Easy Tools

Here are some useful tools.   Scroll down to view all or simply click any below to skip to that specific section.

Using this Website

This Website in itself is a useful tool for my clients and potential clients:

~ You have access to all the wealth of information on this site, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from the privacy of your home or work.

~ This website has customized search functions which allow you to search for a specific property from within all the properties available on Guam at this very given moment.

~ For buyers and renters, you can view several property listings, not just one. You can view my listings (“Alfredo’s Listings”), which are properties exclusively assigned to me and my colleagues to sell. Or, you can view “MLS Listings”, which are properties to which most realtors on Guam have access via the Guam Flex MLS. And you can also view “Private Properties”. These are properties that have not entered the MLS listing due to the Sellers personal decision…but surely are properties the Seller is eager to sell. I have access to these Special properties.

~ This website is updated in “real-time” which ensures that all the property information you are viewing is current.

~ You can learn about my services and about me through out this website.

I do request that you call me for a face-to-face meeting the moment you need more assistance. In the same, please offer your feedback as to how I can improve my website or if you would like to see any new features.

>>> View  Website Terms of Use  

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Customized Property Search                            >>> Click here to Request a Customized Property Search  

Sure, there are many properties in the market…but my goal is to find you a property that suits YOUR exact needs through my Customized Property Search:

~ I will request that you complete my Request for Customized Property Search Form, which will help me assist you. This Form is available on this website. Look for the dark blue box on the right side of every page.

~ I will email you a list of properties that match or come quite close to the property that suits your needs.
This list will include photo(s) and detailed property description.

~ I will regularly email you information on appropriate properties as they come on the market. My clients find this service of mine as an easy and functional way to track their listings.

~ Just call or email me if you do not want to receive any more information for any reason.

~ All information exchanged between the client and myself is absolutely confidential.

~ When you are ready to look at properties in-person:

When you are ready to look at properties in-person, I kindly ask that you contact me exclusively for assistance. I will present to you all the properties that match your needs the and you will have full discretion to choose or not to choose any…I am here guide you along the way.

Please remember, listing agents represent the best interests of the sellers. I will represent YOUR best interests dealing with any property no matter who the listing agent or realty company is.

There is no one more qualified to consult about properties or who will provide better service to meet YOUR needs. Based on my vast experience, I will save you time, hassles and possibly costly mistakes when you are deciding on your next property purchase.

I am very proud that much of my business comes from repeat clients and from referrals by those clients. My goal is to serve you well, so that you will be happy to do business with me again in the near future.
If you are unfamiliar with Guam, please call or email me any time to discuss the opportunities offered by Guam’s neighborhoods and communities.

Would you like to receive a Customized Property Search? …no obligation and its FREE! Click here.

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Calculators

Please CLICK HERE for two on-line Calculators I have posted for your convenience.
Call or email me for more assistance.

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Measurement Conversion Tables

What will real estate be without proper measurements? This is why I have added this feature to my website. The following table will help convert common standards of measurements.
Please contact me if you need any assistance.

SQUARE MEASURE
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144 sq. in. = 1 sq. ft.
9 sq. feet = 1 sq. yard
30 1/4 sq. yds. = 1 sq. rod
16 sq. rods = 1 sq. chain
1 sq. rod = 272 1/4 sq. ft.
1 sq. ch. = 4356 sq. ft.
10 sq. chs. = 1 acre
160 sq. rods = 1 acre
4840 sq. yds. = 1 acre
43560 sq. ft. = 1 acre
640 acres = 1 sq. mile
1 section = 1 sq. mile
1 Twp. = 36 sq. miles
1 Twp. = 6 miles sq.

LINEAR MEASURE
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1 inch = .0833 ft.
7.92 inches = 1 link
12 inches = 1 foot
1 vara = approx. 33 in.
2 3/4 feet = approx. 1 vara
3 feet = 1 yard
25 links = 16 1/2 feet
25 links = 1 rod
100 links = 1 chain
16 1/2 ft. = 1 rod
5 1/2 yards = 1 rod
4 rods = 100 links
66 feet = 1 chain
80 chains = 1 mile
320 rods = 1 mile
5280 feet = 1 mile
1760 yards = 1 mile

AN ACRE IS
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43,560 sq. ft.
165 feet x 264 feet
198 feet x 220 feet
5280 feet x 8.25 feet
2640 feet x 16.50 feet
1320 feet x 33 feet
660 feet x 66 feet
330 feet x 132 feet
160 square rods
208'8 1/2" square or 208.71033 feet square,
(208.71033) 2 = 43,560.002 sq. ft.
or any rectangular tract, the product of the length and width of which totals 43,560.002 sq. ft.

