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CONTENTS
Let ter from the Editor
Departments 4
Letter from the Editor
Market Report What’s New in Real Estate on Guam?
8
10
Feature Summer Town Estates
Real Estate Spotlight 2014 Property Tax Implementation
14
Profile Sonny Ada Simplicity And Trust Important Factors In Business
May 2015 • Vol. 8 • No. 5 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
16
From the Experts What’s New in Paint Ideas
[ Traffic/Circulation Manager ] Carol Aperocho
[ Production Manager ] 18
22
How to D.I.Y.
Mark S. Burke
Flooring Ideas From
[ Graphics & Layout ]
Concrete to Carpet
Mark S. Burke Edwin E. Valencia
Curb Appeal Preparing Your Home to Sell
25
Who Ya Gonna Call?
26
Classifieds
Bueñas Guam! In keeping with the momentum of Spring and all that it represents, this month’s articles have something to do with “What’s New”!
Caters To Seniors Citizens
12
Arlene Taitague Taitingfong
[ Website Development ] Mark S. Burke Edwin E. Valencia
[ Editorial Contributors Anthony Godwin Ken Limtiaco Chris Murphy Arlene Taitague Taitingfong Kim Anderson Young
In this month’s Feature, we take a look at “What’s New” in senior citizen living. Core Tech International opened Summer Town Estates, a community of homes that were constructed with our senior citizens in mind. A great living option if you are 55 years or older! Ken Limtiaco sat down with me and we went over the latest trends in paint, colors, and technique. Read how you can give your home or room a makeover in From The Experts. Chris Murphy shares interesting points on how to present your home if you plan to SELL it! Find out what you can do to set up your home for viewing in Curb Appeal. Our DIY segment covers “What’s New” in flooring options for your home. Read about the latest trends from concrete to carpet. P. Sonny Ada, President of Ada’s Trust & Investment, Inc. is our Profile this month. His family’s business has diversified and grown since its beginnings. Find out what is the key to their success. Kim Young continues her report about property taxes in Real Estate Spotlight. Don’t miss out on the information! The latest Market Report is in from Anthony Godwin. Find out how the real estate market is trending these days. Peggy Llagas and Ryan J. De Guzman promotes fair housing and the right to ownership, without discrimination. Read what they have to share in their columns. And for all mothers everywhere, Happy Mother’s Day! Until then, keep safe and be happy!
Cover Photo: Mark S. Burke
28
Closing Fair Housing Month
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
What’s New In Real Estate on Guam?
early everyday, a property is being listed for rent or sale on Guam. If you speak to most real estate agents and brokers, they will tell you they are quite upbeat about the market. Not long ago, there were over 1,900 listings in the multiple listing service. Today there are 1,463 listings. So what’s new on Guam? Properties are selling and renting! Buyer demand is greatest for single family homes between $200,000 and $300,000, and the demand for condominiums are just under $250,000. During the past 12 months, a wave of off-island buyers helped reduce our condominium inventory to just 129 units as of this publication. Most of those condominium sales were under the $250k mark. At the higher end of the single family residential market, there are four mansion-class styled homes listed for sale for over a million dollars, including a beauty in the Oka, Tamuning area whose asking price is $1,525,000. There is another mansion-class home, also in the Tamuning area, that was featured in the Wall
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4 CasaGuam May 2015
Street Journal. It’s listed at $6,500,000. From January 1st to April 20th of this year, there were 88 single family homes. Total sales averaged around $262,839. Also during this time period, it took an average of 175 days to sell a house on Guam from list date to actual closing date. The village with the highest number of sales was Dededo. Their 23 homes sold at an average of $235,478. Yigo followed closely with 17 homes sold - but with a greater average sold/closed price of $269,654. The highest sale was a single family home in the Talo Verde Estates subdivision that closed mid April for $730,000.00 after a short market time of just 72 days. Are you looking to buy or sell on Guam? Now’s a good time for both. Feel free to give me a call at 688-8198 or email me at Anthony@guamhome.com if you have questions about the process. Suggestions for future articles for CasaGuam magazine are also welcome.
