| | Sunday, September 5, 2010 I have sold a property at 1463 THOMSON TERRACE in DUNCANby Karrie Brennan on Sun, Sep, 5, 2010 04:09 AM 
I have sold a property at 1463 THOMSON TERRACE in DUNCAN.
Fully finished 2300 square ft main level entry with walk-out basement. Main level open concept L shaped; living, dining and kitchen. New french doors lead to the upper deck where you will enjoy peaceful mountain views. Master bedroom with walk in closet and 4 pc ensuite. Lower level has two more bright bedrooms with another 4 pc bath. Wood stove on lower & a wood burning fireplace on the main. Brand New Roof, newly renovated kitchen, bathrooms, flooring, paint, doors, baseboards, crown moldings & casings & lighting. Private back yard with 2 decks, 2 fruit trees (yellow plum & apple) and storage shed. Landscaped front yard with single garage/workshop. "The Properties" amenities include: Tennis courts, Basketball court, Soccer Fields, Baseball, Children's playground, incredible hiking & biking trails on Mt. Tzouhalem, Maple Bay Elementary & preschool, close to marinas & restaurants.
Saturday, August 14, 2010 New property listed in Z3 Duncan, Zone 3- Duncanby Karrie Brennan on Sat, Aug, 14, 2010 04:08 AM
I have listed a new property at 1463 THOMSON TERRACE in DUNCAN.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010 Harmonized Sales Tax - HST & its Effects on BC Real Estateby Karrie Brennan on Wed, Jul, 14, 2010 01:14 AM Harmonized Sales Tax—HST
July 1st, 2010 The HST at 12%, composed of a federal part at 5% and a provincial part at 7%, would apply to a builder's sale of a newly constructed or substantially renovated residential complex, including a multiple unit residential complex (e.g., an apartment building). The sale of housing that has been previously occupied by an individual as a place of residence and that is exempt from GST would also be exempt for purposes of the HST. The definitions in the Excise Tax Act that relate to housing (e.g., builder, residential complex, residential unit, residential condominium unit, substantial renovation) and the CRA's current policies regarding the application of the GST to housing, would generally apply. under the HST.
HST Rebates
Price: HST 12% Provincial HST Property 1st Time GST
Rebate (5%) Transfer Tax Buyers Exempt Rebate
$250,000 $30,000 (12,500) $3,000 ($3,000) ($4,500)
$350,000 $42,000 (17,500) $5,000 ($5,000) ($6,300)
$525,000 $63,000 (26,250) $8,500 N/A N/A
$750,000 $90,000 (26,500) $13,000 N/A N/A $1,000.000 $120,000 (26,250) $18,000 N/A N/A
Notes: 5% up to 1% on 1st exemption to 36% of the
$525,000 $200,000, $425,000 5 % of HST
than fixed at 2% on than phases up to $350,000
$26,250 after. remainder. out. declines to zero
after $450,000.
Therefore:
Total Tax if Total Tax if Not
Price: 1st Time Buyer 1st Time Buyer
$250,000 $13,000 $16,000
$350,000 $18,200 $23,200
$525,000 $45,250 $45,250
$750,000 $76,750 $76,750
$1,000,000 $111,750 $111,750
Disclaimer: For more in depth analysis of the HST and applicable rebates, please speak to your Real Estate Lawyer.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010 Buying A Home & Selling Your Homeby Karrie Brennan on Wed, Jul, 14, 2010 12:34 AM
Buying A Home:
· You set the pace
· Thinking out side of the box
· No Pressure
· Defining the “must haves & the want to haves”
· Negotiating the best price for you.
Selling Your Home:
· Free Home Evaluation
· Advice on Home Staging
· Professional Quality Photos
· Personal Contact, Accessibility & Accountability
· Customized Marketing Plan
· Continuous Feedback
For more information Contact:
Karrie Brennan REALTOR
Pemberton Holmes, Duncan
karriebrennan.com
Office: 250-758-8123
Wednesday, July 14, 2010 Referral Appreciation Programby Karrie Brennan on Wed, Jul, 14, 2010 12:25 AM 
Referral Appreciation Program
Your referrals are important to me, they help to grow my business & get my name out there. To show my appreciation for your referrals, I am offering a
$250 Gift Certificate for all referrals of buyers and sellers upon completion.
