casaguam vol. 5 issue 9

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GUAM ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®The Voice for Real Estate on GuamSuite 236A Julale Center424 West O'Brien Drive, Hagatna, Guam 96910Office: (671) 477-4271 • Fax: (671) 477-4275

irst Time Homebuyers get free money to coverclosing costs!

My last article referenced a Law that wasintroduced by Senator Ben Pangelinan and passed

into Public Law 31-227. A number of families have takenadvantage of this program and are nowHomowner's. Whatare you waiting for?

Follow the Simple Steps Below - it is a great opportunity forfirst time Home buyers - on top of that interest rates alsovery low, don't be intimidated - ACTNOW!

• Call a REALTOR to assist in the process• They can assist in getting you pre-qualified with a bank• Establish a Budget• Look atHomes (Realtorwill provide a list of properties)• Select a Home•MakeanOffer -Realtorwill preparePurchase Agreement• Need EarnestMoney Deposit (needed to show sellers

you are serious about the purchase - applied towardspurchase price

• Take the Homeownership Education Workshop (on-line acceptable link: www.ehomeamerica.org - it will cost$45 and is a 8 hour class)

• Guam Housing will need - application for the grant,copy of the accepted purchase agreement, a loan commit-ment from the bank along with breakdown of payment andclosing costs, a receipt and Certificate that you took theonline class, verification of residency, Department of Rev&Tax Clearance,

•Note: In order to qualify for the grant - You have to bea First Time Homeowner, U.S. Citizen or PermanentResident Alien, a Resident of Guam for 5 years, the Totalcost cannot exceed $250,000.00 (Purchase /Constructionprice and closing cost)

• GuamHousing will give you a Certificate committingthe funds for the purchase of your home

•Close Escrow - YOU are now the proud owner of yourownHome!

For more information on the buyer process call aREALTORNow!

Si Yu'os Maase

Liz C. Duenas

September 2012 • Vol. 5 • No. 09

D e p a r t m e n t s

4 Market ReportMarket SnapshotJan 1 - Aug 30, 2012

8 FeatureThe Right Agent

10 On the CoverYigo Home in the Hills

16 ProfileJanet Gerber CalvoRunning the Extra

Mile For You!

18 How to D.I.Y.Quick Closet Fixeson a Budget

19 Home FinanceFederal HousingAdministration

20 How to D.I.Y.Graffiti Removal 101

22 From the ExpertsThe 6 P’s ofReal Estate Marketing

24 Curb AppealGuttered Done!

25 Who Ya Gonna Call?

26 Classifieds

28 ClosingGuam Associationof REALTORS®Home Ownership Matters

M e s s a g e F r o m G A R

CasaGuam is Published by:

P.O. Box 24881 Barrigada, GU 96921Tel: (671) 472-3495 | Fax: (671) 472-3498

email: [email protected]

CasaGuam Advertising DisclaimerAll Advertisers agree to hold the publisher harmless and indemnify it against any and all claims, losses, liabilities, damages, costs and expenses (including attorney’s fees) made against or incurred by the publisher, officers or employees with respect to, or arising out of, the content, text,graphics or representations of any ad published herein, including but not limited to the sole negligence and/or fault of the publisher. The publisher is not liable for any claims, losses or damages of any kind, arising from the wording, text, graphics or representations of any ad publishedherein, or the condition of the articles sold through the publication, or performance of services advertised in this publication. All advertising and/or performance of services advertising and/or submissions become wholly the property of CasaGuam Magazine. CasaGuamMagazine is a registered trademark of PTI Pacifica Inc. Copyright © 2008. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form without the express writ ten consent of the publisher is prohibited. We reserve the right to edit or refuse any ad and to reprint any photo forpromotional use.

|Publisher||Business Sales Manager|Jay-R S. Dominguez

|Display Advertising|Darrell T. PeredaDoris PangelinanJohn MendiolaEmily Untalan

|Traffic/Circulation Manager|Josie Redmond

|Production Manager|Mark S. Burke

|Graphics & Layout|Mark S. Burke

Edwin E. Valencia

|Editorial Contributors|Faye Varias Creative Services

Cullen AdamsElizabeth DuenasAnthony R. Godwin

Jo GranvilleCalvin Hernandez

Peggy Araullo LlagasDeniece Menez

Arlene Taitague TaitingfongKevin Wright

Cover Photo: Mark S. Burke

CONTENTSMessagefrom thePresident

By Elizabeth C. Duenase-pro®, CRS®, CIAS®,

REALTOR®Associate Broker

RE/MAX Diamond Realty

F10

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2 C a s a G u a m S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 2


C a s a G u a m . c o m 3



M a r k e t R e p o r t

Market Snapshot January 1, 2012 to August 30, 2012

The Under 300KHot Spot!

The number of homes sold under $300,000 continues tohighlight activity in the single family home market withnearly 100 homes exchanging hands so far this year. Anadditional 11 homes above $300,000 have been sold sinceJune bringing the total to 47 this year. It took nearly sixmonths to sell a home in Guam from date listed to dateclosed.

In the Villages

Dededo, Guam’s most populous village is also #1 for singlefamily home sales with 40 homes sold thus far this year atan average sold price of $218,045. Yigo, with an average saleprice of $275,575, follows with 24 homes. Ten of the$300,000 home sales reported to the GuamMLS were soldin Yigo making the sold price average higher for the village.The central villages of Barrigada and Mangilao brought in27 sales with average sold prices for both villages at justabove $300,000. The four homes sold in Tamuning,averaged $396,750. At the top of the charts is Piti with anaverage sale price of $482,500 with 4 home sales.

