CasaGuam Volume 8 Issue 02

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CONTENTS

Let ter from the Editor

Departments 4

Letter from the Editor

Market Snapshot Real Estate Sales Increase Four Percent in 2014

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Feature Watts Up? A Guideline to Lighting Your Home

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Real Estate Spotlight

February 2015 • Vol. 8 • No. 2

Funding Fraud Foiled

P.O. Box 24881 Barrigada, GU 96921 Tel: (671) 472-3495 | Fax: (671) 472-3498 email: office@yellowpagesink.com

Profile Clare Delgado Be Honest and Truthful In All Your Dealings

[ Publisher ] [ Business Sales Manager ] Jay-R S. Dominguez

[ Editor ] Arlene Taitague Taitingfong

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From the Experts Turn Wasted Energy Into Reusable Energy

[ Display Advertising ] Evelyn Trinidad

[ Traffic/Circulation Manager ] Carol Aperocho

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How to D.I.Y. How Large Does Your Solar Power System Need to Be

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Curb Appeal What You Need to Go Off the Grid

[ Production Manager ] Mark S. Burke

[ Graphics & Layout ] Mark S. Burke Edwin E. Valencia

[ Website Development ] Mark S. Burke Edwin E. Valencia

[ Editorial Contributors 25

Who Ya Gonna Call?

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Classifieds

Rik DeGunther Siska Hutapea Rick Sparacio Arlene Taitague Taitingfong Kim Anderson Young

Arlene Taitague Taitingfong

Bueñas Everyone! You have great reading ahead in this February issue! Our articles revolve around a variety of ways we can power our homes or take that next step to energy efficiency. Do you know the difference between watts and lumens? Since 2012, the Federal Trade Commission has required manufacturers to have new product labels for lightbulbs. Our Feature article explains the difference between traditional lightbulbs and the energy saving ones in “Watts Up?”. Our PROFILE this month features Clare Delgado, Principal Broker for Century 21 Commonwealth Realty. Read how she let fate decide her initial step into real estate and how she took control of her destiny thereafter. Worried about power surges ruining home appliances? Rick Sparacio of 1st Green Solutions explains how Universal Shunt Efficiency Systems work to turn wasted energy into reusable energy. Read more about it in From The Experts. With all the hubbub on going green and solar solutions, do we really know how much solar energy we need to run our home? Take the guess work out and check out DIY. We have a formula that will assist in calculating your solar needs. I was recently inspired by a HGTV series that followed the experience of a few families who decided to start living off the grid. I realized that many of us have undeveloped properties, ranches or farms that may not be fully accommodating of running power and water — and yet we make do. Learn what you need to decide on if you want alternative energy sources for your off-grid living in Curb Appeal. Written by Rik DeGunther, author of “Solar Power Your Home For Dummies”, it’s really simple to follow, especially if you find “technical” literature hard to understand, as I do. Siska Hutapea delivers the highlights of 2014 real estate activity in Market Snapshot. Fraud on Guam? It can happen. Kim Young reports her recent experience in Real Estate Spotlight. Peggy Llagas gives a Buyers’ and Sellers’ guide on negotiation and Ryan De Guzman talks about love and real estate. Until next month, keep safe Guam Sincerely,

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Closing 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

Real Estate Sales Increase Four Percent in 2014 uam real estate sales volume in 2014 reflects $274.6M,

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a four percent increase from 2013, but remains lower than stabilized figures of $300M. Number of sales also

increased by 8% compared to 2013 at 1,098 total sales transactions. December 2014 closed out strong at $45.4M, the highest gross sales month in the last 25 months. The last time monthly sales was stronger was when Tumon Sand Plaza and Guam Premier Outlets sold in November 2012. Notable property sold in December includes the $15M Tumon land formerly owned by Hanil Engineering and previously proposed for 700 condominium developments. Residential sales volume (including condominiums and single family dwellings) increased significantly (16%) from $163M in 2013 to $189.1M in 2014. Although the single family portion is relatively stable at $134.2M, the condominium sector increased 77% from $31M in 2013 to $54.8M in 2014. The re-emergence of off island investors—this time spearheaded from Taiwan - increased the number of condominium unit sales from 165 to 260 in 2014. Median price of single family dwelling increased from $200,000 in 2013 to $212,775 in 2014. Furthermore, the condominium median price increased from $139,905 to $165,600 in 2014. The transactions took place among popular condominium projects to include the Pia Marine, Tumon Horizon, Pacific Towers, Apusento Gardens, Ypao Gardens and the newly completed Harvest Gardens in Maite. Along with their central locations, these projects offered somewhat affordable prices and moderate to high rentability. Paradise Meadows appears to continue to mimic the success streak of the “mainland-style subdivision� of Paradise Estates, with sales of fifteen houses below $300,000 recorded in 2014. Dededo, Yigo, and Barrigada, remain to be the three top municipalities for single family sales. 4 CasaGuam Februar y 2015


