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CONTENTS
Let ter from the Editor Letter from the Editor
Departments 4
Market Report How is the Market?
8
10
Feature Interior Decorating Where Do You Begin?
12
Real Estate Spotlight New CFPB Regulations
14
Profile Moe Cotton Cotton Still in the Game
August 2015 • Vol. 8 • No. 8 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 The Ultimate Guide in Choosing Window Blinds
[ Display Advertising ] Evelyn Trinidad
[ Traffic/Circulation ] Carol Aperocho
18
How to D.I.Y. A Simple Approach to Redesigning a Room
22
Curb Appeal Crown Molding - Adding a Touch of Glamour to Your Home Decor
25
Who Ya Gonna Call?
26
Classifieds
28
Closing
[ Production Manager ] Mark S. Burke
[ Graphics & Layout ] Mark S. Burke Edwin E. Valencia
[ Website Development ] Mark S. Burke Edwin E. Valencia
[ Editorial Contributors ] Lila Perez Melissa Langley Walter Mitchell Arlene Taitague Taitingfong Kim Anderson Young
Arlene Taitague Taitingfong
Dear Readers, It is the last month of summer, but there is still some time to do a few more changes in your home before the season ends. This month’s issue deals with decorating your interior. Many of the articles have simple ideas with easy-to-follow directions to help you with making the changes. If you are not sure how to begin decorating, check out our FEATURE article and read how to start the process. You will also want to read DIY and CURB APPEAL which have other decorating ideas. Our PROFILE is Elmore “Moe” Cotton, a man of many talents and accomplishments. We uncover a few surprises about him you may not have known. We also have our monthly reports and input from GAR leadership. Special thanks to Deanna Palmer for stepping in for GAR President Ryan De Guzman in this issue for a few of the articles. We wish President Ryan a speedy recovery. Apologies to Lila Perez, who started freelance writing for us last month. We inadvertently missed putting her name on the inside cover credits. Next month we will tackle house styles and floor plans. It will be an interesting issue, especially if you are planning on creating your own dream home. Until next month, keep safe Guam!
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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2 CasaGuam August 2015
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Market Repor t Global reach through a local company you can trust! 479-8829 • 688-2855
Associate Broker
dpalmer@remaxguam.com
Deanna Palmer - CRS
How is the Market? ow is the Market? That’s the first question. How can you tell? The answers lie in the data, but also in the activity. The data does not discuss the number of showings on a listing, the number of offers, the types of purchases (loans vs. cash), or the types of buyers.
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Let me share some actual transactions I know about in 2015. 1. A property with an ocean view that was only two and a half years old sold in May. The sellers transferred to the Mainland USA. The owners started getting information about selling 8 months prior to listing the property. They did all the cleaning and staging of the home for all the showings. There was a Brokers Open House (REALTORS® and their Buyers only). There were four showings on one day with other showings daily for a week. Offers starting arriving in two weeks of the listing. Then a total of four offers came in. One all cash, and three with a mortgage loan of some kind. When the buyers’ agents were informed that there were competing offers, the serious buyers quickly changed their proposals, and the sellers were given two very solid offers; one changed to all cash. All inspections were completed and the closing happened in 45 days. 2. A new executive arrived on Guam and was at first going to lease a beautiful home. Then they did the numbers and realized it would be a better use of the money to purchase. He ended up buying a million dollar property in Tamuning. Yes, that’s $1,000,000. Looking into just the price range of $550,000 to $1,500,000 since January 2015 there have been 12 Single Family dwellings sold which are listed in the MLS. I know of two additional transactions that were either a direct sale or with an agent assisting. Over the years I have heard to watch what the investors do. When they are buying, it is time to buy. If you are buying, selling or leasing, call an agent who is a REALTOR® and let us help you be prepared and guide you through to a successful closing. 4 CasaGuam August 2015
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Market Repor t
Market Snapshot January 1, 2015 through July 24, 2015 By Deanna Palmer
Condominium/TownhomesFor Sale Average Sold Price: $187,500.00
Condominium/Townhome/Apartments For Rent Average Rented Price: $1,677
Average Days on Market: Number of units Sold Number of units currently for sale:
Average Days on Market Number of units Rented: Number of units currently for rent:
127 86 96
170 74 240
Single Family Homes For Sale Average Sold Price: $292,722.00
Single Family Homes For Rent Average Rented Price:
Average Days on Market: Number of homes Sold Number of homes currently for sale:
Average Days on Market: Number of homes Rented Number of homes currently for rent:
170 143 216
$2,269 69 60 163
Disclaimer: All information provided is from the Guam Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for the period January 1, 2015 through July 24, 2015.
