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January 20, 2012

Finding The Perfect Real Estate Agent

When it comes time to buying or selling a new home, your Real Estate Agent can become your best friend. It is important to choose your representative wisely. No matter which side of the transaction you are on you want to have the best service to help you through this major transaction.

Good agents all have certain characteristics that you should be looking for. You want to find one that is very familiar with all of the properties that are available in the area that you desire. When you describe what it is you are looking for they should be good listeners and be able to show you homes that match the criteria of what you are looking for.

The last thing you want to do is waste your time looking at homes that are not within your budget. Be very clear about how much you are willing to spend on your new home. While it may be fun viewing homes that are for sale you would be better served spending your time looking at houses that meet you criteria.

Negotiation skills are another skill you want on your side when you are ready to make an offer on a house that you are interested in buying. A smart negotiator will be able to work out a fair price for you. They may suggest making an offer for the home that would include a deduction in the asking price for the cost of replacing worn carpeting for example.

When you are on the other end of the transaction and it is time to sell your home you want to find an agent that is capable of finding interested buyers to come view your home. A well balanced agent will be able to serve your interests as well as the buyers. They will bring qualified buyers and work out the details to a sale for the benefit of both sides.

When you list your house for sale you can expect your Realtor to help you with the marketability of your home. They may have suggestions on what you can do to help show the house in a more attractive light. They will focus on the positive aspects of your home and provide you with feedback on what you can reasonably ask for in your asking price. If you are looking for a quick sale of your home do not inflate the price you want.

When you hire an agent you will also be working with their Real Estate Broker. Do not jump into a listing agreement until you have had a chance to meet with a few and feel comfortable that the agent you are choosing will be able to best serve your interests. Word of mouth from friends who have had positive experience with real estate companies can also help in your search to find the right one for you.

Purchasing a home is a major investment that you will have to live with for a long time. Find a good real estate agent to help you though the process as it will help make the final decision easier. With the right assistance you will be able to find that home you have always dreamed about.

Looking for a Milton real estate? You can now have access to an experienced professional Milton real estate agent who will make your home-buying experience a great one! Century 21 273 Kent Street West, Lindsay, ON K9V 2Z8, Canada 705-324-2552

January 17, 2012

Basement Cracks in your New Home

A typical basement is constructed of a footing or footer that supports the basement walls and floor. The footing must rest on solid or undisturbed soil. The wall may be constructed of cement block, poured concrete, brick, stone or tile. In the past 80 years, most foundation walls have been constructed of cement block or poured concrete. The floor is poured concrete supported on the edges by the footing and in the center by compacted gravel.

While concrete cracks appear to be typical and are common in most basements , it is not recommended that they remain ignored. Most homeowners can easily identify concrete cracks in their basement, either on the foundation wall or on the floor. They may also find cracks on the garage floor, patio or in-ground pool.

Cracks can be signs of an overload or excessive stress on a wall. As homes get older, cracks have a better chance of appearing. Excessive displacement, continuing movement, differential settlement and certain combinations of cracks are real problems we will discuss. The exception – those little hairline cracks that appear in floors and walls – often are caused by shrinkage and are not a concern since they are just cosmetic in nature.

Cracks are almost always visible “fractures” that tend to go from floor to ceiling and from the inside, right through to the outside. Cracks often originate from a point of weakness such as the corner of a window, a beam pocket, a utility penetration, or from the cut-out of a door sill. Occasionally cracks will form horizontally…this is more serious and indicates a structural failure.

There are three basic causes of seepage and cracks in basements. First, the original workmanship may be poor. Second, the house may have settled, causing cracks in either the floor or walls. Finally, water pressure from the outside may have built up and be forcing water through the walls.

A Crack can be injected with polyurethane for less money or if the crack never stops flowing and is constantly wet. The problem with polyurethane in a small, hairline crack is that when polyurethane activates, it creates air bubbles. In fact, most polyurethane expands to over 10 times their original size! So when a hairline crack is injected with polyurethane, the net result is a boat load of air bubbles and a small amount of polyurethane between you and the great outdoors which may be fine for a large crack or rod hole, but not for a standard foundation crack.

Want to find out more http://www.irp-dnd.com/, then visit www.irp-dnd.com to find a Realtor for you. Visit Angus Home Inspections for all your needs Real Estate needs.