REALTORS areMakingHomeOwnership Happen!

Buyers and renters have an excellent selection of propertiesto choose fromwith just under 2,000 listings available in the



MLS. Interest rates have been hovering just above 3.5%making home ownership affordable for more of ourpopulation. A $10,000 grant program for closing costs forhome purchases under $250,000 is now available. Sellerconcessions and credits are also contributing to marketactivity.

Advice to Buyers!

The signals to buy are everywhere… more choices! Lowinterest rates! Help with closing costs & down payments.These are the ideal conditions to make a home purchase.

Will these conditions last forever? No. Supply and demandaffect everything… including the purchase of a home.Interest rates on mortgages in Guam are based on thefinancial markets in the US. As the US financial marketsimprove, interest rates will most likely start to rise. Asdemand for real estate increases sellers are less likely toprovide concessions and credits to buyers. As the number ofproperties available for sale decreases then the usual marketresponse is an increase in prices. Property choices, lowinterest rates, help with closing costs and down payments…it’s an ideal time to buy!

Finding Properties

Experts estimate that approximately 90% of buyers andtenants start their search on the internet. Nearly all realestate websites on Guam feature all properties from all realestate companies through theGuamMLS.Websites such ashttp://www.guamrealestate.com even allow you to createfavorite folders, save searches and track properties thatmeetyour requirements. When you are ready to make a move,contact your favorite REALTOR®.

All data in this article is from the GuamMultiple Listing Service (MLS)for the period January 1, 2012 through August 30, 2012.


F e a t u r e

The core purpose of theNATIONALASSOCIATIONOFREALTORS®is to help its members become more profitable and successful.

VisionThe NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® strives to be thecollective force influencing and shaping the real estate industry. It seeks tobe the leading advocate of the right to own, use, and transfer real property;the acknowledged leader in developing standards for efficient, effective, andethical real estate business practices; and valued by highly skilled realestate professionals and viewed by them as crucial to their success.

Working on behalf of America's property owners, the NATIONAL

ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® provides a facility for professionaldevelopment, research and exchange of information among itsmembers and to the public and government for the purpose of preservingthe free enterprise system, and the right to own, use, and transfer realproperty.

HistoryTheNATIONALASSOCIATIONOFREALTORS®was founded as theNational Association of Real Estate Exchanges onMay 12, 1908 inChicago.With 120 founding members, 19 Boards, and one stateassociation, the National Association of Real EstateExchanges' objective was "to unite the real estate men of America for the

The Right Agent


Have you everwondered about the difference betweena Realtor and a real estate agent? Aside from having acapitalized title, Realtors adhere to a very strict codeof ethics and have to pass several licensure tests to earnthe Realtor title. Here is a tidbit from the NationalAssociation of Realtors to give you some background.

Press Release

Identifying a REALTOR® from a real estate agent.


F e a t u r e


purpose of effectively exerting a combinedinfluence upon matters affecting real estateinterests."

The Association's founding boards included theBaltimore; Bellingham, Wash.; Chicago;Cincinnati; Cleveland; Detroit; Duluth, Minn.;Gary, Ind.; Kansas City, Mo.; Los Angeles;Milwaukee; Minneapolis; Omaha, Neb.;Philadelphia; St. Louis; St. Paul, Minn.; Seattle;SiouxCity, Iowa; andTacoma,Wash., boards andthe California State Realty Federation (now theCalifornia Association of REALTORS®).

The Code of Ethics was adopted in 1913 withthe Golden Rule as its theme.

In 1916, the National Association of Real EstateExchange Association of Real Estate Boards(NAREB). That same year, the term“REALTOR,” identifying real estateprofessionals who are members of theNational Association and subscribers to its strictCode of Ethics, was devised by Charles N.Chadbourn, a past president of the MinneapolisReal Estate Board.

The collective marks REALTORS® andREALTOR® were registered with the UnitedStates Patent and Trademark Office on Sept. 13,1949, and Jan. 10, 1950, respectively, under Reg-istration Numbers 515,200 and 519,789. Sincethen, the association has maintained a vigilantdefense of the trademarks, prevailing innumerous cases.Most recently, in Zimmerman v.NAR (2004), the Trademark Trial and AppealBoard denied a request to cancel the trademarks.

In 1972, the name of theNational Association ofReal Estate Boards was changed to the NationalAssociation of REALTORS® (NAR). The block"R" logo was adopted by the Association in 1973.

The Association became the largest tradeassociation in the United States in the early1970s, with over 400,000 members. Today, theNational Association of REALTORS® has over1.2 million members, 54 State Associations(including Guam, Puerto Rico, and the VirginIslands) andmore than 1,400 local Associations.


O n T h e C o v e r

Yigo Home With a Harvest of Features!

The subtle touches insidemakes this home different from the rest. Vaulted ceilings heighten the feeling of space.Neutral col-ored ceramic tiled flooring complements any interior decor. Maple wood kitchen cabinets for the gourmet cook. The tran-sition from living room to dining and kitchen is highlighted by the arched and lighted opening - architectural flair!Quarteracre lot on the corner with plenty of room for the kids to play or for future expansion of the home And much more....!ONCE YOU SEE IT YOU'LLWANTTOOWN IT! Call for showing. Owner offers Buyer incentives. Ask for details.

1 0 C a s a G u a m S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 2

Charm And Sunshine Await You In This Eye Catching Home!


C a s a G u a m . c o m 1 3


JJanet Gerber Calvo delved into the realty industry from the encouragement

of her eldest son, E.J. “With the support of my husband and children, it

was inevitable that I would succeed, “ she shared. Her son E.J. was also

instrumental in introducing her to Anthony Godwin, her principal broker

for almost twelve years.

