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        <title>Jacksonville | Ponte Vedra | St Johns</title>
        <link>https://www.kristafracke.com/blog/</link>
        <description>Ponte Vedra Home, St Johns real estate, Jacksonville Real Estate </description>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.kristafracke.com/blog/do-you-need-a-home-warranty.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.kristafracke.com/blog/do-you-need-a-home-warranty.html</link>
        <title>Do You Need a Home Warranty?</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Do You Need a Home Warranty?






If you have just purchased a new Jacksonville home, you might be wondering how to protect your new purchase. It's human nature to want to protect what we own; especially when it is likely the most expensive asset of our life. A home warranty isn't insurance. It is a service contract. Much like when you buy a computer, and the company offers a warranty to fix it if it breaks.  There are a number of things you need to consider before pulling the trigger on that home warranty. 



What Does It Cost?



Typically a home warranty will cost you anywhere between $300 and $500. This warranty is going to cover things like plumbing, kitchen appliances, heating and electrical systems, exhaust fans, and whirlpool tubs. Optional coverage can be added for items like pools and septic systems if needed. Companies will try to upsell “enhanced” warranties for things like washer and dryers, air conditioning units, refrigerators and garage door openers. The enhanced edition will run homeowners an extra $100 to $300. Cost is also based on the company's lost history. That means, if a company has had to make a lot of repairs or replacements, your warranty cost can go down. Don’t forget that these fees are just the premium portion. Each time you require service, you will be required to pay a fee as well - usually between $50 to $100.


You Might Already Be Covered 



Similar to when you purchase an appliance in a store, when you buy one within a new home, it can come with a warranty. It would be best to check this with the builder or contractor if possible. For instance, most new appliances and mechanicals come with a one year warranty. And in some states, it is required for the builder to supply a new owner with a warranty. In order to entice a sale, some sellers will offer a warranty with purchase. It is also the norm in some areas for realtors to offer a warranty as part of a closing gift. 



Downfalls of the Home Warranty



The biggest downfall is almost always an expectation. What homeowners expect of the warranty and what the warranty delivers is two different things. It is really important to take the time to read through the contract. Don’t take anyone's word for what it does and does not cover. You also need to know what the circumstances of a repair or replacement are. If you have not properly maintained an appliance, the warranty will likely be void. 



Overall, home warranties are a good idea. If you have any questions about a home warranty or any other Jacksonville real estate questions, contact Real Estate agent Krista Fracke. A longtime resident, Krista knows what is happening in the area. 

 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 22 Mar 2019 06:02:00 -0400</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.kristafracke.com/blog/springtime-jacksonville-events-your-family-will-love.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.kristafracke.com/blog/springtime-jacksonville-events-your-family-will-love.html</link>
        <title>Springtime Jacksonville Events Your Family Will Love</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 






Jacksonville is home to some really great events and festivals throughout the whole year. But, Spring is special. Some of Jacksonville's favourite events are underway this Spring. Here are some events that will be fun for the whole family. And guess what? Most of them are free 


The Spring Fun Pass


Jacksonville’s Spring Fun Pass can be purchased for $14.95. The Pass will allow holders access to laser tag, billiards, arcade games and more. 



Spring Break at Jacksonville Ice



Lace up your skates and add a little winter to your spring break fun list. Jacksonville Ice is open all week and even has lessons available for the newbie in the family. A public skating session will run you around $12. 



Springing the Blues Festival


This 3-day free festival has been voted “top 50 music festival in the USA” by Downbeat Magazine. It is arguably one of the most anticipated music festivals in the states. From blues legends to gospel bands, the music lover in you won’t want to miss this one. In true festival fashion, there is a food court, artisan marketplace and kids activities. The festival runs from April 5th to April 7th at the Seahawk Pavillion. 