January 16, 2012

Broofield GRS Relocation for IRP and DND Personnel

In 1968 during amalgamation of the Armed Forces, RCAF Station Namao was renamed Canadian Forces Base Edmonton. During the Cold War RCAF Station Namao was used by the United States Strategic Air Command, which constructed a “Nose Dock” capable of servicing the nose and wings of heavy jet bombers and tankers on the south side of the airfield. The station also hosted the Edmonton Rescue Coordination Centre, and served as home base for United Nations Food Aid flights, delivering much-needed aid to Ethiopia, Somalia, and Bosnia. Because Namao at that time had a 4,200-metre (13,780 ft) runway, 12/30, it was a designated an emergency Space Shuttle landing site by NASA.

Edmonton, Alberta is located astride the banks of the North Saskatchewan River. The provincial capital is Canada’s sixth largest city and is often referred to as “Gateway to the North”. Edmonton also holds the title “Canada’s Festival City” as it celebrates a wide range of culture, music, theatre, visual arts and sports. The City of Edmonton’s 2001 population increased by 49,800 since the 1996 census. Migration figures are not available at the municipal level but data for the Edmonton CMA (census metropolitan area), shows that 63% of the CMA’s increase was from net-migration with 37% from natural increase.

With over a million people, Greater Edmonton offers all the convenience and choice of a big city in an environment of open spaces and fresh air. We’re proud of our clean, safe neighbourhoods. Lower average house prices mean people here are able to own a home at a younger age than in other Canadian cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary. Taxes are lower here, too.

Edmonton bills itself as a place for entrepreneurs. The municipal government has put many plans in place to aid the people of Edmonton. The Municipal Development Plan (MDP), “The Way We Grow,” is the City’s strategic growth and development plan. Through its MDP, the City of Edmonton will shape the city’s urban form and direct the development and implementation of more detailed plans.

There are four main hospitals serving Edmonton: University of Alberta Hospital, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Misericordia Community Hospital, and Grey Nuns Community Hospital.[180] Other area hospitals include Sturgeon Community Hospital in St. Albert, Leduc Community Hospital in Leduc, Westview Health Centre in Stony Plain, and Fort Saskatchewan Health Centre in Fort Saskatchewan. Dedicated psychiatric care is provided at the Alberta Hospital. All hospitals are under the administration of Alberta Health Services, although Misericordia and Grey Nuns are run separately by the Covenant Health.

Sport Fans will be delighted by seeing a home game of the Edmonton Oilers at Northlands Coliseum during ice-hockey season (October to April). The Commonwealth Stadium is home to the Edmonton Eskimos, who play CFL football from July to October. If you are more into baseball, try a game of the Edmonton Trappers (Pacific Coast Baseball League) at Telus Park (April to August). Cycling and hiking enthusiasts will be thrilled by the city’s vast network of park trails that are ideal for cross-country skiing in winter.

The Royal Bank of Canada predicts that Alberta’s rate of growth – four per cent this year and 3.9 per cent in 2012 – will outpace all provinces except Saskatchewan. “Oilsands megaprojects will continue to generate tremendous economic activity and will be a boon to Alberta’s economy for years to come,” says RBC chief economist Craig Wright.

Learn more about IRP and DND Military Relocation. Stop by Angus Borden DND and IRP Home Inspections where you can find out all about protecting your investment.

January 7, 2012

Let Your Money Do The Talking With Homes For Sale

You may be new to the market or be an investor of long standing. Either way, the time to buy will not get much better than it is right now. Join in with the number of people that are taking advantage of the low prices to buy the home of their dreams. Homes for sale are located in every district, in every town and city, and they are waiting for you.

In addition to property value being at an all time low, mortgage rates are hitting rock bottom. You can secure a mortgage for less than five percent. Get that rate locked in and you will never have to worry about your payment rising. This would not be the opportune time to get an Adjustable Rate Mortgage or ATM.

Call it what you wish, people are selling their homes at the lowest prices seen in years. They are doing all they can to make their home look inviting to prospective buyers because owning has become a burden to them. It is wise to be on guard, for many will do all they can to hide problems. Invest in a reputable inspector to go through the entire building and look for problem areas.

