Real Estate Journal - December 23, 2019

18-FHB-MBJCoverInsert_Size2.25"X3.25"BW.pdf

DECEMBER 23, 2019 ISSUE | REJGUAM.COM 

PAGE 6

Properties to love

Mangilao mini mansion The right stuff Gender-neutral nurseries



PAGE 12

The doctor is in Closet organization in the new year



PAGE 16

Need to know Mismatching furniture and eclectic style

t INDEX PROPERTIES TO LOVE....................................................4 THE RIGHT STUFF...........................................................6 PROBLEM PREVENTION................................................8 THE DOCTOR IS IN.........................................................12 VILLAGES........................................................................14 NEED TO KNOW.............................................................16

This four-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath house sits on a corner lot with a large driveway.

Photo by Morgan Legel

1

10

4

PROPERTIES TO LOVE

THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL

THE SKINNY 106 CHERO MANGILAO, GU 96913 $499,000 Inside • 4 bedrooms, 3 ½ bathrooms • 2,300 square feet • High ceilings • Open floor plan

An eletric gate will help provide a sense of security.

Outside • Fully fenced with automatic gate • 16,000 kW back-up generator • Concrete storage area • Car port

Photo by Morgan Legel

What’s cool • Security cameras • Corner lot • Arched doorways How to make this your own (quickly) Contact: Neena T. Cabarles Century 21 Commonwealth Realty Call: 682-4322 Email: neena.tcabarles@gmail.com

The living room can easily fit a couch and loveseat.

The bathrooms have modern features.

The property is well landscaped.

The main living area provides an open-concept layout.

The u-shaped kitchen provides lots of storage and counter space.

Photos courtesy of Century 21 Commonwealth Realty

6

THE RIGHT STUFF | GENDER -NEUTRAL NURSERIES

THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL

Out with the pink and blue, in with new colors Setting up a nursery can be one of the most enjoyable activities for expecting parents. While traditional nursery decorating means choosing between pink or blue, today, more and more parents are opting for gender-neutral décor.

“Gender neutral themes are quite popular these days,” Jessica L.G. Stout, president of Bonita Baby, said.

For those parents waiting to find out the gender, or who prefer a more modern approach to decorating, here are some tips for getting the nursery ready for baby, boy or girl.

Deciding on the right wall color is a great place to begin. “Choose a neutral or muted color palette — grays, creams, and taupe colors work well for a gender-neutral nursery,” Stout said.

Naomi Ventura, owner of Cutie Petunias, recommends light greens and light yellows, such as champagne, or grays. “I personally love the lighter gray palettes.

They’re adorable and it’s a great neutral color,” Ventura said.

Next, expecting parents can add a pop of color with accessories, such as bedding, artwork, and pillows, Stout said. Vibrant jungle green is a popular gender-neutral option.

“Another cool option is simply making the color of the room the theme by using the different shades of the color you chose,” Ventura said. This can also make shopping less stressful, as parents won’t have to worry about finding the perfect match for everything.

An accent wall with patterned wallpaper or decals is another way to add flare to the room. Geometric and astrological designs, such as the phases of the moon, are very popular right now. For decals, natural designs such as plants and animals are the perfect option for every baby.

To tie it all together, Stout recommends a fun island theme.

“Living on Guam, sea life is a very Photo by Adobe Stock

Seating adds coziness.

THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL

THE RIGHT STUFF | GENDER -NEUTRAL NURSURIES

7

Add some extra style with an oval crib.

Patterns like palm leaves can bring a gender-neutral flair to nurseries.

18-FHB-Mortgage_RealEstateJournal_Size6.875"X9".pdf Photo by Jackie Cahill

popular theme. Waves, narwhals, mermaids, fish are all very popular on our island,” Stout said.

Ventura said a tropical theme is also a great option with a local twist, and parents can incorporate local tropical leaves such as palm, banana, and monstera into the design. At Bonita Baby, parents can even purchase Guam-themed accessories such as Latte Stone pillows, blankets with the Guam flag, and more, to give any nursery that special Guam touch.

Ventura also recommends doing a DIY project because “it’s one of a kind and can be cost effective.” Parents can buy frames and paint them in the color palette of their choice, or even purchase a few small canvases and paint them in different shades, she said.

For furniture, Stout said parents should consider the longevity of pieces in addition to style. “It really helps to purchase furniture that will grow with your baby,” she said. “So, invest in pieces that can be used well after your child has outgrown the nursery. If you choose timeless pieces, it will all help to blend in with the rest of your home as well.”

