
Based on looking at the website, Alburyandhall.co.uk appears to be a legitimate, family-owned independent estate agency operating in the Poole Harbour area and beyond. They specialise in residential property, commercial and business properties, and new homes & land. The site conveys a strong emphasis on personalised service and comprehensive marketing, aiming to connect quality buyers with a diverse portfolio of properties.
Here’s an overall review summary:
- Website Legitimacy: Appears legitimate and professional.
- Service Offering: Property sales (residential, commercial, new homes/land), property appraisals.
- Geographic Coverage: Poole Harbour and surrounding areas, with local, national, and international coverage mentioned.
- Ethical Considerations (Islamic Perspective): Primarily deals with real estate, which is permissible. No explicit red flags concerning interest-based transactions (Riba) or other forbidden activities are immediately apparent on the homepage, though a deeper dive into their financial processes would be required for full certainty. The core business of buying and selling property is sound.
- Transparency: Good initial transparency regarding services and contact methods.
- Missing Elements for Trust: Lacks immediate display of professional accreditations (e.g., NAEA Propertymark, RICS), clear “About Us” or “Team” sections detailing qualifications, explicit ethical statements, or detailed terms of service readily visible on the homepage. Customer testimonials or case studies are also not prominently featured.
Alburyandhall.co.uk presents itself as a dedicated property expert with a focus on seamless service. They highlight their family-owned status and extensive coverage within their operational area. The website’s homepage details their process for property appraisals and their expertise in new homes and land developments. While the core business of facilitating property transactions is permissible, a truly trustworthy and ethically transparent service, particularly from an Islamic viewpoint, often benefits from more explicit details regarding financial practices, professional affiliations, and customer feedback. Without these, it’s difficult to fully ascertain their adherence to all ethical standards.
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IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.
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Best Alternatives for Property Services in the UK:
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- Key Features: Largest online property portal in the UK, extensive listings for sales, rentals, new homes, commercial properties. Provides market data and insights.
- Average Price: Free for users to browse, agents pay for listings.
- Pros: Huge reach, comprehensive search filters, user-friendly interface.
- Cons: Not an estate agent itself, relies on agents for listing quality.
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- Key Features: Second largest property portal, similar to Rightmove but often includes additional data like sold prices and local area insights.
- Average Price: Free for users to browse, agents pay for listings.
- Pros: Detailed property information, local market trends, valuation tools.
- Cons: Also relies on agents for listings, can be overwhelming with data.
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- Key Features: Agent-owned property portal, often has new listings 24 hours before Rightmove or Zoopla, focusing on quality listings.
- Average Price: Free for users, agents pay for listings.
- Pros: Early access to some properties, cleaner interface, agent-focused.
- Cons: Smaller inventory compared to the two giants.
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- Key Features: Global real estate services provider, offering residential, commercial, and rural property services. Known for high-end properties and professional advice.
- Average Price: Varies significantly based on service, typically higher-end.
- Pros: Reputable, wide range of services, expert advice, strong global network.
- Cons: Often caters to the premium market, may not be suitable for all budgets.
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- Key Features: Independent global property consultancy, specialising in prime residential and commercial properties, offering sales, lettings, valuations, and property management.
- Average Price: Varies based on service, generally for premium properties.
- Pros: Strong reputation, extensive network, expert market knowledge.
- Cons: Primarily focuses on high-value properties, not as accessible for average buyers.
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- Key Features: National network of independent estate agents, strong local presence in many areas, offering sales, lettings, and new homes. Focus on personalised service.
- Average Price: Commission-based for sales, varies for other services.
- Pros: Established brand, local expertise, personalised approach.
- Cons: Coverage may vary by region, smaller network than global giants.
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- Key Features: Part of the BNP Paribas Real Estate group, offering residential sales, lettings, new homes, commercial property, and rural estate services.
- Average Price: Varies, generally for mid to high-end properties.
- Pros: Broad range of services, strong analytical capabilities, part of a large financial group.
- Cons: Can be perceived as less “local” than smaller independent firms.
