CasaGuam Vol 7 Issue 6

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CONTENTS

Let ter from the Editor

Departments 4

Letter from the Editor

Market Snapshot Your Choice... WOW or GMOH!

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Feature Get Professional Help for Your Yard

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Real Estate Spotlight Retracement Surveys Provide Truer Boundary Lines

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Profile Nicole Sablan-Patricio Ready for Her Close-up

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From the Experts Your Garden - All it Takes is a Little Inspiration

June 2014 • Vol. 7 • No. 06 P.O. Box 24881 Barrigada, GU 96921 Tel: (671) 472-3495 | Fax: (671) 472-3498 email: office@yellowpagesink.com

|Publisher| |Business Sales Manager| Jay-R S. Dominguez

|Editor| Arlene Taitague Taitingfong

|Display Advertising| 19

Home Finance Pathways to Home Ownership

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How to D.I.Y. Making Your Own Fertilizer

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Curb Appeal Tips for Growing a Great Garden

Evelyn Trinidad

|Traffic/Circulation Manager| Carol Aperocho

|Production Manager| Mark S. Burke

|Graphics & Layout| Mark S. Burke Edwin E. Valencia

|Editorial Contributors| Anthony Godwin

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Who Ya Gonna Call?

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Classifieds

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Closing

Calvin Hernandez Arlene Taitague Taitingfong

Guam Association of REALTORS®

Kim Anderson Young

Arlene Taitague Taitingfong

Hafa Adai readers!

Our June magazine is a special issue! This edition marks CasaGuam Magazine’s 6-year anniversary! That’s six years of providing our readers with the latest in real estate information, from spotlighting the latest homes on the market, to simple “Do-It-Yourself ” projects. This magazine started as, and still remains, Guam’s only real estate magazine bringing buyers and sellers together! In the spirit of celebrating six years of “growth”, this issue focuses on LAWN & GARDEN related topics. Our Feature hones in on how to evaluate your yard and offers some valuable pointers from a few of Guam’s landscapers. Maria “Vangie” San Nicolas is our contributor this month for From the Experts with some inspirational insights to gardening, while Curb Appeal gives tips on “How to Start A Garden”. Find out what Nicole Sablan-Patricio has been up to since her TV debut on House Hunters International. Anthony Godwin shares the latest real estate trend information in our Market Report and Kim Anderson Young reviews property boundary lines in Real Estate Spotlight. I hope you enjoy this issue. Let me know what you would like to see in future issues. We will start to use more local examples of projects and pictures (if we can get it) for upcoming issues and need your help. Perhaps you may know someone who has a great backyard? Or have an energy efficient house, or uses recycling techniques for their home? Anyone adding a room? Let us know! You are invited to contact me at editor@yellowpagesink.com. Come on Guam! Show me what you got!

Cover Photo: Makoto Yamanoi CasaGuam is Published by:

Senseramente, Arlene Taitague Taitingfong

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

Your Choice… WOW or GMOH! hen you make the decision to sell or rent your home, there are quite a number of items you and your REALTOR@ will discuss before the sign goes up in the yard. One of the items on the “to do” list will be to create curb appeal. Curb appeal gets the buyer or tenant, as well as their agents, to slow down and take a second look at your property. Good curb appeal gives your property that “WOW” factor that gets the client to stop and say, “I like that one”! Bad curb appeal gives your property that GMOH factor that says “Get Me Outta Here”! Why create curb appeal that generates that WOW factor? You want as many clients as possible to notice your property. The condition of your lawn and garden creates that first impression. If you drive up to a pile of weeds, a busted car, and overgrown shrubs and trees, your response would most likely be “GMOH”! If you drive up to a manicured lawn with well placed shrubs and trees, “WOW” would be your reaction.

