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        <title>Santa Cruz Real Estate News &amp; Information</title>
        <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/tags/selling-your-home/</link>
        <description>Lifestyle, community, day trips, restaurants, real estate, home improvements, and more. Discover what makes Santa Cruz County such a great place to live. Presented by My Santa Cruz Real Estate.</description>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/how-to-attract-high-end-buyers-for-your-home-for-sale.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/how-to-attract-high-end-buyers-for-your-home-for-sale.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>How To Attract High-End Buyers For Your Home For Sale</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
There’s at least one good thing about the drop in the dollar and it’s boosting the real estate market. Many high-end Europeans are now looking toward the U.S. for a vacation home or permanent resident, and that could mean big hope for your Santa Cruz home for sale. However, this also means a different way of selling.


Stage A BenefitNo open house for high-end buyers. Host an event instead – maybe even a benefit dinner for a worthy charity. Let people come and view the property, but give them an avenue to mix and mingle as well. In addition, they get to see how the house handles a bunch of guests.


Showcase A ChefIf you have a gourmet kitchen (or two), check with chefs that would like to showcase their cooking abilities. This creates an entire “house-buying” experience for your guests. Again, they see what that featured kitchen can handles as well as being able to enjoy the culinary arts of a professional chef.


Host A Private TourIf your Santa Cruz home for sale has beautiful gardens and a large landscape, add a private concert or tour of the gardens. A wine cellar and large sitting rooms can turn the event into a stylish wine tasting event.


The biggest trick in attracting high-end buyers is showing off the house’s best features. If the event is hosted at night, you can show how attractive the home is with an overall “candlelight” appearance. You might even go so far as to set the time for when the sky is at it’s best and frames the home just right.


First impressions are everything, so pull out all the stops. Don’t let any great feature go undiscovered, from indoor swimming pools to music rooms and manly dens. Let your Santa Cruz home for sale shine


If you’re getting ready to put a high-end home on the market, I can help. 


For more helpful tips and information about buying and selling a Santa Cruz home, email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com or give me a call at 831.662.6522.


For additional real estate information, please visit my home page at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 09 Jun 2014 11:27:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/3-cheap-easy-ways-to-make-your-home-for-sale-more-inviting.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/3-cheap-easy-ways-to-make-your-home-for-sale-more-inviting.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>3 Cheap, Easy Ways To Make Your Home For Sale More Inviting</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Many putting up their home for sale on the Santa Cruz market don’t have a lot of available cash to spruce it up. While staging houses is a definite plus, it costs, as does many of the other suggested “to-dos.&quot; Here are a few cheap, easy ways to make your home look more inviting to buyers:


1. Put Up Your Personal StuffNot every buyer looking at a home for sale in Santa Cruz appreciates the fact that someone still lives there. Putting away the following things can help the buyers’ see themselves in the home:


• your pet’s things (toys, litter box, bowls)• your medications, toothbrushes and toilet accessories• any toys • knick-knacks and personal pictures


2. Create More SpaceSmall, closed in spaces are major turnoffs for buyers. Create the illusion of more space by:


• putting up out-of-season clothes or clothes you don’t wear very often to make your closets look bigger• taking one piece of furniture out of your bedroom • packing up the small appliances in your kitchen• taking out all but four chairs in your dining room, as well as extra table leaves


3. Touch On The TrendsChances are that some of the buyers are paying attention to celebrity trends. Feng shui is a big one, and you can do your part with just a few touches:


• add a fresh bowl of fruit to the kitchen• put a comfortable couch or chair on the east side of your living room or den• put a green welcome mat on your porch to symbolize opportunity• get rid of reds


Whether you see or feel a difference doesn’t matter. Keep in mind that you’re trying to appeal to potential buyers of your home for sale in Santa Cruz, not make the home more livable for you. If it helps, pretend that you’re the buyer, seeing the house for the first time.


For more helpful tips and information about buying and selling a Santa Cruz home, email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com or give me a call at 831.662.6522.


