Real Estate Journal - September 16, 2019

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SEPTEMBER 16, 2019 ISSUE | REJGUAM.COM 

PAGE 6

Properties to love

Mangilao mansion The right stuff Lead the way

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PAGE 8

Problem prevention Fire safety basics

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PAGE 16

Need to know A warm welcome

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 Mangilao mansion is centrally located in Latte Heights Estate.

Photo by Justin Green

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SPECIAL FEATURE

THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL

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New kids on the block Home Ventures Realty is comprised of a small but highly experienced team of realtors and opened for business in June. With more than 50 years of combined experience in real estate and hailing from a variety of backgrounds — from construction to banking to property management and even education — this diverse team brings not only a depth but breadth of experience, allowing them to create a company that can tailor their services to each client’s unique situation, whether private or commercial.

“If there’s something that a particular client needs and that we have little experience with, we can defer to another realtor on our team and ask what they think,”

said Fabrienne Respicio, realtor at Home Ventures.

The company’s small size also makes it agile, allowing it to move quickly to meet a client’s needs.

“Because it’s a smaller company, we’re able to make decisions together when we want to move forward and customize a lot of things,” said Christine A. Pama, realtor.

Although the company has only been operating as Home Ventures since June, its team of realtors has collectively closed hundreds of transactions throughout their careers, from simple rentals to $2 million properties.

“We’re a team and we’re a family,” said Clare Delgado, principal broker. “We all came up

together at the same time, and we have the same vision as far as how we want to service our clients.

We’ve done business together and have been licensed for so long that we’re kind of a well-oiled machine.”

Every member of Home Ventures Realty is a realtor, which ensures a level of professionalism and integrity.

“A realtor is a member of the National Association of Realtors,” said Delgado, the incoming president of the Guam Association of Realtors — her second stint as president after a tenure in 2013.

“Every realtor is licensed, but not every licensed real estate agent is a realtor. We follow standards of practice and uphold a code

of ethics. As realtors, we hold ourselves to the highest standards.”

It’s this combination of experience, diversity, agility and professionalism that has earned the Home Ventures team a loyal following and has allowed them to consistently surpass their sales goals every month since the firm opened.

“We have many loyal clients that have followed us because they had enough confidence in us to venture down this new path,” Delgado says. “We’re very excited about our new venture and we’re looking forward to contributing to the economy, working with other realtors and servicing our clients.

We’re here for the long run.” p

The Home Ventures Realty team.

Photo courtesy of Home Ventures Realty

Home Ventures Realty’s office is located in Tamuning.

Photo by Wayne Chargualaf

One of the properties for sale by Home Ventures Realty is this four bedroom, three bathroom home in Mangilao, listed at $600,000.

Photo courtesy of Home Ventures Realty

Website: homeventuresguam.com | Phone: 969-487 1

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PROPERTIES TO LOVE

THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL

Located in a family-friendly neighborhood perfect for children.

THE SKINNY 138 N. SERENA LOOP SUNRISE VILLA MANGILAO, GU 96913 $568,000 Inside • Brand new executive home • 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms • 3,200 square feet of living space • Large kitchen with wrap around bar • Granite countertops in kitchen and bathrooms • Five split air conditioning units for energy efficiency

Granite countertops in bathrooms.

Outside • Paved driveway with two-car enclosed garage • Large uncovered patio • Private, covered upper-level porch • Accordion typhoon shutters on all windows What’s cool • Plenty of cabinet space, counter space and room in the kitchen; perfect for gatherings and fiestas • Centrally located • Family-friendly neighborhood of Latte Heights Estate How to make this your own (quickly) Contact: Christopher Guerrero Remax Realty Group Call: 988-5224 Email: cguerrero@remaxrealtygroup.com

Two-car enclosed garage.

Photos by Justin Green

PROPERTIES TO LOVE

THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL

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Large kitchen with wrap around bar.

Plenty of storage space.

3,200 square feet of living space.

Photos by Justin Green

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THE RIGHT STUFF | PATHWAYS

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Lead the way By the time a new property has been built, or an old one renovated, many homeowners and investors are so time and wallet tired that they overlook an important part of property value. While landscape design can take many conceptual and functional forms, without argument a properly landscaped pathway is one choice that offers

form and function for a winning investment.

