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CONTENTS
Message From GAR
Departments 4
Message from the President
Market Snapshot January 01, 2013 November 25, 2013
8
10
Feature Housing Opportunities Online
12
14
Real Estate Spotlight PTR vs. Policy!
December 2013 • Vol. 6 • No. 12
Profile
P.O. Box 24881 Barrigada, GU 96921 Tel: (671) 472-3495 | Fax: (671) 472-3498 email: office@yellowpagesink.com
Ronald C. Pangilinan Continuing the
|Publisher| |Business Sales Manager|
Family Legacy
Jay-R S. Dominguez
18
From the Experts The ABCs of Real Estate
|Display Advertising| Evelyn Trinidad
|Traffic/Circulation Manager| Know Your Terms!
Josie Redmond
20
How to D.I.Y. Celebrate Christmas With Hand-Made Ornaments
|Production Manager| Mark S. Burke
|Graphics & Layout| Mark S. Burke
22
Curb Appeal Yes...it’s another article about power saving!
Edwin E. Valencia
|Editorial Contributors| Faye Varias Creative Services Marissa Borja
25
Who Ya Gonna Call?
27
Classifieds
28
Closing
Kim Anderson Young
Guam Association of REALTORS®
Cover Photo: Mark S. Burke
J.C. Cruz Clare Delgado Anthony Godwin Arlene Taitague Taitingfong
Key Facts You Need to Know About REALTOR® Trademarks
By Clare Delgado 2013 President Guam Association of REALTORS®
SHOPPING FOR PROPERTIES ONLINE… CALL A REALTOR® FIRST! Homeownership is a dream we all share. It’s part of the three basic necessities in addition to food and clothing. But with the rising costs of owning or renting a home along with a challenging economy, it may appear that pursuing that dream may be harder to attain. With that thought, we shop around, negotiate the best deal and hopefully get the most bang for our buck. Nowadays, looking for properties can be as easy as the click of a computer mouse. Most homes for sale or rent can be found online in various websites. Many of us know the benefits of looking of properties online in that you can search for properties anywhere and anytime. As you browse the listings, you could also see where the property is located, take a photo tour and calculate how much you can afford. There are many websites that advertise property listings. Websites such as Craigslist for example offers a section devoted to real estate listings. But while we are searching for the best bang for our buck, we need to remember that there are certain things we need to be aware of. When considering buying or renting property from an online source, take care that you are aware of whom you are dealing with. Part of being prudent is to know how to avoid online scams. Always deal with someone locally. Your favorite REALTOR® is local and will meet with you on a one to one basis. They can personally show you homes and negotiate the best price and terms for you. Secondly, it is highly recommended never to wire money to secure a property, unless you know the credibility of the recipient. Your local REALTOR® will ensure your deposit is safe and secure in either escrow or their company trust account. You can have peace of mind knowing where your hard earned money is deposited. It’s important to note that Craigslist does not participate in any transactions and also offers suggestions on avoiding scams. Your favorite and local REALTOR® though, can help you find the perfect place that you can call home. They will work hard to protect your deposit and ensure the keys to your home are safely delivered directly to you. Your REALTOR® is also one of your biggest advocates. They will protect your interests and strive to see to it that your dream of homeownership can also be as easy as a mouse click away. REALTORS® adhere to a strict code of ethics and are the ideal professional to help you in your pursuit of the dream of homeownership. Call your REALTOR® now!
GUAM ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® CasaGuam is Published by:
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
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
Market Snapshot: January 1, 2013 - November 25, 2013
MARKET SNAPSHOT JANUARY 01, 2013 TO NOVEMBER 25, 2013 Total Listings in MLS:
1,932 (as of November 25, 2013)
Average Home Price:
$250,533
Days on Market: Average Condo Price: Days on Market: # of Agents/Brokers: Market Type:
4 CasaGuam December 2013
173 $184,855 148 400+ Buyer’s (& Renter’s) Market
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The NOW Triggers! Is NOW a good time to buy?
real estate. Need more information? Log on to http://www.guamhome.com to view all real estate listings on Guam for sale or rent.
We REALTORS get that question on almost a daily basis. Your "now" might be different from some else's "now". Oftentimes circumstances dictate the right time to buy for you. There are, however, market signals that can help with the decision. What are some of these signals? Buying signal number 1... Interest rates are still incredibly low. This "cheaper" money brings the housing opportunity to more buyers than ever. When I purchased my first property my interest rate was 16%... and that was the going rate at the time. Many friends told me I was CRAZY to borrow money at that rate. Well, that was my NOW. Some food for thought... A $150,000 loan with a 16% interest rate would have monthly principal and interest (P&I) payments of $2,018.00 a month; the same $150,000 loan a 5% interest rate would have monthly P&I payments of $805.00. Buying signal number 2... 100% financing! There are several lending programs that allow for financing of the purchase price with NO DOWN PAYMENT! That would definitely contribute to a NOW trigger. Buying signal number 3.... Selection of properties. There is still a wide selection of properties to choose from. Very few properties are receiving multiple simultaneous offers. There are several markets in the mainland and Hawaii where inventories are tight. Tight inventory typically results in higher prices and multiple offers. There were 365 single family homes for sale on Guam at the time of this writing. The lowest priced home was $87,500.00 and the highest was $1.6 million. The monthly P&I payments on that $87,500 home would be about $500!! Having a good inventory of well priced properties is also a NOW trigger. Buying signal number 4.... Tax benefits. Home ownership can bring tremendous tax benefits. If you itemize you may be able to deduct 100% of the mortgage interest on your tax return. It's almost as if the government was paying your mortgage payment. Compare that to a rent payment. None of the rent payment is deductible. In any market definitely a NOW trigger. Buying signal number 5... Investment for the future. Many home buyers consider their real estate investment(s) as part of their retirement planning. Years from now when that home or condominium is paid off you will appreciate the additional rental income from the property can bring. Plus, you will have property or properties that you can pass on to your children and grandchildren. In any market definitely a NOW trigger. Is NOW your time? Give me or any of our agents a call. We will be happy to help you and your family with an investment in Guam CasaGuam.com 5
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Feature
To some, homeownership may seem like a foreign concept that isn’t financially achievable. But thanks to the Ira Gribin Workforce Housing Grant, the Guam Association of REALTORSŽ is in a position to help more people become homeowners.
