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Preparing Homes in Canmore for an Alberta Winter!

Fall is almost over! And, if you’re anything like us, you’re eager for the 2023/24 ski season. But, before we can enjoy the winter activities that Canmore and Banff are renowned for, it’s a good idea to prep your home for the change in weather ahead. Winterizing your home is an essential step in preserving its value. Not to mention, a great way to safeguard yourself from unexpected repairs. Whether you are a winter veteran or a total novice, we hope to provide you with some insightful tips about how to get homes in Canmore ready for an Alberta winter. Follow along below to learn more!

How to Winterize Homes in Canmore

  1. Clean Your Gutters

Cleaning your gutters is a must-do task that every homeowner should complete before the seasons change. While it is good practice to empty your gutters a few times per year, it is especially important to do so before winter. During the winter months increased precipitation and freezing temperatures can pose several risks to your home. Namely, water damage. If your gutters are clogged with debris, this can prohibit drainage. Thus, increasing the probability of household leaks. If you are not comfortable with doing this yourself, consider hiring a professional to get the job done. Most service providers can have the task completed in two hours. 

  1. Check Your Roof

Besides your foundation, the roof of your home is one of the most important features. As the weather cools and snow begins to fall, the integrity of your roof will be tested. To make sure that your roof can handle Old Man Winter, it’s a good idea to get outside and inspect it. When checking your roof be sure to keep an eye out for missing, loose or broken shingles.  Furthermore, you’ll want to make note of any damaged, rusted, or missing metal flashing. If you have a flat roof check that: there are no tears/holes in the surface, it’s free from mould, and the seals are in good shape. 

  1. Blow Out Sprinkler Lines

Another item you won’t want to forget is blowing out your sprinklers. If your home has an underground sprinkler system, you’ll want to make sure that these lines are free of water before temperatures dip below zero. Failing to do so can cause the pipes to crack or break, which means your irrigation system will not work come spring. If you’re not sure how to do this, contact a local landscaping company for help! 

More Ways to Prepare

  1. Make Sure You Have The Right Equipment

Before winter arrives, make sure that you take inventory of the winter tools you have on hand and what you need to replace/invest in. For example, you’ll want to ensure that you have a snow shovel, snow brush, the appropriate tires for your vehicle and new batteries in your alarms and detectors. Having the right equipment will make the winter season that much more manageable! Visit your local hardware store to stock up.

  1. Don’t Leave Any Gaps

When you winterize your home, it is a good idea to look for gaps in the sealant around your doors and windows. If you find any, make sure to patch them up before the cooler weather hits. Adding weather stripping to doors and caulking any gaps around your window will make your home all the more insulated. By completing these tasks, you can help to reduce your heating costs and make sure that your home is free of drafts. 

  1. Test Your Heating System

Last but not least, while preparing your home for winter, it is a good idea to test out your heating system. After all, no one wants to experience an Alberta winter without heat! Call an HVAC specialist to come and check out your furnace to ensure that it is fully operational. Typically, as part of this service, HVAC professionals will clean your furnace and change the filter for you. 

Contact us Today About Homes in Canmore!

We are happy to help you determine if Canmore is the right place for you to settle down. 

Canmore is an incredible area to own a property. Reach out today to learn more about all of the amazing opportunities that come with living in real estate in Canmore. For more information, feel free to message us with any questions or concerns you have about living in this amazing town.We look forward to working with you in the near future! 

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Moving to a Small Town: Pros & Cons of Buying Canmore Homes for Sale

Moving to a small town certainly has a charm to it. With more and more remote work options, it has become much easier to live outside of large city centres. The flexibility to live where you want has left many Canadians wanting to escape big city life. However, moving to a small town comes with its pros and cons. If you’re considering buying Canmore homes for sale, but not sure if it’s the right move for you, we encourage you to read this article! In the post, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to list some of the benefits and drawbacks of living in a small town like Canmore. Be sure to consider the following factors before making the decision to uproot for a smaller community.   

