Today's Guamhome November 2015 by Todays Realty

CONTENTS 01

SOLD! PROPERTY OF THE MONTH Fabulous Windward Hills Home

02 03

MARKET REPORT

Residential Market Snapshot from January 1, 2015 to November 1, 2015

5 TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE RIGHT FURNITURE HOT PICKS FOR 2016 PAINTING PROJECTS

RECENTLY CLOSED LISTINGS

JUST LISTED

HOME INSPECTIONS

Recently listed properties in the market.

5 NEW HOME MISTAKES TO ABSOLUTELY AVOID

6 BUDGET MANAGEMENT TIPS FOR MILITARY FAMILIES TODAY’S REALTY EVENTS

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

WINDWARD HILLS, YONA HOME Fabulous custom built executive 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home with majestic mountain and valley views in the Windward Hills Golf Course community! Gorgeous entertainerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home, inside and out! 3,000+/Square feet of living space. Spacious gourmet kitchen with granite counter-tops and high-end stainless appliances will definitely bring out the inner chef in you! Nara wood on 1st floor, outside gazebo for BBQs, two-car covered carport, security system and views from each bedroom. List Price: $4,400/mo Closed Price: $3,500/mo Days on the Market: 143 MLS ID: 15-1786

RECENTLY SOLD & RENTED LISTINGS 01 Alupang Cove Condo

Listed: $1,900/mo • Rented: $2,205/mo

This centrally located 1bd unit is just a stone’s throw away from the beautiful Agana Beach! With custom slate walls, modern screen doors, new stainless fridge & much more! Days on the market: 28 MLS ID: 15-3075

02 Mangilao Home

Listed: $2,200/mo • Rented: $2,200/mo

This 3 bedroom 2 bath home in a comfortable and quiet neighborhood in the wonderful village of Mangilao. Located in the middle of the island and quick drive to just about everything you will need to live. Days on the market: 49 MLS ID: 15-3137

03 Tamuning Home

Listed: $325,000 • Sold: $292,500

A central Tamuning location doesn’t get better than two doors down from Oka Towers. These Jonestown homes are known to have great ‘bones.’ 3bd/2ba

Days on the market: 141 MLS ID: 15-1811

04 Blue Pacific Lattice Condo

Listed: $4,400/mo • Rented: $3,000/mo

Beautifully renovated penthouse 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath condo at Blue Pacific Lattice Condo. Amazing 180 degree view of Tumon from windows and balcony. This exquisite unit has everything upgraded. Days on the market: 33 MLS ID: 15-3266

A LIST OF RECENTLY CLOSED LISTINGS TO HELP YOU ASSESS THE VALUE OF YOUR PROPERTIES

05 Umatac Home

Listed: $2,450/mo • Rented: $2,205/mo

This 4bd/2ba home has been totally renovated from new kitchen cabinets & the entire gourmet chef kitchen-super spacious. Mud room with indoor laundry right off the carport provide excellent space for storage also. Days on the market: 29 MLS ID: 15-3143

06 Nimitz Hill Estates Home

Listed: $2,600/mo • Rented: $2,900/mo

This spacious 4bd/2ba home is conveniently close to Naval Hospital & Naval Base. Fully fenced and pet friendly, this house is located in a great family neighborhood, Nimitz Hills Estates. Days on the market: 20 MLS ID: 15-3307

07 Barrigada Home

Listed: $2,200/mo • Rented: $1,980/mo

Great location on nice quiet street close to the Naval hospital or Navy base. Spacious 3 bedroom and 3 bathroom a comfortable and roomy floor plan, shiny ceramic tiles and a good size of yard for your children or pet. Days on the market: 45 MLS ID: 15-3100

08 Barrigada Property

Listed: $488,000 • Sold: $450,000

Three story unfinished home located in Route 16 Barrigada. This unique property has a space built in to accommodate an elevator, generator storage, pool, and fully fenced. Days on the market: 230 MLS ID: 15-851

JUST LISTED 01 Harmon Industrial Warehouses Tamuning • $2,550,000

This M1-light industrial zoned property includes 3 Warehouses totaling over 38,000 square feet. Property has paved access and is fully fenced. A great investment opportunity. Guamhome.com/15-3513