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Market Repor t

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Feature

Watts Up? A Guideline to Lighting Your Home

By Arlene Taitague Taitingfong

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Feature

There are more ways than one when it comes to powering your home. Start with something as simple as a light bulb replacement. There are many kinds of lighting solutions that have power saving and money saving attributes. We are now able to light our homes using the same amount of light for less money in the long run. One can start by replacing five most frequently used lightbulbs with models that have earned the ENERGY STAR seal. It can save you approximately $75 each year.

• Replace a 75W bulb with an energy-saving bulb that gives you about 1100 lumens

According to information found on www.energy.gov, the market has new lighting standards which took effect in 2012. Options include halogen incandescent, CFL, and LED lightbulbs. For high-quality products with the greatest energy savings, choose bulbs that have earned the ENERGY STAR.

READ THE LABEL The Federal Trade Commission requires a new product label for lightbulbs. This enables consumers to better understand the switch from watts to lumens.

• Replace a 60W bulb with an energy-saving bulb that gives you about 800 lumens • Replace a 40W bulb with an energy-saving bulb that gives you about 450 lumens.

The difference between the traditional incandescent bulbs vs. the new options are many. Check out the site for the various lighting options and their features. The main point is traditional bulbs use a lot of energy and 90% of this is given off as heat. The newer choices are more efficient and saves money. Not sure how to begin looking for new bulbs? When shopping, look at the lumens number to be sure you are getting the amount of light or level of brightness you want. Refer to the Lighting Facts Label on the package. It will help to compare bulb brightness, color, life and estimated operation cost for the year. WATTS VS. LUMENS For years, we have been buying lightbulbs based on how much energy they consume (WATTS). Lumens refer to the measure of how much light you will get from a bulb. More lumens equate to brighter light; fewer lumens, dimmer light. A simpler way to look at the “measurement” of lumens is lumens are to light as gallons are to milk or pounds are to bananas. Lumens let you buy the amount of light you want. The information below was taken from www.energy.gov website. It is a guideline that will help when shopping for your new energy efficient bulbs, as well as a guide to help you read the Lighting Facts label. • To replace a 100 watt (W) incandescent bulb, look for a bulb that gives you about 1600 lumens. If you want something dimmer, go for less lumens; if you prefer brighter light, look for more lumens.

Like the helpful nutrition label on food products, the Lighting Facts label helps consumers understand what they are really purchasing. The label clearly provides the lumens - or brightness - of the bulb, the estimated operating cost for the year, and the color of the light (from warm/yellowish, to white to cool/blue). For more information about lumens and energy saving choices, check out the video on www.energy.gov/articles/energy-101-lumens. It’s a short presentation about lumens that will help you further understand what to look for.

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On The Cover

Ipan Talofofo: Room To Run f you have always wanted to own a new villa home in Talofofo, Guam, that offers superb space and polished finishing throughout the premises, then this is the house for you. This executive home is located on Padua Lane and consists of four bedrooms and 3 1/2 bathrooms The materials used to design and finish this home is top quality and offers the best of tropical living at an affordable price. The home was designed to host parties and social events, with an an outside barbeque area. The property is fully fenced and has a double garage. This is a two-story home and is totally accessible for all family members at any age. This home offers a gourmet kitchen with first-class wood cabinetry and polished granite stone countertops. This would be a perfect home for Veterans and professionals who want to be able to enjoy a property that offers the very best in real estate value in Guam. Call for a showing now. Special offer of 4% closing costs available to Veteran buyers from the developer.