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Feature
Housing Opportunities Online GAR Workforce Housing Opportunities Program website provides many housing options. By Faye Varias
A couple of years ago, the Guam Association of REALTORS® (GAR) created the Workforce Housing Opportunities program, which aims to provide education for consumers and REALTORS®, start a public awareness campaign to inform residents about programs available to them, as well as create a Web site to which people can refer anytime. This website is still up and running and provides a lot of information for people who want to own their own homes. In this day and age, people usually look to the Internet when starting to look for any type of information and the Workforce Housing Opportunities program is a way to do that. “This program is instrumental to helping people in Guam achieve the dream of homeownership,” says Peggy Llagas, executive officer of the Guam Association of REALTORS®. “It aims to show that you don’t need to be wealthy with a lot of disposable income in order to own a home.” She further adds that there’s a slew of resources available, but not too many people know about them. With the launch of the program Web site, www.guamhousingprograms.org, the organization bridges that gap and spread the word to more people about what’s available to them. Guam Housing Programs Page Aside from numerous do’s and don’ts as well as checklists when buying a house, the Web site contains a page specifically for resources available locally. Below are some of these programs. Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority I. HOME Program HOME is a grant provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. GHURA administers the grant on behalf of Guam. HOME grants fund a wide range of activities that build, buy and/or rehabilitate affordable housing for rent or home ownership or provide direct rental assistance to low-income people. HOME is designed exclusively to create affordable housing for low-income households. The program's flexibility allows States and local governments to use HOME funds for grants, direct loans, loan guarantees or other forms of credit enhancement, or rental assistance or security deposits.
Guam Housing Corporation I. Regular Loan Program This is a residential mortgage lending program to assist families and individuals who are first time homeowners and are unable to obtain financing for purchase or construction through conventional lending institutions. Interest rate is prevailing rate for a term of 15 years to 30 years. II Six Percent Loan Program This is a low interest rate residential mortgage loan program to assist families and individuals who are first time homeowners and are unable to obtain financing from conventional mortgage lending institutions. Interest rate is 6.00 percent for a term of 30 years. III Community Affordable Housing Action Trust (CAHAT) This is an interest free second mortgage designed as a down payment assistance program for first time homeowners for families and individuals who lack the down payment resources to purchase or construct a typhoonresistant home. Enabling legislation is Public Law 21-99. The term for the loan is 30 years. IV. Leverage Loan Program The Rural Housing Loan Program is designed to: • Provide loans to assist eligible persons who will live in rural areas with an opportunity to own a home that would provide a decent, safe and sanitary living environment for its occupants. • Joint financing with Rural Development for a 100 percent financing with low interest rates. Term of the loan is 33 to 38 years for RD financing. Construction of dwelling on Chamorro Land Trust property is also eligible (Dededo properties are ineligible under this program). For more information on Guam Housing Corporation Loan Programs, please call 671-647-4143 or visit the GHC office between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at the 5th floor of the ITC Building.
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On The Cover
Barrigada Secret
A
lmost like new, pristine condition 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom home! Great location with an oversized paved driveway and spacious yard. Wonderful interior layout and functional floor plan; stainless steel appliances, too many wonderful details to mention! Come take a look with your favorite Realtor!
MLS: 13-3794
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Real Estate Spotlight
PTR vs. Policy! By Kim Anderson Young hat is the difference between a PTR and a Title Insurance Policy?
W
When you order a title search from a title company you might get one of the following products, depending on why you need the information. • Preliminary Title Report (PTR). This is the most common report requested and it shows the exact legal description of the property, who owns the property (and what interest they own, ie: fee simple, leasehold, subleasehold). A PTR is the report that your Realtor would order in anticipation of selling your home. This report carries no liability on the part of the title company, it is for informational purposes only.
mortgages and forgery in the chain of title to name a few. It insures only the buyer, and when they sell the property, subsequent owners must acquire their own title insurance policy to protect their ownership interest. The premium for the owners policy is paid only once – at closing – and coverage lasts the entire time the buyer owns the property. Security Title ~ finding simple solutions to complex real estate transactions.
• Ownership and Encumbrance Report (OER). This is a slimmed down version of the PTR in that it names the property, the interest, the owner and any encumbrances against the property. Like the PTR, this report carries no liability on the part of the title company. This report would be ordered by someone just interested in knowing the basics about a property without having an interest in buying the property. • Commitment to Insure. Of all the title reports, this form carries very limited liability on behalf of the title company because it is issued in anticipation of closing a real estate transaction. It not only reports on the property, the interest, the owner and any taxes, easements, liens, leases or other items affecting the property, but it ALSO contains an agreement to insure a particular buyer for the amount of the purchase price and/or the lender for the amount of the mortgage once any stated conditions have been met. No matter which report you order above, the one thing they have in common is that they are NOT a guaranty of title. The only way your investment is protected is when you purchase an owners title insurance policy for your property. I will go into more detail about the types of title insurance policies in the next issue, but here’s a quick overview of an owners title insurance policy: An owners title insurance policy protects the buyer’s investment in the property against a multitude of claims that might be made against the property, including upaid property taxes, unreleased 12 CasaGuam December 2013
About the Author Kim Anderson Young is President of Security Title and can be reached at kim@securitytitle.net.
