I CHOSE YOU BECAUSE OF YOUR LOCALISM POSTS - 08/31/11 07:14 PM
I CHOSE YOU BECAUSE OF YOUR LOCALISM POSTS!
I received a phone call last week from an agent who has moved to The Woodlands from another state. She said that after reading many of my Localism posts here on Active Rain, that she decided to call me. She and her family moved here a few months ago and used a local agent to help them find their home. She realized that her agent did not know the area that well and that is when she decided to do some homework.
Localism posts are something I really enjoy writing. The businesses … (42 comments)
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LESSONS LEARNED FROM "THE HELP" - 08/29/11 08:56 AM
LESSONS LEARNED FROM "THE HELP"
I can't stop thinking about the book "The Help" that I just finished reading. I wanted to finish the book before seeing the movie. Last night, we saw the movie and were not disappointed at all. Fantastic writing, great acting and very well done.
This is one of those books/movies that has many lessons to take away. Here are some that I learned:
ENCOURAGE others with your words on a daily basis.
TREAT everyone with love and compassion.
It isn't what is on the outside, it is what is on the INSIDE that counts. … (15 comments)
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THE STORM HAS BLOWN OVER! - 08/28/11 11:49 PM
THE STORM HAS BLOWN OVER!
Thank goodness Hurricane Irene has moved through most of the highly populated areas. Many, many people are without electricity and things have come to a standstill. When those of us in the Houston area made it through Ike a few years ago, we learned first-hand how life changes dramatically without electricity.
We found getting back to the basics such as playing board games, visiting with neighbors and spending tiem with our family members were things that filled our days when we had no electricity. There were some simply things that really brought us all together during … (9 comments)
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SUNDAY BLESSINGS ~ WHAT WE TAKE FOR GRANTED! - 08/28/11 11:41 PM
SUNDAY BLESSINGS ~ WHAT WE TAKE FOR GRANTED!
I saw the movie "The Help" tonight after spending the weekend reading the book. What an outstanding MUST-READ for everyone! The message is so profound about how we treat one another. Being human goes far beyond what the color of our skin is or what our religion or nationality is.
Each of us can make a difference each and every day by doing the most simple things such as a genuine thank you, please and being courteous. Doesn't it seem that being polite is something that is so foreign these days? I believe we … (8 comments)
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ANOTHER CHEVAUX GROUP LISTING ~ 3 ALBA RD, MONTGOMERY, TX 77356 - 08/26/11 12:33 PM
ANOTHER CHEVAUX GROUP LISTING ~ 3 ALBA RD, MONTGOMERY, TX 77356
3 Alba Road in Montgomery, Texas in the beautiful golf course subdivision of LaTorretta (formerly Del Lago) is a wonderful home that you will not want to miss. Sitting on a wonderful lot that offers no neighbors on one side or in the back is the perfect 3 bedroom, 2 bath home for privacy and serenity.
Gorgeous wide-plank wood floors flow throughout the dining room, kitchen and the master bedroom. Large, over-sized tile entry and kitchen give the home an open, clean feel. You will absolutely love the custom … (3 comments)
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BUSINESS HURRICANE PREPARATIONS ~ A MUST READ! - 08/26/11 08:29 AM
BUSINESS HURRICANE PREPARATIONS ~ A MUST READ!
When those of us here in the Houston area went through Hurricane Ike, we learned a lot about what we should have done and will do if we ever have another big storm headed our way. I thought I would share the things I learned to those of you in the areas that are being predicted to be hit by Irene:
Take home a hard copy of your client contact information. You may not have access to your computer so having a hard copy will be invaluable when trying to reach your clients after … (3 comments)
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IS YOUR BLOG CONTENT YOURS? - 08/24/11 08:36 AM
IS YOUR BLOG CONTENT YOURS?
After writing my post the other day about being true to yourself in your writing, a comment has really stuck with me over the past few days. One person posed the question that in order to be featured, one most likely needed a ghost writer or used a professional service to write their blogs. I know that there are ghost writers out there but made me wonder if there are many people here in the Rain that use them.
I have a difficult time believing that there would be many Active Rainers who would use … (20 comments)
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IS YOUR INTERNET PERSONALITY WHO YOU ARE? - 08/22/11 08:51 AM
IS YOUR INTERNET PERSONALITY WHO YOU ARE?
