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CONTENTS
Let ter from the Editor
Departments 4
Letter from the Editor
Market Snapshot Renovate! Out with the Old, In with the New!
8
10
Feature How to Find a Good Home Contractor
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Real Estate Spotlight Clouds on Title a.k.a. Title Defects
14
Profile Dennis Couzijn The Journey from Retail to Real Estate
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From the Experts Remodeling Plans May Violate Your Setback Requirements
September 2014 • Vol. 7 • No. 09 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| Evelyn Trinidad
19
Home Finance ABC’s of Credit
20
How to D.I.Y. Inexpensive Projects that Increase Curb Appeal
22
Curb Appeal Pick the Perfect Color for Your House
25
Who Ya Gonna Call?
26
Classifieds
28
Closing
|Traffic/Circulation Manager| Carol Aperocho
|Production Manager| Mark S. Burke
|Graphics & Layout| Mark S. Burke Edwin E. Valencia
|Editorial Contributors| Dennis Balagtas Anthony Godwin Calvin Hernandez Arlene Taitague Taitingfong Kim Anderson Young
Arlene Taitague Taitingfong
Hafa adai! We filled this issue with topics that relate to remodelling or upgrading one’s home. We hope to inspire you to breathe “newness” back into your beloved residence or properties! Our Feature article shows how to approach selecting a contractor. You will need them for those big renovation or remodelling projects. A must read for those who are new to the process! Painting your home is the simplest and most inexpensive way to give it a facelift! Being prepared is a big part of it. See what you need to do before taking on this feat in the D.I.Y. section. Curb Appeal addresses mini projects you can do yourself in a very short time with very little funds. Are you planning to expand your home’s square footage? How far is it from your property borders? Before you start this project, read From The Experts. Dennis Balagtas, a surveyor who is widely known and used by our community, gives some good advice on setbacks and illustrates the different regulations on properties. We also have information about the market from Anthony Godwin in Market Snapshot. He also gives tips on how improving your unit can positively affect your property’s value or income. In Real Estate Spotlight, Kim Anderson Young goes over titles of property. Find out how small details can make or break the title of ownership. Is yours free and clear? Our Profile this month is Dennis Couzijn. He shares how he crossed over from the luxury brand industry to the world of real estate, and how his journey has led him to success, content, and happiness. Our ladies of the Guam Association of Realtors® - Executive Officer Peggy Llaras and President Louisa Wessling - share information about contractors and upcoming events, respectively. We would like to hear from you! Let us know what you think of the magazine. We welcome your comments and suggestions. Send your thoughts and ideas to editor@yellowpagesink.com. Have a great September and happy reading,
Guam Association of REALTORS®
Cover Photo: Mark S. Burke 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
Renovate! Out with the Old, In with the New! lot can happen in twenty years! New inventory comes to market. Buyer and tenant expectations change. Styles change. Features and amenities change. How do you meet buyer or tenant expectations with all this change? One option is to renovate or update your property. Where do you start? Define your goal. Ask yourself why are you renovating? This article focuses on renovating a rental property and many of the tips and content will apply to a property that you are renovating for resale.
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WHY AM I RENOVATING? A. Increase or maintain occupancy. Competition is typically the driving force. When a new (or renovated) property enters the marketplace, renters will compare their digs to the new place. The new stuff looks better. It includes modern features and has that “new place” smell. If the rents are similar and the tenant has no further obligation to their current landlord, then there’s a chance a vacancy might take place. Renovate to maintain or increase occupancy. B. Reposition your property to a different market. Let’s say you own a property in a progressive area. Over time, your older (dated) property has maintained fairly steady occupancy, but your rents are below the rents of nearby newer properties. Bringing your property up to the standards of the nearby newer properties may enable you to realize a higher rent yield.