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Real Estate Tips

For Buyers    |    For Sellers    |    For Investors:  Eliminate Risk  |  Make Money  |  10 Tips to Success



For Buyers

Determine how much you can afford, then how much of this you are willing to pay. Tell your Realtor the maximum you can/will pay and let the Realtor decide the price range of properties to show you, in order to reach this.

Prequalification or Preapproval.
This is a beneficial first step. It helps both you and the Realtor by knowing the price you can afford, and it also points out any potential qualifying problems early, so that you may be able to have them resolved early rather than delaying a closing or even losing a home you want. It also helps you in the negotiating stage as the Sellers will want assurance that you can purchase the home. A prequalification can be done rather quickly, and can be done by phone. It lets you know what you can afford, and basically is saying that IF what you say is correct and can be verified, they SHOULD be able to grant the loan. A preapproval is actually an approval of your loan, subject only to the house qualifying, i.e. subject to its appraisal and inspections. This step will require a signed loan application, and probably the payment of a fee for the credit report. You should determine how long this approval is good for, and whether it locks in an interest rate, or how it would vary if the rate changes.

The search.
Make out a two lists of what you are looking for in a house: those things that you MUST have, and those things that you would LIKE to have. When talking to your Realtor, go over not only what you want, but why you want those things - a good Realtor may be able to suggest homes that don't meet your stated requirements, but do meet your needs.

Shop with a pad of paper - make notes.
It's usually helpful to name houses, so you and your Realtor can more easily talk about them and know you are referring to the same house. Past buyers have come up with such labels as The Pink House, The Grumpy Lady's House, the House with the 3 dogs, the House with the Neat Kitchen, etc. Years later you may still remember some of the labels of homes and laugh.

Share your feelings with your Realtor.
Don’t just say Yes or No, but express what things you liked and did not like about each house. Your agent should begin to see a pattern, and set his creativity to work. The first day's appointments were made ahead of time, but the second time out the homes chosen should reflect the information gleaned the first time. By the third time, if the agent just doesn't get it - it may be time to choose another agent.

The Offer.
When you're ready to make an offer on one, have your agent do a market analysis on the home - what have comparable homes sold for in the area, how do they compare to this home, what others are on the market - and have him review it with you. Your offer should be made based on what the home is worth rather than on the listing price of the home. There are no hard and fast rules on negotiating strategy - it depends on the situation and the parties involved. Rely on your Realtor here, which is one of the places that experience counts - successful experience, that is.

Signing/Initialing.
Once the terms are acceptable to both sides and all parties have initialed all the changes, the date of the last signature or initial becomes the effective date of the contract, which is the trigger for many of the time frames in the contract. Until all parties have initialed all changes, you don't have to have a contract!

Between Contract and Closing.
You/your Realtor should schedule the inspection immediately - the good inspectors may be backed up for weeks ahead, so schedule as soon as you can. Sometimes I schedule the inspection as soon as the negotiations start, if I think they will be successful, in order to get the inspector of choice within the time frame. You may want to also have a roof inspection. If you are purchasing a home near the water, you will want to have a seawall inspection done as well. (Damage to seawalls, docks and swimming pools are not covered by flood insurance.) If you want to have inspections for radon, lead-based paint, environmental hazards, etc. you will need to have these completed within the same period. Pest control inspections are generally not done until 30 days before closing, due to lender requirements.

Going to the Lender.
Bring a copy of the fully executed contract to your lender. If you have not made written loan application, do so now. Be sure the lender notes the deadlines not only for closing, but for written loan approval. Tell the lender that you want a copy of the closing statement at least two days prior to closing. Be sure to make formal application (signed application, along with check for any application fee) within the time specified in the contract. If you do not do this timely, the financing contingency may be declared null and void. Have your lender fax your realtor the loan application that has been made.

The lender will order your credit report and order the appraisal of the property.

You/your lender/your Realtor will order the survey. This used to be done at the end of the process, once your loan received written approval. Due to insurance requirements, especially if an elevation certification is required, this should now be done soon after you have a contract. Ask your lender to order this right away.

Start on your insurance now.
If a typhoon or tropical storm is within a certain distance of Guam, insurance companies will not issue policies unless they have already been paid for in full. So do this right away, don’t wait for a tropical storm to come into the area. Most lenders do require typhoon insurance, but you may want to check with the lender, especially if the home you are buying comes with typhoon shutters.

