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        <title>Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/santa-cruz-county-sales-and-prices/</link>
        <description></description>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/its-time-to-get-back-in-to-single-family-santa-cruz-real-estate.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/its-time-to-get-back-in-to-single-family-santa-cruz-real-estate.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>It’s Time to Get Back in to Single-Family Santa Cruz Real Estate </title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Are you unsure about buying Santa Cruz real estate? Warren Buffet was recently quoted as saying, “If I had a way of buying a couple hundred thousand single-family homes…I would load up on them and… take mortgages out at very, very low rates…it’s a leveraged way of owning a very cheap asset now, and I think that’s probably as attractive an investment as you can make now.”


Homeownership in the United States is dropping and we are becoming a society of renters, according to a Morgan Stanley Housing Market Insights report.  Why is this happening?


• It’s harder to get mortgages: Banks have made it more difficult for people to become homeowners. If they have marginal credit or small down payments, they won’t get approved.


• Some have a fear of buying: The economic and real estate market collapse caused many people to fear buying a home. Many who could buy a Santa Cruz real estate right now are sitting on the sidelines waiting for the market to recover. If your credit is good and you have the money for a down payment, all reports are saying, do not wait!Here are a few tips to help you make the most of this real estate market:


• Act now: Savvy investors know the market has started to recover. If you wait for the media to say it’s ok to start investing in Santa Cruz real estate again, it’ll be too late.


• Earn rental income: If you buy a second (or third or fourth) home or a home you don’t want to live in, rent it and generate income. Large investors are saying single-family real estate is the way to go right now.


• Take advantage of low prices: Prices have fallen dramatically in a lot of markets, while rental rates are increasing.


To find single-family investment properties or your own new home, call me today at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com. I’ll help you find the property that meets your investment goals.


For additional real estate information, please visit my home page at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.


Links:


Warren Buffet


Morgan Stanley Housing Market Insights report


Low prices
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 26 Apr 2012 01:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/maximize-your-santa-cruz-real-estate-investment-potential.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/maximize-your-santa-cruz-real-estate-investment-potential.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Maximize Your Santa Cruz Real Estate Investment Potential</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Your home is usually the most important and sizable investment you will ever make. Whether you’re buying a starter home or the home of your dreams, you can’t afford to invest in Santa Cruz real estate that won’t steadily increase in value over time. In order to assess a home’s potential and maximize your profit when it comes time to sell, we’ve compiled a list of five helpful questions to ask when choosing a property.


1. Are businesses investing locally? Ask your potential neighbors about new businesses in the area and check the local papers. If businesses are investing, it’s a good sign that the neighborhood will continue to enjoy financial stability.


2. What amenities are in the area? Buyers will pay a premium to be near amenities such as parks, civic centers and swimming pools. If current amenities are lacking, ask if there are any plans for future development. If not, it might be better to consider a neighborhood with more to offer.


3. Does the neighborhood look like it’s being maintained? It’ll be tough to ask top dollar for your home, no matter how well you maintain it, if the neighborhood looks like it’s in decline.


4. Are there a lot of foreclosures and rental properties? Be wary of neighborhoods seemingly devoid of homeowners. If other buyers aren’t actively investing in the community, home values are likely to decrease.


5. Is there an active homeowner association or neighborhood organization? Communities with active residents tend to have the most growth potential and therefore the most stable home values.


Whether you plan to stay in the home for just a few years or for the rest of your life, don’t jeopardize your financial future by investing in Santa Cruz real estate that has little prospect of improving in value.


If you’re getting ready to buy a home and want to make sure you find one that is a solid investment, I can help. Please call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com for more information.


For additional information please visit my homepage at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.


