Real Estate Journal - November 2, 2020

NOVEMBER 2, 2020 ISSUE | REJGUAM.COM

Life is at home.

So is your bank.

DIGITAL BANKING Learn more at fhb.com/digital.

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Authentic in Asan

Properties to love The right stuff Handmade holidays

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The doctor is in Tis’ the season for holiday cleaning

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Need to know A home of my own

t INDEX PROPERTIES TO LOVE ....................................................2 THE RIGHT STUFF ...........................................................4 PROBLEM PREVENTION................................................6 THE DOCTOR IS IN...........................................................7 PROFILE............................................................................8 NEED TO KNOW...............................................................9

Looking out from the balcony, lots of greenery can be seen.

Photos courtesy of Horizon Properties

Member FDIC

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PROPERTIES TO LOVE

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THE SKINNY 218 CONSOLACION ASAN, GUAM 96910 $825,000 Inside • Five bedrooms, four bathrooms • 4,794 square-feet living space, 705 square-meter lot • Built in 1997 • Three levels

The spacious, family-friendly kitchen has decoratively-carved cabinets.

Outside • Ocean view • Car port • Concrete driveway What’s cool • Carved wood details • Two wrap-around decks • Unfinished basement z Contact: Maria Miller Horizon Properties Call: 671-646-7616 Email: maria.horizonproperties @gmail.com A glass-block flanked staircase leads to the kitchen.

The large wooden doors open to an elaborate tile entryway.

The three-floor home includes a car port and large wooden doors.

Photos courtesy of Horizon Properties

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The view from the second-floor balcony looks out onto the ocean.

PROPERTIES TO LOVE

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THE RIGHT STUFF | GUAM-BASED HOLIDAY DECOR

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Handmade holidays Navigating through the holidays on an island can always be tricky, especially considering the debate between classic and coastal holiday decorations.

Stephanie Caruthers, owner of KRAFTiBEE, a small business specializing in small home décor and do-it-yourself painting kits,

said that whether it’s traditional or tidal in theme, colors are important.

“Of course, there’s the traditional reds and greens,” she said. “The two varieties are more of the traditional primary red and green, but you also have deeper, almost cranberry red and the deeper, forest green. Some [people]

add in silver or gold [as well.] Then there’s people who love the blues, whites and silvers.”

While Caruthers’ favorite holiday activity is decorating her “family” Christmas tree with her kids, she said that’s not the only décor that can make an impact this holiday season.

“Candles are always a favorite,” said Caruthers. “Adding a holiday candle ring to make it special is an inexpensive way to dress up the ordinary. Same goes for throw pillows — get some super cute and affordable pillow covers that you can slip over your everyday pillows.”

She did say that, while it can

Some of the small Christmas décor by KRAFTiBEE.

Photo courtesy of KRAFTiBEE

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be tricky for Guam newbies to get into the Christmas spirit at the same time they’re trying to get accustomed to the weather, shopping early for décor is the key, whether online or on island.

“Shop early and give the packages time to arrive before the upcoming holiday or season.

Most importantly there’s so many talented makers on the island of Guam. Shopping with them supports our friends and our neighbors, as well as our local economy,” she said.

Another small business owner on island, Jessica Rogers of Sweet Georgia Peach Designs, said this would be her first Christmas on island, and she is very excited to see and make decorations.

“I love seeing the palm trees with Christmas lights, and I do plan on making my family an ornament with the island’s seal,” she said.

Rogers said it is very important to shop local, this time of year especially, because, “All the money spent at a local shop usually goes right back into the communities.”

As the sun sets across the island, though, Rogers and Caruthers believe whatever décor a family chooses needs to feel “cozy” to them.

“Most importantly there’s so many talented makers on the island of Guam. Shopping with them supports our friends and our neighbors, as well as our local economy.”

Rogers likes to use fluffy throw pillows, signs and greenery to make her home feel warm, cozy and reminiscent of her youth.

After all, Christmas is her favorite holiday.

“Cozy means something different to everyone,” said Caruthers. “Some people like a dark, cold house with blankets, a fireplace and hot cocoa. While others think cozy is a grand tree with twinkling lights and all the decor trimmings.

“Make your home your own version of cozy, regardless of the steamy, tropical weather outside.