Utilities.
At least two weeks prior to closing, arrange for the utilities to be turned on in your name as of the date of closing. Most of them will require an advance deposit from you.

Funds.
Your funds to close must be paid by a locally drawn cashier's check (made out to the title company) or wired funds.


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For Sellers

Pricing Your Home for Sale

Today's consumers are comparison shoppers. Although eager to achieve the best possible return on their hard earned investment dollars, they will shy away from properties that are listed too high or too low.

Listing above market value, you will more than likely sell your neighbor's house instead of yours, or at the very least, risk a lack of potential purchasers visiting your home. By listing too low, you create the impression that you are desperate for the sale, or that something is seriously wrong with the structure.

Your Real Estate Agent will provide a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) that includes information on competitor listings, properties that have recently sold, and those that are currently pending.

In addition, your Real Estate Agent will:

~ Evaluate your property's location and lot size.
~ Appraise your home's condition, size and age, and any improvements you have made.
~ Review the assessed value of your home, taxes, and utility costs.
~ Help determine what is the best selling feature of your home
~ Suggest what interior and exterior repairs should be considered.
~ Buying or selling property in today's fluctuating and competitive marketplace takes industry knowledge, a proven track record, and expert opinion. It also takes dedication, commitment and the ability to achieve the goals set before you. When discussing the critical factors in the sale of any property, your Real Estate Agent's expert opinion will guarantee that your home is accurately positioned for market dominance.

In the end, it's still your choice as to pricing. However, by taking into account years of professional experience and real estate wisdom, you increase the possibility of selling your home within the critical first 30 days for the highest possible sale price, or achieving a fair market price for the home you are purchasing.

Disclosing the Facts

No home is perfect! In one way or another, they all have defects to some extent. However, concealing problem areas can result in costly lawsuits.... at your expense!

The horror stories come in many forms. During the height of purchasing excitement, not everyone will notice the cracked foundation or faulty roof that leak only when it rains, turn on the hallway light to experience electrical gymnastics, or even flush the toilet to watch it overflow because the septic lines are blocked.

Undisclosed defects can come back to haunt, destroying what you originally considered protected.... your pocketbook and peace of mind!

It is in both your best interest and that of your purchaser to obtain a structural inspection during contract negotiation. Settlement and legal fees cost far more than if you had agreed to a price concession or repaired it yourself!

Repair Priorities

You consider your home one of your most prized possessions. You have lavishly decorated to individual taste, using paint and wallpaper as expression of your personality. Eyes glued to yet another magazine, you finally found the perfect window treatment.

Your furniture reflects the colors and textures that have become important over the years. And don't forget, you DID spend hour after weekend hour bent over that magnificent garden. However, it will cease to matter once you sign the "For Sale" agreement.

The paint, the drapes and the carpeting mean nothing to those outside the family. And that lovely bathroom tile you imported from some exotic land isn't even mentioned. How could they NOT notice that you spent a great deal of money and months waiting patiently for it to arrive at the shipyards?

The answer is simple... your potential purchasers are not emotionally involved in your investment.

Unlike you, they see the flaws you have come to ignore over the years. They will notice the carpet your cat has used as a scratching post, the tap that drips incessantly, and the ugly stain in the kitchen caused by the leaky roof.

To them, it's nothing but added expense, and probably not worth the effort. After all, there are many, many more properties on the market other than just yours.

However, the marketability of your home WILL increase if you take the time and effort to view it through their eyes, and take extra care in ensuring that minor things are attended to.

One sure way of guaranteeing that your potential purchasers can see themselves enjoying life in your home is to make it as presentable and uncluttered as possible. What is known in the industry as "curb appeal" may become the difference between "Sold" and "continued showings".

The tiny handprint that adorns the front door is cute only to you. To the other side, it's a combination of filth and downright laziness. Despite the cost of a can of paint, your family room should NOT resemble a mud-room. And remember the sun shining through the windows? A little bit of elbow grease goes a long way!

When the time comes to list your home for sale, take into account that your potential purchasers are searching for new roots. They need to be enticed, enthralled and enchanted at first glance. It needs to feel like THEIR castle, THEIR history, THEIR love story the moment your home comes into view.

If expense is a concern, do it yourself. If there's litter in the front yard or the grass needs cutting, hire the teenager next door. Five dollars a time REALLY CAN make the difference!

If not, there are numerous contractors, painters, decorators, cleaning services, and landscaping firms that your Real Estate Agent can recommend. For the more major repairs including replacement roof, flooring or structural defects, etcetera, you can opt to invest in the repair, or you can choose to disclose this information in the Listing Contract.