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Market Repor t
Municipality Statistics For Jan. 1, 2015 To Apr. 20, 2015
Single Family Homes For Sale As Of April 20, 2015
For Jan 1, 2015 To April 20, 2015
Average Active List in Price Range
Average Average Average List Sold Sold WithVolume Price New Pend Sold Price DOM Expr drawn BOM
City
Volume
Agana Heights
4 $ 1,720,000
$ 430,000
7
$ 2,974,000
$ 424,857
3
2
1
$ 180,000
72
1
1
2
Agat
10 $ 2,148,949
$ 214,895
18
$ 3,581,649
$ 198,980
5
3
3
$ 195,000
111
6
0
1
Asan
2 $ 700,000
$ 350,000
6
$ 1,669,999
$ 278,333
2
3
1
$ 150,000
539
1
0
2
Barrigada
16 $ 6,994,300
$ 437,144
31
$ 12,911,800
$ 416,510
11
8
5
$ 371,500
225
3
0
9
Dededo
31 $ 8,306,000
$ 267,935
66
$ 18,209,800
$ 275,906
37
24
23
$ 235,478
162
6
2
10
Hagatna
0 $
0
$0
$0
0
0
0
$0
0
0
0
0
Inarajan
1 $ 296,000
$ 296,000
3
$ 690,900
$ 230,300
1
1
2
$ 229,950
131
0
0
1
Mangilao
15 $ 4,892,500
$ 326,167
33
$ 11,546,295
$ 349,888
15
10
9
$ 294,200
153
8
0
8
2 $ 635,000
$ 317,500
4
$ 1,070,000
$ 267,500
3
1
1
$ 250,000
30
1
0
0
MongMong-TotoMaite
7 $ 2,614,000
$ 373,429
12
$ 4,242,000
$ 353,500
3
1
1
$ 224,100
153
2
1
1
Ordot-Chalan Pago
4 $ 1,642,000
$ 410,500
13
$ 4,300,900
$ 330,838
6
3
3
$ 395,000
457
4
1
1
Piti
9 $ 4,397,500
$ 488,611
14
$ 7,367,500
$ 526,250
7
2
1
$ 410,000
279
0
1
2
Santa Rita
7 $ 1,897,900
$ 271,129
19
$ 4,956,300
$ 260,858
8
7
3
$ 115,000
131
2
0
1
Sinajana
5 $ 2,177,000
$ 435,400
7
$ 3,702,000
$ 528,857
5
0
3
$ 216,333
242
1
0
2
Talofofo
25 $ 8,504,950
$ 340,198
36
$ 12,377,950
$ 343,832
12
10
7
$ 315,500
113
1
0
5
17 $ 16,327,500
$ 960,441
23
$ 19,851,500
$ 863,109
13
2
1
$ 730,000
72
3
2
3
1
$ 650,000
$ 650,000
1
1
0
$0
0
0
0
0
Merizo
Tamuning Tumon
$
0 $
$
Umatac
2 $ 1,700,000
$ 850,000
3
$ 1,869,000
$ 623,000
1
1
0
$0
0
0
0
1
Yigo
29 $ 8,683,600
$ 299,434
85
$ 25,998,350
$ 305,863
40
43
17
$ 269,654
185
14
1
13
14 $ 4,916,900
$ 351,207
32
$ 8,935,800
$ 279,244
14
13
7
$ 178,271
147
3
1
6
200 $ 78,554,099
$ 392,770
413
$ 146,905,743
$ 355,704
187
135
88
$ 262,839
175
56
10
68
Yona Subtotal
Information is deemed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed. Š 2015 MLS and FBS. Prepared by Anthony R. Godwin, EPRO,ABR,CRS,MRP on Monday, April 20, 2015 3:42 PM.
