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	<title>Rental and Apartment Blog</title>
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	<link>http://www.portalrent.com/blog</link>
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		<title>Site of the Month for August 2011</title>
		<link>http://www.portalrent.com/blog/site-of-the-month-for-august-2011/</link>
		<comments>http://www.portalrent.com/blog/site-of-the-month-for-august-2011/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 15 Aug 2011 06:27:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.portalrent.com/blog/?p=52</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Site of the Month for August 2011 is concerned with Rental Resource and Guide. Search Rental Directory supplies useful links &#038; listings to real estate, apartments &#038; rentals, commercial real estate, construction &#038; builders, finance &#038; mortgage, foreclosure real estate, property in Canada, United Kingdom &#038; United States.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.searchrental.info/"><img src="http://www.searchrental.info/images/logotext.gif" alt="Rental Directory"  class="aligncenter"/></a><br />
Site of the Month for August 2011 is concerned with <a href="http://www.searchrental.info/">Rental Resource and Guide</a>. Search Rental Directory supplies useful links &#038; listings to real estate, apartments &#038; rentals, commercial real estate, construction &#038; builders, finance &#038; mortgage, foreclosure real estate, property in Canada, United Kingdom &#038; United States.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Investment Property in Canada</title>
		<link>http://www.portalrent.com/blog/investment-property-in-canada/</link>
		<comments>http://www.portalrent.com/blog/investment-property-in-canada/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 27 Jun 2011 08:06:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Canada Apartment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Investment Property]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Residential Property]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.portalrent.com/blog/?p=49</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As mentioned previously, the vast majority of the population of the nation of Canada is situated in a one hundred mile radius from the Canadian and U.S. border. Therefore, when it comes to real property investing, the marketplaces that a foreign national should serious consider is that band of property that lies in those cities [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As mentioned previously, the vast majority of the population of the nation of Canada is situated in a one hundred mile radius from the Canadian and U.S. border. Therefore, when it comes to real property investing, the marketplaces that a foreign national should serious consider is that band of property that lies in those cities and communities within that hundred mile band. By far, this represents the area in which the greatest amount of growth in both the real estate market and the development of other commercial enterprises is being seen in the 21st century.</p>
<p>Commercial properties remain a decent investment when it comes to real estate in Canada. As of yet, most of the major Canadian cities have not been overdeveloped. There remains a decent demand for commercial building space in most of the major Canadian points of commerce. As a result, a foreign national interested in investing in commercial property does have room to maneuver in this day and age. People with a more limited amount of money to invest might want to consider investing in residential property that can be leased to travelers on holiday or vacation. Tourism remains a strong industry in Canada. As a result, there remains money to be made through the ownership of residential property that can be made available to tourists within the country.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Useful Tips to Help with Becoming a Roommate</title>
		<link>http://www.portalrent.com/blog/useful-tips-to-help-with-becoming-a-roommate/</link>
		<comments>http://www.portalrent.com/blog/useful-tips-to-help-with-becoming-a-roommate/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 15 Apr 2011 03:30:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Roommates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Apartment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Roommate]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.portalrent.com/blog/?p=42</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When you plan to become a roommate, there are certain things you should be aware of to avoid becoming a roommate that no one wants to live with. You certainly don&#8217;t want to be the roommate that no one else in the dorm or apartment wants to associate with or the one that is most [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When you plan to become a roommate, there are certain things you should be aware of to avoid becoming a roommate that no one wants to live with. You certainly don&#8217;t want to be the roommate that no one else in the dorm or apartment wants to associate with or the one that is most talked about. Some roommates are just impossible to live with because they are too messy, too inconsiderate, too demanding or too self-centered. That is what you want to avoid when you decide you need a roommate or want to move in with someone else.</p>
<p>If you are an only child or a person that has never shared a room with someone, the fact of being a roommate is something that you will need time to adjust to. However, this experience is the perfect learning opportunity to learn how to get along with people in situations where you just can&#8217;t leave and go home. It will prepare you for situations you will encounter in the work place and teach you valuable problem solving skills in how to get along with others. It will require you to exercise tact, cooperation and tolerance of the faults of others.</p>