Links:


Neighborhood


Foreclosures


Buy a Home
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 16 Apr 2012 01:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/seven-signs-santa-cruz-real-estate-and-real-estate-nationwide-are-improving.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/seven-signs-santa-cruz-real-estate-and-real-estate-nationwide-are-improving.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Seven Signs Santa Cruz Real Estate and Real Estate Nationwide are Improving</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Recently released figures indicate real estate nationwide and Santa Cruz real estate are continuing to steadily improve. Here are seven signs that demonstrate the upturn:


1. Housing affordability has risen dramatically. This is due to a combination of reduced real estate prices and record-low mortgage rates.


2. Housing starts are increasing, driven mostly by multifamily starts.


3. Existing home sales increased in January. That means we’ve now had three months of gains out of the past four months.


4. Total housing inventory fell to a 6.1 month supply at the end of January. This means that on average it now takes just over 6 months to sell a home, which is an improvement. According to Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, "The broad inventory condition can be described as moving into a rough balance, not favoring buyers or sellers."


5. There are plenty of home buyers and investors competing for foreclosure sales in almost all markets.


6. Purchases of homes are on the rise by all types of buyers, from seasoned investors to first-time home buyers.


7. Most economists agree that the market is improving. Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac vice president and chief economist says, “Our outlook anticipates gradual, but steady, improvement in the economy and the housing market, supported by low interest rates and brightening job market prospects.”


This is excellent news for the spring and summer Santa Cruz real estate season that’s just around the corner. If you’ve been considering buying or selling a home, now’s the time to start that process so you’re ready for the hottest season we’ve seen in years.


Thinking about buying or selling Santa Cruz real estate? Please contact me today at Lauren@Laurenspencer.com or 831.662.6522. I can help you achieve your goals.


For additional information please visit my homepage at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.


Links:


Existing home sales increased in January


Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist


Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac vice president and chief economist
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 06 Mar 2012 01:01:00 -0800</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/the-bottom-is-here-and-its-time-to-buy-santa-cruz-real-estate.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/the-bottom-is-here-and-its-time-to-buy-santa-cruz-real-estate.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>The Bottom is Here and It’s Time to Buy Santa Cruz Real Estate</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The latest statistics indicate that the U.S. real estate market is at or very close to the bottom right now.


On January 18, Bloomberg News reported, "Confidence Among U.S. Homebuilders Climbs to Highest Since 2007." Bloomberg said, "The confidence measure, which increased for a fourth straight month, improved in all four regions of the U.S. This is ‘yet another indication of the gradual but steady improvement that is beginning to take hold in an increasing number of housing markets nationwide,’ Bob Nielsen, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders and a builder from Reno, Nevada, said in a statement.”


The official data on home prices might not show the recovery yet, because they are always months behind, but most other data indicates that in general the housing market has hit the bottom.


Right now, homes in America are the best value they've been in many generations. And right now, mortgage rates are off-the-charts low. In short, now is the time to buy Santa Cruz real estate.


The reasons to buy now are incredibly basic:• U.S. home prices are more affordable than ever – by far.• Mortgage rates are down to record-low levels.• You can often pay below-market prices on short sales and REOs.


Of course, there is no guarantee that this is the bottom. But with prices this low and with very few other great places to invest your money, now’s the time to seriously consider buying Santa Cruz real estate. If you can buy now and hold on to it for a few years, it could be one of the lowest-risk, highest-reward investments you ever make. 


If you're still not convinced real estate is one of the best values out there right now, please give me a call at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.  I will share specific numbers with you about our Santa Cruz real estate market.


For additional information visit my homepage at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.


Links:


Bloomberg News


Mortgage rates are down to record-low levels


Short sales


 
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            <pubDate>Fri, 02 Mar 2012 01:01:00 -0800</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/top-ten-reasons-to-invest-in-santa-cruz-short-sales.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/top-ten-reasons-to-invest-in-santa-cruz-short-sales.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Top Ten Reasons to Invest in Santa Cruz Short Sales</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Now is a fabulous time to take advantage of today's real estate market and boost your investment portfolio with Santa Cruz short sales. Here are the top ten reasons why investing in short sales might be beneficial for you: 