As I was writing my morning posts today and viewing some of my favorite bloggers as well as some new ones, I had a thought... is what you are posting and writing about a true reflection of who you really are? Or, do you have one persona online and another in person?
For me, I know the Active Rain members to whom I subscribe are very real and warm people. Those of whom I have been lucky enough to meet in person did not disappoint either. They were just what I expected as their … (58 comments)
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FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL ~ PLEASE BE CAREFUL - 08/22/11 08:21 AM
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL ~ PLEASE BE CAREFUL
For those of us in Montgomery County, it is the first day of school. This means there is a lot more traffic on the road and you need to use EXTRA CAUTION and expect delays today. Doing a few pro-active things can mean everyone stays safe.
Give yourselves EXTRA time today in the morning and in the afternoon as bus traffic and car lines will be heavy. Pay attention to SCHOOL ZONES and SLOW DOWN! Don't use your cell phone in school zones. This is a state traffic violation. Take extra care at … (3 comments)
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CHEVAUX GROUP RIBBON CUTTING! - 08/21/11 11:50 PM
CHEVAUX GROUP RIBBON CUTTING!
We were pleased to have a great turnout for the Chevaux Group Ribbon cutting this past week. The Woodlands Chamber of Commerce did an excellent job presenting our banner and welcoming our company as a new member of the Chamber. We had an excellent group of people and it turned out to be a fun, networking event.
Thank you to all of the Chamber Diplomats who give of their time to do these for the local businesses in our area. Our Chamber is vibrant and exciting. There are so many wonderful events and a great opportunity … (3 comments)
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SUNDAY BLESSINGS ~ BAPTISM BLESSING - 08/21/11 11:37 PM
SUNDAY BLESSINGS ~ BAPTISM BLESSING
We had a very special day yesterday as our precious little Grandson Cayden was baptized. He was perfect as he slept like a tiny little angel through the entire thing. Cayden is now just over a month old. The picture is of my Mom which is really awesome to see her with her Great Grandson!
How special it was to witness this tiny child being batized where my two children (one being his parent of course) in the same church where they were baptized. A truly glorious thing to be a part of and … (1 comments)
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AR MEETUP IN THE WOODLANDS, TX ~ SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 - 08/20/11 10:38 AM
AR MEETUP IN THE WOODLANDS, TX ~ SEPTEMBER 8, 2011
Ok all you Active Rain kids out there in the Houston area - we are having an AR Meet Up on Thursday, September 8 in The Woodlands. AVIA Hotel right here in Market Street is the location for our event. From 5:30 - 7:30 we will meet upstairs in this fantastic hotel in the bar area.
The bar overlooks the beautiful patio with the infinity edge pool and gives you a grand view of Market Street. Park in the parking garage next to the hotel and it is literally just a … (9 comments)
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Rustic Mile Open House - 08/18/11 12:26 PM
Rustic Mile Open House
It was exciting to see the Open House at the new furniture business The Rustic Mile here in The Woodlands! There was a nice turnout and the store looked fantastic. Each time I go in there they have more and more things. Please stop by their store located at 25507 I-45 North, The Woodlands, TX 77380. Their phone number is 281-419-9700.
The best thing of all about The Rustic Mile is their large selection of items and their excellent prices. The furniture is very high quality of solid wood and many of the pieces can be purchased … (5 comments)
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DEEP ROOTS ARE THE ONES THAT SURVIVE - 08/18/11 09:04 AM
DEEP ROOTS ARE THE ONES THAT SURVIVE!
The drought is taking its toll on our lake levels, our yards and our beloved trees here in The Woodlands and most of Texas. One thing that I have noticed is the the trees such as the pines which have long, deep tap roots are hanging in there while the more shallow, spread out roots of many of the hardwoods are not faring as well.
Doesn't this make a great analogy for us in this business? Good, consistent and smart marketing, networking and client relationships are the elements of digging deep for the … (36 comments)
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POSITIVE THINGS TO DO WHEN THE LAKE LEVELS ARE LOW! - 08/17/11 10:06 PM
POSITIVE THINGS TO DO WHEN THE LAKE LEVELS ARE LOW!
As the dreaded drought continues and Lake Conroe is releasing millions of gallons of water to send to Houston, we watch in sadness as the already low lake levels dip even further down. We all know this is a temporary situation yet it is still difficult to see how low the lake gets each and every day that goes by.
