Anchorage News

Retiring in Alaska | How to make your home work for you | Alaska Homes for Sale by Brooke

Retiring in Alaska? How to Make your Home Work for You

You’ve spent years working hard and saving and planning for the time when you can finally retire. Think of all the amazing things you can use your time to do here when retiring in Alaska. You own your home and now you’re hoping that investment will pay off during your retirement. How do you make sure that your home works for you as an investment and not against you as a liability?

How do you know if your home is your greatest asset?

While you are working most of your adult life to pay off your home, you find yourself dreaming of the day when you will be mortgage-free and enjoying life to the fullest, possibly even retiring in Alaska! Home ownership is generally a smart investment, because of the equity that can build up over the years. Eventually you can pass your home on to your heirs, and they can reduce capital gains taxes if they sell it.

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Secrets to Thriving During An Alaskan Winter | Homes for Sale in Alaska by Brooke

14 Secrets to Thriving during an Alaskan Winter – Part 2

Last month we started a discussion on how to thrive and not just survive an Alaskan winter. Winters in Alaska can be a beautiful experience, but they are also a life-changing one. SAD – Seasonal Affective Disorder can be a real problem and we need to fight that battle head on. Here are the final 6 ways to keep the winter blues at bay and keep yourself thriving during an Alaskan winter in the gorgeous Anchorage, Eagle River, Wasilla and Mat-Su Valley areas.

1. Be ready for spring shock

It’s surprising really, you’ve been waiting all winter for the longer, lighter days and now you’re starting to literally see the light. Why aren’t you happy? The sudden change in lighting can influence the mind. Do not try and face this change alone. Call up your friends that have been hibernating alongside you and enjoy the new light together.

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in Anchorage News / Community News / Local Events
14 Secrets to Thriving During an Alaskan Winter Part I | Alaska Homes for Sale by Brooke

14 Secrets to Thriving during an Alaskan Winter – Part 1

Did you notice we said secrets to thriving and not just surviving? Winters in Alaska are legendary and scare away many tourists and seasonal employees. If you’ve read any book or watched any movie about Alaska, you will note the common theme of the importance of preparation for winter in order to survive. Our beautiful state brings us joy, beautiful scenery and occasionally SAD – Seasonal Affective Disorder. Here are a few ways to keep the winter blues at bay and keep yourself warm all winter in the gorgeous Anchorage, Eagle River, Wasilla and Mat-Su Valley areas.

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Top 5 Alaska Blog posts of 2021 | Alaska Homes by Brooke Stiltner

A Year in Review – The top 5 Alaska Blogs of 2021

Can you believe 2021 is coming to a close? It doesn’t even seem possible. This past year has brought many changes throughout the Anchorage, Eagle River, Wasilla and the Mat-Su Valley, as well as to the housing market in general. Over a year into a global pandemic, we have learned to find ways to show gratitude for the things and people that we have as well as growing and changing as we learn our new normal. These are the top 5 Alaska blogs that we shared as we chartered our course through 2021.

Love your Neighbors – How to Show Alaskan Neighborly Love – LINK

We started off early 2021 with an upbuilding article about showing neighborly love. We all need each other. The need for human connection has been wired into us since birth. This article shows 5 ways that you can show your Alaskan neighbors that you’re there for them during this global pandemic, and really anytime as we are a universal family.

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in Anchorage News / Home Decoration / Real Estate Tips
Bonding with Children in the garden | Alaska homes for sale by Brooke

Bonding with Children in the Garden during our Alaskan summers

Technology often kidnaps our kid’s attention. Many of us find ourselves in a battle with phones, televisions, tablets, and gaming consoles. Tech has taken over our lives in so many ways. In many homes, gone are the days of kids playing outside in tree forts, sprinklers, and riding bikes down to the neighbors. We may find ourselves yearning for a way to distract them from their devices and get them some much needed vitamin D. To many kids gardening feels like a chore or work, so it can be a struggle to get them excited to join you. What’s the secret to get them out of the house and get the children in the garden?

Tell them it’s playing in the dirt!

Some kids no matter how hard we try just do not want to stay clean. Use that to your advantage! You can show them that gardening is a way to play in the dirt and get their hands dirty. Sprinkler or garden hose afterward might be a great idea!

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Teaching Children Moose Safety in Alaska

 

Whether you live in or visiting Alaska, if you have children, it’s important that they know the basics for safely interacting with wild animals safely – especially moose. During the winter moose often enter our cities to avoid the deeper snow that is harder to walk in. Now as we are enjoying spring, we need to keep in mind that moose often migrate into yards now and into summer, when an abundance of shrubbery and fresh grasses make for easy eating and calving grounds safe from predators.

