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CONTENTS
Let ter from the Editor
Departments 4
Letter from the Editor
Market Snapshot Does Green Equate Value?
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Feature Transform Your Home Into an Energy Efficient Abode
July 2014 • Vol. 7 • No. 07
12
Real Estate Spotlight The Pros and Cons of Assuming a Mortgage
P.O. Box 24881 Barrigada, GU 96921 Tel: (671) 472-3495 | Fax: (671) 472-3498 email: office@yellowpagesink.com
|Publisher| 14
Profile Melanie Williams
|Business Sales Manager| Jay-R S. Dominguez
Carving Her Niche with Her
|Editor| Come Back to Real Estate
Arlene Taitague Taitingfong
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From the Experts Recycling Helps Guam Be Cleaner and Greener!
|Display Advertising| Evelyn Trinidad
|Traffic/Circulation Manager| 20
How to D.I.Y. Go Natural and Make Your Own Cleaning Solutions
Carol Aperocho
|Production Manager| Mark S. Burke
|Graphics & Layout| 22
Curb Appeal Small Changes Will Bring Greater Savings
Mark S. Burke Edwin E. Valencia
|Editorial Contributors| Peggy Denney
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Who Ya Gonna Call?
26
Classifieds
28
Closing
Siska Hutapea Arlene Taitague Taitingfong
Guam Association of REALTORS®
Kim Anderson Young Cover Photo: Mark S. Burke
Arlene Taitague Taitingfong
Hafa Adai readers! Welcome to our magazine! Our theme for this month is about energy efficiency and “Going Green”. It may be hard for some of us to transition to this lifestyle, especially when it comes to our homes. Let’s focus on what we can do to contribute to a greener island and save energy where we can. Helping us along the way is Peggy Denney, this month’s contributor for From The Experts, who will educate us on recycling and how we can better dispose of our trash. Curb Appeal gives tips on how to make our homes more energy efficient with three changes we can do ourselves. Siska Hutapea covers The Market Report and shares the value of energy efficiency. Read about the pros and cons of assuming a mortgage by Kim Young in Real Estate Spotlight. There are also recipes for creating your own natural cleaning solutions in our D.I.Y. section, using everyday items you find in your kitchen. Melanie Williams is this month’s Profile. Read about her comeback into the world of real estate! We would love to hear about your comments about the magazine, as well as your suggestions! Upcoming issues of CasaGuam Magazine will be focusing on home buying, remodeling and pest control. Email your experiences and stories to editor@yellowpagesink.com. We are sure that others can learn from your experiences! Senseramente,
CasaGuam is Published by:
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
Does Green Equate Value? eadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a set of rating systems for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of green buildings, homes and neighborhoods. It is intended to help building owners and operators be environmentally responsible and use resources efficiently. Buildings can qualify for four levels of certification: Certified, Silver, Gold or Platinum.
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According to the U.S. Green Building Council, there are three certified non-military LEED commercial buildings on Guam: the Coast360 Headquarters in Maite (Gold), the Guam Community College (GCC) Learning Resource Center (Gold), and the GCC Foundation Building (Silver). Several other buildings are in the certification process, including the Personal Finance Center building and other GCC buildings. Appraisal Institute with Institute for Market Transformation issued a guide for building owners and developers in Green Building and Property Value in 2013. A copy of this publication is available on the Cornerstone Valuation Guam, Inc. website. The guide specifies the following four components of value and how green fits in. • Revenue: Do the market tenants pay premium for being in green building? • Occupancy: Do the green features increase tenant retention and in turn lower vacancy and collection loss, saving in addi tional tenant built-out cost? • Operating Expenses: Do the green features allow reduced utility costs and savings in maintenance costs?