02 Route 4 Land

Inarajan • $472,000

Beautiful hillside A zoned 77,270+/- square meter property overlooking the Pacific in historic Inarajan and fronting Route 4. Guamhome.com/15-3631

03 Veronica Way Home Tamuning • $2,950/mo

The 3bd/2ba house has everything you could want. It’s completely renovated, all brand new kitchen appliances, energy saver air conditioning, beautifully landscaped, fully fenced and ample car parking spaces. Guamhome.com/15-3643

04 Mamis Street Home Mangilao • $380,000

Four bedroom home with spacious floor plan featuring large master bedroom, open kitchen with granite counter tops & stainless steel appliances. Second floor sitting room, two-car garage, indoor laundry, security system & more. Guamhome.com/15-3671

AVAILABLE LISTINGS RECENTLY ADDED TO THE MARKET

05 Tecio Tumon Villa Condo Tumon • $299,000

Rarely available 2bd/2ba ocean view condo. Within walking distance to the sandy beaches, restaurants and nightlife. You’ll wake up to the beautiful ocean view and come home to the gorgeous tropical sunsets of Guam every day! Guamhome.com/15-3678

06 Business Opportunity Tamuning • $250,000

Turn Key and Location! Those are the magic words! Why start something from scratch, when you can take the reins of this exciting fast casual, healthy fusion restaurant! Located right off Marine Drive, the possibilities are endless! Guamhome.com/15-3512

07 Ch. Francisco J. Perez Home Yigo • $299,999

Newly renovated 4bd/2ba house in Yigo! Fully fenced, brand new kitchen counter tops, cabinets, stainless steel appliances and upgraded bathrooms. Full house inside and outside has been freshly painted and professionally cleaned. Guamhome.com/15-3519

08 Chalan Binadu Home Talofofo • $510,000

This 4bd home boasts an open floor plan with cathedral ceilings throughout. Still maintains a “new” wow factor with many amenities. A solar water heater system, generator and shed, water softener and an enclosed garage to name a few. Guamhome.com/15-3523

HOME INSPECTIONS I recently caught up with Anthony Godwin, Principal Broker of Today’s Realty as he was on his way to a meeting with a home inspector. Our conversation turned quickly to the value and importance that a home inspection brings to the real estate transaction. Not too long ago, home inspections were rare for Guam real estate sales, giving a whole new meaning to “let the buyer beware!” A homeowner interested in selling their home can benefit from a home inspection prior to listing their home. The inspection will reveal items that should be resolved in order for the seller to get the highest price for their home. It will give the seller time to make needed repairs that will enhance the value of the home. Purchasers utilize the services of a qualified home inspector in order to determine if there are any items that will need repairing or replacing in the near future. A qualified home inspector will examine details such as structural components, plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems, safety hazards, air-conditioning systems, doors, windows, roofing, decks and patios, grading and drainage systems, even household appliances! So what happens if the home inspection reveals something that needs to be repaired? Let’s assume the air conditioners need about $4,000 worth of work in order to function properly. The solution can be different for each transaction, depending upon the parties, but here are a few options: • •

Seller handles the repair prior to closing. Buyer agrees to accept the house “as-is” and will deal with the air

5 NEW HOME MISTAKES TO ABSOLUTELY AVOID By Andrea Davis A home is a major investment and it’s one that stands to appreciate if you continue to invest your money wisely. Avoiding these five critical mistakes will help you turn your home into your greatest asset instead of your greatest expense.

1) Don’t sell too soon.

Generally speaking, it takes at least three to five years to gain home equity. That says, it’s best to avoid reinvesting the money you’ve just spent on professional movers for at least as long. Moving is expensive, time-consuming and stressful. If you tend to move a lot or want the freedom to come and go to see the world, you might consider moving into an apartment or condo before you think about buying a singlefamily home.

2) Don’t forego the inspection.

Having a local home inspector examine the home is a crucial step in the home buying process. The job of an inspector is to identify any potential problems with the home -- problems that, left undiscovered, may leave you with hundreds to thousands of dollars in repairs.