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CALL FOR A SHOWING AND FOR MORE INFO! 10 CasaGuam Februar y 2015

Buying • Selling • Leasing Property Management & Development CALL US FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS! (671) 647-0888 315 South Marine Corps Drive, Suite 201 Tamuning, GU 96913 • www.ellensrealtyguam.com

Ellen Wilkinson Principal Broker 688-0118


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Real Estate Spotlight

Funding Fraud Foiled By Kim Anderson Young s a member of the American Land Title Association and as an agent for Stewart Title and First American Title, our company receives fraud alerts on a regular basis. While interesting, I felt our close-knit community has contributed to insulating us from the sort of fraudulent actions that appear rampant in the mainland US. Was I ever wrong about that!

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A few weeks ago a very experienced real estate agent called me to discuss a transaction. Her instincts were telling her something was just not right. A man contacted her via e-mail and wished to purchase (sight unseen) a condominium she had listed for sale. He signed a purchase agreement and escrow was opened with our office. All communication was via e-mail, without even one telephone call. The buyer asked for wire instructions so that he could wire funds into our trust account. Instead of receiving a wire transfer, the bank received a check for $99,000 in the mail from a title company in Indianapolis. The bank credited the check to our trust account and sent us a notification of the deposit. The buyer was supposed to provide an additional $40,000 to complete the sale. Less than a week later, we received a notice from the bank that they believed the check to be fraudulent. When we contacted the title company in Indianapolis, they confirmed the following: • Their office had not issued the check. • The signature on the check does not match the signatory for their Indianapolis office. • Standard escrow procedure requires that we include a file number, but none appeared on this check. • The buyer has not been a recent party to any escrow in Indianapolis and his name does not appear in the underwriters system at all. • It is highly unusual for an escrow company to make a check payable to another title company rather than the owners of the proceeds. • The British passport provided by the “buyer” appeared legiti mate, but the photo does not appear to comply with international passport photo requirements. • A transmittal letter that accompanied the check referred to Chase Bank, but that was not the bank on the check.

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If I were to speculate, I would imagine that the fraudster’s plan was be to cancel the transaction and have us “return” the funds to him. Fortunately our close-knit community had some great tools working in our favor! The team at Security Title worked closely with our real estate agent and banking contacts and our combined quick action uncovered the fraud before the internet buyer was able to cause any financial harm. 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

Principal Broker Advices to Be Honest and Truthful in All Your Dealings By Arlene Taitague Taitingfong

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Clare Delgado ASSOCIATE BROKER CENTURY 21 COMMONWEALTH REALTY

get stressful. “Having a certain sense of humor also keeps the frown lines away!” What does she do when she is not working? One of her favorite things is spending time with family. Delgado is married to John Guerrero and has three boys. “Time is one thing you don’t get back, so I try to make good use of it if I can.” Additionally, she likes to spend time with friends and if her budget allows, travels when she can. She also likes reading. “Contracts and offers are always a good read,” she said with a big smile.

It doesn’t matter what type of property you are lookin g for, you can pretty much find it in the magazine (CasaGuam ). It truly is Guam’s real estate publication!

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“Do You Want to Be A Real Estate Agent?” That was the advertisement Clare Delgado saw eight years ago in the local newspaper. She called and was told there was one spot left. Leaving her decision to fate, she told herself that if she went to register and the spot was available, she would sign up. If not, she would move on to another path. Although she had previous sales experience in other industries prior to her real estate career, she had often pondered the thought of becoming a real estate agent. “My family owns rental properties and my dad is the landlord. Seeing what he did interested me, so I wanted to give it a try," explained Delgado. She was the last person to sign up for that real estate class back in 2006 and succeeded in obtaining her real estate license. Was it fate or destiny? Fast forward to 2008 and the instructors of her real estate class, Walt Nelson and Moe Cotton, are now her mentors. They see Delgado’s commitment to her career and asks if she would like to become an associate broker for their firm. She accepts, takes the class and passes the test. Today, Delgado continues to be committed to her career and has progressed from Associate to Principal Broker for the realty company she started out with—Century 21 Commonwealth Realty. “It’s a commitment. You need to give it your best to get maximum results!”, she affirmed. In addition to her enjoyment of meeting people, she truly does love helping them with their real estate transactions. “I don’t ‘sell’ real estate to people. I provide a solution to the client and it truly is a humbling experience when a family has found the right home and I was a part of that process.” Delgado shared her satisfaction of building relationships with her clients. She elaborated that many of the clients she has helped have become friends and has maintained the friendships years after her first acquaintance with them. “I’ve seen clients through weddings and children along the way. Words really can’t describe how you feel.” She shares this advice with us. “Whatever you decide to become, either sales associate or broker, like what you are doing. There’s so much satisfaction you derive from it, and I think the work becomes easier.” She emphasizes that no commission is ever worth being dishonest. “It goes without saying that you should do your best and be honest and truthful in all your dealings.” She continued to express the need to have a sense of humor, especially when things