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• Risk: Do the green features mitigate risk of investment and hence lower capitalization rates and increase value? The most significant impact of green features in Guam is the result in lower operating expenses, particularly power bill reduction. Hotel owners understand that savings in energy cost, directly impacts the bottom line and increases net operating income (NOI). For example, replacing older chillers with energy efficient ones, add significant savings in power costs. The owner is not only saving money and increasing value of their property, but is also acting responsibly to our environment. Other changes that are being made by larger commercial properties include installing LED lights, applying window tint, and installing insulation. It pays to be green in Guam. On the residential side, Energy Star’s website reported that Guam has 318 Energy Star certified homes. One can do a variety of things to have their home more energy efficient, like upgrading to Energy Star appliances or applying roof coating. My husband applied silicone roof paint on our home. It was not a inexpensive investment, but it paid off in lower power bills thereafter. Using energy efficient air-conditioning units is also recommended. I prefer the split air-conditioning units because it can be turned off when no one is in the room. We are still exploring using solar power, considering our generous supply of sunshine on Guam. Make sure you provide a list of your energy efficient/green features to your appraisers. Some items may not be recognized by the Guam market yet, but anything that saves energy costs is not only a marketing feature but may add value to your property.
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Market Repor t
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Feature
Transform Your Home Into an Energy Efficient Abode By Arlene Taitague Taitingfong
Transforming your home into a complete energy efficient dwelling can be difficult and confusing. Below is a list of projects that can make it easier to approach this dilemma. The list facilitates your endeavors in prioritizing and in planning. Costs for each project varies. It is advised to do your research and shop around for the best fit for you, your home, and your budget. Initial costs can be high, but you will see a Return On Investment (ROI) within a few years. With the Federal Government offering tax credits on some of them, there are positive incentives to getting our island to make the changes.
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Feature
Install Solar Panels or Photovoltaic Systems (Solar Shingles) Be prepared to spend a large sum of money up front for solar panels or photovoltaic systems. The federal government offers green energy tax credits. The program allows you to take a credit of 30% of the cost of both the purchase and installation, with no upper limit. Solar photovoltaic systems must provide electricity for your home and meet local electrical and fire codes in order to qualify for the credit. This credit is good through 2016. After installation, you will be saving money every month on your power expenses and that is where you will start to see the savings on your ROI. It is best to do your homework on this one, as some companies offer free surveys or consultations, turnkey packages, and creative financing. Paint Roof With Solar Reflective Paint Solar reflective paint is your roof ’s first line of defense against the heat. Solar reflecting coatings provide two main benefits: 1) protection of roof membranes, for longer roof life cycles; and 2) reflectivity of solar radiation (amount of solar energy that is reflected away from a surface), for lowering of air conditioning costs. Remember, read the labels to make sure you have the correct paint for this project. Don’t laugh. If you ask for reflective paint, you might end up with the stuff they draw lines on the road with - and no, this didn’t happen to me. Purchase Air Conditioning Systems with High SEER Rating Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is used to set standards for air conditioner efficiency. Purchasing an energy-efficient air conditioning system can get you up to a $300 credit based off its cost. All new residential air conditioning systems in the U.S. are required to have a SEER rating of at least 13. Remember, the higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient it is. For example, a system with a SEER of 9 will cost twice as much to run as one with a SEER of 18. Install a Rainwater Harvesting System Rain collector systems are simple mechanical systems that connect to a gutter system, or other rooftop water collection network, and store rainwater in a barrel or cistern for later
non-potable use (like watering plants, flushing toilets, and irrigation). It also comes in handy if a storm should occur. They are inexpensive, provided you purchase and assemble the rain collection equipment yourself. If you pay a contractor to install the rain collection system, it could cost you several hundred dollars and up. Initial cost: Variable depending on type and installation – typically $50 and up. There are also D.I.Y. projects on the internet that give step-by-step instructions to making your own. Invest in Double Pane Windows Your current windows may not provide good insulation and the energy you collected may escape if you have a single pane or inadequately sealed windows. Double pane windows will pull a lot of green from your wallet, as it is considered a major construction project. Estimated costs per window are around $600, but when you consider that replacing all of your home’s windows with double paned glass can save you money in the long run, you will see how these windows can be a solid investment. Another solution is buying a home window insulator kit that essentially seals windows with a plastic film over them (e.g. 3M Indoor 5-Window Insulator Kit). This solution costs significantly less than double pane windows. Buy Energy Star Appliances A new Energy Star appliance uses a great deal less power and water compared to much older models. For example, purchasing an Energy Star refrigerator will generally conserve 15% more energy than the typical non-Energy Star rated fridge on the market. In addition, an Energy Star clothes washer can generally wash clothes more effectively than older models, resulting in lower fabric wear, better stain removal, and briefer drying times all while saving up to 50% more energy than typical top-loading models and reducing your utility bills. Realize that saving the environment call also help you save money. Going the energy-efficient route reduces energy bills and your taxes. Go green and keep green in your wallet. RESOURCES: www.energystar.gov; www.ehow.com; www.science.nasa.gov
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On The Cover
Regency Tower: Tumon Treasure!
