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CONTENTS
Message From GAR
Departments 4
Message from the President
Market Snapshot January December 2013
8
10
Feature Spring Cleaning and De-Cluttering
12
Real Estate Spotlight Proper Pricing
14
Profile
March 2014 • Vol. 7 • No. 03 P.O. Box 24881 Barrigada, GU 96921 Tel: (671) 472-3495 | Fax: (671) 472-3498 email: office@yellowpagesink.com
Raymond Magbitang Family Business
|Publisher| |Business Sales Manager|
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From the Experts The 6 P’s of Real Estate Marketing
Jay-R S. Dominguez
|Display Advertising| Evelyn Trinidad
18
From the Experts 5 Mortgage Tips for Home Buyers
|Traffic/Circulation Manager| Carol Aperocho
|Production Manager| 20
How to D.I.Y. Green Spring Cleaning
Mark S. Burke
|Graphics & Layout|
9 DIY Recipes for
Mark S. Burke Natural Cleaners
Edwin E. Valencia
22
Curb Appeal Flooring Ideas for Every Room of Your Home
|Editorial Contributors| Faye Varias Creative Services J.C. Cruz Siska Hutapea
25
Who Ya Gonna Call?
27
Classifieds
Arlene Taitague Taitingfong Louisa M. Wessling
Closing Guam Association of REALTORS® Honesty. Integrity. Commitment.
Guam Association of REALTORS®
Hafa Adai! We are well into the first quarter of 2014 and the new year looks to be off to a good start. While there will still be challenges, we also have some exciting opportunities to look forward to. Many people will ask us "How is the real estate market?" The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) reported that in 2013 there were 274 confirmed single family home sales reported to the service. The average price was $250,115; the median price coming in at $213,000. This is a slight drop from 2012 which reported average sale price of $268,000 and median price of $230,000. The overall market when averaged continues to lean towards being a Buyers market. However, that is not true for certain facets of the market. New construction single family home sales is alive and moving! Land with available infrastructure for development of small single family home development continues to be actively sought by Buyer/investors. The existing single family home market is being challenged by the new construction market. In order for Sellers of existing homes to compete with new construction home and be able to realize the highest market price/value for their home they must make the investment of renovating and upgrading their existing home in order to compete. The condominium and commercial real estate market activity continue to lag behind the single home market. Interest rates at the moment remain attractive and still below 5% per annum....but there is talk that it may be on the rise in the upcoming months. The Guam Association of REALTORS will be coming to the villages this year to greet, meet and get to know our communities. Be on the lookout for announcements through your village mayor's office. The second Workforce Housing Expo is also in the planning and is tentatively scheduled for sometime during the last quarter of the year. The event will be announced through the media later in the year.
Kevin Wright Kim Anderson Young
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Louisa M. Wessling 2014 President
Thanks for reading this column!
GUAM ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Cover Photo: Mark S. Burke 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 - December 2013
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Feature
Spring Cleaning and De-Cluttering
These tips are not quick or easy to set up but once you take these actions, your access to living your life will be quick, easy and functional!
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Feature Functional Filing Cabinets: Every adult (18+) MUST have and use a functionally operating filing cabinet. Starting this process at or before age 18 (or now if you haven’t done so already), use hanging files, arrange alphabetical tabs in addition to important categories (ie. medical, insurance, car, etc.). Then use manila file folders to further clarify categories and store inside the hanging folders (ie. A-airlines, B- banks, C- cats, etc.). Keep all your files current, holding onto important bills and documents for up to 7 years, implementing a clearing out/ shredding process every 2-3 years.
then, what the heck? PURGE IT). Figure out a system for hanging clothes and stick with it. For example, make categories (ie. suits, long sleeves, blouses, sweatshirts, short sleeves, sleeveless, skirts, etc.) then arrange by color or season, etc. Make sure you also have functional shoe racks and laundry baskets in your closets (vs. throwing/ piling items on floor), try to maintain a clean, empty floor space.
Photographs: All photos are to be arranged by event, people, time period, etc in photos albums (vs. a bunch of miscellaneous photos thrown randomly in drawers, boxes, scattered about, etc.). First, collect all photos to one location, separate and divide into said categories. If the category is finite (ie. summer camp, high school, etc.), second, throw away any unwanted shots and put pix into some sort of order (chronological is a good standard). Third, count the photos for that category, purchase an album to house them accordingly and finally, name/ label it. With ongoing categories (ie. family holiday shots, etc.), use the same process, purchasing a bigger album with room to grow or label (ie. 1,2,3… or I, II, III… etc.).
