Are you haunted by fears and misconceptions about today’s real estate market? Don’t be spooked – let’s shed some light on the myths and provide you with the facts you need to navigate the housing market confidently.
It’s a common belief that student loan debt can be a barrier to homeownership. However, the truth is, buying a home with student loans is not only possible but quite common. In fact, experts confirm that you can still achieve your homeownership dreams even if you carry student loan debt. According to Apartment Therapy, a significant 40 percent of first-time homebuyers have student loan debt, proving that it’s not an insurmountable obstacle.
While student loans can impact your debt-to-income ratio, lenders take various factors into account when evaluating your eligibility for a mortgage. So, having student loans shouldn’t discourage you from exploring the housing market.
Worrying about a potential crash in home prices is a common concern among homebuyers. However, it’s essential to separate fact from fiction. The data indicates that nationally, there isn’t a housing market crash on the horizon. In reality, home prices are steadily rising again after experiencing only a slight dip.
While local markets may vary, the overall trend is positive. This means that you can still find great opportunities in today’s housing market without the fear of plummeting prices.
The 20% down payment myth has discouraged many potential homebuyers. However, this myth couldn’t be further from the truth. In most cases, you do not need to save a full 20% down payment. Mortgage options are diverse, and down payment requirements vary depending on your loan type and lender.
According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the median down payment is typically lower than the 20% often cited. There are programs and loan options available that require as little as 3% to 5% down, making homeownership more accessible than you might think.
If these myths aren’t your only fears or reservations about buying a home today, there’s no need to fret. A real estate professional can help address your concerns and provide guidance tailored to your unique situation. Don’t let myths and uncertainties cast a shadow on your homeownership dreams.
The housing market can seem scary with all the myths and misconceptions floating around. However, by arming yourself with the right knowledge and a reliable real estate expert, you can confidently navigate the market and make your homeownership dreams a reality. Don’t let unfounded fears hold you back – take the plunge into the exciting world of real estate, where opportunities abound for informed and motivated buyers.
Article Source: www.keepingcurrentmatters.com
I can help you find a strong buyer strategy that fits your goals. If you consider buying a property in the next 1-2 years, you need to download our free buyer guide!
Get informed with our buyer guide to understanding the best buyer strategies to get started.
Are you ready to downsize your living space, but excess furniture is making it feel like an impossible task? Many of us accumulate furniture over the years, often more than we need, and it can become a significant obstacle when it’s time to move into a smaller home or simply declutter your current one. The good news is that downsizing doesn’t have to be a daunting process. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the challenges of excess furniture and provide you with informative tips to help you overcome them, making the downsizing journey smooth and stress-free.
The Downsizing Dilemma
Downsizing is a popular trend, and for good reasons. It can lead to a more simplified and cost-effective lifestyle. However, the process itself can be overwhelming, especially if you have an abundance of furniture to deal with. Bulky sofas, oversized dining tables, and multiple bookshelves can make your new, smaller space feel cramped and cluttered.
Before you start downsizing your furniture, take some time to assess your actual needs. Consider your new space’s size and layout. What pieces are essential for your comfort and lifestyle? Keep only what you truly need or love.
Invest in multi-functional furniture to maximize your space efficiently. Items like sofa beds, foldable dining tables, and ottomans with hidden storage can be a game-changer in a smaller home.
Selling or donating your excess furniture is an excellent way to downsize while helping others in need. Host a garage sale, list items on online marketplaces, or contact local charities to make a difference in your community.
If you’re emotionally attached to some furniture but don’t have space for it in your new home, consider renting a storage unit. Store your sentimental items there and revisit them when needed.
Engaging the expertise of professional organizers or interior designers can offer insightful guidance on maximizing space and effective downsizing. Their knowledge can assist you in making well-informed choices, ensuring an aesthetically pleasing and organized space.
In smaller spaces, utilizing vertical space is essential. Opt for tall bookshelves and wall-mounted storage solutions to keep your belongings organized without overcrowding the room.
Adopting a minimalist mindset can be liberating when downsizing. Keep only the furniture and belongings that bring joy and meaning to your life, and let go of the rest.
When purchasing new furniture for your downsized home, always measure your available space carefully. This ensures you won’t end up with furniture that’s too big for your new layout.