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ocation! Location! Location! The Regency Tower Condo is walking distance to Pleasure Island and most of the attractions that Tumon has to offer. This newly renovated unit boasts a stunning oceanview, a new kitchen and bathrooms, new central A/C, storage closets, and typhoon shutters. Common area amenities include secured entry and back up generator. Asking price is $680, 000. MLS# 14-477.
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Real Estate Spotlight
The Pros and Cons of Assuming a Mortgage
By Kim Anderson Young
t is not uncommon for parties to take over payments when purchasing real estate, even though most mortgages contain what is called a “due on sale” clause. The clause states that a mortgage cannot be assumed by a new buyer. Contracts of Sale, Seller Financing and Wrap Around Mortgages are all examples of creative financing in which the existing loan is assumed without the knowledge of the lender. While not in compliance with the terms of the loan, assumptions are not rare. In most cases, the lender does not have any idea that the loan has been assumed, and as long as the payments are made, no red flag is raised.
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Before it starts to appear that I am advocating assuming another person’s mortgage (which I don’t!), let me say that there are a number of good reasons that mortgages prohibit assumption. A few noteworthy reasons are: • Lender cannot confirm that the new buyer qualifies to repay the loan. • Lender loses the opportunity to adjust interest rates to current market levels. While assuming a seller’s mortgage may seem like a simple and straightforward way to quickly close the sale of a property, the ramifications can be disastrous to both the buyer and the seller. • If the buyer fails to make the mortgage payments in a timely manner, or if the loan goes into foreclosure, the seller’s credit score is affected since they are still responsible for the loan. • If the seller wishes to purchase another property, the existing loan will still show as a debt for which they are responsible. • If the bank discovers that a loan has been assumed, they can immediately call the note due and payable, and the buyer will need to quickly seek alternative financing. Some mortgages allow for it to be assumed, but only with the lender’s consent.In order for the lender to consent, the lender will process the buyer as if they were applying for a new loan (to determine if they qualify to repay). If the lender approves the assumption, then an “Assumption of Mortgage” document is signed by the new borrower and is recorded as required under the mortgage. At this point, the debt is removed from the original borrower’s credit, and our buyers and sellers are in compliance with the terms of the loan. 12 CasaGuam July 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
Carving Her Niche with Her Come Back to Real Estate
By Arlene Taitague Taitingfong
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Do you know anyone who is able to take a piece of unsellable real estate and turn it around? Melanie Williams can! She seems to be gaining a reputation for selling properties that are deemed hard to sell, and people are beginning to take notice of this talent; which is one of many. Williams was exposed to sales and marketing opportunities in high school and college. She also enjoyed helping people. This influenced her decision to go into real estate. She started in 2005 as a Realtor® with World Realty. Not long afterwards, she began working for their sister company, a successful law office, later becoming the General Manager. Her activity as a Realtor® became less focused. In addition to her responsibilities, Williams raised a family while getting a degree in Business Management from the University of Maryland. “Education is very important,” she said. “I believe you always have to finish what you start.” Life happens, and Williams recently became part of the singles circuit and is raising her seven children, ages ranging from three to 22 years. She said with a smile, “I may be alone, but I’m not lonely”; “Even if there were things I couldn’t control, I still survived.” She followed up with this advice, “You have to get back up and move forward. God has a plan for everybody.” Her newfound status has given her the fuel to ignite her comeback as a Realtor®. “Real estate is definitely my passion,” she stated.
real estate community. She chuckled and shared that a fellow Realtor® commented that her catch phase should be “Can’t Sell? Call Mel!”