Since she has started as a realtor, Calvo has enjoyed the journey. “I love

working with the people at Today's Realty. It is a genuine pleasure getting up

every morning and going to work. [Being a realtor] has been a culmination

ofmeeting somany people thatmakesmy job somemorable. Initially clients,

I now consider many of themmy friends.”

When asked about the major challenges she’s faced in the industry, Calvo

names time management as the principal challenge. “I put in long days at

work but always make time for my family. All my children are grown,

married, and have children of their own. It is still very important to spend

quality time with my husband, John, (35 years of marriage) and my darling

grandchildren. With that said, between showings, listing properties and up

keeping my MLS account, it is a challenge to keep up with the ever

changing real estate landscape on the island. It's important to be a well-

informed realtor.” Asmuch as she finds real estate exciting, Calvo has found

that it requires a tremendous amount of hard work. Calvo plans to continue

in real estate for a long time. “Whether it is finding a home for a family,

situating a business in a perfect location or assisting in the sale of property,

I always look forward to the task at hand.”

When she has free time, Calvo enjoys running. In fact, she juggles a 5 A.M.

run most mornings before she starts her workday. She also just completed

her nineteenthmarathon (amarathon is a 26.2mile run). She travels around

the world running these races--San Francisco, NewYork,Washington, D.C.

to name a few. It is this particular hobby that has brought her to her motto

for work: "Running the extra mile for you!"


P r o f i l e

Casa is a first class Magazine that affords the island withdown to earth (no pun intended) Real Estate information andinsight on Guam's beautiful homes and properties.

“

“

Running theExtra Mile for You!

Janet Gerber CalvoREALTOR®

Company: Today’s Realty

Husband: John T. Calvo

Children: E.J., John Paul, and Francesca

Motto: “What goes around, comes around”

By Deniece Menez


Quick ClosetFixes on a Budget


Have you avoided organizing your closet because itjust seems like a lot of work that will cost toomuchmoney to do it right? Well, there are ways to get

your closet organized that will cost you next to nothing. Youjust have to get creative. We love working with closetorganizers that give us great ideas on how to budget for aclosetmake-over.

Closet organizing professional have to workwithin a budgetand it’s not always a lot. Good ones will come up withsomething amazing despite your budget, by giving you tipson how to get organized and stay that way without spendingmuchmoney. If you do have a budget, youmay be better offchoosing one or two major things and getting creative withthe rest, instead of investing in an entire closet system.

Investing in a pricey closet system doesn’t always solve a lotof problems. It usually gives you a few more shelves andmakes everything look nice, but it doesn’t necessarily giveyou a lot more space. In fact, having a bunch of shelves cansometimes take away the space that you did have by forcingyou to separate things into tiny amounts. This can backfireby making you spread things out instead of truly gettingthem arranged more effectively.

My favorite method is to figure out what kind of space youneed for each thing that you want to keep in your closet.Measure how much space you’ll need for t-shirts. Do theytake up more space folded than they do hung? How muchspace do you need for socks? Some people need one littleneat drawer while others might need a bigger bin. Personal-izing everything about your closet is the key to really gettingit organized in a way that will work with you and yourhabits.

After you get rid of what you don’t need and banish certainthings from the closet, you still might be tight on space. Ifthis is the case, you can make a few adjustments. Shelves areinexpensive. You can install a few shelves and use them toget sweaters, jeans, shorts, and other bulky items off the

hanging bar. Do you have toomany suits and heavy coats inthere taking up too much space? Consider moving them toanother room or using a rolling garment rack.

When you’re down to what you really need in your closetfor daily use, think about investing a little into some higherquality hangers. Some hanger fit flat together, which savesyou a lot more space than you might have imagines.Cascading clothes hangers, specialty hangers, and hangersthat adjust to your needs can help you to arrange yourclothing in a way that works best for you. It doesn’t take alot of money, but it might take a little trial and error.Whenyou notice something not working, make an adjustment.Over time, you’ll figure our the best way to organize yourpersonal closet.

H o w T o D . I . Y .

About the AuthorJo Granville is on the staff of Only Hangers, a leading online resource for wood hangers, coat hangersand all types of clothes hangers which is recognized for the excellent quality and value of its woodhanger and coat hanger offerings. For more information, please visit http://www.onlyhangers.comArticle Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/diy-articles/quick-closet-fixes-on-a-budget-5907585.html

By Jo Granville



In1934,U.S.Congress created the FederalHousingAdministration (FHA) tohelp stimulate the housing market and allow low- and moderate- incomeconsumersbecomehomeowners. Toclarify, FHAisnot a lender anddoesnot

give loans.While thebankgrants the loan, the loan is insuredandguaranteedby theFederal government. To put it simply, the FHAprogrampromises the lender thatFHA will pay them back if borrowers stop paying their mortgages. The FHAguarantee, therefore, reduces the risk to lenders, whichmakes lendersmorewillingto issue mortgage loans. Below is a quick overview of features and benefits of theprogram.

To qualify for an FHA loan, borrowers must occupy the property and cannotpurchase homes for investment purposes. Another requirement is that borrowersmust be a U.S. citizen or resident alien; however, specific guidelines exist fornon-resident aliens. The program is geared to help low- and moderate-incomeborrowers by lowering the down payment requirements to as low as 3.5%. Withconventional loanprograms, the typical downpayment is 20%. FHAcanalsohelpborrowers with less than perfect credit history as the FHA credit score require-ments can be lower than conventional loan programs. If borrowers had previouslyfiled for bankruptcy, FHA has been able to help individuals 2 to 3 years after abankruptcydischarge, as long as borrowers are able toprovideproof that theyhavebeenmaintaining good credit since the discharge.