You can be confident that your referrals will be treated as a priority, their best interests will come first and foremost.
Thursday, June 24, 2010 I have sold a property at 11 6000 ST ANN'S DRIVE in DUNCANby Karrie Brennan on Thu, Jun, 24, 2010 04:08 AM 
I have sold a property at 11 6000 ST ANN'S DRIVE in DUNCAN.
This distinctive style townhome with thoughtful features is sure to impress. Over 2700 sqft, main level entry home & above ground lower level. Master bedroom with large 4 pce ensuite & walk-in closet. Interior architecture includes; inviting double-sided gas fireplace, vaulted ceiling, curved wall, crown mouldings, built in cabinetry. Sky lights & generous windows throughout, bathe both levels with natural light. Double garage with cabinetry, and over 400 sqft of interior storage. Upgrades include; hardwood flooring, surround sound system, wooden blinds. Energy efficient Heat pump provides warmth in the winter, cool air in the summer. Open kitchen, breakfast bar, nook & den enhanced with cozy fireplace. Formal living & dining area with vaulted ceiling, pot lights, surround sound & inviting fireplace. Upper deck with lake and mountain views. Inviting lower level with family room, guest room, 3 pc bath, rec room & sliders to patio and gardens (maintained by gardener)
Sunday, May 2, 2010 New property listed in Z3 Duncan, Zone 3- Duncanby Karrie Brennan on Sun, May, 2, 2010 04:34 AM 
I have listed a new property at 1463 THOMSON TERRACE in DUNCAN.
Monday, April 12, 2010 I have sold a property at 241 CAMPBELL STREET in DUNCANby Karrie Brennan on Mon, Apr, 12, 2010 04:35 AM 
I have sold a property at 241 CAMPBELL STREET in DUNCAN.
Welcome to this wonderful home, complete with white picket fence. In the last 2 years this home has been remodelled for the look of an old Heritage House. Elegant coved ceilings in the parlour, with the original fir flooring. Meticulous care has been taken to enhance the home with distinctive decorative touches reminiscent of this era. Braided trim on walls, cleverly disguised hidden closet, pediments above the door frames,chandelier lighting in the master bedroom. One of the bedrooms has been converted to a masculine style study, achieving a sense of warmth & nostalgia. Another bedroom has been transformed into a formal dining room, enhancing the entertainment potential of this unique home. The large county kitchen with high end appliances offers a warm gathering place for family. Large windows with leading trim welcome the sun to shine throughout. The potential in the attic space is phenomenal, the current owners had planned to convert the study into a walk-in closet with en suite and use the remainder of space for a staircase to the attic adding 2 more bedrooms. New oil tank, air purifier on furnace, 1 year old hot water tank, updated wiring & plumbing, recently renovated bathroom. 1 year old roof, with 30 yr warranty, new english style chimney. The Exterior of the is home is just as special as the interior. Many energy efficient improvements have recently been made; solar heating panels on house & garage, sealed exterior walls (Perma-Flex technology provides ultimate protection against UV rays, moisture and extreme cold weather), sealed, insulated & heated crawl space, double glazed windows, insulated front & back doors & set back thermostat. There is a huge fully fenced yard, lovely gazebo & cottage style shed, a meditation garden and several fruit trees including; apple, pear, plum and walnut. The lot has been lovingly landscaped. The neighbourhood is flat & walking distance to shopping, library, community centre, walking trails & river.
Friday, April 9, 2010 I have sold a property at 6450 DIANA DRIVE in DUNCANby Karrie Brennan on Fri, Apr, 9, 2010 05:07 AM 
I have sold a property at 6450 DIANA DRIVE in DUNCAN.
