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Are you desperate to get a handle on cleaning your home, but you’re short on time? Join the club! It can be hard in today’s world to stay on top of everything we need to do, let alone keep a clean house while we’re doing it. That’s why cleaning hacks are so great. You can get much more done in a shorter amount of time when you use our favorite hacks to keep your house clean. You can also check online sites and see varieties of new invention ideas to opt with your cleaning.

Take the stink out of your garbage disposal

Is there a weird funk coming from somewhere in your kitchen? Chances are, that smell is centered in your garbage disposal. Gunk can accumulate inside, so it’s important to give it a clean every now and again. It’s easy to do with a lemon or lime. Simply cut the piece of fruit into a few pieces and run them through the disposal one by one. That will clean out anything that’s in there and leave your kitchen smelling fresh. You may also contact a waste management company to get a better and more efficient garbage disposal service.

Clean the tub with baking soda

We know you want to get your bathtub sparkling clean and thoroughly disinfected. But you don’t need to use harsh chemicals in order to do it. Instead, mix one cup of vinegar with half a cup of baking soda. Add a little hot water and pour it into the tub. Then fill the tub about a quarter of the way full with hot water. Let it sit for a few minutes, drain the water, and rinse the tub. FYI – you can also use this tip for toilets. Just pour in the mixture, let it soak for a few minutes, then flush. However, if you still have clogged drains, then you may consider hiring professional drain cleaning services.

Remove pet hair with rubber gloves

If you’re a pet owner, then you know that pet hair sticks to everything. And while your vacuum cleaner may get most of the hair, there are some places where it just seems to stick like a magnet. Fortunately, there is an easy solution to pick up all that unwanted hair – rubber gloves! Just put them on and rub them against whatever surface you are cleaning. The pet hair will come off like magic! Rinse the gloves to remove any hair that doesn’t easily come off your hands when you’re done.

Clean ceiling fans with a pillowcase

If you regularly use your ceiling fans, then you’ve no doubt noticed that they can accumulate a lot of dust and dirt. But when you try to clean the blades, all the dust floats down onto you and the surrounding furniture. Keep all that dust to a minimum by using a pillowcase to clean the blades. Slip the blade in between the layers of the case and swipe. All the dust will then stay trapped inside. You can then toss the pillowcase in the wash as usual.

Use the power of your dishwasher

Dishwashers are one of the best and amazing invention ideas for every household. But did you know they can be used to clean so much more than your dirty dishes? There are many things you can toss in the dishwasher when they need freshening up. This includes baseball caps, canvas sneakers, makeup brushes, rubber flip flops, plastic toys, combs, and even garden tools!

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Are you hoping to get a handle on your clutter in 2022? Clutter can be seriously demoralizing, and make you feel stuck or burned out. But getting a handle on clutter can feel daunting – or expensive. Fortunately, there are simple ways to organize your stuff with inexpensive items you can find at the thrift store. Did you know that Houston’s top thrift stores sell a lot of stuff on offer to tourists? Now you know. Use the ideas below to help inspire you to get organized this year! You can use these items to organize your home or even the things you kept in a storage unit.

Baskets

Every thrift store has an entire section devoted to baskets. You never need to pay full price for a basket because you’ll always find a huge secondhand selection. Baskets are useful for organizing so many things. Use them for storing your pet’s stuff, displaying magazines in the living room, or stashing away bulk items you pick up at the store. They’re good for every room in the house and come in every shape, size, style, and color imaginable.

Trays

Trays, especially cute vintage varieties, are another thrift store find you can use to organize your clutter. They can be used for keeping all your makeup in one place or for collecting toiletries in the bathroom. Choose a style and material that coordinates well with your existing decorations, or opt for a bold statement piece to create a focal point in a room.

Bowls

Bowls are another organization workhorse that are in full supply at any thrift store. Bowls are great for drop zones – use them to corral mail, keys, or sunglasses. You can use bowls inside junk drawers or on shelves to keep like items together.

Glass jars

Mason and other glass jars are another thrift store staple. Clear glass jars have an almost infinite number of uses. Use them for keeping small items together like screws, nails, or buttons. Or stash cotton swabs in them to display in your bathroom. They can also be used for bulk items in the kitchen like sugar, flour, granola, or oatmeal.