Many people are not looking for themselves but they are seeking ways to locate income property. They may wish to buy a number of small homes or even a small apartment complex. The standard rule is that it takes the investor about seven years to see a profit on his investment. With the extremely low payments to be found on commercial property, you will most likely be seeing your money grow much sooner than that.

The price of property has dropped because there are so few people that can afford to buy a home even with these low prices. They may have lost their job due to company closings and with the cost of everything on the rise, just managing to pay rent is difficult. Those with jobs are refinancing their own homes to have a more affordable home mortgage.

The world of finance is not always a kind place to be. While some are able to contemplate ways to make money, there are those who can barely keep a roof over their heads. Unemployment benefits are beginning to run out and even state funded programs are bordering on bankruptcy. Programs to help the needy are being cut time and time again.

All of these problems have had a trickle down effect and contributed to the lowest real estate prices seen since the last depression. There is still a glimmer of hope on the horizon as unemployment rates are falling slowly but surely as Americans are finding ways to bring in income. If you want to purchase for your family or simply purchase for the sake of investing, now is the time to make your move.

Make an appointment with your local real estate agency and speak with them about what is available on today’s market. You will be surprised at what is listed in the Oakville homes for sale section of their agency. They can give you all the pertinent information you need to make an informed decision.

At Lindsay Walls – RE/MAX Aboutowne Realty Corp., Brokerage – 67 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville, ON L6K 1C9 (905) 484-5162 – you can find a professional Oakville real estate agent that can show you the best real estate in your area.

January 6, 2012

Common Real Estate Terms

Filed under: mortgage sales — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , — Roger Frost @ 3:54 pm

ADJUSTMENT DATE: The term is most commonly used in real estate transactions, where the adjustment date refers to the agreed-upon date on which certain costs such as property taxes and interest will be adjusted between the buyer and the seller. The interest adjustment date is the date from which your lender first starts calculating the normal ongoing interest that you’ll pay. Interest adjustment dates tend to commonly fall on the 1st day of the month after mortgage funds are advanced to the borrower. Lawyers and notaries routinely collect interest adjustments at closing. Confirm this when you discuss your closing costs with them.

MORTGAGE INSURANCE: To obtain mortgage loan insurance, lenders pay an insurance premium. Typically, your lender will pass this cost on to you. The premium payable is based on a percentage of the home’s purchase price that is financed by a mortgage. The premium can be paid in a single lump sum or it can be added to your mortgage and included in your monthly payments.

CLOSING COSTS: Closing costs include a variety of expenses over and above the price of the property. These can be divided into two categories: recurring costs and non-recurring costs. Recurring costs include property taxes and homeowner’s insurance; one year’s worth of each must be paid in advance and put in an escrow account to ensure that the cash is available when it is time for the bills to be paid. Non-recurring costs include fees related to conducting a real estate transaction, and include loan origination costs, title search fees, surveys, and credit report costs.

TITLE INSURANCE: In Canada when you buy a new property you should employ an independent lawyer to undertake these searches for you, however when a sale is closed not all searches may necessarily have been completed, and the results of some searches may be contested at a later date. It is in circumstances like this that issues can arise. A purchaser may find out at a date after the sale has been closed that the property they thought had clean title actually has debts or outstanding legal claims against it. In its most basic form, title insurance protects the home owner and/or mortgage lender against such occurrences.

COMMISSIONS: The most common type of listing agreement between a seller and her agent gives that agent’s broker the right to exclusively market the home. In return for bringing a buyer to the table, the seller agrees to pay a commission to the broker. Typically, this fee is represented as a percentage of the sales price and is shared between the listing broker and the broker who brings the buyer.

TAKING POSSESSION: The possession date and time is negotiated in the Closing and taking possession are two different stages although they can occur on the same day. Closing is signing all that paperwork in the Escrow office. Taking possession is actually getting the keys in your hands; the sellers have moved out and you are free to move in. contract and agreed upon by all parties.

Want to find Angus Real Estate Agents then visit www.napoleon.cc/angus_real_estate, then visit WETT Inspections in Barrie ON for your insurance requirements.

January 5, 2012

Investing in Real Estate

Investors accounted for what’s likely a record 23 percent of all home sales last year, according to the National Association of Realtors’ “2005 National Association of Realtors Profile of Second-Home Buyers.”

