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OCTOBER 28, 2019 ISSUE | REJGUAM.COM
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Properties to love
Furnished for family The right stuff Top of the tables
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The doctor is in Making a grand entrance
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Need to know Zen in the den
t INDEX PROPERTIES TO LOVE....................................................4 THE RIGHT STUFF...........................................................6 PROBLEM PREVENTION................................................8 THE DOCTOR IS IN.........................................................12 VILLAGES........................................................................14 NEED TO KNOW.............................................................16
The neighborhood boasts plenty of green space and views of the golf resort. Photo courtesy of Today’s Realty
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PROPERTIES TO LOVE
THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL
THE SKINNY 126 ANNAKO LANE (STARTS GUAM GOLF RESORT) DEDEDO, GU 96929 $799,000 Inside • 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms • 2,617 square feet • Oak stairs • New, high-end bathroom and kitchen fixtures • Double height ceiling • Thermal window tinting Outside • Second floor balcony • Paved driveway with twocar garage • View with plenty of green space • Spacious lawn What’s cool • Located on Starts Guam Golf Resort on the 5th hole • Generator • Water softening system • Security including CCTV cameras • Access to hotel tennis court and pool How to make this your own (quickly) Contact: Sandy Yow Today’s Realty Call: 687-6006 Email: sandy@guamhome.com Contact: Duan Pahl Today’s Realty Call: 689-7777 Email: duane@guamhome.com
The high-end, open kitchen features granite countertops and sleek fixtures.
This two-story home comes with a paved driveway and two-car garage.
Photos courtesy of Today’s Realty
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PROPERTIES TO LOVE
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The open living area has plenty of natural light and windows.
The spacious master bathroom features a sizable tub and double vanity.
Photos courtesy of Today’s Realty
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THE RIGHT STUFF | AN EVERY DAY TABLETOP
THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL
Tabletop style Like a well-coordinated outfit, nicely put together table décor shows off personal style and sets the tone of a home for inhabitants and visitors alike. As a focal point in your most social spaces, the dining table and coffee table present opportunities to set the mood or theme you want
to portray in a room. Taking the time to keep these central surfaces stylized and updated doesn’t need heavy lifting. With some simple and practical things to keep in mind, anyone can add style without breaking the bank. The starting place for any table is to find ways to best reflect who
lives in the home. “Whenever clients are establishing a look and choosing table décor, I always tell them to figure out ‘what reflects you’,” advised Kathleen Thomas-Benavente, owner and event director of The Occasion. “If someone looked at it, would they see a piece of you in it?”
Decorations are a great way to give the dining or living room a personal twist. Objects on a table can tell a story about the interests or memories of the people who chose them, whether flowers from your garden, a favorite book or a bowl and knick-knacks from a vacation.
Diffusers add style and pleasant scents.
Marble makes for a nice addition to kitchen and dining room tables.
Photos by Leah Nathan
THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL
While there will always be design classics, some newer trends seem to be sticking around. “What I have been noticing in general is that there is a lot of minimalism,” Thomas-Benavente said. “People like succulents, simple green and whites, simple flowers. Very clean and elegant looking, but earthy at the same time.” To give a touch of high-end elegance and a pop of interest, a lot of designers are adding bright metals to accent the toned-down natural materials. Additionally, plants offer another opportunity to bring life into the space in an organic, fuss-free way. Tables offer a great opportunity to get festive as well. Rotating seasonal and holiday decorative elements and displays can brighten any room. Even in Guam, where seasons can feel like an abstract concept, a vase of fresh flowers for spring or gourds for fall flair in the later months can add a focal point to any tabletop. Of course, it’s fun to go all-out for big yearly holidays like Liberation Day and Christmas. Even a culinary theme or nontraditional party can offer a chance for tabletop inspiration. Keep in mind, advised Jhoanne Juco, sales supervisor for Home and Design at Macy’s, “If there is a theme, make things consistent, and try not to clutter.” “Luckily,” she continued, “many top fashion designers have home decoration lines, so you can buy pieces that coordinate very well with a creative look.” If budget is a concern, ThomasBenavente assured that even a small arrangement can create something special if done with care. “A lot of people are upcycling picture frames or using makeup trays to give it a put together look. It’s not a pull-it-off-the-shelf kind of style, it’s a way to bring in more personalized elements,” she said. To ensure success in form and function, some general guidelines are best to follow: 1. Picking key pieces of varying heights helps prevent table overwhelm. 