Finally, make sure that the nursery is stocked full of necessary baby supplies — onesies, burp bibs, blankets, and, of course, a diaper bin. “With babies, practicality is key,” Stout said. Ventura said that when choosing gender-neutral clothes, sticking with the same color palettes of greens, yellows, and grays is a good idea.

Most of all, when setting up a nursery, comfort is key. “This is the place where parents may spend the most time with their baby making memories,” Stout said. “I think it’s important for parents to really just have fun with the nursery and make it a sweet and cozy space to build lasting memories with their babies.” p

1

7/18/18

12:47 PM

Photo by Adobe Stock

8

PROBLEM PREVENTION | CUTTING ENERGY COS TS

THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL

Cutting energy costs Homeowners can make a number of small changes to reduce energy consumption, and ultimately, save on their monthly power bill. James C. Borja, utility services coordinator at Guam Power Authority, said through a simple lifestyle analysis, homeowners can easily identify areas where savings are possible.

Myenergyguam.com is a great starting place for homeowners looking to understand their power consumption better. “That basically shows you what your usage is,” Borja said. “You can set alerts and you can look at daily consumption. … And you can track that.” From there, homeowners can make small adjustments, such as turning off lights, Borja said.

Another simple solution is unplugging things when they are not in use. Appliances that stay plugged in, such as televisions, stereo systems, and phone chargers, continue to use energy even when they are off. “Those things remain on standby,” Borja said. “So, they are energy vampires.” He recommends using power strips to easily unplug multiple devices at once.

Cleaning and maintaining appliances is another simple way to decrease energy usage. Be sure to clean air filters regularly and any dust that may have accumulated underneath larger appliances. Borja said lint and dust buildup may cause motors to work harder, requiring more energy.

On Guam, air conditioning typically comprises 50% of a customer’s power bill, Borja said.

As such, it is one of the best places to look when trying to reduce energy consumption. Adjusting the thermostat is one way to combat this cost.

“If you’re a person that keeps your A/C on 24 hours a day … when you go to work, you may want to raise that temperature a little,” he said. Even a shift from 74˚F to 77 ˚F will make a difference. Homeowners should also search their home for areas where air conditioning could be leaking, and block those leakage areas.

Switching to energy-saving products will also reduce power consumption, starting with energy efficient LED lightbulbs. While these

may be slightly more expensive, in the long-term, they are more cost effective as they draw less power and last much longer, Borja said.

Upgrading larger appliances is another good option. Annie Siguenza, appliance and sales supervisor at Town House Furniture and Appliance, said by using Energy Star appliances, homeowners can reduce yearly expenditure. These appliances have an energy guide showing purchasers the estimated kilowatt usage and power savings, she said. “[Energy-efficient washing machines] save you water and power,” Siguenza said. With new digital capabilities, she said the washers can sense load sizes which will determine the amount of water and cycle strength, compared to older washing machines which used generic load sizing options.

While these appliances may carry a higher price tag, Siguenza said customers benefit in the long term. Additionally, she said GPA offers customers a $100 rebate for purchasing qualified energy efficient appliances through its

Energy Sense Program.

GPA also offers rebates to customers who purchase energyefficient air conditioners, Borja said. For him, this is one of the best solutions for reducing power bill costs.

Borja said when he built his own home in 2002, he had a three-and-ahalf-ton air conditioning unit, which he would only turn on when he was home. With that unit, his power bill averaged between $500 and $600 per month. In 2014, he had to replace the unit, and he upgraded to a four-ton unit, which although was larger, was more energy efficient with a variable speed blower. Today, his power bill ranges from the $200s to mid-$300s, and he keeps it on all day, he said.

While the initial investment was significantly higher, Borja said he paid it off in just a few years because of the huge savings in his monthly power bill. “Purchasing or investing in energy efficient appliances, I think, is the biggest cost savings in the long run when you want to reduce your bill,” he said. p

Energy-efficient appliances help customers save on their monthly power bill.

Photo by Jackie Cahill

12

THE DOCTOR IS IN | TIDYING TIPS FOR CLOSETS

THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL

Stack similiar baskets to maximize storage potential.

Photo by Jackie Cahill

Tidying tips for closets In China, many families spend the days before the new year tidying and decluttering their homes. While it may not be the most joyous tradition, the sentiment behind it is to welcome the new year with a fresh, clean slate.