THE RENOVATION PROCESS A. Property Condition The depth of your renovation will determine the costs. Consider your reason for renovation. Next, step back and take a hard, close look at your property. Make a list of items to consider for the renovation. Are your baths and kitchens out of date? Is it time to change out flooring? Don’t forget to look at electrical outlets, wall switches and fixtures. These may need to be changed out or you may need more convenience outlets. Tenants have more things to plug in these days. How about air conditioning systems? Tenants seek units with energy efficient systems. How about fire protection such as smoke detectors and other fire preventive equipment? Do you need to repaint the unit? Nearly all renovations will incorporate a fresh coat of paint. 4 CasaGuam September 2014
Color schemes are important and bring a property to “life”. Take a look at the competition as you consider your renovation project. Look at newer properties in your target price range. New and renovated places rent faster and usually for higher average rents! B. Items to consider as you PLAN your renovation! After you have put your renovation list together, do some homework! Search online or in design magazines for ideas for your renovation project. Talk to your REALTOR® or a design professional. Putting together a renovation book will help you formulate a plan. Include photographs and product information (including pricing) of the items that you want to include in your renovation. For example, the “kitchen” section of your renovation book would include kitchen cabinets, countertops, ceiling and under-cabinet light fixtures, backsplash material, outlet and wall switches, floor covering, paint color, window treatments, doors and windows, cabinet and door hardware and sink and faucet. Also, don’t forget to include appliances such as stove, refrigerator, and dish washer. TIP: Ask the cabinet supplier if they can put together a kitchen/bath plan for you. They will need to visit your property and therefore may charge a fee for this service. Once the drawing is complete, the supplier will be able to provide you with a quote for the cabinet & hardware style that you selected. Put together a scope of work incorporating the items from your renovation book. Obtain proposals from contractors that have VERIFIED experience in the project that you would like to undertake. As you review your proposals, you may need to adjust your scope of work or substitute items to meet your budget. You may need to re-bid your project a few times as you refine your requirements. TIP: Make sure you include project deadlines as part of your scope of work. Order out-of-stock items in advance of your project. Be prepared to substitute items that are out of production. Be clear in your construction agreement about items that are owner supplied and contractor supplied. Once you have an agreement in place with your contractor, it is time to RENOVATE! Talk to your REALTOR@ about renovating a property. Don’t have a REALTOR® to work with? Now you do.
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Market Repor t
Market Snapshot January 1, 2014 through August 22, 2014 Condominiums/Town Houses and Apartments Top Condominium/Townhouse Sale Villa Kanton Tasi, Tumon – $1,700,000
Condominium/Townhouse For Sale
Average Sold Price:
Average Days on Market:
$202,747.00
162
Number of units Sold
Number of units currently for sale:
103 151
Average Days on Market:
$256,255.00
Number of units Sold
Number of units currently for sale:
Average Rented Price:
Average Days on Market:
$1,523.00
69
Number of units Rented
675
Number of units currently for rent:
258
Single Family Homes
Single Family Homes For Sale
Average Sold Price:
Condominium/Townhouse/Apartments For Rent
Disclaimer: All information provided is from the Guam Multiple Listing Service (MLS)
159 140 276
Single Family Homes For Rent
Average Rented Price:
Average Days on Market: Number of units Rented
Number of units currently for rent:
$2,081.00
72
450 149
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Feature
How to Find a Good Home Contractor By Arlene Taitague Taitingfong
fter much scrimping, saving and planning for this moment, you are now ready to renovate your home! Renovation, no matter how big or small, is a big step! It has the power to either increase the value of your home (if done right), or depreciate the value (if done poorly). Renovations are the changes you make to improve a situation and it can come in the form of an upgrade to the kitchen, remodelling of the patio, or even the addition of a room. It is best to go with a contractor with a good reputation, as well as with a good amount of experience. Its time to review a few things before selecting a candidate.
