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CONTENTS
Let ter from the Editor Letter from the Editor
Departments 4
Market Report 2015 Quarter 1 and 2 Real Estate Market
8
10
Feature What’s In - And Out In Home Design
12
Real Estate Spotlight What Happens in Escrow?
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Profile Jeremy Rojas Rojas is New GM at Pacific American Title
September 2015 • Vol. 8 • No. 9 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
[ Traffic/Circulation ]
Design Your Home
Carol Aperocho
with Safety in Mind
[ Production Manager ] Mark S. Burke
18
How to D.I.Y. Design a Home with Family in Mind
22
Curb Appeal Floor Plans – There’s an APP for that!
25
Who Ya Gonna Call?
26
Classifieds
28
Closing
[ Graphics & Layout ] Mark S. Burke Edwin E. Valencia
[ Website Development ] Mark S. Burke Edwin E. Valencia
[ Editorial Contributors ] Edward L. Flores Siska Hutapea Katie McKenzie Lila Perez Arlene Taitague Taitingfong Kim Anderson Young
Arlene Taitague Taitingfong
HafaAdai everyone! The theme for this month revolves around floor plans and what to consider when designing your home. We hope you enjoy our range of articles presented in this issue. Find out “What’s In” and “What’s Not” in home designs in our FEATURE article. Ed Flores delivers sound advice on safety in the home in FROM THE EXPERTS. CURB APPEAL goes over FREE floor plan software and house plans you can buy on the internet. Lila Perez reminds us in DIY what features to consider, especially when family is the main factor in house design. Our PROFILE is Jeremy Rojas of Pacific American Title Company. He recently joined them last month as their new general manager. Read more about him and where he has been before he came into his new position. We also have our monthly reports and input from GAR leadership. Find out what the latest information is in the real estate market. In our next issue, we will have articles that revolve around the topic of remodelling. If you have a remodelling story that you would like to share, please contact me at editor@yellowpagesink.com. I’d love to hear from you! 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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Market Repor t
2015 Quarter 1 and 2 Real Estate Market – Where To Eat Now? uam quarterly real estate sales volume has shown steady improvement since second quarter of 2014. The first and second quarter real estate sales volume reflects $90.4 million and $81.6 million respectively. The increase in activity is also reflective in the number of sales with 306 and 320, respectively in Q1 and Q2. Major transaction during the first two quarters include a 15 unit apartment in Tumon sold at $2.8 million, an 11 unit in Tamuning sold at $1.0 million, the former Foremost facility in Upper Tumon at $8.0 million, two warehouses in Harmon Industrial Park at $1.5 million and several large tracts of land, including the $24.5 million large tract of land that includes the Lost Pond. The hotspot is now Chalan San Antonio, Tamuning. This strip of road connecting ITC intersection and Tumon is reinventing itself as the food and beverage outlet of Guam outside Tumon. I am still waiting for the crowd to subside before visiting IHOP. There are additional commercial spaces in this building waiting for the right tenants. Two more food outlets are coming to the two-story concrete building soon to be completed next to Applebee’s. The former Good Samaritan clinic will have a food & beverage related new tenant. Reciprocal access easements between DNA Plaza/Cost-U-Less and the IHOP/Applebee’s and Guam Premier Outlets will create synergy, benefitting customer and all these food outlets, a win-win situation. It pays to be kind to your neighbor! California Mart (which is open 24 hours) is now accompanied by Japan Mart along the same side of the road. Look for renovation in Golden Motel which has just been sold to a new owner. Also look for long awaited clearing of the old Marianas Trench building as the property was also recently sold. Median price for single family residence and condominium units reflects $225,000 and $140,000 respectively in second quarter of 2015. Three single family dwellings with sale price of over $1.0 million sold in the first two quarters, including a house at the Maite cliff line, a Talo Verde house and a Perezville house. Another 13 houses over $500,000 sold in the first two quarters of 2015. Cornerstone Valuation Guam, Inc.’s summary of the real estate activity in Guam is included on the following graphs.
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Market Repor t
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Feature
What's In — And Out — In Home Design?
By Katie McKenzie
arm, welcoming and comfortable. These words describe the ideal place to get away at the end of the day. The kind of place you want to spend relaxing weekends with family and friends. In a word, your home. Many homeowners have moved beyond the desire for a private refuge and are instead focusing on creating inviting entertainment areas — a place where family and friends are always welcome. 8 CasaGuam September 2015
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Feature
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"The home isn't just for the person who lives there anymore," said Linda Rossi, a marketing manager for Toll Brothers, a leading builder of luxury homes. "It's where people create memories and share their lives with family and friends. The emphasis is now on making a home feel inviting and comfortable." Toll Brothers, which builds in 230 communities in 19 states, studies the preferences of its home buyers and model home decorators to help determine the latest trends in home decor and design. "When our buyers begin selecting flooring, designing their kitchens and picking options, trends become obvious," Rossi said. "That combined with the expertise of our model home decorators keeps us up on what's in and what's out." So what are home buyers looking for? For starters, one of the most apparent trends in home design is happening outdoors. Courtyards — both interior and front entry — are in big demand. "Courtyards can literally transport you from a city street to a quiet calm even before entering the home," Rossi said. With outdoor fireplaces, comfortable seating and even soothing water features, courtyards are a simple but elegant way for home owners to make a great first impression. Behind the home, more emphasis is also being placed on creating outdoor entertainment areas around resort-style swimming pools. "The backyard itself is becoming more like a resort with cozier seating as well as larger pools with more features — from waterfalls and fountains to in-pool seating and creative water slides," Rossi said. In addition, outdoor kitchen areas have been added to the basic barbecue grill. With refrigerators, wine coolers, sinks and ample counter space, there's rarely a reason to leave company to go indoors. However, when weather or time of day keeps company inside, there are plenty of ways home owners can still impress and entertain. Game rooms and home theaters have surged in popularity. Game rooms typically offer game or billiards tables, mini refrigerators or a wet bar and perhaps a children's area with board games and junior-sized seating. The home theater has become elaborate with stadium-style seating, large popcorn machines, huge movie screens and state-of-the-art equipment. Elsewhere in the home, some recent trends are continuing — with a twist. Stainless kitchens continue to grow in popularity. But today, refrigerators, ovens, cook tops and even microwaves have now gone high-tech. "We've seen refrigerators that have a camera inside and a TV screen outside so you can see what's inside before you even open the door," Rossi said. "There are programmable ovens, stove tops and even microwaves that can 'sense' how long something needs to be reheated for." With all this technology dominating the kitchen, Rossi said there are still some ways home owners can add a touch of old-fashion warmth. "Fireplaces are now being found in some unconventional places, like in the breakfast area or near the oven," she said. "We're also seeing fireplaces outdoors, in the master bath and really, throughout the home."
Speaking of master baths, while the home is no longer all about the homeowner, a personal retreat is often found in the master bath. "We call them spa-like baths since they can be so lavish," Rossi said. "We've seen negative-edge bath tubs, dual-head and over-sized showers and whirlpool tubs. The master bath is the one place in the home that is truly a luxury specifically for the homeowner. It's their private sanctuary." Homeowners are also likely to leave their cares behind in specifically designed meditation rooms. The rooms often take the place of a spare bedroom, den or even a guest suite. Meditation rooms can incorporate Feng-Shui elements for balance and can include large groupings of candles, piped in nature sounds, books on natural healing and big, cushiony chairs. Other possibilities include a massage table, indoor hot tub or wall-to-wall yoga mats. "The premise of the meditation room is that it's a quiet place to unwind," Rossi said. "No TVs, no harsh lighting and lots of space to stretch out and relax. The decor is typically very subtle. Bamboo floors or mats, soothing greens and neutrals on the walls and small tabletop water fountains for background noise.”
About the Author Katie McKenzie is a contributor to NewHomeSource, where you can search for and get information on new homes and new construction.