This year, Chinese New Year doesn’t start until Jan. 25, but why not try out this Eastern tradition as our new year approaches on Jan. 1?

If doing a full sweep of your home in the days following Christmas feels too overwhelming, start small by organizing closets. These small spaces can be clutter magnets, and a closet refresh can make the entire home feel fresh and light.

According to Marie Kondo — tidying expert, bestselling author, and star of the Netflix series “Tidying up with Marie Kondo” — the first step of tidying is to commit yourself to the task at hand. Carve out time to go through closets, even a few days, if necessary. Commitment ensures the job gets done and that it doesn’t become another source of

overwhelm on your to-do list.

Next, in the Kondo method, organizing is done by the following categories: clothes, books, paper, miscellaneous, and, finally, sentimental items. Pull out all items in your closets, one category at a time, and sort through them. Kondo recommends only keeping those items that “spark joy” when you pick them up and hold them. Those items that don’t spark joy should be donated or thrown away.

After this initial purge, closets should be feeling cleaner already and the organizing process can begin. Cecilia Champion, “doer” at Butler’s Inc. and wife of owner Gerard Champion, said grouping like items together in baskets and adding extra storage to closets with narrow shelving are all it takes to remove closet chaos.

Shoes can take up prime real estate in a closet, occupying a lot of floor space. To resolve this problem, Champion said tall and

narrow shelving units are the perfect solution. This gets shoes off the floor, making room for other items. In a pantry, narrow shelving can also be used to store spices, canned goods and other food items.

Shorter shelving units can also be used to add extra storage space in a closet, Champion said. These smaller shelves would be ideal for board games, books and toys. “It’s not very high,” she said, so it would sit far enough below hanging clothing.

In closets with built-in shelving, Champion said there are various basket sizes and designs to help homeowners stay organized. Square baskets with fabric lining are perfect for storing undergarments and fit nicely on shelves, she said. In a linen closet, these baskets could also be used for towels and linens.

Champion recommends baskets with lids for easy stacking. This is the perfect solution for items that don’t get used every day, such as seasonal decorations.

A barbecue basket would be perfect for storing extra plates, napkins and spoons in the pantry.

When off to a fiesta or hosting friends for a barbecue, homeowners could simply take the already prepped basket out of the closet, and be ready to go. “Just leave it on the table,” Champion said.

Barbecue baskets can also be used for storing cleaning supplies, with each compartment housing a different spray bottle and placing cleaning rags in the middle.

Larger baskets and hampers can also provide unique storage solutions and can sit on closet floors.

Hampers double as stuffed animal bins in a children’s closet, and large open baskets work well for larger comforters and blankets.

By getting rid of those items that don’t spark joy, adding extra storage with proper shelving, and grouping like items into baskets, homeowners can turn every closet in their home into a functional, organized space. p

14

VILL AGES | SANTA RITA

THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL

Southern sanctuary For those who prefer the slow pace of the countryside over the hustle and bustle of city life, look no further than Guam’s Alvarez southern village of Santa Rita. Santa Rita Mayor Dale E. Alvarez said with a population of about 1,900 residents, it is a quiet, clean and safe village with mostly single-family dwellings.

“I would say it’s more scenic, and not as congested as we find in the central villages,” Eileen Agahan Igcasenza, realtor at Ellen’s Realty, said. Many Santa Rita homes boast large backyards, perfect for those with children and pets, or who enjoy having outdoor space.

Additionally, some homes have beautiful mountain and even ocean views, depending on the elevation, Igcasenza said. “You can find some beautiful executive homes, which are priced competitively in the

market now.”

The village also has many natural wonders, including the Namo River and nearby Tarzan Falls, Igcasenza said. “There is also a nice park, Namo Falls Park,” Alvarez said. Though currently under renovation, the park is a famous natural landmark, he said.

Igcasenza said the village also has quite some history. It was founded in 1945, after the historic villagers of Sumay were relocated after the war. Today, many residents are still members of those original families. “Usually those who have resided in the village have been there for so long, homes were passed on to within the family, and you still see the same residents there from back in the day when they’ve inherited land or homes,” Igcasenza said.

Residents also have easy access to a number of amenities, including Pay-less Supermarket, as well as a handful of mom and pop shops, Alvarez said. In the village there is also Kobkunka Thai Food and Sumay Grille restaurants, with additional restaurants in Agat nearby.

Santa Rita is also home to a number of schools, making it easy to find a school district for those with children, Igcasenza said.

