CasaGuam Volume 08 Issue 10 by Yellow Pages Ink

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CONTENTS

Let ter from the Editor Letter from the Editor

Departments 4

Market Report What should I do to prepare my house for sale?

Feature Save Money on Your

Arlene Taitague Taitingfong

Hafa adai!

Remodeling Project October 2015 • Vol. 8 • No. 10

Real Estate Spotlight What Access Do You Have to Your Property?

Profile Phil Flores Flores Offers Ways to Home Ownership

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

From the Experts

[ Traffic/Circulation ]

How to Choose a

Carol Aperocho

Remodeling Contractor

[ Production Manager ] Mark S. Burke

How to D.I.Y. Fall in Love with Your Home All OVer Again

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

[ Website Development ] 22

Curb Appeal How to Prepare for a Hot Tub Installation

Who Ya Gonna Call?

Classifieds

Edwin E. Valencia

[ Editorial Contributors ] Alicia Garceau Anthony Godwin Lila Perez Arlene Taitague Taitingfong Kim Anderson Young Cover Photo: Mark S. Burke

We are exploring options for home improvement and remodelling in this issue. Any project of this nature will increase the value of your home, no matter what size the project may be. Our FEATURE explores the many ways one can save money before, during, and after a renovation. Find out how you can stretch your budget! Phil Flores is our PROFILE subject this month. Find out how he assists potential home buyers in obtaining home ownership. He even shares a few tips on saving and budgeting. Do you have access to your property? Read Kim Anderson Young’s article in REAL ESTATE SPOTLIGHT and find out what category your access falls under. We also have our monthly reports and input from GAR leadership. Find out what the latest information is in the real estate market. If you have ideas or topics you are interested in seeing, please let us know at editor@yellowpagesink.com Until next month, keep safe Guam!

Arlene Taitague Taitingfong

CasaGuam is Published by:

Closing

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 Should I Do To Prepare My House For Sale? here are many factors that provide guidance to the answer to that question. When I meet with a property owner we discuss the items that lead up to placing a property on the market for sale. You will often hear that price and time on market will determine how fast a property sells. It is true that a property that has been properly prepared for the market, and priced right, will attract the interest of multiple buyers; will sell faster and… probably a higher selling price! Poorly prepared properties may generate little to no interest; may never sell or only generate a buyer at a ‘rock bottom’ price. Therefore, the third very important component of the selling equation is PROPERTY CONDITION! Before doing anything to your property, talk to your real estate agent about market conditions… find out what has sold, what buyers expect, what properties will be competing with yours; let your agent know your expectations. Determine whether you are looking for a quick AS IS sale or you are ready to do what’s necessary to achieve a higher price. Take a walk around your property with your agent. Ask for observations… what needs to be done to get the property sold with as little investment as possible vs. what needs to be done to get a better price. Take notes—classify what items need to be repaired vs. what items need to be replaced/updated. The market will dictate your decisions. For example, if there are 15 homes on the market, in similar condition as your property, and they have been on the market for awhile then you need to take action to make sure your property outshines the rest. Nearly all buyers these days start their searches online. Buyers compare properties and eliminate those that don’t attract their attention. You don’t want your property to be eliminated before its even toured. It’s also important to take a look at properties that have sold recently. This will give you a good idea of buyer expectations. Generally, you might want to consider the following checklist as you consider preparing your house for the market.

1) Repair any items identified in your walk through. Consider replacing items that are difficult to repair or that are “dated.” 2) Entry Door. The entry door continues to top the charts as the number one “upgrade” a seller can make when selling a property. After all, first impressions count. 4 CasaGuam October 2015

3) Paint inside and out (including the roof ). A fresh coat of paint does wonders. Talk to your agent about color trends. Neutral tones still seem to work best. 4) Flooring. There are numerous options for flooring. If flooring replacements are needed – and depending on selling price point – consider all the new laminates out there and, yes, carpet for the bedrooms! 5) Kitchen and bath updates and upgrades are always a big plus when selling. These will depend on what you start with. Sometimes, for example, the cabinet “boxes” and drawers are good and all that’s needed are new doors, drawers and assorted hardware. 6) Electrical upgrades. Consider changing out old light fixtures to the newer “nickel” color fixtures. Replace outlet and wall plate covers for a clean look after painting. Replace any non functioning outlets and wall switches. Consider energy saving LED bulbs and fixtures. Make sure your agent mentions this in the remarks about the property. Buyers LOVE energy saving features. 7) Air Conditioning. Have your unit(s) serviced; replace any failed units. Have ducts cleaned. Yes, this service is available on Guam. 8) Get the yard in order, too. Less is better. Remove dead trees and shrubs. Trim remaining trees and shrubs for a “clean” look. You want the buyer to stop and stay! 9) Declutter, declutter, declutter! Clean, clean, clean! Inside and out. Work closely with your agent to identify items in your home to be repaired/upgraded that will bring you the best return on your investment. Document everything that you do. This will help you and your agent put together a good story about your house when it’s ready for the market. Ask your agent about good sources for materials and contractors. We have so many choices on Guam these days. Shop them all for the best prices and value! I’ve probably said this a thousand times over the years… no matter the market, the properties best prepared for the market will attract the most buyers. More buyers will generate more offers. More offers—typically a higher selling price.