Market Snapshot January 1, 2015 through April 20, 2015
Condominium/Townhomes For Sale
Condominium/Townhome/Apartments For Rent
Average Sold Price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$174,389 Average Days on Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .123 Number of units Sold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Number of units currently for sale . . . . . . . . . . . . .129
Average Rented Price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,549 Average Days on Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 Number of units Rented . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .285 Number of units currently for rent . . . . . . . . . . . . .248
Average Sold Price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$262,839 Average Days on Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175 Number of homes Sold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88 Number of homes currently for sale . . . . . . . . . . .202
Average Rented Price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2,294 Average Days on Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 Number of homes Rented . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .195 Number of homes currently for rent . . . . . . . . . . .124
Single Family Homes For Sale
Single Family Homes For Rent
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Feature
Summer Town Estates Caters To Seniors Citizens Arlene Taitague Taitingfong
uamanians can welcome a new option to the senior housing scene! Core Tech International recently completed the first phase of Summer Town Estates in March. The new addition to their inventory of subdivisional communities is located in Lada, Dededo. According to Troy Torres, Director of Public Relations, the company bought the former Lada project in 2012. Torres shared that their chairman, Ho Eun, realized that Guam did not have a community for seniors that invites caretakers, and is built with the needs of seniors in mind. Summer Town Estates is the first privately owned and managed senior housing development on island. “We wanted to change the paradigm of senior housing,” said Torres. “We wanted to offer a place where they can live their golden years in a safe and modern environment, that offers a private and affordable community of homes.” The new housing offers spacious one and two bedroom units, and was constructed to be “accessible-friendly”. Currently, there are 72 units ready for occupancy, with another 168 under construction and scheduled to be completed over the next 10 months. Each unit is equipped with a solar panel water heater and energy efficient appliances, fixtures, and air conditioning. There is also a gardening box if the tenant chooses to exercise their “green thumb”. The community center houses their leasing and management offices. Amenities that one will find in the center are a state-ofthe-art gym, a mail box center, and an activity room for meetings or gatherings. “There is a larger activity area equipped with audio and visual features, perfect for bingo night,” added Torres. He shared that there will be new additions to include a swimming pool, a shopping center, and a restaurant. This concept keeps everything centralized, creating a conveniency for its residents. 8 CasaGuam May 2015
The company is also conscientious about the environment. “We don’t like waste,” said Torres. “We made an active effort to save as many trees. We believe that there should be no waste in nature.” There are criteria that need to be met if you want to live here. One of which is 50% of the household has to be 55 years or older. If you are someone who is taking care of a senior citizen, this might be a housing option for you. The rents are income-based which means that the rent is tailored to your means. If you want to know more about their terms and you wish to see the units, you can call or visit the leasing office located at the site. You will be delightfully surprised to see all that this development has to offer to our seniors.
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Feature
One Bedroom Unit
Gardening Box
Community Center
Office / Reception
Gym
Two Bedroom Unit
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On The Cover
Nice New Northern Niche ook No Further! Gorgeous, well laid out 4 bedroom with 3 full baths, single story family house is located in NCS,
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Dededo. Spacious living area of 2,550 square feet with an open concept kitchen making it perfect for hosting dinner parties. Elegant rich, dark cherry cabinetry and doors are found throughout the house along with porcelain and
ceramic tiles. Very detailed workmanship, not only on the interior, but also on the exterior with the use of textured mosaic stones. Enclosed with concrete and steel fencing, the Âź acre lot offers ample yard space giving the property a clean, crisp look.
Why wait? Call now to arrange the showings!