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Feature There are many contractors. Look in the Yellow Pages of your phone book and you will see quite a few. Many are specialized in areas such as painting, electrical or roofing — just to name a few. If you don’t have a singular specialized project, its best to go with a general contractor. They are able to handle a wider scope of work that needs a variety of specialties An example of such a project would be renovation of your kitchen. Most likely you will want to change a few things like reroute water lines and electrical lines, especially if you plan to install a new appliance and/or move the existing appliances around. Asking The Right Questions After looking into the Yellow Pages and taking into consideration referrals from friends and family, select at least three candidates. You will want to ask the candidates questions and compare their responses. You will need to determine who is the best person for he job. This is YOUR house that will be worked on and getting the right fit is important. When you are in the process of hiring a contractor, get an idea of his business history. Request (and verify) that this person is currently licensed to do business. Other items to check include if he is paying employees legally and carrying workers’ compensation, property damage and liability insurance. It’s a good sign if he is a member of the Guam Contractors’ Association. Also find out if he has ever declared bankruptcy or if anyone has taken legal action against him. Find out how long he has been in business. Has this person worked on projects similar to yours? If so, perhaps you can get that client’s contact information and give them a call. At some point during the course of the interview, discuss how the contractor plans on handling site supervision. Will there be subcontractors? If so, you will want to pose some of the questions regarding paying employees legally and if they carry insurance to them also. Everyone on-site must be fully covered. A mechanic’s lien can be placed on your home if subcontractors don't get paid and you can be sued in court for compensation. Protect yourself by asking the contractor, subcontracts and suppliers for lien releases or waivers upon each payment. Further key questions center on the work-site presence. How much time does the contractor propose to spend on your project? Does the contractor plan on doing most of the actual labor? Or will he be mainly performing in a supervisory role? How often will he be on site and who will supervise when he is not present? There should be an accountable presence at all times. Timeline Before you hire a contractor, ask if he can provide a fixed start date and a completion date, to include clean up. The last thing you want
is for your project to drag on. Make sure these dates are in your formal written agreement, along with a material list of everything that will be needed. It is also smart to address how change orders will be handled and how it will effect the timeline. What Is the Cost? During the hiring process, you should also request itemized price estimates from each candidate. Examine each one carefully, especially the ones that are too high or too low. Estimates that fall too low can be a red flag for a hasty job that won't satisfy your quality finished project. If it is too high, it may be that the contractor missed a core component and didn’t set a high enough estimate for a proper job. Be sure to negotiate the payment schedule and determine how any surprise expenses or potential change orders will be factored in. Planning the payment schedule needs to be a give-and-take scenario. Never pay for more than what you’ve gotten either. DO NOT sign that last check until you are completely happy with the completed project. Get It In Writing Once you have selected your contractor, there will be some sort of agreement that the contractor will work for a certain fee. In the contract, have the details of the project carefully spelled out. What is the start date? How long will it take? What permits are required? And most importantly, what, exactly, are you looking for in the project. Additionally, there should be a clause for dealing with potential change orders which allow for additional projects to be carried out at the homeowner’s or contractor’s directive. Don’t forget the payment schedule, especially if you have a large project broken down by completion points. Lastly, make sure you have a broom clause in the contract. This will legally ensure that the contractor clean up after themselves when the work is completed. A liability release can be put in, as well as a list of materials that will be used. You just might want to keep some of the excess materials for future projects, plus it helps you see if there was any waste of usage. A good general rule of thumb is to hold off signing a contract until it includes everything you want, and that you understand all the terms and conditions. You'll also want to keep records of all payments and invoices in case a dispute needs to be settled. One Last Note If you are unable watch your project unfold on a daily basis, check in at least once a week. Make sure your contractor gives you updates on what is going on. Without proper communication and documentation, your project might go from being a dream to a nightmare. Stay on top of things.
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On The Cover
Barrigada Blue Gem!
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ou will be surprised with what this Blue GEM has to offer! This executive, exquisitely designed one-of-a-kind GREEN home has finished its development thanks to JP International Materials. It offers you over 3,100 sq. ft of gross living area on a 1/4 acre lot. Storm approved, super thick double-panel aluminum windows and doors makes this GEM outstanding. Unique LED lighting fixtures throughout the whole house. This spacious home boasts 4 bedrooms 5 full bathrooms plus a huge garage. Each bedroom is spacious with its own bathroom featuring quality craftsmanship. The 12ft high sunken dining room brings you ample lighting for your meal entertainment. The huge elegant, stainless steel kitchen with that big island is a woman’s dream kitchen set. Despite that rare find, super cool floor inverter A/C, the whole ceiling was insulated to help lower your power bill. Did I mention the most energy efficient mini washer in the world is already equipped in your master bath? I can’t even wait to own one myself. Customized high quality aluminum fence/swing gate, surveillance cameras has given you the ease and security to the house. After seeing it, you’ll only have three words to say: Fantastic. Amazing. Unbelievable.
Why wait? Call now to arrange the showings!