Welcome to this fantastic family home, located in one of the most sought after neighbourhoods - Countrymen Estates. This home has been priced below it's recently appraised value of $525,000. This 3400 square foot main level entry home with walk out basement sits on a wonderful 1/2 acre lot with RV parking, lovely landscaping, in ground sprinkler and ALR behind. 1900 square foot main level. New flooring throughout the home, including striking hardwood on main level. Ample windows throughout, beckon the sun to shine in, bathing the home in natural light. Four to Five Bedrooms, three bathrooms, formal living room with marble tiled gas fireplace, fabulous dining area with decorative glass block walls. The kitchen has recently been updated with new counter tops, flooring, granite sink. Built-in desk, stove top, oven and dishwasher. In line kitchen, eating nook and family room, promote valuable family time. Sliding doors from family room and sliding doors from master bedroom lead to the large back deck and fabulous private backyard. Extra wide hallways throughout. The 1400 square foot, walk out basement has been updated and finished. Excellent get away for the children. Room for in-house workshop. This area could also make a great in-law suite. This home is in a truly wonderful neighbourhood. 3 year old heat pumb. Main level laundry. Double garage, 3 car parking in driveway. Check out this home & you will know "this is the one".
Sunday, February 14, 2010 New property listed in Z3 Duncan, Zone 3- Duncanby Karrie Brennan on Sun, Feb, 14, 2010 04:27 AM
I have listed a new property at Z3 Duncan, Zone 3- Duncan.
Sunday, February 14, 2010 Open House. OPEN HOUSE:by Karrie Brennan on Sun, Feb, 14, 2010 04:27 AM
Please visit our Open House at Z3 Duncan, Zone 3- Duncan.
Welcome to this wonderful home, complete with white picket fence. In the last 2 years this home has been renovated to embody the 1930's Heritage Style & Ambiance. Elegant coved ceilings in the parlour, with the original fir flooring. Meticulous care has been taken to enhance the home with distinctive decorative touches reminiscent of this era. Braided trim on walls, cleverly disguised hidden closet, pediments above the door frames,chandelier lighting in the master bedroom. One of the bedrooms has been converted to a masculine style study, achieving a sense of warmth & nostalgia. Another bedroom has been transformed into a formal dining room, enhancing the entertainment potential of this unique home. The large county kitchen with high end appliances offers a warm gathering place for family. Large windows with leading trim welcome the sun to shine throughout. The potential in the attic space is phenomenal, the current owners had planned to convert the study into a walk-in closet with en suite and use the remainder of space for a staircase to the attic adding 2 more bedrooms. New oil tank, air purifier on furnace, 1 year old hot water tank, updated wiring & plumbing, recently renovated bathroom. 1 year old roof, with 30 yr warranty, new english style chimney. The Exterior of the is home is just as special as the interior. Many energy efficient improvements have recently been made; solar heating panels on house & garage, sealed exterior walls (Perma-Flex technology provides ultimate protection against UV rays, moisture and extreme cold weather), sealed, insulated & heated crawl space, double glazed windows, insulated front & back doors & set back thermostat. There is a huge fully fenced yard, lovely gazebo & cottage style shed, a meditation garden and several fruit trees including; apple, pear, plum and walnut. The lot has been lovingly landscaped. The neighbourhood is flat & walking distance to shopping, library, community centre, walking trails & river.
Saturday, February 13, 2010 New property listed in Z3 Duncan, Zone 3- Duncanby Karrie Brennan on Sat, Feb, 13, 2010 04:33 AM
I have listed a new property at Z3 Duncan, Zone 3- Duncan.
Welcome to this wonderful home, complete with white picket fence. In the last 2 years this home has been renovated to embody the 1930's Heritage Style & Ambiance. Elegant coved ceilings in the parlour, with the original fir flooring. Meticulous care has been taken to enhance the home with distinctive decorative touches reminiscent of this era. Braided trim on walls, cleverly disguised hidden closet, pediments above the door frames,chandelier lighting in the master bedroom. One of the bedrooms has been converted to a masculine style study, achieving a sense of warmth & nostalgia. Another bedroom has been transformed into a formal dining room, enhancing the entertainment potential of this unique home. The large county kitchen with high end appliances offers a warm gathering place for family. Large windows with leading trim welcome the sun to shine throughout. The potential in the attic space is phenomenal, the current owners had planned to convert the study into a walk-in closet with en suite and use the remainder of space for a staircase to the attic adding 2 more bedrooms. New oil tank, air purifier on furnace, 1 year old hot water tank, updated wiring & plumbing, recently renovated bathroom. 1 year old roof, with 30 yr warranty, new english style chimney. The Exterior of the is home is just as special as the interior. Many energy efficient improvements have recently been made; solar heating panels on house & garage, sealed exterior walls (Perma-Flex technology provides ultimate protection against UV rays, moisture and extreme cold weather), sealed, insulated & heated crawl space, double glazed windows, insulated front & back doors & set back thermostat. There is a huge fully fenced yard, lovely gazebo & cottage style shed, a meditation garden and several fruit trees including; apple, pear, plum and walnut. The lot has been lovingly landscaped. The neighbourhood is flat & walking distance to shopping, library, community centre, walking trails & river.