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From the Experts

Turn Wasted Energy Into Reusable Energy

By Rick Sparacio

lectricity goes through miles of power lines and multiple transformers to get to your electric panel. By the time you receive it, the efficiency of the power can be reduced by as much as 30% and is subject to spikes and surges. Your Invertertype air con units, appliances, DVD players, flat screen TV’s, stereo systems and more can total over $20,000.00 in a single home. All of this and all other motors have to work harder, which makes the equipment run hotter, and eventually use more watts to make up for this inefficiency. Then there is the occasional power surge that can totally damage the very expensive circuit boards in everything listed above.

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There is an advanced technology available on Guam that has been used all over the world with over 22 years proven history of providing the highest quality surge, spike and even lightning protection for homes. The technology is known as USES (Universal Shunt Efficiency System). How Does it Work? 1. The state-of-the-art “Green” technology recycles the unused magnetic field energy by using a patented choke, varistor and shunt system to generate usable power. It slows the meter down, which lessens your power bill. 2. The units condition the power to the highest level of efficiency. This allows your appliances, air conditioning, pumps and all other motors to use fewer watts at your meter. This makes the power used in the higher fee tiers greatly reduced. 3. As electric rates continue to increase, the units reduce the number of watts you will pay for at the new higher rate. 4. All motorized equipment will run cooler and last longer because the power to them is cleaner and more efficient. 5. The units are a surge and spike protector for all your electronics which receive power from your panel. Many homes in Guam are now being protected by this advanced technology. Additionally, this technology has the added potential benefit of reducing approximately 300 kilowatts per month in energy use by recycling the dirty energy into reusable clean power. 16 CasaGuam Februar y 2015

Many of the homes with USES have experienced the satisfaction of 24 hour protection when their neighbors and friends have had damaged circuit boards. Those with the USES protection have not had any damage. Additionally, the USES units extend the life span of all lamps, motors, compressors and electronics by approximately 25% including solar inverters. The USES units also add around $20,000.00 value to a home as additional equity, based on the energy savings over a 20 year period. The great thing about them is that the units can also be removed and relocated. About the Author Rick Sparicio is the CEO and General Manager of 1st Green Solutions - GUAM LLC and has more information to offer at their website: www.1stgreensolutions.com


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H o w To D . I . Y.

How Large Does Your Solar Power System Need to Be? he house is extremely efficient, with well-designed window overhangs, a sunroom on the southern front, and a modular design that enables the living area to be closed off from the rest of the house on the cruelest winter days. A solar attic vent fan is installed in the attic space, and a large solarpowered ceiling fan in the great room keeps the comfort level on the hottest summer days tolerable. The following table shows the sample power load for the California cabin. Switching to solar power can require a substantial outlay of money. At a minimum, you need to determine the following in order to get a good idea how much your standalone photovoltaic (PV) solar power system will cost:

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• The total watt-hours per day of energy you'll need: Compile a list of all your appliances and devices and how many hours per day each will be run. • Define your peak instantaneous power output, measured in watts: Determine which appliances you'll be running at the same time; add their power draws, in watts. • Figure out the duty cycle: For example, a weekend cabin used for two days has a duty cycle of 2/7, or about 28 percent. A system used every day has a duty cycle of 100 percent. • Estimate how many hours of good sunlight a day you can expect: Sunlight is difficult to estimate with much accuracy because it depends on the weather and on the time of year during which you're interested in using your system. Here is an example of some of the calculations for an off-grid home in the mountains of Northern California. Here's what you need to keep in mind about this scenario: • The duty cycle is 100 percent, and the house is used year-round. • Worst-case expected sunlight per day is around four hours. • A two-day power reserve is required because the backup generator is 20 years old and may or may not start, depending on its cantankerous mood. • The system must output 120VAC. And in case you're curious, here's how the owners are reducing their energy requirements: • For heat, they use a wood-burning stove exclusively. • Residents don't need electric-powered water heating because they use a solar water heater. • Both the cooking stove and refrigerator work with bottled propane. 18 CasaGuam Februar y 2015

By Rik DeGunther

Energy Consumption in an Off-Grid Home

With this chart, you can do some of the following calculations for your load analysis. To calculate the last column, simply multiply the first two columns.