Are Moose mean?
Moose are less dangerous than bears, but more people are injured by moose than by bears each year. A moose will usually flee when threatened, but sometimes they will become aggressive. Moose become agitated when something interrupts their happy bubble of eating, resting or taking care of their calves. I mean, we would too, right?

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8 Steps to Buying a House in Alaska Part 1 | Alaska Home by Brooke

8 Steps to Buying a House in Alaska – Part One

Buying your own home is the American Dream. It’s an exciting process, but it’s not always easy. There are many things that can impact the type of home you can buy and how much it will cost, such as the local economy, housing market and your financial state. The more informed you are about the steps to buying a house, the easier it will be to navigate your choices.

Over the next two articles we will share 8 ways to prepare to buy a house in Alaska.

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in Anchorage News / Real Estate Tips
Attitude of Gratitude | Count your Blessings

A Time of Gratitude – Thankful for our Blessings and Giving Back

As we enter into the holiday season and approach Thanksgiving many of us may think back on this year so far and shake our heads in confusion. 2020 has been full of surprises and unexpected obstacles which have created a new normal for us all. Despite it all we have shown our true resilience and continued desire to be grateful and find the positive blessings that we have received, as well as the increased desire to give back to our community and be there for loved ones.

As you ponder the many positive things this year has brought you, it will help to increase your happiness and ability to stay in the present. Reflecting on things we are grateful for can inspire and motivate us to want to help others and allow them to have the same positive spirit. Here in the Anchorage, Eagle River, Wasilla and the Mat-Su Valley we are true to our Alaskan roots and desire to care for our neighbors. We’ve compiled a few ways that you can give back this year locally.

  1. Food Donation and Volunteer Work

Many people have been affected this year by loss of income and have had a hard time affording food. There are programs such as Food Bank of Alaska that allow you to donate either your time or your food via their service. Food Bank of Alaska uses its warehouse to send out trucks to grocery stores, wholesalers, producers, farmers, and the fishing business. At these locations they collect extra food that would otherwise be wasted. They also are able to collect from community members, such as you. They donate this food to pantries and meal programs in the Mat -Su and greater Anchorage area to feed children, families, and seniors in their neighborhoods.

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in Anchorage News / Community News / Local Events
Veterans | Alaska Loves Military Veterans

Alaska Loves Military Veterans

With Veterans Day happening in November on the 11th, we have military on our hearts and minds. This has been a crazy year, and we take every opportunity to think about and meditate on the positive things around us.

Alaska is a beautiful state that also has the highest percentage of Veterans in the U.S. We have around 70,000 veterans residing here in Alaska and they occupy about 40,000 of our Alaskan homes. 69.5% of own their own homes with a median home value of $250,000. Alaska supports our veterans and provides an affordable place for them to live.

Here are some reasons why Alaska is great for military veterans:

Education is accessible:

Alaska provides resident tuition to any active duty and National Guard as well as their spouses and dependent children. If a Veteran is eligible for VA education benefits this also extends to their spouse and dependent children, so that they can have resident tuition. Alaska National Guard Tuition can also be reimbursed 100% for active members. Alaska also provides a tuition waiver to spouses and dependents that lost their family member in the line of duty or as a result of injuries sustained.

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in Anchorage News / Community News / Real Estate Tips

Prepare your home for Winter

With Fall already whispering in our ear, we know that Old Man Winter is just around the corner. At the beginning of this busy season it’s always best to use the Boy Scout motto to “Be Prepared” when it comes to protecting your home. In Alaska, Winter can do quite the number on our properties if we don’t take the time to prepare and protect. Here are some quick reminders to add to your to-do list, so that you can spend more time enjoying the season and less time worrying about repairs later!

Tips to Winterize your Home:

  1. Undo hoses and protect faucets with freeze proof covers

Winter brings severe temperature drops, so we need to take the time to insulate the pipes that are most susceptible to freezing. It’s also a good idea if you’re around to keep a very slow stream running on a few faucets to prevent freezing and bursting. Also, save your hoses! Don’t forget to disconnect, drain and put away all garden hoses.

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Indoor Garden in Alaska | How to Grow a Garden Indoors | Alaska Homes by Brooke

Alaska gardening tips: How to grow an indoor garden in Alaska

While it might seem like a better time to be cutting wood instead of planting seeds, gardeners in Alaska don’t need to give up when the first cold snap hits. Clear some space inside your home, follow our tips, and you can enjoy an indoor garden all winter long. (Parents – this is a great idea for restless kid projects during the winter, too!)