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Profile
Continuing the Family Legacy By J.C. Cruz
F
For Ronald “Ron” C. Pangilinan, real estate has been a family affair for more than 40 years on Guam. As principal broker of Platinum Properties Guam, Pangilinan continues the family legacy. “My family has been involved in residential and commercial real estate in Guam since the ‘60’s. I’ve been interested in real estate since I was a kid; It wasn’t until the end of 2010 when was told by a friend about a Real Estate Agent Apprenticeship at RE/MAX Diamond Realty. I was chosen by the brokers, from whom I’ve learned so much from. I am forever grateful with what I’ve learned from my 3 years at RE/MAX Diamond Realty,” he says. Like many ambitious entrepreneurs, Pangilinan was soon itching to break out on his own and test the waters. “I left RE/MAX at the end of August 2012. I’m still in great terms with the brokers; my brokerage has closed transactions with RE/MAX, so we’ve got a great business relationship,” he says. “Though it was difficult to leave the company I had grown with, I had to shift my focus to what my true dream was: Owning a business and starting the real estate brokerage. I knew that I’d wanted to start a company in my lifetime. I just didn’t think it I’d have done so this soon.” Pangilinan says leaving RE/MAX was one of the most difficult decisions that he’s had to make. “Leaving RE/MAX was quite difficult for me. For a while I was sitting on the fence trying to figure out what I wanted out of myself in the next couple of years. The moment when I finally separated, I was operating by myself for a month. I remember I was sitting in my office one day alone, thinking what I just did. Eventually everything started to fall in place.” Like any new company, Platinum Properties has experienced its share of growing pains. In addition to all of the challenges real estate professionals face, Pangilinan is also faced with trying to establish a new company in a market that is already saturated with real estate professionals.
“
He also hopes to become more involved with the community. "The best part of being a business owner is being able to give back. Platinum Properties Guam
PRINCIPAL BROKER, PLATINUM PROPERTIES
Education:
Alumnus of Father Duenas Memorial School and the University of Guam
is only a year old. In a couple years time, I'm excited to be able to give back to the community." So if you're interested in giving Platinum Properties a chance to meet your real estate needs, you can visit their website at www.platinumguam.com. "It's simple, easy to use and very much accessible through mobile phones. We tried to take the fluff out of real estate and want to give you convenient, quick and easy results."
Casa Guam has always been one of the best magazines that give you insight about real estate.
14 CasaGuam December 2013
“
“One of the biggest challenges I’ve encountered in the field, each client and customers are very unique in their way. I’ve learned to adapt to each and every one of them,” he says. “One of the challenges I had to face was starting up a company: Starting up a real estate company is a huge step and establishing the company on Guam is a long process. The company is still fairly new and we are moving forward!” Like any new business, Pangilinan hopes to grow Platinum Properties within the next few years. "In a couple of years, I’d like to expand the company to include more agents and more property management. I’d also like to continue investing in real property, this time, with bigger dreams in Mind. I like dream big!"
Ronald “Ron” C. Panglinan
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From the Experts
The ABCs of Real Estate Know Your Terms! AMORTIZATION - This term has developed through French and Old English from the Latin words "mors" or "mort" meaning death or dead. It is the killing off of an existing debt by regular partial payments. The word "mortgage" is also derived from the same Latin root. APR - Annual Percentage Rate. The yearly interest percentage of a loan as expressed by the actual rate of interest paid. APPRAISAL - An estimate of value of property from analysis of facts about the property; an opinion of value. BROKER - One who acts as an agent for another in negotiating sales or purchases in return for a fee or commission. BASIC RATE - When referring to title insurance, the basic rate is the rate charged to a consumer who does not qualify for a reduced rate. BROKER - One who acts as an agent for another in negotiating sales or purchases in return for a fee or commission. BROKERAGE - A fee or commission paid to a broker. CERTIFICATE OF TITLE - In areas where attorneys examine abstracts or chains of title, a written opinion, executed by the examining attorney stating that title is vested as stated in the abstract. CHAIN OF TITLE - Beginning with a conveyance out of an original source of title such as a government, each succeeding deed, will or other medium which conveys and transfers the title to succeeding owners constitutes a link in the chain of title. The chain of title is the composite of all such links. CLAIM - A right to assert, or the assertion of, a demand for payment of money due; or the surrender or delivery of possession of property or the recognition or some right. A demand for something as one's rightful due. CLOSING - In some areas called a "settlement." The process of completing a real estate transaction during which deeds, mortgages, leases and other required instruments are signed and/or delivered, an accounting between the parties is made, the money is disbursed, the papers are recorded, and all other details such as payment of outstanding liens and transfer of hazard insurance policies are attended to. CLOSING STATEMENT - A summation, in the form of a balance sheet, made at a closing, showing the amounts of debits and credits to which each party to a real estate transaction is entitled. CLOUD ON TITLE - An irregularity, possible claim, or encumbrance which, if valid, would adversely affect or impair the title. COMMISSION - The amount due a real estate broker, mortgage loan broker, or real estate professional for services performed in such capacity. CONDITIONS - This term is first cousin to restrictions and reservations. It refers to provisions in deeds and other real estate instruments which provisions make a particular right contingent upon the occurrence of some future event. CONTRACT - Same as "agreement," but usually more formal. COVENANT - A formal agreement or contract between two parties in which one party gives the other certain promises and assurances, such as 18 CasaGuam December 2013
