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CONTENTS
Let ter from the Editor Letter from the Editor
Departments 4
Market Report 2015 Third Quarter Real Estate Market Update
8
10
Feature Holiday Decorating and Gift Giving Ideas
12
Real Estate Spotlight Home Inspections
14
Profile Rizaldy Cortez Cortez Advises to Have
December 2015 • Vol. 8 • No. 12 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
a Strong Foundation
[ Display Advertising ] Evelyn Trinidad
16
From the Experts It’s the Little Things that Count
[ Traffic/Circulation ] Carol Aperocho
[ Production Manager ] Mark S. Burke
18
How to D.I.Y. Tree Branch Christmas Tree
[ Graphics & Layout ] Mark S. Burke Edwin E. Valencia
[ Website Development ] 22
Curb Appeal Staging Tips for Selling During the Holidays
25
Who Ya Gonna Call?
26
Classifieds
Edwin E. Valencia
[ Editorial Contributors ] Siska Hutapea Karen Kasperbauer Perez Arlene Taitague Taitingfong Kim Anderson Young Kara Wahlgren
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays! We wanted to do something different for this month’s Cover to reflect the holidays! In our quest for inspiration, we visited a few local stores and came back with decorating ideas and gift giving suggestions - the island way! Check out page 10 and our FEATURE for more information. Rizaldy Cortez, our PROFILE this month, is an engineer who does things as per your specifications, literally. Read more and find out why he will always be on your side when he conducts inspections. Our From The Experts writer this month is Karen Kasperbauer Perez. Having designed her own house, she shares a few pointers for those who plan to build their dream home. Find out why even the most smallest details matter. Santa has a checklist, and so does Kim Anderson Young with her home inspection report. Find out why this report is important for both the buyers and the sellers in REAL ESTATE SPOTLIGHT. We also have our Market Report from Siska Hutupea, as well as 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 Keep safe Guam! New stuff to come in 2016!
Cover Photo: Mark S. Burke CasaGuam is Published by:
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Arlene Taitague Taitingfong
Arlene Taitague Taitingfong
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
2015 Third Quarter Real Estate Market Update Guam made it unto the pages of the Wall Street Journal’s November 5th edition. The article, “Guam’s Rising Luxury Real-Estate Market” was written by Alyssa Abkowitz, who focused on how the current luxury real estate market is growing. From 2008 to mid-2014 (6.5 years) there were only six houses which sold at $1M and above. However, since August 2014 to September 2015, seven houses sold at $1M and above. Five of the houses are located in Tamuning, one in Chalan Pago and the other one in Maite on the cliff line. The buyers were mostly local professionals. Guam quarterly real estate sales volume dipped slightly in Quarter 3 of 2015 to $68.5M, compared to Quarter 1 and Quarter 2 figures of $90.4M and $81.6M, respectively. Total number of sales for Q3 reflects 306, slightly down from Q2 at 320 total transactions. Residential sales volume is still increasing to $55.5 million from $54.5 million in Quarter 2. Median price for single family residence and condominium units reflects $225,000 and
4 CasaGuam December 2015
$160,000 respectively in third quarter of 2015. Cornerstone Valuation Guam, Inc.’s summary of recent overall and residential real estate market sector activity on Guam are included as shown on the following graphs.
(All Graphs © Cornerstone Valuation Guam, Inc., All Rights Reserved)
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Market Repor t
2015 Q1 through Q3 Residential Real Estate Market
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Feature
Holiday Decrorating & Gift Ideas
By Arlene Taitague Taitingfong
here are two things that stress me out immediately after the Thanksgiving holiday - decorating my home and gift giving. I experience mini anxiety attacks that lead me to procrastinate until the 11th hour, and “BOOM!” I’m in scrambling mode. I vow NOT to get into the same situation this year!
If you experience the same symptoms as I, maybe we can both pull off a small miracle this year and get out of the rut of pulling out past years’ decor, or get stumped on ideas for gifts. I found a few suggestions to keep this cheerful season, a merry adventure. Ho! Ho! Ho!