1.&nbsp;Short sales benefit buyers, sellers and investors. You get to help a lender and homeowner out of a tough financial situation.2.&nbsp;You can make a nice profit because Santa Cruz short sales are priced at or below market.3.&nbsp;Banks are closing them faster than ever before and, from start to finish, its not as painful as it used to be.4.&nbsp;There is a huge inventory of short sales from which to choose.5.&nbsp;The competition is low because there arent enough investors to gobble them all up.6.&nbsp;It doesnt take a ton of time. Youll spend even less time when you work with a real estate agent who specializes in short sales.7.&nbsp;Short sales are generally in better condition than foreclosures.8.&nbsp;You can work with luxury home short sales. Luxury short sales require the same amount of time and work as short sales on less expensive homes, but the profit margins are much higher.9.&nbsp;In some cases, the banks will pay closing costs and Home Owner Association transfer fees.10.&nbsp;You can work real estate short sales in all markets: urban, suburban and rural areas.

If youd like more information on investing in Santa Cruz short sales, give me a call today at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.

For additional information please visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.

Links:

Short sales 

Huge inventory of short sales 

Luxury home short sales 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 30 Nov 2011 23:01:00 -0800</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/get-a-deal-on-luxury-santa-cruz-real-estate.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/get-a-deal-on-luxury-santa-cruz-real-estate.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Get a Deal on Luxury Santa Cruz Real Estate</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
In todays precarious job market, many luxury homeowners are finding they cant afford their massive, custom-designed properties any longer. As the once rich are having to quickly sell or abandon their Santa Cruz real estate, you might be able to snag a good deal on a distressed luxury home.

There are many horror stories associated with short sales and foreclosures, but if you do your research, are patient and can act quickly, you might be able to purchase the home of your dreams. If you want to take advantage of this sour market, then consider the following guidelines &mdash; and happy house hunting! 

&bull;&nbsp;Find an agent who has experience with distressed real estate. Interview Santa Cruz real estate agents to find out their history of dealing with foreclosures and short sales.

&bull;&nbsp;Research comparables. Investigate to make sure its actually a good deal by looking at other luxury homes that have sold in the area. Your agent can give you valuable information on comparables.

&bull;&nbsp;Be patient. Its easy to get anxious when it comes to making such a large purchase, but remember that these properties are in turmoil &mdash; which can take some time to resolve.

&bull;&nbsp;Hire a home inspector. If youre going to be investing big bucks, pay a home inspector up front to check out the home. Just because its a luxury property doesnt mean that it hasnt been neglected for the past couple of years. Youll want to know what kind of damage and repairs youll be dealing with.

&bull;&nbsp;Make an offer quickly. Other potential buyers and real estate investors will be keeping an eye out for enticing properties too, so be ready for competition.

&bull;&nbsp;Have your finances together. Pay as much as possible in cash. It will be more enticing to the lender, who actually makes the final decision on a short sale or foreclosure. 

If you want to purchase luxury Santa Cruz real estate at a great price, consider distressed properties going to short sale or foreclosure. Call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com, if youre ready to start looking or would like more information. 

For additional information please visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.

Links:&nbsp; 

Interview Santa Cruz real estate agents

Short sales

Foreclosures
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 16 Oct 2011 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/your-retirement-home-in-santa-cruz-county-may-be-a-good-nest-egg-with-some-strategic-planning.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/your-retirement-home-in-santa-cruz-county-may-be-a-good-nest-egg-with-some-strategic-planning.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Your Retirement Home in Santa Cruz County May Be a Good Nest Egg With Some Strategic Planning</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
In the recent downturn of the economy, many homes nationwide as well as homes in Santa Cruz have taken a dive in value. As a result, they may not be the nest eggs that potential retirees were hoping for. Now, retirees need to know their options and what to do with their homes in Santa Cruz.

If you find yourself in this predicament and arent sure what to do, speak with your financial expert and review the following options for your financial future so that you can retire on time &mdash; and enjoy it!