Fresh vegetables, herbs and greens can all be grown inside without having to invest in fancy greenhouses or taking up all your living space. Whether you live in an apartment or a spacious home, you can indulge your love of gardening and fresh foods easily with an indoor garden.

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Hiking in Alaska - Safety Tips and Planning Tips

Hiking in Alaska – Planning and Safety Tips

“I’m vacationing in Alaska and can’t wait to take a hike into the wilderness. But what if I run into a bear or get lost?”

Does this sound familiar? Alaska is different from any other state – and hiking in Alaska is different as well. The scenery is unrivaled, the wilderness vast, and wildlife always just around each corner. It’s all of this and more that make hiking in Alaska an amazing experience – but also one that needs to be carefully prepared for in order to have a safe and memorable trip.   

Planning is key for a smooth hiking experience. Weather can change quickly here, even during summer months we can get driving rain, snow, low clouds, high winds, thick fog, and temperatures that rollercoaster from high to low, so always do several checks before you go.  

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in Anchorage News / Community News

Best curb appeal investments when selling a home

If you’ve ever bought or sold a home, you know how important curb appeal is. Ask any Realtor and they’ll tell you what a significant role curb appeal plays in listing a home for sale. If you are motivated to sell but your budget is tight, you’ll be happy to learn that according to a survey by the National Association of Realtors, elaborate patios, fire features and swimming pools aren’t necessarily the best investments. Instead, basic yard care and improvements are what you need to yield the highest returns.

According to survey results, which polled both Realtors and Landscape Industry Professionals, here’s the percent of investment you can expect to recover from different curb appeal projects when selling your home:

Standard Lawn Care: 267% return on investment: The simple act of regularly applying fertilizer and weed control to your lawn can result in a whopping 267% return on your investment. This puts standard lawn-care expenses at the top of the list for the best curb appeal investments you’ll definitely recover when selling a home.

Landscape Maintenance: 100% returned on investment: The study looked at an average investment of $3,000 for landscape maintenance such as mulch, mowing, pruned shrubs and basic plantings. This also was shown to be a good investment that will reward you when selling.

Landscape Upgrades: 83% return on investment: Landscape upgrades were shown to produce slightly lower returns when homes sold, with 83% recovered. These are projects that include things like a flagstone walkway, stone planters, flowering shrubs, mulch and mature trees.

With projects like these, sometimes you have to look beyond the return on investment to how much the project can motivate a potential buyer to make an offer. Part of the study also talked about which projects rated highly among both homeowners and homebuyers for their “enjoyment factor.”

Projects that provided the most enjoyment included fire features and smart irrigation systems, both tied for first. Other projects that scored highly for homeowners and attracting the attention of home buyers include wood decks, water features, statement landscaping and an overall landscape upgrade.

The first impression that potential buyers have of your home can make or break a sale. How your home and landscaping present themselves from the first moment someone approaches can either be inviting, or off-putting. If you’re selling your home, or just ready to make a few improvements to how it looks, check out this article, “How to Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal,” on our blog. And feel free to give us a call, we can help you with questions about everything from curb appeal to cost analysis, and make sure you the best deal you can.

in Anchorage News / Real Estate Tips

How to keep your kids safe when traveling

Balancing a love of family adventures with keeping kids safe doesn’t have to hold you back when traveling. We love watching kids discover what makes Alaska so great, but we know that parents can be a little unsure what to teach their children about safety around bears, moose and our great open spaces. That’s why we we’ve gathered up some simple safety strategies for keeping kids safe when traveling.

When visiting Alaska, teach children to be bear and moose aware

Alaska has abundant wildlife that people come from all over the world to see, and it’s very likely you might run across black, brown, or polar bears and moose in their natural habitat in your travels. There are moose as well as black and brown bears close by our area near Anchorage and Eagle River, fishing in streams or wandering hiking trails just like many of the tourists and residents like to do. The best thing to do to help keep kids safe around moose and bears is to teach them to be aware. This includes:  

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in Anchorage News / Community News

Summer boating safety tips for Alaska

Summer in Alaska has much to offer, especially for boaters who are ready to explore our expansive waters, go fishing, have fun, and enjoy the majestic views. One thing we know living here in Alaska is that one thing you can count on is that weather can take a change quickly at any time, and dangers can sneak up on you if you’re not prepared. This is especially true for summer boating, which is why we’ve rounded up these essential safety tips for tourists and residents alike.

Alaska boating deaths have increased over the last several years based on statistics from the state Office of Boating Safety, with the primary cause attributed to cold-water immersion-related drownings or disappearances. By following a few simple guidelines and preparing for emergency situations every time you head out on a boat, though, you can make sure your trip is a delight, and not a nightmare.