2. Anchoring tabletop items in a tray or dish can be useful for giving structure and symmetry. 3. While lighting can really set the mood, for safety, candles should be inside of sturdy glass holders to prevent damage and burns. And especially at a dinner table, “Avoid centerpieces at eye level. When you’re talking to people, you don’t want it in your way,” Thomas-Benavente said. “It should either be low lying, or it should be at least 30 inches and very thin, so that it’s not obstructing eye lines and conversation.” p
THE RIGHT STUFF | AN EVERY DAY TABLETOP
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Mixing metal and natural elements elevates the design on a tabletop. 18-FHB-Mortgage_RealEstateJournal_Size6.875"X9".pdf
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PROBLEM PREVENTION | THE ABC’S OF C HILD PROOFING
THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL
Keeping children safe and healthy Parents will go to great lengths to keep their kids safe. Luckily, some fairly simple measures will go the distance to reduce most commonplace hazards in the home. “Mainly, I tell new parents or parents of a newly mobile child is to keep anything that cuts, burns, or poisons well out of reach,” said Emily Kaiser, a local pediatrician. Before investing in the wide array of childproofing gadgetry on the market, start by getting your items out of reach. Curtains and cords can easily become a strangulation hazard for small children and need to be tucked well away. Sometimes the risks aren’t obvious, so making a thorough list of possible dangers is worth the effort. “I had one parent tell me that she actually crawled through her house to get a feel for what kind of mischief her new crawler could get
Covering electrical outlets keeps children’s fingers out.
into,” Kaiser said. Knives, scissors and other sharp objects, as well as flammables, are best kept stowed safely for adults only. Prevent other sharpedged mishaps by pinpointing and relocating common décor that can be pulled down onto little ones, like picture frames or vases. Accidental poisoning is one of the most common hazards for children in a home. Securing cleaning supplies in child-locked cabinets or up high and out of reach is a must. “Keep over the counter and prescription drugs well out of reach with caps on securely,” reminded Kaiser, especially with elderly residents or visitors who might accidentally introduce a risk to the home through medications. Next to ingestion, accidental burns are also commonplace. “Burns can be particularly
devastating — whether it’s hot bath water, pulling boiling water or hot oil off of the edge of a burner, or touching a hot cook surface,” Kaiser said. Depending on where the burn is on the child’s body can cause severe mobility limitations. Luckily, there are plenty of options for home-safety devices to give some peace of mind. Electrical sockets, which are almost all at finger level for crawling and newly pulling-up babies, should be covered with plastic plugs, and power outlet and cord covers can be easily installed to offer protection. Complementary to keeping vigilant over children in the kitchen, installing stove knob covers is a quick deterrent for little hands. When the baby is sleeping, “Baby monitors can provide parents some freedom from constant checking,” said Louise Lippert, New Parent Support Home
Visitation Program Home Visitor at the Guam Fleet and Family Support Center of the U.S. Navy. And with plenty of opportunities for little ones to bang into the sharp corners of tables and other furniture, a little adhesive padding goes a long way. Whatever you’re looking to buy, “Stay abreast of current safety standards,” Lippert added. For example, check toys and nursery products against U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall listings. “Overall,” Kaiser said, “a lot of prevention is about discouraging a certain level of comfort from kids doing things that will put them in danger.” Teaching them from within a space catered to their safety fosters good habits for baby, and peace of mind for the whole family. p
Locking oven knobs in place will help prevent accidents.
Photos by Leah Nathan
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THE DOCTOR IS IN | MAKING AN ENTRANCE GRAND
THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL
An eye-catching front entry is bound to impress.