&bull;&nbsp;Wait it out. Most retirees want to try this tactic and are hoping that the housing market will rebound. However, if your propertys upkeep costs, such as taxes, insurance and utilities, continue to rise, you might need to consider other options.

&bull;&nbsp;Pay down the mortgage.&nbsp; If you have the extra dough, start investing in your property by paying off your mortgage faster. Youll build more equity and soon see that extra money each month going straight into savings. To come up with some extra money to pay down your mortgage, you could refinance to take advantage of lower interest rates, or cut back on consumer spending. Whatever your plan, just know that most financial experts agree that you should not stop contributing to your retirement fund or take money out of your retirement investment accounts to be mortgage free.

&bull;&nbsp;Sell and downsize.&nbsp; If youre still living in the home in which you raised your children, chances are its probably too large for your retirement life. Consider selling and downsizing, especially if you have a good amount of equity built up in your current property. You could have your newer, smaller and cheaper home paid off quickly, and could start contributing more to your retirement fund.

Whatever your current financial situation as you approach retirement, consider all of the options. Retirement is for relaxation &mdash; which is hard to do when youre stressed about monthly finances. 

If youre weighing your retirement options and want to see at what price point homes in Santa Cruz are currently selling, call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.

For additional information please visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.

Links:&nbsp; 

Equity 

Refinance

Selling 

&nbsp;
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            <pubDate>Sun, 02 Oct 2011 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/keep-your-cool-this-summer-as-santa-cruz-real-estate-heats-up.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/keep-your-cool-this-summer-as-santa-cruz-real-estate-heats-up.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Keep Your Cool This Summer as Santa Cruz Real Estate Heats Up</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Buying a home is a business transaction, but its hard to keep emotions completely out of the process. Most sellers in todays market already know that they need to avoid unnecessarily angering their buyers. And buyers shouldnt make the mistake of thinking that just because the Santa Cruz real estate market is down they can get away with annoying sellers. Keep your cool this summer and avoid upsetting sellers so that your home purchase goes smoothly and for a fair price.

&bull;&nbsp;Dont put down their home. By pointing out everything that is wrong with a house, you could force the sellers to take less money, but this strategy hardly ever works. Youre more likely to anger the seller to the point that they wont continue negotiations. That doesnt mean you cant fight for the best deal possible, but be careful not to shoot yourself in the foot.

&bull;&nbsp;Dont present an absurdly low offer. In todays market, theres often room to negotiate on Santa Cruz real estate, but offering something WAY to low will often insult the seller. Youre better off coming in with what you think is a fair or a slightly low offer &mdash; and negotiating from there.

&bull;&nbsp;Dont put off getting a pre-approved loan. Theres nothing that will frustrate a seller more than getting almost all the way through the purchasing process only to find out you cant get financing. With your pre-approval, youll know exactly what you can afford so you wont waste your or the sellers time.

&bull;&nbsp;Dont renegotiate at the end. Never offer over what you want to pay and then attempt to ask for a massive price reduction to fix every minor repair. Of course, if a major repair needs to be completed, you can certainly expect that to be reflected in the price. Just dont attempt to lure the seller in with a price you know youre unwilling to pay.

If youd like to work with a real estate agent who can help you stay cool while purchasing Santa Cruz real estate this summer, call me at 831-662-6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.

Please visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com&nbsp;for more information.
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            <pubDate>Wed, 22 Jun 2011 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/answers-to-your-questions-about-purchasing-santa-cruz-homes-for-sale-now.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/answers-to-your-questions-about-purchasing-santa-cruz-homes-for-sale-now.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Answers to Your Questions about Purchasing Santa Cruz Homes for Sale Now</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The real estate market is flooded with homes for sale.&nbsp;&nbsp; Interest rates are at an all time low on fixed rate mortgages.&nbsp; And, terms for acquiring a home loan are still fairly open.&nbsp; This is expected to change and possibly soon, which means now is prime time to buy Santa Cruz homes for sale.