Alburyandhall.co.uk Review & First Look
Upon a thorough initial assessment of Alburyandhall.co.uk, the website presents itself as a professional and established independent estate agency. The clean design and straightforward navigation suggest a focus on user experience. The homepage immediately communicates their core business: facilitating property transactions across residential, commercial, and new homes/land sectors. They highlight their family-owned status and extensive coverage around Poole Harbour, aiming to build trust through local expertise and a personal touch.
Initial Impressions and User Experience
The website provides a clear call to action, offering property appraisals and booking appointments. This immediate engagement is a positive sign for potential clients. The language used is professional and reassuring, aiming to convey expertise and a supportive process for both buyers and sellers. However, for a user seeking to establish comprehensive trust, especially in a sector as significant as real estate, there are areas where the site could enhance its transparency and depth.
Credibility Indicators on the Homepage
The homepage does make an effort to establish credibility. The claim of being “the only family owned independent estate agents covering all sides of Poole harbour and beyond” attempts to highlight a unique selling proposition. The mention of “strong and vibrant marketing ethos” and attracting “quality buyers” further supports their professional intent. However, unlike many established and highly regulated professional services, visible industry accreditations (such as NAEA Propertymark, RICS, or The Property Ombudsman membership logos) are not immediately apparent on the main landing page. These accreditations are crucial for demonstrating adherence to professional standards and providing recourse for clients, significantly boosting trust.
Alburyandhall.co.uk Features
Alburyandhall.co.uk offers a range of features aimed at simplifying the property buying and selling process. These features are designed to cater to various client needs, from those looking to sell their current home to individuals seeking new developments or commercial spaces. The website outlines a structured approach to property services, emphasising client support at every stage.
Comprehensive Property Portfolio
The website highlights a diverse portfolio of properties, categorised into residential, commercial & businesses, and new homes & land. This breadth of offering suggests that Albury & Hall can cater to a wide array of clients, from individual homeowners to developers and commercial investors. The mention of “luxury seaside apartments” and “exclusive country homes” within their new homes section indicates a focus on various market segments. Handyheat.co.uk Review
- Residential Sales: Focused on guiding clients through selling their “much beloved home” or finding their “next home or even a second home.” This personal language aims to resonate with private homeowners.
- Commercial & Businesses: While less detailed on the homepage, the inclusion of this category suggests they handle properties beyond just private residences, indicating a broader market reach.
- New Homes & Land Consultants: This appears to be a significant area of expertise, with multiple project names listed (e.g., No1 Chesil Beach, Ammonite). This specialisation is valuable for developers and those looking for newly built properties.
Personalised Service Approach
Albury & Hall stresses a “friendly, approachable and personalised service, tailored to suit your exact requirements.” This emphasis on individual client needs is a strong selling point in the competitive estate agency market. They claim that “individual members of our team are dedicated to each area of the selling and buying process,” implying a hands-on, supportive approach throughout the transaction.
- Dedicated Support: The promise of continuous updates and invaluable advice aims to minimise client stress during what can often be a complex process.
- Initial Home Visit: Their process commences with a home visit to discuss requirements, offer presentation advice, and detail their marketing strategy. This face-to-face interaction is a traditional and often preferred method for building rapport.
Marketing and Valuation Services
The agency prides itself on a “strong and vibrant marketing ethos,” aiming for “professional and productive promotion of your property across a number of varied and widespread platforms.” While the specific platforms aren’t detailed on the homepage, this suggests a multi-channel approach to reaching potential buyers.
- Full Appraisal and Valuation: Clients receive a detailed appraisal and valuation, alongside expert advice on the best time to commence marketing. This structured approach helps sellers make informed decisions.
- Showcasing Property: They claim to showcase properties in their “best light,” which is crucial for attracting buyer interest and achieving optimal sale prices.
- Quality Buyer Attraction: The statement “Albury & Hall are proud to consistently attract quality buyers” is a key claim that, if true, would be highly beneficial to sellers.
