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CONTENTS
Let ter from the Editor
Departments 4
Letter from the Editor
Market Snapshot Make Money By Investing in Real Esate
8
10
Feature Home Security and Safety What You Need to Know
12
Real Estate Spotlight Values a Title Company Provides
14
Profile Sheila Vega Villanueva Assistant Property Manager Wears Many Hats
November 2014 • Vol. 7 • No. 11 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
16
From the Experts Learning Fire Safety in Your Home
|Display Advertising| Evelyn Trinidad
|Traffic/Circulation Manager| 19
Home Finance 1003 and Documentation
20
How to D.I.Y. DIY Security System Tips to Help Prevent Theft
22
Curb Appeal Keep an Eye on Your Home
25
Who Ya Gonna Call?
26
Classifieds
28
Closing Guam Association of REALTORS®
Carol Aperocho
|Production Manager| Mark S. Burke
|Graphics & Layout| Mark S. Burke Edwin E. Valencia
|Editorial Contributors| Marissa Borja Calvin Hernandez Sandy Gould-Yow Arlene Taitague Taitingfong Kim Anderson Young
Arlene Taitague Taitingfong
Hafa adai! The holiday season is upon us! This is the time of the year for gatherings and celebrations with friends and family. Gifts will be given and received. Our arms, cars and homes will be loaded with presents and goodies. BEWARE! This is also the time when thieves seem to be on the lookout with greater earnest! Keep your home, family and valuables safe by keeping on your toes and following the basic rules of safety and security. Our Feature focuses on what to look for when seeking companies that offer security systems. Teresa Sakazaki of G4S Security Systems (Guam), Inc. also shares a few security pointers in this article. Can you afford to NOT have a system in place? If you are on a tight budget, Mark Sanchez of MEGAbyte shares how to keep an “eye” on your property, especially while away at work, in Curb Appeal. Marissa Borja gives us a look at fire safety in our homes in From The Experts. There are also security tips in D.I.Y. which you may already be practicing or just need a reminder of the simple things we can do on our own. Our Profile features Sheila Vega Villanueva who wears many hats at Del Carmen Investments. Read how she multitasks her way in the real estate world and loving every minute of it! Kim Young shows us the value of what a title company can provide in Real Estate Spotlight and Sandy Gould-Yow from Today’s Realty gives us the Market Snapshot report, while advising us of how we can increase our income with proper investment. You will also want to keep abreast of the latest Guam Association of REALTORS® messages from President Louisa Wessling and Executive Officer Peggy Llares. Until next month, stay safe and secure!
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
Sandy Gould-Yow - Associate Broker
Make Money By Investing In Real Estate ake money while you're busy making money! Sure. Why not? Use the income you make at your regular job to invest in real estate. Many people have bolstered their personal income and financial worth by investing in real estate. Not only does this allow them to grow their personal wealth, it also offers the opportunity for long or short term investments, and possible tax benefits (see your tax advisor for more on this topic). You may have a full time job making money to support your family or maybe your earnings are for retirement, but many smart income earners are taking advantage of this “buyers market” by spending their earned money on real estate. A buyers market, like the one we're in, offers opportunities to purchase properties at typically better prices, or on better terms. Prices are much better now for a lot of properties, than the prices of say, 10 years ago. Take advantage of this because it won't always be the case. In times like this, banks often have an inventory of properties they have taken back at foreclosure and may be willing to sell these properties on better terms than the advertised financing packages. Banks aren't in the business of owning and managing properties, so they sell what is in their inventory. To do this, you have to comb the ads, check the websites to see what's available through REALTORS®, and let it be known that you are seeking good priced properties. You aren't the only one doing this, and it doesn't typically drop into your lap. This is where you have to make it known what you are looking to purchase. Tell your favorite REALTOR® to locate what you want. You can even ask the mayors to let you know when there are foreclosure sales, and look in the papers daily for announcements of these sales. If you haven't done this before, maybe start out with something small. Perhaps a condominium that needs some work. Whatever you do, this is certainly a way to grow your income. Give it a whirl and let us know your progress. We love to hear success stories and we're here when you need us! When you are ready to make the move, call your REALTOR®.
