Real Estate Journal - May 27, 2019

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MAY 27, 2019 ISSUE | REJGUAM.COM 

PAGE 6

Properties to love

Santa Cruz spaciousness The right stuff Cooking up a new look

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PAGE 12

The doctor is in Properly prepping

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PAGE 16

Need to know Kids at heart and in the home

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 centrally located, two story home features a balcony, fence and two-car garage.

Photo by Wayne Chargualaf

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PROPERTIES TO LOVE

THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL

Four full bathrooms means waiting in line to get ready in the morning is a thing of the past.

Photos courtesy of James Ma

THE SKINNY 352 SANTA CRUZ DRIVE ORDOT CHALAN PAGO, GUAM 96910 $599,888 Inside • Single family home • 4 bedrooms, 1 den, 4 full bathrooms • 2 stories • 2,867 square feet of living space Outside • Automatic gate • Aluminum louver shutters • Fully fenced central area What’s cool • Close to schools and shopping • About a 10 minute drive to Agana Shopping Center • Balcony with a view of the neighborhood How to make this your own (quickly) Contact: James Ma Call: 482-0498 Email: jamesmarealtor@ yahoo.com

PROPERTIES TO LOVE

THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL

This centrally located, two story home features a balcony, fence and two-car garage.

A spacious kitchen invites the new owner to indulge their culinary creativity.

Roomy walk-in closets allows you to indulge your sartorial cravings.

Wood accents and a modern design are highlights of this newly built home.

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A breezy balcony overlooks the village.

Photos courtesy of James Ma

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THE RIGHT STUFF | KITC HENS

THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL

Cooking up a new look In the past 20 years, the role of the kitchen has evolved far beyond a room where food is prepared into the center of family life in the home. An updated kitchen adds immediate value to a property, as well as bringing comfort and ease to the family operating within.

Unfortunately, the kitchen can also quickly become the most expensive remodel a homeowner will undertake. Combining skyis-the-limit material and fixtures options with plumbing, electric and sometimes gas work, it’s easy to find yourself faced with a pricey

proposition. Making informed decisions and prioritizing certain elements will ensure satisfying outcomes.

Joyce Santos, sales manager at Builders Choice LLC, lays out step-by-step advice to get started with any kitchen renovation, big

or small. “First, know your goal and have a plan. Know your timeframe, set your budget, and find a design based on the materials that you like,” she said.

When designing, keep in continued on page 7

Stainless Stove, Town House

Quartz countertop, Builders Choice

Stainless steel refrigerator, Town House

Photos by Leah Nathan

THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL

Tile and cabinets, Builders Choice

THE RIGHT STUFF | KITC HENS

Tile backsplash, Builders Choice 18-FHB-Mortgage_RealEstateJournal_Size6.875"X9".pdf

continued from page 6 mind that a kitchen is not a onesize-fits-all room. Each kitchen should match the user’s needs in terms of style and functionality.

In Guam where there might be multi-generational families in a home, accounting for aisle space for someone in a wheelchair, or surfaces to host gatherings might be your starting point. Whatever it may be, for any kitchen remodel, functionality is the key element of a good design; and that functionality should be a reflection of the people living within.

If a top to bottom remodel just isn’t in the budget, there are some ways to give your kitchen new life without undergoing a complete renovation. On an island where prices run high, “People are very cost sensitive,” said Buzz S. Shiroma, general manager at Town House. “When making a choice where to start, look at what is a good investment.” In most cases, updated appliances are not a luxury.

Swapping in some shiny new appliances will save a lot in energy costs, avoid potential for water damage and lessen headaches from poor functionality or food spoilage.

For a needed cosmetic facelift, or to address problems of aged storage, “If the cabinet box is good, just swap out the doors and hardware,” Santos said. “Or take out old cabinets and put in shelves to open up the space and show off your decorations and cookbooks to brighten things up.” Likewise, a new tile backsplash or countertops can make a tired space look and feel brand new. Santos said that white and greige color palettes continue to persist in popularity; with open layouts, accented by landscape floor tile, and metal finishes perfecting the look. Keeping clean and modern in mind, stainless steel appliances have kept their hold on the market and don’t seem to be letting go. p

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Granite countertop, Builders Choice 1

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Photo by Leah Nathan

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PROBLEM PREVENTION | HVAC

THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL

Cleared for action When purchasing a home, buyers are advised to get a complete inspection to ensure they aren’t investing in a property with problems. However, there’s one specific area that should be given its own examination: the home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. On a tropical island where our air conditioning units help beat the heat while battling constant tropical wear and tear, getting a professional inspection in addition to the general inspection is always a sound investment before you buy.

