SEPTEMBER 17, 2018 ISSUE | REJGUAM.COM
PAGE 6
Properties to love
Waterfront wonder The right stuff Outside the box
PAGE 12
Home grown Faking it
PAGE 14
The Doctor is in Fenced out
t INDEX PROPERTIES TO LOVE....................................................2 THE RIGHT STUFF...........................................................6 HOME GROWN...............................................................12 THE DOCTOR IS IN.........................................................14 NEED TO KNOW.............................................................16
The units in this waterfront residence provide tenants with awe-inspiring views and firstclass amenities. Photo by Steven Graff
2
PROPERTIES TO LOVE
THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL
Floor-to-ceiling windows provide ocean views from any seat in the kitchen or living area.
The coveted center stack unit is just two floors from the top of the tower.
Photos by Steven Graff
THE SKINNY OKA TOWERS, TAMUNING TO BUY: $599,000 TO RENT: $2,600/MONTH 11TH FLOOR Inside • 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms • Newer kitchen • 1,234 square feet of living space Outside • Coveted center-stack unit, two floors from the top with 280 degree ocean view and balcony • Close to shopping districts in Tamuning and Tumon Bay • 24-hour security guard and gate What’s cool • Secured swimming pool, jacuzzi and tennis courts • Playground and covered barbeque area — perfect for gatherings • Fitness center and sun room with pool table and foosball How to make this your own (quickly) Contact: Maria E. Miller, Horizon Properties (Work) 646-7616 (Cell) 777-7792
4
PROPERTIES TO LOVE
THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL
Recently installed appliances and an open look into the living area give the kitchen a modern feel.
Tenants can watch the sunset from the balcony with a 280-degree ocean view.
Photos by Steven Graff
6
THE RIGHT STUFF | S TORAGE
THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL
Thinking outside the box
This wooden couch and love seat joined sectional from Furniture Outlet has hidden compartments in addition to drawers lining the bottom.
Photos by Steven Graff
THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL It’s a frustrating predicament: you move into a new home or apartment that lacks decent storage space and start to utter phrases like, “Where am I going to put these?” Wardrobes are useful, but they can be clunky and are generally relegated to the bedroom. Plastic bins can be unsightly. And no one wants to shove breakables or everyday items under the bed or couch. There are multifunctional furniture solutions out there that double as hidden storage, so you can store more in a neat and stylish way. Ottomans that open up as containers primarily act as a relaxation station after a long day. But they’re also a convenient place to put those extra books, knick knacks or games you can’t seem to find a place for. Or, style it with a large metal or wooden tray to turn it into a great coffee table with storage. “These are a popular item,” said Jane Baluyut, supervisor at Home Mart in Mongmong. Kmart and Ross Dress for Less carry these ottomans, too, which typically come in pleather or fabric and different sizes. Many don’t think of couches when it comes to hidden storage, but they do exist. At Furniture Outlet in Tumon, several solid wood couches are for sale, where each seat opens up to ample storage space. DVDs, magazines, blankets — they would all fit and be easily accessible. “It’s a surprise element,” said Layla Raymanova, sales associate at Furniture Outlet. “It’s a bonus.” Another wooden piece at Furniture Outlet is a couch and love seat sectional joined together continue on page 8
Some bunk beds at Furniture Outlet have stairs to the top bunk that double as drawers.
THE RIGHT STUFF | S TORAGE
7
This TV stand camoflaged as a trunk could also be used as a shoe rack. 18-FHB-Mortgage_RealEstateJournal_Size6.875"X9".pdf
1
7/18/18
12:47 PM
8
THE RIGHT STUFF | S TORAGE
THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL
continued from page 7
Trundle beds create more space in the bedroom, available for both children and adults alike at Home Mart.
by an end table, all with hidden compartments. Drawers line the bottom of the piece as well — putting the total number of storage units at nine. Cushions would top off the piece, but you don’t need them. The wood lattice stretches for extra comfort. A TV stand camouflaged as a trunk boasts four shelves that could also be used as a shoe cabinet, Raymanova said. “[This type of furniture] is what people are looking for when they have limited storage in their unit,” she added. Having extra space in kids’ bedrooms helps out tremendously, too. Trundle beds and bunk beds with bottom drawers offer more room for clothes, sheets and toys. Some even have stairs to the top bunk that double as drawers. Adult beds with lower drawers are also available on island. “You can’t go wrong with extra storage,” Raymanova said. “It sells itself.” p
Couches with hidden storage under the seats allow contents to be easily accessible. Available at Furniture Outlet.