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Sandy Gould-Yow is an Associate Broker/Realtor® with Today’s Realty and has over 25 years experience in the real estate industry. For more information, you can contact her at 467-1098 or sandy.yow@guamhome.com. 4 CasaGuam November 2014
By Sandy Gould-Yow
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Market Repor t
Market Snapshot January 1, 2014 through October 19, 2014 Condominiums/Town Houses and Apartments
Condominium/Townhouse For Sale
Average Sold Price:
Average Days on Market:
$198,418.00
158
Number of units Sold
Number of units currently for sale:
129 137
Condominium/Townhouse/Apartments For Rent Average Rented Price:
Average Days on Market:
1,532.00
67
Number of units Rented
866
Number of units currently for rent:
233
Single Family Homes
Top Residential Single Family Sale Asucena Street, Barrigada Hts. — $776,000.00
Single Family Homes For Sale
Average Sold Price:
Average Days on Market: Number of units Sold
Number of units currently for sale:
$256,407.00
166 179 238
Single Family Homes For Rent
Average Rented Price:
Average Days on Market: Number of units Rented
Number of units currently for rent:
$2,111.00
71
569 157
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Feature
Home Security & Safety What You Need to Know By Arlene Taitague Taitingfong
Not too long ago, we were able to leave our doors unlocked without worry. Life was simple and our neighbors were people we grew up with. Times have changed and so has society. We now need to make sure our doors are locked, even when we ARE home! If you don’t want to be a crime statistic, it would be best to start looking into getting a security system for your home. Guam has many companies that offer home security services and systems.
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Feature
Who you gonna call? The best place to start is to check what companies your friends and family are using. They are always a good resource. Ask what their experience was like from the time they inquired about the service all the way to the completion of the installation. How is the after sales service? Did it exceed their expectations? Next, look for stickers and signs around the neighborhood. If you see a lot of homes protected by the same security company, it is a good indication that the company has a reliable reputation. Eliminate the fly-by-night businesses and whittle your choices down to two or three companies. If the security company tries to sell you a security system over the phone, I would raise an eyebrow. The best home security companies will send a representative to your home to properly assess your needs and give you a quote for a security system that meets your criteria. They also should employ their own highly skilled installers and service technicians, rather that sub-contract. Avoid companies that sell their customer accounts to a third party for monitoring. This will ensure 100% accountability from the company. During the home visit, be sure you can recognize their uniform and ask for a picture ID when they arrive. You will need to determine the primary focus of the security system you want to buy. Do you want security for just the building or full perimeter protection? Its best if you choose the latter as it would deter thieves BEFORE they gain access to your front door. There might, however, be a budget issue, so get a quote for both. Also ask yourself, how much is peace of mind worth? What’s available? There are different types of security systems available. One is the Central Monitoring Station. When an alarm is set off, it sends a signal to a remote central monitoring station that is staffed 24/7 by professional Emergency Response Operators (ERO) who have had a complete background check. The ERO should attempt to contact the designated key-holder. If there is no answer or the correct pass code is not given, they should alert a mobile guard or the police to arrive at your home. Find out what the average response time to an alarm signal is. Is there a back up system in case your telephone line is cut? Ask if a wireless radio signal will continue to transmit the alarm signal should this occur. How about disaster preparedness at the monitoring station? Is back up power or redundancy in place in the event of a disaster? Other questions you might want to ask are if the evaluation is done at no charge? Is there a warranty on the equipment and labor and how long is it in effect? Does the company provide additional safety services such as fire and carbon monoxide monitoring? A package deal often earns the most attractive pricing. How long is