Once you own one home, the idea of owning another home as a money investment might pop into your head. With it being general knowledge that the real estate and housing market is in the tank, you might be a little hesitant to pull the trigger and invest in real estate. However, if you have some fortitude and some patience, now might be an excellent time to invest in real estate. Every market is different and you have to evaluate your niche that you want to invest in to decide if there is enough of a market to make it a worthwhile investment.

Financing your investment is a crucial part of your investment strategy and most of your decisions will be based on the time frame of your investment. Whether you are planning to hang on to your investment for long term returns or are in for the quick flip will determine the type and rate of mortgage you will be obtaining.If you are looking to flip and you’re confident that you can find a buyer, consider an adjustable mortgage with a very low temporary interest rate.

If you truly have a long-term horizon with a rental property investment, you can rest easier knowing that someone else is paying more of the interest and principal each month than you. As part of your investment strategy you can sit back and allow the principle to be paid down on your mortgage and watch your equity increase. There are some good tax benefits to a rental property which you can utilize to increase your profits. Ask your accountant how to set up your property for the greatest benefit.

Learn your investment market. One market’s bubble could be one investor’s boom and another investor’s bust. A home in one market could give you vacation rental income in a half year sufficient to cover the cost of principal, interest, taxes, insurance, home owner association dues, upkeep and other costs, but not appreciate, while another home in another market won’t bring you enough rent to cover your expenses but appreciate more than enough to make up for it over the long term. The variables are endless.

The following is the list of questions I ask a property manager when I first interview them over the phone before setting up a meeting. If you don’t like their answers, it will save you from wasting your time on a face-to-face meeting. There are plenty of managers in any decent sized metropolitan area, so there is no excuse for just hiring the first person who is willing to manage your properties for you at a reasonable rate. Here is list of sample questions: 1. What are your management fees (% of rents, new tenant fees, lease renewal, etc)? 2. What services does that fee cover? 3. What does your company charge for other services(evictions, finding new tenants, lease-options exercised)? 4. Is the maintenance you use in-house, or just a contractor frequently used? Do they charge by the hour, or the job? How much? 5. Do you manage properties in the (area you own property) area? If so, how many? 6. How many property managers do you have? 7. How many units does each manage on average? 8. How long has your company been in business? 9. What is the average length you’ve managed the client’s properties for? 10. Do you manage any lease-options/rent-to-own properties? (if you have any or plan on having any) 11. What info do you provide the owner with on a monthly basis? What do you need the owner to do on a monthly basis? How many phone calls to the owner per month on average? 12. How do you advertise and market the properties? 13. Could you email me references right now? (Make sure you call their references

Learn more about Alliston Professional Real Estate Agents at www.allistonrealestateagents.info site. Stop byProfessional WETT inspections for your fireplace or woodstove needs or insurance inspections.

December 23, 2011

Real Estate Market in Orillia

Filed under: mortgage sales — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Roger Frost @ 11:49 pm

In today’s competitive Real Estate market you want to ensure you get the best possible agent to represent you. There are many benchmarks you can use to assess the qualities of potential Realtors and we are listing just some of them.

Did your agent bring a list of current sales and properties in your area prior to listing property? Does your agent include a Professional Staging service with his listings, many agents do in this competitive market. How many agents are in his office and how many listings does he currently have?

How many open houses is your Realtor planning to hold for your home if you list with them. What type of advertising are they going to use and how often. All these items should be discussed prior to listing you home. Is your price realistic or will your agent start asking for price drops?

There is lots of good news out there in regards to the Real Estate market. Mortgages continue to remain low. Vacancy rates are dropping and investors are out shopping. All these factors are encouraging as they should foster a good market for selling properties. Current real estate values have to be based on local conditions and market values.

Many people try and save money by utilizing the same Realtor and will even use a Home Inspector recommended by the Realtor. This saving can have dire consequences when you don’t have someone whose only duty is too look after your interests. Pay for the services of a professional and they will ensure your interests come first and foremost.

When buying a “used” home or property it is very important to ensure all work was done by qualified trades persons and all permits were taken out. Many people build decks and construct illegal units in their basements. Don’t be caught unawares and incur the cost or removal of renovations built without and permit or inspection.