Foremost in deciding what sort of path or walkway you want to build is how it will benefit the property. “It’s all about curb appeal,” said Ruben Montalbo, quality control manager at Landscape Management Systems LLC. “Most places want to have

that wow factor. It sets the tone for what they’re about to walk into, either the house or the business.”

While it’s impossible to quantify exactly the value of a well done pathway, paying attention to the space around the building is sure to pay off.

On Guam, owners generally tend to stay with the island vibe

and look for options that are simple and natural. “People tend to go for something with a border of some kind, a little gravel in between or two rows of pavers with a little river rock,” said Ernie Nelson, owner of Greenscapes LLC. A simple pathway is generally continued on page 7

Solar LED light

Stepping stones, Greenscapes LLC

Path edger

Photos by Leah Nathan

THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL

THE RIGHT STUFF | PATHWAYS

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Stepping stones through grass, Greenscapes LLC

Stepping stones with edge, Greenscapes LLC 18-FHB-Mortgage_RealEstateJournal_Size6.875"X9".pdf

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12:47 PM Photos by Leah Nathan

continued from page 6

going to save on cost over a hardscape sidewalk, avoids some of the runoff issues and offers a more pleasant aesthetic. Looks aside, a simple walkway and green area might also quietly improve the lives of the people it serves.

“In a home, it channels people outside to enjoy the space. For a business, it can provide a way for employees to take a break in a nice environment,” Nelson said.

Finding the wealth of material options available on the mainland will be a challenge on Guam; a simple touch such as adding LED solar lighting is just one option for an upgrade to the traditional. In the interest of low maintenance upkeep, Montalbo said, “Put an edger to define the edge and separate the grass from growing into it, and put weed blocks down to keep the weeds from growing in.”

While DIY is always an option, Nelson said he recommends working with a landscaper to help design a pathway that will fit your needs for years to come. “You need to take into account the longevity and maturity of a landscape. With the help of a professional you can avoid pitfalls like planting multiple kinds of plants that have different watering needs, plants that will grow way out of size of what you actually want, and other things that you need to account for long term,” he said. If looking to do your own work, before buying materials or beginning the project, check local building codes and any homeowner’s association regulations to see if there are restrictions or requirements to follow. A permit may be mandatory in some cases. p

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PROBLEM PREVENTION | FIRE SAFET Y BASICS

THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL

Hot, hot, hot Fire safety and prevention concerns every resident and business owner on Guam; no one is immune to the threat. Making homes fire-safe starts with what is required. Guam adheres to certain fire codes dependent on building use, size and occupant load. For single-family homes built before 2010, the basic requirement is smoke detectors in each bedroom and every hallway of the house, plus carbon monoxide and smoke detectors installed in an enclosed garage. Since 2010, fire code mandates that the smoke detectors be interconnected, meaning that an alert from one will automatically create a chain reaction of alarms in the home. If the home is a rental, there must also be portable fire extinguishers available to the occupants. From that point, there are key recommendations to keep families and buildings safe.

While a traditional red “ABC”

extinguisher is frequently required, and often a choice, Guam Fire Marshall Joey A. Manibusan said he suggests having a “Class K” kitchen extinguisher to battle any grease-based kitchen fires. “It contacts the grease, attaches to it, and creates a layer between oil and fire,” Manibusan said, creating a less messy end to the most frequent start of fire in homes. “The rule of thumb is that you should be within 75 feet travel distance of any extinguisher,” Manibusan said.

Simply installing smoke detectors and having a few extinguishers does not end the process. Maintaining the devices and getting familiar with proper use according to manufacturer guidelines is a must.

“Test smoke detector batteries every two months,” Manibusan said. Make sure extinguishers are Underwriters Laboratories

certified, or UL listed, and in good general condition, including checking nozzles for insect blockage. Additionally, make sure to buy devices from a reputable source. “People don’t only make black market Louis Vuitton purses,” Manibusan said. “They also sell black market fire extinguishers.”

Working together on a family plan is arguably the most important step in fire safety. Before disaster strikes, “Get the whole family together to recognize the sound of the smoke detector and talk about a fire emergency plan that the parents have decided upon together beforehand,” Manibusan said. “Train kids to get out and stay out in the event of a fire. Teach them to alert an adult if a fire starts, even if they are the one who may have started it.