the contract? A one or three-year contract normally will get you the best rates. Other items to consider. Some residents feel that putting up grills on their windows and adding extra locks on their doors might be enough. “Sometimes the extra ‘protection’ becomes a security and safety issue in itself. As an example: window bars mounted without a quick release latch, place the occupants at risk, and can prevent fire and intrusion escapes,” commented Teresa Sakazaki, Director of Sales and Marketing of G4S Security Systems (Guam), Inc. She reported that thieves work quickly and usually take easily hidden and portable items. This usually is jewellery and small, inexpensive electronic devices that can be easily sold or liquidated to cash. “The number one concern for customers in home security is peace of mind,” says Sakazaki. “Different people place different forms of emphasis on personal safety and valuables. If someone really wants to get into your home, they will study the environment and try to find a way”. She suggests that one should get a 24-hour monitored security system with an outdoor siren installed and place the security monitoring stickers on the windows another highly visible areas. “Statistics show that homes that have a monitored alarm system are less likely to be broken into than homes that don’t have one in place”. G4S’s Guam office is a branch of a global corporation offering extensive experience providing integrated support, safety & security solutions. Sakazaki added that they offer a wide range of solutions that will fit your budget. Their installation, repair and service technicians are cross-trained and are available 24-hours each day for emergency repair response. In addition to suggesting a 24-hour monitored security system, she shared a few tips to minimize intruders targeting your home or business. “Place lamps and a radio or TV on timers so that they can automatically turn on and off at different intervals. Illuminate the exterior of your home to deter trespassers from hiding in the dark areas. Trim bushes and trees. Invest in a good quality dead bolt and window locks. Remind family members to be careful on how much information the share on social media platforms”. “With the tough economic times the island is going through, we have noticed an increase in burglaries and more people purchasing security alarms,” reported Sakazaki. “We have received an increase in requests for both alarm and camera systems due to burglaries or shop-lifting over the last 12 months”. Our island may not be able to go back to enjoy simpler times when we didn’t have to lock our doors, but we do have the means and resources to go forward in keeping our homes, families and valuables safe. Do your research and see what security system is the best fit for you and your budget. Keep safe Guam!
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On The Cover
Villa Del Carmen Villa del Carmen features spacious 1,400 SF 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartments. Guests will immediately enjoy the resort feel in the tastefully decorated living room, fully equipped kitchen with marble tiles, porcelain tiled floors, granite bathrooms and panoramic ocean views from the balcony of their spacious bedrooms. Dining and living room spaces are furnished with a sofa set, dining table set, entertainment center, beds, night stands, elegant curtains throughout the unit, as well as a balcony in each bedroom and other accessories. The kitchens are furnished with stove/oven and refrigerator with marble countertops & solid wooden kitchen cabinets. This complex has spacious rooms and luxurious bathrooms in each bedroom. Each balcony has panoramic ocean views. Each unit has dual entrances in kitchen and living room and each bedroom has stylish overhead lights. The bathrooms are divided into three separate rooms consisting of the lavatory, the vanity sink with granite countertops, and a standing shower area. Beautifully crafted baseboards and molding accent the rooms, along with stylish lights fixtures. The dining room area comes with a sophisticated dining table capable of seating six. The glass enclosed cabinets and marble nook that divide the dining and kitchen area create a cozy atmosphere. There are skillfully crafted cabinets with rippled inlays that extend to the ceiling, and a built-in wine rack hangs over the sink for added convenience. The kitchen window provides generous sunlight to enhance well-designed kitchen. Each unit is completely furnished with quality furniture and accessories. There is a swimming pool and cabana area for all residents to enjoy, as well as cabanas on the rooftop to hold private parties.
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Real Estate Spotlight
Values A Title Company Provides
By Kim Anderson Young
nless you are involved in a real estate transaction, you may not have had the experience working with a title insurance company. Let’s take a look at the values that a title company provides.
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1. Purify land title systems. Title examiners find gaps, errors, and omissions in recorded public records. Once identified, they work with owners to correct the situation. One simple but common example is when a previous owner’s mortgage may not have been released when it was paid off. Escrow officers will contact the previous lender and request a release, which they in turn, record and clear the public record. 2. Establish the status of the title. Title searchers create a “chain of title” by searching land management records for any documents that involve the subject property. This will surely contain deeds and mortgages; many also contain leases, easements and judgments by the court. This chain is a chronological list of how the property came to be owned by the current owner, and what other interests such as leases or mortgages may currently affect the property.
