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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
10
Sale or Rent?
8
Feature 8 Popular Design Styles Explained
12
Real Estate Spotlight Private Transactions
August 2016 • Vol. 09 • No. 08 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
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Profile Beverly Alerta-Brady
[ Editor ] Arlene Taitague Taitingfong
[ Display Advertising ] 16
From the Experts Trade You a Red Paper Clip For a House
John Mendiola Doris Pangelinan Emily Untalan
[ Traffic/Circulation ] Shaun Cruz
18
How to D.I.Y. Accessorizing Your Home On A Budget
22
Curb Appeal
[ Production Manager ] Mark S. Burke
[ Graphics & Layout ] Mark S. Burke Edwin E. Valencia
[ Website Development ]
A Little Bit of Spa
Edwin E. Valencia
In The Bathroom
[ Editorial Contributors ]
25
Who Ya Gonna Call?
27
Classifieds
28
Closing
John Arroyo Anthony Godwin Liana Leahy Arlene Taitague Taitingfong Kim Anderson Young
Arlene Taitague Taitingfong
Hafa adai! We are concentrating on ways one can “accessorize" a home! In this issue, we talk about what design styles are popular. Maybe you can be inspired! We also have a great idea on how to accessorize your bathroom! And there’s so much more! Our PROFILE this month is Beverly Alerta-Brady. She sold a $3.5M home this year! Find out what the key to her success is. John Arroyo joins us again and shares an interesting story, “Trade You A Red Paper Clip For A House” in FROM THE EXPERTS. Anthony Godwin shares the latest statistics in MARKET REPORT and gives us an update on Guam’s most recent property transactions. Kim Anderson Young shares an experience that happened quite recently! Don’t miss out! Read “Private Transactions” in REAL ESTATE SPOTLIGHT. GAR President, Deanna Palmer explains the role of a certified land surveyor and what we can expect from them. Peggy Illagas, CEO and Government Affairs Director of GAR, explains “The Value of REALTORS®”. By the way, I just want to take this opportunity to thank you all for allowing CasaGuam into your homes and businesses. Our popularity and reach has grown because of you! We appreciate you, Guam! Until next month,
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
What Should I Do to Prepare My House For Sale or Rent? There are many factors that provide guidance to the answer to that question. When I meet with a property owner we discuss many factors 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 or rents. It is true that a property that has been properly prepared for the market, and priced right, will pique the interest of multiple buyers, will sell faster and probably at a higher 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… CONDITION! Take a walk around your property. Imagine yourself as the buyer. What needs to be done to get your property ready for the market. 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. 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. 3. Paint Inside and Out (including the roof ). A fresh coat of paint does wonders. Talk to your REALTOR® 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 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 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. 4 CasaGuam July 2016
Replace any non-functioning outlets and wall switches. Consider energy saving LED bulbs and fixtures. Make sure your REALTOR® 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 the ducts cleaned. Yes, this service is available on Guam. 8. Clean, clean, clean! Inside and out! 9. 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! 10.Finally, set the stage! Stage and accessorize your property to romance the buyer.
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Market Repor t
Market Snapshot January 1, 2016 through July 20, 2016 By Anthony Godwin
Condominium/Townhomes For Sale Number Sold: 106 Average Sold Price: $220,380 Average Days on Market: 146 Currently For Sale: 80
Condominium/Apartment/Townhome Rentals Number Rented: 519 Average Monthly Rental: $1,632 Average Days on Market: 56 Currently For Rent: 251
Single Family Home Sales Number Sold: Average Sold Price: Average Days on Market: Currently For Sale:
Single Family Rentals Number Rented: Average Monthly Rental: Average Days on Market: Currently For Rent:
163 $317,565 169 193
373 $2,288 58 164
Disclaimer: All information from the Guam Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for the period stated. Properties sold or rented that are not reported to the MLS are not included in this presentation.
Work closely with your REALTOR® 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 REALTOR® put together a good story about your house when it’s ready for the market. Ask your REALTOR® about 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, will attract the most buyers. More buyers will generate more offers. More offers typically bring a higher selling price. Comments or questions for future articles, email me at anthony@guamhome.com. CasaGuam.com 5
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Feature
Eight Popular Design Styles Explained
By Liana Leahy
Looking to decorate your new home and seeking thematic inspiration? Search no more. We’re covering 8 interior design styles that are popular in modern homes. In reality, practitioners blend different elements from several decorating styles together, but it’s crucial to identify the core aspects of each one. Obviously, there are interior design styles beyond the 8 types outlined below, but I wanted to focus on the major schools that are currently in vogue. I will keep this list updated every year – removing those that may have fallen out of favor and adding new ones. Also, if you’re looking to add a new piece or two to your home, check out our main store where we always curate our catalog for the newest interior design styles.