Saturday, February 13, 2010 Open House. OPEN HOUSE: Saturday Feb 13, 1-3pm BIG PRICE REDUCTION - NOW $309,000by Karrie Brennan on Sat, Feb, 13, 2010 04:33 AM
Please visit our Open House at Z3 Duncan, Zone 3- Duncan.
OPEN HOUSE: Saturday Feb 13, 1-3pm
BIG PRICE REDUCTION - NOW $309,000
Welcome to this wonderful home, complete with white picket fence. In the last 2 years this home has been renovated to embody the 1930's Heritage Style & Ambiance. Elegant coved ceilings in the parlour, with the original fir flooring. Meticulous care has been taken to enhance the home with distinctive decorative touches reminiscent of this era. Braided trim on walls, cleverly disguised hidden closet, pediments above the door frames,chandelier lighting in the master bedroom. One of the bedrooms has been converted to a masculine style study, achieving a sense of warmth & nostalgia. Another bedroom has been transformed into a formal dining room, enhancing the entertainment potential of this unique home. The large county kitchen with high end appliances offers a warm gathering place for family. Large windows with leading trim welcome the sun to shine throughout. The potential in the attic space is phenomenal, the current owners had planned to convert the study into a walk-in closet with en suite and use the remainder of space for a staircase to the attic adding 2 more bedrooms. New oil tank, air purifier on furnace, 1 year old hot water tank, updated wiring & plumbing, recently renovated bathroom. 1 year old roof, with 30 yr warranty, new english style chimney. The Exterior of the is home is just as special as the interior. Many energy efficient improvements have recently been made; solar heating panels on house & garage, sealed exterior walls (Perma-Flex technology provides ultimate protection against UV rays, moisture and extreme cold weather), sealed, insulated & heated crawl space, double glazed windows, insulated front & back doors & set back thermostat. There is a huge fully fenced yard, lovely gazebo & cottage style shed, a meditation garden and several fruit trees including; apple, pear, plum and walnut. The lot has been lovingly landscaped. The neighbourhood is flat & walking distance to shopping, library, community centre, walking trails & river.
Thursday, February 11, 2010 Resale housing forecast extended to 2011by Karrie Brennan on Thu, Feb, 11, 2010 11:57 PM Chief Economist Gregory Klump. “The decline and subsequent rebound in sales activity for homes in the upper price spectrum in some of Canada's priciest markets skewed average prices upward in the second half of 2009 and into 2010. This segment of housing activity in Ontario and British Columbia is expected to ease beginning in the second half of 2010, causing average prices to moderate in those provinces,”
CREA Residential Market Forecast:
Residential unit sales forecast |
2009 |
2009 Annual percentage change |
2010 Forecast |
2010 Annual percentage change |
2011 Forecast |
2011 Annual percentage change |
|
Canada |
465,251 |
7.7 |
527,300 |
13.3 |
490,100 |
-7.1 |
|
British Columbia |
85,028 |
23.4 |
101,900 |
19.8 |
88,800 |
-12.9 |
|
Alberta |
57,786 |
2.5 |
63,050 |
9.1 |
64,000 |
1.5 |
|
Saskatchewan |
10,856 |
6.5 |
10,900 |
0.4 |
11,050 |
1.4 |
|
Manitoba |
13,086 |
-3.2 |
14,050 |
7.4 |
14,350 |
2.1 |
|
Ontario |
195,840 |
8.2 |
223,700 |
14.2 |
200,300 |
-10.5 |
|
Quebec |
79,290 |
3.3 |
87,950 |
10.9 |
85,450 |
-2.8 |
|
New Brunswick |
7,003 |
-7.3 |
7,550 |
7.8 |
7,700 |
2.0 |
|
Nova Scotia |
10,021 |
-7.8 |
11,400 |
13.8 |
11,500 |
0.9 |
|
Prince Edward Island |
1,404 |
-0.6 |
1,450 |
3.3 |
1,450 |
0.0 |
|
Newfoundland |
4,416 |
-5.9 |
4,900 |
11.0 |
5,050 |
3.1 |
|
Residential average price forecast |