Photos by Steven Graff
12
HOME GROWN
THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL
Faking it: greenery for non-gardeners Having a hard time keeping your plants alive? Artificial plants and flowers are a great alternative for that dining room center piece or pot in the foyer. Hear us out: plastic-looking greenery with that dated shine are things of the past. Plants today look and feel more life-like — with silky textures and colors that pop but appear natural. “Sometimes, it’s hard to tell if they’re real or fake,” said Harry
Sharma, owner of Jay’s Flower Shop in Barrigada. Jay’s sells artificial arrangements for grave stones, as well as separates for people looking to spruce up a space in their own way. Calla lilies, orchids, roses and daisies are the most popular, Sharma said. Peruse around, and you’ll also find sunflowers, multi-colored filler flowers and a few tropical plants for that next decorating project. Throw a bunch in an
old mason jar for that rustic modern look or go more traditional with a classic glass vase. At Shop 4 Less, rose bouquets and peonies are hot items, said Store Manager Dory Baldemor, but there’s plenty more to choose from, like tall grasses and bright yellow forsythia branches. Ross Dress for Less stocks potted, fake-plant arrangements, as well. Perhaps the best reason to go arti-
ficial is cost, Sharma said. Blossoms are less expensive and last longer than live plants. Single pieces can be as cheap as $1. And for those lacking a green thumb outside, faux plants make for a nice addition to yards or patios, too, he added. Can’t find what you want on Guam? Afloral.com and Amazon. com both offer a wider selection and ideas and deliver to the island. p
Artificial flowers have become incredibly realistic, with textures and colors that pop.
Photos by Steven Graff
THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL
Single pieces of faux flowers can be as inexpensive as $1.
HOME GROWN
13
Artificial greenery make for a nice addition to yards or patios for those lacking a green thumb or in difficult climates.
14
THE DOCTOR IS IN
THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL
Erecting a fence and gate It takes time, patience and likely a lot of sweat, but installing your own fence is a relatively straightforward do-it-yourself project that will give you security and privacy at a reasonable price. Steel chain-link fences and gates check all of those boxes. They are popular choices not only because they’re affordable, but also because they’re durable. Before you embark, it’s important to understand the basics and learn a few tips so you’re better prepared and end up with a fence you’ll be happy with. First, you need to know what you’re working with. Chain-link fencing is made up of cyclone mesh sold typically in 50-foot rolls. The mesh is attached to galvanized rails and posts, set every 8 to 10 feet, with tie wiring, hardware latches and other accessories (they often come in kits) to hold everything into place.
The mesh, which costs roughly $200 a roll, is typically 4-, 5-, or 6-feet high. “The first thing you want to do is measure,” said Josh Howard, tools sales representative at Guam Home Center. “And that’s where you will get your pricing.” Measuring the distance is just as important as measuring where the poles will be placed, typically 8 to 10 feet apart. Figure out the total length and then divide by eight or 10 to see how many poles you’ll need, including the start and end posts. Factor in the length of a gate, too, if you’re planning to install one. The next thing you want to do is dig holes for the posts, which should be 24 inches deep and 16 inches wide. “Go down two feet to really make it sturdy and get your money’s worth because one foot may collapse,” Howard said. And be prepared with the right digging tools. Depending on where you live, you could be up against coral or limestone. “You better use a jackhammer,” said Doiny Martin, a team member
at Benson hardware store. “Doing it manually [with a shovel] is very hard.” After, put down a layer of rocks to secure the poles and then pour in about six inches of concrete. Let it cure for two to three days. Now it’s time to slide the tension bars onto any corners and the end posts and place the latch hardware and hinges at each post. These will keep the cyclone mesh in place once it’s installed. Feed the top rails (you’ll likely to have to cut these with a pipe cutter) through the latches at the top of the posts. “It’s better to use two people for the job,” Martin said. Next, stretch the mesh from pole to pole with something called a caber puller. Secure the mesh with tie wire and tension bands to the tension bars at each section. After latching everything together at the posts, thread tension wire across the top rail to secure each section. Don’t forget to top off posts with caps. For a sturdier fence, Howard recommends cutting the mesh
for each section to avoid slack, rather than rolling it out in 50-foot sections. “Otherwise, you are just wasting your time, especially if you have pets,” he said. “Make sure that you reinforce it well.” He also recommends using protective enamel paint to protect the fence against the elements, which will add a few more years to its life. He said slats, which feed through the mesh, or fabric are good for privacy. Smaller chain-link gates and the hardware to attach them are one option, but if you’re looking for a larger gate for a drive way, you’ll want to find a swing or roller gate. Manual gates are available for installation, but for an electric one, you’ll likely require a contractor. For more details and advice, talk with representatives at one of the hardware or home improvement stores on island. p
Mesh is attached to galvanized rails and posts, set every 8 to 10 feet, with tie wiring, hardware latches and other accessories.
Chain-link fencing is made up of cyclone mesh sold typically in 50-foot rolls.
Protective enamel paint to protect the fence against the elements and add years to its life.