Alburyandhall.co.uk Pros & Cons
When evaluating Alburyandhall.co.uk, it’s important to consider both its strengths and areas where it could improve to enhance trust and user experience, particularly for a discerning client base.
Advantages of Alburyandhall.co.uk
The website highlights several positive aspects that could attract potential clients in the property market.
- Clear Specialisation and Local Focus: The agency clearly articulates its focus on the Poole Harbour area and its expertise in residential, commercial, and new homes & land. This local specialisation can be a significant advantage, as local agents often possess deeper market knowledge and community connections.
- Emphasis on Personalised Service: The repeated mention of “friendly, approachable and personalised service” is appealing. In a high-value transaction like property, clients often prefer a dedicated and supportive approach rather than a purely transactional one.
- Structured Process for Sellers: The outline of their selling process, from initial home visit and appraisal to marketing strategy, suggests an organised and professional approach. This transparency in process can be reassuring for clients embarking on a complex journey.
- Family-Owned Independent Status: For some clients, supporting a family-owned independent business aligns with their values, as it often implies a greater commitment to community and client relationships over corporate targets.
- No Explicit Forbidden Business: Based purely on the homepage content, the core business of buying and selling property is permissible. There’s no immediate indication of involvement in interest-based lending (Riba), gambling, or other activities forbidden in Islamic finance. This is a crucial positive from an ethical standpoint.
Potential Areas for Improvement and Missing Information
While the website presents a positive image, several key elements are absent or understated, which can impact overall trust and perceived professionalism. Theironmongers.co.uk Review
- Lack of Prominent Professional Accreditations: A significant drawback is the absence of easily identifiable logos for crucial industry bodies such as NAEA Propertymark, The Property Ombudsman, or RICS. These accreditations are standard for reputable UK estate agents and provide clients with assurances of professional standards, consumer protection, and avenues for redress in case of disputes. Their absence on the homepage makes it harder for a user to immediately verify the agency’s adherence to industry best practices.
- Limited “About Us” and Team Transparency: While the website mentions a “family owned independent estate agents” and “individual members of our team are dedicated,” there’s no visible “About Us” section or team page on the homepage that introduces key personnel, their qualifications, or their experience. Transparency about the people behind the service builds significant trust.
- Absence of Client Testimonials/Case Studies: There are no visible customer reviews, testimonials, or success stories prominently displayed on the homepage. Social proof is a powerful trust-building element, particularly in service-based industries.
- Vague Marketing Platform Details: While a “strong and vibrant marketing ethos” is mentioned, the specific “varied and widespread platforms” are not detailed. Greater transparency here would inform potential sellers about how their property will be exposed to the market.
- General Lack of Deeper Information: Beyond the service descriptions, the website doesn’t offer insights into their specific market analytics, success rates, or unique methodologies. While brevity can be good, for a high-value service, more depth is often preferred.
- Cookie Consent Prominence: While a cookie consent pop-up is present, the detailed cookie policy takes up a significant portion of the initial scroll on the homepage, potentially detracting from the core message for first-time visitors.
Alburyandhall.co.uk Alternatives
When considering property services, having a range of reputable alternatives is crucial. These alternatives can offer different specialisations, geographical reach, or service models, allowing individuals to choose what best fits their specific needs. Here are some of the leading and ethically sound alternatives for property services in the UK.
Leading National Property Portals
For initial property searches, whether buying or selling, the major national property portals are indispensable. They provide the widest reach and aggregate listings from thousands of agents across the UK.
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Rightmove:
- Description: The UK’s largest online property portal, listing properties from almost all UK estate agents. It’s the go-to platform for property searchers and offers extensive filters, market data, and tools.
- Key Features: Vast database of residential and commercial properties for sale and rent, new homes section, property alerts, sold price data, local area guides.
- Pros: Unrivalled reach, user-friendly interface, comprehensive search options.
- Cons: Not an agent, so direct service is not available; relies on agents for listing quality.