Market Summary
Single Fmly For Sale, June 2015 Number of Listings
400
Listings Prices
$400K $340K
320 0
$280K K
240
$220K K
160
$160K
80 0
15
J-1 5
M-
15
A-1 5
M-
J-1 5
F-1 5
14 N-
D14
4
14
S-1
O-
4
Active Median List Price Sold Median List Price
Sold Listings
Absorption Rate, in Months
18 Mo.
J-1
J-1 5
5
15 M-
15
New Listings
A-1
M-
5
F-1 5
14
J-1
14
D-
N-
4
14
S-1
O-
J-1 4
A-1 4
Active Listings
A-1 4
$100K 0
New Median List Price Sold Median Sale Price
Sold to List st Ratio
98% 96% %
16 Mo.
94% %
14 Mo. o.
92%
12 Mo.
90%
10 Mo.
15
J-1 5
M15
J-1 5
5
15
A-1
M-
J-1 5
F-1 5
14
14
N-
Sale to Original List Price Ratio
Absorption Rate
Sale to List Price Ratio
Days on Market
300
D-
4
14 O-
S-1
4 A-1
5 J-1
15 M-
5
15
A-1
M-
F-1 5
5 J-1
14
14
D-
N-
14 O-
4 S-1
4 J-1
A-1 4
J-1 4
88% 8 Mo.
Price Volume
$120M M $96M
240
$72M
180
$48M
120
$24M M
60
M-
5
15
A-1
M-
5 J-1
F-1 5
14
14
D-
N-
14
S-1 4
O-
4 J-1
5 J-1
15 M-
15
A-1 5
M-
F-1 5
J-1 5
14
14 N-
14
S-1 4
O-
4
J-1 4
A-1
D-
Average DOM
A-1 4
$0 0 0
Active List Volume Sold List Volume
New List Volume Sold Sale Volume
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Feature
Interior Decorating Where Do You Begin? By Arlene Taitague Taitingfong
Some people have the ability to bring a room together with the right furniture and the right color scheme, sprinkled with a bit of flair here and there. I am not one of those people. I wouldn’t even know where to begin. I don’t even have an inkling of knowledge of what the basic rules are when it comes to designing or decorating. In my search to find out what to do, I spoke to a couple of interior designer/decorators and checked the internet to find information especially for beginners. Welcome to Interior Decorating 101.
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Feature
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Before we tackle this, we need to know what is the difference between an interior designer and an interior decorator. Many people may think that these terms mean the same thing. The terms are similar since both refer to making an indoor space functional and aesthetically pleasing. But they are different, mostly because interior design covers more aspects of design than interior decorating does. According to www.enlightenme.com, the main difference between decorating and interior design is that while interior decoration refers to how an indoor space looks, interior design deals with the architecture of a building itself. The site further gives us an example saying: “Interior designers might make plans that call for removing walls, adding windows or skylights, or changing the setup of a building so it abides by construction codes. They may also decide how to set up furniture in a room or what color to paint the walls, since both decorating and interior design deal with the overall decor of a room. But interior decorating focuses specifically on elements of decor like which color scheme should guide a room’s appearance, which furnishings to use and how to arrange them, and what floor coverings would work best.” Ideally, it would be great to go with a designer/decorator, leaving your project in the hands of a professional. If you decide to go this route, hire someone who can give you a few clients that you can speak to about their work, or ask friends and family if they can refer someone. Questions will be posed, many of which will be somewhat personal and will revolve around how you live and relax. Sylvia Flores, president and owner of Furniture Trends and Designs says, “The designer will need to get to know as much as they can about you in order to design something that will enhance your living area while reflecting who you are. Ultimately, you will need to find someone with whom you are comfortable with.” Yvonne T. Rodriguez, General Manager of Designers Direct, also commented on the subject. “This is handled on a ‘personal’ basis. For example, some of the questions would be: How big is your family? Do you have pets? Do you entertain guests frequently? It’s important that we get to know you.” On the other hand, if you are planning a project without a professional designer, that is okay too. Making this a DIY project can be fun and fulfilling on every level. It is also possible to have the assistance of an interior decorator, while still making this a DIY project. Some companies, like Furniture Trends & Designs and Designers Direct, offer free consultation when you purchase furniture from them. Visit their stores and speak with them to get more information about their services. To help illustrate the guidelines, we will cover the most easiest type of “designing” which is decorating/redecorating. It is a simple undertaking in comparison to doing a full renovation. Start out with one room you would like to change. “If you could only choose one room in your home to put your heart and soul into designing, the living room would top the list. It’s that treasured space that sets the tone for your entire decorating style,” according to an article by Mary Kate McGrath, a writer for realsimple.com
Let’s Get Down To It! Here are steps that Flores and Rodriquez shared on how one should approach decorating.