<p>One thing that most roommates always do is choose the best bed or room when they are the first to arrive. The best way to start off on the right foot is to wait until your roommates arrive and then arrive at a mutual decision as to who sleeps where. This will show the others that you are willing to compromise. Even if there is one bed or room that everyone seems to want, you can flip a coin to see who gets it first and then make arrangements to switch after a period of time.</p>
<p>You should never to copy your roommate or try to go to the same places as your roommate. This is a sure sign that you lack the self-confidence to make your own decisions. Some people start to feel crowded when their roommate always wants to tag along with them. At the same time, if you do have a roommate that wants to go wherever you go and do the same things as you, you shouldn be rude and rebuff them. By gently introducing this person to new experiences and new friends you will be able to choose your own direction and give your roommate the self-confidence that he/she needs.</p>
<p>Before you take or use anything belonging to your roommate, you must always ask permission. Even if you don&#8217;t do this at home with your siblings, it is common courtesy to ask permission when you want to use something that belongs to others.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>The Value of Tenant Screening for All Landlords</title>
		<link>http://www.portalrent.com/blog/the-value-of-tenant-screening-for-all-landlords/</link>
		<comments>http://www.portalrent.com/blog/the-value-of-tenant-screening-for-all-landlords/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 19 Mar 2011 07:29:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Andy Johnson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Tenant Screening]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Landlord]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tenancy History]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.portalrent.com/blog/?p=40</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[One of the most important things you should endeavor to do as a landlord is to do a tenant background check before renting out your property. What this would entail is the collection, collation and the evaluation of the information on the various tenants in order to determine if they are qualified to occupy the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>One of the most important things you should endeavor to do as a landlord is to do a tenant background check before renting out your property. What this would entail is the collection, collation and the evaluation of the information on the various tenants in order to determine if they are qualified to occupy the place. For most of the time it is quite difficult to get such information especially when it comes to past records of crime. However, one can choose to rely on past landlords or friends even though these sources could also be questionable. There are so many reasons why a landlord should do this.</p>
<p>Indeed with a good tenant background check you would be able to find out how he or she would handle your precious property. Apart from this it is possible for some parts of the property to be damaged leading to loss in revenue. It is also crucial that after a good tenant background check, those who are found to be in a long financial turmoil be avoided. You would discover during your tenant screening that there are some people who just would not allow for their details to be divulged. This is especially the case for their past tenancy because of the fact that they were evicted for a reason or another. For this reason there are some who would fake some of the documents that need to be provided. Therefore it is advisable that only the government provided identity cards affixed with the photos are relied upon.</p>
<p>It is very important that there is an effective measure of the tenant credit check so that properties that are handed out are handled with care. Moreover so that they would also be able to pay back the fee for the rent. As much as possible the tenant screening should contain a credit report that contains the financial situation, past tenancy history, family details, disposition and temper, habits and other bank accounts of the person. All these information when provided effectively would go a long way to determine the creditworthiness and standing of the tenant in question. Furthermore there are a lot of companies around who deal professionally in these issues.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Tips On Successful Cohabitation With A Roommate</title>
		<link>http://www.portalrent.com/blog/tips-on-successful-cohabitation-with-a-roommate/</link>
		<comments>http://www.portalrent.com/blog/tips-on-successful-cohabitation-with-a-roommate/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 24 Feb 2011 06:16:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Linda Greens</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Roommates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dormitory]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Housemate]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.portalrent.com/blog/?p=39</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Whether you&#8217;re living with a roommate in college dorms or your friends in your home, can live with its challenges. There are some tricks available to make living with a roommate much easier. If you did not have to share your space before you have someone that is not your family, you may find it [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Whether you&#8217;re living with a roommate in college dorms or your friends in your home, can live with its challenges. There are some tricks available to make living with a roommate much easier. If you did not have to share your space before you have someone that is not your family, you may find it difficult to get along with your roommate. Successful coexistence may take patience, understanding, and set clear expectations and boundaries.</p>