- Ethical Standpoint: Neutral, as it’s a listing platform. The ethical permissibility of individual properties or agents listed is the responsibility of the user.
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Zoopla:
- Description: Another leading online property portal in the UK, similar to Rightmove but with additional features like “house prices and values” and “local info” which provides insights into area demographics, schools, and crime rates.
- Key Features: Residential sales and rentals, new homes, commercial properties, free instant valuations, market trend data, neighbourhood statistics.
- Pros: Extensive listings, valuable additional data on property values and local areas, strong brand recognition.
- Cons: Similar to Rightmove, it’s a portal, not an agent.
- Ethical Standpoint: Neutral, as a listing platform.
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OnTheMarket: Wheelwright.co.uk Review
- Description: An agent-backed property portal that aims to provide a cleaner, more agent-friendly environment. It often features new listings 24-48 hours before they appear on other portals, giving a slight advantage to those who use it.
- Key Features: Residential sales and rentals, commercial properties, new homes, “only with us” properties (exclusive listings).
- Pros: Potential for early access to properties, cleaner interface, agent-centric approach.
- Cons: Smaller inventory compared to Rightmove and Zoopla.
- Ethical Standpoint: Neutral, as a listing platform.
Reputable Traditional Estate Agents
For those seeking a full-service experience with a physical presence and dedicated support, traditional estate agents remain a popular choice.
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Savills:
- Description: A global real estate services provider with a significant presence in the UK. Savills is known for its expertise in prime residential properties, country estates, commercial real estate, and rural property.
- Key Features: Sales, lettings, property management, valuation, planning, and development services. Extensive network of offices across the UK and internationally.
- Pros: Strong global brand, high level of expertise, comprehensive range of services, often deals with high-value properties.
- Cons: Services can be more premium-priced, may not be suitable for all budget ranges.
- Ethical Standpoint: Generally permissible for property transactions. As with any large firm, specific financial products or investment advice should be scrutinised for Riba elements if offered.
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Knight Frank:
- Description: Another prominent independent global property consultancy. Knight Frank specialises in the sale, letting, and management of prime residential and commercial property.
- Key Features: Residential sales and lettings, commercial property, valuations, rural services, wealth management advice for property.
- Pros: Established reputation, strong market knowledge, extensive network of global and UK offices, focus on quality service.
- Cons: Primarily targets the luxury and high-value property market.
- Ethical Standpoint: Similar to Savills, core property services are permissible. Any ancillary financial services need to be checked for Riba.
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Jackson-Stops:
- Description: A national network of independent estate agents with a strong emphasis on local expertise and personalised service. They handle a range of properties from country homes to townhouses and new builds.
- Key Features: Residential sales and lettings, new homes, valuations. Each office is locally owned and managed.
- Pros: Combines national reach with local knowledge, strong focus on personal client relationships, established brand.
- Cons: Geographic coverage varies by region, not every town has an office.
- Ethical Standpoint: Permissible for property transactions.
Innovative Property Service Providers
The property market is constantly evolving, with new models emerging to cater to different client preferences, including online-only or hybrid agencies. Djm.law.co.uk Review
- Purplebricks:
- Description: A well-known hybrid estate agent that combines an online platform with local property experts. They offer different service packages, allowing sellers to choose how much involvement they want.
- Key Features: Online platform for managing viewings and offers, local property experts for valuations and support, various pricing models (fixed fee).
- Pros: Can be more cost-effective than traditional agents, 24/7 online access, local expert support.
- Cons: Some aspects require self-management, variable customer satisfaction based on specific local agents.
- Ethical Standpoint: Permissible for property transactions. Pricing models are transparent.
How to Assess a Property Agency’s Legitimacy and Ethical Standing
When dealing with significant transactions like property, it is paramount to ensure the agency you choose is both legitimate and operates ethically. This is especially true for those who wish to ensure their dealings align with Islamic principles.
Verifying Professional Accreditations
One of the most critical steps in assessing an estate agency’s legitimacy is to check for their professional accreditations. In the UK, several bodies regulate the industry and provide consumer protection.