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On The Cover
In the Thick of Things! ocated at 609 N. Marine Corps Dr. in Upper Tumon, Oceanview Apartments are reasonably priced units with the best view! This complex has 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom units, that are positioned on the cliff side. The view from the balcony overlooks the hotels and beautiful beaches of Tumon. The location is ideal as it is only a short walking distance to Kmart, restaurants, and other business locations. Many avid sport enthusiasts also run along the road, as well as the Tumon area. The units are approximately 784 square feet with ceramic tiles in living room and throughout the kitchen. The kitchens have marble countertops, as well as two full-sized pantries for ample storage space. Amenities Include: Fridge & stove with oven • Breakfast nook seating • Carpet or tiles in bedrooms • Washer & Dryer connection right outside the unit • Garbage disposal • Window AC type • Marble tile in bathroom • Narra wood kitchen cabinets • Huge pantries • Window grills • Designated parking space.
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Real Estate Spotlight
What Happens In Escrow? By Kim Anderson Young real estate transaction is complex. A single transaction involves several different parties, many carefully executed documents, and a high volume of funds. The function of escrow is to manage all the intricacies of the transaction from the time an offer is accepted, right through to the final closing.
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LEARN ABOUT ESCROW IN REAL ESTATE An escrow company acts as an independent third party to the transaction, managing the transfer of funds and documents between the buyer, seller, real estate professionals, attorneys, mortgage lenders, and government agencies. When a buyer and seller agree on the terms of a sale and sign a purchase agreement, they “open escrow”, which means they assign the escrow company with the task of ensuring that title to the property is passed from the seller to the buyer free from encumbrances. Sometimes this is called transferring “marketable title”. The first step the escrow officer will take is to order a Preliminary Title Report (PTR). The PTR discloses the legal and financial status of the property along with any discoverable defects, such as unpaid property taxes, outstanding mortgages, leases, easements or overlaps that are disclosed by a current map of the property.
With the overview provided by the PTR, the escrow officer collects payoff information for any items appearing on the PTR. Common payoffs are real property taxes, mortgage payoffs, and homeowners association dues. The Escrow Officer also works with the mortgage lender, to fullfill requirements needed to process the mortgage. They then create a settlement statement for the approval of the buyer, seller, and lender. The settlement statement shows a complete overview of costs paid in connection with the sale. When the bank is ready to close the loan, the buyer signs the mortgage loan documents, as well as the deed and required affidavits in front of a notary public. The seller usually signs the deed and required affidavits before or after the buyer, and it is not uncommon for an off island seller to sign documents weeks before the closing, submitting them to escrow for use when the transaction is ready to close. Once all the instructions have been complied with, the Escrow Officer closes the transaction, which involves recording the deed and mortgage, paying off all items in connection with the sale, and delivering the title insurance policies to the buyer and lender.
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. 12 CasaGuam September 2015
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Profile
Rojas Is New GM at Pacific American Title
By Arlene Taitague Taitingfong
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JEREMY ROJAS GENERAL MANAGER PACIFIC AMERICAN TITLE COMPANY
monitor the pulse of Guam’s real estate market and an effective advertising medium to reach our customers.” In his spare time, Rojas enjoys reading and working out. He also takes great satisfaction modifying cars. “I grew up with a wrench in my hand,” said Rojas who shared that his father was a mechanic who owned his own auto shop. He also tries to spend as much time as he can with his wife and their three year old son, Jeremy Thomas.
“CasaGuam magazine is a great resource to monitor the pulse of Guam’s real estate market and an effective advertising medium to reach our customers.”
