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Archive for the ‘Real Estate News’ Category

How to Get Top Value for Your Home

Thursday, June 1st, 2017

This article appeared in the Saturday, May 20, 2017 issue of Waterloo Region Homes.

Knock Knock? Who’s there? Someone who wants to buy your house? Consumer Beware! For most readers this is no newsflash: Waterloo region’s residential real estate market is red hot!

Like many markets across the Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH), we in Waterloo region have been experiencing record breaking sales combined with low inventory levels for months now. In other words, it is a sellers’ market.

During the first quarter of 2017, there were 1,532 home sales through the Multiple Listing System (MLS® System) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® (KWAR). The average price of a residential home during this same period increased a whopping 28.3 per cent on a year-over-year basis to $468,653.

While statistics like this can paint some of the picture, what it cannot tell you is what your home will sell for. The fact is no one really knows what price their home will fetch until it is put to the test of being listed with your Realtor on the MLS® System.

These days we are seeing some sticker shock. For example, when a house priced in the $300,000 range subsequently sells for a hundred-thousand dollars over asking! Does this mean that every home listed for $300,000 will bring substantially more? Absolutely not! In fact, it might sell for exactly $300,000 or even less. Only the market can determine sale price, but the experience of a knowledgeable local Realtor can certainly help predict it.

With a shortage of listings (we have been sitting at less than two month’s inventory or less for the past 12 months) inventory levels are at an unprecedented low and buyer creativity at an all-time high. One strategy some buyers and their Realtors have turned to in these times is good old fashioned door-knocking to find homeowners who could be tempted to sell while the market is hot.

Now, knowing what you do know about today’s market, what would you do if someone came knocking on your door tomorrow, offering you X amount for your house? Would you know if what they were offering was fair market value?

There is certainly nothing wrong with this practice and when it works out it can be a win-win for both buyer and seller. On the other hand, my caution to homeowners is: the person doing the knocking may be offering you a price that sounds attractive, but how can you be sure?

Sometimes in this scenario, sellers are attracted by the idea of a quick hassle-free transaction. They’ve been offered a price that is way more than what they originally paid for their home, and maybe even way more than what they ever dreamed they could ever get.

I have heard a few anecdotes recently where the buyer knocking on the door has actually encouraged the homeowner NOT to use a Realtor (It would be unethical and illegal for a Realtor to do this by the way).

In one case, the gentleman did sell his house without the aid of a Realtor, and the price he sold it for – while far more than what he paid when he purchased it over 30 years ago, was substantially less than what he would have got had he put it on the open market.

I think the Canadian Real Estate Association’s latest advertising campaign says it best: “Live with No Regrets.” Using a Realtor is the most important decision you can make when buying or selling.

On whatever side of the transaction you are on, if you have a Realtor in your corner (i.e. you’ve entered into either a listing agreement or a buyer representation agreement) they have a legal duty to only act in your best interests. Furthermore, they are bound by the Real Estate Council of Ontario, the Canadian Real Estate Association and their local real estate board’s Code of Ethics, rules and regulations.

When your home is listed by a Realtor you get the counsel of someone who understands the market and can guide you on the best pricing and selling strategy. If you’re purchasing, your Realtor will provide you with insight and advice on the home, the neighbourhood, and when it comes to submitting an offer, how many other buyers you are competing against and advice on the price you offer. So what should you do when someone comes knocking on your door? Please take my advice: take their information and then talk to a Realtor. He or she will be able to assist you in reviewing the doorknockers’ offer and help you understand all of your options to ensure you end up with the offer that is best for you.

 

JANUARY HOME SALES

Friday, February 10th, 2017

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KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ON (February 2, 2017) ––The number of residential sales in January through the Multiple Listing System (MLS® System) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® (KWAR) increased 5.8% compared to January 2016 and 22% above the 5-year average for January.

There was a total of 327 residential properties sold last month; including 194 detached homes (down 5.4 percent compared to January 2016), 79 condominium units (up 19.7 percent) which include any property regardless of style (i.e. semis, townhomes, apartment, detached etc.). Sales also included 32 semi-detached homes (up 128.6 percent) and 20 freehold townho
uses (down 9.1 percent).