Excess furniture doesn’t have to be a roadblock to downsizing your living space. With careful planning and a strategic approach, you can create a cozy, clutter-free environment that suits your new lifestyle. Remember to assess your needs, prioritize multi-functional pieces, sell or donate, and consider professional assistance when necessary. Embracing minimalism and optimizing vertical space can make a world of difference in your downsizing journey. So, don’t let excess furniture hold you back; take the first step towards a simpler, more manageable lifestyle. Happy downsizing!
During the fourth quarter of last year, some housing experts projected home prices were going to crash in 2023. The media ran with those forecasts and put out headlines calling for doom and gloom in the housing market. All of this negative news coverage made a lot of people have doubts about the strength of the residential real estate market.
If it made you question if you should delay your own plans to move, here’s what you really need to know.
Disregard what you saw in the headlines. The actual data shows home prices were remarkably resilient and performed far better than the media would have you believe (see graph below):
This graph uses reports from three trusted sources to clearly illustrate prices have already rebounded after experiencing only slight declines nationally. That’s a far cry from the crash so many articles called for.
The declines that did happen (shown in red), weren’t drastic but were short-lived. As Nicole Friedman, a reporter at the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), says:
“Home prices aren’t falling anymore. . . The surprisingly quick recovery suggests that the residential real-estate downturn is turning out to be shorter and shallower than many housing economists expected . . .”
Even though some media coverage made a big deal about home prices pulling back, the slight correction that happened is already in the rearview mirror. Basically, this data shows you home prices aren’t falling anymore – they’re actually going back up.
The consensus from experts is that home price growth will continue in the years ahead and is returning to normal levels for the market. That means we’ll still see home prices appreciating, just at a slower pace than the last few years – and that’s a good thing.
Some news sources will see home price growth slowing and put out stories that make you think prices are falling again. The return of misleading headlines like those is already having an impact on how homebuyers are feeling again. You can see how this affects general opinion in the Consumer Confidence Survey from Fannie Mae (see graph below):
While the percentage of Americans who think prices will fall has been slowly declining this year, the latest Consumer Confidence data indicates that’s ticked back up recently (shown in red). This change is surprising especially since the home price data shows prices are going up, not down. It tells you the impact the media still has on public opinion.
Don’t fall for the negative headlines and become part of this statistic. Remember, data from a number of sources shows home prices aren’t falling anymore.
Even though the media may make things sound doom and gloom, the data shows home prices aren’t falling anymore. So, don’t let the headlines scare you or delay your plans. Connect with me today so you have a trusted resource to cut through the noise and tell you what’s really happening in your area.
Article Source: www.keepingcurrentmatters.com
Buying a home is more than just a financial transaction; it’s an emotional journey that can be both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. From the excitement of finding your dream home to the anxiety of making such a significant investment, emotions play a pivotal role in the home-buying process. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the psychology of home buying, exploring how emotions influence your choices and offering insights to help you navigate this emotional rollercoaster.
The home buying process often begins with a sense of excitement and anticipation. It’s the thrill of the hunt, imagining yourself in a new space, and the potential for a fresh start. This emotion can drive you to explore various properties, attend open houses, and envision the possibilities of each space.
On the flip side, buying a home can also bring about feelings of anxiety and apprehension. The fear of making the wrong decision, concerns about affordability, and worries about the complexities of the process can all contribute to this emotional state. It’s essential to acknowledge these feelings and seek support from a real estate professional to ease your concerns.
As you begin to narrow down your options, you might start to form an emotional attachment to certain properties. This is where personalization comes into play. You imagine your furniture in the living room, your family in the kitchen, and your life unfolding in this new space. These emotional connections can significantly impact your decision-making.
In today’s competitive real estate market, the fear of missing out, or FOMO, is a prevalent emotion among homebuyers. When you find a property you love, the fear that someone else might snatch it away can lead to hasty decisions. It’s crucial to maintain a level head and trust your real estate agent’s guidance during these moments.
After the excitement of the purchase settles, it’s not uncommon for homebuyers to experience buyer’s remorse. This is when doubts and second-guessing creep in. Did you make the right choice? Could you have found a better deal? Remember that some level of doubt is normal, but trust that you made an informed decision.