In a general home inspection, the inspector should make note of the basic condition and functionality of the homes cooling system. For most homes on Guam, this means ductless mini-splits. According to Paul Witt, owner of Island Wide Home Inspections, “Typically the inspector assesses the external and interior units, making sure that the system is working within parameters that are safe, and also to identify maintenance discrepancies or issues that can affect performance.” Chiefly, they check that everything is properly mount-

ed to withstand the demands of Guam’s weather and seismic activity; the unit draining to prevent problems with blockages, mold and water damage; and electrical components are housed and installed in a manner safe for the home and user.

It is important to remember that while a necessary first step, a general home inspection is not a proper HVAC inspection. In the case that issues are noted, the general inspector should make the recommendation for additional inspection by an HVAC specialist. The

decision to pursue this next level of scrutiny usually comes down to a question of time and cost for the buyer. However, the equation should include the long-term benefits of a healthy cooling system.

“Problems with the air con are going to rack up serious costs, so it’s important to know where issues lie as well as noting potential problems down the line,” Witt said.

Scheduling an HVAC inspection as part of the buying process is an extra step well worth the small amount of extra time and money. p

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THE DOCTOR IS IN | T YPHOON SHUTTERS

THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL

Properly prepping Depending on who you ask, typhoon season is a May to October affair. But as anyone who has lived in the Marianas knows, tropical storms and worse can roll through any day of the year. While most homes on Guam have upgraded to concrete roofs and walls, a big storm can deliver devastating blows to any structure without the right home protection.

“If you are going to spend money to prepare your home from the threat of storm damage, you should focus on doors and windows,” says Joby Thomas, manager of Shutter Factory. Keeping water out, preventing breakage from wind and pressure and avoiding damage from airborne projectiles is a must. Most commonly this defense comes in the form of shutters. There are four types of storm shutters found on

homes and businesses in Guam: accordion shutters, hurricane panels, Bahama shutters and rolling shutter systems. Choosing which is right for you generally boils down to a matter of budget and style.

While each system has a variety of features, they all individually carry some standard characteristics.

Accordion shutters fold up neatly when not in use and are easy for pretty much any one to operate.

Generally the least expensive, hurricane panels offer a good deal of strength and durability, less rattlenoise in high winds and don’t have much effect on exterior aesthetic when skies are blue and panels are stored. Bahama shutters are a nice option for those who want a more natural look, easy opening and sun shields in fairer weather. Rolling shutters are typically for larger

installations, perhaps with hard to reach areas and bigger panes and, with automatic operating features, tend to run at a higher cost.

Alternatively, an increasingly popular choice, particularly with newly built homes and businesses, are “storm ready” windows and doors that ideally don’t require shutters at all. Usually made from two panes of 3/16” glass with a layer of plastic sheeting in between, the glass is designed to withstand high winds and projectile impacts from a typhoon. Window and door glass is nothing without a strong frame, though, so the best product will be manufactured to minimize overall structural weaknesses. In addition to providing protection, there might be a more personal reason to choose windows over shutters. “Some people want an

Rolling shutter, Shutter Factory

Bahama shutter, Shutter Factory

aesthetic look that doesn’t include shutters,” says Armando Cabandin, Project Manager at E.M.I Aluminum & Glass, making the often highercost windows a best fit choice.

Regardless which option fits your needs and purposes, looking for a manufacturer you can trust is the first step. Wherever you end up purchasing your typhoon protection, Peter Kautz of Kautz & Sons Glass Co. recommends doing your research. “Make sure that the products have had a track record of going through a lot of storms and doing their job,” he says. Relying on a contractor to choose at will or defaulting to the cheapest option without being informed will spell trouble in an inevitable weather event. p

Storm window, Kautz and Sons

Accordion shutter, Shutter Factory

Photos by Leah Nathan

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VILL AGES | HAGÅTÑA

THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL

Living history Nestled b e t w e e n Agana Bay and the cliffs of Agana Heights, the centrally located capitol of Guam has a rich history and Calvo a promising f u t u r e .

Officially changed in 1998 from the Spanish translation “Agana” back to the original CHamoru pronunciation of Hagåtña, the name is derived from the word haga, meaning blood. It is believed the name came about due to the bloodlines of the families that established the village. Historians speculate that the village was inhabited as long as 3,000 years ago, indicating that Hagåtña was settled even before the appearance of latte stones.