Step 1 - Overall design plan Collect pictures of what you like, either through magazines or internet sites. You will find that there is a cohesive component that pulls the look together like a color or a theme. Use the information for inspiration. Step 2 - Set your budget Determine what your budget is. The high ticket items will most likely be furniture. Some of us may have a large budget to work with at the beginning. Flores added, “Before you even embark on your project, make sure your spouse or partner is on board. Don’t find out after the fact that you did not have full support from them.” Step 3 - Declutter Remove items that you don’t want to use in your “new design”. Either store it, donate it or discard it. Whether it be the couch, lamps, window treatments or accessories, get rid of the stuff that will not be used. Flores advises to get rid of items that haven’t been used in over a year. Clutter is the worst thing for a decorating project. Other Things To Consider You are at the point where you have your furniture in place. What’s next? It is time to add a few things to give the room some life — accessories. If you haven’t used accessories, start now! Accessories are anything that you add to make the room attractive or effective. A few examples of accessories are throw pillows, area rugs & knick knacks. Don’t go overboard on the last item. It you like figurines, select a few to place in key places — then stop! No one wants to look at 50 cat figures strewn in, on, or around the living room. No offense, but the room should be inviting and not a shrine. Make this the fun part where you can use pops of color to make the room go from blah to YEAH! Another component to work into the scenario is artwork. Use artwork to compliment the setting. It can be a great focal point of the room, bringing together the other elements. Let’s not forget about window treatment. It doesn't have to be elaborate. Blinds that are white or even a neutral color like beige, can deal with any color you use in your furniture or accessories. These colors will work with current and future changes you make to the room. Rodriguez noted that live plants are nice and give off a good vibe. She commented, “You don’t need too many. Just place a few in strategic areas.” Check to see what plants thrive best indoors. If you don’t have a large budget to work with, or a large amount of time to work on your project, that’s okay. There is no rule saying that your project has to be done in one day. Decorate in phases. Deal with the high ticket items first, then slowing change your room at your own pace, both financially and time-wise. Perhaps you can change out the lamps another time, then add artwork later, and throw in some other accessories here and there. Little by little does the trick. CasaGuam.com 9
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On The Cover
Villa Del Carmen illa Del Carmen features spacious 2bd/2bth apartments with a living area of 1,400 sf. The units are fully furnished and are in move-in-ready condition. The furnishings and accessories are stylish, yet practical. Each bedroom has a balcony where you can sit back and enjoy the view. The kitchen is fully equipped and has marble countertops and porcelain tiled floors. The bathrooms have granite counters with a private water closet. There are also many built-in features throughout the apartment. All units enjoy a panoramic ocean view. The swimming pool and cabana area are only steps away where one can enjoy leisure living or host private parties.