There areno income limitswithFHA;however, theprogramdoes limithowmucha person can borrow. The FHAmax loan limit for Guam, which is considered ahigh-cost area is $625,500. The FHA program also allows higher debt-to-income (DTI) ratios. Housing expense should not exceed 31% of the borrower’stotal income and complete monthly expense can be up to 43%. Conventionalprograms typically range from28-41%DTI, respectively.

Please be aware that the FHA program is not for everyone, as there is a cost forhaving a lower down payment. The offset of having a low down payment will bethe requirement of Mortgage Insurance Premiums. The current FHA structurerequires an up-frontmortgage insurance premium (UFMIP) of 1%,which can beadded to the loan request and can help minimize the out of pocket expense fromthe borrower.

FHA loans also have an annual mortgage insurance premium (MIP), which iscollectedwith yourmortgage installment payments. ThemonthlyMIP requiredis dependent onLoan toValue (LTV) and the term length of the loan. Beginning04/18/11, the annualMIP for loans greater than15years,would range from1.10%to 1.15%depending on the LTV. For FHA loanswith a term less than or equal to15 years, theMIPwould range from .25% - .50%depending on the LTV.

MIP terminates based on the loan term and LTV, as well. For loans over 15 years,MIPhas tobepaid for at least 5 years, before theMIPcanbe terminated. For loansless than 15 years, MIP will be terminated once the LTV is at 78% irrespective ofthe length of time the borrower has paid theMIP.

So thebasic rule of thumb forbuyers is, if theyhave a limited amountof savings fordown payment, FHA may be an option to allow homebuyers the ability topurchase a home sooner. If borrowers can afford 20% down, then a conventionalloan may be preferred to avoid additional mortgage insurance premiums. If youhave furtherquestions about theFHAprogramyoucanvisit the followingwebsitehttp://www.hud.gov/buying/loans.cfm or visit your FHA authorized lender.

Federal HousingAdministration

H o m e F i n a n c e

By Calvin Hernandez



Graffiti Removalis a popularDIY type of service thatmanyhome, property and business owners often decide toattempt themselves.

There are some definite risks when not engaging a professionalgraffiti removal service company or contractor which this articlewill address, giving you the knowledge required to remove yourown graffiti. If you are unprepared, the task at hand can easily turninto a bigger problem that you startedwith, plus costmore in timeand money. The issue of most concern is the potential to causedamage to your property, damage that could be long lastingwithout expensive replacement costs.

Before you begin, let me point out a step by step the basicrun-down of removing graffiti from the viewpoint of someonewho has close to 15 years experience in the industry.

1. Identify the substrate that the graffiti is present on.This willchange the way the job proceeds totally. It will determine ifpressure washing is required or not, plus determine the correctgraffiti removal product to use.

2. Identify the type of graffiti. They type of paint used couldpresent a factor. Identify what it is example: spray paint, marker,felt pen, regular pen. You will need to match a suitable productthat is both compatible with the substrate and the graffiti type.

The Paint OutMethod

By far the easiest and most cost effective way to remove graffiti isto simply paint it out. It is also safer because you are not dealingwith potentially toxic paint or graffiti removers. If you can justpaint over the graffiti, then you should color match it and paintover it. I have painted right many instances of graffiti, including:garage roller doors, metal fences and gates, electrical power boxes,painted walls, garbage bins, signs, posts and many other paintedsurfaces

The Chemical Method

If you are not able to colormatch the surface you are workingwithor if the removal is from glass, metal, a sign, then perhaps achemical removal process is your best option. This could start outfrom simple paint thinners which would work well on glass alongwith a razor blade, up to harsher and stronger solvents which will

require the use of personal protective clothing and equipment.Ensure the product that you do choose is both suitable for thegraffiti material type and most important suitable for thebuildingmaterial you are removing from. Thewrong productmaycause damage and leave an aesthetically unpleasing result. Forsmall tasks such as removing a spray painted graffiti or permanentmarkers from poles or posts, use a small amount of chemical witha cloth or brush. Handy style wipes are also available forparticular jobs like these.

PressureWashingMethod

For masonry such as bricks, concrete, cement and somestonework, pressure washing equipment will be required. Inmostscenarios, this method will require the correct graffiti removalchemical to be utilized in conjunction with the pressurized watercleaning.

Grafitti Removal 101H o w T o D . I . Y .

By Cullen Adams

About the Author

Article Source:

http://www.articlebase.com/diy-articles/graffiti-removal-101-5876108.html



The 6 P’s ofReal Estate Marketing

Oneofmy past clients askedme how he should handle hisclients in a toughmarket.He gaveme a little backgroundinformation on what he was currently doing and I

suggested to him the "6 P's" of Real Estate Marketing. I stronglysuggest applying the 6 P's to all real estate agents in any economyand in any market. Marketing in a way that is different from yourcompetitors is the main factor in obtaining sales. I can't tell youhow many real estate agents came to me after they lost a sale toanother salesperson that does exactly the same marketing as theydo. If you keep doing the same marketing techniques over andover again you're going to get the same results. So what are the 6P's of Real Estate Marketing?

1. Positive Attitude- Make sure the sellers know how enthusedyou are about selling their home. Enthusiasm is contagious andthey will bemore inclined to accept your recommendations if youexuberate a positive attitude. It is important to remember thatalmost every person is attracted to people who emanate confi-dence, optimism, and sincerity. This will play a major part in at-tracting new business relationships.