Tool Boxes/ Crafts/ Hobbies/ Make-Up Cases, Etc: Store all like items in a neat and orderly fashion using small container units to house (ie. screws, nuts, bolts, beads, sewing items, thread, nail files, etc).
Functionalize all junk drawers: If you don’t need it, throw, donate or give it away. House like items in their own spot (ie. Office Supplies: staples, paperclips, pens markers; Restaurant delivery/ to go menus can be housed in file cabinet or its own drawer; Kitchen Silverware and Cuttlery can be sorted thru and organized into trays, as well as plasticware, straws (ketchup, mustard, hot sauce packets too-either decline them when getting fast food, throw them away if you don’t use them or organize them if you are keeping them for later). Drawer organizers can be found at Office Depot, Staples, The Container Store or check online for other possibilities. Hang and House Items Up and Off the Floor: It makes your space feel light vs. bottom heavy. Utilities can be hung up (Osh, Home Depot and The Container Store all sell racks to hold brooms, mops, etc.) in your cabinet, closet or even on the wall (rather than tossed on the bottom with other items piling on top). Make all items convenient to reach and easy to see/ find. Use heavy duty hooks in your garage for active wear and supplies (ie. bikes, helmits, surfboards, etc). Get it all up, easy to grab, yet out of your way. Closets: Figure out what the closet is being used for (ie. clothing, lines, utilities, etc.), then organize it accordingly. Customize your closet to fit and house your needs by adding extra shelving between shelves (lots of shelves have too much space to the ceiling or in between one another). Store infrequently used items (ie. empty shoe/ boot boxes, kitty/ doggie crates, empty suitcases, etc) on top shelves and just like Mommy Dearest says, “no more wire hangers ever”, throw those away kids (or give them back to your local dry cleaner). Purchase matching hangers (ie. wooden, plastic, same color/ style, etc.), it makes a big visual difference. Purge (donate, give or throw away if its not in useable condition) all clothes you don’t wear (guideline: if you haven’t worn it in over a year, if it doesn’t fit or if you don’t feel/ look amazing wearing it
Cables, Wires, Extension Cords: Keep all extras neatly wrapped and stored all together in one location for easy access.
Jewelry: Hang and separate all necklaces on hooks for easy access and easy wear (vs. in a pile where they are tangle-prone and unwearable in a quick pinch). Arrange rings in display cases and hang earrings on netting. That way everything is seen at a glace and prêt-à-porter (ready to wear). Fancy jewelry cabinets can be custom made, smaller ones can be bought and never fear, you can be organized on little to no budget and still be cute and functional by counting all items to be hung, then hammering in nails or hooks on a wall (behind a door or inside a closet). There are lots of choices and variations in between to make your jewelry look beautiful, accessible and functional. Moving/ Storage/ Packing/ Unpacking: Please people, AVOID storage units- they end up costing so much money but if you have to use one make sure to throw or give away as much as you can . Do not hold onto things thinking that you will “deal with it later” if you don’t want to deal with it now, chances are good that you’re not going to want to deal with it later either. So think of now as later and pack responsibly: put like items together and label boxes with stickers or thick permanent markers on ALL 4 SIDES of the box. On the label/ sticker, list the room (ie. bed room, bath, kitchen, etc.) then list all the rest of the contents inside the box (ie. CDs, toiletries, dishes, pots, pans, specific appliances, etc). That way at least you know, in one quick glance, what you’ve got and where it belongs. Lastly, PLEASE, once moved, unpack ALL boxes with in the first weekend (dragging it out into a month or longer is just that, a drag because we all know that the longer items sit, the harder it is to want to unpack them) and certainly do not just keep unpacked boxes sitting on some shelf for years looking ugly and taking up space, like these… Furniture and Space Arrangement: Make spaces clear to identify at a glance (ie “oh, that’s an office, bedroom, dining room, kids play area, etc). Do not block windows or behind doorways with furniture or stuff. Also keep in mind that furniture, rooms and space are often born to live in specific ways, so try to accommodate them. You can be flexible and innovative in this area but there is a difference between creativity and junkie. Source: apartmenttherapy.com CasaGuam.com 9
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On The Cover
Northern Nest
F
irst-time or seasoned homeowners alike will be thrilled with this new 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom house to call home. Spacious open plan living and dining room, larger than average bedrooms, over-sized master suite, lots of storage area, granite kitchen counter top and new appliances, fenced and gated yard on a corner lot. Located in Astumbo, the home is close to Micronesia Mall, schools, NCTAM, Air force Base and the future Guam Regional Medical City. A must see property! Call your agent now. Asking price: $259,000.