Next, calculate battery size, which is specified in terms of amphours (Ah). Most batteries are 12VDC, but other sizes are also available. For this example, assume a 12VDC system. 1. Take the total kWh/day, multiply this by 1,000 to get kWh/day, and then divide this value by the battery voltage. 2. The generator is old, so triple the result from Step 1 to account for the two reserve days. To cover the two reserve days, the cabin owners need batteries that can hold three days' worth of charge. 3. Multiply the minimum battery capacity from Step 2 by a factor of two. Batteries last much longer when they're not drained of more than about 70 percent of their available energy. Finally, they're going to need a larger PV module capacity in order to get the three-day reserve. It's okay to go without power a few times, and there's a backup generator, so if they double the size of the PV module capacity, they should be safe. Hence, the owners need 1,400 watts of PV. About the Author Rik DeGunther is the founder of Efficient Homes, an energy consultant firm that focuses on home energy audits and the design of efficient heating and cooling systems and has written several “For Dummies” books on the aforementioned subjects.


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Warehouse for Rent

4000 SqFt of Storage (80 X 50) Mezzanine OďŹƒce Space Will Partition/Subdivide Contact Steve Carrara for more information : 922-4454 CasaGuam.com 21


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Curb Appeal

What You Need to Go Off the Grid ff-grid solar PV systems are expensive, so find any means you can to reduce the energy requirements. Most off-grid houses use a wide range of energy resources, in sharp contrast to the typical all-electric suburban home. Solar hot water heaters are always good candidates because they're cheaper per kilowatt-hour than an off-grid photovoltaic system, and solar lighting systems are always wise. This variety can be an advantage in that you aren't completely disabled by power blackouts. In fact, you'll be completely impervious to power outages, and even if one of your resources goes down, the majority of your lifestyle will still be intact. Off-grid solar electrical systems all use the same basic components, with other elements added according to need.

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Here are the functions of each part: Charge controller: The charge controller feeds current into the battery bank at the required voltage. Good charge controllers draw the best performance out of the batteries and are very important for economics because they influence efficiency. Battery bank: The battery bank is typically made up of six or more individual batteries connected with stout cables in either series or parallel arrangements. 22 CasaGuam Februar y 2015

By Rik DeGunther

Inverter: The inverter changes DC to AC voltages suitable for use with household equipment. An inverter is optional if you use DC loads exclusively. DC loads controller: You may be using both DC (boat, RV, and auto appliances) and AC loads (standard household appliances). The DC loads controller maintains the proper currents and voltages into the DC loads. AC generator: As a backup power supply, the AC generator isn't strictly necessary but is usually part of any off-grid system in order to prevent blackouts when the sun is weak for extended periods. Transfer switch: The transfer switch alternates the power source between either the inverter output (when battery power is available) or the AC generator. AC loads controller: This device includes appropriate fuses and switching means and maintains the voltages and currents used by the AC appliances connected to the system. Which type of current you choose depends on what you want to run. If it's just a few lights at night, with a coffee maker and a fan or two, DC is fine. However, the market for DC appliances is far smaller than 120VAC, so you may go for AC if you're using standard household appliances (which is the most common way to go and is cheaper and better because of the widespread availability of AC appliances compared to DC appliances). DC, which is more efficient because batteries use direct current, is usually the choice for small cabins and small power systems. You can use DC appliances for RVs and boats, so envision your cabin like a big RV, and you get the picture. But DC also requires larger wire diameters, which can be very costly if you need to run lengths of more than 50 feet or so. After you install a PV intertie system, you can completely ignore it for the most part. Keeping the solar panels clean is about the extent of your maintenance, and you don't really need to do that. But when you install a system with batteries, you have to stay on top of things. The battery or battery pack is the core of any off-grid system, and it drives the system's cost. All action comes and goes from the battery, and much of the safety and control equipment is designed to protect either the battery or the balance of the system from the battery. You absolutely have to understand batteries, or you'll end up paying an arm and a leg for new ones all the time and you won't get decent performance out of the ones you have. About the Author Rik DeGunther is the founder of Efficient Homes, an energy consultant firm that focuses on home energy audits and the design of efficient heating and cooling systems and has written several “For Dummies� books on the aforementioned subjects.