2. Promotion- There are various ways to promote listings andincrease real estate sales. Most likely you will be marketing topeople in your sphere of influence (SOI). Your sphere ofinfluence includes, but is not limited to, current and past clients,organizations, other agents, brokers and network groups, theMLS, etc. Another effective promotional tool is using aPre-Listing Package, which is discussed later in this article.

3. Perfection- As a real estate professional, you should strive forperfection in all aspects of the home buying and selling process.We all know that nothing is "perfect", but we should do our verybest tomake sure that the client receives quality and unparalleledservice. This is a goal you should always strive for. Holdingyourself to high standards and possessing integrity canmake a bigdifference.

4. Preparation- Provide all your sellers with information on howto prepare their home, common seller mistakes, and the homeselling process. By doing so you are being proactive while savingtime on the many questions your client will ask in regard to theprocesses. This aspect of real estatemarketing could also fall undercommunication and feedback.

5. Pricing- Explain to the client where your listing price sits incomparison to other similar properties. You want to give allsellers a comparative market analysis so that they will have thefacts as to why you came up with the figure you have. If you arenot providing clients with one you need to do so. TheComparative Market Analysis (CMA) compares a property toother similar homes in the neighborhood that are currently onthe market or sold in the last six months. This will allow you todetermine the best listing price for their home.

6. Pre-Listing Package - A Pre-Listing Package is the mostpowerful impression you canmake on a seller. This is a package ofinformation letting the client know about you and your company.It also explains to themhow you are best qualified for all their realestate needs. The Pre-Listing Package is a great tool used to getclients excited about you and your company before the firstappointment. Youwill not only differentiate yourself, but youwillobtain more listings, income and referrals. By personalizing yourpackage tomeet your seller's needs, you are exuding professional-ism and showing them that you truly care.

Approach all of your real estate endeavors with the 6 P's of RealEstate Marketing and watch your business grow exponentially.Good luck and much success!!

By KevinWright

F r o m t h e E x p e r t s

About the AuthorKevin Wright is a real estate marketer, business coach and mentor. He has assisted many realestate agents build a profitable business in a short period of time by using a proven system. Thisrevolutionary system can be found at http://prelistpackage.comArticle Source: http://www.articlecity.com/articles/marketing/article_4923.shtml



Guttered Done!

Iwas inspired by the recent weather as I gazed upon the rainand noticed howmuchwater accumulates around our homes.I noticed some homes had built-in rain water drainage

systems and some didn’t. The homes without the drainagesystem had water flowing off the rooftops unto their front andback doors, patios, windows and water was - well, everywhere!

If you have a drainage system that catches or guides the flow ofthe downpour - then good for you. You are able to skirt past soggyshoes and water damage issues that are associated with our rainyseason, such as flooding of your lawn, window sill water leaks andmy favorite, warping of the front/back doors.

For homeowners who DO NOT have a system built into theirhome, there is a solution that is available to you – GUTTERS.

Gutters and downpipes

Gutters are the first line of defense against rain, catching the wateras it runs off your roof and funneling it into downpipes. Anaverage house should have gutters wide enough to be able tohandle a heavy downpour. Houses with a larger/wider roof thanaveragemay need bigger gutters to deal with the increased amountof water. Your gutters feed the rainwater into the downpipes.When choosing guttering you will find that PVC is the cheapestoption, cast iron and cast aluminum is a mid range option, andformed aluminum the most expensive option.

Being able to control the flow of your water is a big help duringrainy season or if a storm decides to pay us a visit. One canharvest the rain and can reuse the water for watering plants,washing cars or other household uses. This is most useful duringGuam’s most infamous typhoon season when sometimes powerand water outages occur.

I remember when we had a slew of typhoons pass our way manyyears ago, my family was able to catch the rainwater from thedownspouts that came off our flat roof. Thank goodness myparents incorporated the downspouts into the house plans (myparents’ home is over 30 years old). Whenever there was a stormand the utilities were out, we always had a few large trash bins ofrainwater whichmompulled from thenwould add a few drops ofbleach so we can wash dishes, or boil a large pot full of the waterso we can have some hot water for bathing, as well as have anample supply for flushing the latrine.

If you are looking to install your own gutters as a DIY project -CONGRATULATIONS! I spoke to one of the larger homeimprovement stores in Guam, and one staff member explainedthat the installation of the gutters and downspouts were easy andtheir store will assist you in the “how to’’ of the project. It mustbe very easy as he reported that there have been many “weekendwarriors” coming in and asking for assistance oninstalling gutters. Hmmm, must be the weather.

If you already have gutters, check them regularly and make surethat water is not leaking over the edge, as this could be a sign of apossible blockage. Blockages are particularly a problem if youhave trees overhanging the house. If you think you have ablockage, get your ladders out as soon as possible and clear it toavoid seeing an ugly damp patch appear in your home. Waterdamage to your roof is another subject altogether which I cancover in a future article. Until then, gutter done!

By Arlene Taitague Taitingfong

C u r b A p p e a l



W h o Y a G o n n a C a l l ?