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A friend of all of us, Leo Babauta, wrote a book, The Power of Less, (available via www.thepowerofless.com or www.amazon.com). His words of wisdom apply to your lawn and garden design as well. A nicely mowed yard with just one tree at the front is enough to create curb appeal. It is also good to remember there are many properties competing for that one client. Organizing your yard will increase your opportunities to attract them. Your property will most likely experience a transaction faster, reducing the costs of having it “sit” on the market for an extended period of time. You might even get a better price! Here’s a test for you. Drive around a few neighborhoods. Make a list of the homes that catch your eye that have that WOW appeal and another list of the homes with the GMOH factor. Also, think about which list YOURS falls under. If your home is on the GMOH list, you have some work to do. You can do the work yourself or you can hire a professional landscaper, which there are several to choose from. Give me a call and I’ll be happy to share a few of my favorites. 4 CasaGuam June 2014


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Market Repor t

Market Snapshot

* Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sales and rentals not reported to the GUAM MLS are not included in these statistics. CasaGuam.com 5


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Feature

Get Professional Help for Your Yard

Summer is here and it is a great time to start evaluating the “look� of your yard. Begin by scoping out your lawn and noting its characteristics. Is the grass dry? Are there too many plants or too little? Does it even look like a yard or does it resemble an untamed jungle? No matter what size property you have, the best advice to get will come from a professional landscaper. They are knowledgeable in lawn and garden care and can help you with planning your design for your property. 8 CasaGuam June 2014


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Feature

Maria E.S. “Vangie” San Nicolas, a professional landscaper and owner of Garden Inspirations, shares her thoughts on how to begin the process, whether you plan to change your current landscaping or if you are starting bare. “The best place to begin is not the outside of the house, but the inside. If you have a new home, look out each window and decide what you want to see and what you don’t want to see.” She elaborated that if you want to see flowers, then plant flowers. If the view from your window shows the garbage containers, planting a bush to block the unsightly area is recommended. She added, “We spend about 75% of our time in our homes and when we look out of our windows, it’s like looking at a picture.” San Nicolas recounts how her interest in gardening started. It began 13 years ago as a hobby when her husband, Paul, brought her one dozen orchids for Mother’s Day. She planted them outside their newly purchased home, but didn’t stop there with her interest in gardening. “I just caught the bug,” she noted about her newfound pastime. What started out as a hobby then, transformed into a business in 2009. She continued, “The next step is to go outside and see what catches your attention. Identify whether it is a blessing or an eyesore.” After further conversation, I came to realize that you need to take inventory of what you have and evaluate its worth. Take a tree for example. Is it strategically placed to provide shade for your home? Blessing. If a tree with an expanding growth potential is planted too close to the house, its roots will grow and eventually start to break the concrete around your home. Eyesore. If the latter is the case, San Nicolas advises to remove the tree and replace it with another tree further away from your foundation or try another type of arbor like a palm tree. When evaluating your yard, she says, “It is best to write it down. It helps you stay focused on what you want.” If you have an existing home, she advices to first remove clutter in the yard. That means removing trash, old appliances and unwanted items out of the yard. Next, trim the trees and shrubs of overgrowth. Approach this task as if you are going to give it a haircut. Don’t forget to rake up the leaves and clear the bottom of the bushes and trees afterwards. Also, keep your yard clean of “green waste buildup,” especially if you have existing palm trees. This is one way that will help keep the Rhino Beetle at bay in your yard. She added, “The least expensive way to overhaul your yard is to clean it yourself.” Once all of the above has been completed, it makes it easier for a landscaper (and you) to see what the yard truly looks like. If you

have questions about what types of plants you can grow, San Nicolas suggests a drive around the island and identify the different types of plants you might like to have. Joe Naputi, Jr., owner of Joshua’s Plant Nursery, who has been in business for many years with his wife Diane and son Joshua, reported that the most popular plants for residential gardens are standard plants like Ixias, Hibiscus, Firebush and palms, just to name a few. These types of plants do not require much maintenance and require occasional watering and feeding. If you are looking for a little bit more on the exotic side, Guam is capable of growing a variety of hybrid plants i.e. Desert Roses and Purple Passion. These plants are very beautiful, but require more maintenance. He further explained that soil plays a factor as well. “Up north has more coral and limestone and the soil is normally more alkaline-based, whereas the south is more acidic, which the plants love.” If you live in an area where soil is more alkaline-based, he advises, “Amend the soil by clearing or removing rocks and put in good dirt. Finish with top soil to even out the area.” Naputi also specializes in growing “air layered” trees. Air layering is a process that produces a plant that bears fruit in a shorter time than from a seed plant. He also specializes in bonsai trees and has a large collection. If you want to see a variety of plants from flowers to shrubs to trees, all in one location, there is an organization called the Guam Nurseryman’s Association (GNA) that hosts plant shows. According to Gary Famisaran, president of the association, you can see what some of the plant nurseries have to offer at their shows. GNA has about 20 members and many of them come together two times a month. You can find them at either Cost-ULess Tamuning or in front of the old Ben Franklin store on Marine Drive, and sometimes at the various festivals on the island. Their shows coincide with Government of Guam’s paydays. Famisaran also shared that this outlet enables the public to view, admire and purchase plants, while getting advice on how to keep them thriving! If you are interested in joining the association, you can speak with them during their showings. One of Famisaran’s many planting skills includes raising medicinal plants. He says, “They are good to eat and good for you.” He added that some of the members also teach about identifying, planting and using medicinal plants. He added, “It is going to be a lost art if we don’t teach our young.” He noted that GNA is always looking for new members, and those interested in gaining knowledge of plants. Check out their website at www.facebook.com/guam.nurserymans for more information about them. CasaGuam.com 9