Butterfly Festival



This unique community activity, put on by Tree Hill Nature Centre, finishes off with a live butterfly release. Before that, attendees can expect to find live animals, a little music and plenty of local vendors. This year, the festival will highlight the role the centre plays in promoting local and sustainable food. 



Jacksonville Jazz Festival



We can’t talk about spring events without mentioning the Jazz Festival. It’s one of the largest in the Nation. The Jacksonville Jazz Festival is this Memorial Day weekend, May 23rd - 26th and is located in the core of downtown Jacksonville. This year there will be three entertainment stages featuring a wide range of Jazz musicians. And all for free 



On top of all the great spring festivals, Jacksonville offers a wide variety of family events. If you have any questions about what is happening in and around Jacksonville, contact Real Estate agent Krista Fracke. A longtime resident, Krista knows what is happening in the area. 



 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 15 Mar 2019 15:59:00 -0400</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.kristafracke.com/blog/signs-you-are-ready-to-upgrade-to-a-larger-home.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.kristafracke.com/blog/signs-you-are-ready-to-upgrade-to-a-larger-home.html</link>
        <title>Signs You are Ready to Upgrade to a Larger Home</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



It doesn’t happen all at once. First, you are trying to find storage space in the top of the closet. Then, you're sliding Rubbermaid bins under the beds. Finally, you find yourself using that bedroom as an office/workout room/walk-in closet. Sound about right? You may have loved your Jacksonville home when you bought it- maybe you still love it. But is it time to make a move? Here are a few tell-tale signs it may be time to look for more space.


Intended Use


When you first bought your home in Jacksonville, you may have been single or newly married, and two bedrooms were enough. Now, with a child or two, the bedroom that they shared as babies may not work so well as toddlers. Or, if you’ve received a promotion at work, that second bedroom does not work so well as an office when your mother-in-law is in town. Is one family room just not cutting it anymore?


As kids grow, they often need a second family room. And let's be honest, having them play in a separate room sounds like music to your ears, doesn’t it? If you are finding yourself using spaces for activities that are not the rooms original intended use, it may be time to look for a better option for your family.


Renovations


Buyers often purchase their first home in Jacksonville believing they can renovate it into the home they want. Generally, this can be true. However, renovations can reveal other problem areas.


Let's say you want to increase the closet space. That renovation can reveal that the bedroom is actually too small. If you are taking a wall out of the kitchen to put in an island, this can reveal that the dining area doesn't accommodate the table you want, or it can push too far into the living space.


Buyers can get enamoured with their first home and forget to really look at the details. Sometimes you look at home and think, “We can put in hardwood floors,” only later realizing there are 6 different types of flooring throughout the house. A discovery that makes removing the flooring a very lengthy process. If you find yourself in renovation mode more often than not, it may be time to allow another family to take over.


Lifestyle


Did you buy your first home for its amazing Jacksonville location? Is it close to your favourite restaurants and shopping areas? Many buyers purchase their first home to suit their lifestyle. Kids, jobs, ageing parents are just a few things that can drastically change our lifestyle in a few years. Is your commute is longer?  Do you want to entertain at home more, as opposed to going out? Would an upper-level laundry room help simplify the cleaning process? It might be time to look for a home that fits your new lifestyle.


If you think you it might be time to start looking for a larger Jacksonville home contact Jacksonville Real Estate agent Krista Fracke. Krista can help simplify the process.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 08 Mar 2019 16:44:00 -0500</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.kristafracke.com/blog/3-things-all-first-time-homebuyers-need-in-a-house.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.kristafracke.com/blog/3-things-all-first-time-homebuyers-need-in-a-house.html</link>
        <title>3 Things all First-Time Homebuyers Need in a House</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



As a first-time homebuyer, purchasing a new home in Jacksonville is an exciting experience. It is something you have likely saved and worked for years to achieve. But, this means that when purchasing your dream home, you need to make your decision wisely. You need a home that matches your lifestyle, your needs, and your future. Let’s talk about three things that all first-time homebuyers should look for in a new house in Jacksonville. 