<p>People have their reasons for wanting to get a roommate. Whether you need a roommate for financial reasons or just someone with whom to share your house, finding a roommate can be a process. Of course the key to a successful roommate relationship is mutual respect. Respecting each others life-style, requests, and belongings is what makes cohabitation work.</p>
<p>You and your roommate should sit down and discuss how to live together. Each should be honest and clear about what they are and are not willing to share. Set clear boundaries and policies. Many roommates share the cost of food in addition to rent and utilities. This can be beneficial to both parties if approached in a reasonable and fair manner. Just keep in mind that people have varying likes, dislikes, habits, and tastes so food sharing may not be for everyone.</p>
<p>You can approach any kitchen or food issues with the establishment of a cooking schedule so each roommate has designated cooking days. Or it can be decided that each cooks for themselves except on pre-arranged occasions. You should discuss the policies on borrowing and replacing staples such as milk and butter.</p>
<p>It can be nice to arrange to have a meal together now and again. This can help you develop your relationship. You can agree that whoever does the cooking the other clean up afterwards. But no matter what the agreement, always be respectful and don&#8217;t leave a mess.</p>
<p>Equally share in household responsibilities such as vacuuming, mopping, and dusting. Take turns taking out the trash and be responsible for your personal space. And, if necessary, devise a shared chore list to be clear. Most importantly share in the care of the home in which you cohabitate. This will make everyone happier.</p>
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		<title>How a Vacation Rental Can Make Your Beach Vacation More Enjoyable</title>
		<link>http://www.portalrent.com/blog/how-a-vacation-rental-can-make-your-beach-vacation-more-enjoyable/</link>
		<comments>http://www.portalrent.com/blog/how-a-vacation-rental-can-make-your-beach-vacation-more-enjoyable/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 21 Feb 2011 08:28:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Vacation Rentals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Beach Vacation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vacation Rental]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.portalrent.com/blog/?p=37</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A vacation is often an escape from the restrictions that you have in your routine life and work, so it is natural that people look for complete freedom and pure fun when they are looking for a holiday. The search for a relaxed and free spirited vacation often brings people to a beach destination, where [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A vacation is often an escape from the restrictions that you have in your routine life and work, so it is natural that people look for complete freedom and pure fun when they are looking for a holiday. The search for a relaxed and free spirited vacation often brings people to a beach destination, where they can unwind, enjoy and let the child in them come out as they play with their children. However, a hotel is often like encountering some restrictions again, since essentially there are many other people sharing the space with you in the same hotel. This close proximity to other vacationers can detract from your experience if they are excessively noisy or you are worried about disturbing them.</p>
<p>Though you may certainly appreciate the services of a good hotel, at times you are forced to give up do the comfort and things that you could do at home. There are the features of a vacation rental that hotels cannot match. For example, in these rentals you can have all the drinks and snacks stocked in your own fridge so that you don&#8217;t have to place an order and wait every time you need something? Just walk up to the fridge and get what you want. Moreover, you can prepare your meals or snacks yourself anytime when you do not feel like going out to dine. Some vacation rentals may even provide you with the services of a cook and maid and provide you the best of both worlds.</p>
<p>The amenities available in these rentals may greatly vary from basic facilities to great luxuries like a private pool, a Jacuzzi bath and more. Kids may find amenities like bicycles, games, or sports gear like tennis racquets or a volleyball for a game at the beach, which will get them excited and keep them from getting bored during the stay. A hotel room on the other hand, will typically not offer amenities of this kind and kids especially feel stifled and confined in a hotel room with little to do. In a vacation rental, kids have the extra space they need and you know that your family is the only one in the house and it&#8217;s your own space during the time of your stay. You are more carefree and can enjoy more freedom and privacy.</p>
<p>When looking for beach house rentals, it is important to analyze all the features of the vacation rental that you choose. The prices of vacation rentals may greatly vary depending on the location, space available, the amenities provided and also the season of the year, as they are more in demand in certain seasons. A vacation rental that provides a great view of the beach, may for example cost more than a similar rental just a few blocks from the beach. It is better to get all the details from the owner or manager offering the vacation rental and have all your questions clarified if any to avoid any problems or misconceptions later.</p>
<p>Finally, a vacation rental at a gorgeous beach location gives you the needed space and flexibility to plan your activities the way you want them. For a great vacation experience, you should definitely try a holiday at a vacation rental on your next trip rather than a hotel. You will surely cherish the experience.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Atlanta Apartment Roommates</title>