A home inspection may reveal major issues with: • • • • • •

Leaky pipes Eroding foundation Improper insulation Faulty chimney Water damage Pest infestations

• •

conditioning system after closing (but they have full knowledge of the deficiency). Buyer and seller may instruct escrow to hold funds to pay for the repairs once they have been completed. Seller may give a credit to the buyers at closing and the buyer can resolve the issue as they see fit.

Your REALTOR has all the information you need to both obtain a home inspection, and to negotiate past any hurdle the inspection may reveal. Buyer BE AWARE! Inspection Checklist: Air Conditioning & Fans Mechanical Plumbing Electrical Structural Components Doors Windows Roofing Decks and Patios Appliances

by Kim Anderson Young PRESIDENT, SECURITY TITLE, INC.

kim@securitytitle.net • 671.647.8100

Finding simple solutions to complex real estate transactions.

3) Don’t go too big.

Always think in the long term when buying a home. Are you starting a family? Are you buying for more than one family? Is this house just for you, as an individual or a couple? If you buy a house that’s too big, you could be stuck with far more maintenance than you wish to perform like when the water heater goes out, or the AC needs fixing. So make sure you don’t put thousands into a home that doesn’t suit your needs.

4) Don’t overspend on landscaping.

As you’re settling into your new home, you’ll probably consider a lot of renovations. Look before you leap. Unless your home requires immediate renovations, try to spend the first year making smaller changes and building up your budget -- especially when it comes to landscaping. Maybe reseed the grass if it’s in poor condition, but don’t add on a new porch or deck. It’s best to wait at least two years before budgeting for big exterior improvements; this way, you’re better prepared financially should a surprise maintenance issue drain you in the interim.

5) Don’t forget the warranty.

If your home doesn’t come equipped with reliable appliances, you’ll have to purchase them. Consider the warranty on any appliance you consider. Whether you should get an extended warranty depends on how worried you are about the brand of the appliance and the price you pay for it. Cheap appliances are more likely to break down before the warranty is up; high-end appliances are more likely to outlast even the extended warranty. This post was originally published on RISMedia’s blog, Housecall. View the blog daily for winning real estate tips and trends for you and your clients. Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2015. All rights reserved.

6 BUDGET MANAGEMENT TIPS FOR MILITARY FAMILIES

rate reductions to limits on debt accrual. a single-income household budget. That Ask your banker about the key provisions way, should your spouse’s employment of this law and how it can help you. status change, your family will be prepared. Considering Housing Options Setting Up Automatic Bill Pay Frequent relocations and deployments can make owning a home challenging Whether you’re stationed stateside or and expensive. Renting may be a smart overseas, automatic bill pay will give you As we honor our military heroes, we are option for short-term assignments. and your family one less thing to worry reminded of the many sacrifices service Decide what’s best for your family and about each month. It can be particularly helpful during deployments in regions members and their families make to your finances. where Internet access is unreliable and protect our nation – at home and on the Planning for Deployment mobile banking isn’t an option. front lines. Before deploying, have a conversation with your family about managing the household budget. Consider granting power of attorney to your spouse should they need to make any urgent financial decisions while you are gone. Check with your bank to see if they have pre-printed Service members and their families can forms you can use for bank accounts. pave the way to a strong financial future Military personnel also receive additional by taking steps to cement their finances. funds while deployed, so decide on the best use for that extra cash. The ABA advises: “Military families do an amazing service for this country,” says American Bankers Association (ABA) President and CEO Frank Keating. “The nature of their jobs is inherently stressful – but financial stress shouldn’t be part of it.”

Meeting with Your Banker before Active Duty

Budgeting for a Single-Income Household

The Service member Civil Relief Act offers all military personnel entering active duty a variety of financial protections. The SCRA covers issues ranging from interest

Frequent moves are an inevitable part of military life and can make it difficult for spouses to establish stable careers. As a precaution, make plans to operate on

TODAY’S REALTY EVENTS Ms. Gigi from Finance Factors visited our team during one of our weekly sales meetings and informed us on Special Case Loan Programs.

Contributing to a Thrift Savings Plan

Military members have access to the Federal Thrift Savings Program, which offers the lowest-cost retirementsavings plan available. Have automatic contributions withdrawn from your paycheck. Source: ABA.com Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2015. All rights reserved.