Once you’re settled into your new home, a wave of satisfaction and accomplishment washes over you. The emotional reward of homeownership can be incredibly fulfilling. You’ve achieved a significant milestone and created a space that reflects your personality and aspirations.
Over time, your home becomes a repository of memories and emotions. You’ll associate it with birthdays, holidays, family gatherings, and everyday moments. This emotional connection can make it challenging to consider selling in the future, as the house has become a part of your personal history.
Understanding how emotions influence your home-buying decisions is vital, but it’s equally important to strike a balance between emotions and rationality. Here are some tips to help you navigate the psychological aspects of home buying:
Set Clear Priorities: Identify your non-negotiables and must-haves before you start the search to help you make objective decisions.
Lean on Your Realtor: Your real estate agent is your guide and advocate. Trust their expertise and rely on their advice to alleviate anxiety.
Take Your Time: Don’t rush the decision-making process. Give yourself space to reflect and consider your options.
Stay Within Your Budget: Emotions can tempt you to stretch your budget. Stick to what you can comfortably afford to avoid financial stress.
The psychology of home buying is a complex interplay of emotions, dreams, and practicality. Recognize that it’s natural to experience a range of feelings throughout the process. By understanding and managing these emotions, you can make informed decisions that lead you to the home of your dreams—a place where both your heart and your head can find satisfaction.
When you’re in the process of buying a home, it’s easy to become fixated on the purchase price. However, it’s essential to remember that there are many hidden costs of homeownership that extend beyond that initial investment. To help you make an informed decision and avoid financial surprises, let’s delve into these additional expenses and what you should budget for.
One of the most significant hidden costs of homeownership is property taxes. These taxes vary by location and are typically assessed annually based on your home’s assessed value. It’s crucial to research the property tax rates in your desired neighborhood and budget accordingly. Keep in mind that property taxes can increase over time, affecting your annual housing costs.
Homeowners insurance is a must to protect your investment. The cost of insurance depends on factors like your home’s location, size, and condition. Be sure to shop around for the best coverage and rates, and budget for your annual premium.
Regular maintenance is essential to keep your home in good condition. This includes tasks like lawn care, HVAC system maintenance, and cleaning gutters. Additionally, you should set aside funds for unexpected repairs, such as a leaking roof or a malfunctioning water heater. Financial advisors often recommend budgeting 1% to 3% of your home’s value annually for maintenance and repairs.
If you’re purchasing a property within a homeowners association, you’ll likely have monthly or annual HOA fees. These fees cover various expenses, such as common area maintenance, security, and community amenities. Ensure you understand the HOA fees and factor them into your budget.
Utility costs can add up significantly. Budget for monthly expenses like electricity, gas, water, sewage, and trash removal. Keep in mind that utility costs can vary depending on your location and the size and energy efficiency of your home.
If you plan to rent out your property, you may need a property management company to handle tenant issues and maintenance. Property management fees typically range from 8% to 12% of the monthly rent, so include this in your budget if you’re considering rental income.
Maintaining your property’s curb appeal is essential. Budget for landscaping services, lawn care, and gardening tools and supplies if you plan to handle these tasks yourself.
In addition to regular HOA fees, some associations may levy special assessments for unexpected expenses, such as major repairs or improvements. Be prepared for these additional costs.
To protect your home from pests like termites and rodents, you may need regular pest control services. Budget for routine inspections and treatments.
Consider investing in a home warranty, which can cover the repair or replacement of major systems and appliances. While this is optional, it can provide peace of mind and help you avoid unexpected expenses.
When budgeting for homeownership, it’s vital to consider these hidden costs beyond the purchase price. Property taxes, home insurance, maintenance, and other ongoing expenses can significantly impact your overall housing budget. By planning for these costs in advance, you’ll be better prepared to enjoy the benefits of homeownership without financial stress.
If you have any questions about budgeting for homeownership or need assistance with your real estate journey, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’m here to help you navigate the complexities of the real estate market and make informed decisions
I can help you find a strong buyer strategy that fits your goals. If you consider buying a property in the next 1-2 years, you need to download our free buyer guide!
Get informed with our buyer guide to understanding the best buyer strategies to get started.