I wrote a guide on Industrial Decor Ideas and Design, where you can learn how to furnish your home with this look. A notable point from this post is that industrial decor ranges from modern rustic with cleaner lines to rugged vintage with elaborate ornamentations. Depending on your tastes, you can opt for a lighter, chic look or a darker, antique design.
1. Mid-Century Modern The mid-1900s produced some of the most iconic pieces in modern design. It is characterized by refined lines, minimalist silhouettes, and natural shapes. From Saarinen, Niemeyer, Eames, Noguchi, Jacobsen and beyond, the mid-century modern masters defined creative ways to use new materials like molded plastic, plywood, and aluminum in industrial design. Its pieces are highly versatile and can complement a myriad of design styles. Check out my Mid-Century Modern Design Guide to learn how to get the look for your home. As mentioned in the guide, I would recommend mixing in elements from other design styles to keep your home looking fresh. A purist approach when decorating a mid-century modern home can make your interior design look a bit passé.
3. Nautical Warm, relaxing, and positive. Nautical decor (also referred to as coastal or cottage decor) reflects the New England beach house spirit. This interior design style is based on white or sand colored foundation, with blue as the primary accent color. Material-wise, nautical decor incorporates unfinished wood in its tables or chairs, combined with chic linen upholstery for your lounge seats and sofas. Your options for decorative accents are many: seashells in clear jars, jute ropes, rowing oars, sailboats, navigational maps, and more!
2. Industrial
4. Scandinavian
This is a look that hearkens back to the turn-of-the-century industrial era. It emphasizes liberal use of exposed steel with distressed wooden elements, frequently complemented by exposed brick walls. The modern variant commonly includes copper-tone accents. In terms of general feel, industrial decor is often rustic and mature.
An off-shoot of the mid-century modern movement, Scandinavian design introduced a popular minimalist look to the interior architecture field that lasts to this day. Although most people associate it with IKEA (I’ve covered stores like IKEA in the past), there are a variety of subset looks within Scandinavian design itself.
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Feature Featuring gentle contours, playful accent colors, and a balance of engineered and organic materials, Scandinavian furniture are simple, contemporary, and functional. Many Scandinavian designs employ Bauhaus principles and is characterized by fluid lines, focus on object proportions, and populist appeal. A great majority of Scandinavian interiors use white with gray tones as the foundation colors.
5. Bohemian Bohemian decor captures the carefree and adventurous spirit of the avant-garde lifestyle. It features creative application of rich patterns and vibrant colors, especially those with red or purple tones. The key is to carefully present a purposefully “messy” look. Layer on textiles (throws, pillows, rugs, tapestry) for a warm ambience. When furnishing, look for pieces that possess ethnic or nomadic vibes. Moroccan, Southwestern, or tribal-inspired designs are currently trending. Composition-wise, boho chic loves textile, wood, animal hide, and metallic accents.
6. Farmhouse Farmhouse decor is a modern approach to cabin-inspired interior design. Mostly transitional in nature with some traditional elements mixed in, farmhouse aesthetic should transport your imagination to French Provence. Source some dried lavender bunches and other greeneries – careful arrangement of vases and planters will really stylize your home. Farmhouse furniture are characterized by distressed wood and upholstered linen. Color-wise, it is similar to nautical decor with mostly white and beige base colors. Orthodox rules dictate that accent colors should be something similar to turquoise or light yellow, but I find it better to introduce some brighter colors for some pop and definition.
7. Urban Modern Urban interior design stems from the modern designer lofts in the major cities. Taking cues from its cosmopolitan environment, urban modern is a fusion of various opposing and complementary traits. Minimalist modern, glamorous chic, ethnic heirlooms, and edgy experimental designs all collide in a distinctively 21stcentury setting. Larger furniture (sofas, beds, etc.) tends to be uniformly sleek with low-profile. Feel free to bring home trailblazing modern furniture designs. Decorative accents (pillows, mirrors, end tables, etc.) in urban decor often demands artistic and creative expression – add some elegant geometric designs, or vintage items with traditional embellishment.