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On The Cover

Pia Marine: “Beyond Your Expectations!�

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ompletely renovated, creatively modern! Choose your theme; white, grey or mocha. Get yours unfurnished or furnished (including a huge flatscreen TV), with huge, bedroom sized, walk-in closets, custom made cabinetry, granite counter-tops, open kitchen with stainless steel appliances and so much more! Common area amenities include back up generator, renovated pool and tennis courts, barbecue area, fitness room, cafe, restaurant, CCTV, security guards and playground.

10 CasaGuam June 2014


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Real Estate Spotlight

Retracement Surveys Provide Truer Boundary Lines

By Kim Anderson Young

urveyors provide a vital tool in the real estate transaction, from simple boundary line relocations to the very complex ALTA (American Land Title Association) survey. An ATLA survey locates and charts the exact location of everything located on or under the surface of a property, including all buildings, easements, utilities, setback lines, and even topographical details such as cliff lines, trees and rocks!

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clearing a roadway when your neighbor decides to build an outdoor kitchen where you have been driving!

Title companies rely heavily on surveys in order to support their guarantee of property ownership. The map history is an integral part of each property search, providing a fascinating picture of the evolution of the property; and as technology advances, our surveyors are able to be even more accurate in detail in exact boundary locations. Last year my husband added an outdoor kitchen to the side of our house. Since we work in the real estate business and hear lots of horror stories involving boundary problems, our first call was to a surveyor who took the time to identify and mark the exact location of the property line along that side of the house. Knowing exactly where our property ended allowed us to use the maximum amount of space for our family area without unintentionally overlapping on to our neighbor’s property. It gave us the comfort of knowing that we would not need to move the addition in the future. More recently, for our office building renovation, we were not worried about boundary points, but knew that the lender would require an ALTA survey for our financing. Imagine our surprise when the professional survey disclosed that our property line was almost five feet wider than we had thought! That newly reclaimed property will be enough to accommodate additional parking, or, we might even locate an area for the basketball hoop that our staff has been longing to have. Additionally, not only does the survey show your boundaries, but it also locates the legal access to your property. Many people are surprised to discover that the driveway to their property is not a legal easement and that their legal access is actually through the boonies behind the banana trees. If you are purchasing property, it is important to know where your legal access is located. In the long run, it means you will not be faced with the expense of 12 CasaGuam June 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

“We’re Ready for Your Close Up Ms. Nicole...”

By Arlene Taitague Taitingfong

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Lights! Camera! Action! Just like that, the world was watching about real estate transactions on Guam on one of America’s most popular television shows on the HGTV channel – House Hunters International! Enter the set is Nicole Sablan-Patricio, our island’s hosting REALTOR@ for the episode. You may find that her face is familiar. She is no stranger to being in front of a camera having been in a few local commercials as well.