988-1883 karen1282001@yahoo.com 10 CasaGuam May 2015
Karen Pan Principal Broker
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Real Estate Spotlight
2014 Property Tax Implementation
By Kim Anderson Young
ith the enormous job of re-evaluating property values for the entire island complete, property owners should have received the new evaluations (and in some cases, have also received revised evaluations). According to Revenue & Tax Director John Camacho, between 40,000 and 45,000 tax bills have been mailed to property owners, with an additional approximately 9,000 tax bills mailed to lenders who maintain reserve accounts to pay taxes in connection with mortgage loans. According to Camacho, the previous tax rate netted the Government of Guam approximately $22 million in revenue from real property taxes. With the new evaluation, that amount is expected to net approximately $35 million. While most of us should expect an increase in our property tax bills, there may be some remote properties that may actually reflect a decrease in value. New rates are being implemented and property owners should expect to pay their 2014 property taxes according to the following schedule:
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First installment (or if electing to pay in full): April 20, 2014 Second installment (balance due): May 20, 2014 Payments can be made Monday through Friday between 8AM and 5PM at the following locations: • Department of Revenue & Taxation in Barrigada • One Stop Center in Upper Tumon • Treasurer of Guam at the Department of Administration on the 1st floor of the ITC building in Tamuning. Payments may also be mailed to: Department of Revenue & Taxation Real Property Tax Division P.O. Box 23607 Barrigada, Guam 96921 The deadline for filing an appeal passed on March 16, 2015, but due to the short time period between homeowners getting their bills and the final filing date, the Board of Equalization has requested a 45 day extension to give property owners the opportunity to file an appeal. In anticipation of receiving the extension, the board continues to accept appeal applications, however, the extension request is currently under legal review to determine if such an extension requires legislative approval. 12 CasaGuam May 2015
As of this publication, the Real Property Division of Revenue & Tax has received 654 appeal requests that they are currently processing. If you have filed an appeal, you may not be required to pay the tax until your appeal is addressed. Make sure your appeal is properly filed though, so you don’t end up on the Delinquent Property List, which will be published on June 8, 2015! 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
Simplicity and Trust - Important Factors in Business
By Arlene Taitague Taitingfong
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If you have ever wanted to know how to run a business successfully, P. Sonny Ada should be on your top ten list of people to ask. His family has been in business for over 30 years and Ada has had the opportunity to witness, and be a part of, its growth. Sonny comes from a long line of entrepreneurs. His grandparents first started Ada’s Markets, which evolved into Ada’s Inc. Later, his father, Pete Ada, Jr., branched off and started Ada’s Trust & Investment Inc. (ATI, Inc.), a company that builds, buys and manages commercial properties. Their inventory includes 18 commercial buildings and several land leases throughout Guam. Although Ada has many skills under his belt including, but not limited to, management, marketing, strategic planning and budgeting, his formula for running a successful business is to keep things simple. This is prominent in the company’s everyday operations. With their many investments, one would think that ATI, Inc. has a department for every area of their business. They don’t. One example of keeping it simple is outsourcing specialized jobs for the maintenance of their buildings. They have agreements with various contractors to tend to their building maintenance needs. He shared, “My dad would always tell me, ‘take care of the buildings, and they will take care of you.’ “ Even ATI Inc.’s office staff is minimal. Composed of Ada’s father, Chairman Pete Ada, Jr.; Ada’s two sisters (Patricia and Teresa); his administrative assistant (Lia) and Ada, who is the president of the company. It is a streamlined operation. “I’ve been blessed to work with my father for 30 years, and continue to work with my father and sisters,” Ada expressed. “It’s a family business and there’s a lot of comfort in that.” In addition to outsourcing specialists when maintenance issues arise, Ada also applies this concept by marketing their properties through media and real estate agents. “We are not exclusive with any real estate agent,” says Ada. “We try to work with any and all agents.” When asked to comment on CasaGuam magazine, he said, “CasaGuam is a good resource for anyone who is in, or is interested in, the real estate business.” He has a diverse portfolio of tenants that includes bankers, lawyers, medical facilities and retailers. A majority of his clients have been his tenants for many years. What is the secret to long-standing tenant relationships? According to Ada “There is a trust factor; You need to gain their trust and be flexible with your terms,” says Ada. “I enjoy working on solutions to tenant, building and the various business issues that come up daily. It’s very gratifying.” His ability to maintain 14 CasaGuam May 2015
Sonny Ada PRESIDENT ADA’S TRUST & INVESTMENT INC.
long term tenants is a reflection of their company’s motto — “Location, Service, Trust”. His advice to those interested in this line of work is follow through on your word. “Your reputation is everything. Deliver what you say you’ll deliver,” adding that it is important to get involved in community and business organizations. “Get your name out there and know what’s going on.” Ada and his company actively give back to the community and manages to keep a low profile about their contributions. “We are not very public about it, but we are supporters of a variety of charitable organizations.” In addition to his corporate duties, Ada is also the Chairman of the Board of Directors for Nanbo Guam, Ltd and the President of the Archdiocesan Finance Council. When he does have free time, he enjoys traveling and playing golf, with some basketball from time to time.