3. Accounting for the Real Estate Transaction. As an independent third party to a real estate transaction, the title company follows the contract between the buyer and seller, as well as instructions from the lender, to ensure the money is distributed as intended by the parties. They ensure that lenders, surveyors, appraisers, REALTORS®, and other contributors to the transaction are fully paid. They also search real property tax records, and if necessary, pay any outstanding taxes so that the buyer acquires the property without any surprise expenses popping up later. 4. Handle Transaction Management. Escrow officers daily track down payoffs and releases. They juggle collection of executed deeds, mortgages, affidavits and settlement statements. An escrow officer is also tasked with collecting and clearing funds from sources such as the buyer, the lender, and when applicable, 1031 tax deferred exchange facilitators. They work closely with the REALTORS® and lenders to deal with issues that inevitably arise and work to ensure the transaction closes in a timely manner. 5. Guarantees the ownership of the property. Title insurance companies insure what they do. They back up their work with a title insurance policy that guarantees your ownership of the property! Rest assured that your favorite REALTOR® regularly works with title and escrow companies to ensure a professional closing. 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
Assistant Property Manager Wears Many Hats
By Arlene Taitague Taitingfong
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Sheila Vega Villanueva ASSISTANT PROPERTY MANAGER, DEL CARMEN INVESTMENTS
Her advice to others in the real estate field is you have to be aggressive and motivated. “You can’t be lazy in this field. Take risks and don’t be afraid to explore new things. Always believe in yourself and don’t give up. You never get what you want if you don’t try.” She added that it takes patience working in this environment which is why you have to love what you do. She also commented on CasaGuam Magazine’s appeal, adding that she likes that the magazine is easily accessible and available island wide. When she is not working, Villanueva enjoys catching up with friends and family, especially on the weekends. “I do cook a lot after work for dinner on weekdays.” She also loves to go dancing as it relaxes her mind and enjoys at least one day when she can have cocktails with her friends. Even when she is off, she is on constant watch for new furniture and decorative items for her next project!
What I like about the magazine is that you see different kinds of properties all over the island. It is very informative whe n it comes to real estate and is especially helpful for those who are new to the island.
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Meet Sheila Vega Villanueva. She is not a broker or a REALTOR®, but real estate is very much a part of her job. As the Assistant Property Manager of Del Carmen Investments, she plays an active role in getting their properties ready and rented in a timely manner. In addition to this, she wears other hats at her job that include, but are not limited to, interior designer and graphic artist. This makes her a busy woman at DCI. DCI has over 500 residential units in 13 properties located throughout Guam. They also have commercial properties including Hafa Adai Exchange & The Cinema Arcade, which Villanueva also has a hand in managing. She seems to have mastered time management well enough to be able to juggle her varied duties. She came to Guam from Batoleyte, Philippines with her twin sister, Sharon, and her mother in 1992. After graduating from John F. Kennedy High School she went on to further her education at the University of Guam. Although she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration and a Minor in Human Resources, she has a talent for interior design and is in charge of staging units for all the properties. “It’s a lot of hard work,” commented Villanueva, who has been designing and decorating the interior of DCI units since 2009. “I am loving every minute of it. It’s stressful and challenging, but its fun!” Though she has no formal training in this field, she has a knack for arranging things and putting together a certain look for the units. She is not afraid to use bold paint colors on the walls and is able to build a concept from even the simplest of things, like an art piece or wall hanging. When tasked to renovate or stage a unit, she keeps an eye out for furniture and accessory pieces that will work well together. “Staging units or even having a model unit, helps the client see how the space can be arranged,” she said. “This process makes renting out the properties even quicker compared to a unit that is unfurnished.” Her primary duty as the Assistant Property Manager has her dealing with a wide rage of property management tasks - basically everything from fixing a leaky faucet to overseeing an all out renovation. Having a maintenance crew ensures that resident requests are handled in a timely manner. “I am glad to have the opportunity and the experience to do what I do, thanks to my work,” she said as she appreciatively referred to her employers at DCI. She really likes being busy and meeting people too.
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From the Experts
Learning Fire Safety in Your Home I went to Kmart the other day and like most trips there, I ended up buying something else I didn’t intend on getting – but nonetheless will find useful. I find that I usually tend to do this when I have a bit of extra time on my hands. So the trick is to go there when I’m in a rush. The other day, I was totally in chill mode, hence my additional purchases. So in spite of having two items on my list, like freshly-cut grass picked up by the wind, I wandered this way and that way through the aisles I don’t normally visit. And yet, it was the open aisle with high traffic where the bright colors in jars caught my eye. It was a sale on candles! Now who can say no to a nice, scented candle, right? Women are such suckers for candles.