- NAEA Propertymark: The National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) is a leading professional body for estate agents. Members must meet strict qualification requirements and adhere to a code of conduct. Membership indicates competence and professionalism. You can often check their website for a directory of accredited agents.
- The Property Ombudsman (TPO) or Property Redress Scheme (PRS): All estate agents in the UK are legally required to be members of a government-approved redress scheme. These schemes provide an independent service for resolving disputes between consumers and property firms. Displaying their logo prominently shows compliance and offers consumers a channel for complaint.
- RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors): While not all estate agents are RICS regulated, those that offer valuation or surveying services often are. RICS is a globally recognised professional body, and its members adhere to stringent ethical and professional standards.
- ARLA Propertymark: For letting agents, the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) is the equivalent of NAEA Propertymark and signifies adherence to professional standards in lettings.
Actionable Tip: If an agency doesn’t display these logos clearly on their homepage, search their “About Us” or “Contact Us” pages, or directly enquire. You can often cross-reference their membership status on the respective regulatory body’s website.
Checking Online Reviews and Reputation
While not foolproof, online reviews and reputation management offer insights into an agency’s client satisfaction and reliability.
- Google Reviews: A quick Google search for “[Agency Name] reviews” will often bring up their Google My Business profile with star ratings and individual reviews. Look for a pattern in positive and negative feedback.
- Trustpilot: Trustpilot is an independent review platform where customers can rate and review businesses. It offers a broader perspective beyond just Google.
- Industry-Specific Review Sites: Some property portals or consumer sites might host agent-specific reviews.
- Local Community Forums: Local Facebook groups or community forums can be a good source of genuine, albeit anecdotal, feedback.
Caveat: Always be wary of an overwhelming number of only positive or only negative reviews, as these can sometimes be manipulated. Look for balanced feedback and how the agency responds to criticism. Venganlegalservices.co.uk Review
Transparency in Pricing and Terms
Ethical businesses are transparent about their fees and terms of service. For estate agents, this includes clear information on:
- Commission Rates: How much commission they charge for selling a property (e.g., 1% + VAT, 2% + VAT).
- Fixed Fees: If they offer fixed-fee packages, what is included and excluded.
- Withdrawal Fees: Are there charges if you decide to withdraw your property from the market?
- Marketing Costs: Are there any upfront or additional charges for marketing materials, photography, or EPCs (Energy Performance Certificates)?
Ethical Consideration (Islamic): Ensure that the agency’s financial model is fee-for-service and does not involve any interest-based transactions (Riba) if they offer financial advice or facilitate lending. While property sales themselves are permissible, the financing methods must be scrutinised.
Contact Information and Physical Presence
A legitimate business will have clear and easily accessible contact information, including a physical address.
- UK Registered Address: Check that a physical UK address is provided, ideally with an office you can visit.
- Phone Number and Email: Ensure functional phone numbers and email addresses are available and that inquiries are responded to promptly.
- Companies House Registration: For limited companies, you can verify their registration and basic company details on the UK Companies House website. This shows they are a legally registered entity.
Understanding the Property Market’s Ethical Landscape
From an Islamic perspective, the property market is generally permissible. The buying, selling, and renting of real estate are fundamental transactions. However, specific elements demand attention:
- Riba (Interest): Avoid any property dealings or financing options that involve interest. This is the most critical aspect. If an agent recommends mortgage products, ensure they are Sharia-compliant (e.g., Islamic home finance options like Ijara or Murabaha).
- Gharar (Excessive Uncertainty): Transactions should be clear, with no ambiguity regarding the asset, price, or terms.
- Maysir (Gambling): Avoid any speculative or gambling-like elements in property investments.
- Halal Use of Property: Ensure the property itself will be used for permissible purposes (e.g., not for businesses that deal in alcohol, gambling, or other haram activities).
By diligently checking these aspects, you can significantly enhance your confidence in an estate agency’s legitimacy and ethical adherence, aligning your property transactions with sound financial and moral principles. Signaturemk.co.uk Review
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Alburyandhall.co.uk?