Soda or wine boxes

Before companies switched to cardboard or plastic, many sodas and wines were shipped in wooden boxes or crates. If you find these at a thrift store, then they’re a great thing to pick up as they can be used in so many ways. Use them to store spices, towels, or even paperwork. They’re usually very attractive and can be used as part of your decor.

Cake stands

Much like trays, cake stands are another kind of useful item that you’ll find at the thrift store. Cake stands are not only great for displaying desserts but they can also be used to make your clutter more attractive. Use them next to the stove to keep your oils, salt, and pepper. You can even use them as plant stands. Best of all, they free up the valuable countertop space underneath them.

Tins

Finally, tins are ubiquitous at thrift stores and are a home run in the organization department. You’ll find cookie, popcorn, and tea tins secondhand that can be used for office supplies and other small items. In a pinch, you can also use them as a vase for a bouquet of flowers!

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Do you dread heading into your unfinished basement to do a load of laundry? It’s already hard enough to keep on top of your laundry without having to tackle it in a dreary environment. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be such a miserable experience. Here are some unfinished basement ideas to update your basement laundry room so that doing laundry isn’t such a chore. And if you’re having issues with your dryer, you may consider buying a new one from a legit dryer machine sales service.

Paint the floor and add a rug

One of the easiest things you can do to add a little cheer to your basement laundry room is to paint the floor. It’s much easier to paint a concrete floor than to install tile or linoleum. First, clean the concrete and repair cracks. Then use paint that is specially formulated for concrete, Toowoomba Concrete specialists know the best ones for it. Once it’s dry, add a cute throw rug for a pop of color. The throw rug will also add a bit of cushion, which your knees and back will thank you for.

Paint the ceiling

Another way that you can conquer the dreariness of your basement laundry room is to paint the ceiling. Most likely, your basement has an unfinished ceiling with exposed floor joists. Do not fear – you can paint them! Choose a color that matches the floor, or opt for something contrasting to give the room a little more energy.

Paint or decorate the walls

Next, think about adding a little personality to the walls in your basement laundry room. One easy way to do this is to add paint to cheer up the room. But if that sounds like a daunting task, you can simply decorate the walls. Hang signs, add a framed photo you love or even hang bunting for a little pick-me-up while you wash.

Upgrade the lighting

Chances are your basement laundry room has terrible lighting. Nobody likes to labor under fluorescent lights – they can suck all the joy out of a room. So if you want to conquer your basement laundry room, upgrade your lighting. You can simply swap out the fluorescent bulb for one in a warm white instead. Or you can hang cute lighting fixtures from the ceiling by attaching them to the floor joists, similar to this Lighting fixtures. Or do it the cheap and cheerful way by hanging some simple string lights across the room.

Add a folding table

It’s helpful to have a place to fold clean laundry when you take it out of the dryer. Having a large flat surface to fold and stack makes your laundry chores that much easier. You can simply use a folding card table if that’s what you have on hand. Brighten it up with a cute tablecloth. Or invest in a utility table that has built-in shelves so you can use it for storage, too.

Install pegboard

Finally, add simple storage to your basement laundry room by installing a pegboard. It’s easy to install pegboard on unfinished basement walls. Then you can paint the pegboard a pleasing color and use it to hang baskets, an ironing board, or even decorations.

You may also consider having a laundry room and basement waterproofing with the help of a waterproofing services company. This way, you’ll minimize the risk of water damage in this room.

Have you made any progress toward your New Year’s resolution of keeping your house clean? It’s definitely a worthy goal for the New Year, but it’s also one that can be tough to keep. If you’re like most people, cleaning isn’t one of your favorite activities, so it can be challenging to get motivated. If you want a definitive solution simply hire a Recurring Residential Property Maid who can provide professional house cleaning services to assist you. With their help you’ll have a clean home at all times, without you having to take time off your busy schedule. For those that would like to get started on their own, we’ve compiled this list of easy cleaning projects you can tackle over a weekend. By focusing on one of these tasks each week, you’ll have a clean house in no time! If you’ve been wanting to clean up the exterior of your home, you may seek the services of a residential power washing company.