1. A House You Can Grow Into


The average homeowner will live in their house for approximately10 years. This means that you need ample space to grow. If you have plans to expand your family, need room for a home office, etc., make sure that the home you are considering is large enough for your future growth. Before you begin your house hunt, sit down and consider your life for the next ten years. Then, look for a home that best matches these goals and still fits within your budget. 


2. A House that Matches Your Lifestyle


If you dislike yard work and landscaping or you simply don’t have time to care for this area of your home, you don’t want to purchase a property with a large yard. Over time, this area of your home will suffer and it will affect the curb appeal of your home. As you look for a home, consider your current lifestyle and the features and details that you need or want to avoid. 


3. A House that is Move-In Ready


For most first-time homebuyers, your budget is fairly tight. This can mean that much-needed upgrades and repairs may not be financially possible. If you have a strict budget, look for a house that is move-in ready and requires very few projects. But, keep in mind that you will have basic maintenance and upkeep expenses every year. To help budget and properly prepare for these expenses, remember the 1 rule. This rule states that each year, you should budget approximately 1 of the home’s purchase price to cover the cost of home maintenance and repair expenses. 


As a first-time homebuyer, it is easy to be distracted by beautiful kitchens, pools, and large master bedrooms, but these things will not make the home. If you are ready to buy a new home in Jacksonville, contact real estate agent Krista Fracke today to help you find a home that has all of the essentials and that you will be proud to call home.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 01 Mar 2019 15:44:00 -0500</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.kristafracke.com/blog/does-your-home-stink-heres-how-to-get-rid-of-it.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.kristafracke.com/blog/does-your-home-stink-heres-how-to-get-rid-of-it.html</link>
        <title>Does Your Home Stink? Here’s How to Get Rid of it</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



You may have a beautiful home in Jacksonville, but if it has unpleasant odors lingering inside, buyers will quickly walk away. While some odors are easier to get rid of than others, many just require the right supplies, a little hard work, and some time. Here are several tips to help you get rid of unpleasant odors in your house. 


1. Clean the Trash Can


Does your kitchen stink and you can’t seem to get rid of the smell? It may be your garbage can. You need to regularly scrub and clean out your garbage can. Spray out the can with a hose and wash the inside with mild soap. Once the garbage can is dry, sprinkle the bottom of the can with baking soda. This will help absorb much of those unpleasant lingering smells. 


2. Remove Your Toilet Seat


If your bathroom smells like urine and you are struggling to fight the odor, it may be coming from under your toilet seat. To help get rid of this unpleasant stench in your house, regularly remove the toilet seat and clean around the seat’s fittings. You will be surprised at what accumulates around these fittings and the difference this one task will make with the smell of your home. 


3. Wash Those Towels


In addition to having a bathroom smell like urine, it may also have a musty, old smell. This may be from your towels. No matter how many times you wash them, as soon as they get wet, this odor overtakes the room. You can get rid of this smell — and not worry about buying new towels — by washing the towels in vinegar and baking soda rather than regular laundry detergent. This is not only good for your towels but for your washing machine as well. 


4. Pay Attention to Where the Smell is Coming From


If you notice that your home smells old or like wet cardboard, it may be more than just an unclean appliance, it may be hidden mold. There are different types of mold and some are more serious than others. For mold that is non-toxic, you can clean with soap and water or vinegar and bleach. However, if you discover a large mold problem, you need to call a professional right away. 


5. Hire a Professional Carpet Cleaner


The carpets in your home are absorbent. Over time, they can absorb many smells that will linger throughout your entire home. The best way to get rid of many of these smells is to hire a professional carpet cleaner. This should be something you do at least once a year. If you have young kids or pets in your home, it is wise to own your own carpet cleaner and shampoo your carpets every two or three months. 