MLS#13-4030 - $259,000 482-2074 E.Cotton/P.B. 10 CasaGuam March 2014
tgolbarani@gmail.com
Tara Golbarani REALTOR速
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Real Estate Spotlight
Proper Pricing By Kim Anderson Young recently had the pleasure of listening to real estate expert Darryl Turner speak on the topic of properly positioning your home to be purchased. First he explained the three factors to take into consideration in valuing a property. While we have all heard the old adage, “location, location and location” are the three factors that will sell a property, this is only partially true. The three factors that influence value to a property are:
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1. LOCATION 2. CONDITION 3. PRICE
• After a few months of no activity, you will need to consider a price reduction. After a few more months of no activity, you will need to consider another price reductions. • After even more months of little activity, the property will start to look attractive to investors who normally purchase property well below fair market value. Your first and only offer from an investor may be well below the $250,000 for which your Realtor first advised you to list the property. Rely on the expertise of your Realtor to properly position your property to be purchased!
The LOCATION of real estate is something that we just cannot do anything about. It is completely out of our control. The CONDITION is somewhat controllable, in that you can clean and paint the house and manicure the yard to show its best side. The PRICE, however, is completely within your control. No seller wants to lose money by underpricing a house, however the danger in overpricing a house drastically outweighs listing a property too high and losing the opportunity to sell it. Darryl introduced me to the 80/2/90/30 rule, which once explained made perfect sense to me. Here’s how it works: • 80 percent of the activity on a new listing occurs in the first 2 WEEKS! • 90 percent of the activity on a new listing occurs in the first 30 days! The danger in overpricing your home when it is first listed is that in the first 30 days it is listed, 90 percent of the available buyers will not consider purchasing it! So how can you tell if your property is overpriced? Simple, has it been on the market for longer than the average “days on the market” for Guam? Let’s say your Realtor feels your house would be comparatively priced with other homes listed for $250,000. Let’s also assume that you feel strongly that your house is worth more than that and you convince your Realtor to list the property for $290,000. More times than not, the following sad scenario occurs: • The over-priced listing will not be shown to as many qualified buyers. 12 CasaGuam March 2014
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
Family Business By J.C. Cruz
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Raymond “Ray” Magbitang ASSOCIATE BROKER, REALTOR®, MRP, VETERAN’S CHOICE REALTY
Education:
BS Adminisration (Marketing), San Francisco State University
Family:
Renato Magbitang, Father, Rizalina, Mother Rhiarose, Sister, Renato Jr., Brother, Ronnie, Brother
Organizations: Guam Young Professionals Motto:
“Business NEVER stops, so I work like it.”
Casa Guam is Guam’s #1 Real estate magazine; filled wit h informative articles, market trends, and plenty of beauti ful faces, it’s your complete guide to Guam Real Estate.
14 CasaGuam March 2014
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“I’ve aspired to be different things, but business ran through the family and so I knew that’s the field I was going into.” These are the words of Ray Magbitang as he contemplated his career in real estate. “I just did not know which industry until my final years in college. I knew growing up in high school (DODEA Guam High) that Guam had potential but was in definite need of an economic stimulus.” He debated staying in California, which was on the rebound from the recession or move back home. “News dating back to 2006-2008 regarding the military buildup had gravitated me to real estate. Choosing real estate on Guam gave me the opportunity to find work through these difficult economic times and most importantly to be closer to my parents,” he said. For his customers, he says real estate is such a broad industry that it’s difficult for a single agent to know everything about it. It’s a constant learning process. “Although I may have only three years in real estate, I work extremely hard for my clients and if there are questions I do not know, or cannot answer at the moment, I will use the best of my knowledge and resources to find out.” In the next few years, Ray Magbitang hopes to explore other aspects of real estate. “I would like to expand the size of my office and teach and share with others who want to join real estate.” He also plans to help the Guam Association of Realtors in becoming more involved in the community. During his career, he said his most memorable moment was when he attended the National Association of Realtors expo held last November at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, Ca. “This event hosted over 22,000 real estate professionals over one weekend. I was able to attend real estate classes, went around the entire expo showroom and even listened to Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton speak about the future of the housing market.” He added, “With it being my first time, it was a great opportunity to meet and open up to other professionals in my field. I definitely felt like a small fish in a huge ocean because of my short stint as an agent and a broker but I got comfortable fast, and I was able to learn a lot in just one weekend. This experience helped me rejuvenate confidence and motivation to be unique and to be the best real estate agent I can be. I hope to help the Guam Association of Realtors put together a successful expo like our national association on Guam.”