While demand remained strong in January, the number of active listings was down significantly: There were 367 active listings at the end of January, compared to 1,068 in 2016.

“The continued strong demand combined with a tight supply of listings means that many properties are not on the market for very long,” says James Craig, President of the KWAR. “This has created an extremely competitive buying environment.”

The average days on market in January were significantly shorter than a year ago: 22 days, compared to 47 days, and six days quicker than in December.

The average sales price of all residential properties sold in January was $421,104, a 0.5 percent decline compared to the previous month, and a 19.1 percent increase compared to January 2016.

Reaching a new milestone in December, was the average price of a Detached home sold through the KWAR’s MLS® System which for the first time surpassed the half million mark; a benchmark that was repeated again in January, with the average detached home selling for $501,821, an increase of 22.7 percent compared to the same month a year ago.

In the condominium market the average sale price for an apartment style unit was $237,220 in January, a 2.8 percent decrease compared to the previous month, and a 17.1 increase compared to the same month a year ago. Townhomes and semis sold for an average of $323,946 (up 5.8 percent compared to December) and $353,295 (up 6 percent compared to December) respectively.

President Craig points out that Waterloo region is in high demand. “Getting into the housing market at the moment is not easy, and buyers need all the help they can get. It is more important than ever that you avail yourself of the professional knowledge of a local REALTOR® to guide you through these unique market conditions”

The KWAR cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing long term trends, but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The average sale price is calculated based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold. Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a local REALTOR®. REALTORS® have their fingers on the pulse of the market. They know the questions to ask, the areas to probe and what to look for so that you get a complete picture of the property and community you’re considering.

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Pondering the question….Should I Stay or Should I Go?

Saturday, January 21st, 2017

Have you been grappling with this major decision since the start of this year – Keep my place and live here, or sell it and get way more for my asking price like everyone else around you?  What it all comes down to is exactly that – Should I stay or should I go??

Over the last six to eight months prior to the new year of 2017 we have seen an incredible change in the Kitchener-Waterloo Region Real Estate Marketplace with many homes netting far greater values than what they may be actually worth.  This is partially due to the lack of inventory levels and the influx of many new buyers from other surrounding areas wanting to get into the Kitchener-Waterloo market.

As mentioned in the KWAR (Kitchener Waterloo Association of Realtor’s) market update for December 2016 it was mentioned:

“2016 was marked by unrelenting demand for homes, in the face of fewer homes being put on the market,” said James Craig, President of the KWAR. There were 8,003 residential listings processed through the KWAR’s MLS® System in 2016, a decrease of 9.7 percent compared to 2015.

“For the past several months we’ve seen the number of months of inventory ranging between a ten-year low of 1 and 2 months,” says Craig. “While this puts sellers in a very strong position, it’s not so easy when those same sellers need to downsize or move-up.”

read the full blog post in our last December Blog

With this I wanted to clear any misconceptions you may have towards why you should make the decision to SELL your home sooner rather than later, while also keeping in mind the transition of where you will move forward with this if in fact you decide to unlock your equity and make this dream a reality.

Sold for $155,000 more than asking

This home sold for $155,000 more than the asking price by Riz within 12 hours of listing onto the MLS market.

I have monitored the market place since the start of the year and while in I personally can attest to having a record breaking multiple offer sale of my own in 2016 netting my sellers $155,000 more than the asking price for the above home in Laurelwood, Waterloo, we have since seen some close records being made during the start of this year of 2017 which I will share with you below.

These homes below have been listed on MLS (Multiple Listing Service) and have SOLD within just under 1 week, one being 9 days.  In most cases the homes have been showcased by way of open houses or just visits from a vast number of buyers and some of these homes have had 30 – 40 offers presented with multiple offers.

Property 1:  Listed on January 18, 2017 and sold in 9 days this Kitchener home sold for 137% over the asking price with numerous offers.