Currently, she is working on a few more House Hunters International episodes. The first show aired earlier this year and resulted in getting many leads that has kept her very busy. When asked how she got the opportunity to do the show, she replied, “The couple on the show had been in contact with HHI. Luckily, they were already my existing clients.” The exposure resulted in many emails and Facebook feedback from both on-island and off-island followers. “I received a lot of good and bad feedback, but I will use this to improve the next two shows,” she added as she expressed her appreciation of the responses. She advises that the first step to purchasing a home is to find out what amount you pre-qualify for? This will determine what your monthly payments will be. It may even determine if you want to work towards a higher or lower price point. In reference to

Nicole Sablan-Patricio REALTOR®, RE/MAX DIAMOND REALTY

finding a home she noted to exercise due diligence and find out as much as you can about the property and the neighborhood. Concerning CasaGuam Magazine, she commented, “CasaGuam Magazine is one of the best real estate resources available to the public. There are always great tips, properties, helpful information and insights into real estate”. Luck may have landed her the HHI gig, but it looks like her training and dedication is what is paving her way to success. She added, “Provide good service. It gives the ‘ripple effect’ and that leads to referrals.” We (and the world) will be seeing more of Sablan-Patricio in upcoming HHI shows that will air later this year. It will show more Guam homes that reflect different criteria and budget guidelines set by the client - so stay tuned!

CasaGuam Magazine is one of the best real estate res ources available to the public. There are always great tips, properties, helpful information and insights into real est ate.

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Sablan-Patricio became a REALTOR@ about three years ago. It began as a solution to getting a part-time job while she attended the University of Guam studying pre-nursing. The hours were flexible and fitted her needs at the time. The part time position soon became full time as her career evolved through RE/MAX training programs. She realized that the world of real estate was something she liked. Being an avid fan of HGTV also influenced her decision. She revealed, “I like EVERYTHING on HGTV!” Although she is a busy woman, she manages to make time for her husband, John, whom she married last year in October, and their three children - Joffre, Isabella and Kaeden, ages 15, 10 and 5, respectively.


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From the Experts

Your Garden - All it Takes is a Little Inspiration

By Maria E.S. San Nicolas

remember a time when the thought of gardening was a big “no-no” to me. The thought of being under the sun and working with soil, weeds, and everything nature, made me cringe. Then, things changed. I got inspired.

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What first seemed to be a task became an escape to think, to reflect, and even to dream. I started weeding on a lazy afternoon under the shade of a mango tree. This was my solitude. A time and place where I could be to have peace and quiet, that didn't require having to drive to get away or cost me a dime. That weeded area under the mango tree soon expanded into a couple of chairs, a small table and a makeshift burn pit. And boom! I had an outdoor space all to myself. That was 12 years ago. When people ask me, why or where to start a garden, the question always brings me back to when I unknowingly started mine. The answer I would give would be a combination of many reasons, but here are my favorites. • Get inspired while you can still bend, kneel, reach and lift. It is more exciting to be able to do these things when you want to smell the flowers, shape the shrubs, or tie up the orchids. • Develop long lasting friendships, meaning, you can go to any grocery store and pick up a tube of toothpaste, but, you'll keep going back to that same nurseryman or woman for good sound advice on plants - or even just for conversation and a good laugh. • Start a garden for these main reasons: 1. To either add value or curb appeal to your home or investment. 2. To call something your own that is a reflection of you. • If you are just starting a garden, get informed about plant placement, size, and even wind direction. For example, you wouldn't want to plant a bamboo cluster right next to a fence where wind would be blowing all those leaves to the neighbor's yard, or your new Koi fishpond. • Be realistic about how much time you want to invest, as well as how much money you would want to spend on your garden. Remember as your garden grows, so will the upkeep. 16 CasaGuam June 2014

• Before buying a pet, learn about what plants that are already in your garden that may be harmful to animals. This also applies with having small kids. I could go on and on but I hope this gets you going, or at least begin dreaming of starting a garden. All it takes is a little inspiration.