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From the Experts
The 6 P’s of Real Estate Marketing
By Kevin Wright
3. Perfection- As a real estate professional, you should strive for perfection in all aspects of the home buying and selling process. We all know that nothing is "perfect", but we should do our very best to make sure that the client receives quality and unparalleled service. This is a goal you should always strive for. Holding yourself to high standards and possessing integrity can make a big difference. 4. Preparation- Provide all your sellers with information on how to prepare their home, common seller mistakes, and the home selling process. By doing so you are being proactive while saving time on the many questions your client will ask in regard to the processes. This aspect of real estate marketing could also fall under communication and feedback. ne of my past clients asked me how he should handle his clients in a tough market. He gave me a little background information on what he was currently doing and I suggested to him the "6 P's" of Real Estate Marketing. I strongly suggest applying the 6 P's to all real estate agents in any economy and in any market. Marketing in a way that is different from your competitors is the main factor in obtaining sales. I can't tell you how many real estate agents came to me after they lost a sale to another salesperson that does exactly the same marketing as they do. If you keep doing the same marketing techniques over and over again you're going to get the same results. So what are the 6 P's of Real Estate Marketing?
O
1. Positive Attitude- Make sure the sellers know how enthused you are about selling their home. Enthusiasm is contagious and they will be more inclined to accept your recommendations if you exuberate a positive attitude. It is important to remember that almost every person is attracted to people who emanate confidence, optimism, and sincerity. This will play a major part in attracting new business relationships.
5. Pricing- Explain to the client where your listing price sits in comparison to other similar properties. You want to give all sellers a comparative market analysis so that they will have the facts as to why you came up with the figure you have. If you are not providing clients with one you need to do so. The Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) compares a property to other similar homes in the neighborhood that are currently on the market or sold in the last six months. This will allow you to determine the best listing price for their home.
6. Pre-Listing Package - A Pre-Listing Package is the most powerful impression you can make on a seller. This is a package of information letting the client know about you and your company. It also explains to them how you are best qualified for all their real estate needs. The Pre-Listing Package is a great tool used to get clients excited about you and your company before the first appointment. You will not only differentiate yourself, but you will obtain more listings, income and referrals. By personalizing your package to meet your seller's needs, you are exuding professionalism and showing them that you truly care.
2. Promotion- There are various ways to promote listings and Approach all of your real estate endeavors with the 6 P's of Real increase real estate sales. Most likely you will be marketing to people in your sphere of influence (SOI). Your sphere of influence includes, but is not limited to, current and past clients, organizations, other agents, brokers and network groups, the MLS, etc. Another effective promotional tool is using a Pre-Listing Package, which is discussed later in this article.