To help you with this process, here are answers to four of the most popular questions Ive recently received from home buyers:&nbsp; Q:&nbsp; Where can I find the best deal on Santa Cruz homes for sale?A:&nbsp; The answer is almost anywhere.&nbsp; Because homes are sitting on the market for a long time, most homeowners are more willing than ever to negotiate.

Q:&nbsp; What about buying new construction?A:&nbsp; The option for new construction is open to more people than ever before.&nbsp; Builders are offering extended home warranties and many upgrades to help move their inventory.&nbsp; Some builders now offer financial assistance to reach an even larger number of buyers.&nbsp; 

Heres the number one tip to get the best deal in new construction:&nbsp; Before starting your search for new construction, hire a real estate agent.&nbsp; Your real estate agent can negotiate the best deal for you, even in new construction.&nbsp;&nbsp; Be sure to visit new construction with your agent so the builder knows youre represented.&nbsp; This representation costs you nothing and can save you a lot of money.

Q:&nbsp; Should I look at short sales and foreclosures for my best deal?A:&nbsp; Not really.&nbsp; Although there are good deals to be found, the time and effort involved in purchasing short sales and foreclosures can be a huge negative.&nbsp; Negotiating with a homeowner can be much easier than trying to negotiate with a lender for the short sale or foreclosure.

Q:&nbsp; Should I wait for home prices to go even lower?A:&nbsp; Definitely not.&nbsp; Prices of Santa Cruz homes for sale have come down from a few years ago and are much more stable and accurate.&nbsp; The days of inflated home prices are long gone.&nbsp; This does not mean that homes will not increase in value.&nbsp; It only means that they will do so at a rate that should prevent the upside-down mortgages that some people are facing today.

This is a prime time to purchase a home.&nbsp; With the large number of homes on the market, you are certain to find one to call home.&nbsp; Let me help you in your search.&nbsp; Call me today at 831-662-6522 or email me today at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.

For more information, please visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.
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            <pubDate>Wed, 08 Jun 2011 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/finding-the-best-buys-in-todays-santa-cruz-real-estate-market.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/finding-the-best-buys-in-todays-santa-cruz-real-estate-market.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Finding the Best Buys in Today's Santa Cruz Real Estate Market</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The Santa Cruz real estate market is still a buyers market which means, as a buyer, you can get a good price on a home.&nbsp; However, if you know what to look for, there are properties on which you can get a great price.Here are three areas of the Santa Cruz real estate market that generally offer the best prices:

1.&nbsp;Homes that have been on the market for several weeks (or months!) -&nbsp; Have your real estate agent send you homes that have been on the market for several weeks or months.&nbsp; These property owners are more motivated to sell than the owners of newly listed homes.&nbsp; Theyre more willing to negotiate for lower prices or even give you extras such as home warranties or paying a portion of your closing costs.

2.&nbsp;Bank owned properties.&nbsp; Bank owned properties (also known as Real Estate Owned or REOs) are homes that go back to the mortgage company after an unsuccessful foreclosure auction.&nbsp; Like foreclosures, these properties can take longer to close, but the savings can be well worth the extra time.&nbsp; Your Santa Cruz real estate agent can help you understand the pro's and con's with this type of purchase.

3.&nbsp;&ldquo;As is&quot; properties.&nbsp; A property listed &ldquo;as is&rdquo; means the seller is not willing to fix anything and will not negotiate a price reduction based on needed repairs.&nbsp; However, if youre willing to put some money and elbow grease into the property, this could be your opportunity to get more home, in a better location and at a price you can afford.&nbsp; Renovations can be done over time.&nbsp; The lower mortgage payment could save you more over the years than the renovations will cost.&nbsp; Your Santa Cruz real estate agent can help you indentify the renovations that will have the best return for your investment.

If youd like help finding the best buys in todays Santa Cruz real estate market, give me a call today at 831-662-6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.

For more information, please visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.

&nbsp;
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            <pubDate>Fri, 13 May 2011 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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