First declared the capital of the Marianas by Spanish royal decree in 1686, Hagåtña has been the seat of government in Guam for centuries, representing all three branches, as well as hosting the religious center for the Catholic Church. After suffering heavy damage during liberation in 1944 and resizing of existing lots during reconstruction, Hagåtña saw a dramatic reduction in residential development, and still struggles to negotiate the challenges imposed by those historical events.

However, despite its trials, today the village still boasts its historical distinctions but has also expanded its repertoire. “Hagåtña has made a renaissance in the past 10 years,” said Leonard P. Calvo, president of Calvo Enterprises Inc. Keeping the village’s traditional status as the seat of power in the Marianas, it has moved into modernity with a growing restaurant and commercial scene, a focus on tourism and the increasing appearance of a vibrant

downtown.

While currently the residential side of Hagåtña has greatly diminished compared to its origins, those with an eye on real estate are thinking of innovative ways to reincorporate neighborhood life. “I think Hagåtña is looking forward to creating more mixed-use developments to capitalize on the walkability and all that is going on here,” Calvo said.

The Hagåtña Mayor’s office said, “While real estate is currently stable, we foresee that with so many new attractions, Hagåtña will see more new residents in our beautiful village.”

With exciting new plans underway by the Hagåtña Restoration and Redevelopment Authority to revitalize, preserve and protect the heritage and economic vitality of Guam’s capital city, there is surely much to come for this powerful little village that has seen so much. p

HAGÅTÑA POPULATION: 3,200 SCHOOLS:

Private: 1 • Academy of our Lady of Guam

SHOPPING AND RESTAURANTS HIGHLIGHTS:

• CHamoru Village, Bonita Baby, Proa, Ninth Street, Carmen’s Restaurant, Calientes Restaurant, Meskla Chamoru Fusion Bistro, Mosa’s Joint, Agana Shopping Center, Cup ‘n Saucer Bakery & Café, Threads, Kitchen Lingo, Shirley’s Coffee Shop, McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Tommy’s Pizza Shop, MainStreet Delicatessen & Bakery, Submarina California Subs, Winchell’s, Pizza Hut, Tony Roma’s, Panda Express, Wendy’s, Sushi Rock

PROPERTY AVAILABILITY/PRICE RANGE:

• 3 land plots for sale, priced $600,000 to $2.02 million • 4 commercial spaces for sale, priced $1.39 million to $12.99 million • 1 business for sale, priced $110,000 • 27 commercial spaces for rent, priced $860 to $20,100 • 5 condos for rent, priced $900 to $2,200

ATTRACTIONS:

• CHamoru Village, Wednesday Night Market, Skinner Plaza, Guam Museum, Plaza de Espana, Latte Stone Park, Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica, Ricardo J. Bordallo Governor’s Complex, Spanish Bridge, Guam Congress Building, Sky Zone Trampoline Park

MAYOR: Mayor John “Chaka” Aguon Cruz

Photos courtesy of the Mayor’s Council of Guam

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NEED TO KNOW | C HILDRENS FURNITURE

THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL

Custom playhouse, WeegeeworX

Kids at heart and in the home As anyone who has ever received the link to a friend’s baby shower registry knows, the sky is the limit for children’s household paraphernalia, particularly furniture. For families that don’t have space or resources to endlessly update décor through each growth phase, there are ways to

get the most out of your purchases while maintaining the comforts of childhood.

“I try to look for functional pieces that will grow with the child,” said Jessica Stout, owner of Bonita Baby, “Furniture, especially on Guam, is really expensive, so you want things

that will last, that you can reuse and that will grow with the family.”

Looking for pieces with a basic or timeless aesthetic will keep them relevant, instead of becoming an oddity. Alternately, finding items that can be repurposed, possibly even updated with a quick refinish or

fresh coat of paint, is a great way to transition through childhood stages.