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There’s a new face at Pacific American Title Company (PATICO) and his name is Jeremy Rojas. Rojas took over the reins as general manager for the company last month. Although he is new to working in the Title and Escrow arena, Rojas is no stranger to the real estate industry. He has over 15 years of working in management positions for both the public and private sectors in business, finance, and real estate. Five of those years were in the financing side at Guam Housing Corporation (GHC) from 2006 to 2010. He then moved to Michigan to join his wife, Theresa, who was already attending law school there. Later, they returned to Guam where he found himself working for the Department of Education in the Budget Office. He and his team worked under the Deputy Superintendent of Finance to formulate and manage the annual budget of the department. He then joined PATICO just this past August. With his experience and background, Rojas seems to possess all the ingredients needed in making an effective general manager. “I may be relatively new to this industry, but I am fortunate to be working with one of the best trained teams in the business,” said Rojas. He further explained that their company invests in training for their staff. They recently implemented software upgrades in preparation for the changes and new rules made by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau which will go into effect in October. “This is an exciting time to be part of the real estate industry,” says Rojas. “The market is showing signs of growth, which means a strengthened economy for our island.” Rojas continued to explain how he enjoys the ability to interact with clients and the opportunity to network with other professionals. He was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of Habitat for Humanity and he looks forward to helping people realize their dream of home ownership through this community program. “Real estate is a major economic driver and one of the best investments one can make,” Rojas commented. “If you are interested in a career in the real estate industry, you need to study and know the trends in the real estate market, network with professionals in the business, and be ready to do a lot of reading and analysis.” He added “CasaGuam magazine is a great resource to
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From the Experts
Design Your Home With Safety In Mind
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The most efficient way to ensure a safe home environment is to design your new home with safety in mind. Taking a safety conscious approach to home design and layout can go a long way to avoiding and being prepared for potential emergencies. Always consider your current and future family composition, your location, and your lifestyle in your safety planning. Making minor adjustments in your home layout in the planning stage will save you considerable expense in the future and your subsequent peace of mind will be priceless. Start by evaluating your home’s location. Emergency vehicle accessibility and inclement weather road conditions are extremely important considerations. Take into account the availability of fire hydrants in your area, and the location of the nearest fire and police stations, as well as medical facilities. Be close (within a 4-minute drive) but not too close to avoid the constant blaring of sirens in the middle of the night. Street signs should be clearly visible and your house number should be easily read from the street. Always be familiar with adjacent street names and be prepared to identify landmarks so that you can help guide emergency responders to your home. The layout of your property and the exterior design of your home should be emergency vehicle accessible. Ensure trees and other vegetation are pruned. Check your trees to see that if toppled in a storm or earthquake, they will not obstruct your ability to exit or enter your home, or obstruct access in or out of your property. All exterior doors should have ample clearances to facilitate emergency responders and their equipment. Windows can be used as an exit in case of emergencies. Consider a security alarm system, and/or security cameras, instead of barring your windows shut. Make the interior layout of your home more accessible in case of emergencies. Stairs and hallways must be sufficiently wide to accept an ambulance stretcher and kept unobstructed. Ramps should be considered if the home is to accommodate the elderly, bedridden, or other special needs family member. Outlets with built-in retractable safety covers and locking devices can be installed on ground level cabinets for homes with children. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets are required to be installed in your bathrooms and along your kitchen counter or anywhere else water exposure may occur. Ensure that your home has ample electrical outlets for the type and amount of appliances you intend to have in your home. This will prevent your overuse of extension cords and multi-outlets. 16 CasaGuam September 2015
By Edward L. Flores
Be familiar with the location of your electrical service panel. Ensure all circuit breakers are properly labeled so that you can isolate any electrical problems you may encounter, and to be able to shut off the power to your home or appliances in an emergency. Keep this area clear of obstructions. This year, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and communities across the nation will be observing Fire Prevention Week from October 4 - 10. The theme this year is “Hear the Beep Where You Sleep.” The theme emphasizes the importance of having smoke detectors installed in all sleeping areas and on every floor of your residence. Carbon monoxide detectors are also becoming more common in homes. A multi-purpose fire extinguisher should be installed in a clearly visible and accessible location, in or near all cooking areas. Unattended cooking is the most common cause of home fire. Lockable containers or cabinets should be used to store any household cleaning supplies, paints, or solvents. A basic first aid kit with sterile gauze and bandaging materials is usually all that is needed. 911 is designed to be the only number you need to know in an emergency. 911 allows complete access to all emergency services such as Fire, Ambulance, and Police, as well as poison control and hazard or disaster services. Prepare a family emergency plan which includes evacuation and accountability procedures. In case of a fire evacuation, predetermine an emergency assembly location to ensure accountability. Make sure it is in a safe location and is accessible for emergency personnel. In the case of an earthquake, get low and find overhead cover to avoid falling objects. A study table is a good example. Meet at your predetermined assembly area and be prepared to evacuate to high ground in case of a subsequent tsunami. Listen for disaster warnings and follow emergency responder instructions. Ensure everyone knows the emergency plans and practice it regularly. Accidents can be avoided and their effects can be minimized by preparedness. Recognize the potential hazards in your home and incorporate safety into your lifestyle and home planning. Safety should never be an afterthought. Emergencies will occur. How they affect you is based on your preparedness to deal with them. About the Author: Edward L. Flores is the owner of Firesafe. He is a full time firefighter with the Guam Fire Department and has been in the safety industry for over 24 years. You can contact him at 688-0753.
