MAY 25, 2020 ISSUE | REJGUAM.COM
Life is at home. So is your bank. DIGITAL BANKING Learn more at fhb.com/digital.
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Summer vacation projects
Member FDIC
Start a garden, paint a picture Need to know Furry friends
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Problem prevention Protecting your home
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The doctor is in Cleaning services
t INDEX THE RIGHT STUFF...........................................................3 NEED TO KNOW...............................................................4 PROBLEM PREVENTION................................................6 VILLAGES........................................................................10 THE DOCTOR IS IN.........................................................12
A cactus flower is ready to bloom. Photos by John I. Borja
THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL
THE RIGHT STUFF | SUMMER VAC ATION PROJECTS
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Leafy greens and herbs — like rosemary — can be grown in plastic containers instead of planters.
The roots of green onions can be replanted.
A lemon tree is a popular choice in home gardening.
Photos by John I. Borja
Start a garden, paint a picture The current COVID-19 crisis may make it feel like summer activities are non-existent at this point, but there are still many activities families and friends can do within their property for a “staycation.” Now would be a great to start a gardening project. “Whether you have a yard, patio or balcony, you are able to start a garden. If all you have is a windowsill with a small amount of light, you are still able to grow something,” said Cassie Brady, project director of Farm to Table Guam Corp. Guam’s climate provides an array of options for home gardening, but Brady recommended that beginners start with tomatoes, beans, okra, hot pepper and moringa. Fruits take a while to produce, but residents are capable of growing their own papaya, bananas, mulberries, dragon fruit and pineapple. Leafy greens like lettuce, kale
and arugula are also great options to grow in your garden, Brady said. And instead of taking a trip to the store to buy herbs, residents can grow their own, like basil, mint, rosemary and parsley. “Most herbs can be grown indoors by a window. If you save the bottom of green onions, put them in a jar of water and they will regrow,” she said. The essential materials needed for a gardening project include a planter, soil and seeds, or a young plant. Fertilizer and pest deterrents are also recommended. Brady said to always look for organic products that supplement plant growth. These items do not necessarily have to be bought, and can actually be made from items you already have in your home. Plastic bottles, steel cans, pallets and shoes can be repurposed into planters. Scraps from your produce can be composted and made into soil for
your next batch of plants. Children can be the best gardening helpers when given the right tasks. “They can be involved by helping fill up the planter with soil, transplanting the seedling to its new home and making sure the plants are watered,” Brady said. “When children are involved with the maintenance of the plants, they can see how much they grow each day and can feel a sense of accomplishment and motivation to see what else they can grow.” And while you wait for your plants to grow and bear fruit, why not tack on another summertime project in crafts. Planning art projects with the family is a great way to relieve stress and have fun without spending too much money. Fawn Mendiola, owner of arts and crafts business Canvas By Fawn, said these types of projects really help the family bond, especially
during tough times. She conducts virtual art courses for children ages 5 to 10 that incorporates the era and history of a particular style she is teaching, including pop, modern, fantasy and abstract. Even if a family does not have the standard art supplies, Mendiola said she has alternative solutions to keep them engaged. For more independent options, Mendiola said families could follow online tutorials to learn how to paint or make origami items. Scavenger hunts can also be a fun option in the household. “Creating a routine and making the most of each day are key factors during this time as we now know our new normal way of life. It helps break down the day and not feel as if the days just roll into each other,” Mendiola said. p
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NEED TO KNOW | FURRY FRIENDS
THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL
Making a pet-friendly home Any addition to the family can mean more responsibility and financing to keep the home in order, and pets are no exception. Dogs, cats, fish or other pets require a lot of love and attention, so bringing one home cannot be done on an impulsive decision. “Parents should bring children and other household family members together and talk about the pros and cons of getting a pet,” said Marie P. Laniog, manager of Feathers N Fins Pet Shop. Laniog listed several considerations that people should keep in mind: pet purchases such as food, grooming, training and veterinarian visits; space for indoor or outdoor dwelling; who will be the main caretaker; the family’s lifestyle activities; and the tolerance level of next-door neighbors. These factors can determine whether a certain pet is or is not viable for the family. Opus One owner Sandra Low said personal family conditions can also play a factor in for a pet.
Visit a pet store for advice on how to properly take care of your pets.
