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Real Estate Outlook for 2025: Key Trends and Predictions

Real Estate Outlook for 2025: Key Trends and Predictions

Real Estate Outlook for 2025: Key Trends and Predictions

The housing market has faced challenges in recent years, but brighter days may be ahead. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), shared an optimistic forecast for 2025 and 2026, predicting an uptick in home sales and more stable mortgage rates. 

Rising Home Sales

Yun expects home sales to rise in the next few years. He predicts existing home sales will increase by 9% in 2025 and 13% in 2026, with new home sales also seeing growth. The improving economy, job gains, and increasing home inventory are all contributing factors to the positive outlook. 

Mortgage Rates to Stabilize

Mortgage rates are expected to moderate, though not drop drastically. While recent Fed rate cuts may offer some relief, Yun cautioned that high budget deficits could prevent mortgage rates from returning to low levels seen in previous years. However, the “locked-in” effect of homeowners with low mortgage rates will gradually ease over time, creating opportunities for buyers and sellers. 

Home Price Increases to Slow

After years of rapid price growth, home prices are predicted to rise slowly in the next few years. The NAR forecasts a 2% increase in median home prices for both 2025 and 2026. While home equity gains have benefited current homeowners, affordability remains a challenge for many buyers. 

Changing Buyer Demographics

The profile of homebuyers is shifting. All-cash buyers have become more common, accounting for 26% of home sales in the past year. First-time homebuyers are older, with a median age of 38, and many are relying on financial help from family or drawing from savings and assets. Multigenerational households are also on the rise, driven by cost-saving efforts and the need to care for aging parents. Additionally, single women buyers outpace single men, with women making up 24% of the home-purchase market. 

Looking Ahead

Overall, while challenges persist, the outlook for the housing market is improving. With rising job numbers, moderating mortgage rates, and changing buyer trends, 2025 could be a year of recovery and growth for the real estate market. Real estate professionals should prepare for a busy year ahead, as more Americans may be ready to make a move. 

https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/whats-next-for-the-2025-housing-market 

Why a Newly Built Home Might Be the Answer with RE/MAX Heritage

Why a Newly Built Home Might Be the Answer with RE/MAX Heritage

Why a Newly Built Home Might Be the Answer with RE/MAX Heritage

Explore the Potential of Newly Built Homes with REMAX Heritage in Orlando’s Four Corners Area This Spring

Embarking on the journey of purchasing a home this spring? You might find yourself grappling with the current affordability hurdles and the scarcity of available homes for sale. However, what if there’s a game-changing solution waiting for you?

If the quest for a home that truly resonates with you feels like searching for a needle in a haystack, and fluctuating mortgage rates are tightening your budget, it might be time to turn your gaze towards newly constructed homes. Here’s why they could be the perfect fit for you.

New Home Construction: A Beacon in the Inventory Landscape In your pursuit of a home, you have the choice between existing homes (previously owned) and newly built ones. Despite a notable increase in existing homes for sale this year, the inventory remains tighter compared to more conventional years in the housing market, such as 2018 or 2019.

In such a scenario, venturing into the realm of newly constructed homes can significantly expand your horizon of options. As noted by Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com:

“The shortage of existing homes for sale has widened the scope of new-home construction to encompass more buyers who may not have previously considered it.”

Excitingly, the current landscape boasts a wealth of newly built homes to select from. Utilizing data from the Census, recent spikes in new home construction are evident, offering a plethora of options for those seeking either a move-in ready home or the opportunity to customize their dream abode along the way.

Builders Are Rolling Out Incentives to Tackle Affordability Challenges

Builders Are Rolling Out Incentives to Tackle Affordability Challenges Adding to the allure, builders are enticing prospective buyers with incentives like mortgage rate buy-downs and other perks. This not only alleviates the strain posed by today’s affordability challenges but also brings you closer to realizing your homeownership dreams. Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, elucidates why builders might be more flexible in offering incentives compared to individual homeowners:

“Builders aren’t tied down by locked-in rates. Their primary goal is to sell homes because they don’t inhabit them. Consequently, it’s costly for them not to sell. Moreover, many public home builders have affirmed their commitment to offering incentives, particularly mortgage rate buydowns, ensuring a buoyant performance in the new-home market during the spring home-buying season.”