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H o w To D . I . Y.
Design a Home With Family In Mind lanning a home or just wishful thinking at this point? Long before home and garden shows and internet search engines, there was the “open-house” weekend—homes for rent or sale, open for viewing. Window-shopping can help in your design phase, identifying individual needs and wants. Sometimes we just don’t know what we need (or want) until we see it. Ultimately, we all wish for a home that is comfortable, safe, and secure. A house may be a financial investment, but it’s also a home; a place for your family’s security and well-being. In that sense, it is important to consider certain elements. Safety building codes are the norm, and you can take it a step further by considering the “Universal Design” concept. In the planning stage, this concept recommends design details that accommodate a variety of individual needs for current and future use. While the concept may seem complicated, the goals are pretty straightforward design elements that are user-friendly for everyone, regardless of capabilities. As with any purchase, cost is a factor. Prioritize your needs and wants, while also keeping in mind that our needs often change over time.
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By Lila Perez
Tackle the project in different ways like considering individuals’ needs first, or go room by room, top to bottom, all the while taking notes, researching, and then presenting your ideas to a real estate agent, an architect, or contractor, depending upon your resources. It can be time consuming and it may always be a work in progress as your needs change, but you will rest assured that you are caring for your home as well as your family. There is an old adage “Take care of your home and it will take care of you”. If you decide to approach your design by way of considering individuals’ needs, begin with your household members and your pets. Also think about short or long-term visitors (perhaps a babysitter, caregiver, or daily family visitor). What can you include in your detailed home design that would help keep them safe and comfortable? With all the constant high-tech improvements to bathroom and kitchen fixtures and all other aspects of the house, it is wise to consider what is available before starting the construction, to avoid project changes, delays, and additional costs later.
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H o w To D . I . Y. Home layout If you have the resources, consider more than a single unit. A duplex or home with a separate studio can provide a separate living area for privacy, independence, and close-by assistance, as the family grows. You can also use this space for extra income. Having a ground floor bedroom and bath is always practical, especially for those who may be temporarily unable to easily walk up stairs. Consider extra hallway space and single level continuous floors (inside and out) if there is a wheelchair being used. Ramps or rails along steps may be helpful.
Outdoor areas
Lighting Ensure that there is adequate lighting and light switches present wherever needed. This includes switches at both ends of hallways and stairways and in deep closets or storage areas. For visibility and security, ensure outside lights are operable. Light systems that activate at dusk or by motion are a plus.
Flooring While fashion trends may favor a glossy, polished surface, a non-slip, softer surface may be more user-friendly in well-used rooms. Smooth flooring topped with an area rug may be preferable to wall-to-wall carpeting for those with allergies. Perhaps hypo-allergenic and/or green, environmentally safe products can be used. For those with very young children, nothing beats crawling, walking, or lying on a luxurious, thick, well-padded carpet; as long as we follow the local tradition of keeping outside shoes off, to keep it clean.