HOLIDAY DECORATING Start with the basics. Typically, the beginning of December is when most of us start putting up the decorations. If you haven’t started (or completed) adorning your home with garland, lights, and holiday accessories, get on it now. Start with the basics - wreaths, trees, and garlands. They are the “big 3’s” of Christmas decorating. If you have these elements in your home, you are halfway there. Many of us like the fresh stuff, but at times, that may be hard to come by, whether it be due to supply or cost. Relax. The artificial ones work just as well and are reusable. 8 CasaGuam December 2015
Decorating your home may be a traditional thing one does around the holidays, but it doesn’t have to be decorated in the traditional manner. There are other themes you can use such as tropical, whimsical, winter wonderland, or Disney; the options are endless, and you can easily use their elements to factor in colors and ornaments. Decide on one to use. Here is an example using a tropical theme for a Christmas tree. Notice how the local are used along side “traditional” ones. Mix and match. Don’t forget to incorporate your theme into your wreaths and garlands.
Placement Is Important Decorating for the holidays is more than just putting up the tree. Extend the theme to other areas in the house, more so in the living and dining areas, as this is where family and friends come together. Select key locations for your decorations. This would be the coffee table, dining table, and atop the curtain rods or window sill. You can easily add other holiday accents on end tables, the serving bar, the bookshelf - anywhere you feel you
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Feature need a little brightening up! Remember, simple is best. You want to create a cozy and relaxed atmosphere. If you go overboard on the decorating, you might end up having the living room look cluttered, not decorative.
Let Your Creative Juices Flow If you are on a budget, you can turn transform your “everyday” pieces into decorative holiday articles. Think of it like a Cinderella story for the existing items. Here are some examples. Take hurricane candle holders (or any clear glass containers like large cylinder vases, fishbowls or mason jars) and fill it with colourful ornaments, ribbons, or candy canes. Decorate the window area with ornaments hanging off ribbons Tie decorative ribbons around throw pillows, potted plants, candles, picture frames, and the like. Welcoming friends and family into your home is a personal gesture and you will want to have everyone that comes, feel and see the holiday cheer!
Gift Giving All I Want For Christmas is . . . I wish I was more astute when it comes to gift giving. I LOVE going shopping and looking for gifts. My problem is I can’t seem to determine if the gift I plan to give is something that person will like. Will my gift create “oohs & aws” at first sight? Or just a smile (served with an undertone of OMG! Really?). I did have an epiphany while shopping for that perfect present to give my friends. I realized a gift for a home is a good present to give your host in lieu of a bottle of wine, or for anyone else you might be stumped on. Your gift will not only be usable, but will become part of their home collection of accent pieces. It will be used or displayed, especially if the gift has unique qualities. Also, experience has taught me that if I think the item is awesome and cool, the recipient will also experience the same. You can find very reasonably priced items on Guam starting from $10.00 and up. You just need to look in the right places. My quest to find such treasures took me to Tropical Living and Noritake. I was like a kid in a candy store and couldn’t believe the wonderful and extensive variety of items each had to offer— all within my budget! Lea Sirelo, owner of Tropical Living, offers merchandise with an island touch. You can see more of her wares on this month’s cover and page 10. Her merchandise is mainly from Bali, but she carries items that are made on Guam as well. Rosemarie Milan, owner of Noritake, has a large selection of home gifts from tea sets to figurines. Both stores offer high quality items that fit any budget. So, if you are trying to find something different to give this holiday season, pop in and check them out. CasaGuam.com 9
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On The Cover
Holiday Decorating – Island Style ur cover, taken at Tropical Living in Hagatña, depicts a simple, yet elegant way, to decorate your home with a touch of island flair. Many of us may already have plans to host a gathering for the holidays. Whether or not you prepare a formal sit down dinner or have an “open house” setting, prepare your home with festive pieces from home decor to the plates on the table, and everything in between. For those of us who will be the “invited guest”. you will want to bring your host a gift! Give something different this year that reflects a more personal touch and can be added to your host’s home decor. Here are a few suggestions that we found at Tropical Living and Noritake that are very reasonably priced.