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in Anchorage News / Community News

How to dress up your deck and turn your patio into a paradise

Now that summer’s here in Alaska, you’re probably spending as much time outdoors as you can. Winter and spring can be hard on patios, decks and outdoor spaces, so if you feel like yours could use some sprucing up, you’re not alone. We’ve gathered up a few tips for improving outdoor spaces that will boost your enjoyment, and possible even the value, of your home.

Reinvent your outdoor spaces

Reinvention sometimes starts by simply reorganizing. If your outdoor furniture, game areas, garden plots or other outdoor spaces have been in the same space for years, mix things up. Move furniture to difference areas and in new configurations. Garden plots benefit from moving to new soil every few years and will produce better for you anyway. Kids will love it if you move their play equipment to a new place for new adventures.

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in Anchorage News / Community News / Real Estate Tips
Bear Safety Tips while Fishing in Alaska

Bear safety tips while fishing in Alaska

If you’re fishing for salmon in Alaska, then you need to know these bear safety tips. Our bear population loves to fish just as much as you do and can get pretty upset if you get in their way. Peak season for salmon fishing occurs from May through September, with the five major species spread across the season. King Salmon fishing begins in May, and you can continue fishing for Silver Salmon all the way through November.

Whether you’re salmon fishing, or just traveling the area and capturing our salmon and wildlife with your camera, here’s what you need to know so everyone has a good (and safe) time.

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in Anchorage News / Community News

Travel and staycation ideas for Anchorage and throughout Alaska

The weather is great, and summer is settling in soon, which means it’s that time of year when everyone is planning their next adventure. Luckily, we live in the best spot for travel and adventure – Alaska! Weekend getaways and staycations are all the thing now – and you can’t get much better than our great state for interesting places to go, fun things to do, and beautiful backdrops to make it memorable. We’ve rounded up a few ideas to help with planning your next getaway.

Lucky for us who live here in the Eagle River, Wasilla and Palmer area that Anchorage is so close. This city is a perfect springboard for just about any kind of adventure, getaway or retreat you might be in the mood for. Flightseeing over Denali, fishing for salmon, spotting eagles or visiting grizzly bears, we’ve got it all. You could also check out calving glaciers and majestic whales on a day cruise. And don’t forget hiking, biking, mountain climbing and other outdoor sports as well.

Here are a few resources you can use to plan and set out on your own adventure:

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Keep bears away by spring cleaning your yard

If you live here in Alaska, you know that all three species of North American bears flourish throughout our state, which means it’s pretty much guaranteed that you’ll never be very far away from a bear. Bears are amazing creatures – from a distance. That’s why it’s important to know all about bear safety, including how to avoid up-close-and-personal encounters.

A good way to keep bears from wandering too close to your home is to spring clean your yard and garden now to remove anything that might attract their interest when they happen to be nearby. We’ve put together an easy checklist for spring cleaning for bear safety to help you get started.

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in Anchorage News / Community News / Real Estate Tips
Tips for Gardening in Alaska

Gardening in Alaska Tips: Get a jump start on spring

It’s April and we’re all more than ready to see some color outside. The best way to get a jumpstart on spring when gardening in Alaska is to start inside – with seeds. In Alaska, when we start seeing signs of spring after the long winter, it can be tempting to start putting plants in the ground. But the danger of frost is still there, and it’s really not safe for a few more weeks at the very least, so what to do? Well, here in Alaska, that means it’s time to plant something indoors. It’s easy, fun and much less expensive to indulge your green thumb by starting a few garden favorites from seed. Not to mention a great way to give bored kids something to do while sneaking in a bit of useful education.

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in Anchorage News / Community News

Alaska is for lovers

Yes, Valentine’s Day is here, and love is in the air. But you know what? Alaska is a great place for lovers all year round. In fact, when Mental Floss magazine did a fun study to rank states based on indicators of romance, Alaska shined in the #1 spot with top mentions for the most B&Bs, amazing starry skies (nothing beats our Northern Lights) and fans of swoony Marvin Gaye songs. Ok, those things are great, but here’s some other ideas perfect for romance and fun times in Alaska:

Alaskan adventures

Breathtaking scenery in every direction sets the scene for romance and awe with everything from stunning snowcapped mountains and verdant forests to soaring eagles and majestic moose just waiting for you to capture them on a romantic walk or a photo safari.

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in Anchorage News / Community News

Veterans Services and Support near Anchorage Alaska

With more than 68,000 military veterans living in Alaska, it’s important that everyone know of and understand the services available for veterans in need of physical or emotional support or even just life’s every day issues such as employment, home loans and healthcare.