Photo by Leah Nathan
Dazzling doorways The front entrance is an opportunity to give visitors a good impression of your home, and what they can expect inside. Welcoming friends and family, and providing a distinct separation between the outside world and the pleasantry within, the front entrance is a chance to shine, if proper attention is paid. “I always tell customers that curb appeal is the number one thing. If someone drives up and sees a very small door or cramped landing or porch, it takes away from the look right away,” said Keith Dickson, owner of Pacific Industrial Coatings. In Guam, the “face” of the house is commonly a “bell tower” or recessed area that serves as protection from the elements and a small porch. “I like to see big landings and big porches. Something that shows you’ve invested a little money and
a little care into the place,” Dickson continued. No matter the specifics of the space, the front door plays a big role. Serving extensive utilitarian purpose, the door shouldn’t only be an unsung workhorse. “With Guam’s all-concrete houses, all of your openings are equally important, but the front door is an opportunity to combine aesthetics and function,” said Johnny Su, operations manager at The Door Store. As most of the renovations on the island are on older buildings, people are choosing to upgrade from the traditional 36-inch doorway to a wider profile when budget allows. “A good option is a door with a side light, also called a door and a half, that can be opened to bring in larger items, but also gives the entrance a better look,” Su added.
Choosing the right front entry door is about more than looks. “Right now, a lot of focus is on security,” Su said. Doors with smaller glass accents have become the norm, with consumers increasingly choosing steel, wood or solid core doors, depending on budget. Su also recommended additional security measures in the home entryway, such as a camera or a well-installed deadbolt lock, if not two. To finish and protect the look, certain preventives are a must. “The paint and treatment of an entrance is going to depend on a couple of things,” Dickson said. “What kind of exposure does it get? How close it is to the ocean? How much direct sunlight does it get?” Generally recommended for concrete is an acrylic system, which weathers well, doesn’t mold
or mildew as easily and is flexible in case of seismic activity to avoid cracks. As far as doors go, an oil finish or urethane system works best on most types. These finishes weather well, keep the colors vibrant and hold up to regular wear and tear. If you’re looking to sell a property, paying attention to the entrance is a must-do. If it’s not in the budget to do a remodel, there are plenty of ways to make sure your houses face keeps its good looks. Regular cleaning to keep dust and debris clear, washing or replacing mats, and even a good occasional power wash will go a long way. Similarly, if the front porch is the only storage area available, shoes, tools, toys, and other household items should be kept neat and organized. p
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VILL AGES | AGAT
THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL
An island treasure T h e village of Agat may have gotten its name from the first clan who came to settle in the area. It is also possible Rohr that the village name Hagat originally was derived from the CHamoru word Aga, for the Marianas Crow. Some say it is derived from the CHamoru word håga, meaning blood. Regardless of which story you tell, Agat has made its place in Guam for having a true slice of island living. “The selling feature of Agat is that it’s the only village right on the water. There is no other village with such pure coastline,” said Tim Rohr, real estate agent at Blue
Pacific Realty. “And then directly behind it are mountain views. It’s truly spectacular.” Agat lies just south of Naval Base Guam, along Route 2, curving through several seaside commercial and residential areas. Spanning the coast of some of the finest beaches on Guam, including Nimitz Beach, as well as home to several World War II parks, “It’s like a quieter, second Tumon,” Rohr said. While Agat is often viewed as the western gateway to the south, it is also the commercial heart of the region. A plethora of local businesses and restaurants have sprung up, offering services to residents and visitors alike, including the 61-room Inn on the Bay. From water adventures and fresh seafood at Agat Marina, to the older charms of the village at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, Agat offers a way of life increasingly more unique
