Committee hears bill to require written brokerage agreements for Guam real‑estate transactions

Senator Tello Tiedegui opened a July 22 committee public hearing on Bill 77‑38, a measure to require written brokerage agreements for real estate transactions on Guam.

The bill, introduced by Senator Tello, would add a provision to Title 21, Chapter 104 of the Guam Code Annotated clarifying that brokerage agreements must be in writing for sellers, buyers, lessors and lessees. The senator said the measure is intended to increase consumer protection and align local practice with recent changes in mainland U.S. real‑estate practices.

Why it matters: Written brokerage agreements are a common consumer‑protection tool in many U.S. jurisdictions; proponents said the measure will improve transparency, reduce disputes, and standardize practice for Guam agents and consumers.

What the hearing covered

- Sponsor overview: Senator Tello said the bill's goal is to "create a more transparent transaction for the benefits of consumers" and to avoid unnecessary bureaucracy while providing uniform standards for industry practice.

- Public testimony: The committee noted it had received written testimony (the record mentions Chris Felix and Dan McDowell submitted testimony). Dan McDowell reportedly appeared earlier but left for another engagement. The committee offered 10 working days to submit additional written testimony to the senator’s office.

- Fiscal note and counsel review: Committee staff reported legal counsel reviewed the bill with no amendments and that the fiscal note labeled the measure administrative in nature.

Next steps and timing

No committee vote on Bill 77‑38 is recorded in the hearing transcript. Senator Tello closed discussion and said her office will accept written testimony for 10 working days and then proceed according to committee practice.

Ending

The hearing adjourned at 11:58 a.m.; the committee will hold or document additional testimony received for the bill in the coming days.