O
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Real Estate Spotlight
Home Inspections By Kim Anderson Young I recently caught up with Anthony Godwin, Principal Broker of Today’s Realty as he was on his way to a meeting with a home inspector. Our conversation turned quickly to the value and importance that a home inspection brings to the real estate transaction. Not too long ago, home inspections were rare for Guam real estate sales, giving a whole new meaning to “let the buyer beware”! A homeowner interested in selling their home can benefit from a home inspection prior to listing their home. The inspection will reveal items that should be resolved in order for the seller to get the highest price for their home. It will give the seller time to make needed repairs that will enhance the value of the home. Purchasers utilize the services of a qualified home inspector in order to determine if there are any items that will need repairing or replacing in the near future. A qualified home inspector will examine details such as structural components, plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems, safety hazards, air-conditioning systems, doors, windows, roofing, decks and patios, grading and drainage systems, even household appliances! So what happens if the home inspection reveals something that needs to be repaired? Let’s assume the air conditioners need
Buyer BE AWARE! Inspection Checklist ☑ ☑ ☑ ☑ ☑ ☑ ☑ ☑ ☑ ☑
Air Conditioning & Fans Mechanical Plumbing Electrical Structural Components Doors Windows Roofing Decks and Patios Appliances
about $4,000 worth of work in order to function properly. The solution can be different for each transaction, depending upon the parties, but here are a few options: • Seller handles the repair prior to closing. • Buyer agrees to accept the house “as-is” and will deal with the air conditioning system after closing (but they have full knowledge of the deficiency). • Buyer and seller may instruct escrow to hold funds to pay for the repairs once they have been completed. • Seller may give a credit to the buyers at closing and the buyer can resolve the issue as they see fit. Your REALTOR has all the information you need to both obtain a home inspection, and to negotiate past any hurdle the About the Author Kim Anderson Young, president of Security Title, has over 30 years of experience in the real estate industry. Contact her at kim®securitytitle.net or 647-8100.
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Profile
Cortez Advises to Have a Strong Foundation
By Arlene Taitague Taitingfong
W
When constructing a residential or commercial building, it is nice to know that there is someone who has your interests in mind. Rizaldy B. Cortez is that someone. He is a civil engineer and also works in construction management. He is the general manager for SSFM International’s Guam office. He may have been the inspector on your home or commercial project as it was being constructed, making sure it was done as per the specifications that were required. He was attracted to this industry over 30 years ago when he witnessed a construction boom happening in his town in the Philippines. It sparked his interest in becoming an engineer and he went on to get his Masters in Business Administration from De La Salle University, in the Philippines, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Mapua Institute of Technology. Subsequently, he completed the Civil Engineering Board examination and ranked #2 on the list of achievers. When he came to Guam in 1994, he took the US licensing examination and passed with flying colors on the first round. His experience encompassed the engineering and construction management of a wide range of private, government, and military projects to include roads, bridges, buildings, institutions, as well as water, sewer, and storm drainage systems, just to name a few. It is apparent that Cortez knows his craft well and enjoys helping his clients. “An engineer is the bridge between the owner and the contractor,” he explained. “My role in doing this is to protect the owner’s interest.” At the same time, he gives advice to the contractor, especially if they are not familiar with US practices. “Contractors sometimes get annoyed when I am conducting an inspection, but in the end, it is my job to make