Also pay attention to the "finishing touches" - the serene background music, the tidy bathroom, the made beds, and the bouquet of flowers. Open a few windows… the air will be fresher. A welcome mat at the front door is inviting, and please, no laundry running in the machines while you attempt to catch a few more minutes of lost time!

By being ruthlessly honest in your evaluation of your home prior to listing, you will:
~ Position your home at the top of the "Too See" list
~ Guarantee that your own roots will be transplanted sooner rather than later
~ Protect your hard earned investment dollars.

And remember - REMOVE THE EMOTION.

The Exact Procedures, From Contract Through Close

After the home has been prepared, polished, and you’re ready for the buyers to visit...

The marketing of your real estate is about to begin!

The information about your home will be entered into the (MLS) Multiple Listing System. This service allows every real estate agent in the area find your home and bring their buyers.

Photographs and/or video will be taken of your home for purposes of print advertising, television advertising and Internet promotions. The home listing will be put on the corporate web page, personal agent web page and links will be placed to a variety of search engines so that buyers find your home on the web and can view your home and the neighborhood.

A "key-safe" is placed on the exterior premise of the home. It is a small, secure box that holds a key to your residence. It is accessible only by real estate agents. The system is both safe and convenient.

A buyer has placed an offer!

Your agent will call you and tell you the good news. You will meet your agent and review the contract, it's terms, price and date of closing. Should you be a seasonal resident, or if you're vacationing it may be necessary to fax contracts for you to review by phone.

If the terms are acceptable, under the direction of your real estate agent, you will sign and date the paperwork in all the appropriate places. The agent will deliver a copy of the signed contract to the "buyers representative". When all parties sign the contract and there is a deposit received, the contract is valid. The date of this "meeting of the minds" with the last signature or initial taking place is called the "effective date". If mortgages or home inspections are to take place within "X" amount of days of the "effective date", this is when the clock starts ticking.

The home inspection is scheduled.

The buyer of your home will hire a licensed professional to inspect your home for any potential problems, defects or electrical/fire hazards. The buyer will receive a printed inspection report. The seller will be notified of any defects immediately. The seller is usually obligated to repair defects in the property as per agreed to in the contract. Usually, the repairs must be complete prior to closing. You can discuss this with your agent, as every contract is different.

What happens on the date of closing?

In the contract both the buyer and the seller agreed to close the transaction on a particular date. Unless agreed to by both parties in writing, it is assumed that the date will remain as agreed upon.

Usually before the actual closing procedure, but sometimes the day of the closing, the buyer and the seller receive a document called the HUD. It is a form with all accounting of the price, deposits, fees, and prorated amounts for the taxes and maintenance fee that are associated with the sale/purchase of the home.

In a nutshell, the sellers HUD will show the price of the home, minus the balance of the seller’s mortgage amount due to the bank, minus the brokerage fees, minus the seller’s portion of the taxes and homeowners association fees for that year (or unpaid association fees/outstanding debts). Your agent and a representative from the title company will go over anything you do not understand. The seller and buyer sign their HUD and closing paperwork. The title company collects the balance due from the buyer and issues the proceeds to the seller. The seller relinquishes keys, garage door openers, etc. to the home. That’s it!

It is not necessary for either party to attend closing. Frequently, funds to close are wired to the title company for closing and the necessary documents are signed, notarized and shipped "Fed-Ex". Your agent will be able to coordinate this process for you should the need arise.

The most important thing to remember is: Don’t be afraid to ask questions. We would rather you ask questions than be confused or upset!

Frequently, real estate agents and title closers shuffle papers quickly simply because they are so familiar with all of the forms and procedures. They take for granted that the buyers and sellers are familiar and comfortable with the process. The sale of real estate is something that you may not do that often. Also, practices and customs occasionally change so do not be afraid to have something explained in detail. Often, if you ask in advance, your agent will be able to provide you with sample HUD or sales contract so that you may familiarize yourself with them.

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For Investors:  Eliminate Risk in Real Estate Investment

How to Eliminate Risk in Real Estate Investment!

Avoid 12 Common Mistakes Made by Novice Investors and Ensure High Rates of Return!

Real estate investment has provided many investors with positive cash flow, tax benefits and satisfaction of making an impact in others’ lives. Like any investment however, real estate has intricate nuances and market trends that when ignored can cause an investor tremendous heart-ache.

Unbelievably many first time investors are willing to part with their hard earned cash without taking the time to study their investment. They rely on traditional trends and gut feelings. Before you risk your investment take the time to learn all you can about your market. By aligning yourself with the right professional you can avoid these 12 common mistakes and you'll ensure an excellent return on your investment.