For additional real estate information, please visit my home page at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 05 Jun 2014 11:46:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/sell-your-home-without-losing-precious-holiday-family-time.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/sell-your-home-without-losing-precious-holiday-family-time.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Sell Your Home Without Losing Precious Holiday Family Time</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Putting your home on the market during the holiday season might seem like you’re just inviting stress and frustration to come knocking on your door. However, December is a great time to sell because there are few homes on the market, buyers are serious and your house will be decorated to look nice and cozy. With the tips below, you can get your home ready to sell and ensure important family time by having the kids help out.


Hire A Real Estate AgentEmploying a professional will allow you to unload the worries that come along with selling a home. Your real estate agent will burden the pressure — and work — of finding the perfect buyer for your home. This will free up your time to enjoy the season with your family.


Get The Kids InvolvedWith your house up for sale, you don’t want to go too crazy with decorations. Make a day out of decorating and have the kids help you put up your more tasteful trimmings. Then you’ll be creating family memories and making your house festive for the season. Avoid any overly religious decorations and try to go for a winter theme.


Shoot A VideoHave your teenager be the cameraman while you narrate. Or, for an even more adorable virtual tour of your home, have your child describe each room. Then post the video on your home’s website for buyers to view. Not only will buyers get a feel for your home, but you’ll have great memento of where you lived once you move.


Create A Cozy RetreatUse low lighting, build a fire, play classical music and turn up the thermostat to create a snug environment that buyers and your family will enjoy. You’ll make potential buyers want to linger in your inviting home. And, you’re family will have fond, homely memories of their last holiday season in this house.


Loosen UpKeeping your home immaculately organized and clean can be exhausting. Remember that this time of year is all about family. So relax and enjoy yours If you don’t end up selling your home this December, then there’s always next year — which is fortunately only a few days away.


Don’t let the holiday rush intimidate you when it comes to selling your home. By getting your kids involved, you’ll sell your house and make lasting memories of the final festive season in that home.


For more information about buying and selling a Santa Cruz home, email me at lauren@laurenspencer.com or give me a call at 831.662.6522.For additional real estate information, please visit my home page at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Sun, 22 Dec 2013 09:41:00 -0800</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/5-tips-on-selling-real-estate-even-in-the-brisk-cold.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/5-tips-on-selling-real-estate-even-in-the-brisk-cold.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>5 Tips On Selling Real Estate Even In The Brisk Cold</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
5 Tips On Selling Real Estate Even In The Brisk ColdAnySanta Cruz real estate agent will tell you that it’s harder to sell your home in the winter. The days are colder and shorter, leaving less time to show your home to potential buyers.


The good news is that most of the buyers who are looking at houses in the winter aren’t just killing time. They’re serious enough about finding their new home to go house hunting at a time that most people would rather stay inside.


There are a few things you can do to make a good impression on home buyers this winter:


• Be sure to place a mat for visitors to wipe their feet on. • Warm up the house. Buyers will remember the house that was pleasantly warm on a frigid day. In addition, you will be able to demonstrate to the buyer that your furnace is in good working order.


• For a welcoming scent, bake cookies the day of the showing. Some people are sensitive to the fragrances in air freshener’s and perfumes, so skip spraying those when expecting someone to look at your house.


• Serve snacks in the kitchen. Give the buyer a reason to linger in your home by leaving a light snack in the kitchen. If the weather is cold, consider providing chili or soup in a crockpot to keep it warm with festive disposable bowls. Or, to keep it simple, you can provide coffee or hot chocolate and cookies. Be sure to talk with your [city] real estate agent before leaving these snacks so he or she knows they're for the buyers.


• Make your house appear warm and inviting. Turn all the lights in the house on; place warm-toned throws and decorator pillows around the living room. Put on some soothing classical or jazz music; keep the volume low enough that buyers can talk quietly to each other.


You can make your home seem more inviting this winter by using these proven techniques.


For more information about buying and selling a Santa Cruz home, email me at lauren@laurenspencer.com or give me a call at 831.662.6522.


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

 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 06 Dec 2013 15:54:00 -0800</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/tips-on-passing-your-home-inspection-with-flying-colors.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/tips-on-passing-your-home-inspection-with-flying-colors.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Tips On Passing Your Home Inspection With Flying Colors</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Home inspections are a tense time for everyone. Sellers are fervently hoping that nothing major is wrong with their home that could hold up the transaction. Buyers are eager to hear that their new house is in prime condition. Whatever the wishes, one thing is for sure; any news from an inspector is usually bad news.


Home inspectors have a tough job. They have to be trained to spot hundreds of potential issues with a home and be knowledgeable of local codes, community restrictions and residential permit parameters. Stay one step ahead of your home inspector by reading the list of common home inspection issues below. Then hopefully your inspection won’t reveal any unwelcome surprises.


Electrical WiringThis is a common bubble-busting issue, especially in older homes. Wiring might have been up to code when the home was built, but it now violates code and is a fire hazard. Look for ungrounded outlets, shoddy wiring or a mass of confusing connections in the electrical panel. Replacing an entire electrical system can be expensive, but it’s worth it not to risk a fire.


PlumbingLook for signs of water damage in the ceilings. This could be a sign that something above, like a bathtub or sink is leaking into the floor or walls. Look around toilets and inside kitchen cabinets for traces of wet flooring or wood. While external leaks are easy enough to fix, interior pipes might require you to rip up flooring.


Foundation And FramingExamine the foundation and framing of your home for any structural issues. You’ll want to keep an eye out for cracking in the foundation due to water runoff or settling. Also, look for signs of wood rot or termite damage. These issues affect the framing of your home and could cause scary structural problems if left unattended.


RoofingWhile it’s probably too difficult for you to inspect the roof yourself, just stand back in the yard and see if you can notice any bare spots. Also, check for water damage around the roofline from rain leaking in. Don’t get too discouraged about roof issues. It might not call for a complete replacement, but just a repair on one section.


These common home inspection issues affect both sellers and buyers. As a buyer, you’ll want to keep a eye out for these problems so that you know what you’d be getting for your hard-earned money. As a seller, it’s good to stay one step ahead of the home inspector so that whatever price is agreed upon goes through.


For more information about buying and selling a Santa Cruz home, email me at lauren@laurenspencer.com or give me a call at 831.662.6522.


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

Links:


Electrical Panel


Termite Damage
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Sat, 19 Oct 2013 13:41:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/custom-home-features-that-will-make-your-property-more-desirable.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/custom-home-features-that-will-make-your-property-more-desirable.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Custom Home Features That Will Make Your Property More Desirable</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
If you are looking to renovate your Santa Cruz home before selling, what are some of the luxurious home features you can add that will really make the home special? These features will not only make your home more impressive, they will also improve your quality of life as you spend time in the home. Another advantage of having these special features in your home is that they will make the property more attractive to buyers when you eventually resell. 


Walk In Closet


A walk in closet is a dream-come-true for any fashionista, with enough space for clothing, accessories and dozens of pairs of shoes. This luxurious home feature can give you much more space to organize your belongings and make your home feel much more spacious. When you are selling the home again, a large walk in closet in the master bedroom is a very desirable feature which will make an impression on your potential buyers.


Sitting Area Within The Master Bedroom


If the master bedroom within your home is large enough, you can incorporate a sitting area with a lounge or a sectional sofa. This gives you a space to sit and read and relax within the privacy of your own room. This living area might even include a television or a bookshelf filled with interesting books to enjoy.


Open Plan Kitchen


A large and spacious open plan kitchen is a very desirable design feature in a new home. The kitchen is where you will be spending a lot of time, so if it is spacious and well organized it will be much easier to use. This type of kitchen makes it easy to cook while socializing with guests at the same time, especially if it has an island with stools where they can sit. The kitchen can also be joined together with the dining room so that you can serve more formal meals around the table.


Covered Entrance


This can be a covered porch or a stoop which provides shelter as you walk into the front entrance of the home. Not only does this feature improve the curb appeal of the home, it also shelters you from the weather as you are entering the house. It also makes the front entrance of the property feel more private and luxurious and will protect it from the elements.  