Photo courtesy of Opus One
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THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL
NEED TO KNOW | FURRY FRIENDS
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Leashes, collars and other pet supplies should be taken into consideration when thinking of bringing home a pet. 20-FHB-HELOC_March-April_REJ_Size7.5"X10".pdf
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3/10/20
3:55 PM Photo courtesy of Opus One
“If you live in an apartment or condominium, I cannot emphasize enough that you need to make sure it’s a pet friendly place,” she said. “Also, the level of commitment is crucial. It’s best not to introduce a new pet if there is an impending trip or upcoming major family events. Also, you need to ascertain if anyone in the family has allergies.” There is a lot to keep in mind before even entering a pet shop, so Low said a good practice would be to take care of someone’s pet for a while to gauge how well you can manage. Researching pet behaviors is also a proactive approach, she said. Depending on the type of pet a family decides on, certain materials are needed to make them feel at home. Fishes need a well-maintained aquarium. Dogs need puppy pads and a good enzyme stain and odor remover for potty training. Cats need litter boxes and grooming to remove excess hairs. On top of these needs, the spaces they dwell in also need to be clean and safe. “Put cleaners and poisons away,” Laniog said. “With animals like rabbits or hamsters that get to play outside their cages, cords and wires should be put up and out of reach. When sanitizing your pet’s area, look for pet-friendly products. Otherwise, keep them locked out of the area you’re going to clean until you’re done.” Laniog said that it is best for pets to be beside their owner inside the home, but if in the event that is not possible, the owner needs to make sure an outdoor space has comfortable living conditions. An outdoor shelter with plenty of shade and a clean space to store food and water will suffice. “If you keep these points in mind, you and your pet will be off to a good start. Pet ownership is a neverending learning experience, so make sure to be patient with the little mistakes and enjoy all the progress,” Laniog said. p
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PROBLEM PREVENTION | PROTECTING YOUR HOME
THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL
A long-lasting solution for electronics and furniture In an effort to cut costs and save money on home improvements, residents should consider keeping their electronics and furniture protected so they can last much longer. Guam experiences sporadic power fluctuations, or “brown outs,” that can cause serious damage to expensive electronics at home, such as televisions, computers and kitchen appliances. To prevent this from happening, Megabyte Computer Sales and Service Center’s service manager Jeff Manibusan put together three tips and recommendations to get residents up to date with protection. “When it comes to keeping household electronics safe and protected, the most common areas of concern for homeowners
today fall into two categories: proper power protection and cybersecurity,” Manibusan said. He recommends: • Uninterruptible Power Supplies to allow household electronics to remain powered on for a short period of time during brown outs; • Automatic Voltage Regulators or line conditioners to protect today’s high-end electronics like flat-screen TVs and laser printers, which are frequently damaged by voltage fluctuations; and • solar battery-powered generators that can provide many hours of emergency power for critical home medical devices, refrigerators, freezers and other necessary appliances.
A solar-powered battery generator can keep essential appliances on when the power goes out.
Residents should also be wary of hackers or freeloaders that may crowd their unprotected internet network. Manibusan said it is a best practice to routinely update the passwords on your home networking device as well as your online accounts to ensure no personal information is comprised. When creating a password, always try to include an upper case letter, lower case letter, number and special character, he said. For the non-electric home pieces, like your furniture, several easy steps can be taken to bolster longevity. Common practices include keeping sofas and wooden pieces away from direct sunlight to reduce weathering. Routine cleaning such as vacuuming and dusting can also keep your furniture feeling fresh. And while
assembling furniture, make sure that all screws are fastened properly so there is no imbalance or unnecessary strain on the structure of the furniture pieces. The staff at Benson Guam Enterprises Inc. recommended three types of cleaners that are essential for furniture protection: fabric protectors, stain removers and upholstery cleaners. A majority of these products are spray-on solutions that residents can do themselves, and require either a cloth or a vacuum to effectively use. Every home improvement and hardware store should have these products available. “It is also a good idea to hire a professional cleaner occasionally to go over your furniture for deep cleaning,” according to the Benson team. p
Electronic devices like computers should be backed up with a UPS system.
Photos courtesy of Megabyte Computer Sales and Service Center
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VILL AGES | YONA
THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL
Yona Rules! The village of Yona lies on the boundary between central and southern Guam, and as such, this municipality has a unique mix of urban and rural communities. Stretching about 20 square miles from Pago Bay to the outskirts of Ipan and Talofofo, the village is regarded as one of the island’s largest municipalities in size. Within its boundaries lie fragments of World War 2 history, including the historic military tank farm near LeoPalace and the Manenggon Valley, where concentration camps were situated during the Japanese occupation.