1. Failure to Determine Your Time Need - Cash flow, capital appreciation, tax benefits, loss of management, equity pay down and pride of ownership are just some of the things that need to be addressed before you make that investment. A service minded real estate professional can be a tremendous asset by taking the time to evaluate your needs and making sure you've got all your bases covered.

2. Not Checking out the Seller or Sellers Agents Numbers - Claims of extremely high rates of return run rampant in real estate investment. Don't get caught up in the excitement - check everything: rents, payment history, taxes, expenses, deposits, future modifications... everything. Make sure you have the right agent...it's like having a good insurance policy against overlooking all the seemingly insignificant but very important details.

3. Forgetting You Are Buying a Business - Owning investment property carries with it a great potential for creating wealth and... some potentially difficult decisions. Evictions, re-investment into the property and time management all need careful consideration. Remember this is not a 'hands off' business.

4. Avoid Negative Cash Flow - Property that eats cash every month can drain your working capital. This can create stress, frustration and become quite painful. Predicting constant appreciation is extremely difficult if not impossible for the unseasoned investor. A strain on your cash flow may cause you to sell the investment before the benefits of ownership are ever realized.

5. Failure to do a Thorough Inspection - Look under every rock! Hire a professional inspector. Ask the tenants about pest problems, structural damage or reoccurring problems. Don't overlook anything! A value driven real estate professional will help you find the right inspector and can help you avoid costly mistakes. When investing your hard earned money be sure and use sound business judgment!

6. Failing to Have Adequate Insurance - Investment property brings liability. Tenants, cars, parking lots, cleaning facilities, property liability - the list is quite extensive. Adequate insurance coverage is an absolute must! Be sure to consult with an insurance professional and protect your hard earned assets.

7. Inspect, Approve, and Confirm All Documents - The list of documents that need to be proofed can be overwhelming to the first time investor. Building permits, zoning laws, rental and lease applications, health licenses, laundry leases, underlying loan documents, CC&R's, by-laws, title policies, mineral leases, inspection reports, purchase contracts, insurance.. don't attempt to do it alone. The right professional can remove most of the stress and bring the transaction to a conclusion smoothly.

8. Get a Bill of Sale For All Property Involved - Many types of personal property (appliances, furniture, fixtures, etc.) can be involved in an investment sale. Be very detailed -know who owns what!

9. Charge Fair Rents - Vacancies, turnovers and lease terminators are your biggest expense. Charge fair rents, treat your tenants with respect and respond as quickly as possible to their needs. It's a lot less costly in the long run to take care of the little problems before they become big problems. Vacant property is your Achilles heel.

10. Select Qualified, Good Tenants From the Start - Take the time to check references. Previous landlords, employers, financial references, credit and judgments are all vitally important. If there are any questions do a thorough investigation. Drive by their previous residence. A little work up front can save tremendous problems later.

11. Make Sure You Get Estoppel Letters - Get letters from tenants confirming the status of tenancy. Make sure their version of the rental or lease agreement corresponds with the seller’s interpretation.

12. Don't Spend Positive Cash Flow - Most of successful investors have free and clear properties. Be sure to re-invest your cash flow back into the property payment and speed up the amortization schedule. This decreases your debt load and increases your equity, which builds your net worth. Investment property can be one of the most rewarding aspects of your financial portfolio. Be certain to have all your ducks in a row before you invest. Do your homework! Consult with a professional real estate agent and protect yourself from the hidden troubles that can plague first time investors.


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For Investors:  Make Money

Lower Your Taxes
Tax incentives for real estate investors can often make the difference in your tax rates. Deductions for rental property can often be used to offset wage income. Tax breaks can often enable investors to turn a loss into a profit.

For which items can investors get tax breaks?
You could claim deductions for actual costs you incur for financing, managing and operating the rental property. This includes mortgage interest payments, real estate taxes, insurance, maintenance, repairs, property management fees, travel, advertising, and utilities (assuming the tenant doesn't pay them). These expenses can be subtracted from your adjusted gross income when determining your personal income taxes. Of course, these deductions cannot exceed the amount of real estate income you receive. In addition to deductions for operating costs, you can also receive breaks for depreciation. Buildings naturally deteriorate over time, and these "losses" can be deducted regardless of the actual market value of the property. Because depreciation is a non-cash expense -- you are not actually spending any money -- the tax code can get a bit tricky. For more information about depreciation and various tax alternatives, ask your tax advisor or check Guam’s Department of Revenue and Taxation.