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Estate Marketing and watch your business grow exponentially. Good luck and much success!! About the Author Kevin Wright is a real estate marketer, business coach and mentor. He has assisted many real estate agents build a profitable business in a short period of time by using a proven system. This revolutionary system can be found at http://prelistpackage.com Article Source: http://www.articlecity.com/articles/marketing/article_4923.shtml
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From the Experts
5 Mortgage Tips for Home Buyers Bankrate.com offers some tips for your home buyers on securing a mortgage, getting the best rate, and more. Be prepared to document your finances. Buyers should be prepared for extra review by lenders when underwriting mortgages due to new mortgage regulations that took effect in January, particularly in proving borrowers’ ability to repay their loans. Borrowers should be prepared to show bank statements, tax returns, W-2s, investment accounts, and documentation of any other assets they own. Also, they should be prepared to explain any large deposits to their accounts—even a $500 check from a family member during the holidays. If they can’t prove where the money came from, it has the potential to delay closing. Lock in a rate soon. Mortgage rates are expected to rise in 2014 as the Federal Reserve winds down its $85 billion per month bond-buying stimulus program. A rate lock is usually good for 30, 45, or 60 days, although that time period can vary among lenders. Shop around. Buyers may have the upper hand in 2014. Lenders have lost a large amount of their refinance business this year as rising rates encourage fewer home owners to refinance. That means they are turning their attention to home buyers and may be more willing to compete for their business. Home buyers will want to shop around for more than just the best interest rate on the loan, looking at points and closing costs as well. Pay careful attention to credit. The best mortgage rates often go to borrowers with credit scores of 720 or higher, Bankrate reports. While those with a credit score of 680 can still likely qualify for a loan, they may end up paying higher rates or higher closing costs. Watch your spending. Make sure your buyers aren’t tempted to go outfit their new home with all new furniture—on credit—before closing on the home loan. Lenders will be care18 CasaGuam March 2014
fully scrutinizing their debt obligations, such as credit cards and student loans. Borrowers are advised to keep their monthly debt obligations, including mortgage and property taxes, to below 43 percent of their income. Source: realtormag.com
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H o w To D . I . Y.
Green Spring Cleaning 9 DIY Recipes for Natural Cleaners
By Marissa Borja
onventional cleaning products may be loaded with unsafe chemicals (no telling which ones as their formulas are protected as trade secrets), but fortunately they’re not the only spring cleaning option. Green cleaners made with common natural, non-toxic ingredients are safer and cheaper to use, and they clean just as well. Here are some recipes for green and healthier housekeeping in any season:
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1. ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of washing soda (sodium carbonate), 2 teaspoons of borax**, 1/2 teaspoon of plant-based liquid soap, and two cups of hot water in a spray bottle. Shake well. (**Note that although washing soda and borax are natural minerals, they’re also caustic, and borax is toxic if swallowed. Keep them out of reach of children! If you prefer not to use them, try swapping them out for other natural ingredients. Or just omit.) 2. DISINFECTING CLEANER. Mix 2 teaspoons **borax, 1/4 teaspoon liquid soap, 4 tablespoons white vinegar, and 3 cups hot water in a spray bottle. If you want to skip the borax, look up a recipe for a hydrogen peroxide-based DIY cleaner. 3. OVEN CLEANER. Combine 1 cup baking soda and 1/4 cup of **washing soda with enough water to make a paste. Apply to oven surfaces and let sit overnight. Wipe and rinse. If you’d prefer not to use washing soda, try making a paste with only baking soda. 4. TUB & TILE CLEANER Mix 1 2/3 cups baking soda, 1/2 cup liquid soap and 1/2 cup water. Mix thoroughly then add 2 tablespoons white vinegar. Apply immediately, scrub, and wipe. For a mildly abrasive scouring scrub, just blend baking soda and plant-based liquid soap to your preferred consistency. 5. TOILET BOWL CLEANER. Dump 1 cup of **borax and 1/4 cup of white vinegar into the bowl. Let sit overnight. In the morning, scrub and flush.
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6. FURNITURE POLISH. Apply a 1:1 blend of olive oil and white vinegar, and polish with a soft cloth. 7. GLASS & WINDOW CLEANER. Combine a 1:1 mixture of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. (To remove the waxy build-up left behind by conventional glass cleaners, add 1/2 teaspoon of liquid soap to 1 cup each of water and white vinegar.) 8. MOLD & MILDEW CLEANER. Mix two cups of water and two teaspoons of tea tree oil in a spray bottle, shake well, spray, and let stand for a few hours before wiping. Hydrogen peroxide will also work. 9. FLOOR CLEANER. Use 1/4 cup washing soda, 1 tablespoon of liquid soap, 6 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1/4 cup white vinegar, and two gallons of hot water on linoleum and no-wax floors. For wood floors, use 1 cup of vinegar in a bucket of hot water. Source: www.healthychild.org
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Curb Appeal
Flooring Ideas for Every Room of Your Home
By Arlene Taitague Taitingfong
If you are looking to breathe some life back into your home, you might want to try changing out your flooring. Some homes still use vinyl tiles, but with so many other materials available in the market today, it just seems to be is so passé to use vinyl tile. With many flooring materials to choose from, you will find something that will fit your budget.
DINING AREA
The first step is to take a look at each room of your home and decide what is best. Let’s take this one room at a time.