 

 

 

 

 Property 2:  This Kitchener Townhome situated in popular Huron Village was listed on January 19, 2017 and sold in 2 days for 110% over the asking price with numerous offers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Property 3:  This Laurelwood, Waterloo single detached home sold within 6 days of listing on January 18, 2017 for 105% over the asking price with many buyer offers.

 

 

 

 

 Property 4:  This detached backsplit home nestled in the Maple Hills area of Westmount, Waterloo was listed on January 18, 2017 and sold in multiple offers for 117% over the asking price in just 6 days.

 

 

 

 

 Property 5:  This end unit townhome in Laurelwood lasted only 6 days while being offered 40 offers and netting 132% over the asking price after being listed on January 18, 2017.

 

 

 

 

 

 Property 6:  This Eastbridge, Waterloo Semi-Detached home was listed on January 17, 2017 and sold within 7 days at 127% over the asking price in multiple offer bids.

 

 

 

 

 

 Property 7:  This single detached home in sought after Laurentian Hills, Kitchener was listed on January 16, 2017 and sold within 6 days for 112% over the asking price in multiple offers.

 

 

 

 

 

In summary, you can see if you are considering selling your home this year, it is imperative that you contact your Real Estate Professional who can guide you with the activity on the current marketplace and get you ready for this fierce and competitive “Seller’s Market.”  Of course, as a buyer one must also consider the vast number of opportunities lost within multiple offers with the increased number of buyers looking to purchase and the lack of inventory available, hence my wanting to reach out to anyone considering selling this year in saying, Don’t put it on HOLD…Call RIZ to get it SOLD!!!™

Let’s setup a time to meet together and discuss how I can get you more money for your home with all the buyers I have waiting to purchase homes in various areas of Kitchener-Waterloo.  My enhanced proven marketing systems have allowed me to deal with thousands of people within the Region over the years and this has brought me many referral clients.  Let me put my marketing skills to work on selling your home!

Get a Free Home Evaluation from Riz

Click on the image above to be directed to my FREE Home Evaluation Sign-Up Page and let me show you how I can get you more money for your home!!!

UNPRECEDENTED YEAR FOR HOME SALES IN WATERLOO REGION

Friday, January 6th, 2017

december-stats

KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ON (January 5, 2017) ––There were a total of 6,655 residential sales through the Multiple Listing System (MLS® System) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® (KWAR) in 2016. That’s a thousand more units than sold in 2015, amounting to an increase of 18.1 percent and setting a new record for total annual sales.

Dollar volume of all residential real estate sold last year increased 30.9 percent to $2,578,176,468 compared with 2015.

“2016 was marked by unrelenting demand for homes, in the face of fewer homes being put on the market,” said James Craig, President of the KWAR. There were 8,003 residential listings processed through the KWAR’s MLS® System in 2016, a decrease of 9.7 percent compared to 2015.

“For the past several months we’ve seen the number of months of inventory ranging between a ten-year low of 1 and 2 months,” says Craig. “While this puts sellers in a very strong position, it’s not so easy when those same sellers need to downsize or move-up.”

The average sales price of all residential properties sold in 2016 increased 10.8 percent to $387,404 in comparison to 2015. Detached homes sold for an average price of $451,738 an increase of 12.5 percent, while the average sale price for an apartment style condominium was $229,676, an increase of 3.6 percent. Townhomes and semis sold for an average of $287,396 (up 9.9 percent) and $300,806 (up 11.8 percent) respectively.

Home sales in 2016 included 4,203 detached homes (up 16.3 percent from 2015) and 1,511 condominium type units (up 28.1 percent) which include any property regardless of style (i.e. semis, townhomes, apartment, detached etc.). Sales also included 430 semi-detached homes (up 6.2 percent) and 430 freehold townhouses (up 7.2 percent).

Craig says that he expects demand for home purchasing in 2017 will continue to be strong. “There is no smoking gun to explain the current market. Mortgage rates remain low, inducing more consumers to get into the market. We have an extremely attractive community, with a growing population and diverse economy bringing in new residents to the region. Home prices remain affordable when compared to the average GTA prices.” Adding, “The challenge is inventory levels remain low, as homeowners are staying in their homes longer and some who might have otherwise moved up are choosing to avoid the hot market. What I hope to see is more balance returning to the market, because I sure don’t see the appetite for home ownership in Waterloo region letting up anytime soon.”