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

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Classifieds Commercial Rentals

MongMong-Toto-Maite

Yigo

Ordot-Chalan Pago

Dededo

Economical studio unit. Completely

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

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

renovated. All ceramic tiles, new cabinets, 106 East Sta. Barbara, Dededo 4bed/1 ba

new split A/C, typhoon shutters & double

corner house, fenced, and gated. Centrally

paned windows. Call Deanna @ 688-2855.

located close to church, school & malls. $1,200/mnth. Call MYRNA @ 488-0144

Piti

Ordot-Chalan Pago

MILITARY APPROVED! 1 & 3 BR 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

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

Talofofo 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!

Residential Sales Barrigada

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.

Residential Rentals Talofofo Agat

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

Ipan home less than one mile away from 1 & 3 BR in Agat. Ocean View! Renovated. Near Base, Stores, and Schools. Call 649-8265 or 727-8265

Asan

the beach and golf courses. 2 story, for more information.

Tamuning

Nimitz Hill, 2BD apartment including Sunrise D Condo. Large 2BD/2BA. Pool. ocean view. $950/mo. Modern upgraded, all ceramic tiled, typhoon shutters. Call 687-6900

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

Very nice. 1,000 SqFt. $1,000/month. Call 637-7165/688-0887/689-7700. NEWLY BUILT TAMUNING VILLA HOME

Barrigada 3BD/2BA, 2 carport, fully fenced, basic 2b/1b, near Subway with water $830/mo. Please call 637-7165 / 688-0887 / 689-3333

Dededo

4BD/3BA plus studio. Call 707-6923/4

appliances included (split AC, ref, stove, washer, dryer, heater, drain disposal) $2,500/mo. Call 727-7670 or 988-7671

Harmon

Villa Rosario Condo: 3bd 2ba Excellent Condition, Pool, Tennis Court, Play Ground. Good Location $160,000.00 Call 637-7165/688-0887 Las Palmas Ph3. 3rd Floor. Large 3BD/2.5BA/2Den. Pool. Excellent Condition. $255,000. Call 637-7165 689-3333/688-0887

San Vitores Terrace Condo-2bd/1ba, 3BD/2.5BA Townhouse. Pool. Security. Tennis Court. $1,900/month. Call 637-7165/688-0887/689-7700 Large 4BD/2.5BA. Single home. Pool. Security. Tennis Court. $2,450/month. Call 637-7165/688-0887/689.7700. Harmon Ct. Townhouse. 3BD/2BA. Sec. 8 OK. $1,200/month. Call 637-7165 689-3333/688-0887

3bd/2ba - walking distance to beach, rest/bars, church. Asking $950 -

Pacific Gardens. 1st Floor. Pool. Security. 1BD/1BA. $47,000. Call 637-7165 689-7700/688-0887/689-3333.

Tamuning Exec. 2 Story/Very Spacious For Sale by Owner. Growing in a great location beside Cost-U-Less Tamuning and Guam Premium Outlet. Great lifestyle and community environment with 5bd/3ba corner lot; nice sized bd on 1st and 2nd flr; master suite w/ jacuzzi spa tub; quality granite staircases; red hardwood railings; crown molding all over the house with open spacious kitchen. Dream home and a good investment! Call/LvMsg 727-6456 For Sale $195K Fee Simple. 3BD/2BA Tamuning Condominium Low Common Area Fee @ $50/month. Call Jo 488-4563.

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.

$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.

For Sale By Owner Summer Palace Estates Located close to Cost-U-Less in Harmon 4Bd/2.5Ba 2100 Sq. Ft. Secured gated community/swimming pool, tennis court, & playground. New granite countertop and tile floor throughout / typhoon shutters. $440,000.00 Please call 777-0951

Land for Sale Yigo 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 Ryan DeGuzman 2015 President

Message from the Exeutive Officer Peggy Araullo Llagas Guam Association of REALTORS®