As I was thinking about this, it occurred to me that there could be some positive things to do when the lake levels are low:
If your boat is up … (15 comments)
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MORE MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TEXAS WATER WOES ~ BE CAREFUL ON LAKE CONROE - 08/16/11 05:37 PM
MORE MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TEXAS WATER WOES ~ BE CAREFUL ON LAKE CONROE
Due to the extreme drought in our area and most of our state, today Lake Conroe will be opening the dam to allow water to flow to Lake Houston to alleviate the shortages in Houston. For those of us around Lake Conroe, this is not good news. The already low lake levels will now drop even more creating some potentially dangerous situations.
Boaters and water skies should be very careful to watch for stumps or sand bars. These once hidden hazards could potentially cause a very serious accident. … (10 comments)
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WATERING RESTRICTIONS ~ THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS - 08/15/11 03:41 PM
WATERING RESTRICTIONS ~ THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS
Here in The Woodlands, Texas and pretty much all of Texas we are in a dreadful drought situation. This past weekend, The Woodlands went on a MANDATORY AND RESTRICTIVE WATER USAGE ordinance. It is critical each and every citizen and household does their part in this.
We are now on an odd/even watering schedule with watering to be completed by 4:00 a.m. If you have an even numbered address, your watering days are:
THURSDAY AND SUNDAY
Odd Addresses water on:
WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS
Even the simplest of things will make a big difference! Look for dripping faucets … (5 comments)
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EASY SHOWING TIPS! - 08/15/11 02:57 PM
EASY SHOWING TIPS!
Showing your home does NOT need to be a stressful event. Doing a few little things each day will keep the STRESS out of showing your home! Stay focused on the goal of SELLING and enjoy the thoughts of moving on.
Here are a few tips to help make showing your home super easy!
Keep some Magic Erasers handy and if you walk around the house a few times a week and wipe off those marks on the walls, it will make a huge difference. Also keep touch up paint available and in a small container to touch … (6 comments)
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WHY I CHOSE REAL ESTATE ~ 2, 4, 6, 8! - 08/15/11 02:30 PM
WHY I CHOSE REAL ESTATE ~ 2, 4, 6, 8!
I have always loved looking at houses. When I was in the 7th grade, I had an entire notebook of hand drawn floor plans for homes that I would work on constantly. I was very proud of my plans and was devastated when the notebook was stolen. I still believe that some of my designs are in use today! :)
As I entered High School, athletics and cheerleading became my focus. I was involved in various student leadership opportunities and discovered that I enjoyed working with and being around … (13 comments)
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SUNDAY BLESSINGS ~ A LITTLE MORE RAIN TODAY! - 08/14/11 07:55 PM
SUNDAY BLESSINGS ~ A LITTLE MORE RAIN TODAY!
In our very parched and dry land here in Texas, it was a HUGE blessing to get just a bit of rain today. We could always use more but at this point we are thankful for each and every drop. Our oak trees are suffering the most as you look through our dense forest you can see the brown, wilted leaves of these once gorgeous trees.
Our trees have taken a beating here in The Woodlands over the past few years. Since Hurricane Ike in 2009, which took out a great number … (9 comments)
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ANOTHER NEW HOME SALE BY CHEVAUX GROUP! - 08/11/11 12:23 PM
ANOTHER NEW HOME SALE BY CHEVAUX GROUP!
Once again, Chevaux Group has successfully negotiated another new home sales in the wonderful subdivision of Woodforest. A beautiful 2400 s.f. Highland Home will be the new residence for yet another family in Woodforest. This is the third new home sales by Chevaux Group in the Woodforest Development in the past few months.
Highland Homes has a new section with 65' lots and a price point in beginning in the low$200,000 range! The floorplans offered are fantastic! Beautiful kitchens, granite, and a master bath to die for! 12 foot ceilings also bring … (12 comments)
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THE WOODLANDS HIGHLANDERS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE 2011 - 08/10/11 08:40 AM
THE WOODLANDS HIGHLANDERS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE 2011
The Woodlands High School football team along with all of the other area teams are gearing up for the 2011 season. These young men and their coaches are braving the intense heat out there as they prepare for the upcoming football season. The Highlanders are known to be very competitive and typically enter into the playoffs each year.