sure they build in accordance with the plans.” I asked Cortez to explain what is involved in his line of work, he graciously broke it down in simple terms. He explained that a project has two basic phases - designing and construction. The designing side includes project planning, project management and engineering. The construction side handles construction and construction management. The inspection process is falls under construction management. Before he joined SSFM International, he was in private practice as a Professional Engineer. One of the many services he offered was home design. He explained that on Guam, you need a civil engineer or an architect to design your home. He was also the Project Manager at Black Construction Company. He finds his line of work is never dull. “Knowing the process is great, but each project is always unique and challenges are different every time. It’s interesting.” 14 CasaGuam December 2015
Rizaldy B. Cortez GENERAL MANAGER PE, LEED AP SSFM INTERNATIONAL GUAM OFFICE
His advice to those wanting to enter this field is to have patience and to learn the basics. “You need to have a strong foundation in details. It is a long process. It’s not an overnight deal, but it pays off in the long run.” During his time off, Cortez volunteers with church ministry and attends fellowship meetings with Couples For Christ. He participates in events with Bataan Association of Guam and the National Association of Mapua Alumni. He also likes to play golf and enjoys going places with his wife. “My wife and I always grab a copy of CasaGuam and check what is new and what opportunities may be available.” REGISTRATIONS • Professional Engineer, Civil, Guam, License # 1222 • Professional Engineer, Civil, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Island, License # 381 • FHWA/NHI Certified Inspector for Safety Inspection of In-Service Bridges, 2015 • Erosion & Sediment Control (ESC) Certified, Guam EPA/CMP, 2012 • Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED-AP) • ICBO/ICC Certified Reinforced Concrete Special Inspector • ICBO/ICC Certified Reinforced Masonry Special Inspector • ICBO/ICC Certified Structural Steel and Welding Special Inspector
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From the Experts
It’s The Little Things That Count By Karen Kasperbauer Perez Are you thinking about building a house? Aside from the obvious considerations like where and what size, you might want to ask yourself a few things, like in 15-20 years, when your mortgage is paid, how old will you be? What will the dynamics of your house be like then? Although you are building your home for your current family needs, consider the layout and how you can change your home to accommodate new needs. When the children grow up and leave home, what will you do with the “extra” space? If you plan to convert the empty room into a den or hobby room, how costly and how difficult will it be to do? For some, conversion may be as simple as painting walls, changing a light fixture and selling the kids’ bedroom furniture. For others, it might mean knocking a wall down and updating the electrical and plumbing so that you can finally have that dream laundry room, kitchen or master suite. You might need to ready your home for an aging couple that can no longer climb stairs. Now that we have taken a glimpse into the future, let’s rewind and get back to the present. When you sit down to design your home, you may want to pay a little more attention to details on the placement of certain items like air conditioners, windows, outlets (inside and outside) and water faucets (outdoors). Details are very important. You may end up unhappy if you forget or pass over an item that seemed less significant during the planning. For example, I have an acquaintance who is wondering why she didn't discuss with the builders the location of the kitchen air conditioner. It was placed over the refrigerator blowing directly onto her back and her gas stove! Imagine trying to cook dinner with the air blowing into the fire! The air conditioner is useless in its current location. It would have been better suited if it had been positioned over a window where the air flow goes from the kitchen to the dining area. This is a prime example of the old adage, “It’s the little things that count”.