C l a s s i f i e d s

Commercial Rentals

Dededo

106 East Sta. Barbara, Dededo 4bed/1 ba

corner house, fenced, and gated. Cen-

trally located close to church, school and

malls. Asking $1,200/month. Call MYRNA

@ 488-0144

Ordot-Chalan Pago

Commercial space for rent. Approx 2155

sq ft. Ideal for laundromat, bakeshop,

video store or retail business. Asking

$2,500/mo. Please call ANGIE @ 727-2228

Commercial space for rent. Approx 850

sq ft., video store or retail business. Asking

$850/mo. Please call ANGIE @ 727-2228

Tumon

Fountain Plaza for Rent: Finally prime

commercial space in the much desired

Fountain Plaza. Own your very own busi-

ness amongst the likes of many long time

established busibesses already patroning

this plaza. Where can you go wrong, San

Vitores road frontage with ample space,

there are no lossers and YOU are the win-

ner. Asking $2,700/mo. Please call

DANIEL @ 687-5422

Residential Rentals

Agat

3 bedroom / 2 ba house, close to

schools, stores, beach and church. Ask-

ing $1250.00. Call 649-8265 or 888-7447

Asan

Asan Beach House Newly Renovated,

Fresh paint and ceramic tiles. Asking:

$2,200.00/mo. Call FRANK @ 479-4663

Asan 3bd./2ba. Ocean Views Newly Ren-

ovated - All ceramic tiles. New a/c's. Ask-

ing: $1,900.00/mo. Call FRANK @

479-4663

Barrigada

2b/1b, near Subway with water $830/mo.Please call 637-7165 / 688-0887 / 689-3333

Dededo

Moving Soon? Nice 4 bedroom, 2 bath,gated carport, porch in front, A/C, greatlocation, near Marine Corps Dr. Feel at

home, Call 637-0222 today!

Houses – 4bd/3ba, 2 car garage,appliances, central a/c, secured entry,

gated community & 3bd Ypaopao Estateshome, carport, renovated, $1300/mo

482-6252/777-3728MLS 12-2432

Houses - 3bd/2ba, carport, a/c,appliances, $1300/mo &

Paradise Estates home 3bd/2ba, 2 cargarage, appliances, central a/c, secured

entry, gated comm,482-6252/777-3728 MLS 12-1255

3Bd/2Bd/1Bd located nearschools/church/store and front of parkSemi-Furn. Sec.8 & Military OK. Pls. leave

message at 727-6456

Great spacious house located near Para-dise Estates. 5bd/3bth. Section 8 okay

with full security deposit. Call 646-9870/1

Dededo Villa Rosario - Spacious3BR/2BA W/D, Pool, Security, Mailbox

$1,650.00

3Bd/2Bd/1Bd located nearschools/church/store and front of parkSemi-Furn. Sec.8 & Military OK. Pls. leave

message at 632-1200

Mangilao

Nice house on a cul-de-sac street in LatteHts. 4 bedrooms, 2 baths with all ceramictiles and split a/c units per room. Newerkitchen counters and appliances. Fencedback yard. Has always been leased to mil-itary personnel for their tour on Guam.Asking $2,100 / month. Call DEANNA @

688-2855

Tamuning

Beverly Palms: 3bd/2ba, 2 story condounit, w/pool, semi-furnished, appliances,high ceilings, & nice open floor plan

BUY SELL or RENTwww.GUAMLISTINGS.com

482-6252/777-3728 MLS 12-2250

Condo units - 3bd/1ba, renovated,$1100/mo & 3bd/2ba excellent cond.

$1700/mo BUY SELL or RENTwww.GUAMLISTINGS.com

482-6252/777-3728MLS 12-509 & 12-523

Popular Pia Marine 2 bedroom 2 bathunits available for Month to Month

Rentals. Utilities/Furnitures included withcleaning services. $2400.00.

Call Nick @ 689-2939.

Tecio Tumon Villa: Nice two bedroom twobath condo located in Tumon. Condo isjust a walking distance to the beach,

stores, restaurants and nightlife. Asking$2,100/month. Call VIC @483-7518

Tumon 2bd / 2 ba + Den. excellent condi-tion. Asking $1200. Please call 637-7165

/ 688-0887 / 689-3333 / 477-7042

Tumon Penthouse for Lease: A Rare Pent-house, Oceanview unit is now available.This large 2 bedroom 2.5 bath Condowas upgraded and is in like new condi-tion. Security, Full Back-up Generator,

Pool, 2 parking all go along with your de-sire for the ''good life'' while on Guam.Water included. You CAN have thedream. Asking $3,800/month. CallDEANNA @ 688-2855 MLS 10-744

San Vitores Terrace Condo: 3bd/2ba, 3rdfloor unit with oceanview, upgraded unitwith new carpets, pool, security and basiccable TV. $1800. Call Coral Sea Realty

649-6088

Yigo

Perez Acres: 4 bedroom, 2 bath with pool& playground. Corner unit. Asking

$1,900/month. Call SANDY @ 687-6006

Perez Acres: 3 bedroom / 1.5 ba town-house with extra room great for familyroom or office, gated and secured com-munity, pool, mail delivery. Asking $1900 .

Call CORAL SEA REALTY 649-6088

Residential Sales

Barrigada

Barrigada Large 4BR/2Ba 1800sqft.House Only 243,000

637-7165 / 688-0887 / 689-7900

3BD 2BA home with a spacious livingroom, wood laminated floors, landscapedgarden, and more! Asking only $255K

Call MAJUNI @ 689-2583

Dededo

For Sale By OwnerSummer Palace Estates

Located close to Cost-U-Less in Harmon4Bd/2.5Ba 2100 Sq. Ft. Home located ina secured gated community with swim-ming pool, tennis court, and playground.New granite countertop and tile floorthroughout with typhoon shutters.$440,000.00 Please call 777-0951

3bd/2ba townhouse, 2 story, central a/c,typhoon shutters, excellent cond.