Cons of Small Town Living: Canmore Edition

  1. The Price of Living in Canmore Isn’t Much Cheaper Than in the City

One of the reasons that people decide to live in a small town is because it tends to be cheaper than living in the city. However, in Canmore, this is not the case. Buyers will quickly notice that the cost of living in Canmore is very high. This is because of the demand for housing, incredible local amenities, and strict housing regulations. If you’re interested in moving to a small town for cheaper real estate opportunities, Canmore is not the right place to settle down.

  1. Fewer Transportation Options

Another downside to living in a small town like Canmore is the fact that public transit options are limited. Nearly all residents who live in Canmore rely on their own vehicles to get around. If you don’t already own a car, you’ll want to think about investing in one. Preferably something that can handle the long Alberta winters. For those who are currently getting by without a car in the city, this is a cost you’ll want to factor in before your move. Be sure to account for maintenance, gas and insurance prices in addition to the total cost of the vehicle. 

  1. Long Winters

Albertans will be the first to tell you about the long winters across the province. From icy temperatures to snow that just doesn’t go, winter can be dreadful. However, if you enjoy skiing and other snowsports, the long winter might be just what you’re looking for. Make sure you think about your tolerance for winter before making the move to a town like Canmore!

Pros of Small Town Living in Canmore Homes for Sale

  1. Location & Access to Nature

Living in Canmore gives you access to some of the best outdoor experiences in Canada! From world-class ski resorts to awesome restaurants, Canmore has it all. In the summer, enjoy hiking, biking, mountaineering, or rock climbing. You can also head to the Bow River for an epic canoeing experience. Once winter arrives, ski and snowboard until your heart’s content! There are also a number of cross-country ski opportunities, skating, and other winter activities. The location and access to nature are Canmore’s biggest draws!

  1. Low Crime Rate

Living in Canmore, you can feel safe knowing that the crime rate is very low. Crime rates in Canmore have consistently been ranked below the national average. In fact, they are among some of the lowest in the whole country. The only thing you need to be on the lookout for is wildlife. Thankfully, most wildlife in the area is not naturally aggressive and will normally avoid human contact. 

  1. You Aren’t Far From the City

Another pro to living in the Canmore, is that you are only a hop, skip and a jump from one of Alberta’s biggest cities—Calgary! If you’re worried about missing out on big city attractions like concerts, sports games, and nightlife, don’t fret. Calgary is only an hour’s drive from Canmore. Thus, making it a short trip back into the city. This way you can still reap the benefits of big-city living without actually having to live in the hustle and bustle. 

Contact us About Canmore Homes for Sale

If you are planning on buying Canmore homes for sale, contact me today! We are happy to help you determine if Canmore is the right place for you to settle down. 

Canmore is an incredible area to own a property. Reach out today to learn more about all of the amazing opportunities that come with living in real estate in Canmore. For more information, feel free to message us with any questions or concerns you have about living in this amazing town. For more real estate-related content and visit our Canmore Real Estate broker website Alpine Realty! We look forward to working with you in the near future! 

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Pros & Cons of Making an All-Cash Offer on a Property in Canmore

Making an all-cash offer on a property in Canmore can be a tempting decision. Especially, if you have the funds to do so. By making an all-cash offer, buyers can forgo the lending process and stand out against the competition. In a market like today’s, this can be incredibly advantageous. However, it is important to understand that making an all-cash offer is not all sunshine and rainbows. In fact, without proper consideration, an all-cash purchase can be a detriment to your financial well-being. To help you better understand the pros and cons of buying a property in cash, we’ve gone ahead and outlined some of the key details you need to know. Follow along below to learn more. 

What’s an All-Cash Offer?

An all-cash offer is pretty well what you’d expect—an offer on a home where the buyer plans to pay for the home without external funding. Thus, removing the need to secure a mortgage. Since buyers who pay in cash do not need to go through the mortgage process, the sale of the home can be processed much quicker. It is important to note that not all buyers who pay in cash intend to live on the property they are purchasing. In many cases, buyers will purchase in all cash with the intent of using the property for income. 

What are the Pros of Buying a Property in Canmore in Cash?