988-1883 karen1282001@yahoo.com 10 CasaGuam September 2014
Karen Pan Principal Broker
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Real Estate Spotlight
Clouds on Title a.k.a. Title Defects
By Kim Anderson Young
property with a “cloud on the title” refers to an irregularity in the chain of title that raises the question of a potential risk or threat to the buyer. A “cloud on the title” is generally less threatening than a defect in the title, however. both may have the effect of reducing the value and marketability of a property because a prospective buyer knows they are acquiring a possible problem with the property. Examples of clouds and defects in the chain of title include:
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• Missing documents, also called a “break in the chain of title”. This not only refers to deeds, but powers of attorney granting authority for someone to sell property. Another example would be if an owner dies and there is no probate (and no spouse with community rights interests). Lack of a decree of distribution from the Probate Court would constitute a title defect.
• A woman who acquired the property when single can correct her name on the chain of title by recording an Affidavit of Identity. • Missing deeds are often located in home records when parties did not realize that recording was necessary. When other remedies are exhausted, it may be necessary to find a good real estate attorney to file a quiet title action to clear the title.
• A variance or misspelling to the names of previous buyers and sellers • A woman who acquires title in one name but sells under a different name • All parties executing deeds. A brother and sister purchase the property, but only the sister signs the deed to sell it. The brother’s interest would remain in his name. • A mortgage lien that has not been released • Unpaid property taxes • Conveyance by a minor, or an incompetent person without the benefit of court approval • Conveyance in to a trust could be a defect, in that in mos jurisdictions, title is properly vested in the Trustee of a Trust, not the Trust itself. How does one fix a cloud or title defect? Each situation is unique, but many issues can be resolved by relying on a statute, or filing of an affidavit, or by recording something to correct the defect. For example: • Locating the mortgagee under an unreleased mortgage and having them sign a release. 12 CasaGuam September 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
The Journey from Retail to Real Estate
By Arlene Taitague Taitingfong
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Dennis Couzijn REALTOR®, TODAY’S REALTY
Next, find a good mentor, He explains, “A great mentor has expertise which goes beyond the education and it is important to have someone whose focus is on your learning.” In addition, he adds that one needs to build his skill set; practice scripts; build and maintain customer database and be prepared to work hard — very hard! “Remember to take breaks, being a realtor® is a demanding job. Take a day off to regroup. No matter how hard you try, you will not be able to please every client all the time.” Most importantly, he says, is that family come first. One of the great things about being a Realtor® is having a flexible schedule. It enables him to pick up his son, Dominick (age 17) from school and enjoy his duties as a father and husband. He doesn't mind splitting some of the household duties with his wife, who is in the hotel industry and works longs hours. Sunday is family day. “Sunday is our ranch day and we spend time tending our acre of land. Then when I have a few minutes, I may strum a few chords on my guitar.”
CasaGuam is a quality magazine which helps Realtors® look great. When we need to show owners how their house is being advertised, we show them the magazine and it speaks for itself.
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Real estate professionals come from various walks of life, and Dennis Couzijn's experience seems to be the epitome of this. His story is pretty interesting with twists and turns, so hold on for a heck of a ride! Couzijn’s first “real” job was working for Crazy Shirts in Waikiki. After finishing his degree in Hawaii, he jetted off to the Netherlands, working odd jobs so he could learn his native language, Dutch. Opportunities opened up for him in the hotel industry which led him into sales in Amsterdam for the Okura Hotel; then off to Paris to Hotel Nikko where he worked as a receptionist. His introduction to the retail industry came when he landed a job with a French perfume company that had nine stores in Paris. Years later and with the help of some good contacts he had established, he began working for Louis Vuitton. The company asked him to go to Guam and run their store at Tumon Sands Plaza, considering his experience living on a tropical island. He did this for four years He, later worked for Bluebell, a wholesale company on Guam. Pooling all his experience, he decided to launch his own business and, with his wife Bertha, opened their own retail business at two of the main shopping centers on Guam. Unfortunately, after going through some tough years, they closed their stores. It was Couzijn’s brother, a long time Realtor® in Hawaii, who introduced him to real estate, but it took several years before he decided to take the real estate exam in 2001. Just as he was ready to join a broker he was approached and asked to manage the Gucci stores on Guam. He remained in the luxury brand industry until 2005. He has focused on being a Realtor® since then. He is currently a REALTOR® with Today’s Realty and enjoys the challenge. “It is an easy field to start in but a difficult field to master,” says Couzijn. He further explained that Real Estate is a field which requires that one never stop learning. “There are so many facets to this business that it never gets boring.” Couzijn says that the most enjoyable part of real estate is dealing with a buyer or seller and assisting them with their purchase or sale. Getting paid for it is just as great! For those interested in a career in real estate, he advises the importance of choosing the right company. According to Couzijn, that choice can determine how successful you will be. He also says to choose a company that promotes training and makes use of technology and media. They should also have positive minded REALTORS® who are fun to work with; explaining, “At Today’s Realty, the joy of working with other positive minded realtors is a truly great feeling. The atmosphere is just electrifying with all the top producers in that one office.”