Schools include Harry S. Truman Elementary School, Commander William C. McCool Elementary/ Middle School, and Southern High School. The schools organize after school programs and summer camps, Alvarez said. On the weekends, kids can also take advantage of the town’s basketball courts and baseball fields.

Residents of Santa Rita celebrated one of their biggest fiestas on Dec. 14 and 15, with a procession and feast at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Alvarez said. In May, the village has its largest fiesta, honoring the saint for whom the village is named.

Santa Rita is also home to Naval Base Guam, making it very popular among those who work on the base. “That makes the commute to work, really a plus for [military families],” Igcasenza said. “Many military tenants do prefer to find a place close to work.”

Those with base access can also enjoy base amenities. p

SANTA RITA POPULATION: 6,000 SCHOOLS: 3 • Harry S. Truman Elementary School • Southern High School • Commander William C. McCool Elementary/ Middle School

SHOPPING AND RESTAURANT HIGHLIGHTS: • Sumay Pay-Less Supermarket, D’s Corner Store, Santa Rita Store, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church Navy Exchange, Iglesia Ni Cristo, Lighthouse Baptist Church, Agat-Santa Rita Seventh-day Adventist Church

PROPERTY AVAILABILITY/ PRICE RANGE: • 27 land plots for sale, priced $54,000 to $2.2 million • 5 homes for sale, priced $325,000 to $650,000 • 9 homes for rent, priced $1,500 to $5,000 • 1 apartment for rent, priced $850

ATTRACTIONS: • Namo River Park, T. Stell Newman Visitor Center, Point Udall, Gab Gab Beach, Dadi Beach, Old Wives Beach, San Luis Beach

MAYOR: Dale E. Alvarez

Photos courtesy of the Mayor’s Council of Guam

16

NEED TO KNOW | ECLECTIC S T YLINGS

THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL

This Piti living room shows a mixture of antique and modern furniture from around the globe.

Photos courtesy of Natasha Luckett

Eclectic stylings for the home When it comes to home decorating, homeowners can start thinking outside the box as matching furniture sets are no longer a requirement for interior design. “Incorporating mismatched furniture in your space is getting more popular these days. This new trend provides a more modern and chic look,” Lissa Talavera, manager of design and client experience at

Furniture Kathy Style, said.

Embracing an eclectic style creates unique spaces full of conversation-starting pieces. “I like owning items with a story. I make sure that everything that is in our space reflects our story and history.

Sometimes those things don’t always match,” Natasha Luckett, a Piti homeowner, said. “My living room is a mixture of 19th and 20th century antique furniture, rugs

from Bahrain, a castle from France, a wine rack from Italy, art from all over the world.”

When mismatching furniture, Talavera said homeowners just need to follow a few simple guidelines.

“Successfully blending different pieces together using a common denominator is key to creating a stylish, harmonized space,” she said. “Your common denominator could be the same color palette,

fabric or style.”

For example, use pieces that are all wood in a space. “Long gone are the days of perfectly matching wood tones and finishes. The key to mixing woods is keeping the undertones consistent,” Talavera said.

Luckett said the different wooden accents in her home complement each other when grouped together. continued on page 18

18

NEED TO KNOW | ECLECTIC S T YLINGS continued from page 16

PUBLISHER Maureen N. Maratita MANAGING EDITOR Steve Graff EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Morgan Legel CONTENT COORDINATOR Jackie Cahill CREATIVE CONTENT MANAGER Vikki Fong DESIGN & PRODUCTION Conrad Calma Luisa Joy Castro Sean Davis Vandrick Veloria MEDIA SALES MANAGER Mike Mafnas SENIOR MEDIA SALES Kevin Iwashita ADMINISTRATION Janice Castro Chelsae Lizama DIRECTOR Ken Duenas MANAGING DIRECTOR Marcos W. Fong

The Real Estate Journal — December 23, 2019. Entire contents copyrighted 2019 by Glimpses Media. The Real Estate Journal is published monthly by Glimpses Media.

161 US Army Juan C. Fejeran St., Barrigada Heights, Guam 96913. (671) 649-0883; Fax (671) 649-8883.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Glimpses Media, P.O. Box 3191, Hagåtña, Guam 96932. Send e-mail to glimpses@glimpsesofguam.com. All rights reserved. No material may be printed in part or in whole without written permission from the publisher. Printed by Guam Daily Post LLC, on Guam. In the Northern Mariana Islands, contact Glimpses Media at Glimpses of Saipan Inc., 2nd Floor Transpac Business Center, Middle Road, Gualo Rai, Saipan, MP 96950, or call (670) 235-7645; Fax (670) 234-1801. Send e-mail to subscriptions@ glimpsesofguam.com.