8. Shabby Chic Shabby chic decor emphasizes vintage elements to recreate the antique flea market look. The furniture are characterized by their aged appearance, with distressed wood composition covered in sanded milk paint to show signs of wear and tear. Decorative accents for shabby chic decor should be soft and opulent, often with an affected feel, in order to bring the overall interior design to a contemporary standard. Generously introduce linen textiles for added style. Though orthodox shabby chic colors are white, ecru and pastel, don’t be afraid to apply some vibrant colors. That’s a wrap for the popular interior design styles! Hope this was helpful in getting you started in your project. Remember that the best interior architects will frequently bridge different styles together, so liberate your mind and approach your design from creative angles. Let me know what you think! About the Author: Liana Leahy is the Editor-in-chief for FROY Blog. FROY is a furniture store that offers everything from couches to lighting and everything in-between. Check out their site at www.froy.com. This article can be found at http://blog.froy.com/interior-design-styles-8-popular-types-explained
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On The Cover
Mediterranean Style: Lujuna Vista Villas Phase II his beautiful home is situated on the Lujuna Plains in Yigo, only a few minutes drive to AAFB. This Mediterranean style home is a 4 bedroom/3 bath, executive home with lots of living area. Well designed, this home has room for plenty of furniture! An ample 2 car garage will fit even large vehicles with plenty of room for storage. Modern living and dining rooms, fully equipped kitchen, roomy master suite with large bathroom make this home a pleasure to live in. Fully landscaped, with typhoon shutters, custom designed curtains, water softener system, power generator back-up ready, and energy efficient air-con systems installed. It is fully fenced with remote gate opener. Ready to move in now! Call 689-8038 today for a showing!
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For Rental Information Please Call Office at
649-8568
Mark M Mar a Zhao Zha Zh Z
www.pioneerrealtyguam.com 194 Chalan San Antonio Suite 205, Tamuning, Guam 96913 PB P and a Home an H Ho Hom B Bu Bui Buil Build Builde Builder 10 CasaGuam July 2016
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Meet Our Team! A Young But Experienced Team. Mark Zhao Principal Broker
Nida Zhao REALTOR®
Joseph S. Quito REALTOR®
Our Focus: • Commercial and Industrial Transactions • Project Development and Marketing • Residential Sales and Leases
Marlene Pascua REALTOR®
Younson Huang REALTOR®
Rose Tarpley REALTOR®
Give Us A Call, You Will Like It
Office: 671-649-8568 • Fax: 649-8612 • www.pioneerrealtyguam.com
Cell: 671-689-8038 mzhao@pioneerrealtyguam.com Serious But Pleasant Home Builder. Create Value for Our Homeowners. Set Standards and Bring Pleasure to Our Buyers and Renters.
Perez Villa Estates
Lujuna Vista Villas Phase 1 Lujuna Vista Villas Phase 2
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Real Estate Spotlight
Private Transactions
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The primary job of a title insurance company is to make sure that you end up owning the property you are buying. That sounds like an oversimplification, but there are countless issues that can arise to come between you and the quiet enjoyment of your property. The following is the interesting history we found last week on a commercial property south of Hagatña. Juan and Juanita Doe entered into a contract of sale to purchase property from Teresita Smith in 1988. They made payments to
By Kim Anderson Young Ms. Smith over the years. Ms. Smith passed away and in 2009 the probate proceeding acknowledged that the property was to be distributed to Juan and Juanita Doe. However, in 2010, the administrator of Ms. Smith’s estate deeded the property to Juan Doe only. In 2012, Juan Doe sold the property to ABC Corporation in a private transaction not using a title and escrow company. There is nothing our title researchers like more than a mystery to solve and they were wondering what happened to Juanita Doe and her interest in the property. A quick search of the court records disclosed that Juan and Juanita had divorced in 1996. A closer look uncovered the fact that their marital property settlement agreement required that Juan Doe was required to subdivide the property into two equal parcels, with Juan Doe owning one parcel and Juanita Doe owning the other (with the understanding that Juanita was going to deed her half to their son John). The real estate agent involved just happened to know Juanita Doe and contacted her. When we spoke with Juanita, she confirmed that she and her son owned half of the property, but that she had not thought of it in years. So where does that leave ABC Corporation? Since Juan Doe only owned half of the property, and all he can sell is what he owns, ABC Corporation owns an undivided half of the property and Juanita Doe owns the other undivided half. If ABC Corporation had used a title and escrow company to close this real estate transaction, one of two things might have happened. The title company would have questioned the interest of Juanita Doe and made sure that she deeded her interest to ABC Corporation. If the title company had missed the interest of Juanita Doe, but insured the transaction with a title insurance policy, ABC Corporation would have been insured against loss arising from the fact that the seller ( Juan Doe) did not own 100% of the property he sold to them. We are not sure how this situation is going to turn out, but title insurance would have protected the investment of ABC Corporation. The moral of the story? Let the real estate experts do what they do best…real estate! 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