If you are considering selling your Jacksonville home, you must get rid of unpleasant odors in your home. This will make your home more appealing to buyers and help speed up the selling process. 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2019 17:26:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.kristafracke.com/blog/considering-a-vacation-home-in-jacksonville-heres-what-you-need-to-know.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.kristafracke.com/blog/considering-a-vacation-home-in-jacksonville-heres-what-you-need-to-know.html</link>
        <title>Considering a Vacation Home in Jacksonville? Here’s What You Need to Know</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



There is nothing better than enjoying a relaxing, rejuvenating vacation. And for many individuals, owning a vacation home in Jacksonville just makes sense. But, buying a vacation home — or a second home — has many differences than when purchasing a primary residence. Before you begin your house hunt, here are a few things you need to know. 


Know Your Financial Situation — and Know it Well


When you purchase a second home, you will notice there are many differences from when you purchased your primary residence. One of these is that you will need to meet much higher financial requirements to qualify for a home loan. Typically, you need a high credit score, usually 700 or higher, and you will need at least 10 to 20 down payment. Additionally, many home loan options, such as an FHA loan, will not be available.


You must also be prepared to pay two mortgages. If your budget does not allow for two mortgages, the taxes and fees associated with this, and homeowner expenses for both homes, you may not be ready for a vacation house in Jacksonville. Also, keep in mind that your interest rate and other fees may be higher for a second home than a primary residence.


Location is Key


When looking for a vacation home in Jacksonville, make sure you know exactly where you want to reside. If you want a beachfront property, then have a handful of neighborhoods on the beach in mind. If you are not picky, make sure you consider things such as the neighborhood, proximity to local amenities and attractions, any Homeowner’s Associations, etc. Talk to a local real estate agent to help you choose the best location for a vacation home.


 Know When You Can and Cannot Rent


You may want to rent out your vacation home in Jacksonville and earn some additional income. While this may be a great idea, understand that you may not be able to legally rent out any property. For example, if you choose a home that is managed by a specific Homeowner’s Association, there may be strict rules that do not allow properties to become rentals. Some condos may also have strict rules regarding interior decorating, who lives in the property, etc.


Do a Little Math


While a vacation home may interest you, it may not be worth the cost. When considering a second property, do a little math and ensure you will use the property enough to make it worthwhile and to balance out its costs. The last thing you want is to have a vacation home that sits empty but drains your bank account.


If you are considering a vacation home in the Jacksonville area, visit with real estate agent Krista Fracke today. She can help you find the perfect place for you to relax, de-stress, and enjoy.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 15 Feb 2019 17:35:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.kristafracke.com/blog/jacksonville-activities-all-athletic-residents-should-do.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.kristafracke.com/blog/jacksonville-activities-all-athletic-residents-should-do.html</link>
        <title>Jacksonville Activities All Athletic Residents Should Do</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



While Jacksonville is a beautiful place to call home, it is also ideal for those who love to be physically active. There are activities, attractions, and events that cater to all athletes — both beginners and professionals alike. Let’s take a look at just a handful of Jacksonville activities for those who love physical activity.


Surfing Lessons


No matter your age and how much experience you have out in the ocean, you can become a skilled surfer in little time. Jacksonville has many companies and businesses throughout the city that offer surfing lessons and help you become safe and skilled while out in the water. You can sign up for frequent lessons, camps, and more.


Attend a Professional Sporting Event


Even if you aren’t much of an athlete yourself, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy an incredible sporting event. Jacksonville is home to many sporting teams including the Jacksonville Jaguars, Jacksonville Icemen, Jacksonville Sharks, and more. No matter what sport you enjoy watching, you can catch a game in this Florida city.


Enjoy a Beautiful Walk


If you are looking for simple Jacksonville activities, yet something that will get your body moving, take a walk along one of the many walking trails and pathways throughout the city. Places such as the Riverwalk, Jacksonville Arboretum &amp; Gardens, and along one of the many beaches gets you outside, enjoying the fresh air, and improving your physical health.