Catch up on laundry

Is it just us, or does laundry seem to multiply throughout the week? Get a handle on your regular laundry over the weekend, and throw in some extras while you’re at it. This could include giving all your towels a good wash, finally washing the sheets and pillowcases in the guest bedroom, or tossing your washable throw rugs in the machine. Since you’re already doing laundry, these extra tasks won’t seem like a big deal.

Clean out the closet

While you’re doing the laundry, it’s a good time to take a longer look at what’s taking up space in your closet. Take a few minutes to switch out seasonal items so your winter gear is handy. Then take an honest look at any items you haven’t used in the last year. Bag up those things you no longer want to keep and donate them. And if you have clothes with stains or other damages that can’t be repaired, simply cut them up into squares and use them as cleaning rags. If you don’t have the time or energy to take deal with your junk, look for a junk hauling near me to do the hard work for you so you can relax and enjoy your free time.

Clean doormats

One of the easiest ways to keep your floors clean is to use doormats both inside and outside your front door. They trap dirt and dust that would otherwise travel to other parts of your home. But they need to be clean in order to do their jobs properly. So take a few minutes to vacuum your interior doormats on both sides. Then sweep or hose off your exterior doormats and let them air dry. We also recommend you hire companies like Zerorez Carpet Cleaning to perform carpet cleaning at least once a year.

Scrub the kitchen sink

Having a clean kitchen sink can make the whole kitchen feel cleaner. First, wash any dishes that have piled up or load the dishwasher. Then wipe down the interior of your sink with hot, soapy water. Follow with a rinse with hot water. If you have a garbage disposal that’s starting to stink, then run a couple of lemon peels throughout it. Follow with a cold water rinse.

Organize the junk drawer

Do you have one of those drawers that’s just for all the odds and ends you don’t know what else to do with? And is it overflowing like ours? Then take a little time over the weekend to tackle that junk drawer. Empty out the drawer and vacuum up all the crumbs that have accumulated. Then put back items that have a dedicated home elsewhere. Throw out the trash or other things you no longer need. Line the drawer with a nonslip liner. Then organize what’s left into smaller containers like plastic to-go boxes or pretty bowls you don’t often use.

If you’ve owned your home for at least a few years and have never had the air ducts cleaned, or if it’s been a few years since you have, it’s a good time to check out that site and get in touch with Willard Power Vac.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Regular maintenance is a big part of being a homeowner. Once you close on a home, you’re going to be responsible for keeping it in good condition and repairing any damage that may occur. In order to do this, you’re going to need a basic set of tools. If you’re a new homeowner, then these are the 10 tools you’ll need to handle the most basic repairs and maintenance.

Tape measure

A tape measure is at the top of the list for essential tools for new homeowners. You’ll be doing a lot of measuring, especially when you first move in. That includes measuring spaces for furniture, measuring windows for curtains, and measuring walls for paint. Opt for a 25-foot length tape measure, which should suit most of your needs.

Hammer

A hammer is another must-have tool for new homeowners. You’ll use it for hanging pictures or even demolishing walls. Find a hammer with a comfortable grip and opt for a straight “rip” claw. And as suggested by Handyman Guides, you might also consider getting a sledgehammer, which can help with exterior projects where some muscle is needed.

Screwdriver set

As a new homeowner, you’ll want to get a screwdriver set. Find one that offers a variety of both flathead and Phillips head sizes. Opt for a six-piece set, or get a screwdriver with a magnetic head that lets you swap out the size and style of bit.

Level

Once you start hanging pictures or installing shelves, you’ll be happy that you have a bubble level. Otherwise, you may end up hanging things just a tad crooked. Go for a 12-inch level which should be suitable for most small projects. If you have a little extra spending cash, then opt for a digital level that takes out all the guesswork.

Stud finder

Drywall anchors can be great, but nothing beats screwing something directly into a stud – especially if it’s heavy. That’s why your basic home toolkit should include a stud finder. It will help you locate the studs behind your drywall so you can screw or nail directly into them.