By Marissa Borja
some kind of fun or interesting project with my readers, this time, the message is very simple. If you can’t fireproof your home, then be prepared. Be sure your smoke alarms are functioning properly and have a fire extinguisher accessible at all times. Like my husband always says, it’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
After sampling tropical scents and warm scents, I settled on cinnamon. I figure it would be a good complement to our dining area. My daughters noticed the candle on the table and immediately inquired about where we would leave it once it’s lit. I emphasized the candle is to remain on the table and in that moment, I was reminded of when we woke up several years ago to panic and screams because my neighbor’s house was on fire. Thankfully, everyone was safe, but the cause was a candle lit in the bedroom. And someone was asleep in there too. I recounted the story to my daughters and explained to them that candles are never to be lit in the bedroom. Recognizing however that accidents do happen, the next step was to find out what they knew about handling a fire in the house. Being the safety person that he is, my husband always made sure we have a functioning fire extinguisher in our house. Our girls are aware of where it’s located, but have no idea how to use it. Instead, they have practiced our fire escape plan. This all made me wonder how many other homes in Guam are equipped with fire extinguishers and fire escape plans. I know it may seem a little trivial, but it’s something that could prevent the unnecessary loss of innocent little lives. I couldn’t imagine not being prepared when faced with a fire in my home. And while I usually make it a point to use my column to share 16 CasaGuam November 2014
About the Author Since 2007, seasoned television personality Marissa Borja (Pacific Home & Garden and My Home with Marissa Borja) has been working to fill Guam's home and garden niche with stories, products and services that locals will find beneficial and relative to their lifestyle. She enjoys the creative outlet that writing and television offer in order to balance out her busy personal life as a wife and full-time mother of five.
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Home Finance
1003 and Documentation By Calvin Hernandez roper documentation and record keeping is vital to any mortgage application. Proper documentation starts by accurately completing the Universal Residential Loan Application or URLA, also known as the Fannie Mae Form 1003 or Freddie Mac Form 65. When filled out correctly, the application contains all the necessary information for a lender to render an informed credit decision. The application is separated into 10 sections. I. TYPE OF MORTGAGE AND TERMS OF LOAN II. PROPERTY INFORMATION AND PURPOSE OF LOAN III. BORROWER INFORMATION IV. EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION V. MONTHLY INCOME AND COMBINED HOUSING EXPENSE INFORMATION VI. ASSETS AND LIABILITIES VII. DETAILS OF TRANSACTION VIII. DECLARATIONS IX. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND AGREEMENT X. INFORMATION FOR GOVERNMENT MONITORING PURPOSES When completing the application, it is important to take the time to provide complete and accurate information. For each applicant, lenders will require specific documents to provide evidence to support the information listed on the application. Here are some examples: • Income stated on the application: Lenders will require copies of pay stubs for the most recent 30-day period and tax returns to show stability of income. • Balances of checking or savings accounts: Lenders will require current bank statements for the most recent two-month period or quarter together with evidence of large cash deposits. • Debts listed on the application: Lenders will obtain a documented credit report or bank billing statements showing current payments due and loan balances. • Real estate owned: Lenders will request proof of property ownership insurance policy payments records, mortgage statements and property tax billings. • Employment verification: Lenders require W-2s from the past two years to help document job stability. For self-employed borrowers, three years of tax returns are required to include all schedules. We encourage borrowers to please take their time when completing the loan application section by section. Start making copies of necessary documents to support the stated information. Finally, work with your loan officer to ensure the application is completed properly. An accurately completed application, with the supporting documents, will help expedite the loan evaluation process.
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H o w To D . I . Y.
D.I.Y. Security Tips To Help
System Prevent Theft By Arlene Taitague Taitingfong
ome of us have been a statistic of theft or a break-in, or at least know of someone who has experienced it. The holiday season seems to bring out greater activity of this violation. Break-ins may seem at random, but it is actually a selection process. Here are some tips I found on the internet that will assist you in preventing theft of your home and hopefully give you some peace of mind. This is one security system you can do yourself and won’t break your piggy bank.
