Guam is in the process of positioning itself for a period of growth and development, fueled by tourism and military expansion. Located 7 hours from Hawaii and only 3.5 hours from Japan and other Asian destinations, Guam is where “America’s Day Begins,” offering all the benefits of being “American” soil, yet offering a diverse international flavor characterized by Asian and the local Chamorro cultures.

Guam’s geographic location offers strategic opportunities for both American businesses wanting to do business in Asia, and Asian businesses looking for opportunities in America.

Fueled by the anticipated increase in military presence, foreign as well as American investors are looking at opportunities within Guam’s real estate market, which in some sectors continues to offer opportunities for appreciation and positive cash flow.

If you’d like to know more about real estate on Guam, please click on to our Real Estate Market Updatefor more detailed information on recent trends within the different sectors of the real estate market. This monthly report is brought to you by Mark Gruber, MAI, SRA, CCIM, President and Chief Appraiser for Micronesian Appraisal Associates, Guam’s largest appraisal firm.

If you are interested in investment opportunities in the real estate market, here are a few FAQ’s to get you started and also check out our presentation on why Investing in Guam just makes sense! Invest in Guam Presentation

First Hawaiian Bank Economic Forecast:  2009 GUAM-CNMI EDITION

Investors can also make use of the 1031 Tax Free Exchange.

In addition to the above, an excellent resource for those looking to invest in Guam is the Guam Business Resource Guide , provided by the Guam Small Business Development Center.

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On February 18, 2009, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton signed a pact with Japan, formalizing an earlier agreement made in 2006 to relocate Marines stationed in Okinawa, further demonstrating the US Government’s plans for re-alignment of military personnel and assets to Guam.

Guam is currently in the process of positioning itself in order to take advantage of this re-alignment, which is expected to stimulate and support a period of growth and development for the island over the next five to seven years. Military Build Up Presentation

In response to this anticipated build-up, the Joint Guam Program Office (JGPO) www.jgpo.navy.mil was established by the Department of Defense to facilitate, manage, coordinate, and execute certain DOD actions in Guam. This is a good site to track the proposed build-up of military personnel on Guam. In addition to this, a proposed timeline for the build-up and information on related costs of the build-up are provided at the following website www.same.org/files/members/INTERNATIONAL_bice.pdf

If you’d like a little historical background, a January 25, 2007 article on Military.com provides a good reference point.

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* $8000.00 Home Buyer Tax Credit Presentation by the National Association of Realtors

* Useful Websites Concerning Guam Buildup courtesy of Guam Economic Development Authority

* Guam Reports/Plans Concerning Guam Buildup

* Federal Reports Concerning Guam Buildup

* American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 2009

* Factors Affecting Master Planning for Military Buildup in Guam

* Force Structure Changes...Preparing for Increased Costs DoD

* Guam International Agreement

* Guam US Defense Deployments CRS Feb 2008

* Report on DoD Planning Efforts for Guam SecNav to Congress

* Guam Military Buildup - Active Duty Military Personnel and Dependents Analysis