the Andersen AFB WSR-88D Doppler Radar as Typhoon Pongsona approached Guam at 3:21 PM ChST, December 8, 2002. Photo Courtesy WFO Guam.
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1. Fill cars up with fuel. 2. Clean yard of poten al debris. 3. Stock up on non-perishable foods, drinking water, medicine and medical supplies. 4. Obtain ba eries, ashlights and ba ery-operated radios. 5. Secure windows; put up or close shu ers. 6. Remove or secure window air condi oners. 7. Adjust freezer and refrigerator to high and avoid opening in order to preserve perishable foods. 8. A ain enough fuel for lamps, stoves and generators. 9. Fill containers with several days of water. 10. Have rags ready for slow leaks of wind driven water. 11. Park cars in protected areas. 12. Refer to Guam Homeland Security/O ce of Civil Defense for addi onal informa on for storm prepara ons.
What to do during a storm:
1. Stay indoors. 2. Stay away from windows and sliding glass doorsIncluding those with shu ers. 3. Minimize usage of telephone. 4. Listen to the local media or NOAA Weather Radio for the latest weather bulle ns. 5. Do not touch loose or dangling wires a er storm. 6. Do not drive around un l the all clear is given.
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W h o Ya G o n n a C a l l ?
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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®
DIRTY SECRETS
“LET’S TALK SAFETY” IN PARTNERSHIP WITH GPD
For those of us who cannot afford to remodel – yet! I thought I would concentrate on making our present homes more “friendly” – “attractive” and cleaner!! Sprinkle Your Mattress with Baking Soda. We know that our mattresses are a collection of skin flakes, sweat, oil and dust mites. Cleaning gurus recommend dragging your mattress outside, beating it, and letting the sunshine help freshen it, then dragging it back in!! Or -This is much easier: Use a kitchen strainer to sprinkle baking soda over its surface and let sit for an hour or longer. Then use your vacuum’s upholstery attachment to suck up the odor-absorbing soda. Get Rid of Crayon Marks. A little bit of Goo Gone (traditionally used to clean sticker residue) will remove the crayon and your headache. Spray it on the drawing, wait a moment, and wipe it off cleanly — without exhausting your arms. Boil Your Range Filter. There’s no need to scrub the grease and grime off your range filters. Use a bit of baking soda and your largest pot instead. Set the water to boil, slowly add 1/2 cup of baking soda, and submerge filters for about five minutes. (Make sure to dump the water somewhere safe. Grease in the drain is even worse than grimy filters.) Soak Stove Burners in Ammonia. Your stove burners get greasy and gunky so do them a favor and give them a good cleaning. Don’t worry: No scrubbing involved. To clear the crud, combine your stove burners and 1/4 cup ammonia in a plastic bag and let sit overnight. They should come clean with a light sponge the next day. Tie a Bag of Vinegar Around Your Showerhead. Mineral build-up on your showerhead can cause low water pressure but it’s easy to clean them without removing them. Using a rubber band, attach a bag of vinegar to your showerhead, making sure all the holes are submerged in the vinegar, and soak it overnight. Voilà. Good as new. Glass and Mirrors. Wash dull, smudged glass and mirrors with straight vinegar. Be aware that if you’ve been using commercial cleaners it may take up to seven cleanings with vinegar to get all the wax off the glass. Break Out the Drill on Your Bathtub. Cleaning a grungy tub can be back-breaking work. But here’s a genius idea that’ll save you time and sweat: Use your drill. Simply attach a scrubby (or a foam ball polishing attachment if you happen to have one) and use it to do the scrubbing for you. Look in the automotive section for the attachment. Linty Dryer Vents. This is one of the most important dirty jobs, because cleaning your clothes dryer’s lint trap and vents will extend its life and maybe yours too. Clothes dryers cause more than 2,900 structural fires, killing 5 people on average each year. “Failure to clean” is the leading contributing factor to these fires. Use a dryer vent cleaner (about $15), a long, flexible, thick metal cord that snakes through the dryer vents to sweep out lint and dust. Use your vacuum’s crevice tool to suck lint in trap. *Vacuum under and around the back to clear out any remaining lint colonies.*
While the National Association of REALTORS® recognizes SEPTEMBER as “Safety Month," we all know that safety is an everyday must do. Therefore, safety should never be an option, rather a mandatory “to do” while handling our jobs. REALTOR® Safety is a reminder for REALTORS® and their clients alike, to ensure their safety at all times in every phase of the real estate transaction. From showing properties, to advertising and money handling, safety must always be in the forefront. This year, we are very proud and grateful for the partnership we had with the Guam Police Department in launching our “Let’s Talk Safety”; conversations between REALTORS® and our law enforcement is an invaluable thing. I would like to extend our sincerest appreciation to Chief of Police Joseph Cruz and his entire team spearheaded by Captain Scott Wade for making this event successful. Lastly, a very special thanks to “Burger King," a REALTOR® Benefit Partner in supporting this initiative by allowing us to hold this event at their East Agana location.
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
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- 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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