We understand that the journey of finding your dream home is filled with excitement and anticipation. From picturing your morning coffee spot to planning out the perfect garden, it’s a thrilling adventure. But hold on, before you start arranging furniture in your mind, let’s talk about something important – those subtle hints that a home might not be as dreamy as it seems. Welcome to our guide on “Top 5 Red Flags to Look for During a Home Showing.” Let’s dive in and make sure you’re ready to spot any potential bumps in the road before they become deal breakers.
Imagine stepping onto a floor that feels more like a marsh. Not a pleasant thought, right? If you encounter damp or discolored floors and walls during a home showing, it’s a signal to pay attention. These could hint at water leakage, plumbing issues, or a roof that’s not keeping its promises. Unless you’re practicing for an indoor pool competition, these are signs you should take seriously.
As you stroll through the home, give those windows and doors a little test. Windows that refuse to budge might be whispering, “High energy bills ahead!” Similarly, doors that don’t quite close properly could be a sign of foundation concerns. We believe opening windows should be a breeze, not a feat of strength, and doors should welcome you, not challenge you.
When you’re gazing up, look for more than just stylish light fixtures. Stains, cracks, or sagging in the ceiling might indicate past leaks or structural issues. We don’t want you to have any unexpected “sky is falling” moments during your movie night – a stable ceiling is a must.
Trust your nose! A musty smell that’s reminiscent of a mix between grandma’s attic and a swamp is not a good sign. Musty odors could mean hidden mold or mildew, which is not the company you want in your new home. Those charming candle shops are the ones that should be bringing unique scents, not the house you’re considering.
While we’re all for a good mystery, mysterious sounds in a home aren’t the kind of intrigue you want. If you hear more creaks and groans than a haunted house on Halloween night, it could be your home’s way of saying it needs some TLC. A home should offer you peace and quiet, not star in its own horror movie soundtrack.
Approach your home showings with a curious mindset and keep these red flags in your back pocket. Your home is a significant investment, and we want to ensure you’re equipped to make an informed decision. If you’re ready to explore further or need assistance decoding these signs, I’m here to guide you. No magnifying glass required – just give me a call!
I can help you find a strong buyer strategy that fits your goals. If you consider buying a property in the next 1-2 years, you need to download our free buyer guide!
Get informed with our buyer guide to understanding the best buyer strategies to get started.
Plenty of people are still moving these days. And if you’re thinking of making a move yourself, you may be considering the inventory and affordability challenges in the housing market and wondering what you can do to help offset those. A new report from Gravy Analytics provides insight into where people are searching for homes and what they’re prioritizing most right now. That information could help you plan your own move.
One big factor motivating where buyers are going is affordability and that’s no big surprise. People are relocating to areas that have less expensive housing options. As a result, small cities are thriving. Hannah Jones, Economics Data Analyst at Realtor.com, summarizes why:
“Affordability is still very much front and center . . . a lot of what’s available is outside of the price range of many buyers. . . . so they look elsewhere for a little more bang for the buck.”
The takeaway for you? If you’re having trouble finding a home that fits your budget, it may help to browse other, more affordable locations nearby.
And, if you’re already expanding your search radius, you may be able to include a location that features your favorite type of destination, like a suburb near the beach or a mountain town. Data shows many other homeowners are making that type of move a priority today. According to the same report from Gravy Analytics:
“Whether it’s the opportunity to enjoy more weekend hikes in the mountains or to wake up to a lakeside sunrise, people are moving to areas that were once thought of as vacation spots.”
Even with today’s home prices and mortgage rates, here’s why a move like this could be possible for you. If you’re already a homeowner, the equity you’ll get when you sell your current house can help fuel that move and give you the down payment you’d need for your dream home.
Ongoing remote work is another major factor in where people are moving. A recent report from the McKinsey Global Institute says this about recent movement patterns:
“Many of these moves happened because employees untethered from their daily commutes began to care less about how far they lived from the office.”
If you’re a remote or hybrid worker, you don’t have to live in the same city, or sometimes even the same state, as your job. That means you can prioritize other things, like being closer to loved ones, when buying a home.
In fact, the same McKinsey Global Institute report notes for people who moved during the pandemic, 55% reported moving farther from the office. And since remote work is still a popular choice today, homebuyers will likely continue to take advantage of that flexibility.