2009 |
2009 Annual percentage change |
2010 Forecast |
2010 Annual percentage change |
2011 Forecast |
2011 Annual percentage change |
|
Canada |
320,333 |
5.0 |
337,500 |
5.4 |
332,400 |
-1.5 |
|
British Columbia |
465,725 |
2.4 |
485,500 |
4.2 |
476,600 |
-1.8 |
|
Alberta |
341,201 |
-3.3 |
357,300 |
4.7 |
361,700 |
1.2 |
|
Saskatchewan |
233,695 |
4.1 |
242,500 |
3.8 |
248,500 |
2.5 |
|
Manitoba |
201,343 |
5.8 |
210,300 |
4.4 |
215,300 |
2.4 |
|
Ontario |
318,366 |
5.3 |
332,700 |
4.5 |
326,000 |
-2.0 |
|
Quebec |
225,412 |
4.7 |
240,500 |
6.7 |
249,100 |
3.6 |
|
New Brunswick |
154,906 |
6.3 |
159,400 |
2.9 |
164,200 |
3.0 |
|
Nova Scotia |
196,690 |
3.6 |
200,900 |
2.1 |
204,700 |
1.9 |
|
Prince Edward Island |
146,044 |
4.4 |
149,900 |
2.6 |
153,200 |
2.2 |
|
Newfoundland |
206,374 |
15.6 |
222,300 |
7.7 |
238,900 |
7.5 |
NOTE: All statistics contained in this release are obtained through analysis of the MLS® Systems of real estate Boards across Canada.
MLS® Systems are co-operative marketing systems used only by Canada’s real estate Boards to ensure maximum exposure of properties listed for sale.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009 Vancouver Island Real Estate Board Reports 105% increase in single Family Unit Salesby Karrie Brennan on Tue, Dec, 8, 2009 11:43 PM
Vancouver Island Real Estate Board reports robust November
NANAIMO, BC – Single family unit sales following the usual seasonal trend are down 21% in November 2009 over the previous month but surpassed November 2008 levels by 105% on a Board wide basis. The average sale price meanwhile is 3% below November 2008 according to Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) sales summary data released by the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB) for November 2009.
There were 357 single family unit sales across the VIREB region in November 2009.
VIREB President Ray Francis said, “We are seeing consistent growth in the market as we move toward 2010”.
.
The average sale price across the VIREB region comparing November 2009 to November 2008, was $335,192, down 3% from the $346,364 posted in November 2008 but very close to the October 2009 average price of $332,897.
For the period comparing data from the end of November 2008 to the end of November 2009, average sale prices in VIREB's six zones saw: Campbell River increase 13% (to $311,045), the Comox Valley increased 9% (to $346,475), Nanaimo is down 6% (to $360,328), Parksville/Qualicum saw no change (at $372,414), Port Alberni jumped 24% (at $250,485) and the Cowichan Valley was down 13% (at $347,833).
There are 17.5% fewer single family residential properties for sale now than in November 2008.
.
VIREB cautions that average price information can be useful in establishing trends over time, but does not indicate the actual prices in centers comprised of widely divergent neighbourhoods or account for price differential between geographic areas.
Sunday, November 15, 2009 Real Estate Market Extends Through 2010by Karrie Brennan on Sun, Nov, 15, 2009 09:52 PM British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) Releases Fall 2009 Housing Forecast
BC Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) residential sales are estimated to increase 20 per cent to 82,900 units this year from 68,923 units in 2008. Residential sales in 2010 are forecast to increase a further 8 per cent to 89,600 units. The ten-year average is 82,800 units.
"A sharp rebound in consumer demand turned a potentially dismal year into a very strong year for home sales,” said Cameron Muir, BCREA Chief Economist. “Vancouver and Victoria, in particular, are posting near record unit sales this fall."