Pliers

At some point, you’re going to try to repair something that is good and stuck. That’s why having a set of pliers can be so handy. They’ll help you with a variety of installations and repairs. Look for a kit that includes needle-nose pliers, combination pliers, and locking pliers.

Wrenches

Wrenches are another indispensable tool when you’re a new homeowner. They come in many different sizes and help you loosen or tighten nuts and hex head bolts with Industrial Washers. Why not also check out here the highest quality bolts like Silicon Bronze Marine Fasteners available which are made of a solid 655 Silicon Bronze alloy!

You might also consider getting a ratchet and socket set as well as an allen wrench set (which will come in handy for assembling all your IKEA furniture).

Ladder

Step stools are great for indoor projects. But you’re probably going to need to clean the gutters soon, so invest in a good rolling ladder. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional tradesperson, a ladder is a valuable piece of kit for your arsenal especially for tasks like an annual roof inspection. Get yourself a six-foot extension ladder which will be appropriate for most projects.

Drill

Sometimes you just need a little extra muscle, which is why a drill with a variety of bits can be so useful. Battery-powered varieties make them easy to transport, but drills with cords will give you a little extra power when you need it.

Flashlight

Finally, don’t forget a flashlight! Sometimes you’ll need to fix something in the dark, so it’s helpful to have a few flashlights on hand. It can also be useful to have a headlamp for when you don’t have an extra hand available to hold the light.

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When it comes time to put an offer on a home they love, many buyers will include an earnest money deposit. This demonstrates to the seller that the buyer is serious enough to put money on the line. A sizable earnest money deposit can give buyers an edge over the competition, especially in a seller’s market. But there are mistakes that buyers should avoid when it comes to the earnest money deposit. Here’s what you need to know.

Not knowing what earnest money is

The most common mistake when it comes to earnest money is not knowing exactly what this deposit is. In a nutshell, an earnest money deposit is a percentage of the purchase price that is provided with an offer. It shows that you’re a serious buyer who is committed to closing on the home. That money is held in escrow during the closing process. Once you get to the closing table, the money is either returned or applied to closing costs or your loan. If you have extra money that you want to grow, trade fx at vtmarket.com.

Not offering the right amount of earnest money

It is typical to offer somewhere between one and two percent of the purchase price of the home as an earnest money deposit. But this can change depending on your local market conditions and how serious you are about submitting a winning offer. Offering too little can mean you lose out on the home. Offering too much can put you at risk of losing that money if you don’t close on the house. When in doubt, consult with your real estate agent on the best amount to put down for your earnest money deposit.

Not including contingencies

When you sign a purchase agreement on a home, you may opt to include contingencies as the buyer. These are conditions that must be must in order for the sale to proceed. If you don’t include contingencies in your contract and you back out of the sale, then you are in danger of losing your earnest money deposit. The seller will be legally allowed to keep the money. Be careful about limiting your contingencies when you’re negotiating the sale.

Not paying attention to deadlines

Once you sign the purchase agreement and submit your earnest money, you’ll be working your way toward a deadline. Most agreements will outline the closing process and will give a date for when you must close. If you don’t abide by this timeline and fail to close on the house by the stated date, then you could lose your earnest money deposit.

Not knowing what you really want

Finally, it is essential that you know what you are looking for in a home before you begin your search. Otherwise, you may end up putting in an offer on a home that doesn’t end up meeting your needs. Should you decide to rescind your offer for any other reason besides what’s clearly stated in your contract, then you’ll probably lose that earnest money. By knowing what you want, you can feel confident moving forward with an offer.

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Are you intent on buying a home in 2022? It’s still a great time to purchase homes for sale, but you should be prepared. Sellers continue to have an upper hand, and buyers need to be ready to beat out the competition. Ideally, buyers would hire a Residential Real Estate Company to help them secure the home of their dreams but those who will decide to do this by themselves may consider following these tips. If you’re getting ready to buy a home, here’s what you need to do now to set yourself up for success later this year.

Check your credit report

The first thing you should do when you’re thinking about buying resale homes in the near future is to order a copy of your credit report. Aim to do this anywhere from 6 – 12 months before you apply for a mortgage. This gives you ample time to check your report for errors and have them removed. It also allows you time to improve your credit score if it’s on the low side. Remember, the higher your credit score, the more likely you are to qualify for a mortgage and the better rate you will get.