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Home Finance

Pathways to Home Ownership By Calvin Hernandez Many first-time homebuyers ask, “Am I ready to buy a home?” To help answer this question, Bank of Hawaii offers a free seminar, “Pathways to Home Ownership,” to help educate first-time home buyers about the process of purchasing a home. The topics that will be covered include: • A general overview of the home-buying process. • Definition of mortgage terms. • Explanation of the process and the functions of key people. • The importance of maintaining a good credit rating. Borrowers will learn about the free pre-qualification process, which it is not a loan commitment by the lender. However, it should be one of the initial steps taken to secure financing. Pre-qualification identifies the purchase price range, available loan programs and estimated monthly payment for which borrowers can qualify. In addition, the session will address the importance of providing accurate information about their income, assets and debts when pre-qualifying for a loan. We will also touch upon the importance of having a budget to track and document monthly cash flow. A budget can categorize and prioritize borrowers’ needs versus wants and may be used as a guide to help with the many tough decisions encountered during the homebuying process. It allows borrowers to recognize their current spending or saving habits, as these may affect the ability to qualify for a home purchase. Maintaining a good credit report is important and tips will be provided to protect borrowers’ credit scores. A good credit score can help borrowers secure loan approvals, provide more loan program options and qualify for better pricing. Finally, the seminar will cover the benefits of working with an experienced REALTOR®. REALTORS® can help clients find the appropriate home within the pre-qualified limits of their budget. They have access to market data and can help narrow down available homes for sale. This saves buyers time and energy from driving all around Guam, looking for “For Sale” signs and knocking on doors. On Guam, REALTORS® typically draft the purchase contract, which is a requirement for purchases. Home buyers can benefit by having professionals draft the formal written agreement between buyer and seller that documents the details and terms of the transaction. Smart Money seminars will be held at the Bank of Hawaii Hagatna Branch on the second floor at 134 West Soledad Avenue. A team of experienced mortgage loan officers will be on site to help answer questions after the seminar. For more information please call (671)479-3600. CasaGuam.com 19


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H o w To D . I . Y.

Making Your Own Fertilizer By Arlene Taitague Taitingfong ho says, “The grass is always greener on the other side”? Make the grass greener on YOUR side this summer! To achieve this goal, and with some TLC, you will need to get fertilizer to help you with this task. Usually, this would be the time where I would, in an instant, run to a home & garden store and BUY fertilizer. But wait! There is a more economical way. Try making your own fertilizer. It is easy and will save you some money.

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According to a contributor from eHow.com, it only takes a few household items to create your mix. You will need water cans, water, beer, Epsom salts and ammonia. The recipe below yields enough fertilizer for an area of about 400-600 square feet. Instructions: 1. Gather 2 c. water, 1 c. beer (the cheaper the better), 1 c. Epsom salts, and 1 c. ammonia. (NOTE: Be careful not to inhale any of the fumes when working with ammonia.) 2. Combine contents in a medium-sized container. 3. Pour mixture into watering can with a spray head. 4. Distribute fertilizer as if you were watering your lawn. 5. Pour leftover contents into a resealable container. 6. Wait two to three weeks. 7. Reapply if necessary. It may seem a bit strange to use beer and ammonia in the recipe – but alas, it is science at work on your lawn. The beer helps feed the roots and the Epson salts keep the ground aerated. The ammonia kills any fungus or bacteria in the dirt. Mixing the ingredients above will create a nice cocktail for your lawn to enjoy. Voila! It’s “happy hour” for your lawn! 20 CasaGuam June 2014


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Curb Appeal

Tips for Growing a Great Garden Let’s get ready to plant something different for the summer. This is the time to grab some soil, seeds and fertilizer and sow colorful perennials or vegetables around your home.

By Arlene Taitague Taitingfong

Dig the sand into the soil approximately 12 inches, ending with a 50-50 ratio of sand and original garden soil. Adding manure or fertilizer will also help amend the soil. Water the area when completed AND before you start to plant your seeds.

Planting is easy to do if done the correct way. One can enjoy watching their progress while making the yard look colorful and pretty. I tried planting a few times and was able to grow sunflowers, mini strawberries and a some flowering plants. Although I come from a family of farmers, I haven’t always been very successful in my planting endeavors. I didn’t inherit the family “green thumb”. Go figure. So that you don’t follow in my footsteps, I gathered a few tips on how to get a garden started, which I plan to try, and hope you do too. Starting Up Planting Make a plan of what plants you would like to have. Note their growing habits and watering schedule. Having a plan will also help you determine the amount of space you need. Designate an area where your plants will get at least 6 hours of sunlight. If this is your first time, try out a small area. Clear the plot and make sure you remove small rocks and old vegetation. You might need to rake, dig and pull weeds to prep your space. Make sure you have a nearby water source so that you don’t have to go back and forth to water your area.