A report from HousingWire underscores the momentum behind builders’ incentives, with 60% of respondents reporting their utilization, up from 58% in February.

However, it’s crucial to recognize that purchasing from a builder differs from buying from a homeowner. Therefore, it’s imperative to collaborate with a local real estate agent who can navigate the intricacies of builder contracts. A trusted agent will serve as your advocate, offering invaluable insights on construction quality, negotiating contracts, advising on customizations and upgrades, and more.

 

Ready to make a Move?

Bardell Real Estate are the experts in helping you with your selling, buying or renting needs near Orlando, Florida. Make your Disney area experience a forever memorable one. Call us now to speak to a real estate agent.

 

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Get to know more about The Four Corners area

Get to know more about The Four Corners area

Get to know more about The Four Corners area

Why move to the Four corners area 

 

Lake County

Location and Geography: Understand the town’s location, geography, and surroundings. Consider factors like proximity to major cities, access to natural amenities (e.g., mountains, beaches), and the local climate.

Housing Market: Investigate the town’s housing market, including rental and purchase prices. Determine the type of housing that suits your needs and budget. Check out properties for sell in the area  Resale Properties New construction 

Commute and Transportation: Calculate your daily commute time and transportation options. Determine if public transportation, walking, or biking is feasible, and assess the town’s traffic patterns

Community and Lifestyle: Explore the town’s culture, lifestyle, and community. Consider your interests, hobbies, and how well they align with what the town offers. Check out our Blog for future events 

Orange County

Location and Geography: The county seat is Orlando, which is also the largest city in Orange County. The county is known for its vibrant tourism industry, with popular attractions such as Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando. Orange County is also home to a diverse population and offers a range of cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities.

Housing Market: It is a desirable location due to its proximity to popular attractions  and a range of amenities. These factors have contributed to a steady demand for housing in the area.

Commute and Transportation: Orange County has an extensive network of roads and highways, including Interstate 4 (I-4) and the Florida Turnpike, which provide convenient access to different parts of the county and beyond. Lynx is the public transportation system serving Orange County. It operates a network of buses that cover a wide range of routes throughout the county, including express routes to downtown Orlando. Lynx also offers a paratransit service for individuals with disabilities.

Community and Lifestyle: Orange County offers a vibrant community and a diverse lifestyle. The county is known for its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and numerous recreational opportunities such as a variety of outdoor activities, including water sports, golfing, hiking, and biking. Residents can enjoy exploring the county’s many parks, nature preserves, and lakes. Orange County is famous for its world-class theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando. These attractions draw visitors from around the globe and provide residents with endless entertainment options.

Osceola County

Location and Geography:  Osceola County is characterized by a mix of urban and rural areas. It is part of the greater Orlando metropolitan area and is known for its proximity to popular tourist destinations. The county is bordered by Lake Tohopekaliga to the west and the Kissimmee River to the east. It also encompasses parts of the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, which offers recreational opportunities for boating and fishing. Osceola County has a diverse landscape, including wetlands, forests, and agricultural areas. The county’s location in Central Florida provides a subtropical climate, with hot and humid summers and mild winters.

Housing Market: Osceola county offers a range of housing options, including single-family homes, townhouses, and condominiums. The prices and availability of properties can vary depending on factors such as location, size, and amenities. Osceola County has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by factors such as its proximity to popular tourist destinations like Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort, as well as its strong job market. This growth has led to increased demand for housing in the area. 

Commute and Transporation: Major highways that pass through or near Osceola County include Interstate 4 (I-4), which runs east-west and connects the county to Orlando and Tampa. State Road 417 (Central Florida GreeneWay) is a toll road that provides a convenient route for traveling north-south through the county. State Road 192 (Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway) is another major road that runs east-west and is known for its commercial areas and access to popular tourist destinations.