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Market Repor t

Market Snapshot January 1, 2015 through August 31, 2015 By Anthony Godwin

Condominium/TownhomesFor Sale Number Sold: 106 Average Sold Price: $189,653 YTD change from Last Year: -7% È Average Days on Market: 134 Currently For Sale: 81

Condominium/Apartment/Townhome Rentals Number Rented: 717 Average Monthly Rental: $1,559 Average Days on Market: 57 Currently For Rent: 164

Single Family Home Sales Number Sold: Average Sold Price: YTD change from Last Year: Average Days on Market: Currently For Sale:

Single Family Rentals Number Rented: Average Monthly Rental: Average Days on Market: Currently For Rent:

188 $295,874 +17% Ç 173 179

456 $2,284 68 109

Disclaimer: All information provided is from the Guam Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for the period January 1, 2015 through August 31, 2015. Prior year comparison data is for the same period.

Municipality Statistics

For 1/1/2015 To 8/31/2015 Cndo/Twn Hs For Sale

For 1/1/2015 To 8/31/2015 Single Fmly For Sale

As Of 09/23/2015 City Active

For 1/1/2015 To 8/31/2015

Active Average in Volume List Price Range $ 114,000 $ 57,000

Agana Heights

Agat

Asan

9 $ 2,974,000 $ 330,444

Barrigada

3 $ 1,050,000 $ 350,000

Dededo

11 $ 2,039,000 $ 185,364

As Of 09/23/2015

Average Average Average Sold Sold WithVolume List Price New Pend Sold Price DOM Expr drawn BOM $ 227,000 $ 56,750