She is currently a Realtor® with Century 21 Commonwealth Realty and expressed, “ I really want to stay with this company because the people there are just like family. They are very supportive. It’s hard to find a job like that.”
When asked about how she viewed CasaGuam Magazine, she commented, “CasaGuam Magazine is very helpful. It provides expert opinions and provides a lot of useful information. It’s not just about homes.”
It is here at Commonwealth Realty that her reputation began to take off. Her fellow Realtors® shared listings that had been sitting on the market for some time and she was able to sell them. A few property managers have even requested her assistance with some of their listings. Her ability is creating a niche for herself in the
In her spare time, she enjoys barbeques and dinners with her family. She also enjoys relaxing when she can. Williams seems to be on track with her come back; she just completed a Brokers License class and will be taking her exams soon. Her goal is to one day have her own real estate company.
CasaGuam Magazine is very helpful. It provides expert opinions and provides a lot of useful information. It’s not just about homes.
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Melanie Williams REALTOR®, CENTURY 21 COMMONWEALTH REALTY
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From the Experts
Recycling Helps Guam Be Cleaner and Greener! t is important to incorporate recycling into your home and your lifestyle. All it takes is a little planning and an understanding of the necessity of recycling.
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Following the closure of the Ordot Dump, the Leyon Landfill was officially opened in September 2011 and was expected to service the island of Guam for at least 40 years. Within the last six months, it has been reported that the first two cells of the landfill will reach their full capacity by 2020. It will also require $5.5 million to close the first and second cells and an additional $16 million to open a third cell! It is incumbent upon each and every one of us to recycle in our homes and offices in order to effectively reduce the amount of trash going to the landfill. That effort could dramatically extend the lifespan of the landfill and delay the costs associated with closing cells and opening a new one. If your home is in an area that has curbside recycling, all that is needed is a bin or some type of container within the kitchen or utility room. The containers need to be able to hold your recyclables – aluminum cans, plastics 1 and 2, steel or bimetal containers, paper and cardboard – until you transfer them to the recycling bin. The bins are scheduled to be picked up twice a month. If you don’t have access to curbside recycling, more planning and effort are required, but it certainly is doable. You’ll want to have a set of small recycling bins for aluminum cans, bimetals, plastics 1 and 2, and paper and cardboard. As administrator of the i*recycle program, I encourage you to take your aluminum cans to a participating school. The schools have earned more than $195,000 through this program, and you can help it continue to grow by contributing cans to the school of your choice. Identify plastics 1 and 2 by looking at the bottom of the container for the “chasing arrows” recycling logo. If it contains the number 1 or 2, it is recyclable on Guam. I would also encourage you to limit your use of non-recyclable plastics such as Styrofoam. Plastics can be taken to Pyramid Recycling in Harmon. They do not pay for plastics, but they also do not charge for their disposal. Bimetal containers are basically some alloy of steel or tin, and these can be recycled as scrap metal. They can also be taken to Pyramid Recycling. 16 CasaGuam July 2014
By Peggy Denney
Guahan Waste Control, a.k.a. Mr. Rubbishman, accepts all types of paper, cereal box type cardboard, and corrugated cardboard. All paper and cardboard delivered to their facility are accepted at no charge. One final item that can be recycled to some extent but is not included in the curbside recycling is glass bottles and jars. They can be taken to the Dededo Waste Transfer Facility and disposed of in a roll-off designated for glass at no charge. If you have any questions about recycling, don’t hesitate to call me at 483-9415. I’m always more than happy to help in every way I can. Let’s all strive to make a cleaner, greener Guam!