Community and Lifestyle: Osceola County offers a range of recreational activities and amenities. It is known for its natural beauty, with numerous lakes, parks, and outdoor spaces for residents to enjoy. The county also has a strong focus on sports and recreation, with facilities for golf, tennis, soccer, and more. Additionally, the county has a strong sense of community with various events, festivals, and cultural celebrations throughout the year. The local school system strives to provide quality education, and there are also higher education institutions in the area.

Polk County

Location and Geography: It encompasses a mix of urban areas, suburban communities, and rural regions. The county is known for its numerous lakes, with over 550 lakes dotting its landscape. The largest lake in Polk County is Lake Kissimmee. The county’s terrain features a combination of flatlands, rolling hills, and wetlands. Polk County is also home to various natural attractions, including state parks, wildlife preserves, and recreational areas. It offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation.

Housing Market: Polk County has had a diverse and competitive housing market. It is located in central Florida and offers a mix of urban and suburban areas. The county is known for its affordability compared to some neighboring counties, which can make it an attractive option for homebuyers.Factors such as population growth, economic conditions, and local amenities can influence the housing market in Polk County.

Commute and Transportation: Polk County is well-connected by a network of major highways, including Interstate 4 (I-4) that runs east-west through the county. Other important roadways include US Highway 27, US Highway 98, and State Road 60. Polk County offers public transportation services through the Citrus Connection. This includes fixed-route bus services that operate throughout the county, connecting various cities and communities. 

Community and Lifestyle: The county is home to several cities and towns, including Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Haines City, each with its own unique charm and amenities. The county also hosts various cultural events, festivals, and community gatherings throughout the year. Education is a priority in Polk County, with a number of public and private schools serving the community. The county is also home to several higher education institutions, including Polk State College.

    Ready to make a Move?

    Bardell Real Estate are the experts in helping you with your selling, buying or renting needs near Orlando, Florida. Make your Disney area experience a forever memorable one. Call us now to speak to a real estate agent.

     

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    New 55 Plus Community In St. Cloud

    New 55 Plus Community In St. Cloud

    New 55 Plus Community In St. Cloud

    Central Florida’s #1 Active Adult Lifestyle community is Twin Lakes! With its idyllic location on Live Oak Lake, Twin Lakes offers its residents an array of amenities. The community features an incredible clubhouse, a lakefront resort-style pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, several heated pools, tennis, pickleball, bocce ball courts, a putting green, a community boat dock, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and a full-time activities director, so residents can live life to the fullest! At the center of our amenities is our community clubhouse, which includes:

    • Spacious Gathering Room
    • Game Room with Billiard Tables
    • Poker Room with Card Tables
    • Art Room with Kiln
    • Commercial Kitchen with Class/Demo Area
    • Poolside Patio and so much more!

    This beautiful, gated community offers boating, kayaking, and amenities usually found only at resorts.  

    Twin lakes community

    Ready to make a Move?

    Bardell Real Estate are the experts in helping you with your selling, buying or renting needs near Orlando, Florida. Make your Disney area experience a forever memorable one. Call us now to speak to a real estate agent.

     

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    What Is Rammed Earth Construction?

    What Is Rammed Earth Construction?

    What Is Rammed Earth Construction?

    What Is Rammed Earth Construction?

     

    You may not be familiar with the term, but you’ve seen the building technique—think of the ancient architecture of the Great Wall of China, the Alhambra in Spain, and the stunning Kasbahs of Morocco.

    These examples of rammed earth construction have stood the test of time, for several hundreds of years. And that durability is one reason this type of construction is making a comeback—albeit in buildings with significantly smaller square footage.

    Rammed earth homes are sustainable and have a warm yet contemporary aesthetic to boot. Here’s what you need to know if you’re thinking about building or buying one of these unique homes.

    What are rammed earth homes made of?

    True to its name, builders use earth-based compacted soil to construct rammed earth homes. This earthy mix—which consists primarily of sand, silt, water, and clay—is set in formwork on the foundation.

    “The rammed earth material is placed within the form in layers called lifts, typically 6 to 8 inches in depth, which are rammed with pneumatic tampers that can be maneuvered within the walls,” explains Bly Windstorm, CEO of Earth Dwell Ltd. and U.S. president of the nonprofit North American Rammed Earth Builders Association (NAREBA). “After a lift is fully compacted, another layer’s added and then rammed.”