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Real Estate Spotlight
New CFPB Regulations By Kim Anderson Young he Dodd-Frank Act establishing the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (CFPB) was enacted in 2010 as a response to the global financial crisis that peaked in 2008. The goal of the act was to promote financial stability, improve accountability and transparency in the financial system and to protect consumers from abusive financial practices. The CFPB has enforcement authority over everything related to consumers in the financial industry, including banks, credit card companies, student loans and mortgages. It is an independent agency within the Federal Reserve and is not funded by, nor supervised by Congress. The CFPB has launched a consumer complaint database that is a public collection of all of the complaints they have received. The CFPB reads every complaint and investigates to determine if the complaint is legitimate or not, and if it shows a pattern of negligence by the lender against the consumer. In January of 2015 the CFPB investigated a number of mainland lenders after complaints of mortgage kickbacks and deceptive advertising practices. Fines and penalties were levied against the following:
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• • • • • •
Wells Fargo was fined $24 million Morgan Chase $11.7 million NewDay Financial $2 million All Financial Services – TBA Flagship Financial Group - $225,000 American Preferred Lending - $85,000
As you can see, it is extremely important that lenders know about any complaints against them so that they can deal with them before they escalate to the level of the CFPB. Additionally, the CFPB has created new guidelines for qualified mortgages that take effect October 3, 2014. Existing loan disclosures are being consolidated to streamline and simplify loan documentation: • The Good Faith Estimate (GFE) and Initial Truth in Lending (TIL) are being consolidated into a new Loan Estimate (LE) • The Final Truth in Lending (TIL) and RESPA (HUD1) are being consolidated into a new Closing Disclosure (CD) 12 CasaGuam August 2015
With the new forms, there are also new notice requirements. A few of the new rules: The loan officer is required to deliver the LE (loan estimate) within 3 business days after receiving the application. After receipt of the LE, the buyer has ten business days in which to send the bank a Notice of Intent To Proceed Once the loan is approved, the Borrower must receive the CD (closing disclosure) 3 business days before they can sign the loan documents. Trust the team at Security Title; we are working hard to ensure your real estate transactions are always compliant! 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
Cotton—Still in the Game By Arlene Taitague Taitingfong Elmore “Moe” Cotton is an icon in the real estate industry. There isn’t anyone who hasn't heard of him. He started his real estate career over 35 years ago as a real estate broker in Okinawa, and later moved to Guam where he continued his real estate career. His specialty is converting apartments into condominiums. If you are a long time resident of Guam, you may have been witness to some of his handiwork which includes, but not limited to, the conversions of Beachway Manor, Tumon View Phase I and II, and Ypao Estates. Cotton is the owner of Century 21 Commonwealth Realty. The firm has over 50 agents, thus making it a company with the largest amount of agents on Guam. His company has both full time and part time agents. Although they have gone through a slow time a few years ago, they have managed to survive and stay in business. He was also the Principal Broker up until some months ago when he passed the reins over to Clare Delgado and stepped into semi-retirement status. He manages to stay in close touch with his firm, however, and you will find him in the office from time to time. Some of his past accomplishments include being the 3X President of the Guam Association of Realtors® (GAR) and also being Realtor® of the Year (in 1992). He also started the National Institute of Continuing Education (N.I.C.E.) where one can enroll in pre-licensing courses, as well as further their real estate career with training and continuing education courses. He still teaches. Cotton advises those interested in a career in real estate should know that this is an industry that serves clients, even after the sale. He stated, “Good service tends to generate referrals”. He conveyed his love of real estate. He added, “As the broker, you are either helping the buyer, the seller, or both. This is a service business where you need to provide service above self.” Cotton has also had many roles in Guam’s community. He received recognition from FAKMATA for participating in the Foundation of the Chamoru Cultural Arts Center of Micronesia. He was a member of the performing arts group that went to the 9th Festival of Pacific Arts in Palau, and he received a Certificate of Appreciation in January 2004 from the Guam Council of the Arts and Humanities Agency, where he was recognised for his generous contribution and continued support of the arts. The Arts? Yes, that’s right. Cotton is an artistic painter. You can see some of his work in the C21 Commonwealth Realty office.
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He has been painting since he was a young man and reports that he has a warehouse full of his creations. “Art is my main outlet. It was a hobby in my younger years. I painted portraits and sold them to have extra spending money”. Cotton now donates his art for silent auctions to help raise money for scholarships and relief efforts. He received the Guahan Award from past Governor Felix Camacho (during his administration) for outstanding and dedicated service. He continues to paint in his spare time. Cotton also enjoys reading CasaGuam magazine. “It has always been a good tool to use to introduce listings. I am happy with the results.” One can see that Cotton is a man of many talents. He is an entrepreneur, humanitarian, supporter of the arts and a charitable soul. He may be enjoying semi-retirement, but he is still in the game, and continues to share his passion with anyone who is willing to lend an ear and learn.
“I look forward to articles from industry experts. These help me gauge market trends.”