Rock Climbing


Located in Atlantic Beach, Beaches Rock Gym offers rock climbing for young children to professionals. This is a fabulous place to visit if you just want to climb on your own and perfect your skills or if you are looking for a great way to get some energy out of your young ones. Beaches Rock Gym is just one of the many rock climbing gyms located across the city. Do your own research to find a gym that best caters to your own skill levels and experience.


Ice Skate


Just because the weather is beautiful year-round in Jacksonville, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy popular winter sports. Jacksonville Ice and Sportsplex is a terrific place to bring your entire family to get out of the house, move your body, and have fun. You can enjoy public ice skating hours or take lessons to improve your skills. Adults and youth can also sign up for a hockey team and spend even more time out on the ice.


There are many reasons why individuals call Jacksonville home and the above activities are just a few of them. If you are ready to look for your dream house in this area, call real estate agent Krista Fracke today.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 08 Feb 2019 16:24:00 -0500</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.kristafracke.com/blog/jacksonville-activities-all-athletic-residents-should-do1.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.kristafracke.com/blog/jacksonville-activities-all-athletic-residents-should-do1.html</link>
        <title>Jacksonville Activities All Athletic Residents Should Do</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



While Jacksonville is a beautiful place to call home, it is also ideal for those who love to be physically active. There are activities, attractions, and events that cater to all athletes — both beginners and professionals alike. Let’s take a look at just a handful of Jacksonville activities for those who love physical activity.


Surfing Lessons


No matter your age and how much experience you have out in the ocean, you can become a skilled surfer in little time. Jacksonville has many companies and businesses throughout the city that offer surfing lessons and help you become safe and skilled while out in the water. You can sign up for frequent lessons, camps, and more.


Attend a Professional Sporting Event


Even if you aren’t much of an athlete yourself, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy an incredible sporting event. Jacksonville is home to many sporting teams including the Jacksonville Jaguars, Jacksonville Icemen, Jacksonville Sharks, and more. No matter what sport you enjoy watching, you can catch a game in this Florida city.


Enjoy a Beautiful Walk


If you are looking for simple Jacksonville activities, yet something that will get your body moving, take a walk along one of the many walking trails and pathways throughout the city. Places such as the Riverwalk, Jacksonville Arboretum &amp; Gardens, and along one of the many beaches gets you outside, enjoying the fresh air, and improving your physical health.


Rock Climbing


Located in Atlantic Beach, Beaches Rock Gym offers rock climbing for young children to professionals. This is a fabulous place to visit if you just want to climb on your own and perfect your skills or if you are looking for a great way to get some energy out of your young ones. Beaches Rock Gym is just one of the many rock climbing gyms located across the city. Do your own research to find a gym that best caters to your own skill levels and experience.


Ice Skate


Just because the weather is beautiful year-round in Jacksonville, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy popular winter sports. Jacksonville Ice and Sportsplex is a terrific place to bring your entire family to get out of the house, move your body, and have fun. You can enjoy public ice skating hours or take lessons to improve your skills. Adults and youth can also sign up for a hockey team and spend even more time out on the ice.


There are many reasons why individuals call Jacksonville home and the above activities are just a few of them. If you are ready to look for your dream house in this area, call real estate agent Krista Fracke today.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 08 Feb 2019 16:24:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.kristafracke.com/blog/4-questions-you-should-always-ask-a-real-estate-agent.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.kristafracke.com/blog/4-questions-you-should-always-ask-a-real-estate-agent.html</link>
        <title>4 Questions You Should Always Ask a Real Estate Agent</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



In the year 2018, there were approximately 2 million real estate agents in the United States. So, as a home buyer or seller in Jacksonville, how do you find the best? What questions do you ask to ensure you make the smartest hiring decision? Let’s discuss four questions you should always ask before hiring a real estate agent in Jacksonville. 