The KWAR cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing long term trends, but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The average sale price is calculated based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold. Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a local REALTOR®. REALTORS® have their fingers on the pulse of the market. They know the questions to ask, the areas to probe and what to look for so that you get a complete picture of the property and community you’re considering.

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ANOTHER RECORD BREAKING MONTH OF SALES IN NOVEMBER

Tuesday, December 13th, 2016

 

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KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ON (December 2, 2016) ––Home sales through the Multiple Listing System (MLS® System) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® (KWAR),  totalled 535 last month, an increase of 27.1 percent compared to November of 2015, marking another record breaking month for residential properties sold in Kitchener-Waterloo and area.

November’s sales included 352 single detached homes (up 34.4 percent compared to November 2015) and 118 condominium type units (down 22.9%) which include any property regardless of style (i.e. semis, townhomes, apartment, detached etc.). Sales also included 32 semi-detached homes (up 45.5 percent) and 28 freehold townhouses (down 20 percent).

Record breaking sales are also being tallied on a year-to-date basis with 6,352 residential transactions compared to 5,341 during the same period in 2015, representing an increase of 18.9 percent.  “Year-to-Date Sales to the end of November have now exceeded any previous end-of-year totals on record,” says James Craig, president of the KWAR. He points out that in 2007, sales to the end of the year exceeded 6,000 units for the first time, and haven’t hit that high-water mark again, until now, an entire month earlier.

Inventory levels on the other hand, remain stubbornly low. In their October release, the Canadian Real Estate Association stated that, “the tight balance between housing supply and demand in Ontario’s Greater Golden Horseshoe region is without precedent (including the GTA, Hamilton-Burlington, Oakville-Milton, Guelph, Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Brantford, the Niagara Region, Barrie and nearby cottage country).”

As of the end of November, the KWAR’ MLS® System only had 565 active residential listings on the market, down 23.1 percent compared to the previous month, and 60.8 percent below the same period last year.

The average price of all residential properties sold in November was $411,602 a 15.5 percent increase over 2015. Detached homes sold for an average price of $473,104, an increase of 13.9 percent compared to November 2015.  During this same period, the average sale price for an apartment style condominium was $209,360, a decrease of 8 percent. Townhomes and semis sold for an average of $310,151 (up 14.8 percent) and $330,534 (up 27.7 percent) respectively.

“With a notable shortage of inventory, many properties are selling above list price,” said Craig. “This is because you have many buyers competing for fewer properties, and this is pushing up the average price.”

The median price of all residential properties sold in November increased 18 percent to $377,500, and the median price of a detached home during the same period increased 16.4 percent to $425,000.

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What does it cost to buy a house in Ontario?

Friday, November 27th, 2015

Real estate

There are many costs involved in buying a house or condominium. You also need to consider what you can afford. Some of the costs of buying a home include:

Down payment – A portion of the price of the home (between 5% and 25%). You pay the down payment before you can apply to a bank, trust or credit union for a loan (mortgage) on the remaining amount of the purchase price.

Mortgage – A loan that you repay in monthly, bi-weekly or weekly installments over 5-25 years. You must repay both the amount you borrow (principal) plus the charge for borrowing the money (interest).

Property taxes – Taxes you pay to your municipal government (1). These taxes help pay for local services such as police and fire protection, garbage and snow removal, road maintenance, schools and public health. The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) assesses all properties in Ontario. You can call MPAC for more information:  Telephone: 1-866-296-MPAC (6722)

Condo fees– If you live in a condominium, you will pay a monthly fee for general maintenance of the building.

Renovation – Structural repairs, especially to older homes.

Maintenance – You may also have to pay for unexpected repairs and replace expensive things such heating and cooling systems, depending on the age of your home.