Here is the 2011 Highlander Football Schedule:
Thursday, August 25 - 7 p.m. - MONTERREY TECH - WOODFOREST STADIUM
Friday, September 2 - 7:30 p.m. - Hightower - Hall Stadium
Friday, September 7 - 7:30 p.m. - … (5 comments)
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CONROE ISD WELCOMES NEW SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER - 08/09/11 03:47 PM
CONROE ISD WELCOMES NEW SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER
Recently Gerald Irons, Sr. announced his resignation from the Conroe Independent School Board after a wonderful 22 year service. Mr. Irons worked tirelessly and has given of his time and talents to the school district unselfishly. He will be dearly missed.
Joe Michels, the current Mayor of Oak Ridge has been appointed to the Conroe ISD Board of Trustees. This fills Position 7 for the district. Mr. Michels is a very active member of our community and his presence on the Board will bring experience and passion for being the best school … (3 comments)
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CONROE ISD SCHOOL SUPPLIES ~ 2011 - 2012 - 08/09/11 03:31 PM
CONROE ISD SCHOOL SUPPLIES ~ 2011 - 2012
It is that time of year again when it is time to stock up on those school supplies. Conroe Independent School District has posted the needed school supplies for the upcoming school year. Click here for a complete list of what you need. Simply scroll down to the school that your child attends and click. You will have access to the supplies for that particular school and grade level.
The first day of school is August 22. Any and all informaton regarding shot records, courses, open houses, bus schedules and more can … (1 comments)
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BODY BeneFits ~ THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS - 08/08/11 11:32 PM
BODY BeneFits ~ THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS
If you are looking for a first-class spa in The Woodlands, look no further than Body BeneFits. Located at 9191 Pinecroft, Suite 175, Body BeneFits is conveniently located, has great parking and convenient hours.
The range of services is quite extensive offering the latest in cellulite reduction, body shaping, waxing, massage, facials, sunless tanning, make-up and so much more! The best part is the wonderful packages of treatments that are offered providing great savings to the consumer.
Sherry Summers-Ball is the founder and owner of Body BeneFits, Inc. A licensed Massage Therapist and certified in … (10 comments)
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CHEVAUX GROUP RIBBON CUTTING ~ THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2011 - 08/08/11 10:39 PM
CHEVAUX GROUP RIBBON CUTTING ~ THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2011
The Woodlands South County Chamber of Commerce is coming out to the Chevaux Group offices this Thursday for our official ribbon cutting! The event will begin a 11:15 and we would love to have you attend! Come out and visit our beautiful office in Market Street.
Our offices are located at:
9595 Six Pines Drive, Suite 8210
The Woodlands, TX 77380
Park on the 3rd level of the parking garage and walk across the bridge. Cinemark is on the left and the double glass doors are on the right. Go through … (9 comments)
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THE EMOTIONALLY MATURE REAL ESTATE AGENT - 08/08/11 01:12 PM
THE EMOTIONALLY MATURE REAL ESTATE AGENT
I was inspired once again by a wonderful comment to an earlier post on the subject of the real estate agents maintaining their composure throughout a transaction. Being an EMOTIONALLY MATURE real estate agent SHOULD be one of the many reasons that clients should choose you to represent them in al all-important transaction. Money, time and energy are being spent and therefore this responsibility should be chosen with care and fore-thought.
What are the attributes of an EMOTIONAL MATURE real estate agent?
Has the ability to remain CALM when things are turbulent. Does NOT jump to conclusions … (11 comments)
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THIS IS REAL ESTATE NOT HEART SURGERY! - 08/08/11 07:55 AM
THIS IS REAL ESTATE NOT HEART SURGERY!
We deal in very emotional transactions that affect people in many different ways. Yesterday when I wrote a post about a crying real estate agent, it made me realize that sometimes we allow this business to get too serious. We have got to keep it the right perspective.
Buying a new home brings great joy to people and we are blessed to be a part of it all. This is the great part of our business is getting to help see and experience dreams coming true for people.
Unfortunately we also deal with … (18 comments)
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THINGS YOU SEE IN THE WEE HOURS OF THE MORNING - 08/07/11 12:56 PM
THINGS YOU SEE IN THE WEE HOURS OF THE MORNING!
On Saturday mornings I often meet up with my running group to get an early start on the day and run our long run as a group. As I am driving down Woodlands Parkway at 6 a.m., I am always amazed at the number of people that are out running, biking and walking. Also once we start running, there are interesting things going on in the woods.