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1. Know your neighbors and stay vigilant. It has been reported that closer-knit neighborhoods generally have fewer break-ins because strangers stick out. Although it is nice to know people are watching out for you, you also need to pay attention to what you are doing, such as keeping travel plans on the down low. Word travels quickly and you don’t want the island to know you are gone. The less people who know you are away, the better. Also, arrange for delivery of your mail or newspaper to be held until you return from a trip. Piled up periodicals and mail is a sure sign that no one has been home for a while. Don’t change your message on your home’s answering machine to alert callers you are on vacation. 2. Don’t showboat. Leaving certain things lying around in your yard might draw attention to someone scoping out the neighborhood. Don’t leave bicycles or scooters outside. Roll them into the house or carport. If you bought a new TV or appliance, don’t leave the boxes outside the trash bin. Thieves might wonder what else is inside your house. Cut them up and throw them into the garbage receptacles. Can passers by see what you have in your home? Open your curtains and blinds, then walk around the house. See what is visible from the outside. If you have expensive items within plain sight, you might want to rearrange that room and move them out of view. 20 CasaGuam November 2014
3. Secure sliding doors and windows. To make extra sure the your windows and sliding doors cannot be easily opened, take a dowel, steel bar or a 2x4 and place it in the back groove. The rod stops the door from sliding in case the burglar was able to pick the lock. 4. Landscape with a purpose. Tall shrubs and overgrown trees are great hiding places for burglars. Trim your hedges and cut down branches so they don’t make shadowing hiding places. Make entryways visible to prevent people from sneaking up. Use landscape and design to define your territory. Plant thorny bushes, like roses or cactus, near your windows. 5. Use the “fake out” tactic. Most break-ins occur in the daytime when everyone is at work. Create an illusion that someone is home by turning on the television or play music. Leave a light on in your home when you leave. Using fluorescent bulbs lasts longer and is better on the environment. Also, having the light on over the stove helps as the kitchen tends to have lights on the most. 6. Hiding places. If you do decide to have a security system installed, make sure the control panel is not visible through a window. Thieves can look in to see if it is armed. To insure that your alarm will not be disabled if your phone line is out, have a cell unit installed as a back up to your security system. Outside of having a safe, hide valuables in areas like the kids bedroom. Burglars are less likely to go there. 7. Lock doors and windows. Yes, it’s as simple as that. Locking your doors and windows of your home and vehicle is the most important thing you can do. According to Protected Home’s website, about 40% of break-ins happen without the use of force.
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Curb Appeal
Keep An Eye On Your Home By Arlene Taitague Taitingfong hatever size our home is - castle, sanctuary or humble abode - you will do what is necessary to secure the perimeter and keep its occupants safe. The degree of security depends on many factors, one being your budget. Wouldn’t it be nice if we can have our own personal security guard watching our premises? We may not be able to have that for our homes, but we can still keep an “eye” on our house and possessions with surveillance cameras. There are many solutions available that will fit any budget, making it easy on your wallet. Cost-wise, a surveillance camera system is a better remedy in lieu of a security guard. Any security system adds value to your home, as well as curb appeal. One can start with a basic surveillance system using a few cameras to cover your home’s front and back entry ways. Cameras are affordable and can be easily installed — even by you. If you are not tech savvy or are unsure of what to look for, seek out consultation with a reputable security systems company. Mark Sanchez, Corporate Sales Manager of MEGAbyte, reports that they offer a variety of security systems for residential homes and small to medium sized businesses. This segment of their business started three years ago and has grown rapidly since then. “Customers would come into the store asking for advice on what type of cameras they should get for home surveillance. We would assess their needs and develop a solution for them”. When looking into a surveillance system, Sanchez advises that one should focus on the quality of the camera and not the price. “Many people go online and order cameras, not realizing that what they thought was a good deal price-wise, was not the best selection for their needs, or was below quality standard”. He added that there is a wide range of affordable cameras that have various features like night vision capability, auto detect movement, and built-in card readers, just to name a few. Where do we begin? Sanchez advises that a consultation be arranged so that your needs can be assessed properly. Here are a few things to ask yourself (and answer) beforehand. What areas do you want to be able to view? According to Sanchez, you want to cover points of entry. These areas are the front and back doors and
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windows that are large, like the living room area. He added that a camera is not needed for every room. If your surveillance system is driven via the internet, it may be accessible to hackers who might use your video recordings, possibly manipulate the footage, then put in on the internet. How much light does your home have? Do you keep it dark inside? Sanchez explained that some homes might not have enough light to capture a recording with a regular camera. They may have their homes shut tight from the light with closed typhoon shutters or blackout curtains. This is where you will need to use a camera with infrared capability. Infrared
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Curb Appeal cameras are able to pick up and record in the dark. The intruder cannot see the camera and will not realize that their actions are being recorded. How long do you want your home to be monitored for? Do you only need it in the daytime? Night time? Only when you go out? Do you want to be able to view your home remotely? These questions help determine the features you will want from a camera. Where will the cameras be mounted? Inside? Outside? You will want to make sure that if you have cameras mounted outside, they will need to be weatherproof. You might also want motion detection lighting. There are also cameras that do not need cabling because they have a built-in memory card. How long and how big do you want recording time and storage to be? This question is important as it lets the consultant know how much storage you need for the recorded data. If you have an auto detect system, it will record data when motion is detected. This does not require as much data storage compared to a 24-hour/30 day system that requires more. What is your budget? This is the nitty gritty of questions because your solution will be based on what you can afford. “It’s not necessary to have an expensive camera,” advises Sanchez. “Just the right one!” Depending on what you select, you might be able to install the cameras yourself. Again, some of the equipment may not need to
have internet access to be able to view your recorded data either. The simplest of solutions will not require you to drill holes in and around your home or require cabling throughout your house. “Buying a surveillance camera system is like buying a car. You don’t need a Ferrari if you are only driving from home to work,” advised Sanchez.