“Every Day Is A Different Day” By Arlene Taitague Taitingfong
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Beverly Alerta-Brady is a friend of mine. She is a vibrant, funny, strong and confident woman. She has been a REALTOR® of the Guam Association of REALTORS® under Today’s Realty for eleven years. She started her working career in sales and marketing but had a change of heart. She had always thought about getting into the real estate industry and a friend she shared this with, encouraged her to take the course. At that time, she was still a young mother and did not take the exam right away. Four years later, she took a refresher course, took the exam and passed the test on her first attempt. “I always felt the natural evolution of my career would take me into the world of real estate,” she said. Brady truly enjoys what she does. “Every day is a different day. No two clients are the same. No two transactions are the same. The process of learning new things and nurturing your career never stop or grow old,” she said. Another reason why she enjoys her work is her desire to help make homeownership a dream come true for many. She explained, “Many investors get involved in real estate by purchasing properties and making money by reselling those properties. However, my favorite type of transaction would be working with first time home-buyers. A person or family’s first home is important to them, a milestone in their life, a memory that will stay with them forever. With these clients, the purchase is not a business transaction. Rather, it is personal accomplishment.” She says that the beginning of a career in real estate can be challenging. Taking the exam doesn’t truly prepare one for what will come on a daily basis. She advises, “It’s best to start your career working closely with a mentor or your broker, as the learning curve may take up to a year or more. The TV shows you see, for the most part, depict the business itself. However, there is so much more behind the scenes than what you see. The reality is that this is not an easy or glamorous job. My advice is to not get too attached to any transaction – it’s not a done deal until it’s closed and you have sent your ‘thank you’ notes.” She noted that rather than keeping your eye on your forthcoming commission check, it is best to keep in mind the client’s needs, goals and dreams. “This will keep you grounded,” says Brady. “If you’re going to pursue this career, go big or go home (no pun intended). Work full time, not part time. This way, you keep up to date on Guam’s ever-changing real estate market.” She added, “Don’t necessarily go for the big stuff and push the small stuff aside. Stay diligent to your work and the big stuff will eventually come to you…but if a good opportunity is in front of you, jump on it, hold on and don’t let go!” Words of wisdom coming from someone who sold a home in Tamuning this year for $3.5M this year! 14 CasaGuam July 2016
Beverly Alerta-Brady REALTOR® TODAY’S REALTY
Brady uses a variety of media venues to get the word out about her listings, but uses CasaGuam frequently. She stated, “Casa Magazine is a good tool to use in order to put the word out about your listed properties. Sellers like to see that you are committed to selling their homes by knowing you have personally invested your own funds into advertising their properties. It is a streamlined magazine, specifically targeted towards those interested in buying, selling or renting real estate in Guam. Consumers feel they have a reliable product since it is exclusive to this industry only.” When Brady is not leading clients unto dirt roads or into jungle bush, she enjoys travelling around the world with her family. She also reads avidly and stays active with her Buddhist family, the Soka Gakkai International-USA.
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From the Experts
Trade You a Red Paper Clip For a House
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Not many would think of ever making this trade offer, but one individual from Montreal, Canada did and got a new home. In the summer of 2005, Kyle MacDonald was out of work, living in a small rented one bedroom apartment in Montreal with his girlfriend who was supporting him. He was tired of living off of her and tired of paying whatever hard earned cash he made on rent. He wanted a house. He also needed a job but his heart was not into finding one; he was more inspired to play a game he played as a kid. Bigger and Better was the game and its objective is to start with a small object and trade it for something bigger and better. He thought that if he played the game, started small and thought big, he could possibly end up owning a home. With that in mind he posted his first trade, one red paper clip, on Craig’s List for anything anyone thought was a good trade in return. To help his efforts he said he’d travel anywhere to make the trade. He also started a blog to document his efforts for all to follow. To his amazement he received numerous offers for the red paper clip. The one that stood out most, mainly because the individual wishing to make a trade was really persistent, was a wooden fish pen. He accepted the offer and traveled cross country to Vancouver, Canada to make the trade. Almost immediately after that he received an offer, which he accepted, from someone in Seattle, Washington for a door knob with a scrunched-up smiley face on it for the pen.
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By John Arroyo
His next trade was in Amherst, Massachusetts. It was a Coleman camping stove for the door knob. Next came a trade in Los Angeles, the camping stove for a 1,000 watt Honda generator. On its face the trade after, which took place in New York, didn’t seem to be worth a trade for the generator. Yet Kyle reasoned that the empty keg, neon sign and an IOU for a keg’s worth of beer taken together as an instant party had more “funtential” (Kyle’s word meaning the potential for fun) value than the generator. And it did for a well-known Quebec entertainer who traded Kyle a snowmobile and transportation to deliver it anywhere for the instant party. Around that time the news of Kyle’s quest began to spread. His blog was mentioned on a more widely read blog that blogs about other blogs. This led to a front page story in Quebec’s largest newspaper which lead to an appearance on a popular television show. During the show Kyle was asked if there was anywhere in the world he wouldn’t go to make a trade. Kyle said he wouldn’t go to Yahk, British Columbia. In response to that remark a snowmobiling magazine offered to trade for the snowmobile a “trip to Yahk” that included round trip airfare for two from anywhere in North America to Cranbrook, Canada, a day of skiing, meals, and a snowmobile trip from Cranbrook to Yahk (a 40 mile ride) under the condition that the trade had to take place in Yahk. Even though Kyle said he’d never go to Yahk for a trade, he accepted it anyway. But before he left
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Montreal for Yahk, he traded “the Yahk trip” for a moving van, gas to transport the snowmobile to Yahk, and gas to take the van anywhere in North America to trade it for something else. For the next trade Kyle drove back across the country from Yahk to Toronto. In exchange for the van he got a recording contract that included 30 hours of recording time at Canada’s best studio, 50 hours mixing/post production, transportation to and from Toronto from anywhere in the world, accommodations in Toronto for the duration of the recording, and the finished album would be pitched to Sony-BMG and XM radio. Kyle traded the recording contract for a one year rent free apartment in downtown Phoenix which included round trip airfare for two from any major airport in North America and 4 third row tickets to a Diamondbacks game. The apartment was a 700 square feet, one bedroom/one bath, historic bungalow style duplex with 9 foot ceilings, oak floors, living room, fireplace, laundry room, separate dining room, and a new kitchen. The apartment, air fare, and tickets were traded for an afternoon with Alice Cooper. That offer came from the tenant living in the adjoining apartment who also happened to work for Cooper. Cooper owed her a favor and that was how she cashed it in. The afternoon with Alice Cooper was traded for an illuminated electric KISS snow globe which Kyle had to travel to Kentucky to get. That trade brought on a rash of harsh comments from his blog followers. They all thought it was the worst trade since he
started his quest for a house. What his followers didn’t know was that a month earlier Kyle received an offer for a movie role from Corbin Bernsen who starred in movies such as Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and Major League and in TV series such as LA Law and Boston Legal. Bernsen is also a director, a producer, and owns a film company. More importantly Corbin Bernsen has one of the world’s largest snow globe collections. At the time Bernsen made the offer Kyle didn’t have anything worth trading. Now that he had the KISS snow globe Bernsen desperately wanted it. Bernsen traded a paid, speaking, credited role in the movie Donna on Demand for the snow globe. After 13 trades and nearly a year later Kyle finally accepted the trade he was after. In exchange for the movie role the town of Kipling, Saskatchewan traded Kyle a 3 bedroom/1.5 bath, 2 story 1,100 square foot home. In addition he received a $200 in Kipling “cash” to be used at any local Chamber of Commerce business, the key to the town, honorary mayor of Kipling for a day, honorary lifetime citizen of the town, and the day the trade took place was decreed One Red Paperclip Day by the town council. During the year long process Kyle was out of work and while no real cash was earned or lost in any of the trades there were real expenses and opportunity costs. I don’t know Kyle but if I had at the time he accepted his last trade, I would have advised him to make sure he got marketable title and to purchase an owner’s title insurance policy. Just sayin’.
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H o w To D . I . Y.
Accessorizing Your Home On A Budget Merriam-Webster defines “accessory” as “something added to something else to make it more useful, attractive, or effective”. This term covers many things when it comes to your home. Accessories for your home can be a very long list of items, such as rugs, candle holders, art, pillows, curtains, planters, picture frames, baskets and mirrors. The list can go on, but I think you get the picture. It would be best to work on one room at a time. We have covered living rooms in the past, so let’s try out accessorising your bedroom. One can turn a plain bedroom area into a snazzy eye-catching work of art or a cozy getaway, with a few key pieces. Some tend to go overboard and over decorate which results in a gawdy outcome. As always, less is more. Remember that rule when you decide to decorate. Before we begin, you may want to pick up a few decorating books, or go on-line to see what the latest styles are. You may see a few examples you might like. You don’t have to get the exact item, especially if it’s out of your price range. Look around for similar pieces at better price points. You don’t have to spend a fortune to make your home look exquisite. The bare bones of a bedroom are comprised of a bed, night stands, and a dresser. This may be a minimalist’s dream, but even then, a minimalist would add a few touches to make it a magical bedroom. Try changing out or putting up curtains (if you don’t have any up yet). It really does give the room some personality. Beforehand, select a color scheme or theme you want to use, i.e. baby blue, or nautical. It will help you tie in your other accessories and give you a pulled-together look. After you selected your curtains, change out the bed covers. Let them match with your curtains in some way. You can even add a small rug to give the room some depth. The next part is fun! You can start adding on color-coordinated or theme-coordinated items, like nautical striped throw pillows or blankets, tea lights or candles, and artwork that reflect a beach, a ship, or the ocean. Here are a few before and after shots for you to view.
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By Arlene Taitague Taitingfong
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Curb Appeal
A Little Bit of Spa In the Bathroom By Arlene Taitague Taitingfong If you are looking at accessorizing your bathroom, try putting in a bidet. A bidet is a special plumbing fixture or accessory that allows you to use water to wash your private areas after using the bathroom. The first time I experienced the luxury of a bidet (pronounced "be-day") was in Japan. I entered the lavatory and curiously looked at the Kanji and pictures on the side bar of the toilet seat. Although my Japanese reading abilities were limited, I understood the pictograms next to it. “Ooo,” I said aloud with excitement. “A bidet and toilet in one!” I think I sat in the restroom for a good 10 minutes, happily playing with the buttons. I was in bathroom heaven. Bidets have been used for centuries in some countries and are most commonly used in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. There are some countries where it has been slow to adopt the fixtures. It has been catching on in the US. These days, bidets or “washlets" (a coined phrase by Toto—a famous bathroom manufacturer) are becoming popular and ttainable. They come in a variety of colors, styles, and price points. One can get the full toilet set or purchase just the bidet portion, which is the seat ensemble. If you are building a home or doing a full scale remodel of your bathroom, I would suggest getting the full toilet set along with the bidet upgrades. These toilets can be pricey, but is a good investment. If you already have a great toilet, then accessorize it
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and give your “porcelain throne” that touch of spa elegance by getting just the bidet ensemble. There are many brands of bidets on the market, so shop around to see what is available and what are the price points. The most popular and well known brand is Toto. Then there is Bondell, Big Bidet, Luxe, and others to choose from. Some of you may be wondering, why a bidet? If you haven't tried using one, you are missing out! Having a bidet is like having a personal spa. The benefits of having one are: • Better personal hygiene and cleaning • Greatly reduce the impact you have on the environment • Save money and reduce household waste • Better skin care and more comfortable to use • Reduce plumbing problems and prevent clogs If you decide to get one, the first place to start is your budget. According to an article on www.bidet.org, you have to decide on what you’re willing to spend, factoring in the costs and savings of using a bidet. The article states that the average US family of four uses 501 rolls (166 sheets per roll) of toilet paper per year, which is an estimated yearly cost of $417. Using a bidet will cut toilet paper usage by approximately 75%, saving you over $300 per year. You should also factor in the fact that this is a long term purchase. If you purchase a $400 bidet and divide that purchase over a ten year life span, that is a cost of only $40 per year. It’s important to
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Curb Appeal determine what you’re willing to spend, which functions you need, and what features you want. Be prepared to spend anywhere between $50 to $1,000, depending on the features your want. The main feature of the bidet is cleaning. Some models have features like adjustable nozzles, adjustable widths, temperature control, and even a blow dryer. Wow! Luxury at your fingertips, or should I say via a control panel. Before I get ahead of myself, let me inform you that you can get either an electrical or nonelectrical ensemble. If you get an electric one, make sure you have a plug nearby to accommodate this type. If you are willing to spend money, there are some bidets that have self-cleaning nozzles, air deodorizer, stainless steel nozzles, nozzle sterilization and turbo/enema wash. You will want to check out the warranty. A quality bidet will last numerous years, and the models available are covered by certain warranties. This can be a significant purchase, so having a warranty on the product gives one peace of mind. Warranties are offered anywhere between one year to three for the more pricey models. Some of the lower priced models ($49 — $100) might not offer one. Once you decide that you HAVE TO have one, do some research. You can check out www.bidet.org, or www.amazon.com (I was surprised as much as you to find them here), or www.toto.com. You can easily purchase a bidet at a home
improvement store or home materials store. They are available on Guam. Installing one is a DIY project that doesn’t take too much time, and with YouTube videos to assist you, it looks like something even I can do! If you haven’t had the opportunity to try out a bidet, there are several places on Guam that utilize them. You can find them in some of the hotels (even in the public hotel restrooms) and a few coffee shops. I know a few people who have them in their home. Just remember, a bidet is not a type of toilet, it is an additional fixture. The toilet is used for your bathroom functions, and then the bidet is used to clean yourself once you are finished. Some models combine a toilet and bidet into one unit. There are some bidets that are a separate fixture and are usually placed along side the toilet. These types are more expensive to install as you will need additional plumbing to accommodate them. Whether you rent or you have a small bathroom space, there will always be room for a bidet seat or bidet attachment which `installs directly on your existing toilet fixture. You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to install a traditional bidet into your bathroom. Having a bidet is cleaner and more comfortable than using dry, abrasive toilet paper. Purchasing a bidet seat or bidet attachment will easily cut your toilet paper spending by 75% or more, plus you will be helping in saving our trees!
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W h o Ya G o n n a C a l l ?
472-3497 dvertising “Your Ac Spe ialist” Arlene Taitingfong Editor
Email: ataitingfong@yellowpagesink.com CasaGuam.com 25
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Classifieds Commercial Rentals Hagåtña Commercial space for rent. 1,792 square feet. $3,500/month. Call Ellen’s Realty at 647-0888 for more details!
Ordot-Chalan Pago
Chalan Pago
Agat
Peaceful and serene 4BD/2BA home. 1,922+/-sf of living space. Upgrade master suite. 3-car covered car port. Call Suzanne @ 482-6426.
Pago Bay, Newly Built Home for Sale by Developer. Starting from $525,000. New subdivision, 2 story home, high ceilings, 3BD/3BA, 2 living rooms, dining room.
14,221 SqMtrs. Fairly level. $711,050.
Piti
Ocean & mountain views.
Tamuning 5 contiguous spaces available right on Guam’s busiest intersection! Highly visible, ample parking, backup generator. $1,312.50/mo each. Call Sandy at 687-6006.
Yigo Northpoint Commercial Complex Space for Rent. $1.80 per square foot, $0.60 per square foot for common fee. Call Rowena at 483-4317.
Residential Rentals Agat Agat 2BR. Ocean View! Renovated! Ocean View BBQ Patio! Near NavSta, Port, Polaris, beach, stores, and schools! $1200.00. 649-8265 or 727-8265
Barrigada 4BD/2BAHome . Central living close to the airport, schools and shopping areas. $2,700/mo. Call Lolita at 479-8891 or 688-6743.
Dededo 5BD/5.5BA home. $4,800/mo. Call Ellen’s Realty @ 647-0888 for more details! 3BD/2BA home for rent. $1,980/mo. Fully renovated. Fenced & gated. Call Loisa @ 727-6880.
Nimitz Hill
Dededo 2BR, Ocean view! Across the beach! Close to Port, Naval Station, Polaris, & Stores. Max two tenants. $700 (Price does not include utilities) Call 649-8265 or 727-8265.
3BD/2BA home. Fully fenced. Price reduced. $305K. Call Ellen’s Realty at 647-0888 for more details!
Sinajana
Santa Rita
Merizo Almost one acre lot ready for farming or dream home in quiet but lush area. $44K. Call Flora @ 727-2955.
Ordot-Chalan Pago 880+/- square meter land in a great
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.
4BD/3BA upgraded home. Fully fenced. Minutes away from Naval Station. $310K. Call Lolita at 479-8891 or 688-6743.
central location and immediately available
Talofofo
$65K. Call Flora @ 727-2955.
Tamuning
Large 3BD/3BA home. Includes 25K generator, 650 gal water tank. $360K. Call Dennis at 727-3815.
Piti 24,173+/- square meter lot with partial
Tamuning
ocean view for agriculture or developers.
4BD/2BA centrally located home for rent, along Carlos Heights. Tumon is closeby. Call Lolita @ 688-6743 or 479-8891 for more details.
Tumon 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. Tumon Horizon Condo - 2BD/1BA. Fully renovated & furnished. Water included. Call Weiwei @ 777-0688.
Yona 4BD/2BA Home. Peaceful and safe environment. Breezy and airy location. $1,500/mo. Call Lolita at 479-8891 or 688-6743.
Tumon Tumon Condo. 3BD/2BA. Great location close to restaurants, shopping areas, and minutes away from beaches. Grea investment. $150K. Call Karen @ 988-1883.
central shopping and business areas.
Base. $846,055. Negotiable. Call Flora @ 727-2955.
Talofofo 929+/- square meter land for sale. Quarter acre lot, rectangular in shape. $57,400. Call Lolita @ 688-6743 or
Yigo
479-8891 for more details.
3BD/2BA Home, gated, storm shutters, split A/C, backup generator. $195,000. Call 688-8276 or 653-5679.
Yigo
Wonderful 2BD/2.5BA home. 1,714 +/- sf living space. Fully fenced. $321K. Call Suzanne at 482-6426.
2,787+/- square meter land in the midst of quiet ambiance. Almost 3/4 acre lot just outside the back gate of AAFB. $105K. Negotiable. Call Flora @ 727-2955.
Land for Sale Agana Heights
4BD/5BA modern home with spacious living area. Includes executive master bath with jacuzzi. Lot +/- 969 square meters. Price dropped to $508K! Call Karen at 988-1883..
to build. Quiet neighborhood but close to
Close to Harbor, Port Authority & Naval Oka Tower Condo. 2BD/2BA 1st floor unit. Superb amenities. $298K. Call Sandy at 687-6006.
Residential Sales Barrigada
5BR/4BA 3000f2 Officer/Executive House. 180 degree Ocean View. Watch The Ships Come In! Military Approved. Landscaped. 213 Mama Sandy Nimitz Hill. $4400.00. (MLS 16-2334). Call 6498265 or 727-8265
Call 649-2121 for more details.