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MOE COTTON GENERAL MANAGER CENTURY 21 COMMONWEALTH REALTY
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From the Experts
The Ultimate Guide In Choosing Window Blinds
By Melissa Langley
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There are a lot of window treatments available. Choosing among these is already a hard decision. Now that you have chosen to install window blinds in your home, you might be surprised to know that you will still make a decision on which type of blinds will be best suited for each room of your home. Remember that in whatever window treatments that you choose, you need to consider two things: functionality and artistic quality. This rule apply even to window blinds. And because the different rooms in your homes have different needs, there are specific window blinds that will be best suited for them. Here is a quick guide on how to choose window blinds for your homes in Tampa FL. Blinds for the Living Room The living room is perhaps the easiest room to choose window treatments for. There are limited considerations in terms of being wet or getting stained, etc. You can play with whatever type of blinds you want for your living room. Just remember to consider if it will complement your furniture. Blinds for the Bed Room Window blinds with relaxing colors and soft fabrics are usually the best ones to be used in the bed room. This is especially true for cluttered and overly decorated bedrooms. Blinds that can keep out the light for some lie ins are a plus. For the bed room, roman and roller blinds are usually appropriate. These window treatments have a wide blackout range perfect for blocking out sunlight when you want extra hours of sleep.
Blinds for the Bathroom Choosing window treatments for the bathroom is a little bit tricky. You need to factor in humidity and condensation because these can affect the quality of your blinds in the long run. Roller and venetian blinds that are water resistant is a great option for the bathroom. You should avoid fabrics and real wood as they can collect mildew in a heavily damp environment. Blinds for the Kitchen Like the considerations we had in choosing blinds for the bathroom, we also have considerations in the kitchen. Changes in the room temperature as we cook can affect the quality of the window treatments that we have. As such, make your decisions wisely. It will also be worthy to note that modern homes in 16 CasaGuam August 2015
Tampa FL are designed to let more amount of sunlight in the kitchen. You will then need to consider blinds that have a wide range of blackouts if you have such a home. Never ever use heavy fabrics as they easily absorb cooking smells and moisture. In addition, choose something that is easy to wipe clean as your blinds may get splashed by kitchen materials every now and then. The most recommended blinds for kitchens are those that combine the practical nature of Venetian blinds with the look of Wood Venetian blinds. It is not really wood so you will not have to think of the dangers of the wood warping in humid conditions. About the Author: Melissa Langley has a website that features more information about window treatments. Visit http://www.artisticwindowsinc.com for more information.
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H o w To D . I . Y.
A Simple Approach To Redesigning A Room efore and after makeover photographs always fascinate. Whether it be fashion, landscaping, or home decorating — small changes can create gorgeous transformations. Think room “redesign.” It’s about using what you already have to make your home fresh-looking, comfortable, and stylish, much like a well-coordinated wardrobe. It’s about reflecting you and what’s important to you. As with any project, a little planning helps. Research topics like feng shui and interior design ideas to see what appeals to you. Look to nature for inspiration. Get the family involved by scheduling a day of sharing ideas and promising a delicious barbecue. Begin by taking “before” shots of the room, and then wait a day to view with a critical eye. Consider some of these tips:
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What is the room’s purpose? Determine if the room will be used for family gatherings, TV viewing, music lessons, entertaining, and so forth. Ask yourself who will be using the room. Always consider safety and accessibility, especially if there are pets, young children, or disabled sharing the space. Be practical.
Identify focal points Is there a window with a beautiful view? How about interesting architecture, unique furniture or artwork, a treasured collection, or the ever-eye-catching TV? You can accentuate these points with color or with placement.
Balance Balance the room in terms of colors, sizes, shapes, textures, patterns, and lighting in reference to objects used in the room. Color is a great illusory tool. It can make a room seem warm or cool, and appear to recede or not. Color can also create a mood; it can excite or soothe. Consider the 60-30-10 rule. One color uses 60% of the visual space (perhaps the walls), another uses 30%, and 10% is the accent. This is akin to a man’s three-piece suit whereby 6030-10 refers to the suit-shirt-tie. The colors balance — not compete, and work well together. You might want to consider repositioning major furniture. Try out different arrangements, or lay out templates to get an idea how all the furniture and displays will function together. Readjust as needed and remove unnecessary items.