		<link>http://www.portalrent.com/blog/atlanta-apartment-roommates/</link>
		<comments>http://www.portalrent.com/blog/atlanta-apartment-roommates/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 21 Jan 2011 03:44:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Linda Greens</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Roommates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Apartment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Roommate]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.portalrent.com/blog/?p=33</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[One of the main criteria for choosing an apartment is its proximity to one&#8217;s workplace. If one can avoid or lessen the daily commute, the savings in terms of time, money and energy are worth more than anything. However, often apartment hunters face a dilemma of finding only expensive apartments near their workplaces. When faced [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>One of the main criteria for choosing an apartment is its proximity to one&#8217;s workplace. If one can avoid or lessen the daily commute, the savings in terms of time, money and energy are worth more than anything. However, often apartment hunters face a dilemma of finding only expensive apartments near their workplaces. When faced with such a dilemma one solution that has become very popular is sharing the apartment with a roommate.</p>
<p>Having roommates has its pros and cons. While the presence of a roommate might impinge upon your privacy, it adds an element of safety. Rent costs are halved and one gets the advantage of companionship. However one needs to be very careful while choosing a roommate. A roommate with the wrong kind of friends and habits can wreak havoc on your life. So it is always advisable to look for references or, if possible, share your apartment with someone you already know.</p>
<p>It doesn&#8217;t always happen that you find your ideal roommate in your place of work/study. As a supply for this demand, several Web sites have sprung up where people looking for roommates and those looking for homes to share, can register. Each site gives you certain criteria which narrow down the search from its database. This will help you find a roommate pretty fast. The only drawback in this system is that it is hard to verify credentials. In that case one needs to trust one&#8217;s gut instincts and pay close attention to potential roommates. Evaluate them objectively and then go in for a mutual arrangement. Several Web sites dealing with real estate also have roommate registering sections. One can search through such databases and arrange to meet the potential roommates in person and then make a decision.</p>
<p>If you have rented an apartment, pay close attention to what your contract states. At times, the number of residents allowed in an apartment is specified. It is also essential to iron out how household expenses will be shared. An apartment needs maintenance too. So be sure to divide up the housekeeping duties also. Several happy roommate relationships have been known to break down over issues like expenses and housekeeping. Planning all of these things in advance can help to make sure these problems do not happen.</p>
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		<title>Dealing With Obnoxious Roommates</title>
		<link>http://www.portalrent.com/blog/dealing-with-obnoxious-roommates/</link>
		<comments>http://www.portalrent.com/blog/dealing-with-obnoxious-roommates/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 13 Dec 2010 07:54:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Linda Greens</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Roommates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Apartment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tenant Screening]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.portalrent.com/blog/?p=30</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Sharing an apartment with roommates can be a fun experience. Well, these problems can be handled regardless of its nature. One thing to keep in mind is to act rationally and think before you act. Sometimes, it can get to the point where you want to literally scream at the individual, but take a step [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Sharing an apartment with roommates can be a fun experience. Well, these problems can be handled regardless of its nature. One thing to keep in mind is to act rationally and think before you act. Sometimes, it can get to the point where you want to literally scream at the individual, but take a step back and think logically. Remember, you&#8217;ll be sharing the apartment for at least one year so it is in your best interest to remain calm.</p>
<p>The best way to handle these situations is to politely communicate your feelings to your roommates. There is no point in keeping everything inside. When you keep things inside, it&#8217;s not good and can be detrimental to your health and overall well being. You will lose focus of more important things like school and work. Take the initiative and be pro-active about it. Speak to the roommates in your apartment and communicate your feelings. Ask them how they feel about it and attempt to resolve the problem. In the end, you will feel much better about the situation. Your roommates will acknowledge your concern and should take it into consideration. If the problem should repeat itself the next time around, bring it to the attention of the individual again. Since it&#8217;s the second time around, the individual should feel a little bit of guilt and work harder to rectify the problem.</p>
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		<title>The Future of Tenant Screening Services</title>
		<link>http://www.portalrent.com/blog/the-future-of-tenant-screening-services/</link>