    Builders repeat this process until the wall is complete. All the building block essentials to complete the home are within each completed form. This includes reinforced steel, electrical and plumbing conduits, switch boxes, and even frames for doors.

    The earth and aggregates available in the future home’s location determine the actual color of the walls. But if you want to put your stamp on Mother Nature’s offerings, you can alter rammed walls with various textures and finishes.

    Types of rammed earth walls

    The rammed earth buildings still standing today were constructed in areas where the earth’s soil had the optimum constituents for making durable walls. These “raw” types of rammed walls consist of sand, silt, water, and use clay as a binder, exactly like today’s walls.

    However, it’s rare to find the optimum soil mix and the correct type of clay to make raw rammed-earth walls in the United States. And while, historically, clay has proven to be effective as a binder, the material isn’t earthquake-resistant, says Peter Jones, CEO of Gryphon Construction in Victoria, British Columbia, and Canadian president of the NAREBA.

    As a result, new rammed-earth homes are mainly built with “stabilized,” reinforced rammed earth walls, to meet current building codes. So what makes the walls more stable?

    “The addition of a Portland cement, lime, or other pozzolans [concrete improvers] allows the building of durable walls with local earthen materials in most localities around the world,” says Windstorm.

    And the newer rammed earth formulas are more environmentally friendly, thanks to the additives like slag—a stony byproduct of melted or refined metal, which may remove harmful chemicals from the environment, says Jones.

    Down-to-earth benefits of rammed earth construction

    If you decide to build a rammed earth home, you won’t just be paying homage to one of the wonders of the world. You’ll enjoy these eco-friendly benefits as well:

    Energy-efficient climate control: The aesthetics of these homes may evoke a stone-cold feel, but the opposite is true. Rammed earth walls are known for their high thermal mass, which means they absorb, store, and release heat, whether the house is in Alaska or Arizona.

    “The house remains naturally cool in the summer and warm in the winter, with a small fraction of the energy required for a conventional home,” says Windstorm. Bonus: The walls are fireproof and provide sound insulation.

    Environmental advantages: Rammed earth homes basically last forever, Jones says, “whereas conventional ‘stick-homes’ may last 80 years.”

    Rammed earth walls don’t require painting or siding. And they are non-toxic, which means there’s better air quality within the home. 

    Another green checkmark? Utilizing the earth’s soil for walls reduces the heavy load on our forests. And there’s not much chance of depleting earthen material.

    “Even a small, 5-acre quarry could produce enough earthen material for over 1,000 homes,” adds Windstorm.

    Minimal maintenance: There’s an endless to-do list of maintenance and repair costs with houses made out of wood. With rammed-earth homes, the upkeep is minimal.

    Rammed earth walls are weather-resistant and only need a second coat of sealer 10 to 20 years after construction. The only significant housing components that might require attention at some point are the roof and windows.

    Drawbacks to rammed earth homes

    “The greatest downside is the higher cost of construction as compared to a stick-built home,” says Windstorm. The massive rammed earth walls—about 18-inches to 2 feet thick—are expensive to make, take longer to build, require special equipment and skilled labor to erect.

    Gore Designs, a rammed earth builder, says that they could cost 30% to 70% more than a stick build. However, rammed-earth homeowners save in the long run, thanks to the lower energy costs and the fact that they need less upkeep.

    Finally, there’s the commitment issue. It’s way more complicated to add an electrical outlet—let alone remodel a bathroom—when you have a rammed earth home, due to the thickness of the walls.

    That means you have to put a lot of thought into designing a home that you can live in for many years to come.

    Experts in Residential Real Estate in Orlando

    If you are buying or selling real estate it’s quiet often the single most important financial decision you make. For the last 30 years we have helped clients buying and selling property in Orlando and the surrounding areas. Put simply, this means the knowledge and expertise accumulated over this time ensures our clients get the best representation possible.