The average annual MLS® residential price in the province is expected to post a new record this year, rising 2 per cent to $463,200 and is forecast to climb an additional 4 per cent to $482,800 in 2010.
“Recovery in the BC economy will unfold gradually next year,” added Muir. “With sales prices in some markets flirting with record highs, affordability constraints will limit home price inflation over the next year.” Posted by the BCREA New Room
Tuesday, November 10, 2009 Cowichan Valley Home Sales for the Month of Octoberby Karrie Brennan on Tue, Nov, 10, 2009 10:30 PM
Cowichan Valley (Single Family)
Home Sales for the month of October, 2009
LD - Ladysmith: Sales 12 Avg Sale Price $285,098
SA - Saltair: Sales 3 Avg Sale Price $436,833
CH - Chemainus: Sales 3 Avg Sale Price $314,667
CF - Crofton: Sales 2 Avg Sale Price $270,000
LC - Lake Cow: Sales 2 Avg Sale Price $297,500
CI - Cowichan,
Cobble Hill: Sales 4 Avg Sale Price $356,000
DU - Duncan: Sales 39 Avg Sale Price $367,033
MI - Mill Bay: Sales 3 Avg Sale Price $551,667
SH - Shawnigan: Sales 3 Avg Sale Price $394,167
TOTALS:
Cowichan Valley - October, 2009
Property Type
Single Family: 71 $357,556
Condo (Apt): 8 $151,612
Condo (Patio): 4 $255,250
Condo (Townhouse): 12 $237,588
Single Family (Water): 4 $465,000
Lots: 10 $155, 590
Average sale price does not include Waterfront.
Copyright © 2009 Vancouver Island Real Estate Board. All rights reserved. Information presented here is for general interest only. No guarantees apply.
See your REALTOR® for specific information. Trademarks are owned or controlled by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify real
estate professionals who are members of CREA (REALTOR®) and/or the quality of services they provide (MLS®). Sunday, October 18, 2009 What the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) Means to Homebuyersby Karrie Brennan on Sun, Oct, 18, 2009 10:37 PM
We all have questions about the new Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), so here’s the scoop & how it will effect you as a homebuyer.
If approved, the HST will become effective July 1st, 2010. It is a combination of the 7% provincial sales tax (PST) with the 5% federal goods and services tax (GST).
As proposed, the HST will increase the cost of buying or selling all types of property and becomes essentially an additional tax on home ownership. REALTOR® commissions, appraisals and other services will be subject to a 12% HST, replacing the 5% GST now charged, and new homes will be subject to the full HST.
To offset the increase in costs, the BC Government plans to offer a partial rebate of the HST for new housing, intending that new homes up to $400,000 should bear no more tax than under the current PST system. Homes above $400,000 will receive a flat rebate of $20,000. New home sales over $400,000 will be dramatically impacted, as buyers will have to pay an additional seven per cent tax on amounts over $400,000.
The BCREA is recommending a number of changes be implemented to the HST before it comes into effect. Their goal is to alleviate costs to the homebuyer.
Sunday, October 18, 2009 Mortgage Rate Forecastby Karrie Brennan on Sun, Oct, 18, 2009 10:33 PM 
Prospective homebuyers took advantage of historically low mortgage rates through the summer months, fuelling a rebound in housing activity in BC across Canada.
The BC Real Estate Associations (BCREA) expects a low interest rate environment to persist through 2009 and into 2010.
Mortgage rates are forecast to fluctuate within a narrow range near current levels for the remainder of the year, before rising modestly through 2010 as the economy improves.
Sunday, October 18, 2009 Strong Home Sales on Vancouver Island Heading into Fallby Karrie Brennan on Sun, Oct, 18, 2009 10:26 PM
Unit sales of single family properties in September of 2009, are up significantly over September of 2008 showing a 36 per cent increase according to MLS® sales summary data released by the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB) for September 2009.
“Increasing sales from this time last year and the decrease (22%) in units listed during this period indicates more balance and a stabilizing of the market. Consumer confidence, especially for first time buyers, remains high, fuelled by the very low interest rates. Real estate continues to lead the way in economic recovery,” says VIREB President Ray Francis. “We are seeing this stability with greater volumes reflected by the more balanced market. While sellers and buyers need to remain realistic about pricing these are all very positive signs”
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