A
Here are a few factors to consider. • Windows serve but two purposes: 1) to bring in sun light and 2) to allow a breeze in. To determine number, size and placement of windows, you need to imagine the layout of furniture in each room. Remember, you don't want to block your windows or sliding doors with a sofa. • As for the kitchen, you need to decide if you want open access to the dining room, or have it in a different room altogether. Perhaps you want a kitchen island with barstools. • Do you want a laundry room? Where will you put it? Will it be inside or outside, upstairs or downstairs? Remember, convenience is what you are looking for. 16 CasaGuam December 2015
• Bathrooms. How many is enough? Consider having a powder room (meaning a sink and toilet) for areas where visitors will converge. For full bathrooms, you can have showers or bathtubs, or both! Do you think one sink will be enough or will a double vanity work better for you? • Outlets, as simple an item it is, can cause you happiness or complete misery. Determine how many you need and where they will be placed? Make sure your design puts them in areas you feel you will need them. There is nothing wrong with having outlets in locations of convenience. Don’t forget to include them on the outside of your home, too. They are a welcome addition when entertaining outdoors. You also might want to look into having underground electrical power sources to your property line. It comes in handy if you want to add a fence or a gazebo or a half basketball court later on and light up the area. In this way, your electrical source is already in and it is not only on sight from the get go, but you will not need to upgrade your electrical panel box! • Since we're on the topic of outdoors, remember, your newly built home does not come with a ready, mature yard. Creating it is part of the ritual and rights of home ownership. Your personality extends and spills out into your yard. You need to think about what kind of grass, trees, and flowers you want and where they will be placed. What will your “mature” yard look like in seven or ten years? Be careful on selecting plants that seek water by growing roots that strangle the water line! And you will need to water the newly laid yard and plants, so be sure to include water faucets in strategic areas around your home to connect a hose. One last thought. When the construction starts and progresses, visit your job site daily, if not regularly. Go in the morning as workers are arriving, go during your lunch, go by after work, go on your days off and even on holidays. If the construction crew is working, don’t forget our Hafa Adai spirit — bring the crew something. A bag of grapes, mangos, tangerines, cups of hot coffee, and cold bottles of tea are a welcome treat for them. Invest in a little sweat equity and bring outdoor heavy duty trash bags and help tidy up the job site. Smile, be pleasant and always let the guys building your home know you appreciate their work. Say thank you. About the Author: Karen Kasperbauer Perez is blissfully married to Tom D. Perez of Perez Brothers Inc/Perez Properties. Much of her knowledge of construction and materials was gained when she became involved with some of the design aspects of their home. Kasperbauer Perez currently is an educator at Guam High School, but likes to dabble in sharing design thoughts with friends and family.
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H o w To D . I . Y.
DIY Dried Branch Christmas Tree
H
By Arlene Taitague Taitingfong
Here is a Christmas tree idea for small apartments and personal spaces like your office cubicle. It is fairly easy to make and requires simple materials and a short amount of time.
Materials: • • • •
Dried Branch Or Twig Spray Paint Large Vase Or Jar Or Container Fillers Like Rocks, Shells, Marbles, Pine Cones Alternative: Quickrete Brand Concrete Mix • Ornaments
Directions: Obtain a dried branch or twig. You can use Tangantångan (a type of large bush) which is plentiful on Guam and works well for this project. Make sure it is dried out completely. The size of the branch is dependent upon your preference. Also, you can either leave on the bark or remove it. Spray paint the dried wood any color your heart desires! Make sure the paint is completely dry before inserting it in the jar or other container in the next step.
A large jar. The container must be large enough for you to fill up so that the twig, when placed inside, will stay upright. You can use large rocks, marbles, pine cones, anything that will anchor the wood and help make it stay in an upright position. If you want to make this “tree” a permanent decorative piece, you will need to find a decorative ceramic planter and fill it with Quikrete Brand concrete mixture (use as per instructions). Insert the painted twig in place and let the concrete dry. Our office made several of these dried branch trees a few years back (using the concrete method). They are still in use. Not only can you use the tree for Christmas, but for every holiday that rolls around. It’s just a matter of changing out the ornaments. Once your project is completed, go crazy and adorn your tree! You can even add lights. 18 CasaGuam December 2015
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Curb Appeal
Staging Tips for Selling During the Holidays
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It’s the time of year that calendars are packed with holiday parties, budgets are strained by gift-giving and the roads are covered in freshly fallen snow. Alas, 'tis not the season for real estate. But the good news is that the few brave house-hunters who do venture out are serious about buying a house and stylish trimmings will make them want to ring in the new year in your home. “Holidays can be personal on a lot of levels, but you want to make sure your decor is neutral,” advises Amy Powers, owner of Accent Home Staging & Interiors of Atlanta. “You want to romance your buyer, not invite them to your Christmas party.”
Try these tips to get buyers in the right spirit: Clean and stage. “Before you decorate, your house needs to be staged,” Powers says. If your living room is already piled high with clutter and tchotchkes, your ceramic reindeer collection is only going to add to the sense of overcrowding.