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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
Del Ca Carmen Investment, LLC We set th the standards high for residential rentals
Apartments • Condominiums • Homes A
Sheila Vega
Assistant Property Manager Interior Designer
Tel: 646-7748 Fax: 646-5929 sheilavegadci@gmail.com CasaGuam.com 25
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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!
Piti
Residential Sales
2BR/1BA Apartment. Close to Port, Naval Station, Polaris, Park and Beach. Ocean Breeze Apts. Max two tenants. $650 unfurnished. (Price does not include utilities) (Right across the beach!) Call 649-8265 or 727-8265
Barrigada
Two 2BD hse. 1 Full Concrete & 1 semi concrete in one lot. $96K. Negotiable. Call 727-4985.
Large 4BR/2Ba 1800sqft. House Only 248,000 637-7165 / 688-0887 / 689-3333
Tamuning
Talofofo
Dededo
Asan
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.
Nimitz Hill, 2BD apartment including ocean view. $950/mo. Modern upgraded, all ceramic tiled, typhoon shutters. Call 687-6900
Tamuning
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
Sunrise D Condo. Large 2BD/2BA. Pool. Very nice. 1,000 SqFt. $1,000/month. Call 637-7165/688-0887/689-7700.
Villa Rosario Condo: 3bd 2ba Excellent Condition, Pool, Tennis Court, Play Ground. Good Location $160,000.00 Call 637-7165/688-0887
NEWLY BUILT TAMUNING VILLA HOME 3BD/2BA, 2 carport, fully fenced, basic appliances included (split AC, ref, stove, washer, dryer, heater, drain disposal) $2,500/mo. Call 727-7670 or 988-7671
Las Palmas Ph3. 3rd Floor. Large 3BD/2.5BA/2Den. Pool. Excellent Condition. $255,000. Call 637-7165 689-3333/688-0887
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
Barrigada 2b/1b, near Subway with water $830/mo. Please call 637-7165 / 688-0887 / 689-3333
Dededo 3BD/2BA, split type AC all rooms, typhoon shutters. 168 B Rizal St. $1,200/mo - negotiable (Sec 8 OK) Call 637-0949/686-6094/929-5310
San Vitores Terrace Condo-2bd/1ba, 3bd/2ba - walking distance to beach, rest/bars, church. Asking $950 $1800/mo. CSR- PB 649-6088
Harmon
Tumon
3BD/2.5BA Townhouse. Pool. Security. Tennis Court. $1,900/month. Call 637-7165/688-0887/689-7700
Blue Pacific Lattice Condo. 2bd/1ba. Backup generator, securted entry, pool, mailbox, room A/C units, stove/oven, refrigerator. Call Deanna @ 688-2855.
Large 4BD/2.5BA. Single home. Pool. Security. Tennis Court. $2,450/month. Call 637-7165/688-0887/689.7700.
Yigo
Harmon Ct. Townhouse. 3BD/2BA. Sec. 8 OK. $1,200/month. Call 637-7165 689-3333/688-0887
Single Home. Excellent Condition. 3BD/2BA. Large yard. Good location. $1,400/month or for sale $200K. Call 637-7165/688-0887/689-7700.