Guam Association of REALTORS®

REALTORS® Love Love is a loaded word. Ask anyone married long enough and you will probably get a good idea of what it means, and some pretty interesting and entertaining stories too. It is many things and can be expressed in more than one way. Gary Chapman, author of “The Five Love Languages”, a book designed to improve marriage, states that there are primarily five ways we express love: Gifts, quality time, affection, words of affirmation and acts of service. How do Realtors® show love? Here are a few just for you: • Adhering to the Realtor® Code of Ethics and abiding by the Golden Rule • Investing in RPAC (Realtor® Political Action Committee), which helps advocate for Home Ownership and private property rights • Taking time to explain the home buying and home selling process so you understand exactly how it works and what to expect • Showing properties all over the island that you are qualified to see • Providing valuable information and up-to-date reports • Holding your hand and walking you through a transaction, especially if it’s your very first time • Giving or sending you a card in the mail to show sincere thanks and appreciation • Staying in touch, constantly following up, giving you feedback so you are always in the loop and aware of what is happening • Encouraging you with words of affirmation like, “We’re right on track, it’ll all work out, that's normal.” • Providing professional service, advice, working with and suggesting local lenders, lawyers, appraisers, home inspectors, surveyors, insurers, title & escrow officers, agencies that can help with the process • Being available to accommodate your schedule • Working weekends and holidays if necessary so you feel comfortable and safe and trust that everything is going to be fine Realtors® are not perfect, but Realtors® love what we do. We struggle, but we survive and we succeed. We love because love never fails, never gives up and endures until the very end. Please contact the Guam Association of Realtors®, we are over 400 members strong and we would LOVE to help you!

A Buyers’ and Sellers’ Guide to Multiple Offer Negotiations – Part 1 Information for Buyers • In some situations sellers will have several competing purchase offers to consider. Sellers have several ways to deal with multiple offers. Sellers can accept the “best” offer; they can inform all potential purchasers that other offers are “on the table”; they can “counter” one offer while putting the other offers to the side awaiting a decision on the counter-offer; or they can “counter” one offer and reject the others. • While the listing broker can offer suggestions and advice, decisions about how offers will be presented – and dealt with – are made by the seller - not by the listing broker. • There are advantages and disadvantages to the various negotiating strategies you can employ in multiple offer negotiations. A low initial offer may result in buying the property you desire for less than the listed price – or it may result in another buyer’s higher offer being accepted. On the other hand, a full price offer may result in paying more than the seller might have required. In some cases there can be several full price offers competing for the seller’s attention – and acceptance. • Your buyer-representative will explain the pros and cons of these (and possibly other) negotiating strategies. The decisions, however, are yours to make. • Purchase offers generally aren’t confidential. In some cases sellers may make other buyers aware that your offer is in hand, or even disclose details about your offer to another buyer in hope of convincing that buyer to make a “better” offer. In some cases sellers will instruct their listing broker to disclose an offer to other buyers on their behalf. • Listing brokers are required to follow lawful, ethical instructions from their clients in the same way that buyer-representatives must follow lawful, ethical instructions from their buyerclients. While some REALTORS® may be reluctant to disclose terms of offers, even at the direction of their seller-clients, the Code of Ethics does not prohibit such disclosure. In some cases state law or real estate regulations may limit the ability of brokers to disclose the existence or terms of offers to third parties. • You may want to discuss with your buyer-representative the possibility of making your offer confidential, or of establishing a confidentiality agreement between yourself and the seller prior to commencing negotiations. • Realize that as a represented buyer, your broker likely has other buyer-clients, some of whom may be interested in the same properties as you are. Ask your broker how offers and counteroffers will be presented and negotiated if more than one of her buyer-clients are trying to buy the same property. • Appreciate that your buyer-representative’s advice is based on past experience and is no guarantee as to how any particular seller will act (or react) in a specific situation. Information for Sellers • It’s possible you may be faced with multiple competing offers to purchase your property. Your listing broker can explain various negotiating strategies for you to consider. For example, you can accept the “best” offer; you can inform all potential purchasers that other offers are “on the table” and invite them to make their “best” offer; you can “counter” one offer while putting the other offers to the side awaiting a decision on your counter-offer; or you can “counter” one offer and reject the others. • If you have questions about the possibility of multiple offers and the way they can be dealt with, ask your listing broker to explain your options and alternatives. • Realize that each of these approaches has advantages and disadvantages. Patience may result in an even better offer being received; inviting buyers to make their “best” offers may produce an offer (or offers) better than those “on the table” – or may discourage buyers who feel they’ve already made a fair offer resulting in them breaking off negotiations to pursue other properties. Your listing broker will explain the pros and cons of these strategies (and possibly other) negotiating strategies. The decisions, however, are yours to make. • Appreciate that your listing broker’s advice is based on past experience and is no guarantee about how any particular buyer will act (or react) in a specific situation.

GUAM ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

-National Association of REALTORS®-

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

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.

The Voice for Real Estate on Guam

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