Have a Positive Cash Flow
There are two kinds of positive cash flows: pre-tax and after-tax.

A pre-tax positive cash flow occurs when income received is greater than expenses incurred. This sort of situation is difficult to find, but they are usually a strong and safe investment.

An after-tax positive cash flow may have expenses that outweigh collected income, but various tax breaks allow for a positive cash flow. This is more common, but it is generally not as strong or safe as a pre-tax positive cash flow.

Regardless of what kind of real estate you choose to invest in, timely collections from your tenants is absolutely necessary. A positive cash flow -- whether it be pre-tax or after-tax -- requires rental income. Be sure to find quality tenants; a thorough credit and employment check is probably a good idea.

Use Leverage
One of the most important factors in determining a solid investment is the amount of equity you are purchasing. Equity is the difference between the actual worth of the property and the balanced owed on the mortgage.

Benefit from Growing Equity
While investing in real estate is relatively complex, it is often worth the extra work. When compared to other financial investments, like bonds or CD's, the return on investment for real estate purchases can often be greater.

The key to real estate investing is equity. Determine an amount of equity that you want to achieve. When you reach your goal, it's time to sell or refinance. Determining the proper amount of equity may require the assistance of a real estate professional.


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For Investors:  10 Tips to Success

10 Important Tips to Successful Real Estate Investing

When it comes to investing, everybody has certain goals and aspirations. However, we have found that there are certain guidelines every aspiring real estate investor needs to know:

1. Compare Property Values and Rents
Financial statistics only go so far; the best measure of a property's market value is often the sale prices of nearby properties. The same holds true for area rents. A low price can often be justified by a reasonable rent; renters who can afford a high rent can afford to buy instead, so reasonably priced rent is a need.

2. Be careful - Tax laws may change
Don't base your tax investment on current tax laws. The tax code is constantly changing, and a good investment is a good investment regardless of the tax code. The right property with the right financing is what you should look for as an investor.

3. Specialize in something you Know
Start in a market segment you know. Whether you focus on fixer-uppers, foreclosures, starter homes, low-down payment properties, condominiums, or small apartment buildings, you'll benefit from experience by specializing in one aspect of investment real estate properties.

4. Know the Costs going in!
Know the financial statements inside out. What are operating expenses? What are loan payments? Vacancy costs? Taxes? What does the cash flow statement look like? These are key issues that must be addressed before making a solid investment.

5. Know where your tenants are coming from
If the last rent increase was recent, your tenants may be considering a move. If tenants have a short-term lease, they may be living there simply to attract unsuspecting buyers. It is also important to collect the tenants' security deposits at closing.

6. Assess the tax situation
Taxes are an integral part of successful real estate investing, and they often make the difference between a positive cash flow and a negative one. Know the tax situation, and see how it can be manipulated to your advantage. It may be a good idea to consult a tax advisor.

7. Investigate insurance coverage
If seller's coverage is based on lower-than-current replacement value, your insurance cost may increase when you pay a higher purchase price.

8. Confirm Utility Costs
Ask the local utilities to verify recent utility expenses, especially if any of these costs are included in your tenant's rent.

9. Consult Your Accountant
Taxation is a key element of successful real estate investing, so be sure to find an accountant who is well-versed with the constantly evolving tax code.

10. Inspect!
Make sure that you always perform a thorough inspection of the property before buying it. Never, ever buy any property without at least examining the site. In some cases, hiring professional inspectors to examine the structural mechanical system may be a sound investment.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Here are some FAQ’s and their answers. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any other questions not listed below.

1. How I know if I qualify to buy a House , Lot or and investment property?
Very simple. I will provide a team of experts from different institutions to assist you with the best offer. Basically we are going to shop around for the best funding program for YOU.

2. How long is usually the process to purchase a Home, Lot or Investment property?
This will vary depending on different factors like:
~ Financing (Cash or Funding from Bank)
~ Credit Scores
~ Down Payment
~ Institutions
It could take from 10 days if you are purchasing the property using Cash and up to 45 days if you are financing through a Bank. That is why it is very important that you work with a team of professionals.

3. Can I built my own House?
Absolutely. Banks provided different programs like construction loans to assist you with Your dream home.

4. What is the difference between Renting and Buying?
Very simple… Renting is where you pay a monthly fee to help the owner of that [property make his/her monthly payments. Buying will assure that the monthly payments you make will go towards YOUR OWN equity. Down the road, when you want to sell, you can perhaps hope to gain all those monthly payments back, and with some profit.


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What is MLS?