Yesterday I saw something that I have never seen before and so wished I had taken my phone or camera with me … (8 comments)
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SHOWING IN THE HEAT ~ PRECAUTIONS & TIPS! - 08/05/11 09:05 AM
SHOWING IN THE HEAT ~ PRECAUTIONS & TIPS!
If you have been anywhere near a TV lately and have seen the news, you know how many parts of the country are experiencing EXTREME heat! Here in The Woodlands and Houston, Texas areas we are melting! For those of us in real estate, getting in and out of cars and homes can take its toll on everyone. I had a client the other day who was in the beginning stages of heat exhaustion so this is very serious.
As an agent, there are a few things you can do to keep … (14 comments)
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BEYOND BELIEF ON PRIMETIME TONIGHT ~NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCES - 08/03/11 07:35 PM
BEYOND BELIEF ON PRIMETIME TONIGHT ~NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCES
Normally I don't push a Television show but this one has my attention on a personal level. On ABC tonight 9/10, Prime Time will be focusing on this topic. Of course they show both sides and the skeptics are interviewed as well.
I will share my story in another post later on, but years ago I did have the most amazing near-death experience that has changed and impacted my life. Since this incident, I have been faced with two serious illnesses and due to what I went through prior to these illnesses, was … (14 comments)
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THE HEAT IS ON! - 08/03/11 07:14 PM
THE HEAT IS ON!
If you live in Texas right now, you know how dangerous the heat is right now. Cities are asking businesses to raise the A/C temperatures in order to conserve some energy. Here in the Houston area the city is trying to take measures like this now in order to avoid rolling blackouts.
The heat index is hovering daily around 108 and up. No matter how you slice or dice this, that is some serious HOT. It is dangerous and people need to be prepared for this heat.
Tips that could truly help:
Keep water with you … (3 comments)
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FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE WOODLANDS, TX BEFORE SCHOOL STARTS! - 08/03/11 01:09 PM
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE WOODLANDS, TX BEFORE SCHOOL STARTS!
Believe it or not, the first day of school is right around the corner. Here in The Woodlands, school begins on August 22. That is only19 days away! If you are looking for some fun things to do before going back to school, there are plenty of things to keep you busy!
1. Head to one of our area pools. There are 13 area community pools to choose from.
2. Take a nature hike through the George Mitchell Preserve.
3. Visit The Children's Museum.
4. Head to Waterway Square … (3 comments)
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6th Annual 10 for Texas ~ October 8, 2011 ~ The Woodlands, TX - 08/02/11 09:45 AM
6th Annual 10 for Texas ~ October 8, 2011 ~ The Woodlands, TX
It is time again to sign up for our Annual 10 for Texas run here in The Woodlands. This is a wonderful event sponsored by Hermann Memorial Hospital along with The Woodlands Township. Beginning in Market Street, the 10 mile race takes you up Woodlands Parkway and then back down Lake Woodlands Drive and back into Market Street.
Each year the race sells out so getting registered early is a must. There is also a One for Texas fun run for the kids! The race is capped … (6 comments)
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CHECK THAT SQUARE FOOTAGE BEFORE YOU LIST! - 08/02/11 09:15 AM
CHECK THAT SQUARE FOOTAGE BEFORE YOU LIST!
Often an area that is taken for granted by Seller's is the square footage that is reported in from the Appraisal District or tax office. What I explain to Seller's is that a builder will often submit plans early on and then when changes are made during construction that might construe the measurements, they are not reported. Many times, this discrepancy is not discovered until the home is under contract and the Buyer's appraiser comes in with a different number.
Of course if the square footage is higher than what the Seller thought, … (10 comments)
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WHY ISN'T MY HOME GETTING ANY SHOWINGS? - 08/01/11 09:48 AM
WHY ISN'T MY HOME GETTING ANY SHOWINGS?
As a Seller you want to get your home SHOWN so that potentially you can get is SOLD! It is very frustrating when a home does not get the showings anticipated. When this happens, it is time to re-evaluate what is going on.
1. Are you allowing your home to be accessible? Many Sellers can make it difficult to show when appointments are turned down.
2. Have your agent pull the most recent comps since you listed. Make sure that you are not priced above the market.
3. Do your online pictures look nice? … (18 comments)
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