1. Will You Work With Me Throughout the Entire Process?


In some agencies, you may be passed around to different real estate agents during the buying or selling process. While this helps you work with experts during vital steps in the transaction, it can also make the process more complex and challenging. A home is a large investment and you want to work with someone from start to finish who has your back, has your best interests in mind, and knows your situation.


2. What Challenges Have You Faced and How Did You Overcome Them?


Real estate is no simple industry. There are many aspects to a real estate transaction and there are many things that can occur that will delay or stop a sale altogether. You want to work with a real estate agent in Jacksonville who has the experience and expertise to handle these various challenges that may come your way. Ask your agent about past challenges and what he or she did to overcome them. If their strategy is similar to what you would likely do, you may be a great team.


3. Can You Provide Me With Past References?


When you hire a real estate agent, it is important that you do your homework. While an agent can look great on paper and sound ideal during the interview process, you want to ensure they are not all talk. Do your research online and read reviews and testimonials of past clients. Gather references from your potential agent and give former clients a call. Some questions you can ask about the agent include their work ethic, response times, ability to answer questions, and how they handle issues that arise.


4.  What Neighborhoods Do You Tend to Work in the Most?


 You want to work with a real estate agent in Jacksonville who is familiar with the area and all surroundings neighborhoods— particularly if you are buying a home. You need someone who can provide you with a plethora of options that fit your lifestyle, budget, and family. For example, if you have a young family, you need to be shown homes in the best school districts, with little traffic, and low crime rates. Make sure your agent is familiar with the type of neighborhoods and locations you desire.


If you are ready to buy or sell a house in Jacksonville, give real estate agent Krista Fracke a call. She can help you throughout your entire real estate transaction and is ready to answer all of your questions.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 01 Feb 2019 16:45:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.kristafracke.com/blog/home-design-trends-you-can-expect-in-2019.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.kristafracke.com/blog/home-design-trends-you-can-expect-in-2019.html</link>
        <title>Home Design Trends You Can Expect in 2019</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



The past year has brought many unique styles and trends to homes in the Jacksonville area. Some of these 2018 trends such as florals, velvet, and copper are not expected to leave in this new year, but many more home design trends are going to be making their debut. Let’s take a look at new home design trends you can expect in 2019 and how it may change the look of your residence this year.


Bold, Dark Colors


A previous home design trend was using light or neutral colors throughout the home. Light and neutral colors brighten and open up rooms which help guests and homeowners feel relaxed and calm. However, this year, you can expect to see these lighter colors begin to change to darker, more bold color options such as navy blues, deep greens, etc. Keep in mind that you will not want to paint an entire room any of these colors but a dark accent wall, furniture, fabrics, etc., will be popular.


Two-Toned Cabinets


In 2018 we saw two-toned cabinets taking over Jacksonville kitchens. Two-toned cabinets are when the upper cabinetry is a lighter color than the lower cabinets. This is a home design trend that is not going anywhere this year. Popular color choices include whites, grays, and creams for upper cabinets and blacks and deep blue hues for lower cabinets.


A Freestanding Tub


According to the 2018 Bathroom Trends Study, approximately 80 of home remodelers are planning to upgrade their bathtub. But, this isn’t just a simple upgrade. Many are turning away from a built-in tub to a freestanding product. However, to truly reap the benefits of this look, you need to ensure that you have a large enough bathroom- one where the tub doesn’t overpower the space and provides ample room to move around.


Design-friendly Backsplash


If you are remodeling your kitchen area this year, don’t leave your backsplash as an afterthought. Experts predict that backsplashes with a lot of color, patterns, and designs are going to be a popular home design trend in 2019.


If you are considering putting your home on the market this year or finding your dream home in the Jacksonville area, give real estate agent Krista Fracke a call or email her here.
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    <pubDate>Fri, 25 Jan 2019 12:03:00 -0500</pubDate>
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