KITCHEN
ENTRYWAY This entryway or foyer is the first place you know you will have traffic flow. Kids, guests, and pets will come through that front door. When selecting flooring material, you might want to look at materials that can take the traffic and is easy to clean. Since most people wipe their feet on the welcome mat before they come in, almost any type of flooring will work, but ceramic tile is a good option as it is hard to scratch and get scuffed up. LIVING ROOM
Whether your dining area is a separated room or part of an open concept layout, make sure your flooring choice is easy to clean and hard to stain. It would be heartbreaking to have a red bottle of wine spill on your carpeted floor or white porous tiles. YIKES!
The kitchen is where your culinary wizardry comes to life. Not only is it a kitchen, it’s a classroom, a meeting arena, your chemistry lab area for arts and crafts, and your gardening prep room. Because this room is versatile, anticipate lots of traffic, social activity, and eating and holiday feats of culinary and decorating explosions! Once again, you will want a floor that can handle spills, drips, puddles of liquids, and occasional sprays of grease and flour that might go undetected until the next day. Invest in tiles that can take the heat, the cold, the wet and the dropping of pots and pans when it gets too hot in the kitchen. Look into floors that are easy to clean and don’t absorb colors from falling food or overlooked spills of butter, oil, wine or food coloring.
The flooring options for this room should match the style of the house. Terra cotta, hardwood or carpeting are all good choices. If your home is an open concept layout, having the same flooring in the living room through the dining area to the kitchen is a great idea. It will give the house flow and the look of “openness” will be maximized.
BATHROOM If you like having carpet in the bathroom – DON’T DO IT! It’s best to select something that has some porous attributes and does not get slippery when wet. One can always accentuate the bath22 CasaGuam March 2014
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Curb Appeal room floor with throw rugs made for the bathroom. You might ask, “Who does wall-to-wall carpeting in the bathroom?” I have experienced carpeted bathrooms and although it is not an unpleasant experience, it would be hygienically best to go with a tiled floor plan. Plus, it is fun, easy and light on the purse strings to change area rugs, than it is to pull out the old carpeting and replace it with another.
WHAT ARE YOUR FLOORING CHOICES? There are so many styles, textures and shapes your flooring can be. Hardwood flooring, a popular flooring material, is now available in treated form for our island weather. They come in a variety of woods such as pine, oak and even bamboo! Ceramic tiles are also popular, but make sure you get the quality type that can withstand weight and foot stomping. These tiles are easy to clean and resistant to stain, odor and scratches. Porcelain tiles are made from clay and minerals. It is dense and water resistant. Stone tiles are great for almost anywhere in the house. They are natural and are an ideal material if you are working to having a GO GREEN theme in your home. Stone tiles are easy to clean and are great for high traffic areas.
BEDROOM
Carpeting is great for bedrooms, living rooms, dens and entertainment/media rooms. There are so many colors and textures that listing them would take a separate article to cover. One can select plush carpeting to short pile carpeting. Don’t forget to take into consideration installation costs. You do want to make sure that your under layer is in place and your edges are nice and tidy. Invest in a good vacuum and be prepared to have stain remover at hand for accidents and spills.
This is the room where many people prefer to have carpeting. It makes a room cozy and is a great safety feature for toddlers and small children. This is the one room where you want to experience luxury under your feet. Waking up to a nice, soft carpet in the morning sure beats feeling a hard, cold floor. I love carpeting, but I don’t like the constant vacuuming. If you have a pet, you wil understand why you might think twice about having carpeting – anywhere.
LEFT: Multi Tumbled Cobblestone. RIGHT: Hexagon Shaped Tile.
Guam has many stores that have samples and swatches to look at. Remember to check on installation costs and if you decide to make this a D.I.Y. project, you will surely be able to keep some dollars in your pocket! Do some research and go with flooring that works well for you and your home.
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W h o Ya G o n n a C a l l ?
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Classifieds Commercial Rentals
renovated. All ceramic tiles, new cabinets, new split A/C, typhoon shutters & double paned windows. Call Deanna @ 688-2855.
Dededo
Residential Sales Barrigada
Sinajana 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
Nice 4bd/2ba home w/ fenced yard. Fully Fenced and pet friendly. All split a/c units and all tile. Fully typhoon shuttered and is equipt with a security system. Call Deanna @ 688-2855.
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 Paradise Estates. 4BD/3BA, Exc. Condition, Fenced. $2,450. Call 637-7165 689-3333/688-0887.