The MLS, the Multiple Listing Service, is a huge database containing information on most properties (land, home, commercial buildings, etc.) available (for sale or for rent) at any one given moment, in a specific locality. Almost all states and major cities have their own MLS. Guam also has its own MLS.
So, when you hear the term MLS listings, it simply means a list of all properties for sale or rent. All realtors have access to these properties. The general public can rent, lease, or buy these properties through any Realtor.

You can think of the MLS as a huge store filled with properties from which you can choose the property of your choice. When a property is added to the market for sale, it is added in the MLS. When it is sold, it is immediately removed form the MLS. The MLS does indeed offer detailed information on each property. This immediate knowledge of the property inventory on Guam has made Realtors more productive and better equipped to serve clients.

A dedicated Realtor, such as myself, will make sure to exhaust all the available resources when you are in search of a property. I will scope the MLS inside-out, diligently finding matches to your request. My MLS Listings page is updated in “real-time”. This means, I am giving you full access to view current MLS listings from the convenience of your home. All this data is good, but will be of no use if it is not current and interactive. I assure you, when you work with me, you will have access to the most current property inventory on Guam.

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Comparative Market Analysis

This excellently comprised chart will show you the current market conditions compared to previous months, all the way to previous years.  It is a useful tool to gauge certain aspects of the current market, especially tracking the property inventory on Guam. Information deemed "current" in this section is previous month statistics.  Information is for ALL TYPES OF PROPERTIES.  "Months of Inventory" is how long it would take to sell the month's active listings based on that month's sales.
*Information provided by Guam Association of Realtors via Guam Flex MLS.

This is what your are viewing:     

Most Current, Sept 2006

Acitve Listings:          1,250
New Listings:               299
Sold Listings:               134
Months of Inventory:    9.33


Same Month Last Year, Sept 2005

Acitve Listings:          1,250
New Listings:               270
Sold Listings:               128
Months of Inventory:    9.73

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Expected Rates

What shall you as a buyer or seller expect to pay or receive, respectively for a property transaction on Guam today?
There will be several factors that would determine the price/value of a property.  Current market rates will give you a good indication to what to expect.  Here, you will find current market rates for the indicated Neighborhoods (cities, or "villages" as they are called on Guam), based on recent property transactions with in the mentioned area.

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     EXPECTED RATES TABLE

*All rates above are for “buying” fee simple homes.



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Neighborhood Resource

Here is some information on the following Neighborhoods (Cities/Villages/Communities):  
Tamuning   |   Hagatna   |   Tumon   |   Dededo   |   Yigo   |   Santa Rita   |   Agat                (click to skip)

Tamuning
There are two Carolinian stories that relate to how this village derives its name. First, there was a Carolinian Chief named Tamuning who was brought over from Ulul Atoll in the Caroline Islands. The second came from a Carolinian word “Tamuning” which is the movement of people from Apotuan on to the area where a cotton plantation was run by an individual named George Johnston. Mr. Johnston was an American businessman who married a Spaniard woman and was permitted to grow cotton in what is now Tamuning. The second village drives its name from the saying “ti apmam homhom” which means it is getting dark and refers to hunters and fishermen who walk from southern Guahan to fish or hunt in this place and by the time they get there it is nearing darkness.

Tamuning is conidered Guam's key and central location for an array of activities, including shopping, dining, cinema, and other entertainment.   It also has a big residential popualtion, with several housing areas, some condered to be "the place to stay".  The only civilian hospital is also in Tamuning.  There is a nice community center with tennis courts and a gym at the corner of one of Guam's busiest intersections.







Hagatna
Hagatna is the capital of Guam. It is located in the center of the island and part of the Kattan (Eastern) District. The village derives its name from the word “haga”. “Haga” means blood and that this village came about due to the bloodlines of families and relatives that helped establish this village. Hagatna became a village when the Spaniards decided that the area be the capital of the island. Hagatna is where you find places named after the saints, as the city is also the seat of the island’s religion – Catholicism. The three branches of government: Judicial, Legislative, and Executive are located here. Also, it is the center of all commercial activities with legal offices, banks, department/variety stores, insurance, technical and professional services and recreation facilities.







Tumon
Tumon is Guam's main economic and tourist area with numerous attractions, beautiful beaches, hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, shopping facilties, dance clubs, bars, spas, and more. Over 1 million tourists enjoy Tumon annually.  Tumon propeties are not the cheapest and are much sought after.  Wtih few condo complexes and very few single family homes, Tumon is not a big residential area.  But, this neighborhood is considered the place to be on Guam, offering many things to do and see, yet keeping the sanctity of a small, Pacific island.