Plan to get family members with special concerns out of the house safely.” It is also advised that after

any fire, large or small, call the fire department. Even when flames seem to be extinguished, calling assures safety and is necessary for filing insurance damage claims.

Ultimately, fire safety and prevention is an island wide concern. To rest assured that your home or business is compliant with safety regulations, John Robison, member of Falcon Fire Protection LLC suggested tapping local resources. “I always tell customers if they are unsure about a new build, a new business, a rental, or anything to stop by Guam One Stop Licensing Center. Tell them your plan and they should give you the information you need.”

Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 6 to Oct. 12, with a kickoff event on Oct. 5 at the Agana Shopping Center.

Check the Guam Fire Department Facebook page to learn about fun and educational events for the whole family. p

Make sure fire extinguishers are Underwriters Laboratories certified.

Photo by Leah Nathan

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THE DOCTOR IS IN | PREVENTING INVASION

THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL

Ants on a stalk

Coconut rhinocerous beetle and larva

Tekken trap Brown tree snake

Photos courtesy of Leah Nathan

Snakes, beetles and ants — oh my!

Guam isn’t paradise only to those who enjoy its lush greenery, white sand beaches and crystal waters. To a cadre of invasive plants and animals, the island is a place to thrive — with negative impacts large and small for homeowners and businesses that rely on healthy ecosystems. While there are other invaders of note, three bad actors represent the bulk of the battle that Guam faces against destructive invaders.

Invasive coconut rhinocerous beetles and brown tree snakes have decimated local tree, plant and animal life, and notably the little fire ant can bring a lot of pain to those that cross its path.

Control and prevention of these species is a constant challenge for homeowners, businesses and government agencies alike. While each pest has its management particulars, all good prevention plans share a common starting point — sanitation of outdoor property. This is no truer than in the case of coconut rhinocerous beetles, which gladly turn any pile of green waste into a breeding site. “Across the spectrum of [rhino beetle] management, keeping your property clean is the most important part,”

said Ken Williams, director at Top End Pest Control. “Don’t give them any reason to want to be there.”

Clearing and properly disposing of green waste is paramount in controlling the proliferation of the beetles, who have destroyed wide swaths of the island’s coconut trees and decorative palms alike.

“Depending on your resources and management strategy, how you manage green waste disposal is going to differ,” said Roland Quitugua, extension invasive species specialist at the University of Guam. Many on island choose to burn green waste, which hosts its own set of problematic potentials.

Another option, if the resources are there, is to hire a landscaping company to clear and dispose of it for you. However, it’s a must that you know the practices of who you’re hiring to make sure that they are not disposing of waste improperly, creating nesting areas elsewhere.

Alternatively, Quitugua said, “I am a big fan of the value of organic matter for compost and building rich soil. Make an organic waste pile 50 to 100 feet away from coconut or other palm trees and cover it well with Tekkan netting. The [rhino

beetles] will nest there, and when they try to emerge as beetles, will become trapped in the netting.”

Integrating this system into your regular property maintenance turns it into a long term solution. “Every week when you clean, pile on top of it, and then every couple of weeks add another layer of netting to create a compost ‘lasagna,’” Quitugua said.

When it comes to an infestation of little fire ants, the conditions may be less clear. The ants are so small that frequently people aren’t able to immediately identify what is causing them discomfort.

Nesting in the ground and trees, the ants are as small as sawdust, but pack a nasty sting. In some cases, people with allergies, especially children, are known to experience life-threatening reactions. In pets, chickens and other small animals, little fire ants can cause blindness.

If you think you have an infestation on your home or property, Quitugua advises immediately contacting the Department of Agriculture Biosecurity Division at 475-PEST (7378). It is also critical that infested plants or soil not be transported to another part of the island, furthering the spread.

Perhaps the most infamous of Guams island invaders, the brown tree snake has spent the past half a century extirpating the native bird population, leading to far reaching ecological consequences at all levels. While scientists and conservationists work to manage the snake population, homes and businesses can adopt good exterior maintenance practices, clearing debris to eliminate hiding places and food sources that attract the snakes. “Don’t let garbage pile up, and don’t use the side of your house as storage,” Williams said. “Plug up any old construction or plumbing holes, and make sure you have screens on windows and doors.”

Ultimately, invasive species are the whole community’s responsibility. Quitugua said he hopes for a comprehensive effort.