Christmas really is what you make it and what reminds you of Christmas past with friends and family.” p

THE RIGHT STUFF | GUAM-BASED HOLIDAY DECOR

20-FHB-MortgageOnlineApp_REJ_Size7.5"X10".pdf Photo courtesy of Stephanie Caruthers

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4:03 PM Photo courtesy of Jessica Rogers

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PROBLEM PREVENTION | TYPHOON SHUTTER MAINTENANCE

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For stormy weather Since Guam is in the “typhoon alley” of the Pacific and experiences fast-changing weather, typhoon shutters are a common sight on Guam homes.

In most cases, these shutters are permanently fixed over windows and doors, with options to either move them to the side or remove them, panel by panel.

Because this piece is an essential part of an island home, residents must take care in ensuring these shutters are maintained properly so there will not be a mishap during a strong typhoon.

Sam Lai, general manager of Alliance Metals Specialties Guam, said accordion and panel shutters are the most popular and cost-effective types of typhoon

shutters available on the island.

They can last for 30 years or more, so purchasing and installing them is a great investment in the property.

“If installed properly, they are virtually maintenance-free,” Lai said. “However, it is a good idea - at a minimum once per year during the dry season - to inspect the shutters. Make sure they are free of dirt or mud brought in by insects, geckos or wasps.”

One maintenance tip is to apply lubricant to the shutters every now and then, so they are easy to manipulate. Accordion shutters can get stuck if they have not moved in a while, so it is recommended to routinely apply a lubricant, such as WD-40, to the

rollers and locks. It is also ideal to open and close accordion shutters during the dry season, so they maintain mobility.

As long as minor maintenance is conducted at least once a year, there really should be no issue with your shutters, Lai said.

“In case rollers and pins are bent or off the track, partial repair is sufficient. You won’t need to replace the entire shutter,” he said.

Most new homes are already equipped with accordion shutters, but in the event a home does not have them, they can be purchased at metal specialty shops, like AMS Guam, or other industrial retailers.

There are also some precautions you can take outside the home

to make sure your shutters and the overall property is safe.

The Guam Homeland Security Office of Civil Defense offers the following recommendations when preparing for a typhoon: • Secure loose items, such as gardening tools and trashcans, so they will not fly away during a storm.

• Take down canopies and tie down tin-covered roof extensions with cables.

• If no metal shutters are readily available, secure plywood over windows and doors.

• Stay indoors until Condition of Readiness 4 is declared.

Photo by John I. Borja

Panel shutters can last more than 30 years upon installation.

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THE DOCTOR IS IN | HOLIDAY CLEANING & ORGANIZING

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‘Tis the season: holiday cleaning Some families make it a habit to close off the year by wrapping up any big projects and entering the new year with a clean slate. Why not start with a clean home, too?

Holiday cleaning, or the act of cleaning a part of the home at least once a year, will be especially ideal in 2020, as families are still following stay-at-home measures to avoid COVID-19. These annual projects are usually focused on large-scale cleaning, such as water blasting the roof or clearing the driveway.

Richard Ulloa, a certified professional inspector and owner of Guam Home Inspections, provided REJ some recommendations for families to consider when conducting their annual cleaning.

The roof: Waterblast the surface to remove buildup. After surface cleaning, allow some time to dry before applying a roof coating to seal the concrete surface. The most commonly used type of coating is silicone. This type holds up very well in Guam’s climate. Roof coating helps seal the concrete roof and keeps it from absorbing moisture that can cause rusting of the internal rebar, which will eventually lead to leaks, cracks and spalling or breakaway of the concrete, resulting in significant structure damage to the roof. The technique described also helps keep the house cool and reduces your power bills.

Driveways and walkways: Water blast the surface to remove buildup.

Water-blasting a roof to remove build-up is a great end-of-year project.

Buildup on exterior walking surfaces is very slippery and can cause slips and falls.

Doors and windows: Check all windows and doors to make sure they open and close properly and that all the locks work. Lubricate locks, hinges and rollers as needed.

Keep all emergency escape paths and exits clear at all times.

Electrical installations: Check all light switches and outlets to make sure they are not loose or broken. Test all ground fault circuit interrupter outlets to make sure they are working, and replace any GFCI outlet that does not respond to the test and reset buttons.

Switches and outlets in disrepair are electrical hazards.

Plumbing: Check all valves and plumbing fixtures for leaks.

Even small drips will increase your monthly water bills. Check faucet aerators for clogs from hard water deposits. Aerators are very easy to clean with Lime Away or CLR. Always follow the directions on the product label.