covenants of warranty in a warranty deed. DEED - A written document by which title to real estate is conveyed from one party to another. DEPRECIATION - Loss in value occasioned by ordinary wear and tear; destructive action of the elements; or functional or economic obsolescence. EARNEST MONEY - Down payment or a small part of the purchase price made by a purchaser as evidence of good faith. EASEMENT - A right held by a person to enjoy or make limited use of another's real property. EMINENT DOMAIN - The right of a government to take privately owned property for public purposes under condemnation proceedings upon payment of its reasonable value. ENCROACHMENT - The extension of a structure from the real estate to which it belongs across a boundary line and onto adjoining property. ENCUMBRANCE - A claim, right, or lien upon the title to real estate, held by someone other than the real estate owner. ENDORSEMENT - Addition to or modification of a title insurance policy which expands or changes coverage of the policy, fulfilling specific requirements of the insured. ESCROW - Technically, this term strictly refers to a deed delivered to a third person to be held by him until the fulfillment or performance of some act or condition by the grantee. In title industry parlance it means the depositing with an impartial third party called the escrow agent (usually the title company) of anything pertaining to a real estate transaction including money and documents of all kinds which are to be disbursed and delivered to the rightful parties by the escrow agent when all conditions of the transaction have been met. ESCROW AGREEMENT - A written agreement usually made between buyer, seller, and escrow agent, but sometimes only between one person and the escrow agent. It sets forth the conditions to be performed incident to the object deposited in escrow, and gives the escrow agent instructions with respect to the disposition of the object so deposited. FEE SIMPLE - The highest degree of ownership which a person can have in real estate. An interest in real estate which gives the owner unqualified ownership and full power of disposition. FIRST MORTGAGE - A mortgage having priority as a lien over any other mortgage or lien on the same property. FORECLOSURE - A legal proceeding for the collection of real estate mortgages and other types of liens on real estate, which results in cutting off the right to redeem the mortgaged property and usually involves a judicial sale of the property to pay the mortgage debt. GOOD FAITH ESTIMATE - An estimate of closing costs the lender is required (under the federal Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act) to give to the buyer within at least three days of applying for a mortgage loan. This is the lender's estimate - it must be completely accurate regarding the lender's own charges and is supposed to be reasonably close
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to the charges third-party providers such as title insurers/agents, attorneys, surveyors, etc., may change. You should check with those third-party providers, however, regarding how much they will charge if you have any questions or concerns prior to settlement. JOINT TENANTS - Two or more persons who hold title to real estate jointly, with equal rights to share in its enjoyment during their respective lives with the provision that upon the death of a joint tenant, his share in the property passes to the surviving tenants, and so on, until the full title is vested in the last survivor. A joint tenant cannot legally sell or encumber his interest without the consent or joinder of all of the other joint tenants. LEASE - An agreement granting the use or occupancy of land during a specified period in exchange for rent. LIEN - The liability of real estate as security for payment of a debt. Such liability may be created by contract, such as a mortgage, or by operation of law, such as a mechanics lien. LIS PENDENS - A pending lawsuit. A lis pendens notice is legal notice to the world that a lawsuit is pending. MARKET VALUE - An average between the highest price which a buyer, willing but not compelled to buy, would pay and the lowest price a seller, willing, but not compelled to sell, would accept. MECHANIC'S LIEN - A lien on real estate, created by operation of law, which secures the payment of debts due to persons who perform labor or services or furnish materials incident to the construction of buildings and improvements on the real estate. METES AND BOUNDS - A land description in which boundaries are described by courses, directions, distances, and monuments. MORTGAGE - A temporary conditional pledge of property to a creditor as security for the payment of a debt which may be cancelled by payment. OWNER'S POLICY - A policy of title insurance usually insuring an owner of real estate against loss occasioned by defects in, liens against, or un-marketability of the owner's title. POWER OF ATTORNEY - A legal instrument authorizing one to act as another's agent or attorney. PROBATE - A legal procedure in which the validity and probity of a document, such as a will, is proven. PROMISSORY NOTE - A written promise to pay or repay a specified sum of money at a stated time, or on demand, to a named person. In addition to the payment of principal, a romissory note usually provides for the payment of interest. QUIET TITLE SUIT - A lawsuit brought by an owner of real estate for the purpose of cancelling, wiping out, and putting a quietus upon supposedly immaterial, inconsequential, and unenforceable claims and interests which cloud his title. QUIT CLAIM DEED - A deed which does not imply that the grantor holds title, but which surrenders and gives to the grantee any possible interest or rights which the grantor may have in the property. REALTOR - A copyrighted trade name which can be legally used only by those persons belonging to the National Association of Realtors. RECORD TITLE - The aspects of a title which appear in the public records as distinguished from unrecorded title aspects and interests. REFINANCE RATE - When referring to title insurance, the refinance rate is the reduced rate for a Loan Policy issued on the new loan in a refinance transaction, in which the original loan was previously insured within some period of years. RIGHT OF WAY - (1) The right to pass over property owned by another, usually based upon an easement. (2) A path or thoroughfare over which passage is made. (3) A strip of land over which facilities such as highways, railroads, or power lines are built.
SECOND MORTGAGE - A mortgage ranking in priority immediately below a first mortgage. SUBDIVISION - An area of land laid out and divided into lots, blocks, and building sites, and in which public facilities are laid out, such as streets, alleys, parks, and easements for public utilities. SURVEY - (1) To determine the location, boundaries, area, or the elevations of land and structures upon the earth's surface by means of courses in relation to the North Star, and the measuring of angles and distances by using the techniques of geometry and trigonometry. (2) The map or plat drawn by a surveyor which represents the property surveyed and shows the results of a survey. TAX LIEN - The lien which is imposed upon real estate by operation of law which secures the payment of real estate taxes. TENANT - (1) Usually one who holds possession of real estate under a lease. (2) In a broader sense, one who holds or possesses lands and tenements by any kind of title. TENANTS IN COMMON - Two or more persons in whom title to a single piece of real estate is vested in such a manner that they have a common or equal right to possession and enjoyment of the property, but each holds a separate individual interest or estate in the property. Each owner may sell or encumber his respective interest or dispose of it by will, and if he dies without leaving a will, his heirs inherit his undivided interest. THIRD PARTY - A term usually applied to persons who are not principal parties to a contract or other instrument, but who have some right, interest or duty which such contract or instrument affects. For example, where a sale contract between buyer and seller of real estate provides that the money and documents involved in the transaction will be deposited with a title company pending the closing of the deal, the title company becomes a third party to the transaction. TITLE - (1) A combination of all the elements that constitute the highest legal right to own, possess, use, control, enjoy, and dispose of real estate or an inheritable right or interest therein. (2) The rights of ownership recognized and protected by the law. TITLE COVENANTS - Covenants ordinarily inserted in conveyances and in transfers of title to real estate for the purpose of giving protection to the purchaser against possible insufficiency of the title received. A group of such covenants known as "common law covenants" includes: (a) covenants against encumbrances; (b) covenant for further assurance (in other words, to do whatever is necessary to rectify title deficiencies); (c) covenant of good right and authority to convey; (d) covenant of quiet enjoyment; (e) covenant of seisin; (f ) covenant of warranty. TITLE DEFECT - (1) Any possible or patent claim or right outstanding in a chain of title which is adverse to the claim of ownership. (2) Any material irregularity in the execution or effect of an instrument in the chain of title. TITLE INSURANCE - Indemnity against loss resulting from defects in or liens upon a title. TITLE SEARCH - A search and perusal of the public records for recorded instruments which affect the title to a particular piece of land. UNDERWRITER - An insurance company which issues insurance policies either to the public or to another insurer.
Source: http://guamhousingprograms.com CasaGuam.com 19
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H o w To D . I . Y.
Celebrate Christmas with Hand-Made Ornaments s our children grow older, Christmas becomes more interactive and their understanding more in depth. And while our family celebrates this in anticipation of the birth of Jesus Christ, the traditions of decorating our home and the magic of Santa are still an integral part of the season. So in order to balance the two, what I find fun and meaningful is to make crafts. It’s time to head to the store and invest in a few totally affordable purchases that will earn you big smiles from family and friends on Christmas day. Everyone loves a handmade gift from the heart.
A
So first off, where do you shop? I’m a most-bang-for-your-buck kinda girl so my top picks this time of year are Goody’s in Tamuning where everything in the store is $1.99. You can’t beat that. For things that yo’re unable to find there, my next suggestion would be National Office Supply. I just love how they always give you a discount and they are even more generous at this time of year with sales on tons of Christmas items. And finally, when it comes to crafts, you’ll want to check out Ben Franklin – another one of my favorite spots to run to this time of year. Just be sure you check the sale racks first and don’t be afraid to flex those creative muscles with out-of-the-ordinary or obscure items that don’t immediately look Christmas worthy. If it’s a box of popsicle sticks on sale, get it. If it’s just cotton balls, get it. Or even a bag of eyeballs – why not? These have major uses and can go a long way. Browse Mr. Google for ornament suggestions and once you’ve got your one-of-a-kind design, package each ornament in a plastic baggie and secure with a gold twist tie or any extra ribbon and there you are! You can even add a personal message from the kids, run to the print shop and have it photocopied fifty times. I’m telling you, it’s the perfect red bow to complete your ornament with love. Good luck! About the Author Since 2007, seasoned television personality Marissa Borja (Pacific Home & Garden and My Home with Marissa Borja) has been working to fill Guam's home and garden niche with stories, products and services that locals will find beneficial and relative to their lifestyle. She enjoys the creative outlet that writing and television offer in order to balance out her busy personal life as a wife and full-time mother of five. 20 CasaGuam December 2013
By Marissa Borja
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Curb Appeal
Yes…it’s another article about power saving!
By Arlene Taitague Taitingfong
realize that this is yet one of many articles about saving power that you probably have read in various magazines and newspapers the last year or so. It is a subject that is beaten to death by now. We know we need to save energy - but do we really practice it as much as we can or should? Yes! This is another article about power saving, but once in a while it’s nice to be reminded of how the smallest details can make the biggest impact. The Guam Power Authority has a website that has basic tips at a glance.I pulled the following from their website for your reading enjoyment.
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Tips for Saving Electricity at Home Major Appliances • Replace and recycle your old refrigerator and purchase an energy-efficient model. Units only 10 years old can use twice as much electricity as a new ENERGY STAR® labeled model. • Don't keep your old refrigerator. Keeping your old refrigerator as extra cold storeage is a very inefficient use of electricity and will add to your power bill. • Defrost refrigerators and freezers before ice buildup becomes 1/4-inch thick. • For maximum efficiency from your refrigerator, set the temperature between 37 and 40 degrees and the freezer temperature at five degrees. Deep freeze freezers should be kept at zero. • Keep range-top burners clean; they will reflect heat better. • Turn off the stovetop burners and oven about five minutes before the end of your cooking time. The heating element will stay hot enough to finish cooking without using electricity. • Wash only full loads in a dishwasher and use the shortest cycle that will get your dishes clean. If operating instructions allow, turn off the dishwasher before the drying cycle, open the door and let the dishes dry naturally. Air Conditioning • Always keep windows and doors closed when you have the air conditioning on. • Set the air-conditioner thermostat at 78 degrees or higher, health permitting. 3 percent to 5 percent more energy is used for each degree the conditioner is set below 78 degrees.
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• If your old air conditioner is on its way out replace it with ENERGY STAR® labeled energy-efficient model. • Clean or replace air-conditioner filters regularly, following manufacturer's instructions. • Keep the mold off concrete roofs to save on the cost of air conditioning your home by pressure spraying and painting. • Hire a professional, reputable air conditioning contractor to inspect and perform preventive maintenance on your air conditioning system once a year and follow the manufacturer's recommendation for owner maintenance. • Check the caulking or weatherstripping around window units and throughout your home to minimize the loss of cool air. • Use ceiling fans to assist the cooling system, but be sure to turn off fans when no one is in the room. Ceiling fans don't produce cool air, but they can move the air and make you feel three degrees cooler. • Make sure you buy the "right" size cooling unit for your needs. An air conditioner that is small won't be able to do the job. A
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Curb Appeal unit that is too large will waste energy. • Programmable thermostats can save on your electric bill by allowing automatic settings to save air con while people are not home.
• Small appliances such as electric toasters and convection ovens use less energy than the oven in the range. • Rice cookers use less energy than the stovetop burners. • Microwave ovens reduce cooking time and save energy.
Windows and Doors • Caulk windows, doors and anywhere air leaks in or out. Do not caulk around water heater. • Use weatherstrip around windows and doors to keep cool air in. • Wrap cooling ducts with duct wrap, or use mastic sealant. • Replace old windows with new high performance dual pane windows. • Install shades, awnings or sunscreens on windows facing west and south to block strong sunlight or close typhoon shutters to save on air conditioning.
For more information, you can log onto their site at www.guampowerauthority.com
Hot Water and Water Heaters • Install energy-saver shower heads to save your hot water. • When buying new appliances, be sure to purchase energyefficient ENERGY STAR® labeled models. • Set the water heater thermostat at 120 degrees or "low." If you have a dishwasher, check your dishwasher to see if you can use 120 degree water otherwise set to 140 degrees or normal. • Have a qualified electrician install a timer on your water heater. You should not turn off your water heater at the breaker, but installing a time and heating water only when you need hot water will save on your power bill. • A single dripping hot water faucet can waste 212 gallons of water a month. This increases your electric bill for heating the water as well as your water bill. Fix leaky faucets, especially those on the hot water side. • Use cold water instead of hot as much as possible in the kitchen and laundry.
Also remember to keep windows and doors shut and shades closed during the day. This will help keep your house cool and reduce air conditioning needs. Lastly, add a nice touch to your landscape while creating a cooler habitat by planting trees. All variety of palms work nicely. Heck, any tree will work here, just as long as you don’t plant it too close to the house. You might want to give some allowance for growth of the tree in 20 years. Growing bushes like puti tai nobio and hibiscus are nice. Trim the branches so that the bush resembles a “mini-tree.” Bamboo works well as a border to line your carport or as a natural outside kitchen wall. In any case, placement is important and growing along the window sections of your home Is a good start. The plants will offer shade from the sun during the hottest part of the day.
Lighting • Use compact fluorescent lamps. You can lower your lighting bill by converting to energy-efficient low-wattage compact fluorescent lighting and fixtures. • Turn off the light in any room that is not occupied. • Replace halogen or incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs which use 50 to 80 percent less electricity than traditional bulbs. Use compact fluorescent flood lights outside, to. EnergyGuide Labels • Appliances with the EnergyGuide labels are energy efficient, but the ratings vary. Study the estimated costs for operating the appliance versus the cost of buying a more energy efficient product. Look for the Energy Star on appliances, cooling equipment, home electronics, lighting, or office equipment.
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W h o Ya G o n n a C a l l ?
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Classifieds Commercial Rentals Dededo 106 East Sta. Barbara, Dededo 4bed/1 ba corner house, fenced, and gated. Centrally located close to church, school and malls. Asking $1,200/month. Call MYRNA @ 488-0144
Harmon Ct. Townhouse. 3BD/2BA. Sec. 8 OK. $1,200/month. Call 637-7165 689-3333/688-0887
Residential Sales
Talofofo
Large 4BR/2Ba 1800sqft. House Only 248,000 637-7165 / 688-0887 / 689-3333
Talofofo
Dededo
Two 2BD hse. 1 Full Concrete & 1 semi concrete in one lot. $96K. Negotiable. Call 727-4985.
Ipan Talofofo. Just footsteps away from Pacific Ocean beach, gigantic 3BD/2BA home awaits you. Family room with more than 400sf. $2200/month. Call 687-6900.
Ordot-Chalan Pago Tamuning Commercial space for rent. Approx 850 sq ft., video store or retail business. Asking $850/mo. Please call ANGIE @ 727-2228
Residential Rentals Asan Nimitz Hill, 2BD apartment including ocean view. $950/mo. Modern upgraded, all ceramic tiled, typhoon shutters. Call 687-6900
Barrigada 2b/1b, near Subway with water $830/mo. Please call 637-7165 / 688-0887 / 689-3333
Dededo 1Bd / 2BD / 3Bd located near schools/church/store and just front of park across St. Barbara Church S/F S8/Mil OK Call/LvMsg 727-6456 Ester Garden: Large 2BD/2BA. Very nice. 1,000 SqFt, $800/month. Call 637-7165/688-0887/689-7700.