“If you look at Tumon for example, they have gotten a hold on the problem there by managing it at a landscape level. That’s what works,” he said. “If we don’t all manage things together on this kind of largescale community effort, we won’t solve the problem.” p

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VILL AGES | PITI

THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL

Sparkling adventure G u a m residents and visitors alike know Piti for its spacious views of the coastline along Marine Corps Drive, just south of Asan. Going Morton b e y o n d the obvious, the charms of the village seem to spread to every corner of its boundaries. “My favorite part of Piti is the easy access to beautiful ocean and valley views,” said Helen Joy Jose Morton, associate broker for Infinity Realty. “You have some lovely homes with majestic ocean views and valleys all around. It’s

really unique.”

Piti began as a small pre-Spanish settlement, with abundant fishing for ancient Chamorro. After the arrival of the Spanish, Piti remained a small village until nearby Apra Harbor became the chief harbor of the Spanish government. From there, the area grew and played an important role at critical points in Guam’s history through World War II. Today, long removed from the trials of warfare, Piti is a unique mixture of tourism, quiet village life and upscale homes, a gateway to the south framed by sparkling seas and lush greenery.

“What I’ve noticed is that people think of Tumon as the tourist hub, but in Piti you have Fish Eye, you have the dive shop, you have Seawalker Tours and more. All

those outdoor water destinations in proximity with each other, so it’s a great village for tourism,” Morton said. Situated neatly between Naval Base Guam and Hagåtña, with a solid local business community, Piti is looking forward to more growth while strengthening a prideful community.

Piti Mayor Jesse L.G. Alig said, “We’re happy that more residents are driving through Piti and recognizing the beauty of our coastal shoreline and reef. Many realize that we’re not really that far from the other pleasures of life — shopping, eating, banking, etc. Because we’re tucked away behind a hill and surrounded by breathtaking views, many find Piti a great village to raise their family and build their forever home.” p

PITI POPULATION: 1,454 SCHOOLS: 1 Public: • Jose Rios Middle School

SHOPPING AND RESTAURANT HIGHLIGHTS: • Toves Mart, Day Buy Day Supermarket, 76/Circle K, NEX Mini-Mart.

PROPERTY AVAILABILITY/ PRICE RANGE: • 23 land plots for sale, priced $75,000 to $3.2 million • 10 homes for sale, priced $429,000 to $1.9 million • 16 homes for rent, priced $900 to $4,400 • 3 condos for rent, priced $900 to $2,205

ATTRACTIONS: • Fish Eye Marine Park, Micronesia Divers Association headquarters, Piti Guns Historical Park, Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church, Guam Seawalkers Tours, Guam Veterans Cemetery, Nimitz Cemetery, Marianas Yacht Club, Polaris Point Club, Santa Cruz Shrine/ Atantano, Piti Bomb Holes Preserves, Mahogany Forest, Atlantis Guam

MAYOR: Mayor Jesse L.G. Alig

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NEED TO KNOW | FOYERS

Decorative rattan balls, Ross Dress for Less

THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL

Pink bench, Ross Dress for Less

Entry table, Town House Furniture & Appliance

Artificial plant, Town House Furniture & Appliance

Photos by Jackie Cahill

A warm welcome The foyer is a guest’s first impression of your home, but as the home’s main thoroughfare, clutter such as shoes, bags and loose keys can cause an entryway to feel disorganized and messy.

Fortunately, with a little attention and the proper décor, you can transform your entryway from a chaotic pile of dirty shoes to an area that shows off personal style and warmly welcomes guests into your home.

“You want people to walk into your house and be impressed because that’s the first thing they

see when they walk in,” said Resa Gumataotao, sales representative at Town House Furniture & Appliance.

Finding the right furniture is the first step. “I think one thing to keep in mind, especially with your entrance way, you don’t want bulky furniture,” she said. A small shoe cabinet provides the perfect solution. “It’s big enough to put your shoes in, but it’s not so big that it’s taking up so much space.”

If you don’t keep shoes in the foyer, opt for a narrow entryway table. “These entry tables, they’re

great for decorative pieces,” said Nicole Santiago, mobile store protection specialist at Ross Dress for Less. Placing picture frames with family photos and decorative bowls to catch keys atop the entry table provides a nice decorative element.