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From the Experts
Remodeling Plans May Violate Your Setback Requirements emodelling your current home can be an attractive alternative to purchasing a new home, especially if you are adding more living area. This increases the property value, but many remodellers are not aware of setback requirements, which can cause the opposite effect. Lack of awareness of setback requirements has caused many sellers a few headaches and has, in some cases, outright hindered the ability of the owner to sell the property.
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To avoid this, make sure that the remodelling plans do not conflict with the setbacks of the property. Generally, setbacks are defined as the distances between the property line and the fixtures of a house. For most properties, the setback requirements in Guam are as shown in Table 1.
By Dennis Balagtas
to a property with a setback problem. As a result, he had to sell the property to a cash buyer at a discount. Another frequent setback problem is that arises is when two families purchase a property together and build separate houses on the property. In this example, due to the size of the property and the relationships of the family, they built the houses approximately 10 feet away from each other. After a few years, the families decide to divide the property into separate lots (aka subdivision). However, the setback requirements state that a distance of 16 feet (8 feet on one property, 8 feet on another property) be between the two houses. Because there is not enough setback distance for the two houses, the subdivision requires a variance approval from the government. Until the approval of the variance, the property may not be subdivided. The two situations show how a setback issue can impact the use and sale of a property. There are many other issues and circumstances that have hurt other property owners. The method to address these issues is to be aware of them. These two steps can help you identify setback issues. Step 1: Be aware of your property's setback requirements. Table 1 is a good guide to show you what setbacks are required. Step 2: Know your property boundaries. If you don't know, consult a professional land surveyor and have a boundary survey performed. Make sure that the professional land surveyor provides you a sketch or map plan of your property that shows the state of your property's current setbacks. For a list of registered land surveyors, see http://www.guam-peals.org/official-roster-coa/?categoried_id=9.
Setback problems are common on Guam, unfortunately. In fact, one of my relatives was unaware of setback requirements and built multiple extensions to his home. He ended up building the extensions only 5 feet away from the side property line. Since the setback requirement is 8 feet, he could not sell his property to buyers who needed a loan. The banks did not want to offer loans 16 CasaGuam September 2014
The remodelling process can be daunting and overwhelming. The more knowledge you have about the process, the easier it will be to undertake. If you keep in mind the setbacks and the boundary issues that come in remodelling, investors and property owners can make sure that they won't unknowingly hinder a property's usability and marketability. Dennis Balagtas is Professional Land Surveyor #75 for Guam Surveyor, LLC (www.guamsurveyor.com) and Prudencio R. Balagtas & Associates, Inc. He has been in the land surveying industry for over 20 years. You can contact him at surveyor@guam.net or 671-688-0184.