If you have the financial stability to make an all-cash offer, there are several pros. However, regardless of how financially able you are to buy the property without a mortgage, it is still a smart idea to weigh the advantages and disadvantages involved. So, let’s take a look at some of the benefits of an all-cash offer:

  1. Long Term Savings

It should go without saying that buying a home in cash will lead to immense long-term savings. This is because you won’t need to pay interest on your purchase. Factor in current Canadian mortgage rates, and it’s easy to see how a cash purchase can save you thousands!

  1. Stand Out From Other Buyers

Besides saving money on interest, making an all-cash offer is a great way to stand out from other buyers. In a competitive market, this can make all of the difference in you getting the home of your dreams! Not to mention, sellers will be more attracted to your offer since there is less that can go wrong. Thus, giving you the upper hand in negotiating. 

  1. Cheaper Closing Costs

Another perk of paying in cash is that you’ll lower your closing costs. Not having a loan means that you won’t have to pay any of the fees that lenders require at closing. For instance, reviewing your application, checking your credit score, processing your application, etc. 

  1. Faster Transaction

Finally, buying a home without a mortgage will speed up the transaction. Instead of waiting for lenders to process your application and make final considerations, you can skip to the important stuff. 

What are the Cons of Making an All-Cash Offer?

While buying a home in all cash may seem like a no-brainer, some serious cons can arise if you aren’t careful. To get a better idea of this, let’s take a look at some of the disadvantages of buying without borrowing:

  1. Not Enough Liquid Assets

Even if you’re financially able to purchase a home in all cash, you must consider how it will impact your financial situation. For some, buying a house in all-cash could mean that all of their money gets tied up in their house. This can be incredibly dangerous/risky. Having few liquid assets can make it difficult to afford the additional expenses that go along with owning a house. For instance, repairs, maintenance, property taxes, and renovations. If you are planning on buying in all-cash it’s a good idea to speak with a financial advisor to make sure that you aren’t putting yourself in a position you’ll regret. You should also have a substantial emergency fund to ensure all of your bases are covered. 

  1. It’s Easy to Skip Steps

When buying a home in cash, it becomes a lot easier to forgo key steps in the buying process. This is especially true since no lender is forcing you to complete tasks like appraisals and home inspections. Even if you are buying without borrowing, you must complete all the necessary steps to ensure you are making a sound investment. 

  1. No Mortgage Tax Deductions

Another disadvantage of buying a property in cash is that you skip out on the mortgage tax deductions. When tax season rears its head, homeowners with a mortgage can write off the taxes on their interest payments. For those who pay in cash, this deduction is not applicable. 

Contact us Today!

If you are planning on buying a property in Canmore in cash, contact us today! We are happy to help you determine the best course of action when it comes to buying a new home. 

Canmore is an incredible area to own a property. Reach out today to learn more about all of the amazing opportunities that come with living in real estate in Canmore. For more information, feel free to message us with any questions or concerns you have about living in this amazing town. For more real estate-related content visit our canmore real estate broker website! We look forward to working with you shortly! 

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Buying Canmore Houses For Sale in a Competitive Market

Over the last few years, the Canadian housing market has become increasingly competitive. With interest rate hikes and the growing needs of homeowners, it has become difficult for Canadians to find a home. Demand for housing has driven up prices while supply, in many areas, continues to rest at an all-time low. These conditions are especially true for those who live in amenity-rich areas like Canmore and Banff. If you’re hoping to buy a home in today’s competitive market, it is important that you have all of the information. In this article, we are going to be going over some tips and advice for buying Canmore houses for sale in a competitive market. Follow along below to learn more!

How to Buy Houses for Sale in Canmore in a Competitive Market?

  1. Get to Know the Market Conditions

Before you start hunting for homes, it’s crucial that you get familiar with the market you are buying in. This is especially important for those who are buying from out of town. In Canada, the housing market is influenced by a number of factors. For instance, the economy, the population, and interest rates. Keeping these factors in mind will allow you to stay ahead of the game. It can also provide you with some insight into what affects supply and demand. Being knowledgeable about market conditions is a must when buying a home in a competitive market. 