22 CasaGuam December 2015
By Kara Wahlgren
Create a cozy vibe. The less-is-more mantra of home staging may tempt you to forgo holiday cheer this year. But a few subtle touches like a bowl of pinecones, an evergreen wreath, or a pot of cider simmering on the stove can create a warm and festive feeling in your home.
Complement your palette. Before you start untangling your tinsel, make sure your holiday collection matches your current decor. If your living room is painted a soothing ocean-blue hue, skip the clashing red garland and opt for white snowflakes or a silver glass-ball wreath. If you’ve got an earthy color scheme, accent with rich tones like cranberries, forest greens and gold.
Accentuate the positive. Too many trimmings may distract buyers, but the right accessories can draw attention to your home’s best features. Dangle mistletoe in an arched doorway, or display your menorah on the
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Curb Appeal
ledge of a bay window; just don’t block a beautiful view with stickon snowflake decals or clutter an elegant fireplace with personalized stockings.
Go light on lights. Step away from the inflatable snowman, Clark Griswold. One man’s “merry” is another man’s “tacky,” so tone down any garish light displays while your home is on the market. (No, your neighbors didn’t pay us to say that.) Instead, use simple string lighting to play up your home’s architecture or draw attention to the gorgeous fir tree in your front yard.
Be an equal-opportunity decorator. Leave the life-sized Nativity scene in storage this year, because overtly religious flourishes may be off-putting to some buyers.
“You want to keep neutrality throughout, so you can attract any type of buyer,” Powers says. Not sure what qualifies? Powers adds, “No matter what your religion is, you’re not going to feel offended by a nutcracker.”
Mind the tree. A tall Christmas tree can help you show off your two-story great room, but make sure the wide base won’t overwhelm the floor space. If your living area is on the small side, save space with a skinny tree. Swap the gaudy heirloom ornaments and trim your tree in a cohesive theme such as icicle lights and silver tinsel, for example, or blue and gold glass balls.
Clear the clutter. A few decorations can stir the holiday spirit, but don’t feel obliged to hang every last ornament. “A lot of people, when they decorate, tend to use all the extra space in their house,” Powers says. “You still want each space to look as spacious as possible.” Limit yourself to a few hints of holiday flair, but stash the rest in the basement for now. If you start to miss your Santa figurines, just remember that with a little luck, you’ll be celebrating next year’s holidays in a new home. And you can decorate that place any way you please. About the author: Kara Wahlgren is a contributing writer for HGTV’s website. You can check out more holiday decorating tips on www.hgtv.com
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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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Message from the President Ryan DeGuzman 2015 President Guam Association of REALTORS®
Team Guam made a splash at our National Association of Realtors® Annual Conference and it was amazing! The theme was "BE HERE: San Diego... It's your time to Shine!" and the weather was perfect as Realtors® from all across the country and all over the world gathered together in Southern California for four days of business meetings, round table discussions, public forums and educational sessions. Experts in the industry and nationally recognized speakers were featured and shared so much golden information. In addition to several thousands of Realtors® who registered, about 400 vendors also participated, filling approximately 100,000 square feet of Convention Center property in the Exposition Hall with gadgets and gifts, technology, tools and solutions for improving business and real estate services for attendees.
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This event is really important for Realtors® because it opens doors to the latest information on what's happening in our national real estate industry which is sure to impact our local real estate market as well. This year, NAR announced a huge new member benefit which will affect all members across the board early next year. We've formed a new partnership with zipLogix who is the creator of zipForms and zipForms Plus. This company is an Internet based platform specializing in providing numerous electronic forms to real estate association members and is a transaction management tool system. This new development would allow Realtors® from every state and territory to use similar forms and basically the same program for managing real estate transactions. This results in an $11M per year, two year minimal investment truly showing how much NAR is committed to giving its members free access to the latest technology and professional services online to help facilitate better business. In other late breaking news, FHA recently announced it will be changing its condominium approval process to create more opportunities for people to find and finance a home at our NAR 360 Session. The Department of Housing and Urban Development is hoping to modify and fix FHA's requirements for condo project recertification, revise calculation for required owner-occupancy percentage and expand eligible condo project insurance coverage. This should increase local inventory for condo sales to buyers looking for a home through FHA financing. Stay tuned for more to come and please contact one of our Guam Association of Realtor® members for professional assistance first before you decide to sell or buy your home. Merry Christmas and always island blessings, Ryan J. De Guzman GAR President "Love, care and serve!"