For outdoor areas, consider a high fence for security and safety, especially if there is a busy roadway or other potentially dangerous natural feature close-by. A thorny Puti Tai Nobio hedge may deter trespassers and serve as a property boundary. Post “No Trespassing” signs as a visual warning. Check out the variety of home security systems and services available; some include 24/7 webcams, but be mindful of hacks. Automatic gate-openers can be a welcome device late at night, especially during rainy weather. Remote lighting and security systems can control lights and secure areas from a distance. Put in typhoon shutters and indoor window security bars that can be opened from within the home in case of emergencies. For balconies and windows on multi-story buildings, especially consider young children safety. Set rules and make accommodations to prevent accidents. Planning for a house was never as easy as the Three Little Pigs’ houses. As you go through your plans, keep an open mind as you hear advice from others, which you will undoubtedly get. Remember to keep the needs of you and your family the priority. It is where you should always feel safe, secure, and comfortable— even if you need to make changes along the way and through the years. In the end of the day, you can be like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz and say, “There’s no place like home,” and really mean it.
Handles/Switches Use door levers and other alternatives to knobs and light switches for those with dexterity issues.
Bathrooms Consider modified walk-in tubs or showers, hand rails, built-in seats, hand-held or multi-level faucets, and temperature regulated faucet sensors. A wall-mounted sink with open space beneath may be well-suited for use from a wheelchair. CasaGuam.com 19
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Curb Appeal
Floor Plans - There’s An APP For That! ecoming a homeowner is an ultimate dream for many. Instead of buying an existing home, some have turned to building their own creation. If this is the path you wish to take, where does one start? According to Christine Wolk, the best way to approach building your own home is to first analyse your site. Wolk is the one of the owners of RIM Architects and is an architect herself. She advises to take a look at the property you will build on. What attributes does the property have? Are there panoramic views, is the property on a hillside location, is the lot small or narrow, what trees do you want to keep? Does the wind come through in a certain pattern? What are you solar angles. You get the idea. You will want to incorporate certain property qualities into your plan. Next, make a list of what you would like to have in your home, such as a large kitchen, an open concept, natural light, ample storage space, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, garage, and your list can go on. If you need some inspiration on house styles, check out
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By Arlene Taitague Taitingfong
websites like HGTV, homeplans.com, or get on “google” and type in key words like floor plans, house designs, tropical house designs, and the like. You will find many home ideas that fit into your “must-have” list. If you don’t like the entire floor plan, note what you do like. You can also download pictures and save them. Magazines are great to use too. You can literally cut out the photo of the room you want, especially for kitchen and living room mock ups, and tape it to your list. Another option you can try your hand at is the FREE floor plan design applications offered on the internet. One can create a floor plan, complete with furnishings. You can view your project in 2D and in 3D! I thought that this was really cool. I decided to try out a few to see if it was really easy to work the program as the ad stated. Here are the sites I checked out: www.roomstyler.com www.floorplanner.com www.homestyler.com
FIG 1 22 CasaGuam September 2015
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Curb Appeal
FIG 2 After fiddling with the programs, I found that floorplanner.com worked best for me. I tried to whip up my dream house in one hour. Didn’t happen. I was having so much fun that I had to pull myself away from “research” activity. I am still not done with the project, as you can see in Figure 1 and Figure 2. These programs were made to take your time on. It also makes you ask yourself what attributes do you want to truly be in your home. In my initial stages of playing with the various programs, however, I was frustrated; so much so, that I created a design freehand and then went back into the program to incorporate my ideas, which was better than staring at the screen and dragging squares with my mouse aimlessly on the graph sheet, trying to create a two bedroom home. After you have created your floor plan, or even sought out and bought your ideal floor plan on-line, you will still probably need to make some modifications for your local building codes and building practices. To do this, you will probably want to hire a local architect. Once you pick out a house plan that fits your needs and expected budget, simply buy a few sets and start getting estimated bids from builders. You will need to consider whether to hire a builder or be an owner-builder. Most of us will choose the first choice, but you may one of the lucky ones that have family or good friends who
can help you be the latter. The goal of being an owner builder is mainly to save money. Some people can save quite a bit of money if done correctly. However, some people are not meant to be owner-builders, as it takes a strong personality to manage contractors. Possible problems when acting as owner builder: • Construction cost overruns • The best banks with the best rates require a builder or supervisor • Managing contractors to finish on time or to show up for work • Depleting your personal savings • The need to borrow more money • Loan extension penalties • Being taken by unscrupulous contractors • The need to refinance your construction loan • Foreclosure We will save this topic for another time. In the meantime, start creating your dream home. If you have an existing home, you can always work on expanding your home’s square footage with an addition, be it a guest room or a sun room. Or perhaps you want to redesign your kitchen, there’s an APP for that too! CasaGuam.com 23
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W h o Ya G o n n a C a l l ?