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
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
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 Yigo
Ordot-Chalan Pago Chalan Pago 2bed 1bath SFD for sale. 1169sq.m lot Asking $119K. Call Karen 988-1883
5,545 SQ/MTR Off Rt 1, past Hillside Markiet. Water/power on site, paved access. $300K-negotiable Call 988-7671 or 727-7670
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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, Looking at the calendar recently I gasped to realize that it is already November, 2014! Where has the time gone to? A former associate several years ago commented that as we move through the years of our lives, the months begin to speed past us and then the years. I am at the stage in life where the years are going by faster than what I would like it too. (sigh!)
Home Buying in Six Steps
GUAM ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
1) Get Ready for Home Ownership • Build a good credit history • Get mortgage pre-approval • Find out what type of mortgages you quality for • Consider hiring an attorney to review all contracts and agreements associated with the home buying process • Save up for a down payment (typically 10-20% of property’s value; if FHA-qualified, then possibly less) • Consider closing costs which can include taxes, attorney’s fees, and transfer fees • Consider utilities and monthly bills, such as homeowner's assessments 2) Find a Real Estate Professional • Get a referral from friends, family, and work colleagues, or search realtor.com® and look for real estate yard signs and advertisements • Ask the real estate professionals you interview about buyer's representation contracts and agreements; make sure you understand the terms • Explain your needs and expectations to the real estate professional you choose to work with 3) Find the Right Property • Determine what is important to you, such as particular schools, neighborhood amenities, monthly mortgage payment, public transportation, walkability, etc. • Make sure you include home owner’s assessments, utilities, and taxes when calculating the monthly mortgage payment 4) Finance the Property • Contact your mortgage broker or lender • The lender or attorney will run a title search to ensure there are no clouds on the title • Make sure you understand the financing terms—ask the lender for clarification, if needed 5) Make an Offer • Ensure the property is inspected by a licensed home inspector • Acquire title insurance • Make sure the title is clear, or make your offer contingent upon title clearance • Read all contracts before signing—make sure you understand all of the terms, ask questions • Place a competitive bid and be prepared to make a counter-offer • Keep your credit score stable and in-check by waiting to purchase any big-ticket items until long after the closing • Only one offer will result in a sale, so be prepared to move on if your offer is not accepted 6) Closing and Life After the Big Purchase • Protect your new asset by obtaining insurance such as homeowner’s, flood, disaster, and fire • Weatherproof your new home • Maintain files—digital or print—for all warranties, insurance documents, contracts, etc. • Keep original closing documents in a safe place, preferably outside the home (such as a safety deposit box) • Set up utilities bills in your name, maintain files • Implement desired aesthetic changes such as painting, minor construction, and re-flooring • Set a move date and hire movers or plan a move party with your friends • Get to know your neighbors and explore your new neighborhood • If you're happy with the work of your real estate professional, be sure to recommend her/him to friends and family
Suite 236A Julale Center 424 West O'Brien Drive, Hagatna, Guam 96910 Office: (671) 477-4271 • Fax: (671) 477-4275
-National Association of REALTORS®The Guam Association of REALTORS® shall remain your leading advocate for promoting and protecting homeownership on Guam. Ask if your agent is a REALTOR®. Visit our website at www.guamrealtors.com
Guam continues to be a great place to buy and own real estate. The recent 2014 third quarter real estate market report by Cornerstone Valuation Guam, Inc., reported stability and growth in our residential sector for single family homes and condominiums. Increased activity in the condominium sector raised the annualized sales volume for residential sector. Most of the sales were investor-related versus buyer's purchasing to occupy. This increase in activity pushed the annulaized median price for condominiums to $170,000. Single family home median price maintained 2013 figures at $200,000. Interest rates continue to be attractive and below 5%. WOW!!! Loan processing time averages between 45 - 60 days. In the 1980’s, we were working with double digit interest rates and loan processing time averaged about 6 months for conventional loans. For VA/FHA and FH loans, processing time exceeded one year! We've come a long way. Are you still thinking about becoming a home owner? It's a good time to take action. The Guam Association of REALTORS® has over 400 REALTOR® members who are ready to help you with this important decision. Contact any one of us today! We look forward to assisting you with your steps to home ownership! 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
The Voice for Real Estate on Guam
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