Pay off debt

When determining your eligibility for a loan, lenders will look at your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). This is the percentage of your income that goes toward paying debts. Most lenders are looking for a DTI that is less than 43 percent. You may still qualify with a higher percentage, but you’ll need cash reserves ready or a really high credit score to compensate. If your DTI is more than 43 percent, work on paying off some of your debt before you apply for a loan.

Start stashing cash

You’re going to need money for a down payment, and the more you can save the better. If you’re applying for a conventional loan, aim to have at least 20 percent of the purchase price ready to put down. If you’re hoping to qualify for a government-backed loan, like an FHA or VA loan, then you may need as little as three percent down (or in some cases none at all). But remember that if you don’t put down at least 20 percent, you’ll need to pay for private mortgage insurance (PMI). Also keep in mind closing costs when saving for your home purchase. These are commissions and fees paid when you close and are usually between 2 – 5 percent of the amount of the loan.

Know what you can afford

In today’s market, you need to know exactly how much house you can afford. This allows you to set your budget and refine your home search to those properties that only fall within your range. This will also help you know how much money you need to have saved for a down payment. Also keep in mind that you’ll have monthly maintenance costs that come with homeownership. Tembusu Grand Condo residents can enjoy the commanding, breathtaking view of the ocean close to the sensational haven.

Shop around for a mortgage

Finally, it pays to shop around for a mortgage. Different lenders will offer different loan terms and rates. You could save yourself thousands of dollars over the life of the loan by shopping around. As with any large purchase, know your options so you can choose the best one for your specific needs.

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Is selling your home one of your New Year’s resolutions for 2022? Now is a great time to list your home. We’ve been in a seller’s market for quite some time, and that trend will likely continue well into the coming year. But even though the market favors sellers, it’s still important to prepare for your upcoming sale. Here’s what you need to do to get ready.

Get familiar with the market

First things first — start getting familiar with your local real estate market. Doing your homework before you put your home on the market will help you manage your expectations. Look at homes that are similar to yours and see what they are selling for. Comparable homes should have features that are like yours, including size, amenities, and location.

Clean and declutter

Next up — cleaning and decluttering. This is one of the most important steps you need to take when planning your 2022 home sale. And now is the perfect time of year to do it. As you put away your holiday decorations, start going through items in your home. Donate those items you no longer need. You might also consider beginning to pack up items you don’t often use and keeping them in storage. Once you’ve decluttered, give your home a deep clean until it sparkles.

Make needed repairs

Even though we’re in a seller’s market, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make needed repairs on your home. Making small repairs can have a big impact on how quickly you sell and for what price. Walk through your home and think like a buyer — what would you like to see fixed? This can include lighting fixtures, leaky faucets, drywall, or water heater repair. Contact experts like Sharp Plumbing & Heating to help.

Spruce up your curb appeal

Curb appeal is especially important when you’re selling your home. What does your home look like on the outside? Does it need some sprucing up? Some of the ways that you can improve your curb appeal are cleaning up the yard, washing your home’s exterior, fixing cracks in the sidewalk and driveway with the help of an asphalt paving company, swapping out lighting fixtures and mailboxes, and painting the front door. You might also consider having asphalt sealcoating services. You may purchase asphalt from trusted asphalt suppliers. Small changes can really add up.

Start detaching emotionally

Selling your home is a huge financial transaction. And you should think of it from a business perspective. We understand that can be hard to do. You’ve made many memories in your home, and it may be hard for you to detach emotionally. But the more you can begin to think of your home sale as a financial transaction, the better able you will be to navigate the selling process, view Kurt Uhlir for more tips.

Work with a trusted real estate professional

Finally, when it’s time to sell your home you should work with a real estate professional you can trust. An expert in your market can help make sure that you sell your home quickly and with less stress. Get recommendations from friends and family, check online reviews, and interview several agents to see which one you connect with most.