in the hustle and bustle of Guam. It’s this “gem hidden in plain sight” nature of the village that Rohr likes to sell to his clients who may have overlooked Agat on their list of places to live. “Because of the nice wide highway connecting to the Navy Base, there’s hardly any traffic. Getting back and forth from central villages is fast and easy, so if you don’t want to live central, and want to increase buying power by a lot, this is a great village to look at. “ The mayor’s office agrees, “Our peaceful Southern village has most of our everyday needs, as well as the home of the mango festival, and shores with the most beautiful sunsets.” With natural beauty, prime location and all the amenities ready to serve the needs of the community, Agat truly is an island treasure. p
ASAN POPULATION: 4,917 SCHOOLS: 0 Public: 2 • Marcial Sablan Elementary School and Oceanview Middle School Private: 1 • Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic School
SHOPPING AND RESTAURANT HIGHLIGHTS: • Agat Commercial Point Center, Jai Fusion, Lee Garden, Thai Lemongrass, Gud Ink, Taco Shack, Bills Seaside Restaurant, Fresh Fish Market, Pops Bake Shop, New Agat Oriental Supermarket, Marina Grill, Subway
PROPERTY AVAILABILITY/ PRICE RANGE: • 12 land plots for sale, priced $42,000 to $3 million • 1 commercial property for sale, priced $749,999 • 5 commercial properties for lease, priced $1,200 to 3,400 • 17 homes for sale, priced $90,000 to $885,000 • 12 homes for rent, priced $900 to $5,000
ATTRACTIONS: • Mount Alifan, Taleyfac and Taelayag Spanish bridges, Agat Small Boat Marina, Haps Reef, Mango Festival, Nimitz Beach, Inn on the Bay, “Ga’an Point” National Park
MAYOR: Mayor Kevin J.T. Susuico
Photos by Leah Nathan
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NEED TO KNOW | ZEN IN THE DEN
THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL
Fountains add a tranquil element to any space
Photo by Leah Nathan
Bringing the zen indoors Incorporating water elements into an indoor design offers a great way to bring life, tranquility and a unique point of interest to your home or business. Whether it’s a small table-top fountain in the corner of the study or a pond that
forms a living oasis, if you’re willing to invest a little time and money, the payoff could be worth it. An aquarium is a simple way to make a big splash in any gathering place. Teaching kids responsibility, adding interest to a blank space,
and offering healthy energy to the whole home, aquariums provide many positive attributes to your space. “You can buy something that’s already set up, or we can work with you to establish what you like
within your budget,” said Bruce I. Calip, fish specialist at Feathers N’ Fins Pet Shop. If your tank is stocked properly, it only requires a relatively low-maintenance investment of monthly cleaning. continued on page 18
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NEED TO KNOW | ZEN IN THE DEN continued from page 16
PUBLISHER Maureen N. Maratita MANAGING EDITOR Steve Graff EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Morgan Legel CONTENT COORDINATOR Leah Nathan CREATIVE CONTENT MANAGER Vikki Fong DESIGN & PRODUCTION Conrad Calma Luisa Joy Castro Sean Davis MEDIA SALES MANAGER Mike Mafnas SENIOR MEDIA SALES Kevin Iwashita
Calip said even the addition of decorative fish in water are beneficial to your mental health. “Aquariums indoors are good for calming your nerves, especially for the elderly or sickly. It’s soothing for them and something to keep their minds engaged while they watch the fish,” he said. In the same vein, a fountain is a great way to bring the soul-soothing power of water into a living space. “Fountains introduce the powerful energy of water. The sound of running water creates tranquility in the home,” said Jack Chan, owner of Kwong Hwa Department Store. “These sounds are relaxing and can decrease stress.” There are number of options available for indoor fountains, from table-tops to water walls to more ornate options with light, solar and mist. Maintenance is a straightforward matter of using filtered water to prevent hardwater buildup and cleaning the pump once a month to keep the fountain trickling along nicely. Worried about where to put
THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL
your fountain? In general, the rule is that you make the rule. “It should be based on promoting positivity and a way of empowering yourself,” Chan said. “No one knows better than yourself where it is best to put the fountain.” Surrounding your space with good vibes, outdoor ponds and fountains prove that not every zen garden has to grow in the ground. A water garden adds beauty and interest to any landscape, in addition to the relaxing sounds of streams and waterfalls. Owning a pond can also benefit the environment. A simple pond can act as a natural rainwater catchment to collect water for other garden plants, creating little ecosystems for other animals, and get kids and adults alike thinking about the natural world. “Some people keep little Platy fish and Molly’s and guppies, which are more hardy than Koi, and they eat mosquito larvae,” said Calip, adding another layer of natural pest protection. Like any home addition, the sky is the limit for pond design, but the starting place is always the same.