1 $ 60,000

21 15 $ 161,367

Agana Heights

6 $ 2,559,000 $ 426,500

$ 5,393,000 $ 414,846

2 $ 277,500

166

Agat

6 $ 1,148,000 $ 191,333

$ 4,025,650 $ 191,698

4 $ 166,750

Asan

1 $ 1,499,000 $ 1,499,000

$ 3,383,999 $ 423,000

3 $ 251,667

319

1 $ 555,000

188

Barrigada

26 $ 9,939,200 $ 382,277

$ 26,263,800 $ 416,886 45

18 16 $ 381,156

215

1 14

43 $ 12,520,500 $ 291,174

120

$ 33,548,800 $ 279,573 90

43 46 $ 248,557

168 21

136

Dededo

Hagatna

Inarajan

Mangilao

9 11 $ 76,182

170

Mangilao

Merizo

MongMong-TotoMaite

9 $ 2,155,499 $ 239,500

5 $ 212,000

206

MongMongToto-Maite

33 $ 4,132,850 $ 125,238 24

8 $ 129,375

162

Ordot-Chalan Pago

11 $ 1,302,950 $ 118,450

Average Average Sold Sold WithPrice DOM Expr drawn BOM

30 $ 2,485,000 $ 82,833 10

Average Volume List Price New Pend Sold

Hagatna

$ 358,000 $ 119,333

40 $ 6,760,850 $ 169,021 23

City Active

For 1/1/2015 To 8/31/2015

Active Average in Volume List Price Range

Piti

Santa Rita

$ 705,000 $ 235,000

10 $ 3,097,000 $ 309,700

5 $ 1,344,000 $ 268,800 3

5 25

$ 1,395,900 $ 232,650

3 $ 249,733

155

$ 14,644,295 $ 348,674 23

156 13

0 12

1 $ 250,000

$ 6,529,000 $ 343,632 10

4 $ 557,025

140

$ 6,171,900 $ 324,837 14

6 $ 319,500

319

$ 12,641,499 $ 549,630 16

4 $ 492,500

251

2 4

$ 975,000 $ 325,000

Ordot-Chalan Pago

6 $ 2,071,000 $ 345,167

Piti

9 $ 4,851,999 $ 539,111

$ 2,129,000 $ 266,125

20 19 $ 329,258

Santa Rita

8 $ 2,754,000 $ 344,250

$ 8,620,300 $ 278,074 20

7 $ 189,000

169

Sinajana

5 $ 1,544,000 $ 308,800

9 $ 3,306,000 $ 367,333

1 $ 245,000

158

Sinajana

6 $ 2,976,800 $ 496,133

$ 6,681,000 $ 477,214 12

5 $ 245,660

196

Talofofo

19 $ 6,531,449 $ 343,760

$ 15,374,849 $ 341,663 20

16 14 $ 301,357

147

13 $ 13,710,000 $ 1,054,615

$ 28,624,500 $ 733,962 28

6 $ 689,500

144 12

1 $ 650,000

121

Tamuning

41 $ 9,823,300 $ 239,593

115 $ 25,804,300 $ 224,385 78

35 31 $ 207,171

118 25

Tamuning

Tumon

21 $ 5,952,950 $ 283,474

79 $ 23,944,199 $ 303,091 49

34 29 $ 233,807

117 14

Tumon

Umatac

Yigo

$ 144,900 $ 144,900

$ 264,000 $ 132,000

Yona Subtotal

100 $ 22,593,100 $ 225,931

$ 650,000 $ 650,000

$ 1,838,000 $ 459,500

$ 21,000 $ 21,000

Umatac

2 $ 1,629,600 $ 814,800

6 $ 1,360,000 $ 226,667

3 $ 198,333

166

Yigo

21 $ 6,562,650 $ 312,507

106

$ 31,257,250 $ 294,880 59

57 30 $ 263,961

159 21

9 $ 1,283,000 $ 142,556

1 $ 92,000

Yona

13 $ 5,301,000 $ 407,769

$ 13,502,300 $ 306,870 25

19 17 $ 192,288

161

134 69

Subtotal

200 $ 80,175,198 $ 400,876

344 $ 74,453,698 $ 216,435 208 122 106 $ 189,653

626 $ 222,675,042 $ 355,711 396 228 188 $ 295,874

2 19

2 11

173 132

19 121

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Feature

Save Money On Your Remodeling Project

By Arlene Taitague Taitingfong

Remodeling is a great way to make your existing home look “like new”, or to give a “facelift” to an old home you plan to sell. You can lessen the expense by making a few wise choices. Start by setting a budget and stick to it. It can be very easy for one to overspend. When determining your budget, you might want to give it a cushion of about 20%. The key is to spend wisely and if planned well, you won’t have to scale back on purchases or forego your dream at a price you can live with. It’s more a way of strategic thinking, not cheapening out. Here are a few ideas you may wish to consider to help you stay within the budget. 8 CasaGuam October 2015

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Feature Increase efficiency, not size

Consider using alternate materials

If you don’t have the funds to break open a wall to create more square footage in your kitchen, perhaps the best way to get more out of the space is to rip out the old cabinets and replace them with super efficient, custom-designed ones. Cabinets come in many types of materials and have nice upgrades like pull-out trays, lazy Susans and dividers. Many of the older homes have “one plane” shelves. With the new cabinets, you can get three or more shelves, and even some that are height-adjustable.

Some of us love hardwood floors or granite counter tops, which again, can be costly. If your budget doesn’t allow for extravagant materials, consider an alternative solution. Check out the home improvement or home materials section at the local stores. You will find a variety of alternate materials that look like or is close to what you originally planned to use. Considering another type of material can save you money.

Do your own demolition work; invest in sweat equity

Moving the kitchen sink or the toilet to another location involves rerouting your pipes and breaking walls. Don’t do it if you can avoid it. It will eat your budget in a hefty way. It would be best to install new fixtures and upgrade what already exists. Watch a few home improvement shows. The shows will show how you can get a totally updated look to the kitchen and bathrooms with a minimal budget, with the results looking as it you spent a fortune. If your new layout does require that you move them, make sure you upgrade the pipes so you won’t have to go back into the walls or floors again.

This works well if you are doing an outside job, like demolishing an old deck or shed. It can be an easy project to handle. If, however, you plan to break down a wall in the house, it’s best to get a professional. You don’t want to accidentally break open areas where plumbing or wiring are located. You might be able to assist the contractor, and save money by helping clear out the debris. You might as well handle the clean up and save the money instead of you or your contractor hiring another person to do that job. If you don’t have a lot of time to give of yourself, the best way to invest in your sweat equity is at the beginning of the project and/or at the end of the project. Also, if you can paint, sand, throw out debris, you will be saving money. Limit recessed light fixtures Installing recessed lighting entails cutting holes in the ceiling or walls, as well as putting in wiring and installing the light fixtures. Unless you are constructing a home, save money by updating the existing lighting with new fixtures. Get an architect to look at your plans It’s important for an architect to look at your plans, no matter how big or small your project is. Larger plans will involve several meetings with the architect, several sets of construction drawings and the like. Costs can add up. If your project is on a smaller scale, it won’t cost as much. Smaller projects may only need a one-time consultation with the architect versus the larger scale project. In both cases, you will be getting expert advice and feedback from a professional.

Let the plumbing stay put.