If you were like me and your first experience with planting anything was in elementary school, you were probably taught the ol’ “poke-a-hole-in-the-ground-then-put-in-the-seed” method. That may work well for seeds, but if you are planting clippings, bulbs, or other plants like trees or shrubs, you will need to dig your hole twice as big as the size of your item to be planted.

Weeding Preparing the Soil Ideally, your soil should have water retention properties. If not, you will want to prepare your soil by mixing some sand with it. 22 CasaGuam June 2014

Expect to have weeds growing in your preciously planned garden. The trick to eliminating them before they spread is through continuous care. If you have a very large area that needs weeding,


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Curb Appeal breakdown the area into sections, in that way, it won’t be an overwhelming task to take on. The best time to tackle weeds is right after watering or after it has rained. Another trick to keep weeds away is to place about 2 to 3 inches of mulch around your plants. It will also help your plants contain moisture, especially during dry days.

According to an article entitled “Gardening Tools & Their Uses,” by Cas Schicke, an eHow.com contributor, the three basic hand tools you will need for small gardens are:

1. The trowel, which looks like a little shovel, works well for plant-ing bulbs. A single scoop of the trowel will make a hole to fit the bulb. Often the trowel will have inch markings along its blade to determine the depth of the hole. Watering Your Plants Watering your plants is the best thing you can do for them – but not everyday! Plants perform better if watered deeply and infrequently. Save money AND water, by creating a rainwater barrel to catch rain. This water can be used for irrigating your lawn and garden, and its free water!

2. The hand weeder, looking similar to a screwdriver, but with a forked tip, fits down along the deep tap root of weeds like dandelions making it easy to pry them out. 3. Don’t forget the pruning shears. They look like a heavy-duty scissors, will come in handy for hand trimming throughout your garden. They come in many different styles, but the most important feature is to find one that fits your hand comfortably. Now that you are equipped with some knowledge of gardening and gardening tools, go out and sow some seeds of your own and enjoy your summer garden.

Last, but not least - your tools If you are to embark on your gardening journey, it does help to have the proper tools for your gardening tasks. It will make gardening easier, faster and more enjoyable. You don’t need to go to the hardware store and purchase a whole set of tools to start your garden. The basics will do just fine for now. Gardening tools, like any other tools, are designed for a specific task and each has a purpose. CasaGuam.com 23


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W h o Ya G o n n a C a l l ?

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Classifieds Commercial Rentals

MongMong-Toto-Maite

Dededo

Economical studio unit. Completely renovated. All ceramic tiles, new cabinets, new split A/C, typhoon shutters & double paned windows. Call Deanna @ 688-2855.

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!

Sinajana

Residential Sales

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

Talofofo Two homes for sale! House 1: Full concrete, 2 bed, 1 bath House 2: Semi-concrete, 2 bed, 1 bath Asking $94K for both. Call owner at 727-4985

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.

Barrigada

Two 2BD hse. 1 Full Concrete & 1 semi concrete in one lot. $96K. Negotiable. Call 727-4985.

Large 4BR/2Ba 1800sqft. House Only 248,000 637-7165 / 688-0887 / 689-3333

Tamuning

Commercial space for rent. Approx 850 sq ft., video store or retail business. Asking $850/mo. Please call ANGIE @ 727-2228

Tamuning

Dededo

Residential Rentals

Dai Ichi Condo. 3BD/1BA, Pool, Sec 8 OK, by O/A. $1,250. Call 637-7165/688-0887

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

Ordot-Chalan Pago

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

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.

Dededo 3BD/1BA. Exclusive parking space, with porch, AC. Call 637-0222 ASAP.

San Vitores Terrace Condo-2bd/1ba, 3bd/2ba - walking distance to beach, rest/bars, church. Asking $950 $1800/mo. CSR- PB 649-6088

Harmon

Tumon

3BD/2.5BA Townhouse. Pool. Security. Tennis Court. $1,900/month. Call 637-7165/688-0887/689-7700

Blue Pacific Lattice Condo. 2bd/1ba. Backup generator, securted entry, pool, mailbox, room A/C units, stove/oven, refrigerator. Call Deanna @ 688-2855.

Large 4BD/2.5BA. Single home. Pool. Security. Tennis Court. $2,450/month. Call 637-7165/688-0887/689.7700.

Yigo

Harmon Ct. Townhouse. 3BD/2BA. Sec. 8 OK. $1,200/month. Call 637-7165 689-3333/688-0887

Single Home. Excellent Condition. 3BD/2BA. Large yard. Good location. $1,400/month or for sale $200K. Call 637-7165/688-0887/689-7700.

26 CasaGuam June 2014

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. 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

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 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 4BD/3BA 2 carport on a half acre corner lot. Fully fenced. Atis St. Ch La Chanch Yigo. $265,000. Call Joe. 488-4563.

Land for Sale

Ordot-Chalan Pago

Chalan Pago

Chalan Pago 2bed 1bath SFD for sale. 1169sq.m lot Asking $119K. Call Karen 988-1883

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 President

Message from the Executive Officer

Louisa M. Wessling 2014 President

Guam Association of REALTORS®

Peggy Araullo Llagas

Guam Association of REALTORS®

Hafa adai,

Essentials in Real Estate Career

Is 2014 the year that you are considering buying a home? If your answer is YES, I congratulate you on this decision and welcome you to your adventure in home ownership.

So you want to be a real estate agent...smart move; but ask yourself these simple questions:

Choose to work with a REALTOR® so that they can assist you along the path to having a complete and successful experience. The Guam Association of REALTORS® (GAR) has almost 400 members to choose from. They are trained real estate professionals who are knowledgeable about the market, the types of financing available, and the challenges in home buying. Your REALTOR® adheres to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Code of Ethics. Steps in the home buying process: 1. Pre-qualification - This step determines the maximum loan amount you can afford. The lender will request two to five months of current check stubs, last two years tax returns, and a list of current financial obligations. 2. Finding a lender - Start with a lender you currently have a relationship with. I recommend that you check out at least three lenders to compare the loan terms and conditions of the programs they offer, plus the closing costs associated with the transaction. 3. Determine how long you plan to own the home before selling. Identify what features you seek in a home that will best suit your lifestyle and needs for the next two to five years. Again, your REALTOR® is trained and equipped to assist you in every step of the way, to ensure that your home buying process and experience will be a good one. Contact a REALTOR® today! Best wishes for a successful home buying experience. Yours truly, Louisa Flores-Wessling, Associate Broker BHI Realty 2014 President Guam Association of REALTORS® 671-637-7431 office 671-637-7430 fax 671-727-8400 cellular louisa.wessling@gmail.com

GUAM ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® The Voice for Real Estate on Guam

Suite 236A Julale Center 424 West O'Brien Drive, Hagatna, Guam 96910 Office: (671) 477-4271 • Fax: (671) 477-4275 28 CasaGuam June 2014

1. Am I self motivated? As an independent contractor, your success is a direct result of your effort; therefore, you reap what you sow. 2. Am I a good financial planner? Planning for reserves is absolutely important especially that the real estate business is highly cyclical. 3. Do I listen more than I open my mouth? Listening skill is especially significant as your clients depend highly on your ability to find them exactly what they are looking for. Don’t be distracted; instead, really listen. 4. What is my purpose in joining this business? It is a fact that the real estate market goes through a cycle. Knowing this you need to determine whether you are going to be a “short-term agent” or a “long-term agent”. It is a matter of fact that positive attitude yields positive results. 5. Do I have an effective time management plan? This has got to be the single most important skill a REALTOR® has if he is successful. Prioritizing schedule and sticking to it. A Typical (and quiet) Day In The Life Of A Real Estate Agent • Check and send emails • Review and set appointments • Search in the MLS for new properties, price changes and property status changes • Tour new listings, preview properties for prospective clients • Contact prospective clients with market updates • Prepare buyer or seller presentations • Work on marketing strategies • Network with other agents, business owners, and industry partners • Follow up on potentials leads • Contact people in your database Recognizing the Challenges • Lack of Motivation: New agents need to be able to handle disappointments, learn and move forward to the next opportunity. • Lack of Information on Start Up Costs: There are fees associated of becoming a REALTOR®. Learn what these are to anticipate how much you will spend. • Lack of Support Necessary to Succeed: It is important to find a Broker who is willing and able to provide mentorship and give you valuable information necessary for your successful first year. -National Association of REALTOR®-


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