  1. Nail Down Your Budget

Once you’ve got a strong grasp of the market conditions, it’s time to nail down your budget. Having a solid understanding of what you can afford is critical when searching for a home. Many people assume that determining your budget is limited to the price tag of the home. However, coming up with a sufficient buying budget means planning out the costs of homeownership as well. For instance, you’ll need to account for items like property taxes, insurance and maintenance. Crafting a realistic budget will give you a clear understanding of what homes you can afford and what homes are out of reach. A concrete budget is a foolproof way to narrow down your home search. 

  1. Get a Mortgage Pre-Approval

Another item you’ll want to tick off before starting your home search is getting a mortgage pre-approval. Mortgage pre-approvals are designed to give you a clear depiction of what you can afford. In addition to this, they also let sellers know that you’re serious about buying a home. Not only this, but pre-approvals can also help speed up the home-buying process since your lender will have already evaluated your financial situation. 

canmore houses for sale

More Tips & Advice!

  1. Hire a Real Estate Agent

Working with a real estate agent is a great way to ensure your success when buying in a competitive housing market. Great agents are knowledgeable about the market in your desired area and can provide you with helpful information. Furthermore, when it comes time to put in an offer, your agent will ensure that your price is right. Hiring a skilled real estate agent will make a difference in your home-buying experience. 

  1. Get Ready to Make Decisions on the Fly

In a competitive market, property tends to move fast. This is why it is essential that buyers are prepared to make decisions on the fly. One way to do so is by staying informed about new listings and not being afraid to put in an offer. It is during this step that having your finances in order can make all of the difference. Timing is a big part of buying in a competitive market, so talk with your agent about when the right time to put in an offer on a house is.

  1. Have an Open Mind

To successfully buy a home when the market is hot, it’s best to keep an open mind. Being flexible will provide you with more possibilities to find the right property for you and your family. This means being open to looking at homes in different neighbourhoods, price ranges, and property types. By keeping an open mind, you can up your chances of finding the perfect house that meets both your needs and your wants. 

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All About Buying a House for Sale in Banff

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Owning a house for sale in Banff is a desirable investment for nearly all Canadians. With endless amenities and jaw-dropping, 360-degree views, it’s no wonder that so many people want to call Banff home. But, how does one acquire real estate in Banff? And, is it really all that worth it to make Banff your permanent home? In this article, we hope to answer all of your most common questions about buying a house for sale in Banff. Follow along below to learn more about real estate in this famed national park. 

Why Choose Banff? The Pros.

  1. Outdoor Paradise & Lots to Do

One of the best advantages of living in Banff is that you get to experience its outdoor landscape every single day. For example, head to one of Banff’s numerous renowned ski hills like Norquay or Sunshine Village for an afternoon of hitting the slopes. Or, take your pick of one of many hiking, biking and running trails and explore the environment around you. Besides the paradise in your backyard, Banff is a cure-all for boredom. Since it is a tourist hotspot, there’s always something to do—especially, if you love being outdoors!

  1. Sense of Community

Another perk of living in Banff is the incredible sense of community. Since living in Banff is no easy feat, there is a very minimal permanent population. This helps to foster a tight-knit community.

  1. Great Business Economy

As you may have suspected, Banff’s biggest economic driver is tourism. Tourism is the primary factor in why the Banff economy has been able to do so well over the past few years. 

Why Not to Choose Banff? The Cons.

  1. Need to Reside Clause

The Need to Reside clause is something that all prospective buyers must understand. The government of Alberta has made it incredibly difficult for just anyone to purchase property in Banff. This is all with the goal of preserving the natural environment. However, unfortunately, this pushes out even the most well-intentioned buyers. In order to satisfy the Need to Reside Clause, you must have an active or planned business within the town, a blood relation to another person in the town, or have lived in the park since 1981. 

  1. Abundance of Tourists

Banff is a lot of things, but big isn’t one of them. This small mountain town gets millions of visitors every year, during all seasons. If you aren’t into the tourist town vibe, then perhaps Banff isn’t right for you. 

  1. High Cost of Living

In addition to all of this, Banff also boasts a high cost of living. Its desirability and prestige make Banff real estate in high demand. So, naturally, you can expect the price of housing and everything else to be above average. 

How to Buy a House for Sale in Banff?