“They also offer that clutter free from cell phone chargers,” Santiago said. “You can just lay it out flat and the wires will fall to the back seamlessly without getting all tangled.” An organizer for mail can also help reduce the appearance of entryway clutter,

she said.

Gumataotao said hooks, umbrella stands and coat hangers are another way to keep the foyer organized. “Hooks for your keys and a coat hanger would be nice,” she said. “So, guests can hang up their purses and their belongings.”

In addition to an entry table or shoe cabinet, a narrow bench or small chair allows people entering your home to comfortably remove shoes. “As people step in you can also provide home slippers,” Santiago said. continued on page 18

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NEED TO KNOW | FOYERS continued from page 16

PUBLISHER Maureen N. Maratita BUSINESS EDITOR Meghan Hickey ASSISTANT EDITOR Jackie Cahill

Since the entryway is the connection between the outdoors and indoors, Santiago and Gumataotao both said natural elements should be added to the foyer. “When you get in it’s nice to see that there’s flowers or something green,” Santiago said.

If you don’t have a green thumb, Gumataotao recommends using artificial plants, such as a tall

THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL

bamboo plant.

Artwork is another way to bring nature into a foyer. “For wall art [Ross has] lots of sunrises and sunsets, and it’s always beautiful.

Especially if you’re living in a concrete jungle, you want to see settings that you don’t normally see,” Santiago said.

For those who like to straighten their tie as they head out the door, Gumataotao said mirrors are another good option for wall

décor. “I would recommend if you’re going to get a mirror and put it in your entryway, [get] one that would hang on the wall.

Don’t get something that’ll stand up because that will use up more space.”

You can also add a few more decorative touches such as an upright lamp or candle holders to show off personal style. “It really adds that homey feeling to your entry space,” Santiago said. p

CONTENT COORDINATOR Leah Nathan CREATIVE CONTENT MANAGER Vikki Fong DESIGN & PRODUCTION Conrad Calma Luisa Joy Castro Sean Davis Angelica Eleno MEDIA SALES MANAGER Mike Mafnas SENIOR MEDIA SALES Kevin Iwashita ADMINISTRATION Janice Castro Chelsae Lizama

Wall art, Ross Dress for Less

DIRECTOR Ken Duenas MANAGING DIRECTOR Marcos W. Fong

The Real Estate Journal — September 16, 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) 6498883. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Marianas Business Journal, P.O. Box 3191, Hagåtña, Guam 96932.

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Send e-mail to subscriptions@glimpsesofguam.com.

Wall mirror and artificial plant, Town House Furniture & Appliance

Shoe cabinet, Town House Furniture & Appliance

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.

Entry table, Ross Dress for Less

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GUAMHOME.COM

Umatac Home | $242,500 •4bd/2ba •Beautiful kitchen w/ built-in pantry •Indoor laundry room •Typhoon shutters •Very close to Umatac Bay ID: 19840

La Stella Maris Condo | $4,000/mo •RARE! •2bd/2ba •Upgraded •Corner unit w/ large private yard •Beach access •Outdoor shower •Executive amenities ID: 193286

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LeoPalace Resort Units | $2,205/mo each •1-3 Bedroom units •Everything you need in a resort! •Golf course, pools, fitness center, dining, entertainment & more ID: 192495

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Yona Unit | $2,205/mo •Private 2bd/1ba unit •Breathtaking ocean views •Beautifully upgraded •Front & back covered patios •MUST SEE! ID: 193295

Starts Golf Course Home | $799,000 •Executive & beautiful •4bd/3.5ba •Tons of features! •Sits on 5th hole, overlooking golf course •Prestigious amenities ID: 193514

Mangilao Home | $525,000 •Newly built •4bd/3ba •Beautiful & modern design •Very spacious •2-car garage •Fully fenced & gated •Negotiable ID: 193355

Barrigada Heights Land | $275,000 •Situated along North Sabana Drive •930+/-square meters •Partial ocean view •Very popular neighborhood •Central ID: 19-1006

Paradise Estates Home | $460,000 •4bd/3ba •Master & Jr en-suite •Interior upgrades •Split A/C units •Water softener •20kva backup generator ID: 193416

Agat Church | $749,999 •4,400+/-sf of space •Large lot •Ocean views •Right off Route 2 •Dededo church also available for sale ID: 192143

WE CAN HELP YOU BUY, SELL OR RENT!

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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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