Check out “special” buys Some stores offer really great prices on materials that they are overstocked on. You also might be able to find products that may have minor defects like small scratches, which usually are drastically reduced in the original asking price. Perhaps the person who originally ordered that custom-made door no longer needs that item. The store is sure to give you a better price so they can move the inventory out. Make decisions early Shop around and jot down what items you specifically want. Have two options in case you can’t find, afford, or get the one you would like to have. If you are not specific up front while you were planning your budget, you may have to rely on your contractor’s estimate. Also note that if you did not communicate well with your contractor, you may end up with something you didn’t want in the first place. For instance, you may have had a glass–tile backsplash in mind, but your contractor's bid was for ceramic. Your contractor may also charge you for “change orders” if you decide to change the plan or materials during the remodeling project. The cost of the change orders will add up if you weren't specific in the beginning with the contractor. Communicate clearly what you want. Make it fun! Make shopping for your materials like a treasure hunt. Make the experience fun. Bring along someone who can help you with decisions or be able to give you feedback about the materials you want to buy. You don’t have to do this alone. No matter what size your project is, or whether it be a contracted or a DIY task, plan wisely and have fun. Remodeling, if done correctly, will improve the value of a home while creating a new look, and just might make you fall in love with your home all over again! CasaGuam.com 9

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On The Cover

Completely Remodeled! Now available! This executive and energy efficient house is now ready to move in! Top of the line quality materials were used to replace and renovate this beautiful home. This 4bedroom 3 bath house sits on a 1/3 acre land giving it ample yard space for family outdoor entertainment. This house also includes a fully fenced gate perfect for higher security. Location is minutes away from stores, schools, and the Hagåtña business district. Call your favorite agent today to view this unit before it is sold!

Why wait? Call now to arrange the showings! Toto Executive Home • Sale $368,000.00 • Modern 4 Bdrm 3 Bth • Living 1950 sq.ft • Lot 1351 +/- sq.mtr • Newly Renovated • Spacious Living MLS # 15-1429 • Energy Eﬃcient • Built w/ Quality Materials • Fully Gated 10 CasaGuam October 2015

karen1282001@yahoo.com

988-1883

Karen Pan Principal Broker

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Real Estate Spotlight

What Access Do You Have To Your Property?

By Kim Anderson Young

f you can drive to a property, it has access, right? Well..maybe not! It is not uncommon for the physical location of the driveway to a property to differ from the legal access. Keep this in mind when considering the purchase of a house or lot. Your real estate agent can provide you with a map of the property that will indicate legal access. In most urban subdivisions it is easy to determine legal access, but if the property is a little off the beaten path, you may need to consult a surveyor to determine the location of the legal access to the property. If the physical access and legal access are not the same, you may need to consider the cost of installing a road to the property within the legal access boundaries.

Access, also called ingress and egress rights, fall into a number of categories, the most common of which are: Public Roads These roads are owned by GovGuam and are maintained by GovGuam. “Bull Cart” trails are unique to Guam in that they provide legal access (and physical access) to many otherwise land locked parcels.

Private Roads Families or developers sometimes reserve a road as a right of way for ingress and egress and utility services within a private subdivision and are disclosed by the subdivision map of the property. Maintenance for these roads will ultimately be the responsibility of the homeowners. Easements An easement is the right to use property that belongs to someone else. A “right of way” falls within the definition of an easement in that it allows another person to travel over your land. Easements and rights of way are usually created by a Grant of Easement instrument, or by a covenant contained in a Deed. In the case of private roads and easements, it is very important to read and fully understand the rights granted. Some may contain restrictions or reversions that may limit or prohibit your free access and use of the easement. Unless a specific exception to title is taken, your Owner’s Title Insurance Policy guarantees your right of access to your property. And if there is a problem with access, your title report will disclose the issue so that you can deal with it prior to purchasing the property.

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 October 2015

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Profile

Flores Offers Ways To Home Ownership

By Arlene Taitague Taitingfong

“Where others put branches, we place roots”. That slogan comes to mind whenever I hear Phil Flores’ name mentioned, and it is synonymous with BankPacific since the early years when it was Guam Savings and Loan. The name was formally changed in October 1999. BankPacific celebrated its 61st anniversary this past July. Flores has been serving the people of Guam in many ways since he first arrived back in the 70’s. Born and raised in San Francisco, Flores visited Guam several times. On his visits as a teenager, he started hanging out with his grandfather, Joseph Flores, who had served as the first Guamanian Governor of Guam, and was already a successful entrepreneur. Former Governor Flores started Guam Savings and Loan on July 7, 1954. After graduating from college, (Phil) Flores wanted to do something different and live somewhere else other than California. He initially thought of staying on Guam for only a few years— five years tops. Flores started working for his grandfather, Joseph, in 1973. After several years, the elder Flores passed his knowledge about business and about life to his grandson, Phil, who eventually made Guam his home. Fast forward to present day and Flores has taken his grandfather’s legacy and increased the number of business he has in his portfolio. He has grown the once small savings and loan company into a full service bank, offering many services to Guam residents. There are four locations on Guam and they have offices in Saipan and Palau. BankPacific offers a full line of commercial loans, letters of credit, auto loans and home loans. They also provide other banking services such as checking, savings, merchant machines, and on-line banking, to name a few. Elaborating on the programs that focus on home ownership, Flores stated “BankPacific offers different types of home loans. Rates (for home loans) are historically low now”. He also said that because the decision makers are here on Guam, there is a faster turn around time on the loan applications. They offer conventional loans with up to 97% financing. There are also ways you can get 100% financing through a VA loan. Programs for land purchase and home improvement are also available. Flores shared a few tips to those who are looking to either purchase or build a home. If you are going to buy a home, use a real estate agent. Flores notes that Guam is blessed with many good ones, who can help you determine how much home you can afford and they know good areas in which to buy. “They will look out for you,” says Flores. 14 CasaGuam October 2015