The trend of people moving in the real estate world is ongoing. Whether it’s from city to suburb or even to the countryside, everyone has their reasons. If you’re thinking about a move but worried about the options available or the cost, remember you don’t have to do it alone. Get in touch with me, and I’ll guide you through the ins and outs of today’s market. I’m here to help you turn your housing dreams into reality. Take advantage of the opportunities in the ever-changing real estate landscape, and with my dedicated support, you’ll soon find your perfect home sweet home.
Article Source: www.keepingcurrentmatters.com
I can help you find a strong buyer strategy that fits your goals. If you consider buying a property in the next 1-2 years, you need to download our free buyer guide!
Get informed with our buyer guide to understanding the best buyer strategies to get started.
While the wild ride that was the ‘unicorn’ years of housing is behind us, today’s market is still competitive in many areas because the supply of homes for sale is still low. If you’re looking to buy a home this season, know that the peak frenzy of bidding wars is in the rearview mirror, but you may still come up against some multiple-offer scenarios.
Here are a few things to consider to help you put your best foot forward when making an offer on a home.
Rely on an agent who can support your goals and help you understand what’s happening in today’s housing market. Agents are experts in the local market and on the national trends too. They’ll use both of those areas of expertise to make sure you have all the information you need to move with confidence.
Plus, they know what’s worked for other buyers in your area and what sellers may be looking for in an offer. It may seem simple, but catering to what a seller needs can help your offer stand out. As an article from Forbes says:
“Getting to know a local realtor where you’re hoping to buy can also potentially give you a crucial edge in a tight housing market.”
Having a clear budget in mind is especially important right now given the current affordability challenges. The best way to get a clear picture of what you can borrow is to work with a lender so you can get pre-approved for a home loan.
That’ll help you be more financially confident because you’ll have a better understanding of your numbers. It shows sellers you’re serious, too. And that can give you a competitive edge if you do get into a multiple-offer scenario.
It’s only natural to want the best deal you can get on a home. However, submitting an offer that’s too low does have some risks. You don’t want to make an offer that will be tossed out as soon as it’s received just to see if it sticks. As Realtor.com explains:
“. . . an offer price that’s significantly lower than the listing price, is often rejected by sellers who feel insulted . . . Most listing agents try to get their sellers to at least enter negotiations with buyers, to counteroffer with a number a little closer to the list price. However, if a seller is offended by a buyer or isn’t taking the buyer seriously, there’s not much you, or the real estate agent, can do.”
The expertise your agent brings to this part of the process will help you stay competitive and find a price that’s fair to you and the seller.
During the ‘unicorn’ years of housing, some buyers skipped home inspections or didn’t ask for concessions from the seller in order to submit the winning bid on a home. An article from Bankrate explains this isn’t happening as often today, and that’s good news:
“While the market has largely calmed down since then, sellers are still very much in the driver’s seat in this era of scarce housing inventory. It’s not as common for buyers to waive inspections anymore, but it does still happen. . . . It’s in the buyer’s best interest to have a home inspected . . . Inspections alert you to existing or potential problems with the home, giving you not just an early heads up but also a useful negotiating tactic.”
Fortunately, today’s market is different, and you may have more negotiating power than before. When putting together an offer, your trusted real estate advisor will help you think through what levers to pull and which ones you may not want to compromise on.
Make your homeownership dreams a reality this summer! As an experienced real estate advisor, I’ll help you find the perfect home and make the best offer. Reach out to me now, and let’s get started!
Article Source: www.keepingcurrentmatters.com
I can help you find a strong buyer strategy that fits your goals. If you consider buying a property in the next 1-2 years, you need to download our free buyer guide!
Get informed with our buyer guide to understanding the best buyer strategies to get started.
If you’re following the news today, you may feel a bit unsure about what’s happening with home prices and fear whether or not the worst is yet to come. That’s because today’s headlines are painting an unnecessarily negative picture. If we take a year-over-year view, home prices did drop some, but that’s because we’re comparing to a ‘unicorn’ year when prices peaked well beyond the norm.
To avoid an unfair comparison to that previous peak, we need to look at monthly data. And that tells a very different and much more positive story. While local home price trends still vary by market, here’s what the national data tells us.
Looking at this monthly view, we can see the past year in the housing market can be divided into two parts. In the first half of 2022, home prices were going up, and fast. However, starting in July, prices began to go down (shown in red in the graphs above). By around August or September, the trend started to stabilize. But, looking at the most recent data for early 2023, these graphs also show that prices are going up again.