$195K BUY SELL or RENTwww.GUAMLISTINGS.com

482-6252/777-3728 MLS 11-4372

Houses - 3bd/1.5ba, carport, renovated,appliances, & a/c Asking $195K &3bd/2ba, huge yard, Asking $179K

BUY SELL or RENTwww.GUAMLISTINGS.com

482-6252/777-3728 MLS 12-2579

Paradise Estate Home - 3bd/2ba,2 car garage, appliances, central a/c,typhoon shutters, secured entry,

gated community, Asking $274,900482-6252/777-3728 MLS 12-2026

Inarajan

2 bedroom / 2 bath on a living area of800 sf and 5,526 ± sm lot. Fixer upper

home on a beautiful beach front property,over an acre in size. There is already

Power&Water if you would like to rebuild.Asking for $628,054.

Call DEANNA @ 688-2855

Mangilao

Latte Heights House with 3 br / 2 ba, ideallocation w/ carport, fully fenced, gated,spacious yard w/ patio. Asking $200K.

Please call ANGIE @ 727-2228

Mongmong-Toto-Maite

Exceptional 3bd and 3.5 ba home Enjoythe view, separate refrigeration and stovefor the person who enjoys cooking, thepool and the great central location.Asking $630k Call JUDY @482-7775



Ordot-Chalan Pago

Quiet, Private, and centrally located 4bedroom 3 bath house on a 1/2 acre lot.this would be great if you enjoy your pri-vacy and appreciate being close to shop-ping malls, grocery stores, and schools.

Asking $315,000. Call JOYLYN @488-5069 for a showing. MLS 10-2077.

Apusento Gardens Condo : Great pricewith seller financing. Just like you pay

monthly rental, without bank fees. Down-payment is required. Asking $105k. Call

JAMES @482-0498

Talofofo

Fairly new 3BD 2BA home equipped withsecurity, 2 car garage, covered backpatio, and more. Priced at only $283K.

Call MAJUNI @ 689-2583.

Tamuning

Condo units - 3bd/1ba, renovated, $125K& Agana Beach Condo, 3bd/3ba,

beachfront, bank foreclosed, appliances,split a/c units, $500K482-6252/777-3728

MLS 12-1565 & 12-1621

Private and secluded Tamuning 3bed/1bahouse with partial ocean and city view. Re-cently painted and upgraded with ceramictiles, french windows and accordion ty-phoon shutters. Fenced and gated, andcomes with 4 split A/Cs'. Asking only for

$229K. Call MYRNA @ 488-0144

TAMUNING Executive 2 Storey Spa-cious House for Sale by Owner. Great lo-cation beside Cost-U-Less Tamuning andGPO. Great lifestyle and community envi-ronment with 5 bd/3ba corner lot; nicesized bd on 1st and 2nd flr; luxuriousmaster suite w/ jacuzzi spa tub; qualitygranite staircases; hardwood railings;crown molding all over the house

with open spacious kitchen and stainlesssteel appliances. Please call owner/lv

msg at 727-6456.

Tumon

Nice 2 and 3 bedroom condo withpanoramic ocean view and city view andwaliking distance from the shops andhotels. Please call George 483-9111

Century 21 CR.

Yona

Winward Hill Estates: Lovely 4 bedrooms /2.5 ba with beautifully upgraded kitchenand bathrooms, nicely appointed living &dining spaces & bedrooms. Large, wellmaintained yard with lots of gorgeousplants, flowers, trees and a cozy veran-

dah & spacious tool shop in the middle ofit all! Come see this beauty in Yona. Ask-ing $289,000. Call MARILOU @ 988-5600

Newly renovated 4BR 2BA house with ahuge covered patio on a 2,233sm lot. Call

VIC today @ 483-7518

Baza Gardens - $169,000 - Best Deal! 3BR 2BA corner lot home in great condi-tion - call for details...Asking $169,000.

Call LIZ @ 687-0911

Land For Sale

Chalan Pago

Chalan Pago LAND FOR SALE Wow!What a view you have to take a look atthis large lot. Come see and fall in love!

Only $210K. Call Century 21Commonwealth Realty @ 649-2121.

Dededo

Dededo Land 18585± Very Nice $85,000637-7165 / 688-0887 / 689-7900.

Dededo Lot with a fabulous viewoverlooking the city. Great potential for

future development. $400K.Call HANA @ 777-3660

Merizo

Enjoy the view when you build on close to1 acre of property located on Guam'scountryside fronting Route 4. Great size

and great potential. Only $60K.Call JOYLYN @ 488-5069

Piti

Turner Rd. - Channel 10 - (Nimitz Hill) Piti.151,508 sq. meters of unobstructed

ocean views Asking: $2,300,000.00 CallFRANK @ 479-4663

Tamuning

R-2 Lot Call 646-7137

C l a s s i f i e d s


W“What Matters Most” reminds homeowners, buyers andsellers alike that homeownership remains the foundation ofthe American Dream.

OnOctober 27, 2012, join yourGuamREALTORS® at theMicronesia Mall center court from 10am to 5pm for a one-day opportunity to learn more about the A to Z of homebuying. Hear it directly from the experts on the practicalmatters that you need to know. Most importantly, yourGuam REALTORS® are available for you on site to get youstarted in becoming a homeowner.

EVENT: Guam Association of REALTORS® WorkforceHousing Opportunity and Expo

DATE: October 27, 2012 (Saturday)

VENUE: Micronesia Mall (center court)

TIME: 10am to 5pm

For more details, please call the Guam Association ofREALTORS® office at 477-4271 or 479-4271.REALTORS® remain committed to keeping the dream ofhomeownership alive for generations of Americans to come.Ask if your agent is a REALTOR®.