Phil Flores PRESIDENT BANKPACIFIC

Don’t get discouraged it you can’t get a home now. Create a budget and put aside some money a little at a time. This can help you build up your down payment. “Stay within your budget,” advised Flores. He also shared that the people at BankPacific can help you with this. If you have debt, pay it off within the next five years. Don’t get into debt that you don’t need. Once you have bad credit or declare bankruptcy, it’s hard for a bank to believe in you again. “Start saving money. Ask yourself where do you want to be in five to ten years”, said Flores. In his spare time, he enjoys playing golf, going on adventure travels, and really loves spending his time with his children, Brisas and Rocco. He also likes reading CasaGuam magazine for the articles and to keep abreast on the real estate market.

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From the Experts

How to Choose a Remodeling Contractor

By Alicia Garceau

When choosing a contractor to head up your remodel, these simple steps can mean the difference between complete confidence and sleepless nights. Ask for Referrals Word of mouth-hands down, is the best way to find a qualified professional to tackle the job. Ask relatives, friends and neighbors whom they've had good experiences with. And ask what made it a positive experience, how the contractor handled problems and whether he or she would use the same contractor again. Look at Credentials With recommendations in hand, do some preliminary research, whether it's with a phone call or a visit to the contractor's website. Find out whether he or she holds all the required licenses from state and local municipalities, along with designations from any professional associations such as the National Kitchen & Bath Association, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and the National Association of Homebuilders. Look for contractors who have invested in course work and passed rigorous tests to earn particular certifications. Be aware, however, that not all certifications are created equal. Do some homework and find out the requirements. Interview Candidates Narrow down the list of contenders and set up meetings. Try to keep it to three contractors, because things can get confusing beyond that. How a contractor answers questions is extremely important, but communication goes both ways. Candidates should ask plenty of questions, too. Check References Ask to see some of the contractors' projects. If you approve of them, request references and call contractors' former customers to check up on them. Ask how the contractors did at executing the projects. Were they on time and on budget? Were the customers pleased with the outcome? Was there anything that could have been done differently? Remember that when you're hiring a remodeler, you are buying a service and not a product. Quality of service will determine the quality of the finished project. Here are some things you'll want to explore and questions you'll want to ask when interviewing a remodeler. 16 CasaGuam October 2015

Business Experience and Management Does the remodeler: • Maintain a permanent mailing address, e-mail address, personal phone number, fax number, cell phone and voicemail? • Carry insurance that protects you from liability? Ask for a copy of the remodeler's insurance certificates to be sure. Also, ask the remodeler how much the project will add to the home's value and attain additional insurance from your provider. • Have an established presence in the community? How long has the company been in business under this name? Does the remodeler maintain solid relationships with contractors such as plumbers and electricians and work with them as a team? • Possess a trustworthy reputation among customers and peers? Is there a track record of success? • Has the remodeler earned any professional designations, such as Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR), Certified Bath Designer (CBD), etc.? How long has the remodeler been a member or any trade organizations? Get It in Writing After selecting a contractor, take a look at the documents he or she has prepared. Do they look professional? Scrutinize the contract. Does it seem fair and balanced? And make sure the legal agreement includes the following: • • • • • • • • •

a bid price and payment schedule specifics about the scope of work the site plan a sequential schedule of primary construction tasks a change-order clause a written procedural list for close-out an express limited warranty a clause about dispute resolution a waiver of lien, which would prevent subcontractors and suppliers from putting a lien on a house should their invoices go unpaid by the contractor

If everything checks out, you can sign on the dotted line with confidence. About the Author: Alicia Garceau is a writer for HGTV’s website. You can find more about home improvement and remodeling at www.hgtv.com

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H o w To D . I . Y.

Fall In Love With Your Home All Over Again

By Lila Perez

Does your home have history? Back in the 70’s, housing developments popped up all over Guam. Perhaps it was Super Typhoon Pamela’s destruction that spurred the trend of concrete homes. Built to withstand storms, many still stand today. But alas, even as we ourselves age, requiring upkeep and maintenance—so do our homes. Maybe it’s time to invest in a remodel or renovation to ensure our homes endure for future generations.