    Our experienced agents will help and guide you through the entire process providing valuable support every step of the way.

    Ready to make a Move?

    Bardell Real Estate are the experts in helping you with your selling, buying or renting needs near Orlando, Florida. Make your Disney area experience a forever memorable one. Call us now to speak to a real estate agent.

     

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    9 Myths About Buying a New-Construction House

    9 Myths About Buying a New-Construction House

    9 Myths About Buying a New-Construction House

    Many first-time homebuyers might shy away from the prospect of buying a brand-new home, assuming: It will cost too much. It will take too long.

    While purchasing new construction is indeed different from purchasing previously owned property, many misconceptions abound about new builds. As a result, homebuyers who’ve heard these rumors might be passing over a smart path to homeownership that makes sense for many Americans today.

    “Given declining housing affordability and limited existing home inventory, a full one-third of inventory on the market is now new-construction homes,” says Robert Dietz, senior vice president and chief economist for the National Association of Home Builders.

    In other words, in a housing market plagued by limited inventory, prospective homebuyers can’t afford to count out new-construction homes as an option—and they certainly shouldn’t just because of some persistent misconceptions.

    With that in mind, we’re here to set the record straight on some easily busted new-construction myths that just won’t quit.

    1. New construction homes are more expensive

    While new-construction homes might technically cost more upfront, that price tag is not the whole picture.

    “It’s true, on the average, that new homes of similar sizes historically outprice pre-owned by about 16%,” says Stephen Haines, president of Artisan Built Communities. “But since homes don’t possess a clear odometer on them, like one would use to evaluate a used car, buyers need to consider all the costs of purchasing to understand their total cost of ownership.”

    A new-construction home, after all, will sport a brand-new roof, appliances, HVAC equipment, and major systems that homebuyers likely won’t need to repair or replace anytime soon. In other words, while a new-construction home might have a sales price that seems more expensive upfront, it’s actually saving a buyer from having to replace, upgrade, or “bring to code” elements of a previously owned home, which could cost tens of thousands of dollars.

    “Depending on the age of the pre-owned homes, one should understand the remaining life expectancy of these components,” says Haines. “One must look closer to total cost of ownership to understand the truth.”

    2. You’ll be waiting a long time to move in

    It’s true that new-construction homes do take time to be built—on average, about 6.5 months from the ground up.

    However, this does not mean you’ll need to wait that long, since builders often start building long before they have a buyer. Construction on these “spec homes” might already be well underway or even completed before you strike a deal. So if you don’t want to wait at all, see if there is a spec available.

    Yet it’s also worth keeping in mind that the build time will vary widely, particularly with recent supply chain issues that might lengthen the timeline. Factors that could affect construction time frames include the availability of labor and materials as well as municipality permitting times.

    Bottom line: Make sure to ask when they expect the house to be done, and what happens if the house is not done on time.

    3. It’s harder to finance a new-construction home

    Actually, the exact opposite is true here. Thanks to potential builder incentives and lenders liking the fact that a person is buying something new (which translates to less risk), there might be more simplicity in financing a new home.

    “Builders often maintain relationships, partnerships, or even wholly owned subsidiaries whose primary focus is to help borrowers find better lending options,” says Haines.

    Plus, title companies that work with builders tend to do “batch” title searches on the new parcels in a community all at once. This helps an urgent buyer get to the closing table faster.

    “If you are looking at a larger national builder, they will generally have affiliated lending companies or their own lending companies that willoffer you several incentives to do business with them instead of an outside lending source,” says Don Turner, national sales director of new homes at Realtor.com®.

    If you happen to find a better deal with an outside lender, maybe someone you’ve been pre-approved through, most builder lenders will usually work to match or beat that deal to keep your business in-house so they can directly manage your mortgage file. And if you are working with a smaller builder that does not have an affiliated lender, the builder will typically work with a local mortgage broker to assist buyers in securing loans.

    4. New homes lose their value faster than pre-existing properties

    While it’s true that new cars lose a lot of their value the instant they’re driven off the lot, the exact opposite is the case with new homes. In fact, many new-construction homes appreciate in value even before their buyers have moved in.