The Guam Association of REALTORS® .....your “voice forreal estate.” Visit our websites at www.guamrealtors.comand www.guamhousingprograms.com


C l o s i n g

Home Ownership Matters

Message from theExecutive Officer

By Peggy Araullo Llagas

For More Information Contact:

Peggy Araullo Llagas, Executive OfficerGuam Association of REALTORS®

Suite 236A Julale Center424 West O'Brien Drive, Hagatna, Guam 96910Tel: (671) 477-4271 • Fax: (671) 477-4275

Mobile: (671) 689-4271 • www.guamrealtors.com


Tamuning $240K3Br/2Ba #11-4145


Tumon $215K1Br/1Ba #12-704

Tumon $255K2Br/2Ba #12-917

Tamuning $214,3003Br/2Ba #12-2547

Mangilao $89K2Br/1Ba #12-3209

Tamuning $360K4Br/2.5Ba #12-3044

Yigo $215K3Br/2Ba #12-3202

Barrigada $375K3Br/3Ba #12-2245

Dededo $238K5Br/3Ba #11-2805



Homes&Condos

We speakRussian, Farsi, Chinese, Korean,Japanese, Filipino, and Chamorro

facebook.com/Century21CommonwealthRealty

RENTALSFlora Pago, Ordot-Chln Pago - 3Br/2.5Ba - $2,200 - #12-3220

Chln Piao TutukaSt., Ordot-Chln Pago - 3Br/3Ba - $2,450 - #12-3308

Chln Inda St., Ordot-Chln Pago - 3Br/2.5Ba - $2,500 - #12-3339

Pomika Apts., Tamuning - 1Br/1Ba - $700 - #12-3304

Pomika Apts., Tamuning - 2Br/2Ba - $1,000 - #12-3305

Pomika Apts., Tamuning - 2Br/2Ba - $1,000 - #12-3306

Tumon Heights Ct., Tamuning - 3Br/2Ba - $1,400 - #12-2993

Tumon Heights Ct., Tamuning - 3Br/2Ba - $2,000 - #12-3302

Royal Gardens, Tamuning - 3Br/2.5Ba - $2,200 - #12-3063

Oka Tower, Tamuning - 3Br/2Ba - $2,400 - #12-2992

Mansanita Lane, Tamuning - 3Br/2.5Ba - $4,200 - #12-3170

Mansanita Lane, Tamuning - 3Br/2.5Ba - $4,200 - #12-3265

Villa Gi Papa Ladera, Tumon - 3Br/2Ba - $1,200 - #12-3160

Chln Binadu, Yona - 4Br/2Ba - $2,200 - #12-3225

Vince Crisostomo St., Barrigada - 3Br/3Ba - $2,500 - #12-2246

Golondrina Ave., Barrigada - 4Br/2Ba - $4,500 - #11-4224

Kalamaso, Dededo - 2Br/2Ba - $1,700 - #12-2417

S. Fakpe Ct., Yigo - 4Br/2Ba - $1,918 - #10-2726

Las Palmas, Dededo - 3Br/3Ba - $1,700 - #12-2343

Untalan-Torres Ct., MongMong-Toto-Maite - 3Br/3Ba$2,200 - #12-2858

Munessa Lujan, Ordot-Chln Pago - 4Br/3Ba - $2,450 - #12-995

Alupang Cove, Tamuning - 2Br/2Ba - $2,100 - #12-957

Pia Resort, Tumon - 2Br/2Ba - $1,800 - #12-925

Perez Acres, Yigo - 3Br/2Ba - $2,200 - #12-2427

Perez Acres, Yigo - 4Br/3Ba - $2,200 - #12-1354

E. Liguan Ave., Dededo - 3Br/2Ba - $2,450 - #12-1712

Tumon Holiday Manor, Tumon - 3Br/2Ba - $2,450 - #12-3362

R.K. Plaza, Tamuning - 2,400sf - $3,000 - #12-3311

W. O’Brien Dr., Hagåtña - 8,320sf - $13,728 - #10-4164-

LANDBarcinas, Inarajan - 1,346sm - $103,500 - #12-3281

Farfan St., Mangilao - 9,299sm - $469K - #12-3243

Monessa Lajan, Ordot-Chln Pago - 1,608sm - $210K - #12-3180

Padua Lane, Talofofo - 969.09sm - $55K - #12-3301

Cliff Line Rt. 4, Talofofo - 17,000sm - $935K - #12-3307

Ypao Rd., Tamuning - 4,233sm - $1.1M - #12-3315

Off Murrey Dr., Asan - 7,984sm - $650K - #09-1983

Kayen Edivides Kotes, Yigo - 1,853sm - $65K - #10-1038

Kayen Edivides Kotes, Yigo - 1,853sm - $65K - #10-1039Yigo $5M

Commercial #12-3100Tamuning $1.3M

Multi-Family #11-3824MongMong-Toto-Maite$375KMulti-Family #11-1539

Tamuning $1MCommercial #12-555

Commercial & Multi-Family

Yigo $185K3Br/1.5Ba #11-51

Yigo $245K4Br/3Ba #12-1355

Dededo $179K3Br/2.5Ba #12-2856

Yigo $208,4004Br/2Ba #12-918

Tamuning $125KStudio/1Ba #12-2945

Yigo $200K2Br/1Ba #12-2326

Yigo $225K3Br/2Ba #11-4151

Dededo $230K3Br/3Ba #12-2899

Dededo $295K4Br/3Ba #12-2737


Barrigada $455K4Br/5Ba #12-2642

Dededo $235K3Br/2.5Ba #11-3852


casaguam vol. 5 issue 9

Documents

purchase constructionprice

publisher harmless

time home buyers

accepted purchase agreement

g e f r o

coveryigo home

coverclosing costs

resident of guam