Use what you have. Go on a treasure hunt and be open to possibilities. Handmade textiles like quilts and blankets make striking wall displays or 18 CasaGuam August 2015
By Lila Perez
curtains. Raising and hanging drapes outside the frames make windows appear larger. A multi-color area rug anchors a seating arrangement and connects colors in the room. If you have a lot of pattern going on in the room already, keep the rug simple. Pair up seats to create a conversation area. Pair similar end tables and cozy lamps at the ends of a sofa to make a room appear symmetrical and balanced. Toss in accent pillows. Reflect light and visually expand space with mirrors. Let landscapes draw the eye into distant scenes. Choose and display photos and objects that evoke pleasant memories and emotions. Support and encourage the family artist by proudly displaying those works of art. Dust off and display that beloved guitar. Set up a small entrance table and basket to hold keys, mail, and borrowed items. Avoid a busy look. Leave a wall free and bookshelf tops clear. Group your collectibles for a cohesive look and greater visual impact. Arrange and display odd numbers of items in small vignettes, and limit it to one-third of a table’s surface. Sort DVDs and books by color. Aim for a coordinated look. For that vibrant final touch, bring nature indoors with fresh cut flowers and a potted plant — a real live potted plant. Joe Naputi, owner of Joshua’s Nursery, says, “There’s a trick to that. Rotate your plants.” Plants? More than one? Set one inside and the other outside on the patio (not in full sun). Test hydration by inserting a bamboo skewer and checking for a watermark at the halfway point. Water as needed and fertilize a little less than you would outdoor plants. Naputi recommends the beautiful bromeliad guzmania, although almost any plant will work as long as they are cared for and rotated outside regularly. He adds, “Remember to keep it away from the air conditioner, as it will act like a constant wind and dry it out”. After you have completed your project, kickback, relax, and take a long, admiring look at your beautifully redesigned new room. Don’t forget to take an “after” photo. You just might want to share your DIY story someday.
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Curb Appeal
Crown Molding - Adding A Touch of Glamour To Your Home Decor
By Walter Mitchell
rown molding is a great way to beautify an ordinary looking home into one that exudes class and style. Crown moldings are typically decorative strips made up of wood, plastic, or fiberboard. These are introduced to any room decor in an effort to camouflage the existing flaws and ugly blotches on the walls or ceilings. The crown molding is therefore similar to a wall decoration which adds a touch of elegance to a room, making it appear more grand and unique. Crown molding ideas can be retraced to the Roman and Grecian culture where it became vastly popular. Wooden crown molding gained popularity later when craftsmen mastered the art of cutting, sanding, and carving wooden blocks to create masterpieces. Crown molding is affordable and can be implemented in almost any type of room. You can buy the raw materials yourself and get it made professionally by customizing it. What materials you choose for crown molding will largely determine how durable and beautiful it is going to be. Superior quality materials for home furnishing are likely to be far more expensive but are less likely to be damaged. Home furnishing experts choose crown molding these days because it helps heighten a property's real estate standing. When a property appears visually stunning, chances are buyers will be willing to pay more for it. Simply demolishing walls to give your rooms a spacious look is not enough; instead, this is more expensive and impractical. An easier and economical alternative is using decorative columns and ceiling medallions for your home decor. These home decor ideas are easy to implement and will
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not cost you dearly. Buying crown molding online can give you many advantages. This is because you can purchase your decorative columns or door casings or ceiling medallions directly from the maker without having to handle the wholesalers and retailers. They offer you the luxury of customizing your home furnishing ideas and guarantee you good quality materials. Unlike furniture, such decorative columns or ceiling medallions will not occupy unnecessary space, nor will they clutter the room. Besides, they are fire-resistant and help keep away harmful UV rays. Crown molding can be easily maintained and these products seldom rot. Installing them is never a problem and most of the products can be set up by following simple instructions, except ceiling medallions where professional assistance is recommended. Crown molding can come in various designs like the traditionally classic designs which help add elegance and class to your home decor. Crown molding in the kitchen is similar to ceiling and wall decorations, but the installation process is different. Although challenging, using crown molding is a sure way of giving your rooms that much-needed makeover. It helps give every room a distinct flavor, an aesthetic appeal, a unique personality, and a sophisticated touch. When choosing the crown molding for your rooms, make sure to choose the right molding depending on the room dimensions and ceiling height. Select the materials that are sturdy, dependable, and weather-proof. The world of home furnishing has undergone a revolutionary change with the advent of crown molding.
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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.
$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.