Hidden Costs

First-time buyers are often surprised by the hidden costs of home ownership. These costs include:

Property appraisal fees

Home inspection fees

Service charges for connecting utilities (electricity, water and gas)

Moving expenses

Property insurance

There are many people that can become involved in buying a home such as real estate agents, lawyers, inspectors and appraisers and there are costs associated with using their services. TheCanada Housing and Mortgage Corporation (CMHC) (2) has a guide called “Buying a Home: Who You Need on Your Team” that is available in 8 languages. You can get your free copy of this guide by calling the CMHC Order Desk at 1-800-668-2642.

The CMHC also has a publication called “The ABCs of Mortgages” which outlines the terms and conditions of a mortgage, your rights and responsibilities, and tips on how to pay your mortgage off faster. You can call the CMHC Order Desk to get this publication.

 House or Condo?

There are 2 categories of home ownership in Ontario:

Full ownership means you own the entire property, including the house, garage and the land. You are responsible for paying the mortgage, property taxes and utilities (for example, electricity and water) and all maintenance and repairs.

Condominium ownership means you own a unit in an apartment building or townhouse complex, but not the building or the land. You are responsible for paying the mortgage, property taxes and utilities for your unit.

Condominium owners join together in a corporation and elect a board of directors to manage the building and the land. You pay a monthly fee to the condominium corporation towards maintenance and repairs.

 For more information:

(1) Municipal Governments: http://findlink.at/m-govt

(2) Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation: http://findlink.at/cmhc

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Home away from Home…

Wednesday, July 15th, 2015

Looking for that cottage life?cottage

Do you have a dream of owning a place outside of the city where you can escape, kick back and relax? If so, you’re not alone. As demand continues to increase and average prices continue to rise, now more than ever you will need to be patient, establish a list of ‘musts’ and work with a Realtor who understands the recreational market, if you want your dreams to come true.

To begin your search, target potential areas and consider a road-trip to visit your most coveted spots. Once you find your ideal location, narrow your search by establishing a list of priorities. Do you plan to use your recreational property for seasonal versus year-round use? Do you wish to build a new cottage or buy an existing one? What are your hobbies? Is proximity to hospitals, public transit or schools important? If you are near water, lakes can vary tremendously in terms of allowances for boating, fishing and swimming. In the winter, do you want to use both cross-country and downhill skiing facilities?

With your priorities established, you will also be in a strong position to act fast if you need to. Popular sites are in demand.

Buying a recreational property can be considerably more complex than a standard home purchase and it generally takes longer. There is considerably more time and travel involved. The effort, according to a growing number of Canadians, is more than worth it.

Before you begin your search, give me a call. I can get you started down the right path toward your home away from home. If I cannot assist you directly in your purchase transaction, I can refer you to a quality Royal LePage Realtor in your desired area from our network of over 13,000 real estate professionals from coast to coast.

For the most recent Royal LePage Recreational Property Report, visit www.royallepage.ca and click Press Releases.,Demystifying Mortgages – How Much Can You Borrow?

A home is typically the largest purchase you will make in your lifetime, and for most Canadians this means obtaining a mortgage. The amount of your mortgage will determine the size and location of your new home – not to mention the size of your payments. So how do lending institutions decide how large your mortgage loan can be?

Call RIZ today to purchase your home away from home! 519-716-7253 (direct)

walk way                                                                    cottage living room

Flooring choices on the greener side!

Tuesday, July 7th, 2015

What goes under foot is seldom an easy decision. Colour, surface texture, room usage and price all come into play. Today, greener options abound, adding to the myriad of choices already available.

Increasing interest in incorporating renewable resources into the home has resulted in many beautiful eco-friendly flooring options.