Buying a house for sale in Banff is no easy feat. And, buyers must understand that owning a home in a national park like Banff comes with some caveats. So, let’s say that you meet the Need to Reside Clause and are able to now purchase a property in Banff: how do you do it? 

Well, buying a home in Banff is similar to buying a home anywhere else in Canada—with the exception that all properties in Banff are held in a leasehold title ownership. This means that those who buy a home in Banff will only have ownership over the structure(s) on the property, but not the land itself. Contrastively, when you buy a home in other cities in Canada, your ownership is generally fee simple. This allows you to own both the land and buildings on it. 

Who Can Live in Banff?

The only people who can live in Banff are the ones who are eligible by the Need to Reside clause. Some of the reasons that you may be permitted to live in Banff include:

  • Business owners who operate a business in the park that is necessary for day-to-day operations
  • Those who live in the park for five successive years directly before they retire. 
  • Anyone who is a full-time student at a school within the park
  • Any person who is a spouse, common-law partner, or dependent of an employee of the park
  • Anyone who has primary employment in the park

Contact us About Buying a House for Sale in Banff!

If you are interested in purchasing a house for sale in Banff contact us today! Banff is an incredible area to own a property. Reach out today to learn more about all of the amazing opportunities that come with living in real estate in Banff. For more information, feel free to message us with any questions or concerns you have about living in this amazing city. Be sure to check back next month for more real estate-related content and visit our social media page! We look forward to working with you in the near future!

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Banff Real Estate Blog Recap

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Over the course of 2022, we wrote several blog articles about all things real estate. With 2022 coming to a close, we thought it would be best to close out this year’s content with a blog recap. This way you can read over any articles you missed from this year. From real estate career information to tips about buying Banff real estate, we’ve covered a number of topics. In this article, we are going to be giving you a brief recap of our blog content from 2022. Follow along below to see what we wrote on our blog over the past year!

Banff Real Estate Blog Recap – Spring and Summer

Over spring and summer, our team brought a number of articles to our readers. From May to June, we wrote about topics like buying homes in Canmore and began a mini-series of tips for real estate agents. Below is a brief recap of each article from these seasons. 

May – Information About Real Estate in Canmore.

In this article, we went over all of the basics of what you need to know before moving to real estate in Canmore. Here, you can find information about amenities, demographics, location, real estate, and local tax. If you are looking to move to Canmore we recommend reading through this article to gain some insight into what life in Canmore looks like!

June – Tips for Buying a House for Sale in Canmore

Similar to our May article, our June blog post goes over several tips on buying a home in Canmore. Purchasing a home in this town is not a simple process. Especially, if you are an inexperienced buyer. In this article, we provide you with a short guide to buying a house in the Canmore area. 

July – How to be a Successful Canmore Real Estate Agent?

At RE/MAX Alpine Realty, we are interested in helping future real estate agents just as much as our buyers and sellers. Because of this, we decided to write a small series with content for real estate agents. Our first article in this series goes over the basics of how to be successful as an agent. 

August – Networking as a Real Estate Agent in Canmore.

In August, we continued our mini-series of articles for agents and wrote all about networking. Networking is an important part of being a successful agent. This article provides several tips on how to network and gives some insight into the importance of networking. 

Fall and Winter Recap!

Sept – Real Estate Careers: Setting Yourself Apart From Other Agents.

Our September blog article was centred around setting yourself apart from other agents. More and more people are entering the real estate industry each day, because of the opportunities and challenges that it presents. The volume of people who are making this their career means that you need to stand out from the crowd. Setting yourself apart from other real estate agents is essential in gaining steady business. In this article, we’ve listed a few of our top tips on how to stand out from the crowd as an agent.

Oct –  How do I Get More Leads in my Career in Real Estate?

October capped off our mini-series on real estate agent tips. In lieu of this, we wrote about one of the most challenging and important parts of being an agent: generating leads. When you start your career in real estate it can be difficult to generate leads. Especially, when the market isn’t working in your favour. However, it is important to develop tactics and strategies to ensure that you can generate leads no matter what the world throws at you. This article includes a list of ways that you can gain more leads in your real estate career. 

Nov – How to Make Real Estate in Banff More Sustainable?