Lovely 1,640 +/- sm parcel fronting Chalan Macajna. R-2 zoned. Includes 2 lots. Close to the Firary. Rare opportunity. $169,500. Call Anthony at 688-8198.
Yona One of seven lots and could become a developer’s dream. Located in the heart of Pulantat, Yona. 1,858+/- square meters. $50K. Call Flora @ 727-2955.
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Closing
Message from the President Deanna Palmer 2016 President Guam Association of REALTORS®
The What, When, Who and Why about duly licensed Guam Land Surveyors and how Land Surveyors help you with Real Estate. Guam Land Surveyors are the only professionals who are trained, tested and licensed to find and identify all land property points, combine and or subdivide land sizes and configurations. They are regulated by the Guam-PEALS board and you can find detailed information on the process they must complete in order to be licensed at www.Guam-PEALS.org. A Proposed new Map or subdivision goes through an approval process with Guam Department of Land Management. All required corrections must be done before the New Map and lot number are approved and then recorded at DML. At the www.Guam-PEALS.org website you will also find the list of licensed Guam Surveyors and their license numbers. When you are buying or selling land, the Guam License Surveyor is the professional you hire to find your property points, provide you an "as builds" drawing/sketch and show you the actual property points to you. The "as built" sketch is NOT a legal map. It IS certified information about the subject property. It will identify all buildings and fencing on the subject lot. This sketch gives you the needed information about set back measurements and encroachment items (if any) before you finalize your sale or purchase. Then you are fully informed of the true condition of the lot. While you are with the Land Surveyor at the lot, be sure to clarify all information on the sketch so you will be making the best informed decision about moving forward with your real estate sale or purchase. They can also be a great source of problem solving if it turns out there is an issue. An "as built" sketch is used for existing homes and New Homes as well as raw land. Surveys and Surveyors are important to you because as a Seller, a Buyer can cancel the purchase if the identified issues are not corrected. As a Buyer, you might decide to still purchase, and you will have the information needed to correct the problem during the time your own the property (though most Buyers want/need the issue corrected prior to purchase). The work of the Surveyor takes time for the initial survey on a lot that is just being identified. I recommend to Sellers to get this done prior to listing the property for sale. When the Buyers start making offers, you will see the survey as an item the Sellers are asked to provide. Being ready ahead of time will not only speed up the closing process, but also help give you the best price because the Buyer will know exactly what they are purchasing. REALTORS® rely on Surveyors during the Real Estate Transaction process for their expertise.
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 July 2016
Message from the Chief Executive Officer and Government Affairs Director Peggy Araullo Llagas Guam Association of REALTORS®
Video and Audio Surveillance Issues According to Finley Maxson, NAR Senior Counsel, there are various state laws for both video and audio recording. State statutes regarding audio surveillance vary greatly, but generally require that at least one party being recorded has consented to the recording. There are some exceptions to this consent requirement for audio recordings made at public gatherings, but as a general rule, real estate professionals making audio recordings should obtain the permissions required under their state law. Video surveillance without an audio recording has a different standard. The standard for evaluating video-only surveillance is whether an individual would have a reasonable expectation of privacy in the location where the recording is taking place. Some states also require the posting of a notice that recording is taking place on the premises. In general, state video surveillance laws would allow video surveillance to take place without the consent of the individuals being recorded anywhere the individual would be visible to the public; for example, on a public sidewalk or even in your yard. This standard requires an examination of the specific facts and circumstances surrounding the video surveillance to determine whether or not the recorded individual had an expectation of privacy. Also, keep in mind that if a video recording also contains an audio recording, you will need to make sure that the surveillance complies with both your state audio and video surveillance laws. With that background, how do you address surveillance devices that owners have placed on properties? First, listing brokers should know whether surveillance devices are present on the property. At least one state REALTOR® association has created an addendum to the listing agreement that requires the property owner to disclose such devices. Once the listing broker knows that there are surveillance devices present on the property, they should share this knowledge with anyone visiting the property in order to avoid any later claims that illegal recordings were made. This could either be accomplished by posting notices on the property alerting all visitors to the property that they may be recorded during the visit. If audio recording is being done, then obtaining consent from the visitors may also be required. Another way to disclose the presence of surveillance devices would be to disclose the presence of these devices in the MLS comment fields. At least one MLS has a rule requiring a listing broker to disclose the presence of recording devices on a property. Buyer’s representatives should make sure to make their clients aware of recording devices disclosed or known to them and should consider making this disclosure in writing, such as in an email. While such a disclosure is not legally required since the buyer’s representative is not the one making the recording, it would help protect them from any later allegations if a client later claimed to be unaware of a disclosed recording device. Finally, some real estate professionals have begun using recordings to monitor prospective buyers during property showings. It’s highly advisable that the listing broker let the buyers’ representatives know about the presence of recording equipment. - National Association of REALTORS® -
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