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From the Experts
What’s New in Paint Ideas
By Arlene Taitague Taitingfong with Ken Limtiaco
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Looking to do a makeover in your home that won’t involve tearing out walls? Try giving your walls a new coat of paint. This idea came into play when I sat down with long time friend, Ken Limtiaco, to discuss what was new in his line of work. Colors have evolved and we now can see a spectrum of shades just for one color. Let’s take blue, for example. There is a variety of hues within this one color family ranging from baby blue to midnight blue, and everything in-between. The choices in paint color available to us are endless. Here are some ideas in paint that are trending this year. Limtiaco, Director of Sales and Marketing for Rainbow Paint Supply, distributor of Sherwin-Williams brand paint, shared his views on some of the topics below. Use blackboard or whiteboard paint Turn your child’s room into a fun place. Make it a room where they can express themselves and let loose their creativity. Cover the walls (or at least one wall) with blackboard paint. Limtiaco added, “For the more adventurous, use a whiteboard paint that will allow for more vibrant colors. The paint’s features are like a true whiteboard; the drawings are erasable.” It seems you won’t have to worry about youngsters writing on the wall with this paint — because they will! Add some kid-sized chairs and table for homework, projects or drawing, along with whimsical decor throughout the room, and you have transformed a blah bedroom to a kid’s ideal fun place. Blues are making their way back into the bathroom According to www.housebeautiful.com, it seems like blues are the color to paint your bathroom these days. Whether you choose Mediterranean blue (a great combination with white), or one of a turquoise hue, you would be updating your bathroom to the hottest and newest color for 2015! If you are shy about painting, the bathroom IS the ideal place to experiment. It’s small enough to be a DIY project and you won’t needs gallons of paint to do one room.
Try colors that make you look younger […say what?] While researching paint colors on-line, I came across an article on the HGTV website, “The Paint Makeover That Can Make You Look Younger” and read it with interest. It showcased pictures that illustrated their point, along with showing paint samples that will help you change your mood to a positive plane. Various ranges of red, yellow, blue, and even gray (if it’s the right tint and used with other colors), can transform your mood to happy, energetic, and cheerful when you enter the room. Yes, I guess experiencing those feelings will make you look younger if you are feeling younger. Ultimately, the color of a room can put you in a particular mood. 16 CasaGuam May 2015
Limtiaco suggests to go to your paint supplier and ask for assistance when choosing colors. He added that Sherwin-Williams provides a free sample paint program to help in choosing colors. “It’s a great way to see if the color is a good fit for the room and for you.” He also gives a useful tip when sampling colors. “Get enough sample paint to cover a relatively large area, as this will give you a better idea of the effect of the color. Painting a 1’ X 1’ square just won’t do.” Spray it on! There is an alternate way to apply paint to your walls — spraying. We typically think of this technique when we apply paint to outdoor furniture, but there is a growing use of this type of application. Spraying is quicker and can cover a wider area. Limtiaco commented that if it is done right (which just takes a little bit of practice) the paint finish is smoother and more even. He added, “You don’t need a professional airless sprayer to do this. There are portable rechargeable handheld sprayers in the market, as well as some inexpensive DIY devices, such as the PreVal™ Power unit sprayer. The nice thing about using these devices is that you are not limited to “packaged colors” in aerosol cans. You can have your custom color mixed and use it in the sprayer.” Play around with different colors and “sheens" High gloss paint is making its way back to popularity this year. Its reflective quality opens up a room, giving off a brightness. Dark colors are more dramatic, while light colors are more subtle. Another technique used to get high gloss shine is to paint the wall, then apply with lacquer. Limtiaco reported that there are several architects on Guam that have been using a “combination method” which involves using different “sheen” or gloss levels, in the same color to create a unique effect on walls. “An example of this technique is to specify a FLAT and a SEMI-GLOSS paint of the same color. After the application is complete, the combination produces an accent wall that is both fun and interesting as it creates different sheens in various patterns.” So whether you just want to change the mood of a room or need a DIY project, painting seems to be easiest way to “makeover” your home. If you have questions about paint and application techniques, check out Limtiaco and his friendly staff at the Sherwin-Williams’ showroom in the Star Building in Upper Tumon. Limtiaco says that they are well informed of the latest information about their products.