Home buyers and sellers: It is highly recommended for buyers to have the home inspected during the buyer’s investigation period of the purchase agreement, regardless if the home is brand new or has just been renovated. Sellers can take a proactive approach and hire a home inspector either before the property is listed or at the early stages of marketing with a realtor. p

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REAL ESTATE PROFILE | ELLEN’S REALTY

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Real Estate Profile — Ellen’s Realty EMPIRE REALTY YEAR FOUNDED ON GUAM: April 1, 1997 PRINCIPAL BROKER: Ellen Wilkinson NUMBER OF REALTORS: 11 WEBSITE: www.ellensrealtyguam.com PHYSICAL LOCATION: 315 S Marine Drive Suite 201, Tamuning, Guam 96913 AREAS OF EXPERTISE/SPECIALTIES: Residential house and condo sales and rentals, and land sales, especially VA purchasing and military housing rental INVESTMENT TIP: “Everyone can invest real estate, sooner better than later. Location is important, but timing is even more important. To identify opportunity with an experienced real estate agent is the best way to start.”

PICK OF THE MONTH: 262A West Brook, Barrigada, Guam 96913 Two-story, single-family home measuring 3,106 square feet, with four bedrooms and four-and-a-half bathrooms. The home features a false ceiling design for the living room, a custom design with larger size windows, an open balcony and a center island for the kitchen.

Sale price: $830,000

This newly built Barrigada home is available for $830,000.

Photos courtesy of Ellen’s Realty

THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL

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NEED TO KNOW | A HOME OF MY OWN

Dogs are lovable companions, but they require a comfortable living space to keep them happy and healthy.

Photo by John I. Borja

A safe space for a furry friend Having a canine companion can liven up a living space, for both those living alone and those with families. For a dog to feel like they are a part of the family, they need to have a space to call their own and to be by themselves.

Doing research on the type of dog you want is crucial to understanding what sort of space

is needed. Large dogs may not thrive well in small homes, and small dogs may be hard to keep track of in big homes.

“New pets are like babies.

They want to sample everything.

Before a new pet comes home, you should pet-proof your home.

Get information by searching the internet, visiting someone who

owns a pet you’re interested in, or visiting your local pet store,” said Marie Payne Laniog, manager of Feathers N Fins Pet Shop.

Having a sizeable outdoor space is helpful in housing a pet, but owners must also take neighbors into consideration. If the neighbors live just a few feet away from your property, they may not be happy

about a dog that barks constantly, Laniog said.

When keeping dogs indoors, be mindful of what they may leave behind. Potty training dogs when they are young will make it a lot easier for them to tell you when they need to “go” when they are older. Having a space to place a continued on page 10

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NEED TO KNOW | A HOME OF MY OWN continued from page 9

PUBLISHER Maureen N. Maratita EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Morgan Legel CONTENT COORDINATOR John I. Borja CREATIVE CONTENT MANAGER Vikki Fong SENIOR MEDIA SALES Kevin Iwashita DIGITAL MEDIA SALES Natalie Gilbert ADMINISTRATION Tricia Scott DIRECTOR Ken Duenas MANAGING DIRECTOR Marcos W. Fong

The Real Estate Journal — November 2, 2020. Entire contents copyrighted 2019 by Glimpses Media. The Real Estate Journal is published monthly by Glimpses Media.

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puppy pad, preferably one that can mask odor, would be great to keep your pet indoors.

“If you can keep your pet indoors, please do,” Laniog said. “Dogs enjoy a regular romp in the yard, but they would much rather be with you.

They are a part of the family and should be treated as such.”

If your dog cannot be allowed inside, ensure that its outdoor shelter is well shaded, she added.

Sandra Low, owner of Opus One pet shop, said dogs are not meant to be hidden. If a home is unable to let a dog roam around comfortably, then it may not be the best pet for that family to have.

“Don’t hide the dog if you are not allowed to own one,” Low said.

It is also important to know about your family’s allergies.

Since indoor dogs will have their scent and fur on furniture and appliances, a family member with an allergy may not be able to live

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comfortably in the home. Low suggested having a trial period of dog-sitting or volunteering to foster a dog, just so homeowners can have an idea of how things would work out.

Guam Animals in Need, the island’s only animal shelter, has a fostering and volunteering services that can eventually connect families with their future pet. Visit GAIN’s website, guamanimals.org, to learn more about how you can sign up. p