Prior to the war, the village was primarily a farming community, and traces of that could be seen in the large plots of land scattered throughout the village. Nowadays, with growing development, Yona is taking on more of a suburban environment with sectioned residential neighborhoods, although with not as many commercial properties as one would see in central and northern locations. “Yona is predominantly a residential village where you will see more single-family dwellings than condos or apartments, and if
you love golf, there are homes to purchase on the golf range,” said Kamaka M. Alston, a realtor with Blue Pacific Realty Guam. The views are immediately what capture Alston’s clients. Its location is a perfect combination of living close to the hustle and bustle yet still being far enough to escape into peaceful serenity, she said. “What most do not realize is that Yona is one of the villages with the lowest crime rate per capita for Guam. This information comes from my FBI client who chose to buy his home and raise his family
in this village,” Alston said. A drive into the village will have travelers see several of Yona’s popular features, including Tagachang Beach and Ylig Bay. According to the Yona mayor’s office, the environment is peaceful, with not too many crowded activities going on, save for church congregations. There are also a handful of hiking spots, like the popular Sigua Falls and Tarzan Falls. In terms of the quality of life, Yona residents are proud of where they live, which is why you will commonly hear the phrase “Yona Rules!” from its constituents. p
Turtle Cove, a popular attraction in Yona, is named for this large rock formation that resembles a turtle. Photos by John I. Borja
THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL
VILL AGES | YONA
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YONA POPULATION: 6,480 SCHOOLS: • Manuel U. Lujan Elementary School, Guam Adventist Academy, St. Francis Catholic School
RECREATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS: • Tagachang Beach Park, Turtle Cove, Windward Hills Country Club, Country Club of the Pacific, LeoPalace Resort
HISTORICAL LANDMARKS: • Tank Farm, Manenggon Valley
PROPERTY AVAILABILITY AND PRICE RANGE:
Yona has a handful of hiking sites, such as Tarzan Falls.
• For rent: 19 homes and condominiums, ranging from $1,000 a month to $4,400 a month • For sale: 10 homes, ranging from $175,000 to $1,198,888.
MAYOR: Pending as of May 19
The tank farm is a historic World War II landmark located near LeoPalace Resort. Photos by John I. Borja
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THE DOCTOR IS IN | CLEANING SERVICES
THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL
A hands-on team to keep your space tidy In a time when sanitization is prioritized to keep people safe, Guam’s cleaning businesses are stepping up to keep the community safe and healthy. An array of services, whether for residential or commercial purposes, can be tapped on to keep a home or business clean from
potential contaminants that harm human health. Carpets, upholstery, countertops and other vulnerable surfaces can have dirt or bacteria not visible to the human eye, so calling in the cleaning professionals may be a good idea to keep everything fresh. Hilary Frank and Sam Crawford, owners of Express Cleaning Services,
said it is important to be especially attentive to the more frequented areas of a building. “The priority should always be the highest trafficked areas: entrance ways, kitchen, living room and bathrooms. High use areas also need extra attention. Think inside, above and around stoves, refrigerators,
air conditioning units, washers and dryers,” they said. Cleaning services can also take care of mold buildup, which Frank and Crawford say is a common problem for Guam buildings. Bleaching usually does the trick, although residents can also get a continued on page 14
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THE DOCTOR IS IN | CLEANING SERVICES continued from page 12
PUBLISHER Maureen N. Maratita EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Morgan Legel CONTENT COORDINATOR John I. Borja CREATIVE CONTENT MANAGER Vikki Fong DESIGN & PRODUCTION Conrad Calma Luisa Joy Castro Sean Davis Vandrick Veloria SENIOR MEDIA SALES Kevin Iwashita ADMINISTRATION Tricia Scott DIRECTOR Ken Duenas MANAGING DIRECTOR Marcos W. Fong
The Real Estate Journal — May 25, 2020. 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.
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hold of mold removal sprays to clear it up themselves. Another issue that isn’t always noticeable is pet smells. “If you own pets, we highly recommend investing in a good enzyme cleaner to use on any spot your furry friend decides to mark. Vinegar can be very effective as well. Timeliness is important,” they said. While there are specific equipment for grout and upholstery that cleaning services use, Express Cleaning shared creative workarounds, such as attaching a vinyl bristle brush to a drill, or finding vacuum attachments that is suitable for upholstery. A schedule for a full cleaning treatment varies on the needs of the client, according to Frank and Crawford. Busy homeowners with families can benefit from weekly services, while others who are able to do more hands-on work need less help. Commercial buildings are also in constant need of cleaning services. Monty McDowell, CEO and principal broker of Advance Management Inc., said the demand for cleaning services has increased lately because of the impacts of COVID-19. A multi-functioning real estate entity, Advance Management has a janitorial arm that often finds itself in the service of big military contracts and shopping centers. More recently, however, the company’s employees are finding themselves sanitizing supermarkets from top to bottom. “I couldn’t be more proud of my people and their camaraderie in the face of the coronavirus. They show up, put on the proper [personal protective equipment] and get the job done with no complaints,” McDowell said. The scope of cleaning services the company provides to commercial clients is almost endless, so long as the request is reasonable. Advance Management has cleaned hotel lobbies, automobile parts stores and warehouses. Though the company does not primarily focus on residential clients, McDowell said residents can be proactive by disinfecting their homes with bleach, washing or wiping down the groceries they bring home and to generally be aware of what needs to usually be cleaned in a home. Express Cleaning recommended that residents always have disinfectants on hand and to try not to make a big mess as much as possible. Other than that, basic household cleaning should be second nature to most people. “A quick sweep, mop and air freshener goes a long way,” Crawford said. p
THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL