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      CENTURY 21 MarketLink Realty - SMARTER. BOLDER. FASTER.

      You are here: Home / Archives for Agents

      10 Cool Places to Get Wet

      August 29, 2014 By CENTURY 21

      What makes a water lover’s paradise? Beaches, rivers, lakes and water parks. These towns offer plenty of fun water activities.

      1. New Braunfels, TX (population 51,804)

      Hold on to your bathing suit! The Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort, on the banks of the Comal River, is home to Master Blaster, a 1,000- foot water coaster. It also holds the title for the best U.S. water park, according to The Travel Channel.

      2. Lake Havasu City, AZ (population 56,603)

      Boaters on Lake Havasu can cruise under London Bridge, which was moved here from England’s River Thames in 1971. Each year this lake’s blue waters attract 2.5 million visitors, including the stars and film crew of the Bravo TV series “The Real Housewives of Orange County.”

      3. Malibu, CA (population 13,041)

      World-class beaches and unparalleled ocean vistas are two of the reasons celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston and Robert Redford call this town home. Even if you don’t have the bank account for a multimillion-dollar mansion, you can still dip your toes into the water at Zuma or Surfrider, two of Malibu’s 24 public beaches.

      4. Mackinac Island, MI (population 500)

      More than a million vacationers a year head to this island to soak in its Victorian charm. But you’ll have to cross Lake Huron in a ferryboat. Here horses rule the roads.

      5. Lake Ozark City, MO (population 1,931)

      The jewel of this resort community is the Lake of the Ozarks, which boasts a 1,100-mile-long coastline—longer than California’s. During July Fourth celebrations, take your boat onto the lake to watch four different fireworks displays burst over the water.

      6. Nantucket, MA (population 10,000)

      Swimming options are plentiful on this island, with its signature 17th-century architecture. Craving some surf? Head to the south shore to splash in the Atlantic. For calmer waters, aim your bike north toward Nantucket Sound.

      7. Annapolis, MD (population 36,603)

      Guide your sailboat toward this historic port city that’s home to the U.S. Naval Academy. And don’t miss the Wednesday Night Races from April through September, when 150 boats zip across Chesapeake Bay.

      8. Duck, NC (population 500)

      The population of this town—part of the spectacular Outer Banks, a chain of barrier islands along the Carolina coast—swells dramatically with summer beach-goers. Climb the historic 1875 Currituck Beach Lighthouse to grab a bird’s-eye view of the Atlantic.

      9. Jackson, WY (population 9.631)

      White-water rafting is a popular adventure on the Snake River, which winds through Grand Teton National Park. The most exciting rapids: Lunch Counter, Big Kahuna and Rope.

      10. Key West , FL (population 25,478)

      Snorkelers and scuba divers will barely have time to dry off between excursions to the area’s underwater caves and coral reefs, including Sand Key and Kedge Ledge.

      Advice from an agent affiliated with the CENTURY 21® brand

      Backyard pools don’t always make a big splash with potential buyers. But some might simply be nervous about maintenance. Sallie Bradford with CENTURY 21 H.T. Brown Real Estate in Annapolis, Maryland, encourages sellers to purchase a one-year home warranty for the lining, pump and more. “You give peace of mind to the buyer,” Bradford says.

       

      Recommended Reading:

      -Landscaping 101: Great Grass Alternatives

      -The Secrets to a Perfect Staycation

      -Worldwide Wanderlust: Homes From Around the Globe

      Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/-_hJDVujxKk/

      Filed Under: Agents, cool, real estate, top ten, vacation, water

      Modern Homes for Your Modern Family

      August 26, 2014 By CENTURY 21

      If you love sleek lines, glass walls, steel, and open floor plans, a modern style home may be right for your modern family. According to House Plans, “Modern style designs offer clean lines, simple proportions, open plans and abundant natural light, and are descendants of the International style of architecture, which developed in the 1920s. Flat or shallow-pitched roofs, large expanses of glass strong connections to outdoor space, and spare, unornamented walls are distinguishing characteristics of modern home style plans.” According to iMatchDesigners, modern style interiors are characterized by clean lines, minimal decor, materials like metal and glass, and lack of clutter.

      These stunning CENTURY 21® homes are perfect for your modern family.

      1. This Miami apartment has sleek lines, minimalist decor, floor length windows, and a great deal of natural light.

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

      2. This Miami home has an interesting and unique architecture. The inside of the home has straight lines and minimalist decor.

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

      3. This modern home has a uniquely shaped pool, bright lights, and lots of windows!

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

      4. This Austin, TX home is an excellent example of modern style architecture. The interior has clean lines, unique shapes, and minimalist decor.

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

      No matter what kind of modern home style you prefer, there’s a place for every modern family to call home.

      Recommended Reading:

      -Kitchen Design Inspiration from CENTURY® 21 Homes

      -Worldwide Wanderlust: CENTURY 21® Homes from Around the Globe

      -The 5 Best “Man Caves” For Watching Football

       

      Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/6OolFbvni-I/

      Filed Under: Agents, Buyers, Featured, homes, modern, real estate

      Watch & Vote: #C21ReadyToSell With Jolie Kerr

      August 25, 2014 By Molly

      Today the CENTURY 21® brand is excited to launch a new video series with cleaning expert and The New York Times best selling author, Jolie Kerr.

      This six part video series, #C21ReadyToSell, provides homebuyers and real estate professionals with the ultimate guide to cleaning and staging a home to sparkle and sell.

      In addition to these helpful tips and tricks, once you’ve watched all six videos you can visit www.century21.com/aboutus/mediacenter/askacleanperson and vote for your favorite video to be entered for the chance to win a $250 gift card.

      Watch, vote, enter and then share your favorite pro tips on Facebook and Twitter by tagging @Century21 and using the hashtag #C21ReadyToSell.

      You can also send your personal cleaning and staging questions to Jolie via Twitter, @JolieKerr. To purchase her book, “My Boyfriend Barfed In My Handbag . . . And Other Things You Can’t Ask Martha” click here.

      Which #C21ReadyToSell video is your favorite?

      Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/E9_SAVYatsQ/

      Filed Under: Agents, Ask A Clean Person, Buyers, cleaning tips, Featured, Jolie Kerr, list to sell, Listing Tips, Sellers, stage to sel, Staging Tips

      8 Things You May Have Thought When Your In-Laws Stayed Over

      August 23, 2014 By CENTURY 21

      You love your in-laws. They are your family. Still, when they come over on short notice you always feel unprepared.

      We’re not pointing any fingers but you may have thought one of the following things while you were smiling, listening to the story they tell every year, or cooking a meal you know they’ll hardly touch.

      1. How long are they staying?: He said they were just staying the weekend but that never happens. It’s always so much longer… At least it feels that way. Maybe I’ll fake sick Sunday afternoon to make sure they leave on time. Yes, that’s it! I’ll watch that Ferris movie to plan my strategy.

      2. Anything that can go wrong, will: That is just my luck, isn’t it? Either the kids will get sick, someone will have to work later than usual, the house will flood, or the world will end. Nothing can go right if the in-laws are here, that is just not how life works. They call that Murphy’s Law; I call it Murphy’s In-Laws.

      3. Cooking Criticism: Last time I slaved in the kitchen, “the chicken was overcooked and the pasta was undercooked.” I’m sure someone will have something to say this time, too. I think the cooking powers-that-be curse me when my in-laws are here.

      4. Clean, Clean, Clean: I wonder, if I had hired a cleaning service to come in and take over the house, would it have been noticeable? The house would be cleaner than usual so they might suspect something. That might open a whole other can of worms, so maybe I’ll just clean myself. If only I had a bunch of birds following me along cleaning, like a certain princess who lost her shoe. I wonder what the prince’s in-laws were like. They probably loved the good lady’s chicken.

      5. Wine, Wine, and More Wine: I should probably run to the liquor store and pick something up… for them, not for me. I swear, these six bottles of wine are for my in-laws, not for me. I swear, I’m opening the first of them right now even though they don’t arrive until this weekend FOR THEM, NOT FOR ME.

      6. Where are those gifts?: I know I put that ceramic elephant they got us for Christmas three years ago in the attic, but which box is it in? I thought I wrote it down the last time they visited so this wouldn’t happen again. Ok, now let me practice my “I love it and look at it every day” face.

      7. Please don’t bring that up: I know that his/her ex still lives down the block from you. No, I do not want to hear about their new job and how they look better than ever. Please just don’t bring it up, please.

      8. Good attitude: Lots of smiles and a clear head. If I remember to be nice, all will go well — hopefully. After all, in-laws can smell fear.

      You finally understand the line, “to have and to hold you, to honor you, to treasure you, to be at your side in sorrow and in joy, in the good times, and in the bad, and to love and cherish you always. I promise you this from my heart, for all the days of my life (Traditional Wedding Vows).” Even this weekend.

      Recommended Reading:

      -5 Stages of Having Your Kids Home from College

      -Moving Advice You Should NOT Take from People in Stock Photos

      -7 Reasons You’re Secretly Jealous of Your Dollhouse Family

      -5 Zombie-Proof Houses Your Family Won’t be Caught Dead In

      Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/lKWndiUdCy0/

      Filed Under: Agents, Buyers, funny, Home, inlaws, Sellers

      8 Things You May Have Thought When Your In-Laws Stayed Over

      August 23, 2014 By CENTURY 21

      You love your in-laws. They are your family. Still, when they come over on short notice you always feel unprepared.

      We’re not pointing any fingers but you may have thought one of the following things while you were smiling, listening to the story they tell every year, or cooking a meal you know they’ll hardly touch.

      1. How long are they staying?: He said they were just staying the weekend but that never happens. It’s always so much longer… At least it feels that way. Maybe I’ll fake sick Sunday afternoon to make sure they leave on time. Yes, that’s it! I’ll watch that Ferris movie to plan my strategy.

      2. Anything that can go wrong, will: That is just my luck, isn’t it? Either the kids will get sick, someone will have to work later than usual, the house will flood, or the world will end. Nothing can go right if the in-laws are here, that is just not how life works. They call that Murphy’s Law; I call it Murphy’s In-Laws.

      3. Cooking Criticism: Last time I slaved in the kitchen, “the chicken was overcooked and the pasta was undercooked.” I’m sure someone will have something to say this time, too. I think the cooking powers-that-be curse me when my in-laws are here.

      4. Clean, Clean, Clean: I wonder, if I had hired a cleaning service to come in and take over the house, would it have been noticeable? The house would be cleaner than usual so they might suspect something. That might open a whole other can of worms, so maybe I’ll just clean myself. If only I had a bunch of birds following me along cleaning, like a certain princess who lost her shoe. I wonder what the prince’s in-laws were like. They probably loved the good lady’s chicken.

      5. Wine, Wine, and More Wine: I should probably run to the liquor store and pick something up… for them, not for me. I swear, these six bottles of wine are for my in-laws, not for me. I swear, I’m opening the first of them right now even though they don’t arrive until this weekend FOR THEM, NOT FOR ME.

      6. Where are those gifts?: I know I put that ceramic elephant they got us for Christmas three years ago in the attic, but which box is it in? I thought I wrote it down the last time they visited so this wouldn’t happen again. Ok, now let me practice my “I love it and look at it every day” face.

      7. Please don’t bring that up: I know that his/her ex still lives down the block from you. No, I do not want to hear about their new job and how they look better than ever. Please just don’t bring it up, please.

      8. Good attitude: Lots of smiles and a clear head. If I remember to be nice, all will go well — hopefully. After all, in-laws can smell fear.

      You finally understand the line, “to have and to hold you, to honor you, to treasure you, to be at your side in sorrow and in joy, in the good times, and in the bad, and to love and cherish you always. I promise you this from my heart, for all the days of my life (Traditional Wedding Vows).” Even this weekend.

      Recommended Reading:

      -5 Stages of Having Your Kids Home from College

      -Moving Advice You Should NOT Take from People in Stock Photos

      -7 Reasons You’re Secretly Jealous of Your Dollhouse Family

      -5 Zombie-Proof Houses Your Family Won’t be Caught Dead In

      Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/lKWndiUdCy0/

      Filed Under: Agents, Buyers, funny, Home, inlaws, Sellers

      Instagram Tips for Real Estate Agents

      August 22, 2014 By CENTURY 21

      Instagram is a social media platform that allows people to share and edit photos. More than 100 million people use Instagram every month, making it a valuable space to engage with potential, current, and past clients. Use Instagram to showcase listings, promote your personal brand, and generate leads.

      Here are a few best practices for Instagram.

      1. Optimize Images: Instagram is a visual platform so the most important best practice is that the images are visually appealing. Whenever possible, take photos when there is natural light and take photos that are clear and focused. One of the unique features of Instagram is the ability to edit photos. Users can apply filters and make advanced edits to components like brightness, saturation, contrast, and warmth. There is also wide variety of third party editing tools such as Snapseed and Afterlight. These apps provide even more editing tools and features.

      2. Utilize Hashtags: If you caption your photo with a hashtag such as #RealEstate #Listing or #HouseForSale, your followers will able to click it and track all photos captioned with that hashtag. Using hashtags is an essential and necessary part of boosting engagement and creating a following on Instagram. It allows people to find and follow you in a simpler way. People can also search for hashtags and photos will come up in search. This is a great way to get noticed as a user!

      3. Engage with Followers: Follow and engage with other users. You can find people to follow by searching hashtags that interest you. Once you’ve followed people engage with them by liking posts and leaving meaningful comments.

      4. Analyze Timing: Timing matters on Instagram. There are times of the day when your community is more active. It is important to know when your followers are online so you can interact with them and, hopefully, get more engagement on your photos. Most communities are more engaged at night so consider posting pictures in the evening. You can track your most engaged time of the day by using Iconosquare, a website that analyzes your Instagram statistics.

      5. Create Videos: Videos are a newer feature to come to Instagram. You can take a short video tour of your listing to give buyers a look before even entering the home. If they like what they see, they can contact you immediately to set up a time to meet. Potential clients may also be so impressed with your innovative new media skills that they will call you when they are ready to buy or sell a home.

      6. Promote Posts: Share your photos on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and your blog to create maximum engagement and exposure.

      7. Use Instagram Photo Maps: When posting a photo to Instagram, you have the option to add location, essentially adding it to your photo maps. The photo will show up on an actual map, allowing your followers to see where you have taken the most photos. This will allow you to show your knowledge of certain areas and neighborhoods and the exact location of any listings.

      Now that you know these best practices you can apply them and grow your Instagram following. Interested in learning more about how social media can help your career? Read our best practices for Twitter, Pinterest, and SEO.

      Recommended Reading:

      -Home Office Essentials

      -Productivity Tips for Working from Home

      -Picture Perfect: How to Take Great Photos of Your Home

      Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/MZZqU0K4tX8/

      Filed Under: Agents, Featured, Instagram, real estate, social media, Tips, tricks

      Tech Talk: 5 Apps for Real Estate Agents

      August 19, 2014 By CENTURY 21

      Real estate agents are often on the go visiting listings, showings, and clients. Luckily, technology makes it easier to get work done from anywhere and maximize productivity while doing so.

      There are hundreds of apps on the market that could be helpful for agents but here are five currently on our radar.

      Evernote: Evernote is a high tech note taking app. Take notes by hand, type them on your mobile device or tablet, or take photos of business cards and loose papers. This technology allows you to use search to quickly and easily find specific notes or concepts – even if you wrote a handwritten note! Sign up for Evernote Business to collaborate with colleagues in real time.

      Sitegeist: Sitegeist quickly provides data about a location. Learn demographics, nearby restaurants and entertainment, public transportation, the average rent price and more. Share these insights with clients as they choose and explore different neighborhoods.

      Google Maps: Use Google Maps for transportation directions to and from listings. The app can also help you find restaurants and shops in the neighborhood.

      Dropbox: Have access to important documents and files at the touch of a button. Wish you had brought a contract or lease with you? If you saved it to Dropbox, you can pull it up on your device no matter where you are. Quickly share individual files with colleagues and clients. Sign up for Dropbox for Business to share access to presentations and files.

      CENTURY21®: Use the Century21® app to view nearby homes for sale or rent, nearby open houses, search for homes, save properties, and find price reductions. Show the app to your clients and use it to find new properties that might interest them. If you are in a neighborhood for a showing, go and visit more homes in the area!

      We hope that these apps will help you stay organized in and out of the office. We care about helping you advance in your career. You can find more resources at Century21 SM University.

      Recommended Reading:

      -Tech Talk: Home Office Essentials

      -Productivity Tips for Working from Home

      -Let’s Get App-y: 3 Apps for Interior Design

      *Some of these apps may require payment for certain features.

      Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/ABCShADu6Aw/

      Filed Under: agent, Agents, apps, Featured, phone, real estate, tech

      5 Simple Ways to Increase Your Property Value

      August 6, 2014 By CENTURY 21

      Selling your home? Make improvements to your home to increase the likelihood that you will get a higher offer. Even small and inexpensive updates can make a difference. Do these projects before you put up your listing and schedule a staging.

      Here are five simple ways to increase your property value when it’s time to sell:

      1. Rethink your home’s layout: If you have three bedrooms and a home office, take out the office to make your house a four bedroom home. Removing bedrooms may decrease the value of your home. Turn it into an office, gym, or craft room then turn it back to a bedroom when you’re ready to sell. (Forbes)

      2. Remove clutter: Making rooms look neat and clean is always a necessity, but take it one step further and remove the clutter and personal items from your rooms. Taking out photos, magazines, and little decorations will make the room look bigger and taking away personal items will help your buyers envision their lives there. (Forbes)

      3. Front yard makeovers: The saying goes, “Don’t judge a book by its cover” but when it comes to real estate, that is hard to live by. The first impression of your home is the front yard so make sure it is neat and tidy. Plant some new flowers, mow the lawn, and touch up any exterior paint that might need some attention. (DIY Network)

      4. Maintenance work: The last thing buyers want to see when they walk into your kitchen or bathroom is rusty, leaking pipes, or a faucet that looks like it has seen better days. Take a weekend and give attention to any little repairs around the house. It could be as easy as replacing old door knobs and faucets. Paint your home neutral colors to minimize the chance that your design aesthetic will clash with the aesthetic of your potential buyers. (This Old House)

      5. Update appliances: The kitchen is a huge selling point for potential buyers. If your kitchen appliances are old and outdated buy newer versions. While you’re at it, take your kitchen from good to great without breaking the bank.

      Complete these simple tasks before selling your home to increase the likelihood that you’ll get a higher offer.

      Recommended Reading:

      -Cents and Sensibility: 5 Mistakes That Could Decrease Your Homes Value

      -Do This, Not That: Tips for Staging Your Home

      -Your Pre-Sale Checklist

      -Seller Marketing Plan

      -Adding Value to Your Home

       

      Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/MrY4aVxumPQ/

      Filed Under: Agents, Buyers, Featured, Sellers

      Buying a Home: 5 Questions to Ask Your Real Estate Agent

      August 5, 2014 By CENTURY 21

      Buying a home is an incredibly important decision. We recommend working with a CENTURY 21® real estate professional who can provide insights and advice throughout your home buying process.

      There are lots of questions you can ask your real estate agent but here are five starters.

      1. Should I even buy at all?

      Perhaps you’re not ready to buy yet, and renting is a smart plan at the moment. Discuss the varying costs, how long you plan to stay in the area, and whether a rent-to-own plan (where you begin a lease with the option to buy down the road) is a better fit. Our Renting vs. Buying Calculator can also help you make your decision.

      We hope that these questions help you find your dream home. Use the resources found on century21.com to help you throughout the process of finding a home.

       

      2. May I see a Comparative Market Analysis for this area?

      A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), is a comparison of one home to other similar homes that have recently been on the market. Use it to understand if the price of the homes you’re looking at is on par with the price of other homes in the neighborhood or similarly sized homes. You can find more details about how to use a CMA in our glossary.

       

      3. What is the neighborhood like?

      You are not just moving into a home, you are moving into a neighborhood. Your neighborhood determines your school district, your commute, your neighbors, your taxes, and more. Ask questions that indicate whether the neighborhood is right for you and your family. We recommend driving to work at rush hour times to measure the commute, visiting the school your kids would attend, visiting the home during different times of day, and learning about local hospitals and doctor’s offices. Find out more here!

       

      4. How flexible is this home’s asking price?

      Ask your REALTOR® to help you hone in on a good but fair initial offer. Too low, and it could seem insulting; too high, and you’re at a disadvantage. Find out more about how your CENTURY 21® real estate professional can help you determine the right price.

       

      5. Will they accept a lease option?

      A lease option is an arrangement whereby a buyer and seller agree to rent a home until the buyer is able to make a purchase. Your CENTURY 21 real estate professional can ask if the seller would be willing to go through with a lease option. If you and the buyer decide that this option works well for you learn more about the process.

       

      Recommended Reading:

      -Buying a Home: Tips for LGBT Couples

      -Myth vs. Fact: Homebuying

      -5 Tips for First Time Homebuyers

      -We Asked, You Answered: Tips for First Time Homebuyers

       

      Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/uOiK6yR0GHM/

      Filed Under: Agents, Buyers, Featured

      The 5 Biggest Seller Mistakes

      August 4, 2014 By CENTURY 21

      Learn from experience — someone else’s! Avoid these classic slip-ups to net a sale in record time.

      Selling a house is an emotional experience. A veteran real estate agent like Ann Weaver has to be able to balance a seller’s sentimental attachment with her own understanding that, in the long run, a quick sale at the right price is what benefits all parties.

      Ann has been selling houses in the Dallas area for 15 years. She knows what it takes for sellers to walk away from a closing with the most money in their pocket. “The house must be priced right. It should be clean, freshly painted and nice smelling,” she advises.

      She also knows it’s important to have the house in tip-top shape when it first hits the market—the time when homes get the most attention from potential buyers. Combine that with sellers who are highly motivated and “you have all of the ingredients for a fast sale at a good price.”

      Here are the biggest mistakes and misunderstandings Ann confronts regularly when working with sellers:

      1. Overpricing: Sellers often think—or at least hope—that their house is worth more than the local market dictates. To attract the maximum number of potential buyers, Ann suggests setting a price that is competitive with comparable houses on the market.

      2. Poor Condition: “Price and condition are married,” Ann says. “If your house is in top condition, you can ask top price.” When it isn’t, “I tell the sellers that it is time to stop neglecting their ‘honey-do’ list.” Paint the walls with neutral, not bold, colors, she advises.

      3. Weak Motivation: Sometimes homeowners tell Ann, “We just want to put a ‘for sale’ sign out and see if we can get a high price.” She cautions against this approach. “People will be walking through your house week after week, but if it’s priced too high they won’t be making offers.” In the end, sellers may wind up receiving less money than they should have.

      4. Limiting Access: Selling a house can be a nuisance. You have to be willing to get your life out of the way. For best results, be prepared to show the house between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. 7 days a week, and make sure it is always clean and fresh.

      5. Understanding Marketing: As buying and selling environments continue to change, marketing your home in innovative ways is key. The internet is the number one tool for attracting today’s homebuyers. Your agent should aggressively market your house online and know how to deal with online shoppers.

      Ann W­eaver, The Bill and Ann Team, CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company, Cedar Hill, Texas

      Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/rYnurZiMFYI/

      Filed Under: Agents, Sellers

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