Part of making children’s items a longer-term investment is making sure they are multi-use. Bunk beds that double as storage space and can continued on page 18

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NEED TO KNOW | C HILDRENS FURNITURE

THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL

PUBLISHER Maureen N. Maratita BUSINESS EDITOR Meghan Hickey ASSISTANT EDITOR Jackie Cahill CONTENT COORDINATOR Leah Nathan CREATIVE CONTENT MANAGER Vikki Fong DESIGN & PRODUCTION Conrad Calma Luisa Joy Castro Sean Davis Angelica Eleno

Dollhouse decorative storage, Bonita Baby by WeegeeworX Refurbished dresser, WeegeeworX

MEDIA SALES MANAGER Kevin Iwashita MEDIA SALES Mike Mafnas ADMINISTRATION Janice Castro Jenalyn Aguon Kids chair and stool, Bonita Baby

DIRECTOR Ken Duenas MANAGING DIRECTOR Marcos W. Fong

The Real Estate Journal — May 27, 2019. Entire contents copyrighted 2019 by Glimpses of Guam Inc. The Real Estate Journal is published monthly by Glimpses of Guam Inc. 161 US Army Juan C. Fejeran St., Barrigada Heights, Guam 96913. (671) 649-0883; Fax (671) 649-8883.

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Multi-purpose shelves and desk, WeegeeworX

Multi-purpose table, WeegeeworX Photos by Leah Nathan

continued on page 16 later become twin beds, a craft table that also stores books, or bookshelves that that can become a future entertainment center all reflect resources better used. Cedric Diaz, owner and designer at WeegeeworX, said, “Furniture should serve more than one purpose. It shouldn’t just be a table, it should be able to store something too.”

That isn’t to say that furniture is limited to traditional form and function. Children learn and grow

from their environment, and furniture can give an experiential leg up in the game of life. “We learned with our son — who refused to sleep by himself — that when we bought him a bunk bed it gave him independence,” Stout said. “Climbing up and down, and just having a space of his own that seems grown up made a big difference.” Placing value on the condition of their space and keeping rooms clean and organized goes a long way in teaching a child how to take care of their things and their family. Going further with skills,

Diaz said, eventually, “They can even learn to help build furniture, or be part of refurbishing.”

Creating space for children that works for the whole home doesn’t need to come from a top down approach, either. “It doesn’t hurt to ask the kids what they like, too.

You’re going to get a different idea, but they’ll value the items more,” Diaz said. Of course, you might end up with a unicorn table in your living room, but who knows, a little magic might add just the right touch. p

GUAMHOME.COM

Tamuning Home | $750,000 •4bd/4ba •3,000+/-sf •Extra kitchen •Open concept •Fully fenced & gated •Roof top access ID: 191583

Isla Paraiso Home | $528,000 •Gemstone of a home •4bd/3ba •Well planned & extended •2,479+/-sf •500+/-sf garage ID: 191782

Santa Rita Land | $120,000 •Beautiful ocean & valley view lot •Route 17 frontage •2,355+/-sm •Utilities nearby ID: 191797

Yigo Home | $355,000

•3bd/2ba •Great floor plan •1,161+/-sm lot •Fruit bearing trees •Make this your next project!

ID: 191787

Pago Bay Property | $1,790,000 •Great investment multi-family •R2 zoned •Overlooking Pago Bay •4 units •Upgraded ID: 191780

Route 4, Yona Land | $415,000 •Investor/developer alert! •8,421+/-sm •Rezone as you need •Huge return value •Lots of potential ID: 191289

Mangilao Home | $2,200/mo •Cozy 3bd/2ba home in a quiet area •Lots of privacy •Storage space •Water softener & purifier ID: 19732

Paradise Estates Home | $431,000 •4bd/3ba •Extremely well-kept •Covered patio for entertaining •Secured & safe community ID: 191840

Tumon Bay Residences | $2,205/mo •Tastefully designed •2bd/1ba •Walking distance to beaches, shopping, dining & night life ID: 19212

Commercial Space | $10,500/mo •See your business at the Westin Resort •4,050+/-sf •Awesome road frontage!

ID: 19432

Yigo Home | $358,000 •Located in Spring Hills •3bd/2.5ba •2,100+/-sf •Corner lot •Solar panels •Great storage space ID: 191657

Dededo Land | $95,000 •Great location for your home or 4-plex! •581+/sm •R-2 zoned •Rare find!

ID: 191757

Tamuning Home | $599,000 •Executive design & features •4bd/3ba •Open floor plan •Beautiful condition •Must see!

ID: 19767

Talofofo Home | $498,000 •Brand new! •4bd/3.5ba •Spacious •Well designed •Fenced & gated •929+/-sm lot ID: 191807

Mangilao Home | $550,000 •Beautifully designed •4bd/3ba •Executive •Spacious •2-car garage •Fenced & gated ID: 191837

WE CAN HELP YOU BUY, SELL OR RENT!

Anthony 688-8198

Julie 687-6900

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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

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