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Going Green...Saving Money and Adding Value to Your Home! By Joylyn Munoz “Going Green.” This seems to be the trend that many homeowners are veering towards. It’s an ecological change in your lifestyle that can save you money and may even add value to your home. Most recently I’ve experienced home owners talk of energy efficient, eco friendly products and cost saving strategies, but the common topics I often hear of are CFL’s, also know as compact fluorescent light bulbs, high SEER air conditioning units, and solar panels. Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFL’s). Choosing CFL’s is definitely the way to go. According to the Energy Star Website, if every home in American replaced just one light bulb with an Energy Star qualified CFL; we would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes for a year and more than $600 million in annual energy costs. CFL’s typically cost more than the standard light bulbs but they use approximately 75% less energy and can last 10 times longer. In the long run, you will save energy and money. High SEER air conditioning units. SEER, which stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is the efficiency rating given to air conditioning units. The higher the SEER rating the more energy efficient it is. This means lower utility bills and less impact on the environment. These days you can get an air conditioning unit with a SEER rating as high as 24. Solar Panels. We have probably heard on the news or through a friend of some one installing solar panels. First of all, what are solar panels and how do they work? They are panels designed to absorb the sun’s rays as a source of energy for generating electricity or heating. Solar panels use photovoltaic technology to convert ultraviolet light directly into electricity. More homeowners are turning towards solar panels and utilizing Mother Nature’s gift of sunshine especially as nonrenewable energy sources become depleted. Solar Power is much more eco friendly since solar power does not produce emissions of greenhouse gases. Most consumers don’t use solar panels due to high costs, but the longterm benefits will certainly pay off. The cost depends on the number of panels and the scope of the job. Homeowners will recognize the benefits of solar panels after utilizing it for several years. More buyers and sellers are looking for ways to save money and protect the environment. In addition to the products mentioned, more buyers are asking questions about eco friendly products and strategies that will save them money. More sellers are adding value to their homes by installing energy efficient eco-friendly appliances. Here are a few other strategies that can help you “Go Green”: 1. Unplug anything in an electrical outlet. Anything plugged into electrical outlets can draw energy even when not in use. 2. Clean your air conditioning filters at least once a month. A dirty filter will slow down airflow and make your system work harder, which can lead to expensive maintenance costs and possible break down. 3. Hang your clothes instead of using a dryer. The advantages of “Going Green” have been proven to be beneficial to those willing to make that change. It may seem costly at first and it may even take some getting used to but the long-term benefits make “Going Green” worth it. Products and appliances in a home that reduce energy waste and cut down on utility payments can definitely add value to any home whether you are in the market to buy or to sell. Lets do it…Lets “Go Green.”
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H o w To D . I . Y.
Go Natural and Make Your Own Cleaning Solutions
By Arlene Taitague Taitingfong
here I was, standing in the aisle at one of my usual shopping haunts, motionless, like a deer staring directly into headlights. I was looking at the shelves of cleaning solutions. There were so many to choose from. It was hard to decide. I quickly narrowed my choices to “go green” or “natural” cleansers. This helped reduce my choices, but the decision was still difficult to make, and seeing that the prices were slightly more than the other products didn’t help either. My effort to “go green” in this arena was found to be just as challenging and just as expensive as trying to eat healthy on our island. It is no wonder why we are a little slow in getting on the boat – the boat ride costs too much!
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I figured going back to truly natural materials in cleaning would be the best solution, both in going green and in saving some money in the process. In my search for another solution, I found out that with a few basic items, you could save money while keeping your home free of toxins found in many store-bought cleaning products. White vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda are about to become your new best friend! Vinegar is a natural cleaning product, as well as a disinfectant. Baking soda works great as a natural non-abrasive agent with deodorizing properties, while lemon juice breaks down soap scum and hard water deposits, and smells good too. All-Purpose Cleaning Spray This recipe is good for countertops, sinks, and toilets and for spot cleaning floors. Mix a 1:1 ratio of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray and scrub the area. For tough soap scum or mineral deposits, warm the solution first, spray, and let sit before scrubbing. This all-purpose spray can be used on most surfaces, with the notable exceptions being marble or granite, which should be cleaned using specialty products or scrubbed with hot water and a mild dish soap, if needed. Bathtub / Sink Scrub In a bowl, make a paste with baking soda, a squirt of your dish soap*, and a squeeze of lemon. The consistency should be like that of frosting. Dip cloth or sponge into paste and scrub. For really stubborn grime, allow to sit 10-15 minutes before rinsing. Mirror & Glass Cleaner Take 2 tsp vinegar and 1-quart water. Mix in a spray bottle. Spray 20 CasaGuam July 2014
on mirror or glass, and wipe clean with old newspaper. The ink doesn’t smear, and it leaves no lint! Floor Cleaner Take 1/4 Cup dish soap*, 1/2 Cup white vinegar or lemon juice and two gallons of warm water. Combine in sink or large bucket, and use with mop. You can use this on any floor, unless the manufacturer has specified to avoid all detergents. If you’re concerned about the smell of vinegar, you can always add a few drops of essential oil to your mix, but know that the odor of vinegar disappears as it evaporates. These basic recipes should take care of 95% of your basic housecleaning needs. They will also save you money and most importantly, they are safe and non-toxic, so you and your family can rest easy. *About dish soap: when you purchase dish soap at the store, look for words like biodegradable, septic-safe, and non-toxic. Don’t buy anything that contains petroleum distillates or phosphates. Some good brands are Seventh Generation and Earth Friendly Products and Dawn (blue).Resources: Katie’s blog from Simple Homemade; www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/articles/homemade-natural-cleaning-products; http://housekeeping.about.com
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Curb Appeal
Small Changes Will Bring Greater Savings
By Arlene Taitague Taitingfong
If you haven’t jumped on the “Go Green” bandwagon, its time to get on! It is best to begin with small changes in your home. Even a minimal degree of energy efficiency will add to your home’s curb appeal. Get your feet wet with these three tasks you can do as small D.I.Y. projects. Change Out the Water Heater. According to a report by www.energy.gov, an average household uses about 64 gallons per day and is the second largest expense in our homes. It accounts for 14% - 18% of our utility bill. Its Energy Factor (EF) determines a water heater’s efficiency. Elements that compose this factor are Recovery Efficiency (how efficiently the heat from the fuel is transferred to the water), Standby Losses (the percentage of the heat loss per hour from the stored water compared to the water’s heat), and Cycling Losses (the loss of heat as water circulates through a tank of pipes). There are several types of energy efficient water heaters, but Guam is probably best suited for either the tankless water heater (heats water directly without a use of a water tank) or the solar water heater (uses the sun’s heat to provide hot water). When looking for the right tank for your home, take into consideration the following criteria as cited on the www.energy.gov website:
• Fuel type, availability and cost. The fuel type or energy source you use for water heating will not only affect the water heater's annual operation costs but also its size and energy efficiency. • Size. To provide your household with enough hot water and to maximize efficiency, you need a properly sized water heater. • Energy efficiency. To maximize your energy and cost savings, you want to know how energy efficient a water heater is before you purchase it. • Costs. Before you purchase a water heater, estimate its annual operating costs and compare those costs with other less or more energy-efficient models.
Lighting the Way. Let the energy of the sun power your walkway in the evenings. Installing solar powered lights along your path to your front door and in your yard are tasks one can do with little to zero installation costs. The lighting devices have little solar panels that harness the energy. Many of the fixtures automatically light up when the sun starts to set. Look for solar outdoor lighting fixtures that are designed to last and that can handle being outdoors in the elements. You will also want to make sure the stakes are long 22 CasaGuam July 2014
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enough to securely place in the ground. There are many models to choose from and it is advisable to do some research and window shop before you make your purchase. Change Out Your Light Bulbs. Traditional incandescent lights are not energy efficient. You can replace these bulbs with energy-efficient choices: compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs); and LED (light emitting diodes). Each will save you money, although some will save you more than others.
Compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs have become popular alternatives to incandescent bulbs due to lower power consumption. Incandescent lights last an average of around 1,000 hours. CFLs can last 8,000 hours. CFLs also contain toxic mercury that makes them potentially hazardous and hard to dispose of. LEDs offer the advantages of CFLs without the downside of toxic mercury. According to a study by Design Recycle Inc., a 60-watt incandescent light bulb draws more than $300 worth of electricity per year and provides about 800 lumens of light; an equivalent compact fluorescent uses less than 15 watts and costs only about $75 of electricity per year. LED bulbs are even better, drawing less than 8 watts of power, costing about $30 per year, and lasting 50,000 hours or longer. There are 8,760 hours in a year, and if you do the math, you will be able to select which lighting solution works best for your home. I currently use LED bulbs and I haven’t changed one out for nearly two years and counting. Based on the above factors, it looks like I won’t have to change any bulbs for some time to come. Resources: www.go-green-solar-energy.com; www.ehow.com; www.energysavers.com; www.howstuffworks.com; www.designrecycleinc.com 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
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
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
Ordot-Chalan Pago 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
Talofofo Ipan home less than one mile away from the beach and golf courses. 2 story, 4BD/3BA plus studio. Call 707-6923/4 for more information.
Tamuning
Harmon 3BD/2.5BA Townhouse. Pool. Security. Tennis Court. $1,900/month. Call 637-7165/688-0887/689-7700
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
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.
Las Palmas Ph3. 3rd Floor. Large 3BD/2.5BA/2Den. Pool. Excellent Condition. $255,000. Call 637-7165 689-3333/688-0887
Dededo 3BD/1BA. Exclusive parking space, with porch, AC. Call 637-0222 ASAP.
Dededo
Sunrise D Condo. Large 2BD/2BA. Pool. Very nice. 1,000 SqFt. $1,000/month. Call 637-7165/688-0887/689-7700.
Barrigada 2b/1b, near Subway with water $830/mo. Please call 637-7165 / 688-0887 / 689-3333
Large 4BR/2Ba 1800sqft. House Only 248,000 637-7165 / 688-0887 / 689-3333
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 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.
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
Ordot-Chalan Pago Chalan Pago 2bed 1bath SFD for sale. 1169sq.m lot Asking $119K. Call Karen 988-1883
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 Two 2BD hse. 1 Full Concrete & 1 semi concrete in one lot. $96K. Negotiable. Call 727-4985.
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 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 Tamuning Tun Ramon St. Perezville. 671 sqm. Approx. 56’ wide frontage. Prime residential lot. Asking $320K. Make an offer now before it’s sold. Pls call 929-1616 or email sedl@teleguam.net
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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, 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. 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 July 2014
You Said What? An Antitrust Compliance Concerned your salespeople may not fully understand antitrust laws? One of the bedrock principles of antitrust compliance is that neither associations nor their members collectively set the price of services provided by real estate professionals. That is a decision that is made independently by each firm. The firm’s sales associates must take care to present pricing policies to prospective clients in a manner that is consistent with the fact that the fees or prices are independently established. This means they should never respond to a question about fees by suggesting that all competitors in the market follow the same pricing practices or to a policy of the local board or association of REALTORS® that supposedly prohibits or discourages price competition. Never say things that could be understood to suggest a conspiracy or falsely disparage a competitor: • This is the rate every firm charges. • I’d like to lower the commission, but no one else in the MLS will show your house unless the commission is X%. • I have to charge you this rate because this is the rate the Board of REALTORS® set for all real estate agents. • Before you decide to list with XYZ Realty you should know that because they are “discount” brokers, members of the association won’t show their listings. Focus on the positive aspects of doing business with you and the services which distinguish your firm: • I have a marketing program that gets results. Let me explain my sixty day marketing plan and all it includes. • Our company has been in business for Y years and has serviced thousands of clients with the highest professionalism. We choose to charge X% and our clients have chosen to pay X% because of the service provided. • Yes, our company charges a commission of A% and company 2 charges a commission of B%, but at the same time you are compar ing commission rates, Mr. Seller, be sure to compare services, in order to get an apples-to-apples analysis. • I appreciate your comments, my interest is in helping you meet your goals by getting you the best price, in the quickest amount of time, with the least amount of problems. Let me show you how I do it. • I am proud of my company’s reputation for professionalism and get ting things done. Let me show you some of our sales (or whatever) statistics that prove we do what we say. The path to managing this risk is really consistent with the philosophy of the REALTOR® organization. By focusing on the positive and presenting it honestly, the potential risks posed by the antitrust laws will be minimized and you will not only have avoided that legal and ethical liability, but you will probably elevate yourself and your firm in the eyes of the most important audience, the people who are going to be selecting you to represent them in the sale or purchase of their home. -National Association of REALTOR®-
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