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H o w To D . I . Y.
Flooring Ideas From Concrete to Carpet
By Arlene Taitague Taitingfong
hen was the last time you changed your carpet? Are you interested in laying down new tiles? Here are a few new ideas in flooring concepts popping up this year.
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Concrete Let’s start with the foundation of flooring — concrete. Whoa! What a concept! It is not only for restaurants and retail outlets anymore. The trend is making its way into homes across the nation! A concrete floor is easy to care for and can take a lot of foot traffic. There is some prep work that needs to be done to the concrete beforehand, like power blasting the concrete floor into a smooth surface or filling in cracks if any. Once the surface is smooth, designs are endless! Concrete floors can be stained, made to look like wood floors, or have painted designs. There are a few methods to try. One is “stamped concrete” that results in patterns that mimic tile, stone, rock, wood and other textured surfaces. The technique allows a large area of concrete to be decorated without sacrificing the structural integrity of the concrete, according to the Home & Garden website. Another method is the acid-staining process. A chemically reactive stain is applied directly to unfinished concrete. Because it bonds with the concrete, it offers excellent resistance to peeling, flaking and fading. Acid stains typically produce rich, earthy tones in a wide variety of black, brown, orange, aged copper and green hues that highlight the natural variations present in concrete materials. Resealing every couple of years is recommended; unsealed concrete may require occasional pressure washing to remove absorbed grit and debris. Whichever method you use, the result is a floor that is shiny, easy to clean, and is allergen-proof ! A quick wipe, and off comes the mess and the dirt. The added texture also provide increased slip-resistance. If you are interested in going with concrete flooring and want to know more about the process, check out the “how-to” videos by Chris Sullivan on www.concretenetwork.com. He has six segments that address every step of the way from carpet to concrete. A good video to watch if you plan to make this a DIY project. Flooring Hardwood flooring, although not new, has new offerings for those who wish a hardwood floor finish. Bamboo is growing in popularity because of new colors and styles that are available. It is just as hard, if not harder, that most hardwoods when dried. The Home & Garden website reports that newer products called strand-woven bamboo, a highly engineered product using the inner fibers, are twice as hard as traditional bamboo flooring. It is, however, best to keep this type of flooring out of moisture-prone rooms like the bathroom and the kitchen. 18 CasaGuam May 2015
Large-format tile is also another great idea that is gaining popularity this year. We are seeing more sizes, shapes, materials and colors. There is the standard 12” x 12” tiles, but the 36” x 36” size covers more floor surface and there is less grout lines to clean. Then there is vinyl tile. I usually envision the peel-and-stick stuff that homes built in the 70’s have, but vinyl tile has evolved since then. There is something called “luxury vinyl”. It is the combination of the high-end look of hardwood with the durability of vinyl. You will see that the new vinyl tiles come in a variety of styles from the hardwood look to the stone look. Carpet Lastly, there is carpet. Having carpet is great and comes in a variety of colors, plushness and materials. We are seeing less shag carpeting and more cut-and-loop carpeting. The latest trend is patterned designs and technology is producing even more softer fibers. Stop into a hardware, carpet, or flooring specialty store, and you will find that there are many choices of flooring to select from. Ask questions about installation and do price checks on the material you wish to cover your floors with. Use the flooring option that will best suit your needs and you will be happy with your results.