Photos by Steven Graff
16
NEED TO KNOW | CONTAIN YOURSELF
THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL
Sling Stone Coffee and Tea Co. in Anigua is comprised of two shipping containers stacked on top of each other.
Can’t be contained After years of carrying goods across long distances by sea, many shipping containers find a second life on Guam as a business or home. Some are obvious, such as the drive-through Island Girl coffee stands. Others are less so: the Green Lizard, the tourist hotspot in Tumon Bay, is made up of 40-foot and 20-foot shipping containers underneath awnings, decks and exterior coverings. For those looking to build in that direction, here’s a few things to know about the metal boxes. Repurposing steel shipping containers can be a greener and more expedient option, but not necessarily cheaper than building a traditional structure.
Another advantage to containers is that they’re constructed with a tough skin. “What I like about shipping containers is they are built to go on a ship, travel across the ocean, with salt water everywhere,” said Peter “Pedro” Walls, president of Slingstone LLC, which does business as Slingshot, Green Lizard, Shamrocks and Sling Stone Coffee and Tea Co. “They are built to handle that sort of environment.” Walls has a total of 12 containers for his various businesses, including a few used as office space and bathrooms. His latest build is Sling Stone Coffee and Tea in Anigua, which is two containers stacked on
top of each other. “One big thing is that I can pick them up and move them somewhere else,” Walls said. “It’s recycle and reuse, and it reduces land waste because it removable. It ticks all the recycling boxes, all the sustainable planet boxes. That’s what I like about it.” Containers can be purchased from off-island companies or directly from shipping companies, like Triple B Forwarders or Ambyth Shipping Micronesia, which have containers for sale here on Guam. Containers are typically 40-foot by 8-foot or 20-foot by 8-foot and cost anywhere between $1,500 and $5,000.
Photo by Steven Graff
Converting a container for business or office use can take roughly four to six weeks, compared to a concrete building that can take at least four to six months, so it’s quicker. But outfitting them with electric, plumbing, insulation, etc., can run as high as $200,000 or more, depending on how decorative and extensive you want the conversion to be. The average cost ranges from around $50,000 to $80,000. “Make sure you get an electrician who knows what they’re doing because you don’t want to wire it wrong,” Walls said. “The electrical is really important.” continued on page 18
18
NEED TO KNOW | CONTAIN YOURSELF
THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL
PUBLISHER Maureen N. Maratita BUSINESS EDITOR Meghan Hickey LIFESTYLE EDITOR Jesse C. Babauta CONTENT COORDINATOR Steven Graff CREATIVE DEPARTMENT SUPERVISOR Vikki Fong DESIGN & PRODUCTION Conrad Calma Keisha Marie Gozum Luisa Joy Castro
Green Lizard in Tumon Bay is made up of 40foot and 20-foot shipping containers underneath awnings, decks and exterior coverings.
GENERAL SALES MANAGER Ken Duenas PRODUCT REPRESENTATIVE Arvie Cipriano ADMINISTRATION Janice Castro Carmelita McClellan Jenalyn Aguon MANAGING DIRECTOR Marcos W. Fong
The Real Estate Journal — September 17, 2018. Entire contents copyrighted 2018 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.
Shipping containers are built to handle the salty, rough environment of a ship — which means they can go anywhere.
Repurposing steel shipping containers can be greener and more expedient than building a traditional structure.
Photos by Steven Graff
continued from page 16
Glimpses Publications include Guam Business Magazine, Marianas Business Journal, MBJ Life, The Real Estate Journal, Beach Road Magazine, Buenas, Drive Guam Magazine and Pocket Deals. Glimpses of Guam Inc. Mission Statement: To connect people with information.
There are other costs to consider: the buying or leasing of the land and installing power and septic to the property, if it doesn’t already exist. And remember, containers adhere to the same building permits, codes and inspections as other buildings, which comes at a price. If you’re looking for something more turn key, there are prefabricated, modular units for office and living space and retrofitted steel shipping containers available on the island.
KwikSpace sells both regular shipping containers and converted office and storage containers, as well as ready-to-go homes. These containers have been outfitted with insulation, flooring, bathrooms and electrical, for example, and cost on average about $80,000, said Peter Gill, founder and owner of KwikSpace. Gill agrees that one of the biggest advantages to a shipping container is its flexibility and mobility. Instead of being locked into a space or lease you may not like, he said, “You can wish for your property and then you
bring your office or building to it.” People on the island have been converting containers for more than 25 years, Gill said, but it’s still not yet as trendy as it in other places — especially containers transformed into homes — because of the costs associated with it. “Do it because you love it, not because you think you are going to save a bunch of money,” Walls said. “Do it because you … love the concept of recycling and reducing and having something that will stand up on a typhoon.” p