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Classifieds Commercial Rentals
Piti
3BD/2BA home. Fully fenced.
Hagåtña
2BR, Ocean view! Across the beach! Close to Port, Naval Station, Polaris, & Stores. Max two tenants. $650 (Price does not include utilities) Call 649-8265 or 727-8265.
Call Ellen’s Realty @ 647-0888
Yigo
Price reduced. 305K.
Commercial space for rent. 1,792 square feet. $3,500/month. Call Ellen’s Realty at 647-0888 for more details!
for more details! 3BD/2BA home. Fully fenced. Price reduced. $305K. Call Ellen’s Realty at 647-0888 for more details!
Tamuning 1,100+/- square feet of office space. Marine Corps Dr frontage. 2nd floor unit. Excellent condition. $1,925/mo. Call Dennis @ 727-3815.
Tumon
Sinajana Paradise Estate - 4BD/3BA. Holiday Tower Condo - 2BD/2BA. Corner unit. Ocean & island views. Upscale & upgraded kitchen w/ extra counter space & stainless appliances. $2,205/mo. Call Sandy @ 687-6006.
Tamuning
Newly built 3BD/2BA home. $275K. Call Ellen’s Realty at 647-0888 for more details!
Located in one of the few well maintained residential areas. Great for a family home and a smart investment.
Home with swimming pool for sale! 4BD/4.5BA + 2 carports. Includes concrete gazeebo, concrete fence & sliding steel gate, typhoon shutters, A/C’s, stove & dishwasher. 1,822 SqFt living area + 1/2 acre lot. Call Rena at Buena Vista Realty at 687-7362 for more details!
Call Tara @ 482-2074. Dededo Home. 3BD/2BA. Gated/storm shutters, split AC with
Land for Sale Agat
backup generator. $195,000. Exceptional commercial bulding, great for
Call Yumiko @ 688-7791.
4BD/2BA centrally located home for rent, along Carlos Heights. Tumon is closeby. Call Lolita @ 688-6743 or 479-8891 for more details.
Residential Rentals
Tumon
clinics, restaurants, office or bed & breakfast facility. $6,000/mo.
Call 653-5679 or 688-8276. Brand new executive 4BD/3BA home with 2,030 SqFt living space and a lot of
MILITARY APPROVED! 3BR. Ocean View! Renovated. Near Base, Stores, and Schools. Call 649-8265 or 727-8265.
Dededo 5BD/5.5BA home. $4,800/mo. Call Ellen’s Realty @ 647-0888
San Vitores Terrace - 3BD condo w/ ocean view of Tumon Bay & ocean. Partially furnished or unfurnished. Negotiable monthly rent. $2,350/mo. Call Julie @ 687-6900. Tecio Tumon Villa - Awesome 3BD/2BA unit in the heart of Pleasure Island. Walking distance to beaches, dining, shopping & more! $2,600/mo. Call Janet @ 687-1841.
for more details! 3BD/2BA home for rent. $1,980/mo. Fully renovated. Fenced & gated.
Tumon Horizon Condo - 2BD/1BA. Fully renovated & furnished. Water included. Call Weiwei @ 777-0688.
Call Loisa @ 727-6880.
gated with ample yard space. $398K.
Talofofo Grand and private 2 story home w/ endless features. 5BD/3BA. Over 3,086 +/- sf of living space. Backup generator. Large master bedroom. Amazing landscaping. $589K. Call Duane @ 689-7777.
Tamuning Tamuning Cliff-side Castle - 5 spacious bedrooms and 4 baths. over 5,000+/- sf of living space. Panoramic ocean views. Near major establishments. $1,397,000. Call Anthony @ 688-8198.