When Spanish first arrived to Guam in 1668, Tumon was one of the most prominent villages. The first missionary to Guam, Padre (Pålé) Diego San Vitores and Pedro Calungsod were killed in Tumon by Mata'pang, a village chief, after the priest had baptised the chief's daughter without permission. A park and statue mark the site of San Vitores death while a Roman Catholic church named after him (as Bl. Diego San Vitores) is along Tumon's main road, also named in his honor.

A small tunnel through a large rock on the tourist beach overlooking the bay was part of the defensive positions prepared by the Japanese occupiers during World War II. The American forces landed in a different location during the Battle of Guam and the Tumon defenses were not tested.

Today, dozens of hotels in addition to shopping centers, water parks, night clubs, and other attractions can be found along the sandy beaches of Tumon Bay. The Bay was recently made a marine preserve. Tumon is served by Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport in Tamuning






Dededo
Dededo is located at the north central part of the island where most of the population on Guam presently centers. It encompasses an area of about 30 square miles of Guam’s 212 miles. The word Dededo comes from a system of measurement using the fingers in which each finger signifying an inch. So as one measures “one inch, two inches, three inches” the name Dededo was derived the measurement of two fingers indicating two inches. There is another word that could possibly give this village its name. The word “dedeggo” means a person who walks on tiptoes so as not to wake up those who are sleeping. It is not clear whether Dededo got its name because someone long ago measured the place with his/her fingers or the people habitually walked on tiptoes.







Yigo
This village derives its name from the word “yugu”. “Yugu” means the frame placed over the neck of a carabao and harnessed to a cart. Yigo is the island’s northernmost village. The soil is rich for coffee, cocoa, pineapples, oranges and tangerines, which grew in abundance before the war. This village also produced chocolates, which were then transported to Hagatna where they were served to visitors in the Chocolate House of the Governor’s palace. Yigo also has many Ifil wood trees, the hard wood used to make the yoke of the carabao and oftentimes the construction of the carabao cart.

Yigo is the closest neighborhood to Andersen Airforce Base and in the recent months, there has been much real estate activity in Yigo.  Many new homes are being developed and it is obvious that in the months to come, Yigo will develop even more.  The roads are excellent in Yigo, and you will not find the typical traffic you will see in the Central villages.







Santa Rita
Santa Rita is located on the southwestern side of Guam and is part of the Haya (Southern) District. This village does not have an original name because it was established in 1945 when residents were moved from the destroyed Sumay village. “Santa Rita” is the patron saint of abused wives. It is not clear how the name was decided upon, nor for what reason the name was chosen when the village was established.

Santa Rita is a close knit, small community with mainly a residential development.  You will find a few small stores and gas station. Santa Rita is well recognized for its clean, well kept streets and landscape.







Agat
Agat (Hagat) village is located on the southwestern side of the island. This area is part of the Haya (Southern) District. Old Agat was built between 1680 and 1684 and was designed by the ruthless Spanish Governor Don Jose Quiroga as a settlement for rebellious islanders whose homes had been destroyed. Many of its first citizens were brought from the interior village of Fena, which had also been wiped out. In July of 1944, the village of Old Agat was totally destroyed by the American invasion. After the war, new Agat sprang up in a location further south and is one of the villages in the south that is now experiencing development and commerce.  Agat is the closest neighborhood to the Naval Station.


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About Guam

Guam is a beautiful island in the Pacific, with pleasant, tropical climate and breath-taking scenery. Guam holds true to the phrase “Where America’s Day Begins”, offering both American stability and Islander hospitality.

Political Status:
Unincorporated Territory of the United States

Location:
13.48 degrees North, 144.45 degrees East

Native Inhabitants: Chamorro

Country code: 1

Area Code: 671

Electricity: 120 volt/60 cycle

Capital: Hagatna

Land Area: 212 square miles ( 549 square kilometers )

Official Languages:
English and Chamorro

Time:
Greenwich Mean Time +10

Population:
133,152 (1990 census); 153,000 is estimated for 1997

Currency: US Dollar  

Climate:
Between 75-86 degrees Fahrenheit (26-30 degrees Celsius) Averaging 81 degrees Fahrenheit (28 degrees Celsius)

Seasons:
Dry season between Jan. & May; rainy season between October & December.

Rainfall:
Annual average is approximately 80 inches (2,509 millimeters)  

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Related Links:

www.dewittguam.com
www.guam.gov
www.mayorscouncilofguam.org
www.visitguam.org

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