    “Most buyers who buy in the early stages of construction in a community can expect to build equity even before they closeon their home, because of price increases as the builder sells more homes,” says Kimberly Mackey, founder of New Homes Solutions and a sales and marketing management consultant specializing in residential homebuilding. There is generally also another spike in value once the entire community is completed.

    5. You can’t inspect a new-construction home before you buy it

    You can absolutely do a home inspection before you purchase a new construction.

    “I would be cautious of any builder who refuses to allow you to perform a home inspection,” says Bill Samuel, owner of Blue Ladder Development.

    In fact, buyers who choose to purchase a new-construction home can actually periodically inspect the home throughout the build, giving them and their inspector a much higher understanding of the home’s condition; plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems behind the walls; insulation; and more than they obtain by inspecting only a completed home.

    “I would also encourage buyers to try and perform an inspection before the builder starts drywalling the house,” says Samuel. “Having the inspector walk through the home before the drywall is installed allows him to see many important parts of the home that will be covered up.”

    New-construction homes are also inspected by local municipalities throughout the construction process, and those same groups provide a final certificate of occupancy before move-in is allowed.

    Homebuyers also are provided an opportunity to conduct a walk-through of their home before taking possession of it. All in all, there are plenty of opportunities to kick the tires on a new house.

    6. New-construction homes are lacking in character

    Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It’s the same thing with what someone defines as character. And just because something is new, it doesn’t mean it can’t have every feature you’ve ever dreamed of in a house.

    “A person can choose or add different features for whatever they can afford to buy or add on,” says federal construction and security contractor Charles Chadwick Jr. “I’ve seen homes in subdivisions where some had vinyl siding only, and others had bricks/stones added in addition to vinyl siding.”

    Trends tend to be fleeting, and new-construction homes are more likely to be up to date.

    “New homes possess the most current designs,” says Haines. “As it relates to existing homes, the older the home, the harder it is to help the exterior of the home look current.”

    “Nothing is more limiting than buying a home as is,” says Haines. “You have the most choice when buying new, regardless of the builder’s option offering.”

    It all depends on the builder. Some builders build homes on spec—meaning the home is already built to certain specifications, and in that case, the customer will have very few or even no choices. Others build homes to plan but allow for a variety of selections and/or upgrades.

    To determine what kind of builder you might be working with, check builder reviews before you get into a contract.

    8. New-construction homes are poorer quality than pre-owned homes

    “They don’t build them like they used to” is an old saying that just doesn’t hold water when buying a new-construction home. No matter what kind of house it is, the building construction principles generally do not change at all.

    “For example, the construction of a load-bearing wall will not ever change—whether it’s in a new home or a custom-built home,” says Chadwick. Regardless of specific features, a house is still going to be built to a requisite standard.

    “New homes are subject to the latest in building code, which has become more stringent over time,” says Haines. He notes they are subject to improved electrical wiring requirements, more ground-fault interruption requirements (including outdoor HVAC equipment in 2022), higher insulation requirements, more efficient air conditioners, and improvements in plumbing. (Old copper and early PVC are highly subject to leaks.)

    9. You don’t need a real estate agent to purchase new construction

    Technically this is true: You are not required to have a real estate agent for many new-construction home deals. However, it is generally still a good idea to have your own representation.

    Because a new-construction deal is really no different than any other real estate transaction, there might be opportunity for you to negotiate on the price, contract terms, add-ons, completion date, and other incentives. Having a real estate agent to help with this can help make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.

     

    Experts in Residential Real Estate in Orlando

    If you are buying or selling real estate it’s quiet often the single most important financial decision you make. For the last 30 years we have helped clients buying and selling property in Orlando and the surrounding areas. Put simply, this means the knowledge and expertise accumulated over this time ensures our clients get the best representation possible.

    Our experienced agents will help and guide you through the entire process providing valuable support every step of the way.

    Ready to make a Move?

    Bardell Real Estate are the experts in helping you with your selling, buying or renting needs near Orlando, Florida. Make your Disney area experience a forever memorable one. Call us now to speak to a real estate agent.

     

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