		<comments>http://www.portalrent.com/blog/the-future-of-tenant-screening-services/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 30 Oct 2010 07:38:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Linda Greens</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Tenant Screening]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Online Services]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vacation Rentals]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.portalrent.com/blog/?p=28</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[While these methods of background screening were great for weeding out tenants with financial problems or those likely to make late payments, many others with criminal records or past evictions un-related to financials easily slipped under the radar. Much of the time these tenants would be the ones to cause major problems for landlords and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>While these methods of background screening were great for weeding out tenants with financial problems or those likely to make late payments, many others with criminal records or past evictions un-related to financials easily slipped under the radar. Much of the time these tenants would be the ones to cause major problems for landlords and property owners. Thankfully, today there are much more effective methods to thoroughly screen potential tenants.</p>
<p>Large real estate companies have access to enterprise edition tenant screening services or hire outside firms to conduct a large volume of tenant screening checks. While this works well for the big guys, many landlords and property owners do not have access to these expensive resources. The answer is online tenant screening services. Premium tenant screening services allow landlords and property owners to quickly and easily run their own criminal and eviction background checks on potential renters with complete confidence. Properties are an extremely valuable asset. Below are some of the things the top tenant screening solutions provide.</p>
<p>Gone are the days of time consuming tenant background checks. Online services provide you with accurate information in just seconds. Premium screening solutions instantly comb through Millions of National Records including the FBI&#8217;s most wanted list, the national terrorist database to the national sex offender database and compile all the relevant information into one clean, easy to read report. The best sites focus on creating a straight-forward and streamlined user experience making screening tenants easier than ever.</p>
<p>None of the information in online databases should be more than one month old and all legitimate services provide information that is 100% FCRA compliant. In addition to the advantages listed above, the beauty of premium tenant screening services is that they are extremely scalable, great for quick one-off screening searches, as well as high volume searches for larger clients. Tenant Detective is your one stop shop for all of your tenant screening needs. Stop wasting time using outdated screening methods. After all, spending less time qualifying tenants will allow you to spend more time closing deals.</p>
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		<title>How to Rent Your Apartment</title>
		<link>http://www.portalrent.com/blog/how-to-rent-your-apartment/</link>
		<comments>http://www.portalrent.com/blog/how-to-rent-your-apartment/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 20 Sep 2010 07:11:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Linda Greens</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Apartment Rentals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Home]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rental Property]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tenant]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.portalrent.com/blog/?p=25</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[For the home-owner faced with renting out a home for the first time, there are a number of things to consider. People may find themselves becoming a landlord for a variety of reasons, planned or otherwise. Maybe you have bought or built a new house, but would like to keep the old one. Perhaps you&#8217;ve [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>For the home-owner faced with renting out a home for the first time, there are a number of things to consider. People may find themselves becoming a landlord for a variety of reasons, planned or otherwise. Maybe you have bought or built a new house, but would like to keep the old one. Perhaps you&#8217;ve inherited a property you&#8217;d like to rent, or possibly you&#8217;d like to rent your old home while it&#8217;s on the market after you&#8217;ve moved into a new place. No matter what the circumstances, renting your home can be a valuable source of income, or a costly nightmare.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s important to make an honest appraisal of the projected income against the cost of possible repair and maintenance, not to mention the potential of deadbeat tenants who may not pay the rent or who may cause costly damage to your property. If the property is almost paid off, in reasonably good condition and is in a safe neighborhood, then renting may be a very good idea. If not, you might consider selling up before setting off down the somewhat risky path to being a landlord.</p>
<p>Screening potential tenants is one of the trickiest aspects, but also one of the most important considerations associated with first-time rentals. Don&#8217;t trust your gut feelings &#8211; looks and charm are terrible indicators when it comes to finding a reliable tenant. Make absolutely sure your potential tenant has a solid history of paying their bills. An application form is still one of the best ways to weed out unreliable prospects and there are free standard tenant application forms available online. Be sure to check multiple references among the applicant&#8217;s former landlords and employers and take a little time to authenticate the addresses, names and records provided.</p>
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