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2022 is quickly approaching. During this time, many people set goals and resolutions for the coming year. Often, these can include goals about real estate, whether it’s buying or selling a home or you’re considering turnkey investment real estate by HRRE. If you’re thinking about setting real estate goals for the New Year, then follow these tips to help you see them through to completion.

Write down your goals and review them

You can’t get what you want if you don’t know what you want. That’s one of the most important things to remember when you’re setting goals. What do you hope to achieve in the coming year? Do you want to save for a down payment? Do you want to get a better interest rate on your mortgage? Do you want to downsize into a smaller house? Write down your goals and be specific. The more detail you can include, the better chance you have of actually turning your goals into a reality.

Set goals that you can attain

When you’re setting your real estate goals for the New Year, you should concentrate on attainable goals. Sure, we’d all love to live in a mansion in Malibu, and for some of us, that is attainable. But most of us need to be a little more realistic. Figure out how much you can spend on a home so that you can make goals you can achieve.

Have measurable goals

Another way to make sure that you attain your goals is to set measurable ones. For example, maybe you want to save money for a down payment on a house. First, you’ll need to decide how much money you want to save. Then you’ll want to create a place where you can save that money and watch it grow. Try to set a goal for how much you put away each month, and increase it as you go.

Create habits that will help you reach your goals

Sometimes you need to create new habits when you’re trying to reach your real estate goals. If you’re hoping to have enough money to buy a house, then practice habits that will get you there more quickly. This could include making dinner at home instead of going out, saving your tax refund instead of spending it, or simply not buying a coffee on the way to work every morning. These small habit changes can really add up.

Reward yourself for getting closer to your goal

Finally, one of the best ways to ensure that you make it to your goal is to reward yourself along the way. You don’t have to feel miserly with yourself when you’re trying to reach your goals. Instead, think of fun ways to reward yourself, like taking a nap on the weekend or treating yourself to a movie-and-pizza night at home. You’ll be more inclined to continue to work toward your goal if you treat yourself well along the way.

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Uh oh! Did you wait until the last minute to do your holiday decorating? Between all the shopping, cooking, cleaning, and baking that happens this time of year, it can be a challenge to fit decorating in as well. But don’t worry, we’ve got you’ve covered! Even if you’re in a time crunch, you can make your home look merry and bright. Here’s how.

Display your holiday cards

Do you receive holiday cards in the mail from your friends and family? You can easily turn them into a fun and festive holiday decoration with items you already have on hand. Tack a length of holiday ribbon to a cabinet door, wall, or stair banister. Then simply clip your cards to the ribbon with clothespins. It will instantly add cheer to your home!

Add string lights to a doorway

Nearly everyone has a string or two of lights hanging around the house. If you do, then tack one up around a doorway in your home. Nothing makes a room feel cozier than the twinkle of holiday lights, and this will only take you a minute or two.

Deck out your bar cart

If you’ve got a bar cart at the ready for when guests arrive, then you can quickly add some holiday cheer. Gather up a few items from around your home, like candles or metallic accents, and place them on your cart. Take it a step further and gather some branches or foliage from outside and place them in a vase. Voila! Your bar cart will look ready-made for the party.

Turn a bookshelf into a mantel

Not all of us have the luxury of having a fireplace in our homes. But you can create the same feeling with a bookshelf. If you have holiday stockings, then hang them all from a shelf. Add a few decorative touches like a snow globe or twinkle lights, and maybe Santa will even be fooled into thinking it’s the real thing.

Raid the fridge

If you’re really pressed for ideas, then look no further than your fridge. You probably have a few items in there that can double as holiday decorations. For example, gather up some citrus fruits like oranges, limes, and lemons and display them in a glass bowl. Or take that handful of herbs you have in the crisper and put them in a vase with a big red bow. We guarantee these can add just the right amount of cheer to any table.

Build a “fire”

Is there anything as cozy as a roaring fireplace on a cold winter’s night? If you have a television or computer, then you can create the same effect even without one. Simple search Netflix for “Fireplace for Your Home” and in just a few seconds your screen will be turned into the fireplace of your dreams. You can also search YouTube for “cozy fireplace” videos. There are countless choices, each with its own vibe. The best is that many of them run for several hours or have festive music playing along.

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