Why Remodel?

Photo: Ellen Choi, www.GLdesignBuild.com

Reasons run the range from necessity to want, from weekend project to… “someday soon.” In any case, it is an investment. As a generally less expensive alternative to completely demolishing or rebuilding, a successful remodel can make a home more functional, almost brand new, and exciting all over again. Perhaps family growth and changes necessitate creating additional or separate living spaces. Are you looking to upgrade your home’s style? New flooring? Wheelchair accessibility? Outdoor kitchen? Re-doing the plumbing or electrical system? Maybe a “little” problem like a burst water pipe can lead to a brand new bathroom or kitchen!

What’s your budget? Is it cash on hand, BOM (Bank of Mom), or will you need to seek other financing? Check home equity loan specials or other loans at banks and credit unions. Consider government programs offering loans or grants to assist military veterans and/or the disabled.

Time? Propose a time-line. When do you want to start and finish? Do you have the time to DIY? When are the resources and materials available?

Where to begin? Do you have the expertise or confidence to complete the job yourself ? Should you enlist help? Refer to the experts. Know before you commit. Your first step should be a visit to the Guam Contractors License Board (GCLB). You can find a list of currently licensed contractors. You can even obtain sound advice from Mae Ann Arile, administrative aide at GCLB, who strongly recommends a 18 CasaGuam October 2015

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H o w To D . I . Y. visit to the office before starting any project. “The Contractors License Board safeguards consumers by regulating the construction industry through policies that promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the public in matters relating to construction,” according to the GCLB mission statement, as shown on its website, www.guam-clb.org. Be informed and make the best and safest decisions. Some endeavors require special permits. Housing regulated by a homeowners association may have certain restrictions. No matter the size and cost of the job and the relationship between parties involved, insist on a written agreement and receipts. Do this for peace of mind, to protect from potential misunderstandings, and also as a record for home improvement. Construction bonds and Contractor Default Insurance serve to minimize the risk of financial loss should the project be delayed or not completed. Sounds complicated? Schedule that visit!

nowadays, you can practically view your proposed remodel. Still choosing? When in doubt, test it out. Take home a tile or two, or a carpet swatch, and set them out. Paint a bit of sample paint on the wall. Wait a day, sleep on it, awake with a fresh outlook, and narrow your choices.

Tools and Materials. If you are able to DIY, always use the right tools for the job. Check rental services. If working with a contractor, work out the details as much as possible. You may be able to save on costs by performing some of the tasks yourself like acquiring materials for example. Erik Flores, general manager of Americana Suppliers, recommends that customers go directly to a specialty supplier/ contractor. The customers will be able to fine-tune exactly what they desire for a unique look, have questions answered, and get a better deal for the money by obtaining it directly.

What do you envision?

Final thoughts.

Consider the purpose, the users, and future maintenance. Talk with those who have done remodeling. Call on professionals who can assess your needs and desires and offer tried-and-true proposals. If you have the time and enjoy internet browsing, use computer apps to portray your remodel. Check paint, flooring, and hardware store websites for similar apps and ideas. Search home and DIY magazines and sites. Visit hardware stores. With technology

Patience and perseverance! If you currently have an unfinished project (or two or three), maybe it’s time to take action! Keep that improvement—your investment - in focus. If needed, seek and accept help. The project will eventually be completed, and it will be REWARDING. You just might find yourself asking, “Why did I wait so long? This is great!” So, what are we waiting for? Let’s get started, and Happy Remodeling! Photo: Matthew Anton CasaGuam.com 19

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Curb Appeal

How To Prepare For A Hot Tub Installation

Excerpt from www.redbeacon.com

You’ve just left the spa store after purchasing a hot tub. The delivery won’t be for a few days. That’s enough time for you to get everything in order so that when the truck comes, you’re ready for the installers.

1. Top Four First Steps We’ll go into greater detail, but there are 4 essential things you need to have in line for your new hot tub: • The final resting place for your spa needs to be least 10 feet away from any overhead power lines, and at least 5 feet away from the spa panel. • A strong, level foundation needs to be prepared to seat the hot tub. • Any discharge of water should be routed away from the hot tub. For maintenance purposes, you will need to leave extra space so that a person can easily get to the motor and pump.

2. The Site Before the delivery truck arrives, your responsibility is to prepare the site. Whether the spa will be installed indoors or out, you’re going to need to consider that a fully filled hot tub with three people is going to weigh about a ton. If the area is not sound or uneven, the tub is at risk for damage. And if the damage is caused by bad site prep, the warranty will not be honored.

3. Outdoor Installation On average, most hot tubs are put outside. If that’s the case, there are a few options you have that will give you a firm surface that’s level. Before we get to that, let’s talk about an overlooked matter: a flat foot-friendly path around the perimeter of your hot tub. The reason you want to have enough room in your “grand plan” to accommodate a perimeter walkway is to cut down on small debris that can get tracked into the tub by an unsuspecting foot. You can add it later. Just make sure the additional room is included from the start.

4. Concrete Slab Since your tub is arriving in just a few days, this solution might not be ready in time. However, if you have a week or two before delivery, concrete is a long-term fix for the base. It will cost you, but it will add value to your home. A base made of reinforced concrete should be at least 4-inches thick and be able to support at least 120-pounds per square foot. Before placing the tub on the top of concrete, make sure the material is totally dry and fully cured.

5. Prefabricated Spa Pads Let’s say you don’t have or don’t want the expense of a concrete slab to house your hot tub. A product called a Handi-Spa Pad is one way to go. How it works is that the Handi-Spa Pads are an interlocking system. They join together to create a stiff base for 22 CasaGuam October 2015

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Curb Appeal your spa. And the nice thing about pads is that, unlike concrete, the materials can be disassembled and removed if you later decide to relocate the tub.

6. Deck Installation Before you get your heart set on using a deck to house the spa, it would probably be a smart idea to call-in a structural engineer or a building contractor. You want them to test the maximum load your deck can handle. No matter what the hot tub weighs, you are going to have to add the extra pounds of at least three people and the weight of the water.

7. Gravel Base The least expensive solution to create a stable base for your hot tub is to use crushed rock or gravel. Before you import the materials, you’ll need to ensure that the ground has been well-compacted and will be able to drain rainwater and tub spillage.

8. Indoor Installation Despite the added privacy, there are a few warnings you must recognize before installing your indoor hot tub. Is the space properly ventilated? If you’re using the spa for just 15-minutes, from a moisture standpoint, it is the same as taking a 15-minute shower. Will the supporting floor structure be able to handle the additional weight? Remember to add together the weight of not

only the unit, but how many gallons of water it will hold (consider that 1-gallon of water is about eight-and-one-half pounds). Factor into all that the weight of three adults. Will the spa fit through the biggest doorway? What type of drainage do you have in that indoor space? Is the floor waterproofed? These are questions you should think about before installing indoors.

9. Power The big spas are going to need an extra allotment of power. Some are designed to require a hard-wired, GFCI-protected 220240V 50-amp circuit. Hot tubs with multiple pumps may need a 60-amp service. Some smaller units can run off a standard 110V source. Aside from that, the National Electrical Code® states that you must have a manual disconnect device installed at least 5 feet away and it must be easy to see and access. You probably want to talk with someone from your local building department about other requirements for your area. Now that all of your ducks are in a row, the waiting begins. And once installed, let the hydrotherapy begin, too. Editor’s Note: There are some homes on Guam that have hot tubs. They help give your home added value, as well as increase the curb appeal of your home. Although hot tubs are not a new item, many of us may not have the knowledge of what is involved in the installation process. I hope this article will enlighten you.

Photo: 663highland – https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/利用者:663highland

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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

Dededo

Yigo

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.

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

3BD/2BA Home, gated, storm shutters,

Commercial space for rent. 1,792 square feet. $3,500/month. Call Ellen’s Realty at 647-0888 for more details!

3BD/2BA home. Fully fenced.

Sinajana Tamuning 1,100+/- square feet of office space. Marine Corps Dr frontage. 2nd floor unit. Excellent condition. $1,925/mo.

Price reduced. 305K. Call Ellen’s Realty @ 647-0888

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.

for more details! 3BD/2BA home. Fully fenced. Price reduced. $305K. Call Ellen’s Realty

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!

Land for Sale

Tamuning Paradise Estate - 4BD/3BA.

Tumon

clinics, restaurants, office or bed &

Call 688-8276 or 653-5679.

at 647-0888 for more details!

Call Dennis @ 727-3815.

Exceptional commercial bulding, great for

split A/C, backup generator. $195,000.

Located in one of the few well

4BD/2BA centrally located home for rent, along Carlos Heights. Tumon is closeby. Call Lolita @ 688-6743 or 479-8891 for more details.

a family home and a smart investment.

Tumon

3BD/2BA Home, gated, storm shutters,

Agat

maintained residential areas. Great for Call Tara @ 482-2074.

14,221 SqMtrs. Fairly level. $711,050. Call 649-2121 for more details.

breakfast facility. $6,000/mo. Call Yumiko @ 688-7791.

Dededo

split A/C, backup generator. $195,000.

Residential Rentals Agat MILITARY APPROVED! 3BR. Ocean View!

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.

Renovated. Near Base, Stores, and Schools. Call 649-8265 or 727-8265.

Dededo

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.

5BD/5.5BA home. $4,800/mo. Call Ellen’s Realty @ 647-0888 for more details! 3BD/2BA home for rent. $1,980/mo.

Tumon Horizon Condo - 2BD/1BA. Fully renovated & furnished. Water included. Call Weiwei @ 777-0688.