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Curb Appeal
Preparing Your Home To Sell By Chris Murphy CIPS, CRB, CRS, ABR, CLHMS, CDPE, MRP
A
As Guam’s real estate market continues to improve, the time is right to consider purchasing that first home or investment property. Interest rates remain at historical lows, prices are still reasonable, there’s a good inventory of available homes, and banks have all kinds of lending programs to meet the specific needs of individual buyers. The government even offers several down payment assistance programs for first time buyers. Maybe you’re not in the market to purchase a home, but maybe it’s the right time for you to consider selling your existing home. If so, how should you prepare your property for sale in order to take advantage of the existing market conditions and maximize your return? It is generally agreed by real estate professionals that the five factors that influence the sale of any property includes location, financing, marketing, price, and condition of the property being sold. Unfortunately, sellers do not have a lot of control over how these factors affect the sale of their individual homes. Location and financing are givens, that is, you as the property owner have no control over where you home is located, or what type of financing is available in your specific community. Marketing is normally the responsibility of a professional real estate agent, who understands the market and the best way to present your property for sale. The selling price for any property is determined by existing market conditions, which may not always coincide with what a seller would like to receive for his or her property.
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That leaves condition of the property being sold, something that is in total control of the individual property owner. We have all heard the term “curb appeal” as it applies to buying and selling real estate. Curb appeal however, needs to go beyond the curb, yard, and exterior of your home. It needs to find its way inside your home, creating a “showing condition” that is preferred over competing properties. Curb appeal needs to minimize negative aspects of your home, and at the same time, maximize or highlight the positives. As a home seller, you should focus on things that count, that is, key items that need repair or maintenance. By doing so, you will address issues that affect your ability to create a good impression with prospective buyers. With respect to repairs, focus on areas such as the roof, the basic structural integrity of the building, the electrical, air-conditioning, and plumbing systems, and any areas of water damage. Depending on the scope of repairs needed, you may either make the necessary repairs or get an estimate for the cost of making those repairs, which you can then provide any interested buyer. On a side note, as a seller, you must always disclose information on any material defects or conditions of your home to all prospective buyers. Many buyers try to sell their homes in “as is” condition with no warranties given. This only works if the seller is unaware of any material defects or conditions that affect the home. If sellers are aware of material defects or conditions and
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do not disclose them, the “as is” condition does not protect them in the event an unhappy buyer decides to sue them after the purchase is completed. With respect to maintenance issues, owners should make sure items such as faucets, fixtures (toilets, sinks, bathtubs, showers, etc), and windows are in good working order. They should make sure that wall cracks are repaired, broken window blinds are replaced, spots on floors or carpets are cleaned, and missing tiles are replaced. Unlike repairs, many of these maintenance issues can be corrected with minimal effort and cost. A fresh coat of paint does wonders in presenting a pleasing experience to prospective buyers. It is always a good idea to remove existing clutter prior to showing a home to any prospective buyer. Clutter includes items in the yard and driveway, as well as, personal items throughout the interior of the house. Making sure the home is thoroughly cleaned to include appliances, sinks, tubs, windows, walls, floors, and carpets will set your home apart from competing properties. Water-blasting the driveway and entrance walkway, mowing the yard, and sprucing up the entrance to your home will create a warm and inviting first impression. And speaking of first impressions, people tend to buy property on emotion, so appealing to their physical senses is critical to the successful marketing of your home. During the day, open
windows, blinds, and shutters to allow sunlight into the home. At night, ensure that proper lighting is provided (make sure all lights and light bulbs are working). The sense of smell is a strong motivator, so make sure your home has fresh flowers, mild scented candles, or even fresh air to make it appealing to each prospective buyer. We all love our pets, but many people have problems with homes that smell like pets, so take the proper steps to remove your pets for showings and make sure the house is free of any pet odors. Make sure all trash is taken out of bathrooms and kitchens to avoid other unpleasant odors that may bother your buyer. Finally, Guam’s tropical climate can get pretty warm. Make sure that your home’s climate is comfortable by turning on air-conditioners, fans, or opening windows. Selling your home is a team effort, and you’re the captain. Using experienced professionals and taking the time and effort to make sure your property is market ready will go a long way in making the selling experience a mutually rewarding experience for both you and your buyer. About the Author Chris Murphy is the owner and principal broker for The Real Estate Professionals and has over 33 years of real estate, development, and banking experience on Guam. He is currently working on a 126 unit housing project in Yigo known as Paradise Meadows. You can reach him at 488-7371 or csmguam@gmail.com.