A liner, a good filter, walls and plants will get you on your way to your own backyard oasis. Tropical conditions on Guam do require a bit of extra care, warned Calip. “With storms, you have to cover the water to prevent too much salt getting in, and if you have Koi, you’ll need to make sure the water stays cool enough for them,” he said. Building in the shade and investing in a cooling filter, if necessary, should do the trick. Ponds also tend to grow algae quickly in the tropics, and if it overwhelms a pond, you’ll have to start over. To prevent the risk of heartbreak-by-algae, a good UV sterilizer attached to the filter can make a big difference. “Once you get it going,” Calip said, “a good filtration system will keep maintenance and labor costs down in the long run.” If you’re looking for less of a battle with the elements, but still enjoy the benefits of a water garden, the same concept brought indoors can provide a more controlled but equally satisfying feature that is sure to wow guests. p
ADMINISTRATION Janice Castro Chelsae Lizama DIRECTOR Ken Duenas MANAGING DIRECTOR Marcos W. Fong
The Real Estate Journal — October 28, 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. Send e-mail to glimpses@glimpsesofaguam.com. All rights reserved. Subscriptions: 6 months $60; 1 year $120. Payment must accompany order. No material may be printed in part or in whole without written permission from the publisher. Printed by Guam Daily Post LLC, on Guam. In the Northern Mariana Islands, contact Marianas Business Journal at Glimpses of Saipan Inc., 2nd Floor Transpac Business Center, Middle Road, Gualo Rai, Saipan, MP 96950, or call (670) 235-7645; Fax (670) 234-1801. Send e-mail to subscriptions@glimpsesofguam.com.
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.
An outdoor waterscape can promote positivity and empowerment
Glimpses of Guam Inc. Mission Statement: To connect people with information. Photo by Leah Nathan
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Yona Land | $399,999
Yigo Home | $350,000
Starts Golf Course Home | $799,000
Oka Tower Condo | $2,450/mo
Las Palmas Ph. III | $350,000
Yigo Home | $4,400/mo
Barrigada Heights Home | $2,450/mo
LeoPalace Golf Villa | $2,205/mo
Commercial Building | $1,700,000
Tumon Heights Villa | $395,000
Sinajana Home | $335,000
•Executive 4bd/3.5ba home •Serene golf course views •High-end finishes •Tall & spacious •Tons of features! ID: 193514
•Beautiful 4bd/3.5ba home •2,500+/-sf •Well maintained •Huge fenced & gated yard •Enclosed garage •Near AAFB ID: 193644
•10,800+/-sf building •Marine Corps Dr frontage •Across Asan Beach! •2,782+/-sm lot •Tons of features •Asan ID: 193809
•Huge price reduction! •2-Plus acres •Route 4 frontage •Lots of potential for investors/developers ID: 191289
•3bd/2ba •1st floor unit •Easy access to all amenities •Secured entry, pool, playground, gym, manned lobby ID: 193221
•3bd/2ba •2 stories •Spectacular ocean & sunset views •Very central & popular location •1,713+/-sf of space ID: 193077
•4bd/2.5ba •2,100+/-sf •2 stories •Updated kitchen & baths •No common area fee •Great investment! ID: 193824
•3bd/2ba •Upgraded kitchen •Modern theme •Fully fenced & gated •Very close to AAFB ID: 193775
•3bd/2.5ba •3 story unit •1,920+/-sf of living space •Great amenities •Very rare •See it now or see it sold! ID: 193936
•2bd/2ba •Amenities include golf course, pools, gym, dining, bowling alley, mini mart & more! ID: 192495
•3bd/3.5ba •Well designed •Large balcony •Mountain views •Solar water heater •Popular location •See it today! ID: 193693
WE CAN HELP YOU BUY, SELL OR RENT! Anthony 688-8198
Julie
687-6900
Dennis
727-3815
Janet
687-1841
Michael
988-6900
Yumiko
688-7791
Duane
689-7777
W: 671.649.4361 | F: 671.646.0832 | 1700 Army Dr, Ste 101, Dededo, GU
Entire contents, including but not limited to content, design and concept Copyright ©2019 by LG&G Corporation. All rights reserved. Anthony R. Godwin • Principal Broker
Suzanne 482-6426
Sandy
687-6006