Finally, we finished off the year with an article that will kickstart our environmental series. Sustainability is an important part of maintaining the pristine environment in Banff. From large-scale renovations to simple daily practices, there are plenty of ways that you can do your part in keeping the environment clean. In this article, we put together a list of strategies that you can employ to reduce your home’s carbon footprint. 

Contact us About Banff Real Estate Today!

For more information about buying or selling a home in Banff, contact us today! We’d be happy to help you find the perfect Banff real estate for the new year. Be sure to check out our social media for the latest news and updates. And, stay tuned to our blog for more real-estate-related information. We look forward to working with you in the new year! Happy Holidays everyone. 

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Tips for Buying a House for Sale in Canmore.

Buying a house for sale in Canmore can be difficult for the inexperienced buyer. Canmore and Banff boast some of the most competitive and hard to get into markets in Alberta. The average price for a house sits well above the provincial average in Alberta. Thus, making it tough for just anyone to purchase a property. If you are looking for a house for sale in Canmore there are a few things you need to keep in mind. This way, you won’t end up purchasing a home that you later realize is not the right fit for you. Ultimately, we want to ensure that you choose a property that best suits your goals and needs. Follow along below to discover our advice on buying a house for sale in Canmore, Alberta. 

What is Going to Be the Central Use of Your House for Sale in Canmore?

houses for sale in canmore

The first step to finding a great property in Canmore is to determine how you will use the home. Canmore is full of breathtaking properties that all offer unique benefits to their owner. Making the decision to purchase a home in such a diverse city is hard when your intentions for the property are unclear. Before you start the hunt for a house for sale in Canmore, picture how you plan to spend your time there. Will it be your primary residence? Or, will it be a vacation property that you visit on occasion? Do you plan on renting out your home to others? If yes, will they be short-term or long-term rental agreements?

There are a number of ways that you can utilize your property. Whichever option you choose will help to narrow down your search. This way, your agent can better help you find the perfect home for your needs. While you determine how you plan on using your home, you may also want to consider your budget, what location you’d like, the size of the home, amenities, etc. All of these things will make it easier for you to find a home you love. 

Choosing the Right Property Type.

Canmore has several different options for housing. From condos and townhomes to luxury multi-story homes, there’s something for everyone. In addition to this, Canmore has many different areas, each with its own set of unique amenities. Choosing the right style of home and the right neighbourhood is essential in buying the perfect home. We recommend visiting/staying in every neighbourhood in Canmore before you decide on “the one”. For instance, if your family wants to be near the river, check out areas like Lions Park or South Canmore. Or, if you’d prefer to be on the lake, visit Rundleview or Peaks of Grassi. Furthermore, there is also the option to be secluded in the mountains with luxury homes on Stone Creek Place or Benchlands Terrace.

Each neighbourhood has its own vibe and sense of community. It is important that you choose the neighbourhood that best suits your interests and needs. Taking the time to explore each area is a great way to find out what you do and don’t like. 

Make Sure the Home is Zoned in Accordance With Your Plans.

Canmore and Banff both have strict zoning laws on all real estate properties. This is to ensure that parklands are protected and a high standard of quality is maintained. There are four zoning categories for residential properties. These include tourist homes, visitor accommodations, and residential and employee housing. If you plan to live on the property and do short-term rentals, you must have a home zoned within ‘tourist’ or ‘visitor accommodation’. These are the only zones where short-term (vacation) rentals are legal. 

Act Fast When Buying a House for Sale in Canmore You Love!

When buying a house for sale in Canmore, it is important that you act fast on properties you love. This means being prepared to write an offer as soon as possible. The demand for homes in Canmore is strong. This is largely due to the limited number of single-family homes within the area. Moreover, houses that are priced in a good range generally don’t spend too long on the market. For out-of-province buyers, this can mean making an offer before being able to see the property in person. 

If you are interested in purchasing a house for sale in Canmore contact us today! Canmore is an incredible area to own a property. Reach out today to learn more about all of the amazing opportunities that come with living in real estate in Canmore. For more information, feel free to message us with any questions or concerns you have about living in this amazing city. Be sure to check back next month for more real estate-related content and visit our social media page! We look forward to working with you in the near future!

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