According to survey information gathered in the last few years and shared by Veterans Data Central, more than 12% of Alaska’s population are veterans, with a large number living near the Anchorage area. Sadly, nearly 25% of those veterans have service-connected disabilities, 4.7% are living in poverty, and 124 are homeless.

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in Anchorage News / Community News

The aftereffects of Alaska’s 7.0 earthquake

The rest of the world watched their TVs, social media, and online as Alaska was struck not long ago with one of the biggest earthquakes in our area’s history. Those people have moved on to watch other natural disasters or big news stories, but for those of us who live here in the Anchorage area, however, the reality of what we experienced continues to affect our daily lives in so many ways.

As we live and deal with the aftereffects of November 30’s 7.0-magnitude quake, the frightening tsunami warnings, and what seems like never-ending aftershocks, many of us are struggling with emotional, psychological and even physical trauma that can often be categorized as PTSD. According to the Alaska Earthquake Center website, we’ve experienced 6,000 aftershocks since the main earthquake, with some of the biggest ones at the 5.0 magnitude range. It’s little wonder that our communities are dealing with the equivalent of PTSD, with everyone from young children to senior citizens feeling unsure and anxious in their daily lives.

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in Anchorage News / Community News

What do I need to set up a home office

If you have the ability to work from home, and want the best results for your efforts, it’s important to set up your office for maximum productivity from the start. A home office has many benefits, most popular being the freedom to design a workspace that works best for you. We’ve helped clients here in the Anchorage and Eagle River, Alaska area find homes that fit both their personal lives – and their businesses – and know there are a few essentials you’ve got to plan for if you want to work from home.  

Connectivity: In today’s working world, no matter what you do, high-speed internet is absolutely essential. Make sure that your new home will have access to an internet service provider that offers secure, reliable, and high-speed internet. A good internet connection means you can perform actions like uploading videos, participating in conference calls, leading a webinar and starring in a Facebook Live video. 

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in Anchorage News / Community News / Real Estate Tips
Veterans Day in Alaska - ways to honor our Vets from Brooke Stiltner, Re/Max Realtor

Veterans Day in Alaska: Let’s Celebrate our Vets!

Veterans Day in Alaska – Honor our Vets

On November 11 people all across our country will celebrate Veterans Day, a holiday honoring all veterans of past wars as well as those currently serving. Here in Alaska, a state with an exceptionally large military population, we love to celebrate our vets all year round. Veterans Day this month, however, gives us extra incentive to honor and show gratitude for the large veteran population we’re lucky to have.

History of Veterans Day

Before Veterans Day there was Armistice Day, commencing the year after WWI ended. On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, an armistice, or agreement made in a war to stop fighting for a period of time, was made between the Allied nations and Germany. Armistice Day was made a national holiday the following year, and became a legal holiday in the United States in 1938. After World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became Veterans Day, meant to honor American veterans of all wars as well as those currently serving or those who have served in the past. (Click HERE for a detailed history of Veterans Day.)

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in Anchorage News / Community News / Local Events

Keeping kids warm and safe this Halloween

Halloween in Alaska – cute kids, fun costumes, lots of treats, and don’t forget the snow. Here in the Anchorage / Eagle River area it can get pretty cold this time of year, so trick-or-treaters have a few more things to take into account for a fun and safe holiday. We’ve got you covered, though, with a few safety tips and ideas for keeping things warm and having lots of fun.

Ghosts and goblins can get cold, too, so it’s important to equip your kids with gear that keeps them warm. If there is snow or ice on the ground, be sure they wear snow boots for warmth and traction. Costumes should be on the larger side so they can fit over snow suits and lots of warm layers. Throw some glove warmers in kids’ treat bags and they’ll be set in case of freezing temps.

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Eagle River - Mat-Su Valley - Anchorage area named Best Cities to live and work

Anchorage Named Among Best Cities for Entrepreneurs

Anchorage Makes the List

When it comes to living AND launching a business, you just can’t beat Anchorage. According to the current (April 2017) issue of Entrepreneur Magazine, Anchorage, Alaska was named as one of the 50 Best Cities for Entrepreneurs that help businesses flourish. According to Peter Cohan, an investor and author of Disciplined Growth Strategies, the location entrepreneurs choose is vital to their success. “Beyond a great product, strong marketing and sufficient capital, startups thrive or fizzle depending on their environment and the people in them,” he said.

Entrepreneur Magazine partnered with Livability.com to compile the data that led to this list, looking closely at a wide variety of issues that affect business creation and growth including employment rate, affordable homes, per capita spending, commute times, safety, diversity, rates of healthcare coverage, wage growth, household income growth, and more.

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