Toto Dededo
Peaceful and serene 4BD/2BA home. 1,922+/-sf of living space. Upgrade master suite. 3-car covered car port. Call Suzanne @ 482-6426.
4BR/2Ba NCS Mabini St., Fenced R2 Zoned Currently has Tenant Renting @ 1800/Mo • Priced to Sell $250,000 Call Joy 456-1515 or Mike 488-4025
2,024 square meter lot. Subdivided into 3 or can be consolidated into one. Call Loisa @ 727-6880.
Sinajana
Residential Sales Ordot-Chalan Pago
Dededo
1,013 +/- SqMtrs. Spacious living. Fully Call Karen @ 988-1883.
Agat
14,221 SqMtrs. Fairly level. $711,050. Call 649-2121 for more details.
Modern, newly renovated executive 4BD/3BA home with a living area of 1,950 SqFt and a lot of 1,351+/- SqMtrs. Energy efficient. Built w/ quality materials. Gated. $368K. Call Karen @ 988-1883.
Birds eye view of the CPP Golf Course and the ocean. 2,118+/- square meters. Nearby lot also available for a larger estate. $125K. Call Sandy @ 687-6006. 929+/- square meter land for sale. Quarter acre lot, rectangular in shape. $57,400. Call Lolita @ 688-6743 or 479-8891 for more details. Construction started on property but not finished. Owner has building plans and permits on file. Power and water are on site. $60,000. Call Clare @ 483-2120 for more details.
Yigo Paved access. Utilities on site. 1,916 square meters. Call Geri @ 687-8865.
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Closing
Message from the President Ryan DeGuzman 2015 President Guam Association of REALTORS®
Message from the Executive Officer and Government Affairs Director Peggy Araullo Llagas Guam Association of REALTORS®
Determining Your Style
Information for Buyers
Style for a home is extremely important because it’s really a reflection of who you are. What’s your style? By definition (Merriam-Webster’s) it’s a distinctive quality, form or type of something. It also encompasses a variety of many things, shape, size, color, material, location, design, and fixtures. Even personal property such as appliances and furniture can add unique or common character to your home. People are not the same. Some prefer dark over light, pitched versus flat, high opposed to low, ceramic more than carpet, conservative, exotic, eccentric, eco-friendly, energy efficient, open, closed, public, private, etc. The list goes on and on. Plato the Greek philosopher said it like this, “Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.” In other words beauty is subjective, or in this case we’ll use the word style, is all up to you to decide. What may seem good, great and gorgeous to me may not be so stunning, superb and sensational to you. The cool thing about it is it’s really all up to you so make Home Depot or any other local home improvement store your Disneyland. All you need is a vision, a decent budget and someone capable and willing to do the work. Regardless of what you believe is hot and not, here’s just a few friendly tips before you go all out and all in: · The newer, renovated and more modern look is more attractive, especially if you plan on putting it on the market for sale anytime soon. · Just because it’s inexpensive or on sale doesn’t mean it will increase the value of your home when it comes to improvements. · Get/keep your house in the best possible condition always. This includes removing clutter, cleaning, painting, fixing, maintaining and even making any upgrades. No one gets a second chance to make a great first impression. I believe this is the second most important strategy for selling a home after pricing it right. · Bells and whistles are wonderful, but please remember this is subjective so let’s be reasonable. It’s kind of like modifying an automobile. Some of the extras may be a little too flashy and don’t necessarily add value. These are just a few friendly suggestions for you to consider. As a real estate agent, our job is simple. We professionally serve the people we represent - buyer, seller or sometimes both. Ultimately it's all up to you to decide. Determine your style and freely express yourself. The Guam Association of Realtors® has over 400 members who can help so please contact one of us for assistance today. Love, care & serve,
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 buyer-clients. 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 buyerclients, some of whom may be interested in the same properties as you are. Ask your broker how offers and counter-offers 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. - National Association of REALTORS® -
Ryan J. De Guzman
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 September 2015
Ask if your agent is a REALTOR®, a member of the Guam Association of REALTORS®.
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