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Home Finance
ABC’s of Credit By Calvin Hernandez basic definition of credit is money available for a person to borrow. This borrowed money typically has some cost or rate of interest. Think of it as buy now and pay later with a fee. With a home loan, borrowers benefit from the use of the home immediately, with an obligation to pay the lender back with interest and within a specified period of 15, 20 or 30 years. Because the repayment time is lengthy and the loan amount for a home can be quite considerable, lenders must carefully examine if the borrower is financially capable of repaying the loan. One of the most important tools lenders use is the credit report. The credit report, which is basically your financial report card, will contain personal information such as your name, social security number, date of birth, address and employment information used to identify you. The report will include loan accounts that you have obtained in the past such as auto loans, personal loans, credit cards and student loans. Each loan is typically called a trade line, which tracks the detailed history of each loan such as when the account was opened, the amount borrowed, current balance owed, the payment amount required per month and, most importantly, the payment history. It also tracks if a borrower pays on time, or has 30, 60 or 90 or greater day late payments per account. In addition, a credit report can include public records such as bankruptcies, foreclosures, judgments or tax liens. It may also include collection accounts such as unpaid debts reported by other lenders. All loan inquiries, which the borrower authorizes, are also reported and tracked. So be aware that each time you inquire about a car loan at a dealership, shop online for a credit card, or sign up for a department store credit card, it can appear on your credit report. There are three nationwide consumer reporting companies depositories that track credit information; they are Equifax, Trans Union and Experian. These three credit bureaus utilize a 3-digit scoring system based on a risk model created by Fair Isaac Corporation generally known as a FICO score, which can range between 300 and 850. The higher the credit score, the better. Two of the major factors that affect the score are paying all bills on time and paying down existing debt. So if you are planning to purchase a home in the near future, make sure you manage your credit today. For more information about your credit report, please contact any of our loan officers and we can help educate you with our Free Smart Money Seminar – ABC’s of Credit.
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H o w To D . I . Y.
Inexpensive Projects that Increase Curb Appeal
By Arlene Taitague Taitingfong
ncreasing your home’s curb appeal can be easy to do and done inexpensively. Here are a few projects you can try. Some of which can be done in one day!
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wooden deck, pressure-wash to remove the dirt. Follow up with warm sudsy water and a scrub brush. Rinse and let dry. Afterwards, finish your deck with a nice stain to give it that new look.
Give Your Door a Face Lift. A new coat of paint is a great way to give your door a facelift. Make an impact to your entranceway and try out a new color. The door is the focal point of one’s view to your home. If your current door is beyond needing a coat of paint, changing out the door would be a better choice.
Add a Ceiling Fan or Two. Lower your air conditioning expenses by installing ceiling fans in your home. The ceiling fans come in handy when the weather is marginal and creates airflow throughout the house. Since we live on a tropical island, it gives your home that extra visual touch of paradise living.
Replace Old Hardware. Changing old hardware is not costly. Make sure all your hardware elements match or work well with each other. Little touches like replacing the house door latch, changing the house numbers, installing a wall-mounted mailbox, and updating the outside entry light, will give your home the added touch it needs. Reflect Balance. Creating balance in the entryway is the least labored way to change the view in the front. Symmetry is the key and it is a matter of duplication on both sides. This can be as simple as placing two potted plants on either side of the door. Create a Container Garden. You don’t need start to digging up your front lawn to create this garden. Creating a container garden is like taking baby steps to landscaping. Many of the houses I’ve seen on Guam have plants in pots and arrange them in their front yard. You’re halfway done! Nice. What’s not so nice is when the containers that are being used are old paint pails, discarded food buckets or weathered and cracked pots. Go all the way with this idea and invest in decorative pots. The pots do not necessarily have to be the same design, color, and shape or form. The container need only fit the plant appropriately. You can have a variety of plants from ferns to flowers. Having color and different types of plants is the key to having a personalised entrance. The great thing about having a container garden is that your arrangement can be changed at a whim! Plant Some Trees. Plant a few trees around your home. If you strategically place at least three shade trees, experts say you can save anywhere from $100 — $250 annually in cooling costs. Clean Your Deck or Patio. With our humid weather, it is easy for mold and mildew to grow on our decks and patios. Water blasting is ideal for cleaning the gunk off concrete. If you have a 20 CasaGuam September 2014
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Curb Appeal
Pick the Perfect Color for Your House
By Arlene Taitague Taitingfong
ecently, I took a leisurely drive around the island and noticed most of the homes used only one color of paint. In addition to the consensus beige, I saw pink houses, orange apartments, and even a few purple homes. I’m not saying these colors are inappropriate, but if they were used with other paint colors in the right color combination, the dwellings would have looked more appealing. Painting seems like a difficult task to handle, but it the most easiest and inexpensive way to give your home a fresh look. Let’s look at this project in four easy steps — planning, preparing, painting and clean-up!
like colors, there are other features paints have today. I pulled this off the Sherwin-Williams website. It explains this segment better and simpler.