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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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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 Executive Officer and Government Affairs Director Peggy Araullo Llagas Guam Association of REALTORS®
Guam Association of REALTORS®
Fair Housing and Home Ownership Matters Last month, we celebrated the 47th year passage of our Fair Housing Act. Our gracious Governor’s office in Adelup even assisted our Guam Association of Realtors® with a special proclamation enunciating our national policy of Fair Housing without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, handicap, and national origin which promotes and encourages fair housing opportunities for everyone. We are committed to the Fair Housing Act and hope to demonstrate this endeavor by addressing discrimination in our local island community. As Realtors®, we strive to support programs that educate our public about the right to equal housing opportunity and look forward to partnering with other organizations who share the same goal. It is right for individuals who qualify to be treated fairly so we all can experience the same opportunities and ultimately realize what matters most, the American/ Guamanian dream. Home ownership is empowering because it creates greater stability. It enables people to establish roots which eventually results in a stronger community. We'll take more pride in a home that we own versus a rental, because it’s ours, a direct reflection of who we are, decoration and design. There is the freedom that allows us to express ourselves freely in the place where we eat, sleep, party and play. It’s where we raise our families, share loving, lasting and life long memories. It's where we begin, end and extend. According to our NAR Code of Ethics we are committed to providing equal professional services without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, familial status, handicap, sexual orientation, gender identity, and national origin. We hope this gives you some peace of mind. If you have any questions about fair housing and/or home ownership, contact our GAR Office at (671) 477-4271 located in Hagatña, or any of our 400+ Realtor® members. We would love to help you. We care about you. Your concerns are important to us and we are capable and available to serve! Sincerely, Ryan J. De Guzman GAR President "Love, care and serve!"
GUAM ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® The Voice for Real Estate on Guam
Suite 236A Julale Center 424 West O'Brien Drive, Hagatna, Guam 96910 Office: (671) 477-4271 • Fax: (671) 477-4275 28 CasaGuam May 2015
April Is Fair Housing Month Homeownership is multicultural. The Guam Association of REALTORS® strive to expand housing opportunities in our communities and preserve people’s right to live wherever they can afford to live. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, April 11th 2015 marks the 47th anniversary of the passage of the Fair Housing Act, Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended, which enunciates a national policy of Fair Housing without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, handicap and national origin, and encourages fair housing opportunities for all. Civil Rights Act of 1866—Following the Civil War, Congress passed a series of laws to implement the 13th Amendment banning slavery and to eliminate its vestiges. One of these laws, the Civil Rights act of 1866 banned discrimination in the sale, transfer, lease or use of property, including real estate and housing. All citizens were granted the same rights enjoyed by white citizens in the use, purchase, lease, transfer, etc., of real estate and property. In a 1968 decision that is still applicable today, the United States Supreme Court held, in Jones v. Mayer, that the 1866 Act prohibits all forms of racial discrimination in real estate, whether committed by government or private parties. Persons suing under the 1866 Act are entitled to recover actual and punitive damages, and their attorneys’ fees and costs. Fair Housing Act—A federal law passed in 1968 and amended in 1988 with NAR support. The original law strove to ensure equal housing opportunity for all, making it illegal to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The amendments extended protection to families with children and persons with disabilities. Article 10 of the Code of Ethics—REALTORS® shall not deny equal professional services to any person for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. REALTORS® shall not be parties to any plan or agreement to discriminate against a person or persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. (Amended 1/90) REALTORS®, in their real estate employment practices, shall not discriminate against any person or persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. (Amended 1/2000) -National Association of REALTORS®On behalf of the membership and leadership of the Guam Association of REALTORS®, we sincerely appreciate Governor Eddie B. Calvo and Lieutenant Governor Ray Tenorio for supporting our endeavor to promote fair housing to all, evidence by Proclamation 2015-033. A special thanks to Senator Tina Muna Barnes who has been a long-time friend and supporter of the REALTORS®, along with Senator Dennis Rodriguez Jr., Senator Marry Camacho Torres and Senator Rory Respicio for presenting Resolution No. 67-333 (COR) recognizing the Guam Association of REALTORS® for its commitment to advocate diverse homeownership.
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