Glimpses Media includes Guam Business Magazine, Marianas Business Journal, MBJ Life, The Real Estate Journal, Beach Road Magazine, Buenas, Drive Guam Magazine and Pocket Deals.

Glimpses of Guam Inc. Mission Statement: To connect people with information.

“With my wood art pieces, grouping them together keeps them from being spread out and making less impact.

The different wood textures from Guam, India, Mexico, the Philippines, Thailand, Bali and the southwestern United States all are tied together with similar baskets that came from New England,” she said.

Color is another tool for bringing together a room. For example, if the living room sofa and loveseat are different colors, Talavera said using the same accent pillow can unite them. “Repeat accent colors a few times throughout the living room to add a splash of color throughout your space,” she said. Lamps, artwork, and rugs are a great way

THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL

to keep a consistent color scheme throughout the room.

Luckett applies this rule to her home as well. “I like to layer colors and textures so even if they don’t match, they have a common thread that ties them together. The gold in the carpet matches the gold in the couch that matches the gold color in my Asian silk pillows. The pink in the couch ties in with the pink in my wing back chairs,” she said.

“Just be careful on how many different colors you use in your space. The more the merrier does not apply when using color,” Talavera said. “If you want to create a peaceful, cohesive space stick to only two to three colors in a room.”

Alternatively, Talavera said homeowners can match different

furniture styles by using a single color. “When combining vintage or antiques with modern furniture, using the same color or grouping like items together will blend the two styles beautifully,” she said. In a dining room, for instance, this could mean using different style chairs that are all white.

Finally, Talavera said matching hardware can unite a space. To bring together her entryway, Luckett chose pieces that all have iron accents. In a bedroom, matching the hardware on bedside tables with dresser pulls is a simple and easy project that packs a big design punch. p

GUAMHOME.COM

Mangilao Home | $525,000

Sinajana Home | $335,000

Barrigada Home | $370,000

Agat Commercial Building | $670,000

Mangilao Unit | $2,205/mo

Tumon Condo | $430,000

Las Palmas Ph. III Unit | $345,000

Yona Land | $399,999

Umatac Home | $239,000

Piti Home | $675,000

Villa Rosario Condo | $215,000

•3bd/2ba •Overlooking valley views •Large covered, screened deck is great for BBQs and entertaining ID: 194806

•3bd/2ba •Fee simple •Located in downtown Tumon •Walking distance to beaches, shopping, night life & more ID: 194832

•4bd/2ba •Great for 1st time homebuyers •Solar system included •Beautiful kitchen •Motivated seller!

ID: 19840

•Brand new executive 4bd/3ba home •Spacious layout •2-car garage •Tons of modern features •Motivated seller ID: 193355

•4,477+/-sf •Along Route 2 •Spacious & expandable •Includes kitchen, social hall, rooms & more ID: 192143

•Rare find •3 story •3bd/2.5ba •1,920+/-sf of living space •Amenities include pool & BBQ area ID: 193936

•4bd/4ba •3,192+/-sf interior space •Second floor boasts great views, living area and kitchen •1,126+/-sm lot ID: 194275

•Priced to sell! •3bd/3.5ba •Mountain views from oversized balcony •Solar water heater •Well designed!

ID: 193693

•2bd/1ba •Water & generator included •High-end kitchen •Working desks in each room •On-site management ID: 193662

•Huge price reduction! •2-Plus acres •Route 4 frontage •Lots of potential for investors/developers ID: 191289

•3bd/2.5ba •Ground floor unit w/ covered patio •Spacious •Includes security, pool, tennis/basketball court & more ID: 194437

WE CAN HELP YOU BUY, SELL OR RENT! Anthony 688-8198

Julie

687-6900

Dennis

727-3815

Janet

687-1841

Michael

988-6900

Yumiko

688-7791

Duane

689-7777

W: 671.649.4361 | F: 671.646.0832 | 1700 Army Dr, Ste 101, Dededo, GU

Entire contents, including but not limited to content, design and concept Copyright ©2019 by LG&G Corporation. All rights reserved. Anthony R. Godwin • Principal Broker

Suzanne 482-6426

Sandy

687-6006