GUAM ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® The Voice for Real Estate on Guam
Message from the Executive Officer and Government Affairs Director Peggy Araullo Llagas Guam Association of REALTORS®
Speak Up When Offer Arrives To avoid misunderstandings, listing agents should not delay communications with sellers when a buyer makes a bid. Question: How much time does the listing agent have to present an offer to the seller on a property once a buyer makes an offer? Can the listing agent hold the offer knowing another offer might be coming in? Answer: Standard of Practice 1-6 speaks directly to the timing of the presentation of an offer. “REALTORS® shall submit offers and counter-offers objectively and as quickly as possible.” While there can be different perspectives on what “as quickly as possible” means, it’s clear from the Code of Ethics that the listing agent doesn’t have the right to decide unilaterally when an offer is presented. The listing agent must always keep the key concepts of Article 1 in mind. “When representing a buyer, seller, landlord, tenant, or other client as an agent, REALTORS® pledge themselves to protect and promote the interests of their client. This obligation to the client is primary, but it does not relieve Realtors® of their obligation to treat all parties honestly.” The presentation of offers is one of the ways in which a listing agent “protects and promotes” the interests of the seller, so the agent should take instructions from the seller on how the offer is presented. It’s possible the listing agent and seller jointly agree on a negotiation strategy in which the seller decides to wait for other offers to be presented. However, the seller should be told the risk of doing this. State contract law may allow a buyer to withdraw an offer before a valid acceptance, so the seller could be left with nothing to consider. As a courtesy and as part of the negotiation, the seller and listing agent should discuss and decide whether to tell the offering buyer of the seller’s decision to wait for another possible offer. Listing agents should advise clients to treat all parties fairly, but decisions about disclosing terms belong to the seller. Q. If a seller is presented with multiple offers from the listing agent, all at list price, is it the obligation of the listing agent to disclose terms of the other offers to the buyer’s agents so the buyers are aware not only that there are multiple offers but also that the buyers might want to enhance their offers? A. In any multiple-offer situation, it’s the seller, not the listing agent, who calls the shots. The listing agent’s duty under Article 1 of the Code is to “protect and promote the interests of their client” and to “treat all parties honestly.” The listing agent should give their seller client information and advice about negotiating multiple offers. Standard of Practice 1-15 provides “REALTORS®, in response to inquiries from buyers or cooperating brokers shall, with the sellers’ approval, disclose the existence of offers on the property.” Talk with the seller about whether he or she wants the existence of multiple offers disclosed. If the seller approves such disclosure and a buyer or cooperating broker asks if there are multiple offers, then the listing agent is required to disclose that. Standard of Practice 1-13 gives guidance for both buyer’s agents and listing agents about disclosure of the terms of the multiple offers. “When entering into buyer/tenant agreements, REALTORS® must advise potential clients of…the possibility that sellers or sellers’ representatives may not treat the existence, terms, or conditions of offers as confidential unless confidentiality is required by law, regulation, or by any confidentiality agreement between the parties.” Buyer’s agents should discuss how multiple offers may be handled, including the fact that once an offer leaves the buyer and buyer’s agent’s hands, there is no duty of confidentiality that the seller or listing agent has to the buyer to keep the terms of the offer confidential unless state law prohibits a listing agent or seller from disclosure of terms or there is a preexisting confidentiality agreement with the parties. Listing agents should always look first to their seller client for direction in negotiating multiple offers.
Suite 236A Julale Center 424 West O'Brien Drive, Hagatna, Guam 96910 Office: (671) 477-4271 • Fax: (671) 477-4275 - National Association of REALTORS® 28 CasaGuam December 2015
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