Step 1: Planning. This may be the most difficult and longest part of the process because we have to make a decision that reflects our taste and style. It’s okay. You are not alone.
Metal - Use either latex or oil/alkyd paint on properly primed iron or steel. You can apply latex directly on aluminum and galvanized metal. However, these metals need to be properly primed if you're using oil/alkyd-based paint.
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Choosing Colors. Finding a color for your home can be difficult. It plays a major role in how your home is viewed upon. Don’t be afraid to use more than one color. Choose a palette of colors that work well together. A simple way to approach this is to select one color for the building, one color for the trim and accents, and one color for the front door (optional). Check out your home improvement stores and paint suppliers to see what they have. Speak with someone about exterior paint choices and get color samples. Consider Your Location When Choosing A Color Palette. The color wheel has evolved! There are so many hues attached to one main color making the selection all the more personal. Do your research on the internet and check out other homes. See if their color schemes appeal to you. Some paint companies, such as Sherman-Williams and Behr, have websites that give examples of color palettes. If you are having a mental block, note that many homeowners take the elements of their location into consideration. For example, if you live on or near the beach, your color choices might be light blue (water), beige (sand), and white (surf ). If you live in a greener part of the island, your color palette might be light yellow (sun), brown (earth), ecru (natural tone) and maybe a bit of green (nature). Let your creativity come out in your selection of colors! Types Of Paint Talking about exterior paint may be simple enough, however, just 22 CasaGuam September 2014
To ensure a quality paint job that will last, the paint you'll use depends on the type of surface you want to paint. Walls - Because it's easy to work with, latex paint is an excellent choice for do-it-yourself projects. Latex paints can be applied over properly prepared wood, vinyl, aluminum and stucco.
Trim - Either latex or oil/alkyd paint is appropriate for trim. Gloss and high gloss finishes are generally your first choice, but flat or satin finishes are fine selections. Masonry - H&C® Concrete Stains and Sealers and Loxon® Coatings are excellent for protecting and beautifying masonry and brickwork. Step 2: Preparing. You will need tools for your paint project. Check with your paint dealer on what you will need. The basics are paint rollers, brushes, tarp, paint tape and paint bins (especially for your rollers), ladders and sprayers. Having the right tools will make painting a fun and easy project. Choose wisely. Preparing the surface. Primer is the first step toward a lasting finish. Properly apply primer to the surfaces you plan to paint. You will get a greatlooking finish coat and the beautiful, long-lasting results you expect. Using a primer before applying your paint color will help you: • Achieve a smooth, professional finish • Block stains, marks and odors • Assure adhesion • Speed topcoating • Prevent peeling
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Curb Appeal • Attain the truest paint color in the fewest coats • Improve touch-up performance of the topcoat The only time a primer is not needed is if you're re-painting a surface that's in good condition. Step 3: Painting. Test the paint in an inconspicuous space. Make sure your exterior is cleaned. Use a paint scraper, sandpaper or power washer to remove all surface contamination such as oil, grease, loose paint, rust, mood and foreign matter. Prep the area with primer (if neccesary) and apply paint. Let it dry before proceeding full scale. After you have done your test paint and all is well, its time to paint the rest of the exterior. Don’t paint immediately after rain (or if rain is predicted). Paint in segments and work from top to bottom, starting with painting the eaves, porch and overhang ceilings. Next, paint the walls with a roller or brush and start at the top of the wall and work vertically. When this is completed, you can paint the trim i.e. windows and doors. Lastly, paint the porches, decks or patio areas. Start in a diagonal corner and work outwards. Step 4: Clean Up. Congratulations! You completed your paint project, but before you start gathering your brushes and rollers, take a step back and make sure all your areas have been painted. After you are satisfied with your results, its time to clean up the premises. Cleaning up is just one step closer to fully appreciating your hard labor. Remember to be considerate when disposing leftover paint. Do not pour paint down a drain or storm sewer! Latex paint can be dried with absorbent material such as cat box filler, shredded newspaper or sawdust. Once dry, you can dispose of the dried out paint as solid waste. Still not sure how to handle the type of paint you have? Seek out guidance from the Guam Environmental Protection Agency. If you have leftover paint that you wish to use for future touchups, make sure it is sealed and stored in an area that will protect it from damage, and is out of reach of children and pets. Another alternative is to donate your leftover paint to a friend, neighbour or charitable organisation in need of paint. Now - step back and enjoy your beauty of your handiwork! CasaGuam.com 23
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W h o Ya G o n n a C a l l ?