Dai Ichi Condo. 3BD/1BA, Pool, Sec 8 OK, by O/A. $1,250. Call 637-7165/688-0887 Sunrise D Condo. Large 2BD/2BA. Pool. Very nice. 1,000 SqFt. $1,000/month. Call 637-7165/688-0887/689-7700. Tumon 2bd / 2 ba + Den. excellent condition. Asking $1200. Please call 637-7165 / 688-0887 / 689-3333 / 477-7042 San Vitores Terrace Condo: 3bd/2ba, 3rd floor unit with oceanview, upgraded unit with new carpets, pool, security and basic cable TV. $1800. Call Coral Sea Realty 649-6088 San Vitores Terrace Condo-2bd/1ba, 3bd/2ba - walking distance to beach, rest/bars, church. Asking $950 $1800/mo. CSR- PB 649-6088
Tumon Tumon Horizon Condo: 2bd/2ba, 5th floor, water incl., pool, security $950.00 CSR- PB 649-6088
Barrigada
Multi-Family House/Good Investment located front of Dededo Mayor’s Office/Park & Library Greath Neighborhood / Gated/ Corner Lot/Serious Buyers Only! FOR SALE BY OWNER. Call/LvMsg 727-6456 Villa Rosario Condo: 3bd 2ba Excellent Condition, Pool, Tennis Court, Play Ground. Good Location $160,000.00 Call 637-7165/688-0887 Las Palmas Ph3. 3rd Floor. Large 3BD/2.5BA/2Den. Pool. Excellent Condition. $255,000. Call 637-7165 689-3333/688-0887 Pacific Gardens. 1st Floor. Pool. Security. 1BD/1BA. $47,000. Call 637-7165 689-7700/688-0887/689-3333.
Harmon 3BD/2.5BA Townhouse. Pool. Security. Tennis Court. $1,900/month. Call 637-7165/688-0887/689-7700 Large 4BD/2.5BA. Single home. Pool. Security. Tennis Court. $2,450/month. Call 637-7165/688-0887/689.7700.
Executive 2-story house with a great view, fully fenced and a quiet area. 5bd/3ba w/ 2 huge balconies. SS appliances, wash/dry, 2-car garage. Huge storage shed, a must see, Military OK! $3500/mo. Call Joe @ 483-3333!
Exec. 2 Story/Very Spacious For Sale by Owner. Growing in a great location beside Cost-U-Less Tamuning and Guam Premium Outlet. Great lifestyle and community environment with 5bd/3ba corner lot; nice sized bd on 1st and 2nd flr; master suite w/ jacuzzi spa tub; quality granite staircases; red hardwood railings; crown molding all over the house with open spacious kitchen. Dream home and a good investment! Call/LvMsg 727-6456 Jonestown. 3bd/2ba, Large Yard. Fenced. $320,000 or $1,350 for rent. Call 637-7165/689-7700/689-3333
Tumon View Condo. 2bd 1ba. Near beach. $110,000. Call 637-7165/688-0887/689-333 Lily Village Tumon Condo. Nice. 3BDM 2BA Fully Renovated. $2,000/mo.
Yigo
Chalan Pago 2bed 1bath SFD for sale. 1169sq.m lot Asking $119K. Call Karen 988-1883
Executive 2-story house with a great view fully fenced and a quiet area. 5bd/3ba w/ 2 huge balconies. SS appliances, wash/dry, 2-car garage. Huge storage shed, a must see! $425KSale. Call Joe @ 483-3333!
Sinajana
Land for Sale
Large, villa style home. 5bd/3ba. Completely remodeled. Private and beautifully landscaped. Asking: $579K. (Priced below appraised value.) Call 489-3285
Chalan Pago
Yigo Single Home. Excellent Condition. 3BD/2BA. Large yard. Good location. $1,400/month or for sale $200K. Call 637-7165/688-0887/689-7700.
Tamuning
Tumon For Sale By Owner Summer Palace Estates Located close to Cost-U-Less in Harmon 4Bd/2.5Ba 2100 Sq. Ft. Home located in a secured gated community with swimming pool, tennis court, and playground. New granite countertop and tile floor throughout with typhoon shutters. $440,000.00 Please call 777-0951
Ordot-Chalan Pago Paradise Estates. 4BD/3BA, Exc. Condition, Fenced. $2,450. Call 637-7165 689-3333/688-0887.