Visit www.angusrealestateagents.info to find a good selection from the top Realtors in the Angus area. Choose a Professional Real Estate agent with a proven track record who always puts his clients needs at the forefront. Ask this Real Estate agents the “Really Tough Questions” without fear of rejection, these are truly Professionals who will welcome your questions and be happy to answer them honestly.

Looking to find the best Home Inspector in Barrie with Thermal Imaging, then visit www.infared-detection.com. Need insurance inspection then visit WETT Inspections in Barrie, Alliston and Orillia for all wood burning requirements.

December 21, 2011

Today There Are Many Homes For Sale

There are many homes for sale today. And although unfortunate for the ones that have lost their property because of the market. It is also fortunate for others that wouldn’t be able to buy at another time like today. Since the market has dropped so dramatically houses are a lot more affordable. And this has become a great time to buy for those that other wise might not have been able to afford it at an earlier time in their life.

Because of the many houses that have been foreclosed on the banks are flooded with them and need to sell them. They are giving pretty good deals on these houses just to be able to make a profit themselves. But they are even trying to work with the ones that are in foreclosure so that they can keep their homes since there are just too many owned by the banks now.

But private owners are selling their homes too, not just the banks. Someone might have to sell because if they don’t they may be looking at their house being foreclosed on and they don’t want that. They are willing to sell because of this reason, and they have to sell at a price that the market’s at, which may give someone else a good deal. It depends on which state you live in, but most house prices are less than half off compared to what they were selling a few years ago.

A lot of construction has either slowed way down or completely stopped in this field. But new home builders still need to make a living so they are building for much less today. This also depends on which state you live in or where you are looking at buying.

Until this market gets back on the right track, and it will eventually. Today may be your time to buy, no matter if it’s a new house or a home that’s several years old. This could be one of the best investments of your life.

A lot of people are taking advantage of this fall in the real estate market. Some are buying the houses that have gone into foreclosure and renting it out. This can be a profitable investment if one can afford to do this.

There’s no better time than right now to buy cheap and resell after fixing up a property. This is a good way to make a good income, especially if you’re handy and can do the work yourself. If you’ve thought about this in the past then now may be the perfect time to get it going.

Since there are more houses than ever before that are either foreclosed on or in the process of it. It’s causing a wonderful way for those that can afford to do so, to buy. With the many homes for sale, and many opportunities it’s a great time to get started. You can go through an agent or talk to a lender, they can be very beneficial in helping you get on the right road to a great opportunity. Also the internet is full of great information on this as well, so doing some search on this might be all you need to be on your way of a great business quest, or buying a first time house for you and your family.

Looking for a Milton real estate agent? You can now have access to an experienced professional real estate agent who will make your home-buying experience a great one! Century 21 273 Kent Street West, Lindsay, ON K9V 2Z8, Canada 705-324-2552

December 19, 2011

Investing in Real Estate in Alliston Ontario

Filed under: mortgage sales — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , — Roger Frost @ 11:31 pm

Alliston traces its history to three brothers, William, John and Dickson Fletcher. Dissatisfied with life in England, the three left for Toronto, working farms in Toronto Gore northwest of the city. In 1821 William purchased Lot 15, Consession 3, Tecumseth Township. He married in 1828, and in 1847 went scouting locations for the construction of a mill with his son John. The chose a location at Lot 1, Consession 1, Essa Township, at the corner where four of the original townships of southern Simcoe County (Adjala, Tosorontio, Essa, and Tecumseth) meet. In early November they built a cabin on the property, and the rest of the family joined them in April the next year. A larger house, known as Fletcher House, was built in 1849, and still stands at 18 Fletcher Crescent.

Prior to shopping for a new Alliston property it is recommended that you get pre-approved to establish a baseline for the amount of money you can afford to invest. A home buyer or builder can obtain financing (a loan) either to purchase or secure against the property from a financial institution, such as a bank, either directly or indirectly through intermediaries. Features of mortgage loans such as the size of the loan, maturity of the loan, interest rate, method of paying off the loan, and other characteristics can vary considerably.