To find out more about buying a Santa Cruz home, contact me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com or 831.662.6522.


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

Resources:


open plan kitchen


curb appeal of the home


walk in closet
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Sat, 17 Aug 2013 09:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/should-i-add-a-house-extension-or-move-to-a-new-santa-cruz-property.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/should-i-add-a-house-extension-or-move-to-a-new-santa-cruz-property.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Should I Add a House Extension or Move to a New Santa Cruz Property?</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
When you first bought your home, it had just enough room for you, your spouse and perhaps a couple of children. However, one thing has lead to another and you have ended up having three little ones (although some days it feels like three dozen). Also, you have been considering moving your ailing mother in with you so that she doesn’t have to live in a home. You are quickly running out of space for everyone and the house is starting to feel a bit cramped. Should you build a house extension, or sell the home and move to a larger Santa Cruz property?


There are a number of advantages to each option, so here are a few things to consider when deciding whether to expand the house you have or move to a new one.


Is Extending the House Possible?


Of course, before making your decision you need to figure out whether there is enough extra land around your home to facilitate a home extension. You will also need to obtain the right building permits for the job. You might find that there are limits on building your extension.


Will it Improve the Value of the Home?


Most of the time, adding a house extension will add value to your property. However, if you try to cram in an extension where it doesn’t fit you could actually decrease the value of the home. A house with no room for a garden or parking or a disproportionate home could be a lot more difficult to sell in the future.


What are the Property Prices Like Right Now?


When making your decision, check in on what the property prices are like at the moment. After doing a bit of research you might figure out that you can afford a home with more square footage for less than it would cost to build your home extension. Don’t forget to factor in closing costs and other expenses, however.


When making the decision to extend or move, assess the particular needs of your family so that you can determine what would be the better option for obtaining the extra space you need. If you have any questions about buying or selling Santa Cruz property, give me a call at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com 


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

Resources:Add value to your property


Expand the house you have


Sell the home and move


 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 02 Aug 2013 01:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/the-pros-and-cons-of-renting-out-your-santa-cruz-property.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/the-pros-and-cons-of-renting-out-your-santa-cruz-property.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>The Pros and Cons of Renting Out Your Santa Cruz Property</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
If a job change is requiring you to move out of your Santa Cruz property across the country on short notice, you might be considering whether or not to rent out your home or sell it. The decision to rent or sell is a tricky one and it will depend on a lot of factors including your home’s value, the real estate market at the moment and the amount of work involved.


Here are the pros and cons of becoming a landlord, so that you can decide for yourself which option is best for you:


Advantages:


Avoid Selling at a Loss


Depending on the state of the real estate market, it might be advantageous to wait before selling and hold onto the property for a bit longer. If you can wait out a down market, you will be able to sell for a better price in the future.


Build Equity


Every rent payment that you receive can be put toward your mortgage, which means that when you eventually sell the home you will have much more equity in the property.


Avoid a Long Selling Period


Renting out your home means that you will avoid having the property sit empty for a long period of time while waiting for it to sell. Paying two mortgages during that time can really be a strain on the budget.


Disadvantages:


Getting Another Mortgage Can be a Challenge


If you still owe money on your old home, it can be difficult to get a mortgage for a new property. Some lenders might not approve your mortgage application because of your situation.


Rent Money is Still Taxable Income


Although the money that you receive from renting out your home is income that you can put toward the mortgage, it is still taxable so you will need to keep this in mind when calculating the economic benefits.


Your Capital is Held Up


If you haven’t sold your old property yet, you will not be able to get the equity back on it. This might force you to borrow a lot more for your new home which will result in higher monthly payments.


These are just a few of the pros and cons to consider when deciding whether you should rent or sell your Santa Cruz property. For more information about real estate issues, feel free to email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com or phone me at 831.662.6522.