Large 4BR/3Ba 2755sqft w/1600sqft covered deck/porch. Detached util & gen. room. Walled/Gated & beautifully landscaped. $529K. Call Michael @ 477-4111
Back of Island Fresh Market. $45,000. Bank Owned. 1,387 +/- sm. Call 637-7165/688-0887/689-3333
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Closing
Message from the Executive Officer
By Peggy Araullo Llagas
Key Facts You Need to Know About REALTOR® Trademarks 1. REALTOR® = Member of the Guam Association of “broker,”, “real estate agent” or “job title”. REALTORS® The Member Board or Association must advise the media of the The term REALTOR® should never be used as a substitute for registered status of the MARKS and request to use initial “real estate agent”. The REALTOR® mark is not only a trade- capital letters to distinguish the terms REALTOR® and mark owned by the National Association of REALTORS® and REALTORS® from words of ordinary use. protected by federal law, it’s a valuable membership benefit that distinguishes members from other real estate licensees. In the event a Member Board or Association discovers a misuse of the MARKS in the media, a letter to the media outlet 2. Limitations of using the REALTOR® Trademark providing notification of the misuse and seeking a correction to be issued is in order. A copy of all correspondence sent or Members are licensed to use the marks only in connection with received by the Member Board or Association relating to a their real estate business and in connection with the place of misuse of the MARKS should also be sent to the National business with which their membership is associated. Association of REALTORS® Trademark Protection Coordinator. If the matter cannot be resolved locally or if an impasse To maintain the value of the mark, it is important that it be develops, NAR may assume primary responsibility for recognized by the public as identifiers of membership with the obtaining compliance. association and never be used generically to denote a vocation or a business. 6. News Releases may use the AP or UPI Style Most newspapers follow either the Associated Press (AP) Style Book or the United Press International (UPI) Style Book in Non-members are never allowed to use the REALTOR® trade- preparing news items for publications. These style books do not marks in reference to or in connection with their business or call for use of full capitals or a federal registration symbol “®” for themselves. registered marks. Therefore, it is permissible for a Member Board or member to follow the AP or UPI guidelines when 4. MARKS may not be used as a Directory Headings using a MARK in a news release. 3. Non-Members may not use the REALTOR® Marks
The term REALTOR® should never be used as a subject heading in any directories, such as the “Yellow Pages” phone directory, since such usage is tantamount to suggesting that the term REALTOR® identifies a vocation or line of service rather than membership in GAR. Any use of the MARKS in a directory should include the definition of the term REALTOR®. 5. Misuse by the Media The media must keep in mind that the MARKS identify members of the Guam Association of REALTORS® and that the term REALTOR® is not synonymous with “real estate broker,” 28 CasaGuam December 2013
News releases should include the definition of the term REALTOR® at the bottom of each page. The Guam Association of REALTORS® office is available to answer questions or concerns in using the REALTOR® Trademarks and accommodate reporting of any misuse of the MARKS. For More Information Contact: Peggy Araullo Llagas, Executive Officer Guam Association of REALTORS® Suite 236A Julale Center 424 West O'Brien Drive, Hagatna, Guam 96910 Tel: (671) 477-4271 • Fax: (671) 477-4275 Mobile: (671) 689-4271 • www.guamrealtors.com
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We speak Russian, Farsi, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Filipino, and Chamorro facebook.com/Century21CommonwealthRealty
FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS
RENTALS
Tumon Horizon Condo, Tumon - 2Br/1Ba - $1,250 - #13-3892 Las Palmas Ph I, Dededo - 3Br/2.5Ba - $1,500 - #13-3926 Holiday Tower Condo, Sinajana - 2Br/2Ba - $2,200 - #13-3817 Holiday Tower Condo, Sinajana - 3Br/2Ba - $2,400 - #13-4053
Dededo $225K 3Br/2Ba #13-3101
Tumon $107K 2Br/1Ba #13-3889
Dededo $50K 2Br/1Ba #13-3932
Dededo $129,999 2Br/1.5Ba #13-3819
Dededo $197K 3Br/2.5Ba #13-3925
Mangilao $29,900 2Br/1Ba #13-4127
Sinajana $329K 3Br/2Ba #13-4051
Tamuning $230K 3Br/2Ba #13-4025
Tamuning $295K 3Br/2.5Ba #13-4117
Tamuning $425K 2Br/2Ba #13-4199
Tumon $75K 2Br/1Ba #13-3843
Tumon $265K 3Br/2Ba #13-3898
Tumon $380K 4Br/2Ba #12-3687
Dededo $174K 3Br/2Ba #13-4297
Dededo $259K 3Br/2Ba #13-4030
Dededo $459K 4Br/3Ba #13-4090
Mangilao $365K 3Br/3Ba #13-3965
MongMong-Toto-Maite$250K 3Br/2Ba #13-3761
Ordot-Chln Pago $165K 3Br/2.5Ba #13-4047
Ordot-Chln Pago $699K 5Br/4.5Ba #13-4121
Yigo $270K 3Br/2Ba #13-4129
Yigo $427K 3Br/4Ba #13-4141
Yigo $498K 4Br/4Ba #13-4045
Yigo $375K 3Br/2.5Ba #13-2388
Alupang Cove Condo, Tamuning - 2Br/2Ba - $2,200 - #13-3802 DY Condo, Tamuning - 3Br/2Ba - $2,200 - #13-3773
Blue Pacific Lattice, Tumon - 2Br/1Ba - $2,200 - #13-4128 Tumon Holiday Manor, Tumon - 4Br/2Ba - $2,450 - #13-3765 Barrigada Home - 4Br/2.5Ba - $3,800 - #13-4109 Dededo Home - 4Br/3Ba - $2,500 - #13-4134 Tamuning Home - 3Br/3Ba - $4,400 - #13-4120 Hagåtña Home - 3Br/3Ba - $2,450 - #13-4289 Yona Home - 4Br/2Ba - $2,100 - #13-4318 RK Plaza, Tamuning - 2,200SqFt - $2,640 - #13-4056 RK Plaza, Tamuning - 2,400SqFt - $3,000 - #13-3737
LAND
Ordot-Chln Pago - 1,100SqFt - $1,350 - #13-4282
Beachfront Property, Agat - 5,236sm - $110,000 - #13-4209 Off Rt. 3, Dededo - 2,026sm - $65,000 - #13-3984
Homes & Condos
Oka Tower, Tamuning - 2Br/2Ba - $4,000 - #13-4200
Dededo Lot - 1,402sm - $118,000 - #13-3959 Off Rt. 4, Inarajan - 2,280sm - $45,000 - #13-3978 Off Mai Mai Rd., Ordot-Chln Pago - 2,691sm - $80,000 - #13-4137 Yigo Lot - 3,716sm - $110,000 - #13-3786 Yigo Lot - 930sm - $140,000 - #13-3935 Yigo Lot - 7,407sm - $180,000 - #13-3979
COMMERCIAL
Yigo Lot - 49,054sm - $950,000 - #13-4358
186 Irate, Tamuning - 860SqFt - $550,000 - #13-4048 Business for Sale - RK, Tamuning - 2,000SqFt - $60,000 - #13-4281
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