For homeowners looking on the greener side, it’s worth a look at the many sustainable products available today:

• Give a tree another lease on life with salvaged wood flooring. A rustic look can be created with reclaimed wood. Buying reclaimed lumber continues to get easier, and in some instances, less expensive relative to the cost of new hardwoods.
• Bamboo is a good option for rooms with low humidity. High abundance and a natural look make sustainable bamboo an attractive flooring option. Bamboo grows to maturity in three to five years, about a quarter of the time it takes to grow trees used for hardwood.
• Linoleum flooring has retained its popularity over decades. Unlike vinyl flooring, which is a synthetic product made of chlorinated petrochemicals, linoleum is manufactured from natural compounds including linseed oil, cork dust, tree resins and ground limestone. With natural, renewable elements used in its manufacturing, this eco-friendly flooring option continues to remain a popular option.
• Cork flooring has many eco-friendly attributes. Like bamboo, cork is quickly renewable. It is harvested from the bark of the cork oak tree and grows back every three years. Cork has anti-microbial properties to reduce allergens, is fire retardant and provides a comfortable feel under foot. Cork flooring can be finished in a variety of paints and stains to complement any room setting.
• Polyester (P.E.T.) Berber carpet is a sustainable option made of recycled plastic bottles. Anytime we can reuse these materials, we reduce the amount of new materials being manufactured and we reduce non-biodegradable materials in our landfills. Polyester Berber is spill resistant and comes in a variety of aesthetically – pleasing colours and patterns.

Whatever your home’s style or design, an eco-friendly flooring option exists to complement the desired look and existing patterns.

Canada Day July 1st, 2015

Monday, June 29th, 2015

Canada Day Local Eventsautumn-leaves-869368-s

Canada Day @ Waterloo Region Museum (DOON)

9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. FREE Admission! Waterloo Region Museum is throwing a party to celebrate Canada Day and everyone is invited! Admission is FREE to the museum and Doon Heritage Village for this fun family event including musical entertainment, fun games like croquet and horseshoes. Guests bring your own picnic lunch or purchase a tasty BBQ lunch.

Columbia Lake Events starting at 4:00 P.M

~ featuring Bobs & LoLo and TVOKids host Gisele

~ featuring live performances by The Strumbellas and Kim Mitchell

~including face painting, water slide, inflatable rides and more

~featuring Waterloo Brewing Co. and a diverse range of local food vendors

~Fireworks finale at 10 p.m.

Kitchener City Hall

Come celebrate Canada Day with us in Downtown Kitchener from 4 p.m. – 11 p.m. This exciting celebration will feature live Canadian entertainment, fireworks from the roof top of Kitchener City Hall, a licensed beer garden, downtown vendors to satisfy your hunger, and much more!

RLP-TWCover-2014_CanadaDay-FINAL-EN-Agent

Looking to Make a Small Room Appear Bigger??

Monday, June 22nd, 2015

Helpful hints in making a small room appear bigger!

Small rooms are the bane of the home decorator. How do you achieve a pleasing look that doesn’t feel cramped and claustrophobic? Short of building an addition or knocking down walls, you are limited to a few, but effective, decorating tricks that create the illusion of space.

The strategic use of colour and light is the best way to achieve this. Choose light shades of paint or wallpaper for the walls. Lighter colours reflect light making for a brighter room. Use an even lighter shade of the same colour or white for ceilings and floors. A darker colour on the ceiling will make the ceiling look lower and tends to make the walls look as though they are closing in.

Avoid harshly contrasting colours. In fact, a monochromatic colour scheme that carries throughout the room into fabrics and accessories is very effective. Steer away from too many patterned items. The goal here is to blur perspective.

Anything you can do to bring light into the room will also give the effect of increased space. A corner wall sconce that casts light up onto the wall works well. Try to vary lighting effects for interest. A skylight is a great way to add light to a room, but isn’t always practical or affordable. Mirrors are a great solution for small rooms. Place mirrors directly across from another for maximum impact. A mirror placed across from a window is also effective. Place a lamp in front of a mirror to add more light to your room.

If you have wood or patterned flooring, have it installed so that the lines run diagonally across the room. This makes for longer lines, which give the appearance of a larger space. When furnishing the room, pick objects that are proportioned to the size of the room. For example, opt for a loveseat over a full-sized sofa. Lastly, keep the clutter to a minimum. Avoid using a lot of knick-knacks and keep the room tidy and well organized.


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