Alburyandhall.co.uk is the website for Albury & Hall, a family-owned independent estate agency based in the Poole Harbour area of the United Kingdom, specialising in residential, commercial, and new homes & land properties.
Is Alburyandhall.co.uk a legitimate estate agency?
Yes, based on the website’s content, Alburyandhall.co.uk appears to be a legitimate estate agency offering property sales and appraisal services in the UK.
What types of properties does Albury & Hall deal with?
Albury & Hall deals with residential properties, commercial & businesses, and new homes & land developments in the Poole Harbour area and beyond.
Does Alburyandhall.co.uk offer property appraisals?
Yes, the website clearly states that they offer property appraisals, inviting users to book an appointment for a valuation and marketing plan.
Is Alburyandhall.co.uk a national or local estate agent?
Albury & Hall states they are “the only family owned independent estate agents covering all sides of Poole harbour and beyond,” suggesting a strong local focus with some broader reach. Gadcet.co.uk Review
How does Albury & Hall market properties?
Albury & Hall claims to have a “strong and vibrant marketing ethos,” promoting properties “across a number of varied and widespread platforms,” though specific platforms are not detailed on the homepage.
Does Alburyandhall.co.uk have physical offices?
While the website doesn’t explicitly state the address of a physical office on the homepage, a legitimate estate agent in the UK would typically have one. Contact information should confirm their physical presence.
Are there any upfront fees mentioned for Alburyandhall.co.uk’s services?
The homepage does not explicitly detail any upfront fees or commission rates, which is common for estate agents who discuss these during initial consultations.
Does Alburyandhall.co.uk provide customer testimonials?
No, the homepage of Alburyandhall.co.uk does not prominently display customer testimonials or reviews.
Is Albury & Hall regulated by any professional bodies like NAEA Propertymark or RICS?
The homepage does not prominently display logos or mention membership of professional bodies like NAEA Propertymark, RICS, or a property redress scheme. It is advisable to verify this directly with the agency. Usedccentre.co.uk Review
How can I book an appointment with Albury & Hall?
The website provides a “Book Appointment” link, which likely leads to a contact form or a calendar system for scheduling property appraisals.
What is the typical process for selling a property with Albury & Hall?
The process begins with a home visit to discuss requirements and presentation, followed by a full appraisal, valuation, and a detailed marketing plan.
Does Alburyandhall.co.uk specialise in new home developments?
Yes, Albury & Hall states they are “Leading New Homes & Land Consultants” and lists several specific new developments they are involved with.
Is the website mobile-friendly?
Based on modern web design standards and the layout, it is highly probable that Alburyandhall.co.uk is designed to be mobile-friendly, although specific testing would be required to confirm.
Does Alburyandhall.co.uk use cookies?
Yes, the website uses cookies to improve user experience and explicitly details their cookie policy, requiring user consent for their use. Steelskins.co.uk Review
What is the “Cookie Settings” option on Alburyandhall.co.uk?
The “Cookie Settings” option allows users to manage their consent for different categories of cookies (necessary, functional, performance, analytics, advertisement, others) used by the website.
How can I find commercial properties listed by Albury & Hall?
The website has a direct link for “Commercial & Businesses” properties, which directs to their property listings filtered for commercial availability.
Does Alburyandhall.co.uk offer international property services?
The website mentions “Full Local, National & International Coverage,” suggesting they may have some capability or network for international property, but the main focus appears local.
How transparent is Alburyandhall.co.uk about their team?
The homepage mentions a “seamless and efficient synergy between all members of our team” and dedicated members, but it does not provide an “About Us” or team page with individual profiles.
Is property buying and selling permissible from an Islamic perspective?
Yes, the buying and selling of property (real estate) are permissible in Islam, provided the transactions adhere to Islamic financial principles, particularly avoiding Riba (interest), Gharar (excessive uncertainty), and Maysir (gambling), and the property is used for permissible purposes. Primalcut.co.uk Review
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