C aptain REALTY
ADVISORS
RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • SALES • LEASING
Call Nick at (671) 472-1819 or email nick@captainrealestate.com
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26 CasaGuam September 2014
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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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Closing
Message from the President Louisa Flores-Wessling 2014 President
Message from the Executive Officer Peggy Araullo Llagas Guam Association of REALTORS®
Guam Association of REALTORS®
Hafa Adai, FREE REAL ESTATE SEMINARS! Check out what the Guam Association of REALTORS® will be hosting this month and in October. Save the dates and mark your calendars! SEPTEMBER: Central Guam Village Real Estate Town Hall Meeting for Sinajana, Ordot/Chalan Pago and Agana Heights. Date: September 18, 2014 Thursday Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm Venue: Sinajana Community Center Agenda to include: 1. Current real estate market overview. 2. Real estate market report. 3. Meet the REALTORS@ who are your neighbors! 4. Tips on Selling, Buying and Leasing. 5. Financing your real estate purchase presented by a lending representative. 6. Q & A session. Light refreshments will be served. OCTOBER: Housing Fair and Symposium. Date: October 18, 2014 Saturday Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm Venue: Lotte Hotel Guam, Tumon This event will focus on First Time Buyers, Fence Sitters, Owner/Sellers, Landlords & Tenants and Retirees. Come and see the wide range of real estate business services that are available from lending to landscaping and so much more! Mini seminars will be presented by experts in the real estate industry. Morning Session: Your credit, what can you afford?/Renting vs. Buying/The Do's & Don'ts of Landord & Tenantships/Home Inspection Afternoon Session: Title, Escrow, Insurance & PTR’s/1st Time Buyer Programs/Advice to Sellers/Reverse Mortgages and Transition Planning/Wills vs. Trust A "consultation corner" will be available for the public to meet with experts and professionals in the areas of mortgage lending, escrow, surveying, appraisal and more! Both of these events will be a highly informative and FREE! Do not miss these great opportunities to meet the experts and professionals in real estate. I look forward to meeting you there. 28 CasaGuam September 2014
Independent Contractor Status FAQs 1. What is the difference between an independent contractor and an employee? Employers have a significant degree of control over their employees, and are able to direct when, how, and where employees accomplish their tasks and responsibilities. Employers also often provide the necessary “tools of the trade” to their employees. In contrast, an independent contractor generally can determine when, how and where to perform their work, and is responsible for any necessary tools or equipment necessary to provide the services. For legal purposes, the key distinction between an employee and an independent contractor is often determined by the amount of control a business exerts over the worker. The more control a business exerts over the worker, the greater the likelihood the worker will be deemed an employee. 2. Are brokers required to classify their salespeople as independent contractors? No. Brokers can classify their real estate salespeople as either employees or as independent contractors. 3. What types of activities should brokers avoid in order to properly classify salespeople as independent contractors? Under many state, and federal, laws, making certain acts “mandatory” may be considered an indication of employer-like control over the worker. One of the hallmarks of an independent contractor relationship is that the independent contractor has the ability to direct and control where, when and how they perform their work. In order to establish an independent contractor relationship, the following is a list of the types of activities that should be avoided: • Requiring the worker perform the services during set work hours. • Requiring the worker perform the services at a specific location. • Making attendance at staff meetings mandatory. • Providing training to the worker. • Supplying tools and materials to the worker. 4. Since worker classification is often dependent on the level of control an employer exerts over a worker, does this mean that brokers should not supervise their independent contractor salespeople? No. In fact, according to real estate licensing laws brokers must maintain a certain amount of supervision over their salespeople. Brokers must therefore make sure that they are balancing their state real estate license laws’ supervision requirements with the applicable requirements in state and federal worker classification laws.
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
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