Bargain shoppers are sometimes on the look out for Power of Sale properties. These properties are usually in poorer condition than typcial homes listed in Alliston. When buying a Power of Sale Canadian Banks will typically not assume responsibility for any part of the home. You will be buying it “as is” with no warranties or guarantees. This is where the Alliston Home Inspector is a valuable asset because having the experience of over 4,000 inspections and being a Certified Building Code Official makes choosing the best the right choice.

Controversy exists around how commissions paid to real estate agents are disclosed to buyers and the effect additional seller incentives may have on the negotiation process and final purchase price. If a listing agent sells a property above the listed price, they make additional income. In theory, this motivates them to get top dollar for the seller. However, if an agent representing a buyer obtains a lower sales price for their client, then they make a lower commission. Thus, it could be considered to be in the agent’s best interest to advise his client to purchase the property at a higher price.

The common definition for a real estate broker, real estate agent or realtor is a party who acts as a go between for sellers and buyers of real property and attempts to find clients who wish to sell and buyers who wish to buy. In the Canada and the United States, the relationship was originally established by reference to the English common law of agency, with the broker having a fiduciary relationship with his clients.

Many people who have been turned down by traditional mortgage lenders are turning to the Rent to Own method of home buying. For many, the rent-to-own home may be the best option. Also called a lease-to-own house, the process works similarly to a car lease : Renters pay a certain amount each month to live in the house, and at the end of a set period — generally within three years — they have the option to buy the house. Each month of rent they pay is income for the seller, while a portion of it goes toward a down payment to eventually buy the home.

Looking to find the best Real Estate Agents in Angus, then visit www.angusrealestateagents.info for your next Real Estate investment. Find the best Professional Innisfil Real Estate Agents for your next purchase.

December 17, 2011

Basic House – by Angus Real Estate Agents

Filed under: mortgage sales — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , — Roger Frost @ 11:02 pm

Most buildings start with a foundation which may be followed with block or poured cement walls. Every block wall requires a footing that is built below the frost line to prevent heaving in the winter. The footing should be twice as deep as the thickness of the wall and twice as wide. Footings in wet soil are required to be twice the width of normal footings tp provide the necessary support.

Traditional stucco is made of lime, sand, and water. Modern stucco is made of Portland cement, sand, and water. Lime is added to increase the permeability and workability of modern stucco. Sometimes additives such as acrylics and glass fibers are added to improve the structural properties of the plaster. This is usually done with what is considered a one-coat stucco system, as opposed to the traditional three-coat method. As a building material, stucco is a durable, attractive, and weather-resistant wall covering. It was traditionally used as both an interior and exterior finish applied in one or two thin layers directly over a solid masonry, brick or stone surface. The finish coat usually contained an integral color and was typically textured for appearance.

In the field of human-wildlife conflicts, probably the most common scenario nationwide is the squirrel in the attic. Most people become aware that an animal is living in their attic when they hear scampering, or scratching noises above the ceiling. A wide variety of animals choose to live in the attics of buildings, from rats and mice, bats and pigeons, raccoon’s, opossums, and of course squirrels. Most of these animals will oftentimes use other areas of the home as well, from the soffits to the wall voids to the space between floors, so the attic is not the only area you’ll find critters.

A plumbing fixture could refer to a receptacle or device that is either permanently or temporarily connected to the water distribution system of the property, and which demands a supply of water. Or the fixture could discharge waste water, liquid-suspended waste materials or sewage to the drainage system of the property. The fixture could also require both a water supply connection and a discharge to the drainage system of the property. Plumbing fixtures include water closets, urinals, bidets, lavatories, sinks, showers, bathtubs and floor drains.

Fully open the hot and cold water faucets and fill the whirlpool tub with water at least 1 to 3 inches above the whirlpool jets. Do not operate the pump until all jets are submerged. Direct the jets downward before activating the pump. Inspect the amount of bubbling with the controls. The suction inlets typically have very small openings, less than 1/8-inch in diameter, to prevent catching hair and pulling someone’s head under water.

The term “septic” refers to the anaerobic bacterial environment that develops in the tank and which decomposes or mineralizes the waste discharged into the tank. Septic tanks can be coupled with other on-site wastewater treatment units such as biofilters or aerobic systems involving artificial forced aeration.

Looking to find the best Professional Alliston Real Estate Agents. Then visit Professional Alliston Real Estate Agents for all your buying and selling requirements.

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