Residential Sales

Fully renovated. Fenced & gated. Call Loisa @ 727-6880.

Agat

Ordot-Chalan Pago

HOT PROPERTY! 3BD/1BA on 1/4 acre, mature trees. $18K in New Renovations, $18.5K/yr prior RENTAL INCOME! Near Naval Station. $3K Seller’s credit available. MLS # 15-296. ONLY $159K. (671) 687-6900. leramos1@yahoo.com Call (425) 941-5232

Peaceful and serene 4BD/2BA home. 1,922+/-sf of living space. Upgrade master suite. 3-car covered car port. Call Suzanne @ 482-6426.

Call 688-8276 or 653-5679.

Sinajana 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 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.

2,024 square meter lot. Subdivided into 3 or can be consolidated into one. Call Loisa @ 727-6880.

Talofofo 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®

Know Before You Owe

Information for Sellers

In light of the changes scheduled to go in effect immediately on October 3rd, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has produced an initiative called “Know Before You Owe”. It is designed to help consumers understand their loan options, shop for the mortgage that's best for them, and avoid costly surprises at the closing table. Real estate experts expect these changes to increase the time it normally takes a buyer to purchase a home when getting a mortgage from the bank. What used to take about 60 days to do may now take closer to 90 days.

It’s possible you may be faced with multiple competing offers to purchase your property. Your listing broker can explain various negotiating strategies for you to consider. For example, you can accept the “best” offer; you can inform all potential purchasers that other offers are “on the table” and invite them to make their “best” offer; you can “counter” one offer while putting the other offers to the side awaiting a decision on your counter-offer; or you can “counter” one offer and reject the others. If you have questions about the possibility of multiple offers and the way they can be dealt with, ask your listing broker to explain your options and alternatives. Realize that each of these approaches has advantages and disadvantages. Patience may result in an even better offer being received; inviting buyers to make their “best” offers may produce an offer (or offers) better than those “on the table” – or may discourage buyers who feel they’ve already made a fair offer resulting in them breaking off negotiations to pursue other properties. Your listing broker will explain the pros and cons of these strategies (and possibly other) negotiating strategies. The decisions, however, are yours to make. Appreciate that your listing broker’s advice is based on past experience and is no guarantee about how any particular buyer will act (or react) in a specific situation.

Please visit: http://www.consumerfinance.gov/know-before-you-owe/ . This convenient website provides important information, video, brochures, forms, tools and resources geared at helping consumers understand the loan process. It’s simple and easy to navigate through so if you are planning on buying a home anytime soon, you’ll have everything you need to get started. One significant way the mortgage process is made easier is by replacing old forms with a new ones called the Loan Estimate and the Closing Disclosure. They are very similar in appearance, easier to use, and muchv easier to understand. It also allows for a three-business day provision for the Buyer to ask any questions or clarify any thing before actually moving forward and finalizing the loan. Here are just a few friendly tips to help you move forward: • Contact a real estate agent first. They will help you stay current on the changes • Visit the CFPB Website with your agent to and review "Know Before You Owe" • Get pre- qualified at a local lending institution so you can shop for a home and eventually the right mortgage loan • Provide all the paperwork needed to move forward with the bank • Communicate constantly, clearly and honestly so you are always in the loop and know what to expect, what's expected of you, and to avoid any unnecessary delays, plus experience the smoothest transaction possible We, your Guam Association of Realtors®, care about these changes and are committed to helping you. Please don't hesitate to contact us. We are over 400 members strong and truly look forward to serving you.

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

Information for Buyers and Sellers Perhaps no situation facing buyers or sellers is more potentially frustrating or fraught with potential for misunderstanding and for missed opportunity than presenting and negotiating multiple, competing offers to purchase the same property. Consider the following issues and dynamics: • Sellers want to get the highest price and best terms for their property. • Buyers want to buy at the lowest price and on the most favorable terms. • Listing brokers – acting on behalf of sellers – represent sellers’ interests. • Buyer representatives represent the interests of their buyer-clients. • Will a seller disclosing information about one buyer’s offer make a second buyer more likely to make a full price offer? Or will that second buyer pursue a different property? • Will telling several buyers that each is being given a chance to make their “best offer” result in spirited competition for the seller’s property? Or will it result in the buyers looking elsewhere? • What’s fair? What’s honest? Why isn’t there a single, simple way to deal with multiple competing offers? Finally, buyers and sellers need to appreciate that in multiple offer situations only one offer will result in a sale, and the other buyers will often be disappointed their offers were not accepted. While little can be done to assuage that disappointment, fair and honest treatment throughout the offer and negotiation process, coupled with prompt, ongoing and open communication, can enhance the chances that all buyers – successful or not – will feel they were treated fairly and honestly. - National Association of REALTORS®Ask if your agent is a REALTOR®, a member of the Guam Association of REALTORS®.

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