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

Resources:


TaxableEquityBecoming a landlord
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 24 Jun 2013 01:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/the-importance-of-a-santa-cruz-home-inspection.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/the-importance-of-a-santa-cruz-home-inspection.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>The Importance of a Santa Cruz Home Inspection</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Many homebuyers have found the perfect house, signed the dotted line and think they’ve watched enough home improvement shows to know if they’re getting a good deal. And then some make the mistake of skipping a Santa Cruz home inspection in order to save a little cash.


Even if a home has already stolen your heart and you’re ready to pay for it “as is”, you need to bite the bullet and hire a home inspector to let you know what repairs and financial repercussions await you.


Why You Should Hire An Home Inspector


You might know a thing or two about home remodeling and repairs. However, most people are not experts on the inner workings. That why it’s important to hire a professional to search for potential furnace issues, electrical wiring mishaps, plumbing weaknesses or roofing deterioration.


While a home might look like it’s in perfect condition on the surface, there could be major issues hiding beneath its façade. That’s why it’s imperative to your pocketbook that you hire an inspector to scrutinize the bones of your home. You’ll want to be able to budget for immediate and future repairs.


When To Schedule The Inspection


Once you’ve signed a contract, you’ll want to schedule a Santa Cruz home inspection before the termination period has ended. Even though you’ve signed your heart away, an inspector could just find something that you just cannot live with or afford to fix.


While you should schedule an inspection after you’ve signed a contract, it’s important to have an inspector or two picked out beforehand. Ask friends and family for referrals and then contact the inspectors for pricing and a list of what they will and will not cover at the inspection. It’s smart to have two inspectors on speed dial in case one is unavailable.


Even if you do know a lot about the structure, plumbing and wiring of houses, don’t let your ego get the better of you. It’s important to shell out the additional money to hire an inspector and cover your assets. You’d hate to end up with a home that needs thousand-dollar renovations every year and not know it.


For more information on hiring a professional for your Santa Cruz home inspection or for a referral, please call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.


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

Links:


Pay for it “as is”Home remodelingSigned a contract
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Sat, 22 Jun 2013 01:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/is-emotion-getting-in-the-way-of-selling-your-santa-cruz-home.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/is-emotion-getting-in-the-way-of-selling-your-santa-cruz-home.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Is Emotion Getting in the Way of Selling Your Santa Cruz Home?</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
The best way to approach the sale of your Santa Cruz home is to be completely emotionally detached and to handle the sale like any other business transaction. However, this can be difficult to do. A house holds a lot of memories and you will likely have a strong emotional connection to it. These feelings will make you highly biased, can cause you to ignore your home’s flaws and will skew your perception of what the home is worth. It can also make it difficult to make the move on a sale, even when you have a reasonable offer.


Emotional attachment is detrimental to your house sale, so it is best to distance yourself from the house emotionally during the sale process so that you can prevent your emotions from interfering with your judgement.


Put Away Personal Affects


When you are getting prepared to sell your home, pack up all of your family photographs and put away any personal mementos. Not only will this make the house more appealing when you are showing it to potential buyers, it will also help you to begin emotionally detaching from your home.


Be Critical of Your Home


When it comes to a home that you love, it can be difficult to assess its value realistically because you will be blind to its faults. Ask your real estate agent or a very honest friend to walk through your house with you and point out all of the faults and potential weaknesses that could affect the sale. Keep an open mind and try to put your emotions on the back burner to see the house as a potential buyer would see it.


Capture it On Video


A great way to preserve the memory of your home is to make a video tour of it. This way you will be able to capture what it looked like when you lived there, so whenever you start to feel homesick you can watch the DVD and take a trip down memory lane.


Getting Excited About the Move


Instead of focusing on how sad it is that you are leaving your home, think about all the things that you have to look forward to at your new house. You can start researching the area that you are moving to and find out all of the great activities and attractions you can visit when you arrive.


These are just a few ways that you can keep emotion out of the equation when it comes to selling your Santa Cruz home. If you are looking for more real estate tips, feel free to contact me at 831.662.6522 or send me an email at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.


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

Resources:


make the house more appealingassess its valueresearching the area


 
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    <pubDate>Thu, 20 Jun 2013 01:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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