The fact that all three reports show prices have been going up for three or more straight months is an encouraging sign for the housing market. The month-over-month data indicates a national shift is happening – home prices are rising again.
Craig J. Lazzara, Managing Director at S&P Dow Jones Indices, says this about home price trends:
"If I were trying to make a case that the decline in home prices that began in June 2022 had definitively ended in January 2023, April’s data would bolster my argument.”
Experts believe one of the reasons prices didn’t crash like some expected is because there aren’t enough available homes for the number of people who want to buy them. Even with today’s mortgage rates, there are more people looking to buy than there are homes available for sale.
Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, explains how more demand than supply keeps upward pressure on prices:
“History has shown that higher rates may take the steam out of rising prices, but it doesn’t cause them to collapse entirely. This is especially true in today’s housing market, where the demand for homes continues to outpace supply, keeping the pressure on house prices.”
Doug Duncan, Senior VP and Chief Economist at Fannie Mae, states home price growth is exceeding expectations thanks to that high demand
“. . . housing prices continue to show stronger growth than what was previously expected . . . Housing’s performance is a testimony to the strength of demographic-related demand . . .”
• Buyers: If you’ve been holding off on buying because you were worried the value of your home would go down, knowing home prices have bounced back should bring you some relief. It also gives you the opportunity to own something that usually becomes more valuable as time goes on.
• Sellers: If you’ve been waiting to sell your house because you were concerned about how changing home prices would affect its value, it might be a good idea to team up with a real estate agent to list your house. You don’t have to wait any longer because the latest data suggests things are turning in your favor.
If you delayed your moving plans because you were concerned about home prices dropping, the latest data reveals the worst is already over, and prices are appreciating nationally. Partner with me so you know what’s happening with home prices in your area.
Article Source: www.keepingcurrentmatters.com
When it comes to buying a home, especially with today’s affordability challenges, you’ll want to be strategic. Mortgage rates impact how much it costs to borrow money for your home loan. And, to help offset the higher borrowing costs today, some homebuyers are taking a close look at their wish list and re-evaluating what features they really need in their next home to avoid overextending. As a recent NerdWallet article says:
“A pool, for example, may be nice to have, but it may not provide as much day-to-day value as a garage or a space for a home office . . .”
While that pool may be appealing, think twice on whether or not it’s really something you must have to be happy in your next home. Is getting that pool the main reason you’re moving? Probably not. It’s more likely a need for more space, a home office, or proximity to loved ones, friends, or work that’s motivating you to make a change.
So, if you’re looking to buy a home, take some time to consider what’s truly essential for you in your next house. Make a list of all the features you’ll want to see, and from there, work to break those features into categories. Here’s a great way to organize your list:
• Must-Haves – If a house doesn’t have these features, it won’t work for you and your lifestyle (examples: distance from work or loved ones, number of bedrooms/bathrooms, etc.).
• Nice-To-Haves – These are features you’d love to have but can live without. Nice-to-haves aren’t dealbreakers, but if you find a home that hits all the must-haves and some of these, it’s a contender (examples: a second home office, a garage, etc.).
• Dream State – This is where you can really think big. Again, these aren’t features you’ll need, but if you find a home in your budget that has all the must-haves, most of the nice-to-haves, and any of these, it’s a clear winner (examples: a pool, multiple walk-in closets, etc.).
Once you’ve categorized it in a way that works for you, discuss your top priorities with your real estate agent. Remember to think carefully about what’s a non-negotiable for your lifestyle and what’s a nice-to-have that’s more of an added bonus. Be sure to discuss where each feature falls with your agent. They’ll be able to help you refine the list further, coach you through the best way to stick to it, and find a home in your area that meets your top needs.
Creating a comprehensive list of essential features for your next home may appear to be a simple task, but it holds significant importance in your current homebuying journey. By taking the time to identify and prioritize your needs, you can ensure that you find a home that perfectly suits your requirements. If you’re ready to embark on this exciting adventure and discover the ideal home for you, don’t hesitate to reach out and connect with me today. I’m here to assist you every step of the way.
Article Source: www.keepingcurrentmatters.com
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