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 Lily Village Tumon Condo. Nice. 3BDM 2BA Fully Renovated. $2,000/mo.
Land for Sale Yigo
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
5,545 SQ/MTR Off Rt 1, past Hillside Markiet. Water/power on site, paved access. $300K-negotiable Call 988-7671 or 727-7670 (2) Yigo 1/2 Acre Lots. Clean, Ready to Build $55K each Contact 797-1986
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Closing
Message from the President Deanna Palmer Associate Broker Re/Max Diamond Realty
Message from the Executive Officer and Government Affairs Director Peggy Araullo Llagas Guam Association of REALTORS®
Decorate with a Purpose
REALTOR® vs. Real Estate Licensee
Hafa adai! This issue has many tips about decorating your interior. Decorating means to furnish, provide or adorn with something to make it beautiful. So let’s talk more about it. You need to identify a few things. First, figure out what is the purpose of decorating? Is it for personal enjoyment or to sell or lease the property? Second, determine what is your budget? Consider how long you have to complete your project. What parts of the project will you be doing yourself ? What parts must be hired out due to time or talent limitations? Here is a hypothetical example for reference. We want to sell the property in it’s best light; we want to add value to the property; we have a budget of $5K; we will do the painting; we will hire out repairs that need to be done. Next, work with a real estate agent who is a REALTOR® with the Guam Association of Realtors®. Have them over to view the property and discuss what goals you have in mind. Prioritize the most needed items that will give you the best return. Paint is usually needed throughout the home unless you have painted within the last 24 months. With older homes this includes the ceilings. Paint with a neutral color for the walls and a 2 shade lighter or darker for the doors and doorframes. Clean from top to bottom. De-personalize your home, even if you need to sell or put into storage the extra things that end up looking like clutter to a buyer. It is worth the work. Remember that you are competing with brand new homes for the buyer’s interest. When you are ready, have nice pictures taken of the home. Make sure that when people come to see the home, it looks like the pictures. Look on the internet to gather ideas. HGTV.com is a great place, as well as Pinterest. Enjoy creating a beautiful space! Sincerely, Deanna Palmer
TRID Enforcement…Closing process changes REALTORS® are different from real estate licensees in that they voluntarily subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics. If you believe that a REALTOR® has violated one or more Articles of the Code of Ethics, you can file an ethics complaint alleging a violation(s) through the Guam Association of REALTORS® where the REALTOR® holds membership. In addition, REALTORS® agree as a condition of membership to arbitrate contractual disputes and specific non-contractual disputes as provided for in Article 17 of the NAR Code of Ethics. “In the event of contractual disputes or specific non-contractual disputes as defined in Standard of Practice 17-4 between REALTORS® (principals) associated with different firms, arising out of their relationship as REALTORS®, the REALTORS® shall submit the dispute to arbitration in accordance with the regulations of their Board or Boards rather than litigate the matter. In the event clients of REALTORS® wish to arbitrate contractual disputes arising out of real estate transactions, REALTORS® shall arbitrate those disputes in accordance with the regulations of their Board, provided the clients agree to be bound by the decision. The obligation to participate in arbitration contemplated by this Article includes the obligation of REALTORS® (principals) to cause their firms to arbitrate and by bound by any award.” (Amended 1/01) Many difficulties between real estate professionals (whether REALTORS® or not) result from misunderstanding, miscommunication, or lack of adequate communication. If you have a problem with a real estate professional, you may want to speak with them or with a principal broker in the firm. Open, constructive discussion often resolves questions or differences, eliminating the need for further action. If, after discussing matters with the REALTOR® (Sales Associate or Broker) in that firm, you are still not satisfied, you may contact the Guam Association of REALTORS® in taking steps to file your grievance. In doing so, please keep in mind of the following… Only REALTORS® and REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®s are subject to the Code of Ethics of the National Association of REALTORS®. If the real estate professional (or their broker) you are dealing with is not a REALTOR®, your only recourse may be the state real state licensing authority or the courts. Boards and associations of REALTORS® determine whether the Code of Ethics has been violated, not whether the law or real estate regulations have been broken. Those decisions can only be made by the licensing authorities or the courts. - National Association of REALTORS® Ask if your agent is a REALTOR®, a member of the Guam Association of REALTORS®.
Note: Deanna Palmer is filling in for Ryan this month
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 August 2015
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