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. Harmon Ct. Townhouse. 3BD/2BA. Sec. 8 OK. $1,200/month. Call 637-7165 689-3333/688-0887
MongMong-Toto-Maite Economical studio unit. Completely
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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 2bd/1ba second floor unit. Some furniture included. Stove/oven, refrigerator, washer/dryer. All ceramic tile & renovated bathroom. $1,500/mo. Call Deanna @ 688-2855. San Vitores Terrace Condo-2bd/1ba, 3bd/2ba - walking distance to beach, rest/bars, church. Asking $950 $1800/mo. CSR- PB 649-6088
Tumon Blue Pacific Lattice Condo. 2bd/1ba. Backup generator, securted entry, pool, mailbox, room A/C units, stove/oven, refrigerator. Call Deanna @ 688-2855.
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.
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.
Ordot-Chalan Pago
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!
Tamuning 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 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
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.
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
Honesty. Intergrity. Commitment. As a homebuyer or seller, that’s what the REALTOR® Code of Ethics means to you. uying or selling a home is never an easy process. Although it’s an exciting experience, it can also be a very stressful one. You need someone you can trust. Someone who you can put your mind at ease because you know they’re going to do the right thing and act in your best interest. Someone who will protect your rights. When you enlist the services of a REALTOR®, you can be confident that you’re being dealt with honestly. Every member of the National and Guam Association of REALTORS® makes a commitment to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics, which is based on professionalism and protection of the public. The actual Code of Ethics itself contains 17 Articles and quite comprehensive. Here is a summary of the key principles, which is referred to as the REALTORS® Pledge of Performance and Service to Clients and Customers.
B
Duties to Clients and Customers Article 1 REALTORS® protect and promote their clients’ interests while treating all parties honestly. Article 2 REALTORS® refrain from exaggeration, mis-representation, or concealment of pertinent facts related to property or transactions. Article 3 REALTORS® cooperate with other real estate professionals to advance their clients’ best interests. Article 4 When buying or selling on their own account or for their families or firms, REALTORS® make their true position or interest known. Article 5 REALTORS® do not provide professional services where they have any present or contemplated interest in property without disclosing that interest to all affected parties. Article 6 REALTORS® disclose any fee or financial benefit they may receive from recommending related real estate products or services. Article 7 REALTORS® receive compensation from only one party, except where they make full disclosure and receive informed consent from their client. Article 8 REALTORS® keep entrusted funds of clients and customers in a separate escrow account. Article 9 REALTORS® make sure that contract details are spelled out in writing and that parties receive copies. 28 CasaGuam March 2014
What Does it Mean for Consumers? How does the Code of Ethics affect everyday real estate practices? If a REALTOR® represents you, whether you are buying or selling a home, you can count on that REALTOR® to: 1. Be honest with all parties in the transaction – not just with you, as his or her client, but also with the other real estate practitioner and his or her clients. For example, if REALTORS® represent a buyer with a spotty credit history, they can’t be dishonest with sellers about this fact. At the same time, REALTORS® can help their buyer clients collect and assemble information, such as credit reports and audited tax returns, to demonstrate that the buyer has addressed the problem and improved their situation. 2. Put your interests ahead of his or her own, at all times. A REALTOR® makes every effort to understand the housing needs of his or her client, thoroughly researches available inventory, and shares all relevant information with the buyer so that he or she can make an informed decision. This service is provided regardless of the compensation available. 3. Disclose all pertinent facts regarding the property and the transaction to both buyer and seller. If a REALTOR® believes information provided by a seller is questionable, the REALTOR® is obligated to investigate. REALTORS® should recommend that buyers consult their own experts, such as home inspectors, to address concerns. For example, if a home seller asks his or her REALTOR® to conceal the fact that the roof leaks, the REALTOR® cannot comply; if the seller insists, the REALTOR® should end the business relationship with that seller. 4. Be truthful in all communications with the public. When REALTORS® distribute newsletters, create Web sites, or place advertisements, they must be careful not to represent other real estate professionals’ work product as their own. If recently sold or listed properties in the community are publicized, it must be clear whether the REALTOR® was actually involved in the transaction, or whether that data came from the local multiple listing service or other source. This ensures that the public understands the REALTOR®’s experience and can make an informed decision when choosing real estate representation. -National Association of REALTORS®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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